The Bellmaker

8

The dead heat of a still summer night was rudely broken. Columns of gray rats, armed to the fangs with all manner of weaponry, flooded out of Castle Floret. Nagru was abroad with his horde, out to hunt down Serena, her son, and their otter allies. The Foxwolf and his Captains led the army out across the valley floor, speeding their trot to a run as they raced up the wooded tor. Bringing up the rear was a cage. Six rats with cross-hilted pikes pushed it from behind, while up front, sweaty with fear, Mingol and Vengro pulled on the towing ropes. The wheeled cage rattled forward with the two rats tugging in panic, keeping the ropes taut to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the occupants of the close-barred prison cage.

Thrusting his paws into the metal-sheathed wolf claws, Nagru threw back his head, baying a hunting call to the night sky.

“O w w wooooorrrr!

Like an icy wind it chilled the blood of every horderat. The Urgan Nagru, their master the Foxwolf, was out with his Dirgecallers to taste blood. Stumbling and clanking amid weapons and arms, the lead platoons crested the hill, grinding to a breathless, quivering halt at their Captains signals. Leaving the escape trail of Serena and the otters clear, they dispersed into the surrounding woodland. There they concealed themselves in many places, some even climbing up into the trees. Trembling with terror and exertion, Mingol and Vengro arrived with the cage. Nagru dismissed them with a growl, and they fled thankfully into the thickets with the others.

The Foxwolf drew two scraps of cloth from his belt. One was a torn kerchief which had belonged to Queen Serena, the other a feeding bib of Truffens. The barred cage door faced head-on to the path taken by the fugitives. Nagru dangled the pitiful rags against the cage door, chanting in a singsong voice:

“Ho, Dirgecallers, swift and sleek, You shall have your share. Fangs will rip and blood will leak, Scent your victims. There!

He jumped back laughing as the bits of fabric were snatched inside the bars. The cage began reverberating; eerie screamlike growls mingled with the rake of scratching claws and grinding teeth. Shreds of ripped cloth flew from the madly buffeting pen. Fascinated and fearful, the horderats peeked from their hiding places at the spectacle. The Urgan Nagru gave a throaty chuckle, enjoying the sight of his Dirgecallers working themselves into a blood frenzy as they took the scent of their quarry. The wolfhide swirled out, starlight pinpointing Nagrus metal claws. He called to his horde:

“What is black and what is red?

The answer echoed back from the trees and bushes.

“Night is black and blood is red!

Placing a claw on the cage latch he shouted:

“What is the color of death?

The reply rang out to the dark skies.

“Foxwolf and his Dirgecallers know the color of death!

The cage door sprang open with a clang, and the Dirgecallers came bounding out.

Brought across seasons of heaving seas from the lands of ice by Nagru, maddened through a life of confinement, crazed from lack of live prey, two fully grown female ermine snuffled and wailed. Sleek maniac killers both, glazed red eyes shining against the dull brown of summer coats, teeth white as snow and sharp as spikes. Flexing claws as black as their tailtips, the two predators intertwined sinuously, weaving together into a perilous blur of teeth, claws, and eyes. The Dirgecallers suddenly went rigid, then with an earsplitting wail they sped off down the trail into the darkness. Nagru charged after them, his whole being suffused by their bloodlust.

“Theyve found the scentthe hunt is on! Ooowwooorrr!

Bush, shrub, and flower were trampled underpaw as the horde chased their savage master and his trackers; masses of armed rats thundered out along the trail. Then their cries died into the distance. The scene that moments ago had echoed to chaos regained its silence, and the lonely tor slipped back into the deep of night. In the hour before dawn, Serena found herself shaken into wakerulness by Iris. She picked Truffen up as the otter hustled them both to the streambank.

“Hurry, Serena. It will not be safe here soon. Get aboard this log!

The Squirrelqueen and her son hopped aboard the broad trunk of a dead fir lying in the shallows. Faint noises from afar floated on the predawn breeze. Serena rubbed sleep from her eyes, asking, “Iris, what is it? Where are we going?

Greenbeck s strong head broke the surface by the log. “The Foxwolf is comin this way, marm, huntin with a full pack. Hell find this place by dawn, but dont fret yoreself; well take you somewheres safe by water. Thatll put is foul snout off the scent. Stream water dont leave many tracks to follow; otters know that!

