PROLOGUE

As dawn broke, the sun shined down upon the inhabitants of this peaceful and kind kingdom. The Farmers were already up and tending to their crops.

"Morning Haybor."

"Morning Tertric."

"How's the King and Queen?"

"Doing fine I bet, my little brother's been sending me messages and invitations to come and visit. He is a father now and Rosaline is a mother."

"That's very nice. That makes you an Uncle now too!"

"Aye that it does."

"Why don't you accept the invitations?"

"Are you kidding me? I can't just go off and leave my crops untended."

"Why don't you leave it to me and go see your new little nephew?"

"No I'm sorry I just can't bother you with that."

"Oh It's no problem at all. I can handle it, I have way too much time on my paws."

"Alright, could you tend my crops for the day?"

"Sure! I'd be more than happy too!"

"Thank you! I'll be going right now." Haybor walked back to his quaint little Farmhouse and changed out of his Farmer's Work Tunic. He grabbed his favorite woven straw hat and was on his way to the castle, his little brother Theralious and his wife Rosaline had been the rulers of the Kingdom of Rosetalia for nine full seasons. Two seasons ago Rosaline had given birth to a bouncing baby boy Badger. They had not named him as they felt it better to have him choose his own name. As Haybor arrived at the castle, the Captain of the Guard stopped him.

"HOLD IT! What do you think you are doing?"

"I'm here to visit my brother, the King Theralious as well as his wife and son."

"Sorry but nobody is allowed to see the King or Queen."

"Why is that? I have an invitation from them!"

"I'm sorry but you're not allowed!"

"What's your name?"

"Captain Wrangil! Now I must ask you to leave before I have to make you!" Wrangil places a paw on his Broadsword and draws it halfway out of its sheath slowly.

"Fine, I will be one my way."

"Where do you think you're going Haybor? You just got here!"

"Theralious?! How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough. Captain Wrangil, you are hereby off duty until further notice!"

"Yes your majesty." Wrangil walks off towards the barracks. Theralious and Haybor walked inside the castle but as they did Wrangil turned around and sneered at King Theralious.

"Your day will come sooner than you think Badger! Once the Fang has arrived with the others, your precious little Prince will be ours and we'll be in control of the world!"

"WRANGIL! Shut your muzzle! We don't want them catching onto us! We need to be discrete!" Out strode a figure clad in all violet clothes, Some of it light some if it dark, he was big with coal black fur, he wore a huge Violet cloak and he was as big as a Badger Lord.

"Right, sorry about that!"

"I am leaving for the shore, once they arrive I will shoot a blazing shaft into the sky, that is your signal to seize the brat!"

"Right, we'll be able to raise our very own secret weapon! It's absolutely genius! The Fang is true as her word about how they're able to control the Bloodwrath! That other one, Haybor. He had red in his eyes for a few seconds!"

"Whatever! You know what to do so be ready!"

The figure turned and left as Wrangil went to the barracks. Inside the castle Haybor has finally got to meet his little nephew. As he held him in his arms the little Badger Babe cooed and squeaked, his green eyes seemed to radiate purity. Haybor smiled as the babe grabbed a finger and squeezed it tightly. "He'll be a strong one when he grows up."

"True. Are you sure you don't want to spend the night here with us and tomorrow so you can bond with your nephew?"

"Oh, oh alright I'll spend the night. But tomorrow I want to be able to spend the entire day with him if that's alright."

"Of course it is. Why wouldn't it be?"

"I don't know, I'm still unsure of what you do with him all day so I just thought I would ask."

"It's alright. No need to fret over it."

As dusk fell covering the entire Kingdom in darkness, a single fiery light arched through the sky. Wrangil watches it arch through the air and grins wickedly.

"Showtime!" Wrangil drew his broadsword and snuck into the castle. As he made his way through the corridors he smiled wickedly. "I'll get the brat and I'll pay his dear ole Uncle a visit too!"

Slowly and carefully he entered the Royal Chamber and snuck to the Princes' bed and grabbed him with a single paw. Startled and awakened the Badger babe wailed aloud, waking his mother and father.

"WHAT?! WRANGIL?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Theralious leaped to his footpaws and ran at Wrangil, as he did Haybor came bounding into the chamber, Wrangil swung his sword and severed the King's head. Haybor tackled Wrangil knocking him down, he grabbed his Nephew and tossed him to Rosaline.

"RUN! HIDE! GET AWAY FROM HERE! UNGGHHH!"

Wrangil brought the pomel of his sword down on Haybor's skull, knocking him out cold. Rosaline ran out of the chamber into one of the many hallways, she hides in a side chambers and hides her babe under the bed. She hid herself next to the door. She waited silently, listening to the sound of loud banging, clattering and a variety of swear words getting closer and closer. It was loud and very close then it stopped, outside she could hear heavy pawsteps.

There was a creak as the door opened. Wrangil stepped slightly and looked around and walked out, the sound of his pawsteps getting lower and lower until they are not heard any longer. Rosaline steps away from her hiding spot and and was about to bend down to get her babe when there was a sudden sickening sound, she gasped as she looked down, the blade of Wrangil was protruding from her middle.

"Got ya Queeny, where is the babe?"

"You'll never find him! One of my servants has taken him far away by now!"

"Darn you! You wench!" Wrangil wrenches the sword out of Rosaline's middle and runs out of the chamber towards the main entrance. The babe comes out of hiding and sees his mother on the floor bleeding, he crawls to her and crawled where she lie bleeding. She sees him and with the last of her strength, she slipped the loose bracelet off of her arm and fastens it tightly to her babes thin arm.

"Be strong my little one, for you and your parents, we love you so much......" As her last breath escapes her body the tiny babe cuddles his mother's lifeless body shaking her slightly with tears in his eyes at first mumbling then screaming his first word.

"Momma? Momma! MOMMA!" He shakes her body as hard as he can he cuddles next to her and cries himself to sleep. As the sun rises the next day some beast grabs him, he wakes up and sees the fat Rat's face before he is thrust into a burlap sack.

"Grumblegutt reporting in from my scouting of the castle! I found the babe and he is on my ship, his Uncle too! I found this bracelet on the babe, be sure The Fang gets it as a conquering gift!" With that the ship leaves the country of Rosetalia and the badger babe and his Uncle Haybor may never see it again!

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter One

It was a terrible storm sweeping across the Northlands. All manner of plant life and random discarded objects were being torn throughout the storm. There was barely any beast out in the open where the storm was raging. The kind skipper of otters, Skipper Wavecrester was trying hard to get his tiny otter babe and otter wife out of the storm.

Frantically he ran and searched until he finally found a cave in the Cliffside. Inside him and his wife Perla started a fire with some dry wood they found in the cave. They started to make some good old shrimp and hotroot soup.

While the soup was cooking he checked on his little otter babe, Roughtide was his name. He was shivering very violently. Skipper Wavecrester carefully brought the little otter babe closer to the fire. Perla asked if he could find any more of the dry wood in the cave. Skipper Wavecrester agreed and went deeper into the cave with a torch to light the way. As he went deeper into the cave he thought he heard a noise, he turned around to look for the source of the noise. As he turned around something hard hit him in the back of his skull and out he went like a small candle flame.

Some time passed by and Perla was getting worried about her husband. She got so worried that she took a torch and went to look for him. When she finally found him he was dazed and slightly confused as to what happened to him. He went with his wife back to the fire. To their shock they found an enormous serpent an adder close to their baby.

"No!" cried Perla as she thought everything was lost.

"Roooaaaarrr", suddenly to their surprise an incredible sight bestowed them. A small sized badger came bounding past them and threw itself upon the adder.

To their horror the small sized badger was wrestling with the adder as if it were professionally skilled at it.

"Oi get at im mate ye got im right where you want im" said Skipper Wavecrester.

After a little while the adder slumped down to the floor with a terrifying thud. Skipper Wavecrester and his wife Perla hurriedly ran to their babe, luckily he was unharmed by the adder.

"Oi friend, ya did us a great kindness getting that there adder away from our darlin lil babe." said Skipper Wavecrester.

"Are ya hungry lil guy?" asked Perla.

"I guess I am a little hungry." said the small badger.

"Is there anything else in the cave skip?" asked Perla.

"I dun no Perla, maybe the thing that hit me is long gone." said Skipper Wavecrester.

"Excuse me." said the little Badger. "I'm sorry; it was me who hit you. I thought you were a sort of vermin until I saw you were an otter." "I'm sorry for what I did to you." said the little badger.

"It's alright little guy."

"Don't you have any family or guardians ta look after you?" asked Skipper Wavecrester.

"No I don't have any family. They were slaughtered by sea vermin a season ago."

"Oh you poor dear you." said Perla.

Upon closer inspection of the little badger she noticed he had beautiful green eyes the color of the leaves and stem of a red rose.

"Is he okay?" asked the little badger.

"Yes, he's all right the adder didn't harm a single strand of fur on his lil head."

"Do you think I could travel with you for a while?"

"I guess so. Don't think it could hurt no one."

"Thanks so much. Oh, may I ask your names please."

"Sure ya can lil mate, I am Skipper Wavecrester, this is my wife Perla and this lil bundle of joy is our son Roughtide."

"Pleased to meet you all." said the badger.

"Hm what's your name lil guy?"

"I don't know I was too young to remember it."

"Than I guess I will have to name you, How about Rosethorn?" asked Perla.

"I guess it will do. In fact I like it, thank you." said the newly named little badger.

"You better get some rest we leave in the mornin." said Skipper Wavecrester.

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter Two

"You stupid idiot why did you let that badger go he was an incredibly valuable prisoner to the great Gallette Gortus, You bumbling fool he'll probably have us killed for letting him go or worse!" said the incredibly ugly stoat, Grumblegut.

"What could be worser than deafth?" asked his none too bright partner in crime Sludgegob.

"You want to know?" said Grumblegut.

"Yes I do." said Sludgegob.

"He'll torture us slowly and painfully just to make himself feel good about himself and to make him look frightening, trust me I've seen it!" said Grumblegut.

"Then shurdn't we be lookin fer im?" asked Sludgegob.

Before he could get an answer from Grumblegut he was slumped on the ground dead. Killed by Grumblegut's sickle his head still rolling on the deck of the ship, The Creature Killer! The Creature Killer is on the prowl for fresh victims.

"Come on already, your going too slow!" said Roughtide.

"Hold on you little scamp! Don't go too far or you'll get lost!" said Rosethorn.

"Oh okay I guess we can go back to camp now."

It has been nearly three seasons since Skipper Wavecrester and his wife Perla accepted to take care of the once small badger. By this time the badger is now almost fully grown, the otters have decided to journey to Redwall Abbey then to the mountain fortress Salamandastron.

"There you are! Where were you? Why didn't you stay near the campsite like I told you? This is dangerous country where bandits and all manner of vermin lurk around every corner; you need to be careful and aware of your surroundings!" said Perla.

"Alright mom I will." said Rosethorn.

"What did you just call me?!" said Perla.

"Oh I'm sorry!"

"No, no, you don't need to apologize, in fact I would really like it if you called me that!" said Perla.

"What about me?" asked Roughtide?

"You can still call me that if you want I don't mind." said Perla.

"Hey mom where is dad?" asked Rosethorn.

"He's probably trying to catch some fish for supper."

"Should I go check on him?"

"Oh would you do that for me? Well okay just be careful Rosethorn."

"I will mom I promise."

"Okay I hope you keep your word this time."

As he left he picked up a long thick branch just incase there were any vermin around. He walked through the woods of Mossflower towards a river where he thought Skipper Wavecrester might be catching fish.

"Hey Dad are you done yet?" called Rosethorn.

As Rosethorn stepped out of the woods a horrible sight bestowed him. Skipper Wavecrester was staggering. He had been stabbed by a vile looking fox.

"Dad no!" roared Rosethorn.

Angry and worried Rosethorn ran towards the fox consumed for the first time by none other than the Bloodwrath. The Bloodwrath turned Rosethorn's beautiful green eyes into horrible pools of a bright rose like red. Roaring Rosethorn brought the tree limb crashing down upon the vile foxes head killing him instantly. Quickly Rosethorn scooped up his surrogate father and sprinted into the woods. He arrived back at the camp and hurriedly scooped up his mother and little brother. He ran south out of the woods.

