The Outcast of Redwall

40

Bryony and Togget lay flat on their backs at the stern end of the raft, a jug of cowslip cordial and a deep-dish pear-and-red-currant tart between them.

The mousemaid dipped her paw overboard, allowing cool river water to caress it. “Hey ho, Togget, this is the life for us, eh!

“Bo urr, et surpintly am, Broinee, oi never gurtly was one furr sailen, but this hes most wunnerful, burr aye, sot be.

The hoglet Arundo was hiding behind the hut, watching them. The sight of Toggets fat stomach sticking in the air was too much for him. Breaking cover, he dashed up and jumped on it. “Heehee! I jumped onna moleth thtomach!

Togget was too winded to express an opinion on the subject, and Bryony was shaking with laughter along with Arundo. Tutty Pollspike was pegging out washing up forard; she had seen what took place and shouted dire warnings. “Rushes

nriverbanks! Just let me catch either o you jumpin on that pore hanimals stummick agin an Ill chop yore tails off, dye hear me, you two?

Bryony sat up indignantly, pointing at Arundo. “But it wasnt me, it was him!

Arundo pointed back at her, still giggling. “Heeheehee! Mouthemaid tol me to do it!

Duddle emerged from the cabin, stretching after his mid-morning nap. “Now then, me bold beasties, he said, “whats all the kerfuffle out here? Still mindin the tiller for me, Tog-get?

Remembering the duty he had been allotted, Togget got up and, rubbing his stomach, leaned against the tiller. “Aye, zurr, ee tiller aint been gone nowheres since oi been mindin et.

Duddle took command of the tiller, saying, “Have to be careful on this stretch, theres a slipstream off to the south comin up shortly. Rapidsnwaterfall down that way, dangerous, stremely perilous, mmm, aint that right, my little river lily?

Tutty passed the washing basket to Clematis Roselea. “Rocksarapids! Wed do well tstay away from that lot. Keep tight old of that tiller, Duddle!

“Never fear, my darlin damselfly, the fat smiling hedgehog reassured her. “I have it within my viselike grip, no harm will befall the family. Hmm, just a thought, Bryony, but dyou think yore friend the ferret may have drifted that way? He could very well have strayed into the slipstream, not bein used to the currentsnflows.

Bryony looked up from a piece of pie. “Do you think so, sir? If he did, how would we find out?

Duddle indicated a spot on the left bank farther along. “Thats where the slipstream is, well pull over an hove to land when we get past it. Ill ask Ilfril, a mean-tempered creature if ever there was onebest let me do the talkin.

It was a difficult business keeping the raft in mid river while passing the slipstream. Bryony helped Duddle to control the tiller. When they were safe downriver from the side-pulling current, they hauled the raft onto the high bank, securing it to a crack willow with a stout rope. Duddle Poilspike led them back along the bank until they reached the slipstream. It flowed on a slight downhill gradient, very fast and smooth, losing itself as it twisted and turned into the distance, where a big green-sloped mountain stood out clear against the cloudless sky. Duddle tapped the side of his nose, cautioning them to be silent. Planting his bottom firmly on the edge of the bank, he dangled both footpaws in the water and spoke aloud as if to himself.

“Perfect day for a spot o fishin!

A squeaky, ill-tempered voice answered him. “Clear off! Youre not fishin on my stretch of river!

The overhanging plants on the banks edge parted and a sour-faced bankvole clambered out and waved a knobbly stick at Duddle. “Hah! I shouldve known itd be you, Poilspike. Now go on, shift yerself off my bank!

Duddle grinned from ear to ear, teasing the bankvole. “Oh, cheer up, Ilfril, an give us a smile, you know Im not fishin. Come on, laugh, yore face wont crack.

The bankvole scowled and swiped at the reeds with his stick. “What dyou want around here, then?

“Lookin for a ferret, friend o the molenmousemaid yonder. Did he pass along this stretch perchance?

Ilfril scratched his stubby chin thoughtfully, saying, “I dont give information freely to trespassers, yknow.

Tutty Poilspike produced a thick wedge of the pear-and-red-currant tart from beneath her apron. “Parsnipsnperiwin-kles! We didnt expect nothin for nothin off you, ole crabapple face. Take this, its moren the likes o you deserves!

Ilfril grabbed the slice of pie, his eyes darting hither and thither as if somebeast were trying to trick him. “Ferret, eh, saw im last night, late on, sittin astride a willow log. Dozy oaf! Fast asleep, didnt ave the sense to rouse imself an keep to mid river. Shot off down the slipstream snorin like an edgeog. Huh! That unll get a rude awakenin, I can tell yer!

The bankvole clambered back into his den, dragging the pie slice with him, muttering and complaining. “Got what ywant, now make yerselves scarce an give a creature a bit o peace.

Duddle placed a friendly paw on Bryonys head. “So, there you have it, my little bankblossom, yore ferret has taken a turn for the worse. This is where our paths must part; I couldnt risk lifenIimb takin my family down the slipstream, tis a wild an dangerous waterway. I wouldnt advise any creature to follow it.