Truffen was still asleep aboard the broad log. Serena covered him with her cloak, lying alongside him as the quiet waters rippled by. Powered by a small contingent of otters, the fir trunk swept onward smoothly. Greenbeck and his friend Troutlad held a murmured conversation as they swam with the log.

“Squirrelqueens goin tget erself an the liddle un captured ifn she dont leave Southsward, mark my words, matey. That scum Nagru wont rest til theyre both slain.

“Aye, thats true. But you card er. Shes stayin put. Trouble is, wheres a good cove to ide em?

“Ifn we puts Nagru off their scent Iris should take em to ole Furpps dwellin in the mounds by the wastelands. Theyll be snug n safe enough there, I reckons.

Iriss head popped up between them. “Stow the gab and save your energy for pushin. Hear that!

Greenbeck blew stream water from his nostrils. “Sounds like moren rats in our wake ...

“Wonder whats makin that awful wailin din? Troutlad said as he began shoving the trunk faster. “Come on mate, put yore back into it an lets get movin!

Serena stared anxiously back over her shoulder, pulling little Truffen close. Her teeth chattered with fright at the unearthly, dirgelike wails of the pack that were on the trail of her and the babe.

It was a bright blue summer morn when the questers and a party of well-wishers left Redwall Abbey. Above the breeze the sky was ridged with high white clouds, patterned like rippled sand after the tide leaves a beach. Many Redwallers had turned out to march along with the five to the River Moss. They lined the banks, passing supplies from paw to paw to the shrews aboard four log-boats. Abbot Saxtus embraced the shrew Chieftain warmly.

“Log-a-Log, old friend, thank you for the warmth and help you have always shown to us.

Log-a-Log brushed aside the compliment modestly. “Aye, Guosim, the Guerrilla Union of Shrews in Moss-flower, thats us, always here to help our chums. But lets go over these plans again, Father Abbot. You say that Ive got to take your five to the sea in our logboats. Fair enough, but what happens then?

Saxtus hemmed and hawed as he filled a beaker with October ale for the shrew, knowing he was about to ask rather a lot from the Chieftain of the Guosim. “Er, well, haha, hmmm, its rather hard to explain ...

Log-a-Log sipped his ale, both eyes never leaving Saxtus. “Come on, spit it out, Saxtus. What dyou really want?

Plucking up courage, the Abbot ventured forth on his tale, from the night of Josephs dream. Log-a-Log sat swirling the ale in his beaker as he listened open-mouthed to the strange story. When Saxtus had finished he looked hopefully at the shrew, asking, “Well, my old friend, what do you say?

Log-a-Log sat silent awhile, watching his quarrelsome tribe of Guosim shrewssmall, spiky furred, each wearing a colored headband, broad belt, and short rapier. They argued and fought constantly, over who would sit where, which paddle was to be wielded by one or another, how best to stow the supplies and accommodate the passengers. Their gruff bass voices and aggressive manners marked them indelibly as Guosim shrews. Log-a-Log shook his head.

“Adventures, quests, battles, and the seasons knows what! Thats just what my tribe needs; theyre getting too fat and argumentative sittin on the riverbank fishin their days away. But Im afraid we dont have what you want, Saxtus. Let me explain. A shrew logboat is fine for rivers, streams, and big lakes, but you couldnt put to sea in one. Theyre not built big or strong enough to stand high seas, waves, or gales. A good stormd send our logboats straight to the bottom. Thats the truth, friend.

Saxtus was crestfallen. All the hopes and plans of Red-walls five questers had been dashed by Log-a-Logs announcement. Then the shrews eyes twinkled merrily, and he slapped the Abbots back soundly.

“Cheer up, old frogfeatures. I didnt say I wouldnt help, did I? Theres moren one way of shellin an acorn. Hah! Imagine trying to leave the Guosim out of adventures an battles and so on!

Saxtus immediately brightened up. “Youre going to help us, he said. “I knew we could count on you!

Log-a-Log stood up, resting both paws on his large belt. “Aye, what well need is a real ship, and I happen to know just the creature wholl get us one. Bear in mind, a ship needs a proper crew, watershrews, not landlubbers. Anyway, dont worry; me and the Guosimll be going along for the voyage. Now dont go pestering me with more questionsIve got work to do before we get under way. Hi, Bandle! What dyou think yore doin with those casks? Put em abaft of the bundles in the stern of my boat. Patch! Make that headrope secure or somebeastll fall in the water trying to get aboardtighten the back-spring, too!

