Stories

Here's one from Jasmine-*****

The battle raged on outside. I am worried. My friend, my very best friend, is outside on the east wall of the abbey. We have to fight a weasel who's trying to conquer the abbey. Many goodbeasts have died in this war that's been going on for almost a half a season. My friend, Amira,a very brave squirrel who would give up her life for the abbey, almost died at the beginning of the war. An arrow hit her side, she was very near death. It was only recently that she recovered from the horrible accident. I am not battle-trained, if I was I would fight for the abbey, too. Although, I could never be as brave as Amira. She's killed many vermin, and without her we wouldn't have the abbey now. It's a sad time, everyone's lost at least one friend since the war began. I am helping prepare food in the kitchens, and believe me, it's hard work. I also deliver it to the warriors fighting outside.

"Jasmine, here, bring this tray to Amira. Be careful out there, Jasmine, we don't want you or anyone else to get hurt." warned Abbess Tansy.

"Yes, I'll be careful."

Outside it was a horrible sight. Bodies lay scattered everywhere.

I walked up to the nearest creature I saw. It was Holly, a young otter.

"Hi Holly, have you seen Amira?" I asked grimly.

I saw tears come to Holly's eyes. A feeling of dread came over me.

"Holly, where's Amira?" I asked in a shaky voice.

"Those awful vermin, th-they...killed Amira."

I dropped the tray. Glass broke and cut my paw, but I didn't care. I stood there, not crying, not moving, not speaking.

After what seemed a season, Abbess Tansy came over and put a paw on my shoulder.

"It's okay, Jasmine. Amira died saving other creatures' lives. She saved many slaves. Didn't you hear? She escaped from the east gate. We told her not to go, but she rescued some slaves. She was almost to the abbey when a rock struck her head. The war's over and none of the slaves died, but a great deal of lives were taken. Amira wouldn't want you to be this way, she'll always be a part of your memory and heart. Look at the day,it's a wonderful autumn morning. The abbey is ours. All the beasts who died fighting for Redwall, they can rest forever amidst peace, if they didn't fight hard, they would be miserable slaves for the rest of their lives."

I turned to face Abbess Tansy. "You don't understand, though. I never got to say goodbye to Amira, my best friend I've ever had. The first friend I've ever had. And now she's gone."

"I understand how you feel. You have a right to be sad, and I'm not telling you you can't be sad, I'm just telling you that you can't be like this forever. Do you know you how long you've been out here? Since yesterday evening! We couldn't get you to budge from where you were standing! Now come inside, Jasmine."

> "The war's over?" I asked.

"Yes, it is! We've defeated the weasel and his army, now come inside."

2 DAYS LATER

We held ceromonies for the lives that were lost. I cried for a long time, many friends of mine had died.

"Jasmine, I found this in Amira's room. I thought you would like to keep it." Abbess Tansy held out her paw. Jasmine took the object from her. It was a garland made of jasmine. Jasmine read the note attached to it.

"For you, Jasmine, my best friend."

Abbess Tansy took the garland and put it on Jasmine's head, and for the first time since the war ended, she smiled.

If you have any cretive critisism send it here.

The Last Straw-*****
By Santolina

Dead, dead, dead. Yes, that they were and much more. Split by my sword, they were, they were! Were! They're all dead now! Gone away, in the mists, far, far away... *and what do I say? Buh-bye! 'Twas nice beating you to a bloody pulp!...*

It baffles me, how a beast can be so noble, so stupid, to actually give up their life for another. Yeh get nothing out of it except a visit to Dark Forest... *But I must say, it's entertaining...*

"Scumgut!" called a ferret, hording up some valuables from a nearly collapsed hut, "Come on, mate, Captain Conva's up and ready foh leavin'!"