No sooner as he ran out he was spotted by an enormous army of vermin. There were Foxes, Weasels, and Ferrets, Rats as well as Stoats all in one place. As fast as he could he ran right into the midst of the vermin. Swinging from left to right he battered a path through the vermin and out into the field close to Redwall Abbey. As soon as he got to the gates Perla and Roughtide roared at the top of their lungs for someone to open the gates.

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter Three

"Come on you lily-livered blobs get them, that's me old prisoner it looks like." said Grumblegut.

Back at the entrance to Redwall Abbey Rosethorn and his family were frantically trying to get the attention of the Redwallers inside the abbey to open the gate.

"Come on open the gate quickly." said Perla.

"Mom, Roughtide hold on to my back tightly support dad between you two don't let go." said Rosethorn who is still inflicted with the Bloodwrath.

"Impossible how can you speak soundly when you are still in the state of the Bloodwrath?" said Perla.

"Don't have time to ask questions now just hang on."

Amazingly Rosethorn bounded away from the Abbey all the way to the ditch. As soon as he got there Rosethorn turned around and ran faster back to the Abbey than he did going toward the ditch. Powerfully he used the momentum he gathered to climb the immense gate of Redwall Abbey.

"Come on you lazy beasts don't let them get away." said Grumblegut.

"They aren't going anywhere besides we can get into that Abbey no problem." Said a fox just like the one Rosethorn killed.

"What's your name Fox!?"

"My name is Veradon!"

"Well then Veradon why don't you try to get that badger out of the Abbey then we can get going." said Grumblegut.

"Then I will do it just for fun. Bring out the other prisoner right out front." said Veradon.

"Has anyone seen my brother anywhere?" asked Veradon.

"No one has seen him around since he went into the forest." said a lesser vermin.

"Well then go in and find him this is a crucial moment that we're going to need everyone at our disposal to pull it off."

"Yes sir!" said the vermin.

"Hold on we're almost there." announced Rosethorn.

"Believe us we're not even thinking of letting go." said Perla, as Rosethorn was nearing the top of the huge gate.

Shortly after words Rosethorn and his family were over the top of the Abbey and on the other side resting on the battlements. Quickly Rosethorn ran towards the Great Hall of the Abbey.

"Please!" bellowed Rosethorn as he stood in the huge doorway of the Great Hall. "Please help my father!" said Rosethorn as he knelt down on the floor clutching his father close to him.

"Oh dear!" cried Abbot Corrlum. "What has happened to him?" asked the Abbot.

"He was out catching fish I guess at some point he was stabbed from behind by a fox. I don't know when exactly it happened. Can you please help us?" said Rosethorn.

"Yes we can, Sister Alleria get him to the infirmary as quickly as you can."

"You lead I'll follow quickly!" said Rosethorn.

"This way come on." said Sister Alleria as she beckoned Rosethorn to follow her. "Set him down gently I'll get some bandages and compresses to stop the bleeding. Put pressure here please." said Sister Alleria as she handed him a compress.

In a few moments the bleeding had stopped and Skipper Wavecrester was slowly but surely breathing as best he could without wincing every time he took a breath.

"Come here please." asked Sister Alleria.

"Okay just a second." said Rosethorn, as he got up he patted his fathers head as gently as he could.

"Yes?" asked Rosethorn.

"Would you like to get something to eat?"

"I guess I could eat something."

"Alright follow me back down to the Great Hall please."

"I will don't worry."

No sooner did he say it that his eyes went back to their beautiful green color. Sister Alleria got so lost in them that she almost forgot to lead him back down to the Great Hall.

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter Four

Back outside the Abbey Veradon was putting his plan to action. He had an awesomely evil plan.

"It is almost done. Once the badger sees the prisoner he won't be able to help himself. This is brilliant have the badger come out to us then we net him."

"Sir we found your brother!" said the vermin who was sent to look for Veradon's brother.

"You did? Where is he then?" said Veradon.

"He's dead sir." said the vermin.

"What? What do you mean he's dead? He can't be dead. Him! It was the badger he did it that's why he had an injured otter with him! When I get my hands on him I'll torture him for what he did."

Meanwhile back inside the abbey, Rosethorn, Perla, Roughtide, and Skipper Wavecrester have all been fed and were snoozing soundly. In the Great Hall the atmosphere suddenly changed. A shadowy wraith-like figure slowly walked to where Rosethorn lay. Whispering the strange figure disappeared into thin air. At the same time in Rosethorn's dreams stood a figure, a figure of a mouse but then more started appearing. There was not one but four mice all with a warrior like atmosphere around them.

The first started to speak, "Oh hero named after a rose you have a great destiny ahead of you, and it is just about to begin. An army waits to attack the Abbey you must protect those you love, you must use the Sword of Martin the Warrior. You must journey to Salamandastron. You must keep this place safe for now."

The next morning Rosethorn told the Abbot about his dream. The Abbot understood every part of it he decided to lend the Sword of Martin to him. "You're sure about this Abbot?" asked Rosethorn.

"Ha of course, I am the Abbot of Redwall Abbey aren't I? Don't worry so much if your nervous just clear your mind and open your heart. Plus you being a badger I know you were affected by the Bloodwrath. Sister Alleria told me about your eyes. You are a very special badger; it seems we have been waiting for you to come to us. A very long time ago one of our residents had a vision from Martin the Warrior, he said you would come to us and it seems you can control the Bloodwrath. This has never before been done. On top of that you climbed the giant gate out front with your bare paws and three otters on your back am I right?" said the Abbot.

"Yes it seems you are. I don't know what happened when I saw the fox stab my dad. I guess I just lost control of myself for a second then I felt like I was stronger than I normally was, up until last night." said Rosethorn.

"Well you should be fine." said the Abbot.

"Abbot Corrlum! The vermin have a prisoner out front. They have a badger!"

"What!" bellowed Rosethorn? Sure enough there was a badger out front tied up against a wooden stake.

"You!" roared Rosethorn. "You killed my family, you will pay the price!" said Rosethorn.

As soon as he saw the stoat known as Grumblegut his eyes turned red and his muscles grew larger than they were. He instantly ran down towards the gate and unbolted it. He ran the Sword of Martin the Warrior in his hand poised for the strike that would end the life of the one who ruthlessly killed his family. Crash the sound of metal hitting metal the screams of the ones who served the enemy of Rosethorn as they flew here and there. The enemies died on the ground when they landed within moments the army of vermin was destroyed.

"You killed my little brother! Hitheran didn't deserve a death like the one you gave him badger!" roared Veradon as he closed in on his enemy.

"My revenge doesn't concern you fox!" roared Rosethorn.

"Oh doesn't it? My brother stabbed that otter. Funny that."

Little did Veradon know those would be his last words he spoke alive! Rosethorn threw the Sword of Martin straight at him ending in a gruesome sight, as Veradon lay dead on the battlefield killed by Rosethorn. Advancing toward the stoat he simply held his hand out as he walked, grabbed the sword and pulled.

Standing over the evil vermin Rosethorn asked "Any last words, stoat?"

"Please don't kill me!"

"Sorry but you don't deserve to live."

"What are you? You can't be a badger, your not normal you're a monster!" cried the stoat.

"Maybe I am, but you made me this way."

The day ended with the whole vermin army and its commanders dead.

Rosethorn untied the badger and brought him in the Abbey.

"He isn't hurt!" exclaimed Rosethorn.

"No, are you hurt?" asked Sister Alleria.

"No I'm fine." said Rosethorn. "Wake up!" said Rosethorn.

"Hm, Where am I?" said the badger.

"You're in Redwall Abbey. Who are you?" asked Rosethorn.

"I am Haybor I'm a farmer. Who are you?" asked Haybor. "I am Rosethorn. Nice to meet a fellow badger." said Rosethorn.

"Wait! I think I know you. You?" as Haybor looked into the eyes of Rosethorn he suddenly remembered. "You're alive! You really are! I missed you." said Haybor running towards Rosethorn crying he held Rosethorn in his arms. "You're my nephew!" sobbed Haybor.

"You're my uncle? But how?" asked Rosethorn.

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter Five

"You're my uncle? I thought I didn't have any family left, I thought they were all killed." said a very puzzled Rosethorn.

"I thought you were dead too! But it seems your not. I can't believe you are alive. I've missed you very much, I can't believe you were safe all this time." said a very emotional Haybor.

"Wait if you're my uncle then can you tell me what was my name?"

"You weren't named when you were born your parents decided that when you were older you would choose your own name!"

"Then if that's the case, I decide to keep the name I was given by my new mother Perla."

"What exactly is your name then?" asked Haybor.

"My name is Rosethorn! And I decide to keep Redwall Abbey safe for now, until it's time for me to leave."

"Well then may I ask you a favor?" asked Haybor.

"Yes you may, just name it!"

"May I come with you when you leave?"

"I would be delighted if you came."

"Don't forget about us! Shame on you Rosethorn, forgetting about the ones who raised you when we found you!" said a not too happy Perla.

"I didn't forget about you or Roughtide or Dad! I just didn't want you or anyone else to get hurt again. Dad is already injured and Roughtide was almost killed by an adder!"

"What!?" blurted out Haybor.

"You're kidding right? That didn't really happen, did it?"

"No I'm not. In fact I was the one that killed it with my own bare paws, I saved him!" said Rosethorn.

"Wow sounds like we got a real champion in the midst!" exclaimed Haybor.

Later that evening the whole Abbey was buzzing with excitement. It was announced there would be a feast the following night. Everyone was excited about what kinds of food and drinks were going to be there. Abbot Corrlum even said Rosethorn was able to pick out what ever he wanted to have at the feast. The Foremole of the Abbey, Foremole Rockpaw gave Rosethorn a very precious and valuable gift. It was a huge chunk of an unknown pure red colored metal ore. No-one knew what it was or where it came from. The Infirmary keeper Sister Alleria gave Rosethorn an incredible gift, fifty feet of an incredibly strong light rope. She said it was made for him by her and the Dibbuns, the babies that live in the Abbey. She also said it was made by weaving together rose stems and vines with a high elasticity.

In an unknown land far from the Abbey of Redwall even farther than Salamandastron the Great Gallette Gortus has received word about what has happened to his army and his prisoners. He is not pleased at all about what has happened. So he plots his revenge.

"You will not live to tell about the battles to come badger for I still have an unstoppable assassin at my disposal. Darkfang the Ghost of the Day shall end your life soon enough badger so be weary of your journey to come." The evil master of the floating palace is awaiting his revenge, and he will stop at nothing to get it.

The following morning the Abbey has started to prepare for the celebration that very evening. The Abbot had requested for a few new garments to be made for Rosethorn and his family. Rosethorn's was a kind of warriors tunic made from thick durable green velvet with a red dyed belt of pure silk rope. They even made a cloak of two colors green velvet on the outside with red velvet on the inside, the clasp to hold it in place was a metal rose with the stem coiling like a snake around itself. Perla's was a simple pink dress with a crown made out of pink roses, with the thorns removed of course. Skipper Wavecrester's was an incredibly handsome looking gentleman's tunic with the scabbard of an incredibly popular type of knife used by otters when in the water and on land. Roughtide's was a simple play tunic with a small bandanna colored like an eagles head feathers. Last but not least, Haybor's was a farmers work tunic made out of the lightest fabric they had colored pure white.

That evening the celebrations have begun. Everyone was eating all sorts of food. Pastries, trifles, soups, salads, cheeses, breads, fizzes, cordials, even ales were served at the feast.

"Wow I never saw so much food in one sitting!" exclaimed Haybor in amazement.

"Well that's what you get when you have your own farm inside the Abbey walls with orchards and a pond with fish. Oh we mustn't forget about our own expert cook Friar Bunbelt."

"Okay now I know you made that one up." said Haybor.

"Maybe I did maybe I didn't. Why don't you go ask for yourself?" said the Abbot playfully.

