Chapter Seven
Secara the Pine Marten was now in control of Emar's squad. She and several others had found the bodies of Emar and Intra earlier in the day. Which meant it was now time to consult Ronscazar.
Secara strode through the Stronghold with confidence-or as much of it as she could muster under the circumstances. Still, as long as the soldiers saw the air of confidence she projected, it didn't matter so much that she wasn't completely confident herself.
The Pine Marten met the glares of Rickter's soldiers. She supposed she should stop doing that, as they glared whenever they saw her, but she wasn't around Ronscazar so much that she was used to the fox's guards yet. That was going to change though.
Secara knocked politely, and opened the door when she heard the Ronscazar's reply of, "Come in." The two stoats standing near Ronscazar glared at her. Secara almost broke out laughing. Didn't those clods ever do anything else?
Ronscazar looked up, and his eyes suppressed any humour Secara might have had.
"Report. What happened to Emar?"
"I think a squirrel killed him, sir. To be more precise, a fairly accurate squirrel killed Emar and Intra."
"Hmm. Guess you're in command now. Let me give you a trial run, Secara. According to the reports, neither the skipper nor the otter warrior was present to negotiate. What do you make of that?"
"I'd say they were either smart enough to be cautious or else your soldiers got it wrong. Or, possibly, those two have fled, though they don't seem the type for it. However, my job is to deal with your opponents, not analyze them."
Ronscazar gazed at her.
"Not bad, but not great either. I hope your killing skills are better."
"I can kill or capture just about anybeast, Ronscazar. That's my job."
"Yes, I suppose it is. So, do you want to now what's really going on?"
"Does it help me with my next mission?"
"No, I don't suppose it does. But I think I'll tell you anyway."
"Make it quick. I don't like to waste time."
Ronscazar gazed at Secara.
"You really should pay more attention to things like this, Secara. You may not lead a horde, but you lead a squad, so knowing what's going on should really be important to you."
"You might be right. Am I dismissed?"
"Not yet. First I want to tell you what is going on. It will have an effect on your next mission."
"Ah. I suppose that could be useful."
"My best guess is that the Otter Warrior isn't in Mossflower. He wasn't even part of the delaying squad. That's not the otter's style. And since he isn't in Mossflower, he must be trying to get reinforcements. Quite possibly he wants to reach his people. Your next mission is to make sure he doesn't make it that far. Take a group and be thorough."
"Some of that wasn't necessary for me to know. Any idea where the otter comes from?"
"I know that he was once part of a group called the Teron, so he'll likely head for the mountains."
` "So, we take a squad Northwest, track the otter, and kill him. What about the skipper?"
"Leave him to me."
"Yes sir."
Secara strode out of the room. Ronscazar took the medallion out from a drawer in it's desk. The heavy silver medallion had on it three peaks, with a sword facing down behind them, partly obscured by the peaks. Ronscazar didn't know exactly where the Teron were from, but he did recognize their medallions. The fox didn't know how much of the tales of the fierce otter warriors should be believed, but if the otter was anything to go by, the Teron were definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Ronscazar had confidence in Secara's squad, but he knew their success was not guaranteed. The fox began to plan for a possible invasion of Mossflower.
***
Whoever had written that song about the lovely plains, Brand thought, had obviously never been on one when it was nearly summer.
Brand and Vedeshk walked across the plain to the West of Mossflower woods, sweating up a storm and attracting hordes of bugs. Brand tried to slap at the bugs with his free paw and his tail, but it was to no avail. There where too many of them and they had an annoying tendency to ride the air Brand's heavy tail pushed ahead of it.
The otter still wore his chain-mail, but he carried his jacket and his overshirt in the same paw that held his longbow. And he was still roasting. The big otter signalled Vedeshk to halt so that he could put down his bow and garments for a minute to loosen the cap on his canteen. The otter took a short drink. His canteen wasn't all that big, and there didn't appear to be any water bodies in sight. The last time the otter had filled the canteen had been at the stream they had encountered yesterday. Brand turned to his companion.
If anything, Vedeshk was worse of then Brand. The wildcat was roasting inside his scale-mail, as his sweat-soaked fur clearly indicated. The wildcat was going through his larger canteen at a brisk pace. However, though he might appear disheveled, Vedeshk still looked confident. Brand waited for Vedeshk to finish getting a drink then began to move again.
For the first day, the duo had walked in near silence, not talking to each other as they strode along on their journey, with the exception of when Brand asked Vedeshk if he knew of any mountains.
