The Bellmaker

38

Autumn leaves turned gold, drifting down to carpet the path outside Redwall Abbey in the soft misty mornings. Fruits that had ripened on bough and vine were harvested in to larder and storecupboard. It was time for the fine October ale to be brewed, chestnuts to be candied, and berries to be preserved in honey. Abbot Saxtus stood over the threshold on the gatehouse wall with Blind Simeon.

Saxtus folded his paws into wide habit sleeves, saying, “Well, my friend, we are a fine pair, standing up here admiring the season. By rights we should be down in the kitchens, helping to make jams, jellies, and preserves.

Simeon stared sightlessly out as a breeze rustled the dry leaves of Mossflower. There was a twitter and flurry of wings overhead. “The buds fly off to follow the sun where fresh harvests are ripening. Let us earthbound creatures stop here awhile and talk, Father Abbot. It would spoil the Dibbuns fun if you appeared in the kitchens; theyd have to behave with an Abbot hanging around. This feast you once talked of, to celebrate the memory of Mother Mellus. When is it to be?

Saxtus ran a paw over the worn red stones of a battlement. “Soon now, I hope.

“When our friends return from their quest?

“I didnt say that, Simeon.

“I know you didnt, Saxtus, but that is what is in your mind.

The Father Abbot clasped the blind ones paw warmly. “There are no secrets from you, old friend.

Simeons whiskers twitched, and he leaned forward, listening. “Here comes another of your secrets, Father. A carrier of information, if Im not mistaken.

Saxtus peered into the gray autumn distance. “I cant see anything, he said.

Simeon pointed to where Mossflower Wood bordered the path. “There, its Blaggut, scurrying along at the woodlands edge.

There was no mistaking the bulky shape of the former searat as he waddled into view. Saxtus shook his head in amazement. “How did you know it was him?

The blind mouse held on to his Abbots paw as they made their way down the wallsteps to the main gate. “That one is a stranger to bathwater; I always smell him before others can see him. But dont tell him that; one can forgive a little ripeness from a creature with a good heart.

Blaggut sat in the gatehouse, drinking old cider from a beaker and bolting warm damson scones as he related his information.

“Twas last eve I saw er. Father hAbbot, just afore twilight, a ship I once knowed, the Pearl Queen. She was out tsea, comin up from the south. So I stowed meself beind some rocks an watched er. When the crew sighted land they started shoutin the name Redwall. I figgered they must be yore friends who went a questin. Well, tcut a long story short, I came straight ere to tell yer the news. Yll fergive me, but I never let em see me, cos not knowin who I am, they mightve mistook me fer a searat an slayed me.

Saxtus refilled Blagguts beaker. “You did well, friend. Thank you for traveling all night to bring me the good word. If you go to the kitchens you can visit your friends, mousebabe and Furrtil. I will tell Brother Mallen to fill a sack with food for you, knowing how you like our Red-wall fare.

Blaggut bobbed his head respectfully at Saxtus. “There aint no tastier vittles in all the world, sir, thankee. Ha-harrI bet those Dibbuns are growin big an plump now, bless em.

Early noon brought breeze, sunshine, and scudding clouds. Simeon and Saxtus stood with Furrtil and the mousebabe on the path outside Redwall, waving goodbye to Blaggut as he shuffled off, sack on shoulder, into the tree shade of Mossflower.

“Fare ee well, zurr. Doant eat ee vittles too farst!

“Gubye, Mister Blackguts. Thanks for fixin me boat!

Blaggut turned and winked roguishly. “ Appy sailin, mateys. See yer agin soon, I opes!

He disappeared into the woodlands. Simeon addressed Saxtus. “Well?

“Well what, friend Simeon?

“Well, what about the feast, friend Saxtus?

The Father Abbot kept a straight face as he replied, “You can stand there all day saying well, or get yourself off to the kitchens and tell the cooks to get started on it!

Simeon felt both his paws grabbed by the two Dibbuns, and he was whisked off at a run, with Funtil and the mousebabe roaring, “Party! Party! Theres goin t* be a partyfeast!