He strode off issuing orders left and right, leaving Saxtus to join the rest in bidding farewell to the five travelers. Log-a-Logs shrews were getting more quarrelsome and impatient to be off, so most of the Redwallers good-byes were shouted as they ran along the banks when the log-boats paddled off.

“Youm taken gurt care of eeself, zurrs. Doant fall in ee hocean, burr no, tis vurry wetten!

“Have a super time, Rosie old gel. Dont fret over the young unsIll look after the blighters. Oh, an try not to laugh too much. Those shrew chappies, yknow, pretty short-tempered an not too jolly, wot?

“Ive packed October ale aplenty for ye Durry, think of yore ole pals when you sup it!

“Dont worry about the bellringing, Rufe. Well all take turns. Be good and come home safe!

“Joseph, ole mate, next time I see that grizzly gob of yourn Id like to see Marie! kissin it. Good luck, mate!

“Cheerio mater, pip pip an all that. Bring us back somethin tasty to eat, toodle pip!

Blind Simeon spread both paws wide, his reedy voice carrying on the breeze: “Fortune, fates and fair seasons be with you, may the spirit of Martin guide and guard you all!

The cries grew fainter and dimmer as the logboats picked up the center current and swept away, sped skillfully on by the paddles of Log-a-Logs tribe.

Joseph sat in the prow of Log-a-Logs boat, listening to the shrew Chieftain.

“Finnbarr Galedeep, theres a rogue for you. If any-beast can get us a ship, he can. You ever met a sea otter, Joseph?

“Never, though Ive heard tell of them. Whats this Finnbarr Galedeep like?

Log-a-Log dug his paddle deep, chuckling. “Oho, youll find out soon enough, my friend!

Day turned into night and back again twice as the four logboats sped downstream traveling seaward. Overhanging trees, resounding with Mossflower birdsong, cast speckled shade and gave way to shimmering water meadows and silent green fields. The fields changed gradually into high, sun-warmed banks where yellow-horned poppy, purslane, and pink-flowered thrift were visited by bees, as they danced gently with the breeze. Peaceful and ancient, the landscape skimmed quietly by. Guosim shrews were not so quarrelsome once they were waterbome and paddling awhile. Often they would break out into river shanties, gruff bass voices resounding into the countryside

“I was bom on a stream and fed from a paddle, Shrum a doo rye ey, shrum a doo rye ey, And here Ill stay til me tail dont waggle, See longweeds grow where the currents flow, Aye thats the way I like it soooooooooooo. Shrum a doo rye ey, shrum a doo rye ey, Ho run you river, run my way, Ho ummm, Ho ummmm, Ho ummmm!

The final daybreak of their voyage found Hon Rosie wakened from a cramped position. “Oohh! I feel like a jolly old frog in a jug, wot? I say, though, the old footpaws are rather warm n comfy.

“Burr aye, theym should be, marm. Ee ben sticken em daown moi ears all noight long. Hurr!

Foremole pulled himself up to enjoy the spectacle of dawn across the dunes. Powderblue skies were barred by rollers of pearl gray clouds, their tops tinged apricot and rose by a sun rising in the east. Sounds of waves and seabirds stirred Rufe from his slumber. He lay still as the logboats nosed aground in a sandy cove, twixt two high dunes at the shore edge. “Are we in the sea, Durry? he asked.

The hedgehog splashed over the side into the shallows. “Bless yer eart no, Rufe. This eres still the stream. Well ave to trek across the shore to reach seawater.

Log-a-Log had jumped to land first. “Dont show yourselves. Stay here close by the boats until I return, he cautioned them. “Bandle, keep a lookout from the top of that dune. The rest of you keep your heads down. The seashore can be a dangerous place sometimes. With that he was gone.

Rosie shrugged and started unpacking breakfast. “Im bally well famished. What ho you lot, whos for nosebags? Whoo ...

Foremoles paw clamped across her mouth, cutting off the strident laugh. “Yurr naow, marm, ee doant wants tbe oopsettin everybeast do ee? Koindly keep from lar-fin thankee.