That whole night Rosethorn had eaten four Deeper'n'Ever Turnip'n'Tater'n'Beetroot Pies, eight steaming hot bowls of Hotroot soup, and thirteen slices of bread and cheese combinations.

"Wow I never knew he could eat that much food in one night!" exclaimed Skipper Wavecrester in amazement.

He even ate three full trays of assorted deserts and treats piled about three feet high.

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter Six

A while after that night there was another arrival to the abbey. He was a very curious sight. He was an old hare well on in his seasons with a weird looking sword. His name was Burrpaw the Seer of Fates. He was quickly drawn to Rosethorn by a mysterious force.

"Excuse me are you by any chance the one who goes by the name of Rosethorn?" asked Burrpaw.

"Why yes I am, might I ask who are you sir?" replied Rosethorn.

"I am Burrpaw the Seer of Fates I can see you are a very important person for I have with me the Sword of the Rose, a dual sword whose metal is incredibly strong and durable. I have been guarding it for my whole life. It is said that eight badgers from the far northlands forged it in hope of the legendary warrior of the future would someday wield it in the greatest battle to come. After all you are the badger who will one day become the lord of the rose and Salamandastron." said the hare ending the conversation for now.

The next day at Redwall Abbey everyone was excited. This was the day that Rosethorn would be taught how to use various weapons for the great battle to come. Out in the field in the front of the Abbey they had started.

"Okay first up is the sword." exclaimed the Abbey's foremost and only forge-beast Ironsight.

"Hey why do they call you Ironsight?" asked Rosethorn.

"Because I can stare down any misbehaving beast and hold that gaze without ever giving a single blink." replied Ironsight.

"Okay I already know how to use a sword and I can definitely cope with that." said Rosethorn quite enthusiastically.

"Oh really now then just try to fend of my blows." said Ironsight as he lunged at Rosethorn.

Immediately Rosethorn's eyes turned the color of a red rose and he easily grabbed the sword and tugged on it till Ironsight let it go.

"Wow you sure weren't doing anything with a sword except taking it from Me." said Ironsight.

"I told you I can use a sword. Just you watch me."

Rosethorn walked toward a tree with Martin's sword in his right hand quickly and deftly he swiped at the tree with such skill that he carved a statue of the Abbot himself with such detail that if it were painted it would be hard to tell the difference. "Wow, amazing such detail it's remarkable." exclaimed Ironsight.

"What weapon is next?" asked Rosethorn.

"The sling." said Ironsight.

"Already know it."

"The whip?" asked Ironsight.

"Yep!" said Rosethorn.

"Is there any weapon you haven't used yet?" asked Ironsight in frustration.

"I feel like I have used them all when the truth is I really haven't before."

Rosethorn tried every weapon sling, bow and arrow, club, mace, javelin, whip, spear, staff, even the Sword of the Rose were used with great skill by Rosethorn. Rosethorn hit all the marks. He knocked acorns out of trees with the sling, brought tree limbs down with the whip, speared a bulls eye, got fruits from multiple trees with the javelin, he even made a perfect rose carving it out of a log using the Sword of the Rose.

"I give up there is no use teaching someone who already knows." exclaimed Ironsight.

That afternoon Rosethorn asked the Abbot about why they had a beast who could teach how to use a variety of weapons if they were so peaceful.

"Well it's all because of the massive amounts of vermin lately. We don't know where they're coming from." exclaimed Abbot Corrlum.

"Huh that is odd where could they be coming from? Were there always so many?" asked Rosethorn.

"No there weren't, not always. This land was a very peaceful one. In the past this land was won by a very brave mouse named Martin. He won this land from Verdauga Greeneyes the wildcat. His successor Matthias his son Mattimeo, and his son Martin II were all warriors after they were called by him." explained Abbot Corrlum.

"Now he's calling on me. To help keep these lands and more safe from evil vile vermin." said Rosethorn.

"You know those words are different yet they're still the same." said Abbot Corrlum.

"What do you mean?" asked Rosethorn.

"He, he, he, you'll find out soon." said Abbot Corrlum.

The next morning the Redwallers woke up to joyous music drifting in from the Great Hall. Inside there was a huge feast for Rosethorn was to leave once the seasons changed twice, he thought it a good idea to have fun as much as he wanted.

"Oh! Oof! Get of you little terrors!" said Rosethorn stunned as the Dibbuns bounced and giggled on his stomach.

"Come on u warra sleepin to mouch." said the smallest of them all.

"Alright I'm up, mm what is that smell? What is that delicious cooking?" asked Rosethorn.

"Its oatmeal with cinnamon and nutmeg." said the Abbot.

"I'll take some please." said Rosethorn.

"Sir Rosethorn may I have a word with you?" asked Burrpaw.

"Sure I was going to look for you after breakfast."

"I was wondering if you would accept the Sword of the Rose for me. It is time for me to live on in the next life for my mission is done and I must repay my debt." said Burrpaw.

"I don't think I have a choice and I will honor your request and your memory as well." said Rosethorn.

"Good I trust you with it please save us all."

Those were the last words he spoke as he had died right next to Rosethorn. Later that day Rosethorn buried him right next to the Great Hall. His memory will live on in them all.

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter Seven

It was a horrible time at Gallette Gortus's floating palace as he plotted his revenge he thought of another idea to get rid of the badger once and for all.

"I know how to do it. I'll just kidnap his family and hold them hostage to get him to come to me. I'll send my messenger bird to Darkfang and tell him to kidnap the otter family and bring them to Me." said the great Gallette Gortus.

This is not about to happen for little did the evil master of the floating palace know that there is a spy from Salamandastron around to stop his vile plans.

"Go! Come on you can do it Roughtide, go!" yelled Rosethorn as his little brother raced with the young Dibbuns. "Yes! You did it you won, yeah! Your fast for a little guy, now don't forget to share that pie you won with all of them okay?" said Rosethorn.

"No problem I'll have someone divide it between us okay?" said Roughtide.

"Alright be good now." said Rosethorn.

"Hey Rosethorn look at this quick." said Perla.

"What is it? Whoa is that me?" asked Rosethorn. "Yes it is they found this in the Great Hall right under the tapestry. It's you I know it is because he has those twin swords and he's wearing something that nobody knows what it is or where it is." said Perla.

"Let's see there's a poem behind the drawing." said Rosethorn as he examined the drawing.

"Beware the foe ye have yet do not know

For he shall soon have to show,

Remember those that have been gone

Yet don't let go of those that run,

Retrieve the mask that soon will show

The evil one that you should know,

Remember places big and small

Look for those that seem too tall,

The sword ye wield shall choose your fate

Retrieve the items before it's too late."

"Wow, what does it mean though?" asked a puzzled Rosethorn.

"I think the Abbot might know." replied Perla.

"I shall go ask him right away mom!" said Rosethorn. Rosethorn ran towards the Orchards where he saw the Abbot. "Abbot Corrlum may I have a word?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yes you may have a word with me if you have the time." said the Abbot.

"Thank you sir do you know what this poem is talking about?" asked Rosethorn.

"Lets see if it is ah! It says you must find a mask that can show ones enemies. I know of one that was left here somewhere at the Abbey. I don't know where it is though." replied the Abbot.

That night Rosethorn was visited by Martin the Warrior for the last time while he would be at the Abbey of Redwall.

"What should I do Martin? I don't know what to do or how to get that mask. Please tell me what I should do." pleaded Rosethorn.

"I can't tell you what to do but I can tell you what you should do. Ask the Dibbuns of the mask and hope they tell you all they know." Those were the words Martin the Warrior spoke before he disappeared.

"No don't go I'll need your help later on please don't go." said Rosethorn as he drifted into a deep slumber.

The next day Rosethorn awoke and remembered about his latest encounter with Martin the Warriors spirit. "I'll do it Martin I'll do it for you and everyone in this Abbey!" Rosethorn ran down to the Dormitories and looked everywhere for the Dibbuns. "Aha there you are. Please tell me do you have a mask that you might have found?" asked Rosethorn.

"Well sir we do but its up in the Attics, we haven't seen it for a few seasons." said the oldest and most intellectual of the Dibbuns known solely as Fitchel the mouse.

"What is your name little one?" asked Rosethorn.

"My name just happens to be Fitchel, F-I-T-C-H-E-L Fitchel." said the little yet smart Dibbun.

"Okay thanks for letting me know I'll ask the Abbot if I can go up into the Attics to look for the mask." replied Rosethorn. As soon as Rosethorn saw the Abbot he told him everything about the mask, about his visit with Martin and the mask in the Attics.

"Well I think I can let you up there to look for it just be very careful there are a lot of old wooden boards that might crumble at any time." said the Abbot.

The Badger and the Rose: Book One

A Champion in the Midst

Chapter Eight

The Attics creaked as Rosethorn carefully walked over them. In one hand he had a torch in the other he had a rope. Carefully he walked over the old wooden boards desperately yet carefully searching for the mask in the poem. He walked over to some old trunks and chests. He looked behind them just in case the mask was there.

He remembered what the Dibbun Mouse Fitchel told him as he ascended into the Attics, "Remember it is either in an old trunk or chest or it's behind them."

"Let's see it's not behind them so it must be inside them." thought Rosethorn. Sure enough as he rummaged through a trunk that was filled with nothing except Dibbuns playthings he found the mask. It was a green color with metal red rose petals made into it. It was flat with gold rimming the eye slits and a peculiar symbol on the top. It was truly a sight to behold.

The seasons have passed and Rosethorn is about ready to leave the Abbey for Salamandastron and he is feeling reluctant to leave his family and friends behind.

"No Rosethorn I am going with you and that is final." said a not too pleased Perla.

"I'm not going to let you go with me. You need to be here for Dad and Roughtide. It's too dangerous for you and them Dad got severely injured already and I won't allow any of you get hurt again." yelled Rosethorn.

"Don't yell at me with that tone. I can't just let go on your own."

"Mom its okay I'm a fully grown badger now I can take care of myself and you know it." said Rosethorn.

"Mom I think we should stay here it is safer here than it is out there. Just let him go he needs to get to Salamandastron we would only slow him down." said Roughtide confidently.

"Alright I'll let you go, just promise you'll be careful."

"I will don't worry I will be alright I promise." said Rosethorn.

The next day Rosethorn departed with a heavy heart and a heavy satchel. He had everything packed that he got from his friends and the mask. He walked west for a while that same day until he found it, The Creature Killer anchored in the river just waiting to be used. Almost immediately Rosethorn drew his dual swords and hauled himself onto the ship the Bloodwrath already taking a hold of him.

"This doesn't seem to be inhabited by anything except a few broken branches, leaves and some rubbish." thought Rosethorn. "Perhaps it would be a good idea to bring them along with me then." said Rosethorn. With that in mind he ran back to the Abbey and told his family to pack their things and come with him.

"What's with the sudden change of heart?" asked Wavecrester.

"I found the ship the vile vermin used to get here ahead of us, if we could clean it up and change the name we could take it out and I could get to Salamandastron faster than I could of by walking."

So Rosethorn, Skipper Wavecrester, Perla, Roughtide, and Haybor left for the ship later that same day loaded with food, tools, and supplies for the trip.

Quickly and carefully a beast runs through Mossflower Woods searching for his quarry and desperately hoping to get away from the bird that has been following him since it arrived. He ducked into a hollow tree and drew his throwing knife ready to get rid of the pursuer that has not yet given up. When he spotted the bird he let his guard for he knew it was the messenger bird of Gallette Gortus.

"It's only you, for a second there I thought you were an enemy but know I know you are an ally." said the mysterious figure.

"You know what to do then don't you?" asked the messenger bird.

"Yes I know it shall be done, fortunately I know you will stay true to your real master won't you?" asked the mysterious figure.

"Yes and the villain shall fall along with his palace for what he has done."

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter One

It has been two whole days since Rosethorn and his family left the Abbey of Redwall. During these two days they have been working on the ship formerly known as The Creature Killer now to be known as The Rose of Destiny. The ship has been cleaned, repaired, and renamed ready for its maiden voyage.

"Is everyone ready for shoving off?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yeah we're all ready and ship shape." replied Haybor.