Togget gazed at the swift-flowing water. “Hurr, nor wudd oi, zurr, but missie Broinee, shem bounden to foller ee rascal, tho oi doant knows why.

Tutty agreed wholeheartedly with the mole. “Fiddlesnfollies! After wot youve told me about that ferret I wouldnt pass im the time o day nor a piece o pie. Why does an onest mousemaid like yoreself go chasin after such an evil vermin?

Bryony gave the only answer she could. “Because Im responsible for him. Ive cared for Veil since he was a babe, and bad or good I cannot desert him.

Tutty gave Bryony a careful embrace, as is the way with hedgehogs, overcome with admiration for the mousemaid. “Summersnstrawberries! This earthd be a better place if there were more like yer, missie!

Veil was enjoying himself. It was early morn with the sun rising hot, and flickering light patterns danced on the fast current as the boughs of graceful alders from each bank formed a canopy over the stream. The young ferret ate some candied fruit and an oatfarl from the haversack, scooping up the clear rushing water in his paws to drink. Not knowing he had veered from the river, he leaned forward on the willow trunk, allowing the spray to wet his face. The stream was deep, smooth, and swift, and wherever he was bound it was better than plodding by paw. Sometimes he drew his knife and slashed through the green-shaded waters at passing fish, but they were far too quick for him. Veil was about to lie on his back and take a nap, when an unexpected turn in the stream course made him grab tight hold of his log.

The willow began to bump up and down on the widening stream, and he had to start fending off rocks that sprang up in his path. Leaving the shelter of the trees, the dashing water bounded through a high-walled gorge. The log struck an underwater ledge and bounced high, coming down with a juddering splash. Veil began to feel frightened. He clung grimly to his perch in the splayed fork of the willow trunk, thoroughly drenched and shivering from a combination of fear and cold water. Steering the log to the bank was out of the question; it bucked and rolled as it plunged headlong into a series of rapids. Blinded by the spray, Veil gripped the bark until his paws were numb, while the deafening noise of rushing water pounding in his ears drowned out his own screams. Blinking furiously, he made out a mist-clouded rainbow ahead, then the log struck a rock and turned sideways, slowly at first, then picking up speed on the boiling current until it was spinning around like a top. Then it turned over and Veil was in the water, screeching, yelling, and choking on icy mouthfuls. Clunk! The butt end of the willow trunk struck his head. Unaware of the unearthly roar and awesome drop, the senseless ferret hurtled over the cascading top of the waterfall.

Bryony and Togget stood, waving on the bank, a bulging haversack between them. Pulling out into mid river, the big untidy raft sailed off, its line of washing fluttering like stately banners. They shouted their good-byes to the Pollspike family, who were grouped around the tiller at the aft end of the flat craft.

“Thank you for everything, friends; fortune sail with you! “Goom-bye, zurr Duddle an ee famberly, thankee gurtly! The hedgehogs waved cheerily, returning the farewells. “Seasons be good to you; well meet again I hope! “Rocksnrivers! Of course we will, take good care of yore-selves, an give that ferret a kick from me! “Yeth, cut hith tail off with a thingle thwipe! The last thing they heard was young Clematis Roselea, as her father held her up high, singing aloud:

“If Im very, very good, my mama bakes me pies;

Hogmaids never should bring tears

To their dear mamas eyes.

I scrub my face quite hard each morn,

And keep my dress so clean,

And to my little brother dear,

Im never ever mean!

Togget waved at the receding raft, pausing to blink away a tear. “Theym vurry dear beasts, oi diddent moind ee liddle un a jumpen on moi stummick, hurr no!

Making fair progress on the sloping stream bank, the two travelers strode easily along through lush grass and sheltering foliage toward the mountain, following the course of the stream. Before they left the trees at midday, Togget discovered blackberries, their stalks winding around a thick lavender clump. Dangling their footpaws into the water, Bryony and Togget sat on the bank, sharing a heap of the dark juicy berries. A flicker from the far bank caught Bryonys eye; she saw a small bankvole watching them from the shelter of some overhanging ivy.

The mousemaid smiled and waved at the little creature. “Hello there, its very beautiful around here. Would you like some blackberries? Here you are!

She threw the berries across the stream, and the bankvole quickly gathered them and stuffed his face greedily. He stood watching for more, his mouth and chin stained purple. Bryony threw him a few more and inquired after Veil. “Did you see a ferret pass this way on a log?

Immediately the tiny creature began dancing up and down the bank, pointing animatedly and gibbering. “Yis yis! Ferret went down tharraway, right down ferret went! Yeeheehee! Ferret11 go bumperty bump bump! Cant stop down tharraway, ferretll go yaaaaargh! Right over top o thbig wa-teryfall! Yaaaaargh! Ferretll be smashed tbits yeeheehee!

Bryony stopped throwing the berries and stamped her foot-paw on the bank, looking sternly at the grinning little bank-vole. “Dont say such awful things!

This seemed to encourage the tiny creature; he leapt in the air, waving his paws wildly. “Ferret smashed inta likkle bits! Yeeheehee! Lotsa bits! Head one place, paws anuther, fur everywhere, tail inna nundred bits. Smashed ferret! Yeehee-heehee!