The shrews lit a smokeless little fire from tinder-dry grass and charcoal. It burned low and red. Breakfast was a simple affair of honey, hot shrewbread, and mint tea.

About halfway through the morning Bundle hopped down from his lookout perch high on the dune crying, “Log-a-Logs back, an hes brought company!

The Redwallers were quite taken aback by the appearance of the shrew Chieftains companion. Log-a-Log introduced the newcomer briefly.

“Meet Finnbarr Galedeep, the sea otter.

One time in the distant past the big malebeast might have been a handsome creature, but the long scars of old battles tracing a course over his muscular form, coupled with a mussel-shell eyepatch and a missing ear, gave him a fearsome look. A curved swordhilt protruded over each of his shoulders, carried in cross-belted sheaths strapped to his back. Grinning good-naturedly at his wide-eyed audience, Finnbarr thrust forth a heavily tattooed limb. “ Eres me flipperits as good as me true eart. The Gale-deeps at yservice!

Introductions were made all around, and food was brought for the guest. He seated himself on the landward side of the dune, enjoying the mid-morning sun. Winking roguishly at the assemblage, Finnbarr went through pasties, salad, and October ale as though he had survived a seven-season famine. Then, wiping foam and crumbs from his mouth, the sea otter got right down to business.

“Belay, mateys, as I sees it yore wantin tsail far south oer deep seas. Well fer that you needs a good stout ship. Ole Log-a-Logs canoes wouldnt take ye a rough sea league out there on the waves.

Joseph looked the sea otter directly in his good eye. “Are we to take it that you have such a ship, Finnbarr? he asked.

The big fellow laughed uproariously, as if at some private joke, clapping Joseph soundly on the back. “Ho-hoho! Bless yer cockles, mouse. I aint got so much as a waterlogged twig tme name!

Foremole wrinkled his nose in consternation. “Burr, baint no larfen matter, zurr. Ifn youm doant ave a gurt shipper, whurrll usns get one?

“We steals it, o course!

A loud cry rang out from both shrews and Redwallers. “Steal a ship?

“Quiet now and listen to Finnbarrs plan, Log-a-Log silenced them curtly.

The sea otter gestured over his shoulder. “Not arf a days march round yon eadland lays two big searat galleons. The Pearl Queen is the best of the twain; she was my craft once, but thats another story. Now she belongs to a scurvy-backed bilgerat called Capn Slipp. The other vessels the Shalloo; er masters Capn Strapp. Theyre brothers, Slipp n Strapp. Corsairs, dangerous an sly, both of em, always fightin among themselves.

Hon Rosie could contain herself no longer, and she blurted out, “Oh I say, pinchin a ship off some rotten ol? searats, what a super wheeze. Whoohahahahoo!

Finnbarr winced, waggling a paw in his good ear. “A hare, eh. I likes hares, mad an perilous beasts. Tho Id be beholden if yed stow the hootin marm, sound carries round thisaways. Lissen now, the plans simple. We sinks the Shalloo an steals the Pearl Queen an sails off in er. Wot dyer say, mates?

Log-a-Log spoke for them all. “It sounds like a desperate scheme, Finnbarr, but were with you all the way, every beast!

The sea otter showed glittering white teeth in a swift grin. Whipping out one of his swords, he began outlining a map of his plan in the damp sand of the streambank.

“Hearken now, cullies, eres where the two ships lie at anchor, in the shallows offshore. Both crews will be on the beach tonight, feastin around a fire, so there should be only a few aboard each vessel keepin watch. We wait til the swell of igh water when the tides aturn after midnight, then tis quick n silent. In these ere shrewboats you lot sail seaward, come in on a curve to board Pearl Queen an take er. Meself an Log-a-Logll swim oer tthe Shalloo to bore some oles in er side an scuttle er in the bay. Then its out onto the wide blue briny fer us all!

Joseph studied the plan, nodding solemnly. “I like it; simple and straightforward, thats the best way!

The remainder of that day they spent resting in the shelter of the dunes. Rufe Brush watched the lengthening shadows on the sand, confiding his worries to Durry in hushed whispers.

“Ive never stolen anything before. Well, I suppose I filched a few candied chestnuts when I was a Dibbun, but never something as big as a ship!