"Alright here we go!" exclaimed Rosethorn.

They shoved off the riverbank sailing down river toward the mountain fortress Salamandastron. The ship glides smoothly across the river as if there were no passengers aboard. They calmly relaxed gazing at the passing trees and foliage.

"Hey look!" said Haybor.

"What is it?" asked Rosethorn.

"It's a whole lot of fruit trees across the fork in the river with some angry looking mice." said Haybor.

"Wait those aren't mice at least I don't think they are." replied Rosethorn.

As the ship neared the fork they slowed down enough to ask what the strange creatures were.

"Excuse me little animals what are you?" asked Haybor politely.

"Well look at that it's a badger two badgers in fact, what a rare sight." said the strange small creature.

"Yes we're badgers but what are you?" asked Haybor.

"Why we're dwarf pigmy shrews we are indeed." replied Loferete.

The crew of the ship weighed anchor and stopped on the bank of the river.

"Would it be okay for us to fill a few barrels with some of that fruit?" asked Haybor.

"Sure you can if you can give us a lift on your ship." said Loferete.

"Okay you got a deal where to?" asked Rosethorn.

"To the Guosim camp of course." said Loferete.

"Guosim?" asked Rosethorn.

"What is that?"

"Why it's the Guerilla Union of Shrews in Mossflower. That's what it is alright." replied Loferete.

"Okay then let's fill those barrels with fruit then." said Haybor.

That night the crew had a small feast for everyone onboard The Rose of Destiny.

"Hey Haybor what were my real parents like?" asked Rosethorn.

"Well they were very kind to other creatures around them even vermin that were injured and ill they helped with a kind heart and open arms. They were always repaid for their kindness with several feats of gratitude and kindness in return. They were actually king and queen of our home Rosetalia a distant land from here." replied Haybor.

"What were their names?" asked Rosethorn.

"Your parent's names were Theralious and Rosaline, King and Queen of our country. They were the only family I had left other than you Rosethorn. Oh my little brother Theralious I miss him so much. I don't know how I could live without him or how I have been living so long without my little brothers face around." sobbed an incredibly distressed Haybor.

"It's okay, uncle Haybor I'm right here don't worry." said Rosethorn comfortingly. "Is there anything else I should know about my family?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yes, it is said that a long time ago longer than your parents were around that the previous rulers were rewarded for their kindness towards a dying vermin mystic with a mysterious power. It is said that this power shall be passed down through the royal family every generation. This power gives the user the ability to control the Bloodwrath and give the user immense skill with every kind of weapon. No wonder you were such a natural with the weapons during your brief training. There is another legendary myth you see that strange symbol on the mask is the royal family crest and that mask was forged with other badgers, one of those badgers was none other than the one who founded Salamandastron but he did not stay and he asked another badger to keep the true establishers identity a secret. It is also thought that the one who promised was the son of the founder who left the mountain and that the founder was a previous ruler of our country. It is also rumored that the same exact badger was the king who along with his wife were the ones who showed kindness towards the mystic. That is all I know." said Haybor.

"If my dad was your little brother wouldn't that make you the rightful heir to the throne?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yes but I didn't want it I never wanted the position of king of our country, I wanted to be a farmer instead." replied Haybor.

"Oh, okay thanks for telling me now get some rest okay?" said Rosethorn.

"Okay good night." said Haybor as he drifted into sleep.

Quietly a lone dark figure approached the abbey of Redwall in the darkness of the night. Swiftly he climbed a tall oak tree near the outer wall of the Abbey. Carefully he signaled the bird to fly him over the wall of the Abbey. Swiftly he checked every nook and cranny of the Abbey for any sign of Rosethorn or his family.

"Darn now how am I going to warn him?" wondered the mysterious figure. "I'll just have to track them then." said the mysterious figure. Quickly and carefully he slid out of the Abbey's west gate and had the bird re-bolt the gate shut then left without a trace. "I hope I find him soon." said the figure. "Maybe I should go back to Salamandastron and wait for them there or I can try and follow them. What do you think?" asked the mysterious figure to the bird.

"I could fly up and track them from the sky while you follow me from behind." said the bird.

"Excellent idea partner just hurry up I don't know when you'll have to report back to that scummy vermin again alright?" said the figure. As soon as he said that, the bird took off and flew towards the direction of Salamandastron and off they went.

"Alright let's see which way we go towards Salamandastron and the Guosim camp?" asked Rosethorn.

"Why don't I just check my map for ya that would help wouldn't it?" asked Loferete.

"Thank you I would greatly appreciate the help." said Rosethorn.

"Ah okay it's the left we should be able to get to the camp first just before we get to that mountain of yours sir."

"Please just call me Rosethorn I don't have any authority over you or your band of dwarf pigmy shrews." said Rosethorn playfully.

"That's okay there's no harm done; say what is that beautiful smell coming from?" asked Loferete.

"Oh it's just my uncle Haybor cooking something up. If I know my uncle it has to be something good." said Rosethorn.

That afternoon the whole ship stopped to get a fire going on the river bank for lunch. They ate in amazement as Rosethorn had five helpings of the delicious vegetable stew that Haybor had made for them and laughed when Rosethorn had an accidental beard made of veggies. The rest of the day was calm and quiet while the ship sailed toward the camps location.

"When should we get to that camp of yours?" asked Rosethorn.

"I think by tomorrow evening Rosethorn." said Loferete.

"Alright then go get some rest I'll keep the ship sailing on course for a bit and then I'll wake my dad for the next watch is that okay with you?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yeah just fine good night Rosethorn you really are a kind and just you are." said Loferete trying to stay awake long enough to finish talking.

"So you're back, what is the news?" said Gallette Gortus.

"He is in pursuit of the badger's family sir he will return as soon as he captures them." said the messenger bird.

"Good very good indeed I think it would be good if he also brought with him a few more slaves, if he can that is unless the family is too much room for the ship ha I doubt they would be though ha, ha, ha, ha." chuckled Gallette Gortus madly.

A little later the messenger bird flew off back to his secret partners side where he would tell him of the vile vermin's request.

"Soon Gallette Gortus oh very soon you shall get what is coming to you very soon." said the bird as he flew over the ocean.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter Two

"Ayah Charge, Logalogalogalooog!" said an unknown enemy in the dark as they boarded the ship.

"Hey what the heck is going on?" asked Loferete in the confusion.

"Get that big one over tie him up good and tight." said the enemy hiding in the dark.

"Get off meeeee!" roared Rosethorn as he threw the beasts piling on top of him into the water.

"Ouch, this beast is evil I tell you evil!" said the supposed leader of the beasts who ambushed the crew of the ship.

"Who are you?" growled Rosethorn as soon as he got a firm hold of the leader.

"I'm just a follower of Log-a- log Barster leader of the Guosim shrews don't hurt Me." whimpered the shrew.

"Why did you ambush us?" asked Rosethorn.

"We thought you were that band of evil vermin that passed by a few seasons ago. I'm sorry it was just an honest mistake sir." said the shrew.

"What is your name and where is the Guosim camp?" asked Rosethorn.

"My name is Startiveno son of Log-a-log Barster and you're a bit ahead of It." said the shrew.

"Good then we can rest for a bit, and then you should have your shrews climb aboard and tell them we're friends." said Rosethorn.

"Sure Guosim get aboard there are no foe beasts around." said Startiveno.

That morning the Guosim were reunited with their old friends. Loferete and his band of dwarf pigmy shrews were finally at their destination, the Guosim camp. Soon after their arrival Loferete and Log-a-log Barster were in a fierce argument. Astonished and amazed at how Loferete was calm one moment and fiercely arguing the next.

"Whoa what is this all about?" asked Rosethorn.

"Oh tis nothing to worry about nothing at all." said one of Loferete's shrews.

"What are they doing that for?" asked Haybor.

"I couldn't tell you look out." said Rosethorn as the two shrews bounced by the heads of Haybor, Rosethorn, and the shrew. The two shrews were clasped to each other tightly not letting go of the other.

"Okay that's it!" said Rosethorn. As he stood up he drew his twin swords and slowly advanced on the two small shrews fighting each other. As with extreme skill he closed his eyes and stabbed the sword downward towards the two shrews.

"Whoa that was too close and you almost killed me what in the name of the Guosim shrews your eyes were closed when you did that weren't they?" said Log-a-log Barster.

"Yes they were and why were you fighting with that shrew?"

"I was just play wrestling with my little brother is that so wrong?" said Log-a-log Barster.

"Yes considering you almost hurt someone while you were doing that and I don't want to hear it anymore is that understood?" bellowed Rosethorn.

"Yes sir!" said Log-a-log Barster and Loferete at the same time.

That night the whole lot of the crew and the Guosim had a small party to celebrate the arrival of Loferete and his crew.

"Hey you, the big badger over there yeah what is your name?" asked Log-a-log Barster.

"My name is Rosethorn I'm with my family heading toward Salamandastron." answered Rosethorn.

"That is a really dangerous journey you are taking. You sure you can get there in on piece with that ship of yours?" asked Log-a-log Barster.

"Yeah I'm pretty sure I can get there alright, why you ask?" said Rosethorn.

"Just making sure you're up for it, it will be a long tiring journey." replied Log-a-log Barster.

"I'll deal with it I don't think it will matter any way as long as I get there." said Rosethorn.

"Alright then why don't you rest up and relax so when you leave you can be at the top of your game, you look like you haven't slept in about four days." said Log-a-log Barster.

"That's because I haven't slept in four days sir and thank you for the offer I think I will take It." said Rosethorn as he settled down ready to rest.

"Ready?" asked the dark figure.

"Yes and be quiet so I can scout around the camp." said the bird as he flew off. A few moments later the bird came back to his partner telling him that the badger they were looking for was on the outskirts of the camp slumbering in an old empty sack of potatoes.

"Alright and the otters?" asked the dark figure.

"They are a little ways away from him I say we take them to our master.

"No! They are already heading there I say we take the mother and the kid along with the badger to the palace." said the dark figure.

"I like that plan but are you sure this is what he wants?" asked the bird.

"Yes ever since he died before a successor came to replace him I have been able to see his spirit, he has been guiding me and telling me what he wants me to do, just hurry up and drug them so we can get out of here." said the dark figure in agitation.

Quietly they sneaked through the camp and drugged the ones they would take with them then they tied them up and dragged them out of the camp towards the woods. Once the dark duo were in a clearing in the woods the dark figure blew a special whistle soon afterward eighteen huge hawks from Gallette Gortus arrived from thin air. The dark figure ordered them to pick up the prisoners and take them back to his ship. Before they took off the dark figure left a scroll on ground where he stood then he climbed on one of the hawks and told them to take off toward his ship lying in wait near Salamandastron. That was the last time anyone saw Perla, Roughtide, or Haybor. For now that is.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter Three

The next morning Rosethorn awoke with a strange feeling. The whole morning Rosethorn looked for Haybor, Roughtide, and Perla.

"Dad, do you know where Mom, Roughtide, or Haybor are?" asked Rosethorn.

"No I don't I haven't seen them all morning and I can't find them anywhere no matter where I look." said Skipper Wavecrester worriedly.

"Rosethorn, Sir Rosethorn where are you?" called Loferete.

"I'm right here Loferete what's wrong?" asked Rosethorn.

"I found this in a clearing in the woods it's addressed to you."

"Let me see It." said Rosethorn hurriedly. Quickly Rosethorn unrolled the scroll and read the message out loud so Skipper Wavecrester could hear it.

To the badger known as Rosethorn;

I have your family captured in my palace far away from Salamandastron by now.

If you want to see them again alive you will not pursue me until you have found a priceless treasure that will serve some use to me.

Once you have that treasure you will sail north for three days and west for four more days and will arrive at my palace the evening of the seventh day.

If you ever want to see your family alive again you will not try anything funny.

Soon to meet your greatest enemy,

Face to face.

Gallette Gortus.

"I can't believe it. Some scummy vermin has them. What do I do Dad?" asked Rosethorn.

"Well you can do exactly what it says but we should have a plan before we leave Salamandastron for his palace." replied Skipper Wavecrester.