I kicked the body of a very old, very dead otter, his back riddled with slashes from my sword... *That's the only way to do it, attack from behind and save yehself some injuries!...*

But I didn't have any. Why? Because I'm smart, and quick, and cunning! Ha, stupid otters! They were stupid since before Waveworm came opon their home... *Such self-sacrificing, 'Take me instead of my child!' garbage... oh, we had fun!...*

Lutra, heh... *Shoulda been named 'Loot-filled'...* So much treasure. And even, I lick my lips at the thought, The luscious pearls! But, ah, gold and innocent blood are all that make me happy.

"Wait, ol' pal, just lemmee see if any survived in tha' there hut, thought I heard something!" I called, then smiled... *I really hope there was a survivor, then me and m'sword could have more fun...*

I entered a half caved-in hut, smoke and the smell of blood filling my nostrils... *Mmm, such a delicious aroma!...* 'Twas indeed dark in there, the air stuffy and stagnent. I searched the gloom a bit, looking for signs of life... *A body here, a body there, this was once a large family...* ONCE! Heh, there, a movement! Someone behind a deadbody...

'Twas a young ottermaid, badly beaten... *Not as badly beaten as I'll make her...*

...I raised my sword, ready to bring it down on the near unconcious otter's bare neck, when a paw came down on on my shoulder.

"Let the thing live, Scumgut," said Romsca. I nearly jumped outta m'boots! *The First Mate knows m'name!* I looked at the lean female ferret, sneer on her face.

"Why?" I asked.

That Romsca, she was a smart one, always knew how to bend a creature to her will... *Not I, for I am much too clever!* So suspicious and suspecting, I listened for her answer. Not gonna fool me...

"Why kill her when you can make her live her life out and remember what happened to her family, her holt... She'll wimper, mew like a kitten, and cry. Maybe she might seek revenge. All the more entertaining." Romsca's eye's flashed as she convinced me further, "She'll live out her miserable, insignificant life, she may try to avenge her losses, and how far d'ye think she'd get?"

I grinned. Yes, yes, I saw it now! "Chase after something she'll never catch, like a breeze!" I said. Romsca nodded.

"She'd never be able to slay us all!" I grinned. It was comforting just knowing that somebeast would waste its life like that.

Romsca headed towards the door, not seeing any booty in the hut. As she stepped out she called to me, "But y'might as well slash her up a bit, to make sure she won't try t'get up anytime soon."

I smiled at the dirty, bruised otter. "So, little one, before I split yeh in a dozen places, I'll ask yeh, what is your name?"

And she looked up, pain, tears, but most of all, revenge on her face. *Oh goody, a strong one...*

"Grath Longfletch," she answered, "your kind's slayer." I whipped the sword on her, again and again, but she never cryed out.

It made me angry, and I went into a frenzy. Stubborn, aren't yeh?!
***

...I fixed 'er good, I did! Can't hardly move, she can't! Ha, she'll probably die, now.

*Though I hope yeh rise otter, so I can slash yeh s'more---*

And she moaned. Dispite all her pain, she whispered, "What goes around comes around, scumeater, like throwing a rubber ball at a wall." I ignored those words and walked out of the death hut, out of the the slaughtered holt.

*Good bye, I do hope we meet again.*

MAD-*****
By Santolina

They locked me up, told me I am mad, but I know they are lying. They put me in this stinking cell, small and dark. Said it was for my own good, they did. Said I might hurt myself. I ask of you, would a mad beast know how to escape without a sound and sneak out of this damned abbey? Ha! I think not! They treat me like I am a stupid fool, but they fear me, and that is something I can use to my advantage. Would a mad beast think of that? No. I have senses that could surpass a feline's. Would a mad beast possess such a gift? Never. I can feel danger, which is always around, but certainly I am not mad!

Why did they put me here in the first place, you ask? Well, let me tell you, it was a big misunderstanding. Isn't it always?