"I passed some on the way here." The Wildcat said wryly. "I actually came from the North, but my directions weren't very good. That's why I had to circle back."
Vedeshk had directed Brand that the beginning of the Mountain range could be found to the Northwest, and so the duo had struck out towards the plain. They talked little for the first day, both focused on their task ahead.
However, Brand, while used to being on his own, was used to getting to know those he happened to meet. Vedeshk seemed more than content to let the silence reign, but Brand finally began to make more serious efforts at conversation.
On the second day of the duo's journey, barriers finally started to break down as the duo got to know each other. It had begun with a somewhat subtle probe by Brand.
"Who are your people, Vedeshk? Maybe they could help us."
Vedeshk's face grew grim.
"Many of my people were slain by ambush when Ronscazar's horde when he was in the Northlands. Those of us who survived have tried to hunt him down. However, we were stupid enough to all disperse. Contacting the rest of my people would be difficult."
Brand sighed.
"Pity. If I had a hundred Wildcats like you of my stern mate, I would have no problem sending Ronscazar to dark forest."
"Really?"
"Okay, um, maybe I was exaggerating a little."
"Ah. Now, I've told you about where I'm from, but you haven't told me much about where you are from."
"As I said, I have a fragmented memory, mate. But I do remember some things. I was part of a group that wanted to help protect. And I remember that the area I group up in had pretty rough terrain. A few nice streams though."
Vedeshk shuddered.
"I can take a little bit of water, but I really wouldn't last a day as a riverdog."
"I'm not so sure about that, mate. Us riverdogs aren't like you cats. We have the proper gear for swimming."
"I'll take your word on that, friend Brand. By the way, there is a question I have been meaning to ask you. However, I am worried it might insult you."
Otters are curious by nature. Brand knew he was taking a slight risk, but he wanted to know what Vedeshk was referring to.
"Ask away, matey."
"Why do Otters get so rowled up when someone calls them streamdogs."
Brand laughed.
"You don't need to be worried about insulting me with that. But isn't the answer obvious?"
"Not to me, it isn't."
Brand gathered his thoughts for a few moments before speaking.
"Otters are known as Riverdogs, right mate?"
"Of course."
"A river is generally a lot bigger than a stream, right?"
"Of course Oh!"
Brand grinned.
"Us riverdogs are touchy about our size and strength. We don't like being called streamdogs because we're riverdogs, get it?"
"Of course I do. What didn't I see that before?"
A funny though crossed Brand's mind.
"Well, you don't see something you hear."
"What?! I don't understand."
"You haven't spent much time around one of my friends."
***
The duo trudged on across the plain, pausing once during the hottest part of the day to take a break in the shade of a group of trees. After so long in Mossflower's woods, the rare trees on the plain seemed pathetic.
Brand was lucky enough to find a stream along the way, and managed to catch a small fish, which was greatly welcomed since neither Otter nor Wildcat had much in the way of supplies. Brand also took some time to cool down in the water. Vedeshk refused to swim, but he did get himself wet. And he definitely refilled his canteen.
It was later in the day that Brand spotted the bird.
"Hawk," the Otter stated.
"Hmm?"
Brand pointed upwards.
"There's a hawk up there. I seem to remember people saying spotting a hawk was good luck."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that."
"I don't know that I buy it either. But it certainly is a good spirit-lifter. Just look at him glide."
"Two things Brand. One, how do you know it's not a she? And two, have you by any chance ever heard that hawks have been known to attack us groundbeasts?"
Brand shrugged.
"Well, the colours look like a male hawk's. Secondly, it's not exactly diving at us. Even if it starts coming at us, I don't want you taking your bow out till we're sure it's attacking. I don't want to provoke it. Anyway, I have memories of other hawks, and I have never been attacked by one. I might be a little more cautious around and eagle, but I don't think we need to worry about the hawk."
The duo watched the Hawk as it glided around above them. Suddenly Vedeshk jolted.
"I just remembered!"
"Just remembered what, mate?"
"There was a village of hedgehogs near here when I was coming down from the Northlands. The Hawk just went flying towards it. Maybe we can ask them if they'll help us."
Brand laughed.
"Well, what do you know? That Hawk is good luck."
***
It took some time to reach the Hedgehog settlement. It was getting darker as Brand and Vedeshk came towards the small collection of huts. There was a challenging yell as the pair walked toward the village.
"Who goes there?!"
It was Brand who replied.
"Brand the Otter and Vedeshk the Wildcat. We were wondering if we could drop by for a little chat, mate."
"Well, you can come on over for now. Hurry up, dinner's almost on."