Durry Quill, an adventurer born, winked at Rufe. “Dont you fret yoreself, mate. Well stick tgether. Hah! Searats sat all great big cowards. Just show em a weapon an growl, like this: Grr! That settles em!

Rufe picked up the rapier given to him by one of the Guosim. Waving it halfheartedly, he tried a timid growl. “Grr. How does that sound, Durry?

“GarrooohaharroogumTr! The twin blades of Finnbarr Galedeeps curved swords flashed in front of Rufes startled eyes. Then, swiftly sheathing both blades, the big sea otter ruffled the young squirrels ears playfully.

“Do it like that, matey. Show em ymean business an dont be arf carted about it. Youll do all right.

Darkness fell as they made a final cold meal of oat scones, cheese, and ciderno fires were allowed to pinpoint their position in the dunes at the shore edge. Sentries were posted while the rest lay trying to steal a quick nap, each with their thoughts of what awaited them where the two ships lay at anchor around the headland. Would it be a swift victory and a good ship, or a wrong plan ending in capture and death, or slavery at the cruel claws of sea-rats? A three-quarter moon shimmered over the restless sea in the soft summerdark as the time drew closer to midnight.

Dawn had already broken over Southsward when Furpp called two of his grandchildren to assist him.

“Yurr, Burdill, you an Grumbee stir ee stumps. Usns must take ee brekkist to our friends.

Burdill shook his velvety head. “Hurr, granfer, theym aready be gonned. Miz Mariel, shem roused tothers long since. Me an Grumbee packed em a brekkist to eat on ee way.

Furpp inspected his digging claws closely, in the way that some older moles will do when deep in thought. He nodded decisively, then patted the two small moles. “Gudd gudd. Ee did woisely, both o youm hinfants. Hurr, tho oi wanders whurr they be agone to?

“Oi did ear ee gurt rabbet Meldn say as they wurr eckertoimerin, Grumbee piped up.

Furpp blinked down at the youngster. “Eckertoimerin? Hoo an, that sounds noice, tho oi be wunderin wot ee means, eckertoimerin.

Had the moles been able to pronounce the word properly they would have known that Mariel, Dandin, and Bowly had gone out on a reconnoitering trip with Meld-rum and his leveret squad. Meldrum the Magnificent was familiar with the terrain, he explained as they strode south over the hills.

“Best route to Florets this way. See a stream ahead soon, take that route, might meet some otters, wot? Useful coves, otters; may get some info from them about this confounded Foxwolf thingee. Reconnoiter an gather information, thats what I always say, eh?

Mariel, whose idea it had been in the first place, nodded agreement as they crested the brow of an immense sandhill. On an impulse she spread her paws, stopping them from continuing further. “Hold it. Did you feel the ground a bit shaky then? I did.

Bowly crept under her outstretched paws, then after venturing a bit further on the hilltop, he tippawed gingerly back. “Yore right. Its like a great overangin sandcliff were stannin on. Best move back afore it collapses!

Meldrum waggled his ears and sniffed. “Dont remember it bein like that before. Bit of a while since Ive been in this neck o the woods, doncha know. Not an uncommon occurrence, thougherosion I think they call it. Side of the jolly ol sandhill slips away one day an leaves the grassy top like a big overhang. No matter. Well go another way.

They slid down the undamaged side of the hill and climbed to the top of another, safer, one. Dandin was first up, and he shot out a paw. “Look, theres the stream. Somethings happening down therelooks like trouble!

Mariel and Meldrum joined him. The hilltop commanded a good view of the scene taking place some distance off downstream. Two creatures, a squirrel and her young one, clung to the broad surface of a tree trunk which was being propelled by a band of otters. Closing rapidly on them was a band of rats, headed by two ermine and Nagru. The Field Marshal hare peered down, recognizing the adult squirrel.

“Great seasons, its Queen Serena. Looks like she needs helpform into skirmish line, troop!

Mariel placed herself squarely in front of the impulsive hare, halting any further activity. Her mind raced madly as she tried reasoning with him. “Field Marshal, sir, remember what you saidplan first, act later!

“No time now, missie. Duty calls, yknow. Stand aside! said Meldrum, as he adjusted the stone at the end of his rod.