It all started not long ago. I lived in the attic, away from every other beast. I was happy, had my food brought to my door. All was happy until he came along. A mouse came to our abbey, needing shelter and food. I thought nothing of it at first, since it was common for the abbey to take in poorbeasts. But something was wrong. He sent off strange messages to my brain, you see. He was planning to do something evil I had yet to find out.

Sure, the abbeybeasts thought he was nice and good-hearted, but only I knew the truth. He was a killer of some sort, what kind I did not know. But I did know he was evil and must be stopped. He might even try to kill me.

At first glance he seemed nice, wearing his green habit and a warm smile on his face. But I could see through it all. I decided to go to dinner one night to get a better look at him. I sat across from the mouse in the dining hall. Many beasts were surprised to see me, but I ignored them. I had to watch out for this mouse. He seemed very nice, but it was all an act. He would slaughter us all if I didn't put a stop to it. I was chosen to destroy this demon, and only I.

That very night I crept into his room, to see what the bastard was up to. I crept ever so quietly, ever so, to his door. The poor old monster didn't even know I was here. I laughed to myself, at this foolish demon who also so foolishly went to sleep when he should be on guard for me. Ha! Stupid beast! I slipped into his doorway, not making a sound. Would a mad beast be so sneaky? I think not! I paused.

I could hear his heart, beating steady and calm in slumber. I could hear his steady breathing, the rise and fall of his chest. What a buffoon. He didn't even bring weaponry into the room. I took a step into the room, keeping low to the ground, silently laughing at his foolishness. A board creaked. I could sense him opening his eyes, his breathing not as calm. He probably wanted to believe it was the wind, nothing to worry about. But his demon senses told him otherwise. I could feel him thinking it. Fear was starting to build up, I could feel it.

I slowly slipped out my dagger, one I had had for quite some time, ready to destroy this evil. He sat up and asked weakly, "Who's there? S-Show yourself!"

"Your destroyer!" I hissed. It was dark in the room, but I knew he had a terrified look on his face. "Not so strong now, are you?" I ask, "Your days of murdering are over, scum!"

He acts confused. "W-what are you talking about?" he asks. What a fool! Thinks he can fool me! "Don't play stupid with me!" I say.

I didn't waste anytime after that. I dove right for him and ran him through. The evil demon who hungered for souls was dead. I killed him! I laughed. I would be honored for dispatching this monster! Unfortunately, others heard my laughter. That's how I ended up imprisoned in this little corner of the cellar. They've near forgotten me, left me to die down here.

But ha! I know a way out! There is another threat to the abbey, and I must dispatch it. I kill the devils and all the thanks I get is being locked in the cellar. I'd show them. I'd kill all the demons in this abbey. How, you say? I'd escape, using my brilliant plan. Could a mad beast come up with a plan? I think not! Why, I'll only have to wait for the right moment...

THE END

...or is it?

The End

So I Held My Head Up High-*****
Santolina

AUTHOR'S NOTE The song in this story, "My Own Prison" is by an excellent rock band called "Creed". This song(the lyrics marked with "/") inspired me to do this story. It is a possible seed for a long- running story, but that won't happen until Starr's Child is out of the way. I put alot into this story and would really appreciate comments(hint, hint:)), since I might make it long-running. Now, On with the story.

/A court's in session, a verdict is in>br /No appeal on the docket today
/Just my own sin/

Dead. They were all dead. Friends, family, all taken out in a swift blow. And me, the only survivor. It was always the same. I stumbled over the hill, wounded badly, yet still alive. Damn. Such a large gash across my belly, I thought that my insides should falling out of me, that I would bleed to death. But of course, I wasn't so lucky. I wanted to leave this place, this battleground where all I cared about had perished. It was my fault. The entire war was my fault. It was always the same.
/The walls are cold and pale
/The cage made from steel/

I brought death opon all I cherished. The war between hordes was over. We lost. They killed all of us, even the women and children. And I was the only one left alive. It was always the same. I will never die. The curse has lasted for many seasons now. What curse? Eternal life.
/Screams fill the room
/Alone I drop and kneel
/Silence now the sound
/My breath the only motion around/