Brand and Vedeshk hurried on.
There were a variety of hedgehogs that eyed the Otter and the Wildcat up and down as they entered. For some reason, they eyed Vedeshk a lot more than they did Brand. A surprisingly young hedgehog appeared to be the leader.
"Greetings friends. I am Gupper Longspike. I am the leader of this settlement."
Brand laid down his Longbow and unstrapped his swords. He extended one hilt first toward the Hedgehog leader.
"My name is Brand. I make this gesture of peace to show that I mean you no harm."
Vedeshk also joined in, extending the butt end of his spear.
"My name is Vedeshk. I make this gesture of peace to show that I mean you no harm."
The hedgehog grunted.
"If you meant me no harm you wouldn't have handed me all this weight."
Several Hedgehogs rushed forward to assist their leader with his burden, while others laughed at the humorous comment. The hedgehogs also took possession of the weapons surrendered by Brand and Vedeshk. Brand was very careful about the weapons ceremony, even handing over general purpose knife and the spare throwing knife that resided in his pack. He'd missed those once, he didn't want to make another social faux pas.
The hedgehog smiled at the two.
"I'm still not sure you're exactly unarmed, but getting you to surrender your claws and tails might be a bit much."
Brand laughed.
"Yes, it would be a bit much."
The hedgehog looked around.
"Well then. It appears we have a couple of guests. I say that we offer them a place to stay. Any opposed?"
A few of the hedgehogs didn't look to pleased, but none of them raised a paw.
"Good then. They can stop by my place for the night."
The hedgehog signalled Brand and Vedeshk.
"Come this way, travellers. This settlement is always open to friends."
Brand and Vedeshk followed the Hedgehog to a small dwelling towards the center of the settlement. The leader tried to rush, but realizing that his guests were keeping up and that he couldn't just run, he squeaked out a "Excuse me a minute. There's just something I need to do."
The hedgehog ran ahead to his dwelling, opened the door, and began doing something that made shuffling noises. Brand grinned.
"I think our host is a little behind on his housekeeping."
Vedeshk actually grinned.
***
The Otter and the Wildcat waited outside for some time until the Hedgehog leader finally signalled them to come in.
"Sorry about the dirty floor." The hedgehog said apologetically.
Brand grinned.
"Can't be any dirtier than the ground, mate. Do you have this little cove all to yourself?"
"Yes I do. I'm the youngest leader our settlement has had in generations."
The hedgehog laughed slightly.
"I got elected because I was so dedicated. Too dedicated. You've probably noted that I don't spend a lot of time taking care of my place."
Brand shrugged.
"It's got a roof and walls. For someone who's used to being outside, it'll definitely do."
"Good. I'll see what I can scrounge up for dinner."
The hedgehog took several minutes to bring out some cheese, bread, fruits, and pie.
"Sorry again, but I usually don't cook dinners, so this is what I've got."
Brand shrugged again.
"That's okay, mate. I'm used to foraging, so even this is luxury."
The hedgehog smiled.
"Good."
The trio ate in silence for some time. Brand probably ate more than he should have, but after what he had been eating for what was nearly a season, the food that was provided was welcome. Later that night the Hedgehog talked with Brand and Vedeshk. His conversation with Vedeshk was quite apologetic.
"I'm sorry about earlier, friend. My people are a little twitchy around Wildcats."
Vedeshk nodded.
"I'm used to that."
"You shouldn't have to be."
"I know, but it's not surprising that people are nervous around Wildcats. I've noticed it before. It's something my people have worked hard to change."
The hedgehog leader nodded.
"I'm really sorry I couldn't find you two better accommodations than this, but while I think many of the settlers around here would allow you two into their homes, I don't think the atmosphere would have been too pleasant."
The hedgehog leader yawned.
"Guess we should be getting to bed- oh, darn it, I only have one bed. I suspect Vedeshk could fit in it, I think, but I think you'll have to take the floor with me, Brand."
"That's fine."
Then Vedeshk broke in.
"Keep your bed. I'll take the floor too."
The hedgehog looked surprised.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
The hedgehog looked like he was about to say something to try and take the bed, but then he reconsidered.
"All right then. Guess I'll retire. Be back in a minute."
The hedgehog left. Brand looked at Vedeshk.
"Why didn't you accept the bed?"
"Well, Hedgehogs are spiky."
"So?"
"Well, I don't want to find out if both ends of a hedgehog spike are sharp when I'm trying to sleep."
Brand laughed.
"Your really think there are spikes in Gupper's bed?"
"With his housekeeping, do you want to risk it?"