"Alright we leave for Salamandastron this evening we should get a crew assembled and we should stock up on extra supplies for the journey." exclaimed Rosethorn.

"Sir Rosethorn you already have a crew with you right now." said Loferete.

"Good lets get started then." replied Rosethorn.

That evening the crew of The Rose of Destiny set a course down the rest of the river finally arriving to open sea two days after they left the camp.

"Okay which direction towards Salamandastron?" asked Rosethorn in the dark of night.

"To your left Rosethorn." replied Loferete. They sailed for the remainder of the night finally arriving at the mountain fortress Salamandastron the next morning.

"Look at that mountain." said Rosethorn in amazement.

"This is huge just look at It." said Skipper Wavecrester.

They brought the ship in close as they could and dropped anchor. They dropped the life boats attached to the ship into the water and paddled towards the mountain. Slowly Rosethorn walked up to the entrance into the mountain. Nervously he knocked on the door and shuddered as a strong gust of air flowed out of the mountain right into Rosethorn's face, blowing back his lips showing his fangs in a somewhat comical expression. The entrance was opened as a short hare came bobbing out to greet the badger.

"Hello there might I ask who you are and what business you have here?" said the hare.

"I am Rosethorn son of Theralious and Rosaline, King and Queen of the country known as Rosetalia." stated Rosethorn.

"Quickly come in and bring your friends with you." said the hare.

Rosethorn walked up with the small hare to the Great Hall. There the hare asked for Rosethorn's friends to stay behind while they went up to the badger lords chamber.

"So this is where the badger lords of Salamandastron rest after each day." said Rosethorn.

"This is where you will be staying Sir Rosethorn, feel free to use the forge I have kept it ready for your arrival and might I recommend you put those gifts you were given by the Redwallers to good use you will need them for your journey." said the small hare.

"What is your name little guy?" asked Rosethorn.

"My name is Burrbob. I take it you already met my father?" said Burrbob.

"Yes I did meet your father his name was Burrpaw wasn't it?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yes it was he was very old, I just hope he repaid his debt before he died." said Burrbob sadly.

"Yes he did repay his debt stand back!" said Rosethorn. Rosethorn drew The Sword of the Rose and presented it to Burrbob.

"No I mustn't take it for I am not the destined owner of it you will need it later on. Would you like me to help you with anything?" asked Burrbob.

Sure enough Burrbob and Rosethorn started to work on something very important. As they worked Rosethorn kept seeing the finished result of their work and looked forward to using it. "Clang, Clang!" The sound of hammer hitting metal over and over again as the two newly found friends worked together to make the two weapons that would soon be useful. The next day it was finished and Rosethorn was proud of his little friends' hard work.

That same day was when the newly captured prisoners arrived at Gallette Gortus's palace. The new arrivals fought hard against their captor's hawks but to no avail.

"Ha is this it? This is the mighty badger?" asked Gallette Gortus.

"Yes sir this is the mighty badger Rosethorn." said Darkfang. While the kidnapper talked to Gallette Gortus and told him about the capture the messenger bird hopped over to the prisoners.

"Sh! don't say anything just go along with it we're friends I promise. Don't say any thing that will give away our cover and we'll make sure your safe while you're here okay?" whispered the bird.

"Okay but who is that?" asked Haybor.

"That's Gallette Gortus the master of this castle and your nephew's greatest enemy. My name is Dartclaw; I am an undercover agent working with the hares of Salamandastron to put an end to this vermin's fearful reign." whispered Dartclaw.

"Thank you but who is the guy in black?" asked Perla.

"That is my partner he is an undercover hare from Salamandastron be quiet okay I got to go give my report." said Dartclaw as he hopped toward Gallette Gortus's throne.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter Four

The night after Rosethorn and Burrbob finished the two weapons, Rosethorn had a strange dream. In the dream Rosethorn saw another badger; it wasn't Haybor thought Rosethorn. Then another figure appeared this time it was a familiar face, a kind warm and gentle face.

"Martin your back." said Rosethorn.

"Yes I am but he is not." said Martin.

"Who is he?" asked Rosethorn.

"That is the previous badger lord of Salamandastron that is Berser the Fierce." said Martin.

"That is Berser? I don't understand the reason you are both here." said Rosethorn.

"You are still in need of the treasure and Berser can help for he was the one who forged that same treasure, I also have a message for you from your uncle as he is asleep as well as you." said Martin.

"Please tell me the message." requested Rosethorn.

"Haybor says you must not attack the one who kidnapped them. It wasn't Gallette Gortus who did it. The true identity of their captor is a hare from this very mountain, the hare is undercover trying to figure out the enemies plans and planning to foil them if need be. Haybor also says he is impersonating you to keep the others safe from harm." said martin before he disappeared.

Rosethorn carefully walked up to the Badger Lord slowly. Once by his side he asked what he had to teach him, what he needed to know.

"You must find the hidden chamber of the Badger Lords. Inside you shall find the treasure intended for you not your enemy. Use it wisely and stay true to your instincts don't let your enemy fool you for if he does you might not survive his wicked ambitions." said Berser.

"Thank you and I will but where is the chamber?" asked Rosethorn.

"I'll give you a hint; it is somewhere you have rested before you were lost. Think carefully about it and try to remember your past before that incident happened." said Berser.

"Farewell Berser and May you find your way through." said Rosethorn before he woke up.

That's it, I remember." said a very happy Rosethorn. "I remember everything now. I can't believe it! I can remember." said Rosethorn.

Rosethorn got up and began feeling around for the entrance to the secret chamber of Badger Lords. After a little observation of each wall he found it right in the back of the Badger Lords chamber. Instantly Rosethorn used his ability to enter the berserk state of the Bloodwrath though he was every bit as calm as he usually would be. Easily as if it were wood he shoved aside the stone entrance to the chamber, lit a lantern and proceeded inside. He walked down a long hall lined with the mummified bodies of all the previous Badger Lords even Berser the Fierce was there at the end of the rows of mummified bodies.

"I promise I will keep this place safe as a true ruler should but I need to consider the home I have left behind unwillingly as well." said Rosethorn.

Rosethorn continued on walking through the ridiculously long hall of Badger Lords until he finally came to the end of the tunnel and discovered a little lantern and some sweet smelling herbs on a shelf nearby. Rosethorn lit the lantern and sprinkled some of the herbs onto it. He sat on the stone carved throne and inhaled deeply. Rosethorn was taken to many places experiencing many things through the eyes of all the previous Badger Lords. He learned of all their feats of greatness and heroism. Finally the last one to show what he encountered throughout his life was Berser. Berser showed Rosethorn everything he had encountered and more. He showed Rosethorn his parents when they came to visit before Rosethorn was born. Berser showed Rosethorn that the first time they met was not in a dream but in reality. Rosethorn was so small when they met each other for the first time. Then Rosethorn saw what it was that he needed and where it was. Rosethorn awoke from the trance and immediately went to a sealed hollow. On the stone sealing the hollow where a mummified body should lay he found that same strange symbol that was on the mask. Rosethorn removed the stone and picked up a huge piece of armor. It was impressive; the way it was made showed true mastery of the art of the blacksmith. Rosethorn took it with him and sealed the chamber once again.

"Dad!" yelled Rosethorn across the Great hall.

"Yes what is it?" asked Skipper Wavecrester.

"We need to put together a crew and an army quickly." said Rosethorn.

"Okay I'll see what I can do." said skipper Wavecrester.

"No you won't but I certainly will." said Burrbob.

"What do you have in mind?" asked Rosethorn.

"Well we could always call on the Long Patrol for help sir." replied Burrbob.

"The Long Patrol?" said Rosethorn.

"Yes the Long Patrol is a group of fighting hares ready to take action whenever they are needed sir. We should get them ready since they are here resting for a bit. If you want I will also help you whenever you want me to sir." said Burrbob.

"Okay then, call on the Long Patrol and get some armor for the ones to accompany me for a great battle on an island with a floating palace." said Rosethorn.

The rest of the day was spent getting ready to leave, the army that Rosethorn and Burrbob put together.

"Rosethorn I want you to meet the leader of the Long Patrol Commander Darkpaw." said Burrbob.

"Nice to meet you Commander I understand you are a fighting hare are you not?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yes I am sir, me and my team are the most elite of the Long Patrol but personally the best of us all is Burrbob here. No-one else can fight like him sir given his size that is." said Darkpaw.

"Hey you shouldn't judge others on their size or looks because you never know a friendly face could be hiding your fiercest foe." replied Burrbob.

"He has a point you know." said Rosethorn. That night they set sail for the island which would be home to their fiercest battle yet.

"Hey partner the badger has left Salamandastron." said Dartclaw.

"Good now remember the plan that we put together." said the dark figure.

"Come on what if the plan doesn't work Zeilleon, you know what could happen if we mess up." said Dartclaw.

"Yes I know what could happen if we mess up so I made a backup plan." said Zeilleon.

"What's the back up plan?" asked Dartclaw.

"I'll do what I must to keep them safe just don't worry about it I will need you to have a clear head." said Zeilleon.

"Alright then I won't worry about it then." replied Dartclaw.

"There is a storm coming and it will be a fierce one as well." said Zeilleon. It was indeed a storm it raged for many days and settled right when Rosethorn arrived as if the forces of nature were on his side.

"Today we're going to war. This is the day we lay siege to the floating palace right up there." said Rosethorn pointing just above a mountain on the island. True enough there was a palace floating just above it as if it were a cloud.

"Sir I think I have seen this before." said Larra.

"Who are you Ms?" asked Rosethorn.

"I am Larra Portfit Diane Marsefane sir! I am the fastest of the Long Patrol sir!" replied Larra.

"Thank you Ms. Marsefane but do you mind if I call you Larra?" asked Rosethorn.

"Of course not sir in fact I would be honored if you did." said Larra.

"Okay then there is a tunnel system going through the mountain all the way to the peak. We need to get up to that palace so why don't we listen to Larra for the details." said Rosethorn.

"Okay then. I have seen this kind of weird phenomenon before. The mountain must have a huge magnetic force on the top. Same goes for the palace. The palace must be built of stones with this magnetic force inside them that way the palace has a reversed polarity to float like that. It is kind of like a compass and how it shows which way is north so I did an experiment with one. The magnetic force could be lost if we heat them up thus causing the palace to fall and destroy itself on impact this could be a worthy plan for the end of the battle." said Larra finishing her brief lecture.

"Thank you Larra if this is true we may be able to finish the battle for good we just need to get my family out first so I will climb up to the palace first and sneak in, then I will look around for my family. I will also need someone to come with me. Two of you will be chosen to be my companions for this mission. Out of the knowledge given to me I choose Skipper Wavecrester and Burrbob for this mission. Now let's get started." said Rosethorn thus starting the battle. No sooner did he finish than two huge armies came marching onto the sand.

"This may complicate things a little bit." said Loferete.

"Okay then let's give them a warm welcome. Charge!" said Rosethorn.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter Five

Rosethorn's army clashed with the opposing forces of Gallette Gortus, fiercely out numbered they pushed ever onward toward the mountain not giving up and never looking back.

"All of you get out of here! I'll take care of these vermin no problem. Go now before you die! Go!" yelled Rosethorn as he struggled to hold the opposing army at bay.

"No sir! I am staying with you sir!" said Darkpaw. "Me too sir!" said Larra. "As well as I!" said Gourder.

"Who are you sir?" asked Rosethorn.

"I am Gourder of the Long Patrol weapons and combat specialist sir! We are all with you the whole Long Patrol is here for you." replied Gourder.

"Let me ask you this how many do you have in your troupe Darkpaw?" asked Rosethorn.

"This is all there is sir!" answered Darkpaw.

"Okay then. I want you to go with the others no complaints. Go to the palace and find my family. Get them out of there, and then get everyone off the island. That's an order!" said Rosethorn.

"Sir you'll be overrun by the army." said Darkpaw.

"I know! Tell my uncle Haybor that it is up to him to choose whether or not he should lead my country or the mountain." said Rosethorn.

After Rosethorn finished talking he scooped up each member of the Long Patrol and threw them out of the battle.