I used to be a stupid ferret lad. Always wanted a challenge, didn't care whom I killed. The memories of that fateful day are as crisp as an autumn morning. I traveled with a small pack of my kind, ferret, weasel, stoat. We were all stupid and young, getting kicks out of terrorizing the countryside. We heard of a sorceress, one who owned riches beyond our wildest dreams. And of course, we set off to find her. Some of my 'mates' had dirty intentions for this sorceress, but gold was the only thing on my mind.
/Demons cluttering around
/My face showing no emotion/

It wasn't hard to find her little cottage, sitting beside a peaceful creek. We ransacked the place, indeed she had many valuable things. She hid well, but we found her, wearing a black cloak and hood over her face. A big weasel ripped the hood right from her, and there, glaring at us with hatred, was an ancient rabbit. The weasel knocked her to the ground.

"Swiftclaw," he said to me, for that was my name back then, "you finish her off. The old hag doesn't need to live." I smiled savagely and crouched in front of her. And she smiled. "Kill me, and and you'll be very sorry." I laughed, and pulled out a dagger, ready to slit her throat. But she started chanting, her eyes flashing.

"Swiftclaw, I place this curse opon your head. Never shall you die, eternal life and memory is granted to thee. Thee must live with guilt opon your vile soul. Death of all you hold dear shall accompany you in eternity after thrice lives. Only you will know the cure, but not without death of loved ones."

I smiled and stabbed her in the chest. "Thanks for the long life." She slumped to the floor, dead.
/Shackled by my sentence
/Expecting no return
/Here there is no penance
/My skin begins to burn/

We all had a celebration that night for our new found richness. I had the most share, having found the cottage in the first place. I went to sleep that night, thinking of what I would do with that gold. I would never find out. I was assasinated that night, for my gold. I remember slipping into a tunnel, bright and wonderous. Then, my eyes opened. And over me, stood a mousemaid.
/So I held my head up high
/Hiding hate that burns inside
/Which only fuels their selfish pride/

She held me up to a big male squirrel, and he handed me to a small female squirrel laying in a bed. I was too stunned too make a noise. The world appeared so big, everybeast a giant. The squirrel looked at me tenderly, holding me close and craddling me. And strangely enough, I found comfort and fell asleep. I was born again, as a red squirrel. It took me a while to make sense of it all. Eternal life. This is what the old sorceress meant. I could understand speech and had reason, yet I couldn't take care of myself. It was frustrating at first. I picked up many things, though. My mother's name was Allie, my father Jacobs, my new name Marcus, and my home Redwall Abbey. I grew up quickly, and stayed away from the dibbuns. I didn't feel that same blood-lust that I had as a ferret, but my memories were fresh in my mind. I never told anybeast of my secret. I grew up, kept to myself, but lived a peace. None of the doom the sorceress predicted. I started to think she had screwed up this little 'curse'. I lived to a great age, Marcus the hermit of Redwall, I was. As I lay on my deathbed, I remembered the sorceress's words. then I closed my eyes.

I was born into an otter's body, given the name Streamrunner. I was born at Camp Willow. Again, a peaceful life, no war, no sudden death, no doom. I relised I would live forever, born into one life after another. I tried to be more friendly, and it wasn't much a problem surrounded by otters, I myself born with that same liveliness. I died another peaceful death, and was born into a shrew's body. I lived in the woods with only my mother and brother. I thought it would always be this simple. Such a fool was I.
/We're all held captive
/Out of the sun
/A sun that shines on only some
/We the meek are only one./