The great Joseph Bell tolled three hours before midnight. Furtively cloaked in a dark-colored curtain, Tarquin L. Woodsorrel poked his head around the main gateway, which had been left open. One glance confirmed what he was looking for. Ears streaming out behind him, die long-legged hare sprinted for the Abbey. He arrived with a bound through the doors of Great Hall. “What ho, theyre comin along the path, chaps! he yelled.

Saxtus gazed around at the laden tables of the festive board. “Is everything ready, Sister Sage?

“Ready as ever, Father Abbot, as soon as the Harvest Vegetable Soup arrives. Ah! Here it is now.

Brother Fingle, assisted by several helpers, wheeled in a trolley weighted down by a huge, steaming cauldron. Halting it in front of the main table, he bowed proudly.

“One large pot of Harvest Vegetable Soup, simmered since mid-morning, Father. The best of celery, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, leeks, and white turnips, cooked to perfection!

Tarquin threw off his cloak and gave a smart salute. “Cellar supplies all up an waitin. First barrel of last Octobers ale tapped, strawberry cordial, mint tea, dandelion an burdock fizz, oh, and a small firkin of blackcurrant wine, to keep out the chill. All correct!

Saxtus walked around the tables twice, taking note of everything that had been laid out to welcome back his companions. The centerpiece was a massive moist fruitcake, decorated with sugared maple leaves and surrounded by trifles of various colorsbright red-currant, green gooseberry, pale pink rose, and delicate woodland violet. Loaves with shining fresh crustsseeded, patterned, farls, cobs, and batonsranged between cheeses of white and yellow. Pies and tarts, apple, bilberry, plum, and pear, latticed or open, twinkled as their fillings caught the candle and lantern lights. The last of the fresh summer salads were laid in flat wooden bowls, chopped and dressed with herbs from the woodlands.

Saxtuss paw strayed near a confection of meadow-cream and whipped honey piled high and fluffy in a basin. The mousebabe clucked disapprovingly. “Teh tch, Sister Sage smacka paw, naughty!

Despite the warning, Saxtus took a quick dip. Sucking his paw, he winked at the mousebabe. “She cant smack my paw; Im the Father Abbotgood job, isnt it? Mmmm, delicious!

A knock sounded loud on the door of Great Hall. Saxtus scurried to his Abbots chair and held a paw to his lips for complete silence. All around the tables Redwallers sat, decked out in their best habits, shining-eyed with anticipation, waiting quietly.

The knock sounded again, louder this time. Still the creatures at the festive tables sat in silence. Dibbuns clapped paws tight across their mouths, shaking with glee at the joke their elders were playing.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Four loud knocks that sounded suspiciously like the knotted end of a Gullwhacker hitting the door, followed by the unmistakable voice of Dandin.

“Ahoy there, anybeast home?

Mousebabe wriggled uncontrollably, stuffing the tablecloth edge into his mouth to keep from laughing aloud. The great, heavy, curled-iron handle turned. All eyes were riveted on the door as it opened slightly.

Hon Rosie Woodsorrel poked her head into Great Hall.

“ Whoohahahooyaaaaah!

She banged the doors open wide; they thudded against the walls on either side, and the homecoming adventurers flooded in. Redwallers dashed from their seats at table to meet them.

“Rosie, Rosie, dear old thing, youre home!

“Tarquin! My babes, come here! Mmmmmch!

“I say, Mater, steady on with the kissin. Yukk!

“Dandin, you rogue, you havent changed a bit!

“Haha, you have though, Saxtus; you look more like an old Father Abbot than ever! Dearie me, what a tummy!

Blind Simeon felt the contours of the face before him. “Mariel, the Warriormaid of Redwall, welcome home!

Mariel hugged the ancient Herbalist. “Simeon, the sight of you is worth a thousand quests!

“Aha! Is that my old friend Foremole?

“Burr aye, zurr Mallen, tis oi.appy as a buzzybee. See yurr, Bowly Pintipers, an all ee shrews, well famishered an willin to eat, hurr, hurr!

“Logalogalog, we be shrews an sail in boats onna pond!

The Guosim Chieftain chuckled as he was bowled over by a gang of Dibbuns. “Hohoho! Lookit you, ygreat fat mousebabe, Im goin to tickle you thin!

“Yeeheeheehee! Stoppit! No, more! Yeeheeheehee!