Bryony gathered the remainder of the blackberries huffily. “Come on, Togget, were leaving here. That impudent creature isnt getting any more berrieswere going!

The little bankvole pursued them, shouting from the opposite side as he skipped and danced along. “All smashed inta ferrety bits! Yeeheehee! Belly smashed, dinner all overa place, teeths everywhere, eyes smashed, eeyukka! Nose in bits, blood too, allover allover alloveraplace. Bloods everywhere off smashed ferret! Yeeheeheehee!

He continued in this manner until Togget put both digging claws into either side of his mouth, pulled his lips wide, and stuck out his tongue, making a grotesque face at the bankvole. Still jumping and skipping, the little bankvole returned the insult, squinching his nose and waggling his ears. Unfortunately, he did not look where he was going and went smack into an alder. Sitting flat on the ground, he nursed a bruised jaw and set up a fearful yowl. “Waaahaaah! Urted me face! Waaahaaahaaah! “

Bryony shook her head reprovingly at her molefriend. “Tut, tut, really, Togget, did you have to?

“Hurr, hurr, at least et stopped im a goin on abowt bits o furret, missie, oi wurr beginnin tfeel quoit ill.

When they reached the gorge top the afternoon grew hot, but as the sheer sides lessened, spray from the rapids hit the two friends like a welcome, cooling drizzle. Bryony looked at the wild rapids, foaming and leaping as they dashed downhill towards the mountains.

“Look at that water! No wonder Duddle said he wouldnt dare take the raft down this way. Its dreadful!

Togget pointed ahead. “Yurr oi think et wursens yonder, ark at ee roaren et makes!

A short distance farther on they saw the mist-shrouded rainbow, and the roar increased in volume until they had to shout aloud at each other to be heard above it.

Soaked and bewildered, they found a small cavelike crevice to one side of the waterfalls edge. Crouching inside, Togget dug out a turnip-and-watercress flan, and they shared it, together with a flask of cowslip cordial. They peered in fascination at the colossal torrent, falling so far down that it was lost in an almost solid white spray of mist.

“Whurr do et all go to, miz Broinee?

“Im not certain, Togget, but I think it must fall into some big lake below and stream off into the mountains.

Bryony suddenly realized how close to the mountains they were; the falls seemed to drop into their very side. “Well, Ill have to figure out a way to get down there to the bottom of this waterfall. If Veil was here, he couldnt avoid going over. What an awful thing to happen to anybeast, Togget.

“Hurr aye, missie, oi knows tis ard, but us doant sped to foind maister Veil still aloive, do us?

Bryony clasped the moles paw earnestly. “You dont have to go down there, Togget. I wont have you risking your life to find Veil.

The good moles face was earnest as he replied, “Oi doant go, then youm baint goen. Oi cummed this furr with ee, Broinee, burr, an oi baint aven ee riskin yore young loif furr ee wuthless vurmin alone, no zurr!

It was evening before they were ready to descend the slippery rocks. The two friends were ill equipped for their task; after an exhaustive search of the area, all they came up with was a few short lengths of vine. Using their belts and the haversack sling, they knotted them all together. Bryony fastened one end to Toggets waist and the other round her own, and wordlessly they set off down the slick, water-worn rock face, with the deafening din of the torrent ringing in their ears. Bryony went first, Togget taking the strain as she scrabbled and slid to a smooth ledge. She waited until he had scrambled down beside her before taking a look around.

There seemed no way off the ledge, except for a series of rocky protuberances on one side, half covered by the falling water. Carefully the mousemaid lowered herself to the first one, feeling Togget slip slightly as he was pulled by the tension on their lifeline. He waved a digging claw to show he was all right, and she began the descent to the next. Suddenly a chunk of driftwood hurtling past on the waterfall struck Bryony, and she slipped, but managed to grab on to a spur. Battered by the falls and fighting for breath, she hung on tight, barely able to hear her molefriend above the pounding cascade.

“Oim cummen, missie, old on!

As Togget climbed down to her, he edged too near the waterfall; it caught him and swept him away like a leaf in a gale. A split second later, Bryony screamed as the improvised rope tautened like a bowstring and catapulted her off the spur after him. Bound together, both mole and mousemaid were carried off by the raging waterfall.

Swartt had been going long and hard. He had cleared the big hills behind Salamandastron in two days, without either food or sleep, but now he had to rest, to stop awhile before he dropped. The Warlord crouched beside a stream flowing out onto the heathland, his tongue lolling from one side of his mouth. Panting like a winded dog, he awaited the arrival of the rest. The vixen fell in a breathless heap alongside him and splashed water into her open mouth with both paws.

Swartt kicked her. “Sbad for yer, itll make yer sick, ywont be able to run!

Nightshade lay back, her flanks twitching and quivering. “Makes no difference now, Lord. Im old, I cant run anymore, whether you want me to or not!

The ferret pawed water over the back of his neck. “So, whatre you goin tdo, vixen, stop here an be slain by the badger? Thats whatll happen if you dont move.