The fourth life was that of a hare's. I lived in Salamandastron. My name; Meria. Yes, I was born into a female hare's body. It was quite awkward at first. But I had friends, and I was happy. I had great flippancy, and was a clown at times. It was wonderful. But, the curse. A corsair ship landed one year. They planned to invade Salamandastron. The badgerlord, Silverwyte, led a great attack. And he was killed. There were once one hundred and ten hares in that mountain. Only twenty-two remained after we destroyed the horde. I was in the battlefield, and saw my best friend decapitated beside me. I went into a frenzy, but finally fainted from loss of blood. Sergent Urbs found me under a pile of dead bodies. My mother, father, brother, sister, ALL my friends were dead. The sorceress's words echoed in my mind. 'Death of all you hold dear shall accompany you in eternity after thrice lives.'
/I hear a thunder in the distance
/See a vision of a cross
/I feel the pain that was given
/On that sad day of loss/

I wrapped and buried their bodies by myself, and ran away the following night. I didn't want to form a close bond with the remaining hares. It would be their death. I traveled for a year or so, stayed away from beasts. Then, I met two travelers. A mouse maid and a hedgehog. Ryanne and Huggel were their names. They were attacked by a rat snake. I smashed my staff into the back of its head, killing it instantly. They were grateful, and invited me to travel with them. I refused. But, I was lonely, and after a long while, agreed. I kept to myself at first. But Ryanne and Huggel were so friendly, it was too hard be cold. I thought maybe that death of loved ones would only be once in a lifetime. How wrong I was.
/A lion roars in the darkness
/Only he holds the key
/A light to free me from my burden
/And grant me life eternally/

We were attacked by a large group of foxes. Huggel was impaled on a javelin. Ryanne and I fought the foxes fiercely. I killed many. There were three left when I collapsed of exhaustion. The foxes fled, vowing revenge. Ryanne picked me up. We buried Huggel under a willow tree. We talked long into the night, of our lives. Ryanne told me of her and Huggel's origins. When she asked me of my past, I cringed.

I started with Salamandastron, then, before I knew it, I spilled out my entire history. She was quiet for a long time. Poor thing. She thought I was mad. I probably would be soon. She looked up at me and said something I never expected her to say. "I believe you." I started crying from sheer happiness. A living soul who knew what I truly was. I never saw the vixen behind her, clutching a dagger. I never saw until it was too late. Ryanne let out a strangled sob and slumped to the ground. I cryed out. The vixen, smiled evilly. "Hope you like your present, ferret." she said and dissapeared. I stared into the darkness. Ferret? I was a hare.

I looked at Ryanne and started to sob again. I held her close, like my squirrel mother did in my first life. I buried her next to Huggel, marking their graves with two large stones. I could no longer live. Was this to happen in every life? For ever and ever? I went into denial. I climbed up a high cliff overlooking Mossflower. If I was supposed to live out this life with more losses, then I would have to end it myself. I let a tear slip down my cheek and said good-bye to this life. I jumped.
/Should have been dead
/On Sunday morning
/Banging my head
/No time for mourning
/Ain't got no time/

And I woke up. I was a male wildcat. My family was killed. Friends were killed. I was alone again. I died again. I I was reborn again. Death to my family again. I died again. I was reborn again... This happened for countless seasons. I went mad in three lives.
/So I held my head up high
/Hiding hate that burns inside
/Which only fuels their selfish pride/

I came back to my present form. A weasel. I collapsed on the side of the road, unable to go on. Winds, just put me out of my pain! Perminately! The only survivor of my horde. I wished for death now. I wanted it to engulf me. I wanted to lose my immortality, my forever fresh memory. I am wise far beyond my years. I have seen so many things in my lives. I've been everything from a dolphin to a red-tailed hawk. But, the pain and fear is always there. It will always be there.
/We're all held captive
/Out of from sun
/A sun that shines on only some
/We the meek are all in one/

I heard voices up the road. Please let it be my imagination. Please let it be my imagination...
/I cry out to God
/Seeking only his decision
/Gabriel stands and confirms
/I've created my own prison/

"There's a body on the road!" cried a harsh voice. I can't see anything. I heard many voices around me.