It took quite a while to get the greetings over and every-beast seated at the festive board. The Abbot was about to ring his bell when Sister Sage broke down weeping pit-eously. They gathered around to find the cause of her distress. The old Sister shook her head despairingly. “The rhyme, the rhyme, dont you remember? Oak Toms wife, Treerose, repeated the first lines:

“Five will ride the Roaringburn, But only four will eer return ...

In the silence that followed, Oak Tom could be heard calling off the names of the questors.

“Theres Rufe Brush, Durry Quill, Rosie Woodsorrel, and Foremole. Four came back!

Sister Sage left her seat and threw herself sobbing upon the mousemaid. “Oh, Mariel, your poor father; what a good brave creature our Bellmaker was .,.

Saxtus looked stricken. “No, not Joseph?

Simeon provided the voice of reason amid the upset. “Silence, please. The rhyme said that only four would return. It never said anything about death. Mariel, tell us what happened to your father!

Mariel looked gratefully at Simeon. “Thank you, friend. Now if I can get a word in edgeways, let me explain. Joseph the Bellmaker is far from dead; here is a letter he told me to deliver to Abbot Saxtus.

Unrolling the small scroll, Saxtus read aloud:

“To my good friend the Father Abbot and all Red-wallers. The needs of Southsward are great, and I have decided to stay here to help rebuild their home. I am fashioning a beautiful bell to ring out over this land to honor those who died in the great Battle of Southsward and to remind me of my friends at Redwall.

I wager you are in the midst of a feast. I wish I were there with you. But as I am not, do not let me detain old friends from their enjoyment. Mariel, Dandin, and the crew of Pearl Queen will have plenty of time to relate the story, around a good fire on cold winter nights. Be happy, grow strong, take care of each other and your beautiful Abbey of Redwall. No doubt we will all meet again some day.

Each of you has a special place in my heart. Joseph the Bellmaker.

Mariel smiled fondly as she added, “He has been honored with the titles of Kings Advisor, Honorary Commander to the Army of Southsward, and Lord Warden of Floret. But you know my dad; he wishes to be known only as Joseph the Bellmaker. Lift your beakers, friends. I give you a toast to my father, Joseph.

The very rafters rang as every Redwaller shouted aloud, “To the Bellmaker!

As they drank, Saxtus finally got to ring the bell. “All talk and tales, both sad and happy, must wait until tomorrow. The hour grows late and we have a feast before us. Let full justice be donebut only after I have said the grace.

“Autumn comes, the summers flown, Travelers journey ends. Harvest is in, the table laid, Sit you down midst friends!

And so they did, until dawns light flooded through the ancient stained-glass windows. Nobeast crept away to bed, not even Dibbuns. Good food, songs and poems, close comradeship and a few tears, all combined to welcome the return of the questors and honor the memory of Mother Mellus.

Father Abbot Saxtus blinked against the morning sunlight reflecting off his bell, mentally composing what he would write in his Abbey Record book. “One of Red-walls great feasts, to be remembered for long seasons to come.

The mousebabe sat in Rufe Brushs lap, half awake as he nibbled a red-currant tart. Mariel was about to doze off in her chair when she noticed mousebabe watching her. “What are you looking at, cheeky whiskers? she asked.

“I wanna be a warrior like you.

The mousemaid winked at him as she took a sip of mint tea. “Then youll have to grow up honest and true to your friendsa warrior needs good companions to learn from. One day you may become a warrior, as great as the squirrel who is taking care of you right now. Isnt that right, Rufe?

Rufe Brush smiled down at the Dibbun. “Aye, its right enough, but first youll have to get Durry Quill to teach you to roar like this.

Rufe threw back his head and roared. “Grooooarrarranrrgh!

Mousebabe leaped with fright, and Rufe stroked his tiny ears until he began to doze. The young squirrel talked to him in a low, gentle voice. “But thats only part of it. I had to learn many things, but I was lucky, I had the right teachers to guide me. The fighting spirit of Finnbarr Galedeep, the friendship of Durry Quill, and a brave Guo-sim shrew named Patch. Wisdom and strength are needed by a warrior, and I got them from Mariels father, Joseph the Bellmaker.

Mousebabe repeated the final word before sleep overtook him.

“Bellmaker!