"So, this is how it ends. I am alone to face you all. Ha, ha, ha, ha, so be it. If I am the only one to stop you I will. Come with me my friends, come with me to Hellgates and rejoice. For my family and my home RRRRROOOOSSSSEEETHHHOOOOOORRRRRNN!!!" roared Rosethorn immediately after entering the Bloodwrath and running into battle.

Outside of the battle that was taking place the army of Rosethorn retreated to the mountain not daring to turn back. Quickly they ran toward the mountain trying to keep out of sight of any enemies nearby. Luckily there were no enemies around which made it easier for the army to move toward the mountain.

"Are you sure he's alright?" asked Darkpaw.

"Of course he is alright. I saw him take down an army of vermin right outside of Redwall using The Sword of Martin the Warrior all by himself before he was fully grown." replied Skipper Wavecrester.

Onward they went towards the mountain trying to keep quiet so the enemy lying in wait would not spot them from the safety of the palace. Once they reached the foot of the mountain they stopped and rested waiting for some sign to let them know Rosethorn was okay.

On the battlefield Rosethorn prepared to fight the army.

"Come on then which is first?" asked Rosethorn in a menacingly calm tone. "Come on don't tell me your all scared of me are you? What is the point of coming here to fight if you won't do anything? Fine don't answer why don't we play a game then? Shall we? Let's see you five step up and try to take me down, or I could just kill you all right now if you want?" said Rosethorn.

"Or we could just do this, charge!" said the fox in front.

The vermin charged toward Rosethorn screaming like mad beasts. Swiftly Rosethorn drew his twin swords and struck the first blow. Valiantly he fought against the vermin dodging blows from the right and retaliating instantly like he was lightning. Eighteen vermin circled Rosethorn and prepared for a lethal strike against their foe. Rosethorn whipped his swords right, left, up, down dealing incredibly lethal blows to his enemies. About thirty vermin lined up their sights and fired their bows; Rosethorn merely grabbed one of the two weapons that he and Burrbob forged, the spear he named Oath of Roses and spun it as fast as he could. Amazingly the arrows were deflected from his spear and were sent whizzing through the air and even into the ground. Rosethorn quickly grabbed the grip of the other weapon forged by him and Burrbob, the whip named Punish by Thorn and sent it snaking through the air toward the vermin archers and snapped their bows in half. Rosethorn used The Mask of the Rose and predicted every move that the remaining enemies would make. Astonishingly there was nothing that could take Rosethorn down not even fatigue seemed to slow him down.

"It is over; I must get back to the army before they enter the mountain. Someone in there shouldn't be there, imprisoned against his will and overthrown by an evil vermin. I must hurry." said Rosethorn as he quickly cleaned off and stored his weapons in their respective places. Then Rosethorn took off using his enhanced speed to his advantage.

"He should be here by now if he survived that is." said Dartclaw.

"I know okay? He should be here any moment so don't worry." said Zeilleon.

"I am not worried but I think I should fly down and check on things okay?" said Dartclaw.

"Alright then do it but don't let him see you okay?" asked Zeilleon.

"Why would I let some scummy vermin get in my way? I will be careful like I always am okay?" said Dartclaw taking off toward the foot of the mountain.

"This is going to be good. Once they free the rightful ruler of this castle and make it here in one piece I will make my move to finally get back what was taken. I just hope they aren't ripped to shreds by him though, it would be quite a shame for them to have come so far to have died before they served their part in this war." said Zeilleon.

That evening Rosethorn caught up with his army and was welcomed to a surprising sight, it was a huge fierce looking hawk with several others of his kind but a little smaller than he was.

"Hello! I take it you are Rosethorn?" asked Dartclaw.

"Yes I am! May I ask who you are?" said Rosethorn.

"I am Dartclaw partner to Zeilleon of the Long Patrol and leader of my group The Foe Fighters which is dedicated to freeing captured innocents and destroying evil wherever it lurks." replied Dartclaw.

"I am glad to hear it. Why are you here?" asked Rosethorn.

"I am here to see what was taking so long for you to reach the palace. I take it you already know who is imprisoned in the mountain?" asked Dartclaw.

"Yes and I intend to free him from his unjust imprisonment as soon as possible, he might be a useful ally to have against that beastly vermin." said Rosethorn.

"I can't believe that a beast like him is actually that smart and is not bloodthirsty like other wolverines. I thought they were usually found in The Land of Ice and Snow so why would he be here?" asked Dartclaw.

"I can tell you why, he was hoping to make an army that is unmatched anywhere else in the whole world and thought by kidnapping me, being of royal blood with that ability on his side that he would be unbeatable. For now we must rest and prepare for the final out come."

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter Six

The next morning Rosethorn awoke before the others were even awake. Quickly he left a message for them and entered the mountain. Swiftly Rosethorn climbed the inner passage of the tunnel and frantically looked for the hidden passage to the prison of the captive beast.

"There it is how about I pay him a friendly visit." said Rosethorn.

Many times he tried to knock the weak looking rock away from the blocked passage, and then he realized he wasn't using his ability.

"I guess I am going to have to rely on it more than I thought." said Rosethorn.

Rosethorn tensed up and powerfully slammed a single fist into the rock causing it to break under the sheer force of the blow. That same moment the captives ears twitched, he rose up to lock eyes with his savior.

"You just broke that rock didn't you? This is impossible. How are you able to do that?" asked the captive beast.

He was a huge muscular white tiger slightly smaller than Rosethorn as Rosethorn is a little bigger in size compared to the average fully grown badger.

"I am Rosethorn and I am here to free you Silvereye Bladebreaker." stated Rosethorn.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart Rosethorn. I have been captive for quite a few seasons and have only been able to survive by living off of this fresh water pool filled with fish. I hope you can wait a little longer while I get my battle gear." said Silvereye.

The next few moments Silvereye strapped on his armor and sheathed his two claymores. The claymores were exactly identical except for one thing one blade was a pure white while the other was a deep dark black.

"I am sorry I took so long to retrieve my gear, if you are curious as to why I have two identical claymores I can wield them both at the same time. Their names are Su the white one and Mo the black one. Shall we depart?" asked Silvereye.

"Yes we shall. Come with me I may need help with a little mission but first we must block this tunnel let's do it now." said Rosethorn.

The two beasts drew their swords and slammed them into the ceiling which caused the tunnel to collapse. They then made their way up the mountain and were rewarded with a stunning sight. The floating palace was right above them.

"Are you ready for this my friend?" asked Silvereye.

"You should already know the answer to that question."

Rosethorn gave a short screech into the air and Dartclaw along with his hawks arrived to fly them up to the palace.

"Find Zeilleon and tell him to evacuate my family. I want you to fly them down to the army and tell them to get to the ship." said Rosethorn.

"No problem Rosethorn." said Dartclaw.

The two warriors walked up to the huge wooden doors to the palace and prepared to enter.

"Move out of the way." said Rosethorn. Rosethorn immediately entered the Bloodwrath and pushed the twin wooden doors right open.

"So you actually made it here and what is this? Well if it isn't the old ruler of this magnificent palace. Wait weren't you locked in my prison and you in the mountain still?"

"You honestly think you could capture me? You were being played like a deck of cards this whole time. You will fall for what you have done." said Rosethorn.

"I also want a piece of you Wolverine." said Silvereye.

"Oh? Well then why don't we get this over with? Hope you survive this battle stripedog I still have unfinished business with you."

"You won't survive this battle to do anything monster."

"Oh but I will I always win always."

"Nooooooooooooooooooooo!" roared Rosethorn as he drew his swords and ran toward his enemy.

"You are a fool stripedog!" yelled Gallette Gortus as he drew two enormous buster swords from beside the throne and countered his enemies move. Silvereye drew his claymores and ran at Gallette Gortus swinging wildly. Gallette Gortus countered every move the two warriors made and kicked out at Silvereye sending him flying through the air. Rosethorn immediately used his whip and brought Silvereye back into the fight. The two warriors fought wildly but were no match for Gallette Gortus and his skill.

"Is that all you got stripedog?" asked Gallette Gortus menacingly.

"I don't need my ability to beat you!" roared Rosethorn.

"Wait my friend you mean you weren't using it this whole time?" asked Silvereye.

"No I wasn't using it and I guess I am wrong. I do need my ability and I always will after all I am of royal blood." answered Rosethorn. Instantly Rosethorn let it take control for the first time ever. "Stay back Silvereye I don't know what will happen if I let it take control. Get back!" yelled Rosethorn.

It was a fearsomely intense sight as Rosethorn let his ability take on its most powerful and most complete form, his eyes turned not to a vivid rose-like red but into a gruesomely grotesque solid black. Rosethorn did what he wanted to do; he grabbed his swords along with his spear and put the two together as they were designed to be in the darkest hour. He equipped the mask and roared a fearsome promise.

"I promise by the blood of the royal family that I will defeat you. I know you will not be able to stand against my most powerful weapon known as The Vanguard Sword of The Rose! Prepare to die scum!"

Rosethorn immediately ran toward Gallette Gortus and struck against his enemies swords in three wide arcs. His newly increased might once combined with the newly created weapon cut the two buster swords in pieces as if they were wood.

"You always struck fear into the hearts of other beasts but now you finally know the meaning of fear and you finally experience this morbid emotion for the very first and last time!" roared Rosethorn as he struck the blow to end the war.

Once it had been done the war was over and Rosethorn could finally relax knowing that his enemy was dead.

"It is over my friend it was an honor to fight side by side with such a brave warrior. You have showed me something I have been searching for many years; you showed me the true meaning of bravery and nobility. I thank you for your help and kindness towards me I want you to have this as a token of friendship." said Silvereye.

Silvereye handed Rosethorn a treasure, it was a crown made of silver and was embedded with rubies and emeralds.

"What should I do with this Silvereye?" asked Rosethorn.

"I think you already know what you should do with it. Don't you have a home or kingdom your majesty?"

"Yes I do but I have a few ideas with what I should do first I thank you but I must be going now. There is an army and my family waiting for me at my ship."

"Then let me help you with that sir eh wot." A hooded figure stepped out of the dark and removed his hood. "I am Zeilleon of the Long Patrol I can give you a ride to your ship if you don't mind that is."

"I don't mind so how will we be getting there?"

"By hawk of course sir." said Zeilleon.

As Rosethorn said his final goodbye he climbed onto a woven basket carried by Dartclaw and his hawks with Zeilleon right beside the legendary badger warrior.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter Seven

The crew was silent when Rosethorn arrived with Zeilleon. Carefully the crew approached Rosethorn just to be safe if he was infected with a negative Bloodwrath involved state. The crew waited for orders as Rosethorn quietly walked to his cabin door and told the crew to make way toward Salamandastron and went inside to take a much needed rest. That night Rosethorn dreamt he was with his parents, they were smiling at him happy that he avenged their deaths.

"You really are a legend of legends my son."

"I am happy you prevailed over that evil wolverine sweetheart, I am proud of you and happy that you are safe."

The rest of that night Rosethorn had pleasant dreams about his family living in peace and harmony. Roughtide was worried just as he was scared that something happened to his big brother and he struggled to get into his cabin.

"Let me go! I want to see him I want to see if he's okay just let me go!" pleaded Roughtide as he struggled to break free from his parents grip.

"Hold on you little scamp we just got rescued and he was fighting that huge wolverine he might as well be tired from his battle."

"Let me go I understand that entirely mom but I just want to see him."

"Now just you wait here me little trouble maker I don't want you botherin im right now so just settle down and behave ya scallywag."

The rest of the night was tiresome until Roughtide finally calmed down and went to sleep. Rosethorn awoke the next morning fully rested and ready to get back to Salamandastron. Rosethorn woke everyone up by ringing the bell as loud as he could.

"Hey what's with the racket out here? Ow! Nighty night my friends." said Burrbob as he woke up and hit his head hard on an overhanging piece of metal and went out like a candle.

"Everyone we need to get back to Salamandastron quickly I have a little errand to run that is very important." shouted Rosethorn to the whole crew.

"Aye, aye sir!" yelled the crew all at once. The crew got to work sailing the ship back to the mountain as fast as they could.