"No, I don't suppose I do."
"I didn't think you would."
***
The next morning the traveller's rose early. Gupper rose early as well.
"I'm an early riser too," he said. I like to get a good start on the day.
Gupper started some tea going.
"Don't want to start of the day with anything too heavy. Not with the summer feast today."
Vedeshk blinked.
"I didn't think it was summer for a while yet."
"Here at this settlement, we can be a little funny about how we keep track of things."
The hedgehog winked.
"I suspect you where planning to get moving, but you can spare a day, can't you."
Vedeshk tried to answer, but was cut off by Brand.
"We ca-"
"Of course we can spend the day mate!"
The hedgehog grinned.
"Splendid. I had better get going to organize preparations."
Brand sat up.
"We can help. We can't just take your hospitality and not pitch in a little."
"Alright then. But later. For now, watch the tea. I have a tendency to let it bubble over."
When the door was closed, Vedeshk almost seemed to explode.
"Idiot streamdog! We're on an important mission!"
Brand kept himself calm.
"Yes. However, I'm not about to go and ask a hedgehog if he'll bring his village to my war when it's their Feast Day."
Vedeshk blew up again.
"There are more important things than feasts!"
"Yes there are. But I'm not asking. And neither are you. Don't raise your anchor just yet mate."
Vedeshk sighed.
"Alright, Brand. But you better not dilly-dally this whole trip."
Brand stayed his course.
"I won't, friend."
***
The feast the hedgehogs held was one of the best Brand had ever been to. The food was excellent and plentiful, and the settlers seemed to socialize even with Vedeshk to some degree.
Brand had helped out by making a hotroot soup. The otter still had a little hotroot in his bag, and he used shrimp provided by the villagers. It was not a big soup, as the villagers did not have a lot of shrimp, but it was enough. Unfortunately, it wasn't one of the better points of the feast. The hedgehogs where not big on even the heavily watered down soup Brand produced. Still, the day went well for the two travellers. In fact, they where the top pair in the archery competition, with Brand outshooting Vedeshk just slightly. The hedgehogs where impressed by more than the pair's skills, however. The hedgehog's rather small bows where no match for the size, range, or power of Brand and Vedeshk's, and the blue and green fletched arrows that jockeyed for positions on the targets drew looks for their vibrant colours almost as much as for their placement.
The only other major downside was perhaps the tense moments that occurred when a bird looked like it might have mistaken the archery competition for an attack. Fortunately, it veered of and did not attack, much to the relief of the settlers. Brand was also relieved. While he believed that he could best the bird in a battle, he did not want to kill the creature. After all, what Otter would want to kill a beast that thought it was only defending itself from an unprovoked attack?
The travellers actually for offered accommodations for the night. They moved in with a hedgehog family sometime after midnight, with Brand feeling a little hazy from ale. Because the beds where a bit small, the two still had to sleep on the floor, but this time they where given mattresses.
Brand eventually got rid of his. They had and annoying tendency to move apart and make him uncomfortable. Anyway, the big otter found the mattresses strange. Vedeshk also moved onto the floor. Brand sighed. It might take a bit of explaining in the morning, but he it was more comfortable for him to sleep this way.
The pair was up much earlier than most of the settlers on the next morning. They had to wait for Gupper to wake, however. Even the settlement's leader seemed to sleep in the morning after the summer feast.
Gupper's response to Brand's request was not what Brand would have liked, however.
"Friend, can not you and this Ronscazar work out this situation without violence?"
Great, Brand though. An idealist.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, mate. Ronscazar is greedy and he also has kept locals as slaves. We don't have anything to offer him that will make him let us just live in peace and freedom. We're just going to have to show him that the kits have teeth."
Gupper sighed.
"I suppose you might be right. But I cannot assist you in that way. I cannot risk the lives of all those settlers, and many would oppose it anyway. How many of them would want to help a Wildcat?"
Brand considered pleading, but decided against it.
"Fine, if that is how you will proceed we will not force you to become involved. However, do you think you might be able to provide us with some supplies? Nothing real heavy or elaborate, but scavenging is sort of scarce out on the plains."
Gupper nodded.
"I can do that friend. Farewell, and good luck."
Several of the settlers gathered to see the duo off, and a few of them even made rather personal good-byes to Vedeshk. Both travellers where given a small, well balanced pack with some food. Brand thanked the village leader before setting off. The big otter was still determined, but he was now feeling slightly discouraged. As they walked away from the settlement, Brand spoke to Vedeshk."
"I guess that Hawk wasn't truly good luck."