Dandin joined Mariel. “Sir, therere far too many of them for our small force to go up against. If you charge in now, well all be killed. Your four young nephews, Bowly, do you want to see them massacred by hundreds of vermin? Thered be no point to it!

While Dandin was reasoning with Meldrum, a solution had formed swiftly in the mousemaids agile mind. It was risky, but worth a try. She interrupted Dan dins pleas.

“Listen, Ive just thought of a plan! Runtwold, Colt-vine, well need your slings and stone pouches. Bowly, take these four young hares back to Furpps dwelling. Tell him to watch out for those creatures on the stream and shelter them. Go!

Mariels voice had such a ring of certainty to it that Bowly and the hares were gone in a flash. As she and Dandin armed themselves with slings and stones, she turned to the slightly bemused Meldrum. “Now, we need a beast of some weight and courage. Are you game for this, sir?

Meldrum the Magnificent was caught up by MarieFs urgency and sureness. His ears stood straight as he said, “Game? Hah, say on mgel, theres none gamer than this hare!

Mariel knotted the Gullwhacker securely about her waist. “Good! Now heres what well do ...

Queen Serena hugged little Truffen to her. He was weeping piteously, frightened by the sight and sounds of the horde led by the Dirgecallers and Nagru. They were in plain sight now, pouring along the streambank after the floating log. While the rest of the otters pushed the tree trunk through the water, Iris and Greenbeck, armed with javelins, climbed onto the log. Protecting the squirrels with their bodies, the two brave otters prepared to face the onslaught together.

Howling with triumph, the Foxwolf halted his horde on the streambank. The two ermine snuffled and wailed hideously. Eager to get at their prey but reluctant to venture into the deep stream, they wove back and forth at the waters edge. The otters had steered the log over to the far bank to distance themselves from attack. Some of the horderats were beginning to string their bows up and select arrows. Nagru turned on them with a snarl.

“Put those bows away. Arrows would spoil the sport. Ive got them now and I want them alive and unharmed. My Dirgecallers can have the otters, but I want those two squirrels alive. Stand ready and await my orders!

Without warning the rat called Mingol shrieked as, grabbing his head in both paws, he fell senseless to the ground. His partner Vengro stared down in puzzlement at him.

“Whats wrong with Mingol? He was just ... Unhh! Vengro slumped beside his companion. Nagru whirled about to see what the trouble was, and a slingstone thudded hard into his back. One of the Dirgecallers yowled in anguish as another stone slammed into its ribs.

“Get down. Were being attacked! the rat Captain Riveneye yelled.

More stones followed in quick succession, and a mocking laugh rang out from some bushes a short distance away.

“Hahaha! Keep those heads down, scum. Theres a whole army of slingers ready to pick you off!

The wolfhide had taken most of the impact of the stone that struck Nagru. He scrambled forward on all fours, peering into the bushes. Seeing he was not immediately hit, the Foxwolf ventured upright, ducking swiftly as a good-sized pebble lodged between the wolfskull and his brow. Grimacing with pain, he plucked it out and hurled it back at the bush. A short yelp was followed by the sight of two mice retreating to the deep cover of thicker foliage. Nagru grabbed stones from the ground, throwing them at the place where the mice had hidden as he ran forward calling, “Theres only two of em, its no army. Charge!

Dandin nudged Mariel urgently. “The games uptime we werent here!

They broke cover and began a mad dash, back the way .they had come. Mariel risked a quick glance backward. “Better shiftthe whole packs after us! she yelled.

Footpaws thrumming madly against the card), Mariel and Dandin ran for their lives, the breath rising ragged in their throats as the two Dirgecallers, heading the pack, sped on their tails, gaining by the moment. Nagru followed in the rear, hurling challenges and threats. “Tear them to bits! Stop and fight, mice! Dandin stumbled. Mariel, catching his paw quickly, pulled him upright and they dashed on together, side by side, dust and sand flying, hearts pounding wildly, with the Dirgecallers, slightly ahead of the horde, closing fast. Muriels head came up; she glimpsed the big eroded dune ahead, rearing up like a mighty wave of sand, the grassy crest projecting perilously over a huge inward-curving hill. Through her blurred vision she could barely make out the ponderous form of Meldrum perched far out on the grassy top. Putting on a final spurt she tugged Dandin along. “Not far ... Come on ... just a bit more!