"We'll never make it there in time." said Rosethorn worriedly.

"How about I ask my friends if they can help sir?" asked Zeilleon.

"You mean?"

"Yep exactly what I mean." said Zeilleon.

"Alright then crew get some ropes tied to the front of the ship then tie the other ends into knots as big as you could get them." yelled Rosethorn over the noise of the hustle and bustle.

Zeilleon made the same screeching noise a few more times and in no time there were thirty hawks each waiting to take the knotted end of a rope. After each one had a rope in their talons they immediately began flying in the direction of Salamandastron with their powerful wings. That evening Rosethorn and his crew arrived at Salamandastron.

"Do you think you could give me a lift to Redwall Abby?" asked Rosethorn to Dartclaw.

"Sure can in fact I could get you there in no time at all, even before it gets too dark."

"Then let's leave right now!" Rosethorn hopped on the woven basket and off they went. True to his word they got there way before the sun started to go under the horizon.

"Abbot Corrlum where is Alleria?" asked Rosethorn in a hurried tone.

"She is in the Orchards right now why?"

"You'll see very soon." Rosethorn ran towards the Orchards and quickly found Sister Alleria. "Sister Alleria?" asked Rosethorn.

"Yes Rosethorn what do you need?"

"I just wanted to ask you something, something important that I understand might be a little hard to say, so I will say it. You and I are the same; we are both badgers who have feelings for each other and we both worry about each other so, what I'm trying to say is will you marry me?" asked Rosethorn with a hopeful look on his face. While he said this his eyes told Sister Alleria that he has a very great deal of affection for her.

"I, I don't know what to say but, yes! Yes I will marry you Rosethorn and I will be with you for my whole life and even longer if that is what you want." said Sister Alleria.

That instant Rosethorn and Sister Alleria were locked in a loving embrace together. A little after that moment Abbot Corrlum came hobbling towards them curious about why Rosethorn was in such a hurry.

"What's going on? What did I miss? Are you hurt?" said the Abbot worriedly.

"No I am not hurt. I just asked Sister Alleria to marry Me." said Rosethorn sheepishly.

"I told him yes."

"Oh! Well then we should prepare for this remarkable occasion. We need to make preparations for the wedding. When do you think it should be held?"

"How about in ten days?" asked Rosethorn.

"I think it is a great idea we should get started tomorrow." said Sister Alleria.

That night Rosethorn was visited by Martin the Warrior's spirit.

"You have prevailed but your destiny is not over. You are very happy now I can tell. You are soon to pay respects to a very important Badger Lord and you will aid him by bestowing upon him your thanks in a way you never thought was possible."

"What do you mean Martin? I don't understand."

"You asked a resident to marry you am I correct?"

"Yes I did but I still don't understand."

"The one you are to marry is a descendant of The Lord of Bloodwrath, the Badger Lord Bluestripe the Wild. He was your exact opposite. How you were getting more skilled at controlling the Bloodwrath with time he got even worse until he tried to cure it."

"Was he successful?"

"I'm sorry but I can't tell you that, only time will hold the answer. I must be going now my friend; I wish you good luck with your wedding."

With that Martin disappeared into the void of Rosethorn's mind. The next day Rosethorn and Sister Alleria started planning the wedding they made a list of everything they would need for the wedding. There were the decorations, the clothes, the food, the bouquet, the guest list, the invitations, even the wedding cake was planned with immense detail and clarity that there would possibly never be another wedding like it in the entire history of Redwall. Rosethorn helped to plan the types of foods that would be there.

"What do you think would be most appealing to Sister Alleria and the guests?"

"Well I would think of some fine perfectly aged Mixed Berry Wine for the older guests and a few barrels of Strawberry Fizz." said Quirball the Abbeys Cellarbeast.

"What kinds of berries are in the wine?"

"Well we put blackberries, strawberries, wild cherries, gooseberries, blueberries, and raspberries all in this beautiful wine."

"Sounds delightful my good friend I'm sure they will love it! Also do you happen to know what Sister Alleria likes the most?"

"Well I happen to know that she is a big fan of warm mint and chamomile tea would you like some of that out in the arrangement as well?"

"Yes please I am sure she would love it."

Sister Alleria was arranging the clothes that the guests should wear.

"Let's see how about the best dress robes for the guests and Perla, Wavecrester, Roughtide, and Haybor could wear the special garments we made for them."

"Aren't you forgetting about me?" asked Rosethorn.

"No I'm not forgetting you, I was just about to say that you could wear that dreamy set of clothes that were made for you and I was thinking that Roughtide could be the ring bearer as well."

"I love it! You are so beautiful right now more than ever for some reason. I must say I really like this arrangement that you came up with."

"Thank you Rosethorn that means a lot to me."

"I was hoping it would make you happy."

"Okay then what is left to make plans for?"

"Let's see the decorations are already planned, the food is all set to be made in the next few days, the invitations were sent to Salamandastron like you wanted, the bouquet is ready to be made in a little while, the clothes which you already planned for, the guest list, and the wedding cake is already designed and ready to be made."

"Thank you Rosethorn you've made me the happiest badger in all of Mossflower."

That afternoon Rosethorn's family arrived for the wedding preparations. Rosethorn asked Haybor to walk with him for a little bit.

"I need to ask you something Haybor. Would you mind taking my place as ruler of Rosetalia?"

"I don't think I could do that to you, after all you are the next heir to the throne."

"I know that but I am not the kind of ruler that our people need right now. I know my destiny now and it is clearer than anything in my mind right now, I need you to do this for me and for my dad. Please take my place on the throne I know you will do alright."

"O-okay I will take your place on the throne under one condition."

"Yes go on."

"I want you and your family to visit every four seasons."

"Okay then you have my word as a Prince and a Badger Lord."

"Thank you Rosethorn you have lifted my heart from the blackness it has been lying in since I learned of what happened to Theralious."

"I am sure he is beaming with happiness right now."

"Thank you again Rosethorn, you really are a noble warrior you are also kind and just."

The next few days were spent preparing for the wedding of Rosethorn and Sister Alleria. There was much merriment in the air as well as a beautiful summer sun.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Two

A Legend of Legends

Chapter Eight

The next day was the greatest day of Rosethorn and Sister Alleria's lives. The morning was different from any other as the sun had not come out behind a thick blanket of white fluffy clouds. Rosethorn was led into a personal dormitory specifically for him when he visited. Rosethorn got dressed into his specially made clothes and went over his vows. Sister Alleria was putting on her beautiful wedding dress that Perla and some other inhabitants of Redwall made for this momentous occasion. It had beautiful green velvet with the veil made out of a red silken doily. She held a bouquet made out of roses and wildflowers.

"You sure do look lovely my dear." said Perla.

"Thank you for that complement I hope this is the best day of my life so far."

"You don't need to worry after all you are getting married today and I hope this is the best day for the joining of you two."

Everything was being put into place as the wedding was taking place in the Great Hall. Everyone was all dressed and ready to go. Roughtide knew what he was supposed to do and was giddy with happiness. Then the music started as Rosethorn and everyone else watched in amazement as Alleria came through the doors slowly walking through the crowd of guests. The Long Patrol was so happy that they couldn't hold in their own tears of joy. As Alleria walked to the steps up to the altar Rosethorn reached out to her with his right hand and helped her up the stairs. Rosethorn and Alleria stood side by side waiting for the ceremony to start. Abbot Corrlum started reciting the traditional wedding ceremony.

"Do you Rosethorn promise to love Sister Alleria forever in sickness and in health as well as life and death?"

"I do!"

"And do you Sister Alleria promise to love Rosethorn in sickness and in health as well as life and death?"

"I do!"

"I now proclaim you husband and wife till the end of time please present to each other the rings."

Roughtide slowly walked up and presented the rings, Rosethorn slipped Alleria's ring onto her finger and Alleria did the same but then there was an extra ring much bigger than either one. Rosethorn took the crown and gently placed it onto Alleria's head and proceeded on with the ceremony.

"You may kiss the bride!"

Rosethorn and Alleria were in each others arms with love in their eyes as well as their hearts. Rosethorn walked with Alleria down the isle out into the Orchards and in the area they would have the reception. Everyone came and greeted them one by one. Even two surprise guests were there greeting each other Silvereye and although not able to be seen by anyone else Bluestripe the Wild was there right beside Alleria.

"Thank you Rosethorn you have given me something I could never forget, you gave me a great granddaughter who is happy to be with you. I pass down this knowledge to you as the new Badger Lord of Salamandastron. You will be a very happy badger with three of your own by your side." With that Bluestripe disappeared as if he was never there.

"Hello my friend I see you knew exactly what to do with that crown I gave you. I knew you would know what to do with it a long time ago longer than you planned to join your new family." said Silvereye.

"Well if it isn't my old friend Silvereye, just kidding your not an old friend because I just met you about thirteen days ago. What are you doing here?"

"I was sent an invitation by you mother Perla. She was so thankful that she as well as Roughtide and Haybor sent me an invitation. I trust you met your new great grandsire?"

"Yes although it would have been nice if we could have met in the same life."

"Yes I know it can be hard but you are leaving for Salamandastron tonight aren't you?"

"Yes we are we will stay there for a little while then we will be traveling to Rosetalia a little after that."

"Alright then I will leave you to attend your banquet then I will stay as long as you are for we can travel to Salamandastron then I can travel back to my palace so I can finish restoring everything back to normal."

"Okay I hope you enjoy the food there are some pretty decent cooks here."

"Well if the food is that decent then maybe I should hire a few cooks to bring back with me."

The whole day was very mild mannered as the Dibbuns were respecting this day as a very important day by keeping out of trouble and maintaining the cleanliness of their clothes. Rosethorn and Alleria enjoyed everything at the banquet but not as much as the Long Patrol did. They shoved unimaginable amounts of food into their mouths that those who watched thought they were much worse than Rosethorn when they had a feast in his honor. The food had gone and everyone was tired. Rosethorn had Zeilleon call the hawks and he and his newly wedded wife climbed into the basket together and flew towards the direction of Salamandastron. The next day Rosethorn's family arrived to Salamandastron. After they settled in Silvereye left for his palace with a heavy heart and a final farewell. Not long after Skipper Wavecrester and Perla along with their son Roughtide went to find their old Holt and see if their relatives were still alive and safe. A season has passed and Rosethorn is filled with happiness and excitement for his wife Alleria is pregnant.

"We will soon have a little one of our own here my love." said Alleria.

"I know I am brimming with excitement. What should we name him or her?"

"I don't know yet maybe we should let it choose a name for itself."

"Why don't we wait and see what happens for the time being."

"Alright then Rosethorn I will be leaving shortly my dear nephew and now should I say niece."

"Thanks and where are you going Haybor?" asked Alleria.

"I am going back to Rosetalia so I can reestablish the rule of the royal family. Won't you come with me Rosethorn so you can see your old home?"

"I don't think it is a good idea right now since Alleria and I are expecting a new addition into our family but what do you think my dear?"

"I think it would be a lovely idea for you to see your old home but I think it would also be a good idea if you stayed. Why don't you let your heart choose dear?"

"Alright then I will come with you. How long will it take to get there?"

"Well on a ship it would take thirty days or so but if we use the hawks and just fly it might be a lot less, about ten or twelve days at best Rosethorn."

"Then we shall use the hawks for now and I hope you will be safe my dear I don't want any thing to happen to you. Are you sure you will be okay?"

"I will be fine after all we do have Larra to look out for us whenever we need her to."

"Alright I will leave in a moment but don't forget to ask for help if you need it."

"I won't forget I promise."

That day Rosethorn and Haybor left for their old home Rosetalia for the first time since Rosethorn shall be able to see his old home once again perhaps for the last time in his lifetime.

"I can't wait for this to get any better I am not only a prince but a Badger Lord as well ha, what do you think uncle?"

"I think it is an absolutely grand idea."

"Maybe this can get better."

"For the first time ever,

This just gets better than I have ever known,

This feeling inside is bursting open wide,

The hope I feel forever that won't give up no never,

The first time since a while,

Just makes me want to smile,

Now and forever,

Yes now not never,

Just now is the time for hope!"