Secara the Pine Marten was now in control of Emar's squad. She and several others had found the bodies of Emar and Intra earlier in the day. Which meant it was now time to consult Ronscazar.
Secara strode through the Stronghold with confidence-or as much of it as she could muster under the circumstances. Still, as long as the soldiers saw the air of confidence she projected, it didn't matter so much that she wasn't completely confident herself.
The Pine Marten met the glares of Rickter's soldiers. She supposed she should stop doing that, as they glared whenever they saw her, but she wasn't around Ronscazar so much that she was used to the fox's guards yet. That was going to change though.
Secara knocked politely, and opened the door when she heard the Ronscazar's reply of, "Come in." The two stoats standing near Ronscazar glared at her. Secara almost broke out laughing. Didn't those clods ever do anything else?
Ronscazar looked up, and his eyes suppressed any humour Secara might have had.
"Report. What happened to Emar?"
"I think a squirrel killed him, sir. To be more precise, a fairly accurate squirrel killed Emar and Intra."
"Hmm. Guess you're in command now. Let me give you a trial run, Secara. According to the reports, neither the skipper nor the otter warrior was present to negotiate. What do you make of that?"
"I'd say they were either smart enough to be cautious or else your soldiers got it wrong. Or, possibly, those two have fled, though they don't seem the type for it. However, my job is to deal with your opponents, not analyze them."
Ronscazar gazed at her.
"Not bad, but not great either. I hope your killing skills are better."
"I can kill or capture just about anybeast, Ronscazar. That's my job."
"Yes, I suppose it is. So, do you want to now what's really going on?"
"Does it help me with my next mission?"
"No, I don't suppose it does. But I think I'll tell you anyway."
"Make it quick. I don't like to waste time."
Ronscazar gazed at Secara.
"You really should pay more attention to things like this, Secara. You may not lead a horde, but you lead a squad, so knowing what's going on should really be important to you."
"You might be right. Am I dismissed?"
"Not yet. First I want to tell you what is going on. It will have an effect on your next mission."
"Ah. I suppose that could be useful."
"My best guess is that the Otter Warrior isn't in Mossflower. He wasn't even part of the delaying squad. That's not the otter's style. And since he isn't in Mossflower, he must be trying to get reinforcements. Quite possibly he wants to reach his people. Your next mission is to make sure he doesn't make it that far. Take a group and be thorough."
"Some of that wasn't necessary for me to know. Any idea where the otter comes from?"
"I know that he was once part of a group called the Teron, so he'll likely head for the mountains."
` "So, we take a squad Northwest, track the otter, and kill him. What about the skipper?"
"Leave him to me."
"Yes sir."
Secara strode out of the room. Ronscazar took the medallion out from a drawer in it's desk. The heavy silver medallion had on it three peaks, with a sword facing down behind them, partly obscured by the peaks. Ronscazar didn't know exactly where the Teron were from, but he did recognize their medallions. The fox didn't know how much of the tales of the fierce otter warriors should be believed, but if the otter was anything to go by, the Teron were definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Ronscazar had confidence in Secara's squad, but he knew their success was not guaranteed. The fox began to plan for a possible invasion of Mossflower.
***
Whoever had written that song about the lovely plains, Brand thought, had obviously never been on one when it was nearly summer.
Brand and Vedeshk walked across the plain to the West of Mossflower woods, sweating up a storm and attracting hordes of bugs. Brand tried to slap at the bugs with his free paw and his tail, but it was to no avail. There where too many of them and they had an annoying tendency to ride the air Brand's heavy tail pushed ahead of it.
The otter still wore his chain-mail, but he carried his jacket and his overshirt in the same paw that held his longbow. And he was still roasting. The big otter signalled Vedeshk to halt so that he could put down his bow and garments for a minute to loosen the cap on his canteen. The otter took a short drink. His canteen wasn't all that big, and there didn't appear to be any water bodies in sight. The last time the otter had filled the canteen had been at the stream they had encountered yesterday. Brand turned to his companion.
If anything, Vedeshk was worse of then Brand. The wildcat was roasting inside his scale-mail, as his sweat-soaked fur clearly indicated. The wildcat was going through his larger canteen at a brisk pace. However, though he might appear disheveled, Vedeshk still looked confident. Brand waited for Vedeshk to finish getting a drink then began to move again.
For the first day, the duo had walked in near silence, not talking to each other as they strode along on their journey, with the exception of when Brand asked Vedeshk if he knew of any mountains.
"I passed some on the way here." The Wildcat said wryly. "I actually came from the North, but my directions weren't very good. That's why I had to circle back."