"Is ee dead?"

"'Ey, mate, kin yah hear me?"

"We should at least bury 'im."

Someone stepped infront of me. I opened my swelled eyes and slowly looked up. I locked eyes with the most beautiful lady I ever saw. The ferret lady's fur was silver, her eyes a grayish-blue. "Can you hear me, mate?" She asked in a smooth, angelic voice. I nodded slowly.
/So I held my head up high
/Hiding hate that burns inside
/Which only fuels their selfish pride
/We're all held captive
/Out from the sun
/A sun that shines on only some
/We the meek are all in one

/I created, I created, I created my own prison.../

"We're settin' up camp on the side of this road. Jahl, get this weasel cleaned up and his wounds treated." A female fox and two rats approached me and tried to pick me up. I realized what was happening. "No!" I cried. "Let me die! Let me die already!" I started to bite and scratch. "'Ee's a madbeast!" growled a rat. The ferret lady shook her head. "Pick 'im up and take care of him. Treat 'im like a brother." The rat smirked and answered, "I used to beat me brother to a bluidy pulp."
/Should have been dead
/On Sunday morning
/Banging my head
/No time for mourning
/Ain't got no time/

I gave up. I was too weak. I had to block them out of my mind, I couldn't care for them or they would all die. The vixen whispered in my ear.

"Don't worry, Swiftclaw the immortal, we'll help you."
/So I held my head up high
/Hiding hate that burns inside
/Which only fuels their selfish pride/

The cure. The sorceress spoke of a cure. This life, perhaps it would finally be my last, that I could finally be put to rest. Yes, join all my murdered families, be forgiven for all the death I caused...

So I held my head up high.
THE END
Tomorrow for Jubilee-****
Aurora Goldtail

"Muvva Myren, Thirly don't wanna go eat."

The little baby mousemaid stood in the orchard, sucking the tip of her tail stubbornly. The old wise badger put her hands on her hips sternly. "And why not, young missy?"

"Thirly wan'no when's Jooblee."

"Thirly'd better go to lunch otherwise there'll be no Jubilee!" Myren scowled mockingly, chasing the young mouse into Cavern Hole. They ran down the stairs, to the place where most meals are served. Thirly ducked under a table next to her friends, to find Myren waggling a finger at her.

Sister Avelina shook her head with mirth. "For all her age, Myren certainly has energy. Look at her running around, as if she had a spider on her head! She's been through so much in her life, yet she can't stop."

"None can stop when little Thirly is around," Sister Brittany mentioned.

"That little rascal will have anyone on their feet and running."

"Especially me," the Mother of Redwall grunted, taking her place with the Elders. "I don't know when those young Dibbuns will stop bothering me about the Jubilee."

"Maybe it's time we chose a day for the long-awaited celebration of my place as Abbot. We don't want little Dibbuns clawing at our habits all day now, do we?" Abbot Marcus winked through his spectacles.

"That young mole, Brumble, threatened to take over my place as Abbot. I'm telling you, he is getting rather savage."

"Oi saw you'm wi' thoi' youn' Brumble, zurr Habbot!" Foremole chuckled in the curious molespeech. "You'm teller 'im to leave or yore habit would fallers on 'im. Pore Brumble's 'fraid of ee dark, so'm ee ran erways loik 'is furr wos on foir!" As the chuckles died away, Brother Maurice the Recorder coughed.

"Well, the Dibbuns do have a point. This Jubilee is way overdue. I think everybeast agrees that you're going to have to decide on a date for the celebrations."

Myren looked from Father Marcus to Brother Maurice, then gazed at the eating Redwallers, noting Thirly, Brumble and other Dibbuns watching her intently. Smiling, she asked the Abbot in a rather loud voice, "So when shall the celebrations take place, Father Abbot?" Not surprisingly, the young Redwallers jumped from their seats, shouting exuberantly, "Tomorrow!!!"

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