Meldrum the Magnificent watched the tableau below, gritting his teeth with suspense. It looked as if the two mice would surely be stopped by the ermine before they made the slope. No! They had put on an extra spurt and pulled away a bit; now they were on the final stretch and, calling up stamina from some deep reserve, they actually broke into a headlong sprint. As Meldrum stamped his footpaw down with delight, the whole dunetop shuddered. He went still immediately, saving his move until the exact moment. Leaning out, he squinted downwardthere they were! Mariel and Dandin had made it to the hill. Sand flew from beneath their paws as they battled upward into the curve with the ermine and about ten front-runners of the horde beginning to close on them again. The two mice suddenly changed course, veering sideways to the right where the curve of the hill straightened, and Mariel shouted one word at the top of her voice.

“Now!!!

Meldrum instinctively knew the pursuers were climbing the hill directly beneath him, but Mariels voice confirmed it. The old hare jumped as high as he could into the air.

Whump!

The whole dunetop shook. He jumped again, harder.

Whump!

The earth trembled as he landed, grass roots tearing as they parted company with the sand. Gritting his teeth, Meldrum the Magnificent leaped high in the air a third time, yelling out the battle cry of hares and badgers.

“Eulaliaaaa!

Whoooosssshhh! Whooomph!

The entire top curve of the high dune fell with an almighty avalanche of weeds, grass, and sand. It seemed to hover in midair a fraction, then down it came like a thunderbolt, with the old warrior perched atop still yelling his war cry. The Dirgecallers and at least a score of the rat horde never knew what happened to them. Countless tons of sand wiped them out instantly.

Nagru came dashing up, pushing and kicking his way through the awestruck masses. He made his way to the front and gaped in amazement at the scene. Mariel and Dandin had escaped the worst, but they were trapped, buried almost to their necks in sand. Meldrum had fared little better; being immersed to his ample waist, he could only struggle helplessly and hurl insults at his enemy.

“Good wheeze, eh? Wished we couldve got the crummy lot of you under there with your stinkin rotten ermine and some of your other pals. Well, whatre ygaw-pin at?

The Foxwolf glared at the bold veteran. “My Dirge-callers, you killed them!

Mariel spat sand from her mouth and yelled defiantly. “Aye, dig me out of here and Ill give you a run for your acorns, too, you great two-headed, slop-mouthed, ring-tailed excuse for a toad!

Dandin joined in hurling imprecations. “Now then, scabby skin, just imagine if we had been an army? Hah! You and those other gray slime wouldnt be around to tell the story. Dig us loose, and youll find out that were not a couple of helpless squirrels!

Nagru controlled his rage. “Oh, well dig you out all right, but after a good spell of starvation in my dungeons youll find yourselves dangling by your footpaws as target practice for my archers. Then youll wish you had been a couple of squirrels. Wetchops! Go and get those squirrels. Take fifty archers and finish those otters off, then bring the Queen and her brat to me. The rest of you, dig those three out and bind them tight!

The three companions were dug out and tightly pinioned with ropes, though they continued their verbal abuse of Nagru and his horde.

“Hey, lily liver, tie my paws tighter, because if I get them around your filthy neck Ill throttle you!

“Zounds! Takes six of yeh to truss me up, eh? So it should, you frog-swampin, mud-scoffin, fly wallopers!

They were lugged down the hill and bound to carrying poles. All three lay in the sand as Nagru circled them, aiming the odd kick at their prostrate forms as he spoke.

“Youll wish youd never crossed trails with the Urgan Nagru when Im done with you. Two bold little mice, eh. Maybe well give you to the cooks after my archers have finished with your carcasses. Hmm, and a big fat hare. Ive never tasted hare. What dyou say, hare, will you be tasty enough to be served at a conquerors banquet?

Meldrum sniffed in disgust. “If its the last flippin thing I do, Ill stick in your rotten throat an choke you. Blaggard!

Wetchops came dashing back yelling, “Theyve gone! Theres not a sight nor sound of otters or squirrels anywhere! Theyve vanished into thin air!

Mariel winked cheekily at the Foxwolf. “Bit of good news, eh? How dyou feel about that, lumpbrain?

Nagru kicked the mousemaid savagely. “Not half as bad as youre going to feel, mousemaid!