Vedeshk had directed Brand that the beginning of the Mountain range could be found to the Northwest, and so the duo had struck out towards the plain. They talked little for the first day, both focused on their task ahead.
However, Brand, while used to being on his own, was used to getting to know those he happened to meet. Vedeshk seemed more than content to let the silence reign, but Brand finally began to make more serious efforts at conversation.
On the second day of the duo's journey, barriers finally started to break down as the duo got to know each other. It had begun with a somewhat subtle probe by Brand.
"Who are your people, Vedeshk? Maybe they could help us."
Vedeshk's face grew grim.
"Many of my people were slain by ambush when Ronscazar's horde when he was in the Northlands. Those of us who survived have tried to hunt him down. However, we were stupid enough to all disperse. Contacting the rest of my people would be difficult."
Brand sighed.
"Pity. If I had a hundred Wildcats like you of my stern mate, I would have no problem sending Ronscazar to dark forest."
"Really?"
"Okay, um, maybe I was exaggerating a little."
"Ah. Now, I've told you about where I'm from, but you haven't told me much about where you are from."
"As I said, I have a fragmented memory, mate. But I do remember some things. I was part of a group that wanted to help protect. And I remember that the area I group up in had pretty rough terrain. A few nice streams though."
Vedeshk shuddered.
"I can take a little bit of water, but I really wouldn't last a day as a riverdog."
"I'm not so sure about that, mate. Us riverdogs aren't like you cats. We have the proper gear for swimming."
"I'll take your word on that, friend Brand. By the way, there is a question I have been meaning to ask you. However, I am worried it might insult you."
Otters are curious by nature. Brand knew he was taking a slight risk, but he wanted to know what Vedeshk was referring to.
"Ask away, matey."
"Why do Otters get so rowled up when someone calls them streamdogs."
Brand laughed.
"You don't need to be worried about insulting me with that. But isn't the answer obvious?"
"Not to me, it isn't."
Brand gathered his thoughts for a few moments before speaking.
"Otters are known as Riverdogs, right mate?"
"Of course."
"A river is generally a lot bigger than a stream, right?"
"Of course Oh!"
Brand grinned.
"Us riverdogs are touchy about our size and strength. We don't like being called streamdogs because we're riverdogs, get it?"
"Of course I do. What didn't I see that before?"
A funny though crossed Brand's mind.
"Well, you don't see something you hear."
"What?! I don't understand."
"You haven't spent much time around one of my friends."
***
The duo trudged on across the plain, pausing once during the hottest part of the day to take a break in the shade of a group of trees. After so long in Mossflower's woods, the rare trees on the plain seemed pathetic.
Brand was lucky enough to find a stream along the way, and managed to catch a small fish, which was greatly welcomed since neither Otter nor Wildcat had much in the way of supplies. Brand also took some time to cool down in the water. Vedeshk refused to swim, but he did get himself wet. And he definitely refilled his canteen.
It was later in the day that Brand spotted the bird.
"Hawk," the Otter stated.
"Hmm?"
Brand pointed upwards.
"There's a hawk up there. I seem to remember people saying spotting a hawk was good luck."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that."
"I don't know that I buy it either. But it certainly is a good spirit-lifter. Just look at him glide."
"Two things Brand. One, how do you know it's not a she? And two, have you by any chance ever heard that hawks have been known to attack us groundbeasts?"
Brand shrugged.
"Well, the colours look like a male hawk's. Secondly, it's not exactly diving at us. Even if it starts coming at us, I don't want you taking your bow out till we're sure it's attacking. I don't want to provoke it. Anyway, I have memories of other hawks, and I have never been attacked by one. I might be a little more cautious around and eagle, but I don't think we need to worry about the hawk."
The duo watched the Hawk as it glided around above them. Suddenly Vedeshk jolted.
"I just remembered!"
"Just remembered what, mate?"
"There was a village of hedgehogs near here when I was coming down from the Northlands. The Hawk just went flying towards it. Maybe we can ask them if they'll help us."
Brand laughed.
"Well, what do you know? That Hawk is good luck."
***
It took some time to reach the Hedgehog settlement. It was getting darker as Brand and Vedeshk came towards the small collection of huts. There was a challenging yell as the pair walked toward the village.
"Who goes there?!"
It was Brand who replied.
"Brand the Otter and Vedeshk the Wildcat. We were wondering if we could drop by for a little chat, mate."
"Well, you can come on over for now. Hurry up, dinner's almost on."
Brand and Vedeshk hurried on.
There were a variety of hedgehogs that eyed the Otter and the Wildcat up and down as they entered. For some reason, they eyed Vedeshk a lot more than they did Brand. A surprisingly young hedgehog appeared to be the leader.
"Greetings friends. I am Gupper Longspike. I am the leader of this settlement."
Brand laid down his Longbow and unstrapped his swords. He extended one hilt first toward the Hedgehog leader.
"My name is Brand. I make this gesture of peace to show that I mean you no harm."
Vedeshk also joined in, extending the butt end of his spear.
"My name is Vedeshk. I make this gesture of peace to show that I mean you no harm."
The hedgehog grunted.
"If you meant me no harm you wouldn't have handed me all this weight."
Several Hedgehogs rushed forward to assist their leader with his burden, while others laughed at the humorous comment. The hedgehogs also took possession of the weapons surrendered by Brand and Vedeshk. Brand was very careful about the weapons ceremony, even handing over general purpose knife and the spare throwing knife that resided in his pack. He'd missed those once, he didn't want to make another social faux pas.
The hedgehog smiled at the two.
"I'm still not sure you're exactly unarmed, but getting you to surrender your claws and tails might be a bit much."
Brand laughed.
"Yes, it would be a bit much."
The hedgehog looked around.
"Well then. It appears we have a couple of guests. I say that we offer them a place to stay. Any opposed?"
A few of the hedgehogs didn't look to pleased, but none of them raised a paw.
"Good then. They can stop by my place for the night."
The hedgehog signalled Brand and Vedeshk.
"Come this way, travellers. This settlement is always open to friends."
Brand and Vedeshk followed the Hedgehog to a small dwelling towards the center of the settlement. The leader tried to rush, but realizing that his guests were keeping up and that he couldn't just run, he squeaked out a "Excuse me a minute. There's just something I need to do."
The hedgehog ran ahead to his dwelling, opened the door, and began doing something that made shuffling noises. Brand grinned.
"I think our host is a little behind on his housekeeping."
Vedeshk actually grinned.
***
The Otter and the Wildcat waited outside for some time until the Hedgehog leader finally signalled them to come in.
"Sorry about the dirty floor." The hedgehog said apologetically.
Brand grinned.
"Can't be any dirtier than the ground, mate. Do you have this little cove all to yourself?"
"Yes I do. I'm the youngest leader our settlement has had in generations."
The hedgehog laughed slightly.
"I got elected because I was so dedicated. Too dedicated. You've probably noted that I don't spend a lot of time taking care of my place."
Brand shrugged.
"It's got a roof and walls. For someone who's used to being outside, it'll definitely do."
"Good. I'll see what I can scrounge up for dinner."
The hedgehog took several minutes to bring out some cheese, bread, fruits, and pie.
"Sorry again, but I usually don't cook dinners, so this is what I've got."
Brand shrugged again.
"That's okay, mate. I'm used to foraging, so even this is luxury."
The hedgehog smiled.
"Good."
The trio ate in silence for some time. Brand probably ate more than he should have, but after what he had been eating for what was nearly a season, the food that was provided was welcome. Later that night the Hedgehog talked with Brand and Vedeshk. His conversation with Vedeshk was quite apologetic.
"I'm sorry about earlier, friend. My people are a little twitchy around Wildcats."
Vedeshk nodded.
"I'm used to that."
"You shouldn't have to be."
"I know, but it's not surprising that people are nervous around Wildcats. I've noticed it before. It's something my people have worked hard to change."
The hedgehog leader nodded.
"I'm really sorry I couldn't find you two better accommodations than this, but while I think many of the settlers around here would allow you two into their homes, I don't think the atmosphere would have been too pleasant."
The hedgehog leader yawned.
"Guess we should be getting to bed- oh, darn it, I only have one bed. I suspect Vedeshk could fit in it, I think, but I think you'll have to take the floor with me, Brand."
"That's fine."
Then Vedeshk broke in.
"Keep your bed. I'll take the floor too."
The hedgehog looked surprised.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
The hedgehog looked like he was about to say something to try and take the bed, but then he reconsidered.
"All right then. Guess I'll retire. Be back in a minute."
The hedgehog left. Brand looked at Vedeshk.
"Why didn't you accept the bed?"
"Well, Hedgehogs are spiky."
"So?"
"Well, I don't want to find out if both ends of a hedgehog spike are sharp when I'm trying to sleep."
Brand laughed.
"Your really think there are spikes in Gupper's bed?"
"With his housekeeping, do you want to risk it?"
"No, I don't suppose I do."
"I didn't think you would."
***
The next morning the traveller's rose early. Gupper rose early as well.
"I'm an early riser too," he said. I like to get a good start on the day.
Gupper started some tea going.
"Don't want to start of the day with anything too heavy. Not with the summer feast today."
Vedeshk blinked.
"I didn't think it was summer for a while yet."
"Here at this settlement, we can be a little funny about how we keep track of things."
The hedgehog winked.
"I suspect you where planning to get moving, but you can spare a day, can't you."
Vedeshk tried to answer, but was cut off by Brand.
"We ca-"
"Of course we can spend the day mate!"
The hedgehog grinned.
"Splendid. I had better get going to organize preparations."
Brand sat up.
"We can help. We can't just take your hospitality and not pitch in a little."
"Alright then. But later. For now, watch the tea. I have a tendency to let it bubble over."
When the door was closed, Vedeshk almost seemed to explode.
"Idiot streamdog! We're on an important mission!"
Brand kept himself calm.
"Yes. However, I'm not about to go and ask a hedgehog if he'll bring his village to my war when it's their Feast Day."
Vedeshk blew up again.
"There are more important things than feasts!"
"Yes there are. But I'm not asking. And neither are you. Don't raise your anchor just yet mate."
Vedeshk sighed.
"Alright, Brand. But you better not dilly-dally this whole trip."
Brand stayed his course.
"I won't, friend."
***
The feast the hedgehogs held was one of the best Brand had ever been to. The food was excellent and plentiful, and the settlers seemed to socialize even with Vedeshk to some degree.
Brand had helped out by making a hotroot soup. The otter still had a little hotroot in his bag, and he used shrimp provided by the villagers. It was not a big soup, as the villagers did not have a lot of shrimp, but it was enough. Unfortunately, it wasn't one of the better points of the feast. The hedgehogs where not big on even the heavily watered down soup Brand produced. Still, the day went well for the two travellers. In fact, they where the top pair in the archery competition, with Brand outshooting Vedeshk just slightly. The hedgehogs where impressed by more than the pair's skills, however. The hedgehog's rather small bows where no match for the size, range, or power of Brand and Vedeshk's, and the blue and green fletched arrows that jockeyed for positions on the targets drew looks for their vibrant colours almost as much as for their placement.
The only other major downside was perhaps the tense moments that occurred when a bird looked like it might have mistaken the archery competition for an attack. Fortunately, it veered of and did not attack, much to the relief of the settlers. Brand was also relieved. While he believed that he could best the bird in a battle, he did not want to kill the creature. After all, what Otter would want to kill a beast that thought it was only defending itself from an unprovoked attack?
The travellers actually for offered accommodations for the night. They moved in with a hedgehog family sometime after midnight, with Brand feeling a little hazy from ale. Because the beds where a bit small, the two still had to sleep on the floor, but this time they where given mattresses.
Brand eventually got rid of his. They had and annoying tendency to move apart and make him uncomfortable. Anyway, the big otter found the mattresses strange. Vedeshk also moved onto the floor. Brand sighed. It might take a bit of explaining in the morning, but he it was more comfortable for him to sleep this way.
The pair was up much earlier than most of the settlers on the next morning. They had to wait for Gupper to wake, however. Even the settlement's leader seemed to sleep in the morning after the summer feast.
Gupper's response to Brand's request was not what Brand would have liked, however.
"Friend, can not you and this Ronscazar work out this situation without violence?"
Great, Brand though. An idealist.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, mate. Ronscazar is greedy and he also has kept locals as slaves. We don't have anything to offer him that will make him let us just live in peace and freedom. We're just going to have to show him that the kits have teeth."
Gupper sighed.
"I suppose you might be right. But I cannot assist you in that way. I cannot risk the lives of all those settlers, and many would oppose it anyway. How many of them would want to help a Wildcat?"
Brand considered pleading, but decided against it.
"Fine, if that is how you will proceed we will not force you to become involved. However, do you think you might be able to provide us with some supplies? Nothing real heavy or elaborate, but scavenging is sort of scarce out on the plains."
Gupper nodded.
"I can do that friend. Farewell, and good luck."
Several of the settlers gathered to see the duo off, and a few of them even made rather personal good-byes to Vedeshk. Both travellers where given a small, well balanced pack with some food. Brand thanked the village leader before setting off. The big otter was still determined, but he was now feeling slightly discouraged. As they walked away from the settlement, Brand spoke to Vedeshk."
"I guess that Hawk wasn't truly good luck."
I don't lack a life. I lack nine lives. -Darthtabby