"Are you done singing yet Rosethorn? You were a little off key there."

"Oh come on don't tell me you don't like music do you?"

"Now, now don't get me wrong I do like music it's just that I'm a little worried since I don't think I have the ability in me any more."

"That's nonsense of course you have the ability in you, you're of royal blood aren't you?"

"Yes I am what are you insane or something?"

"There! You still have the ability in you; your eyes are red right now. You can handle it can't you?"

"I guess I can I did have Ironsight teach me in your place though."

"Well that's what I call wishful thinking."

"It's a gift as well as a curse."

The days passed and Rosethorn awoke one morning to a sight he never thought he would see. Rosetalia was a beautiful paradise covered in lush vegetation. There were flowers all over the place as well as fruit trees and berry bushes. Once they landed Haybor ran inside the castle and asked an old friend of his if they did the kindest thing for Theralious and Rosaline. Rosethorn found their graves side by side with a beautifully crafted wreath made entirely out of the many kinds of roses that bloomed all over Rosetalia.

"I am sorry mom and dad I wish I could have protected you. No!"

Rosethorn sat there on the soil where his parents lay buried, slumbering for all eternity weeping for his parents.

"Rosethorn if it is too painful for you, you may leave back to your new home and you may be back with your wife."

"Thank you I will leave now so I can get back home, farewell Haybor I will see you in a few seasons."

Rosethorn left Rosetalia with an anger and sadness that would forever burden him while he still lived. Rosethorn arrived back at Salamandastron in less than the time it took them to get there. He entered the mountain and went back to his chamber. Once inside he opened the entrance to the secret chamber of the Badger Lords walked inside sealed the entrance and sat there alone in the dark weeping quietly.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter One

Swiftly the masked intruder ran through the thickest woods ever imagined knocking over trees as if they were nothing. He quickly turned to see his pursuer, a little hare no bigger than his fist.

"Excuse me my lord but aren't you the new Badger Lord of Salamandastron?" asked the little hare.

"Yes I am but right now I am on a very personal mission right now is there something wrong?" asked Rosethorn.

"My parents are so cold they won't wake up and they haven't moved for days I am starving and don't know where to find food can you help me?"

"I guess I could help but why don't we go see your parents first?"

"Alright then my burrow is this way also my name is Fuzzmitt."

The little hare led Rosethorn to her little burrow and showed him her parents who were very skinny and they were not moving an inch.

"Why don't you gather your things and meet me outside okay?"

"Okay my lord, thank you but won't my parents wake up?"

"I am sorry little one but they won't wake up ever again they are in an eternal rest and may never wake up from it the best thing we can do is seal off your little burrow and hope no beast disturbs them."

So Rosethorn took little Fuzzmitt outside and sealed off the entrance to the burrow. He traveled for a few days with the little hare and decided he would take care of her for a while. They traveled for a few more days and only stopped to rest.

"Why don't we set up camp here little one?"

"Okay then I will get out some food out and we can eat a nice meal sir."

Rosethorn gathered some firewood and started making a little camp just big enough so they could roast some vegetables and heat up some soup.

"How long have your parents been like that and how did they get like that?"

"I think they were like that for three weeks and I don't know how they got like that it scares me to try to think about what caused it."

"You don't need to worry your with me after all what could happen to a little e thing like you when I am around?"

"I really don't want to think about it right now, anything could happen to me if you're around or not if you do think about it."

"Alright then finish up your food and don't worry about it much when you're done eating you should go to sleep I will watch over you."

That night Rosethorn lay awake fully alert and ready to spring into action if he needed to. Moments passed and Rosethorn grew weary of keeping watch all night long suddenly his eyes grew wide as he heard something coming closer to the small camp. He pretended to be in a deep slumber and kept one eye slightly open and waited for the intruder.

"There he is lady Seratiss will be very pleased when I bring her the beast responsible for killing her son. I can hardly wait for this, ack!"

Rosethorn immediately sprang up and grabbed the intruder by his throat holding him above the ground by about six feet.

"What are you doing here and who is lady Seratiss?"

"Aren't you the Black Spirit?"

"No! I am Rosethorn Lord of Salamandastron, son of Theralious and Rosaline. Who are you?"

"I am Artheris the Spy I serve under no beast I am on a mission for the one who hired me known simply as Lady Serratiss. Her son was ruthlessly murdered by the Black Spirit."

"All right then tell me where the Black Spirit is before I rip out your throat!"

Immediately Rosethorn's eyes turned a deep rosy red the fox watched his eyes in the silvery moonlight and trembled in horror.

"What is it to you?"

"The Black Spirit along with six others is responsible for the murder of my parents, all together they are known as The Seven Sinister Systems of Death. Gallette Gortus was one of them."

"When you say was you mean?"

It was silent for a while then Rosethorn nodded.

"So you did I may want to consider teaming up with you."

"I don't team up with vermin."

"Excuse me? I was brought up by very good beasts I was orphaned when I was born, if it wasn't for two badgers known as Barius and Toan stumbling upon my location I wouldn't have survived up to this point to tell about it. They were kind enough to raise me properly. I owed them my life and I still do. When I was older and properly educated they trained me to fight, on the battle field I was fighting alongside my new family I was almost killed by a poisoned arrow, the oldest of the two badgers Barius in this case shielded me and gave his life for me. Shortly after that the other one Toan was beheaded. I was so furious that I went into a weird frenzy, the end of the war came and only one warrior from each side survived, me and a wildcat. When I went into that frenzy the wildcat looked at me and said he wanted me in his army, that I was rare because I had blue eyes, then he looked at my eyes and was shocked. He said my eyes were different, I looked at my reflection on my blades polished surface my eyes were a bright violet he was disappointed so he hit my head with a club and fled away from the battlefield like the true coward he is. I never saw him again until I thought he was the Black Spirit or he was in league with him."

"Fine you may join me and my little companion but if you make one wrong move, you're on your own!"

The rest of the night was peaceful and quiet; no-one else appeared at the small camp so Rosethorn lay on his back and went to sleep. The next morning the new arrival woke Rosethorn and asked if it was alright to make some warm fruity oatmeal for everyone.

"There should be some fruit trees near here go and get some and I'll start up a fire."

"Thank you sir I shall return shortly with the provisions."

After a short while he returned indeed with lots of apples, peaches, and even various kinds of sweet ripe edible berries.

"I'll get it started right away sir. Okay bring fresh water to a boil then add the oats let it absorb the water and add some honey, mince the berries and fruits, stir it all in and serve."

"I'll wake up Fuzzmitt while you serve it up."

"Good morning my lord, uh who is that?"

"This is Artheris he is a good beast searching for a wildcat."

"Okay then what is that smell? It is very good!"

"It's breakfast Artheris made it."

"May I try some?"

"Of course you can little one just out of curiosity how old are you?"

"I don't really know I think I am about nine seasons old."

"Nice to know why don't you just sit down and eat some breakfast then we'll set off for our next destination."

The whole morning passed and the whole time Rosethorn grew ever eager to exact his revenge on those who killed his parents.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter Two

To Rosethorn's surprise there was a hawk carrying a message with very important news.

"Well if it isn't Dartclaw old friend what is new."

"Hello Rosethorn I have some very important news that you should be very proud of."

Rosethorn took the scroll and unrolled it to his surprise it read

To my dear Rosethorn since the time you have been gone for about two seasons now I have had the urge to tell you that you are now the father of three little badgers'. One I have named Thorn he has your ears, another I have named SlimBlade, and the last I have named Rose. I hope you are safe and I pray for your return and I hope you find those who killed your parents.

Sincerely yours forever

Badger Lady Alleria.

"I can't believe this I am the father of three new badger babes; nothing could possibly make me more proud. Dartclaw I need you to do me a favor."

"Yes Rosethorn?"

"Take Fuzzmitt to Salamandastron and tell my wife Lady Alleria to make sure she is kept safe then come back about somewhere ahead of us maybe near the upcoming waterfall. Fuzzmitt do you think you can keep your self safe with Dartclaw?"

"I think I can why do I have to leave though?"

"Because we are very close to getting the Black Spirit to Lady Serratiss for punishment and we might not be able to protect you from the enemies."

With that Fuzzmitt flew off on Dartclaw's back to Salamandastron. Rosethorn and Artheris set off for the location of the Black Spirit.

"Look out Artheris duck!"

As a series of javelin flew over Artheris's head, Rosethorn swiftly drew his swords and immediately started cutting down the javelins before they could even hit him. Rosethorn countered every blow that would have been dealt by swinging his swords in an incredibly expert manner.

"Go and see if you can sneak up on them from behind and knock them out I'll be there once the javelins stop flying at me."

Artheris swiftly snuck away from the continuous onslaught of javelins and carefully quietly snuck up behind the enemy. He was right behind them and immediately he knocked them all out one by one. He hit the leader who fell mumbling.

"Who dares attack the Black Spirit...?"

"Rosethorn I got them."

"Is that the Black Spirit?"

"Yeah he even mumbled about him being the Black Spirit before he went out."

"Let's see who he is shall we?"

Immediately Artheris froze quivering slightly as he saw the face of his old enemy. Slowly his eyes shifted into a bright ominous violet and then the unexpected happened as he jumped at his old foe in front of Rosethorn and was about to deal the ending blow before Rosethorn swiped him out of the air. Artheris skidded on the ground from the force of the swipe and immediately ran back at Rosethorn determined to kill his enemy.

"What is wrong with you Artheris? Snap out of it now before I have no choice."

"No! I have to avenge my family even at the cost of my own life I will never stop. I must kill him."

That was all he said as Rosethorn grabbed hold of his throat and held his new friend off the ground in a firm grip. Seconds ticked by until Artheris fell into a deep forcibly administered sleep.

"When you wake up we'll have to have a little talk."

A few moments after Artheris awoke tied to a tree struggling to get free from his bonds. Rosethorn had the others tied up and hung on a huge tree limb by the rest of the rope from their upper backs.

"Let me go Rosethorn I can control myself enough."

"Are you so sure of that?"

"Yes I am sure you can trust me."

"Very well then just don't do anything so what do we do with them?"

"I say we kill them right here and now."

"No I have a better idea, you what is your name other than the Black Spirit?"

"I am Wrangil the Conqueror one of many who helped kill the rulers of Rosetalia. Are you one of them stripe dog?"

"How dare you I demand you tell me why you did it or let the wrath of the Royal Family and the ruler of Salamandastron rain down upon you endlessly till you reach the gates of Dark Forest."

"Certainly my lord, ha you're that whiny brat that Gallette Gortus was after aren't you? Look how you've grown you would have been very useful to us."

"I challenge you to a duel to the death your freedom depends on your answer stripe cat."

"Ha I accept your challenge but I'll warn you that for every one of us you kill your just giving your friend over there an even harder time with his Symmatriarc and Hellfire problem."

"What do you speak of stripe cat?"

"Hellfire is an incredibly deadly ability that is passed down to only the greatest or most worthy warriors and for every one of us you kill he gets worse you will also get it eventually. Symmatriarc is an incredibly old ability based on magic itself and he looks like he is the chosen one we were looking for ha to think I passed up the opportunity to capture and re-educate him it is very funny. Judging by the way you're reacting to this I'd say you already killed Gallette Gortus. Am I right?"

"You are correct but no more stalling I would love to end you right now!"

Rosethorn untied Wrangil and gave him his weapon; it was a broadsword with countless tiny rubies embedded in the hilt with a rare looking large one as the pommel stone.

"Are you nervous stripe dog?"

"No just excited stripe cat."

The battle started as Wrangil charged at Rosethorn without a satisfied result in the first move. Rosethorn stepped out of the way and prepared his swords for battle. He combined his swords and his spear to create the exact weapon he used to kill Gallette Gortus a while ago. The wildcat turned around and locked blades with Rosethorn struggling to gain the upper hand he tripped Rosethorn and jumped high into the air preparing for the ending blow that would win this duel. At the last second Rosethorn rolled out of the way and swung his amazing Vanguard Sword of the Rose in a downward arc and knocked the wildcat's blade from his hands. Flat on the ground the wildcat begged for mercy staring into his attackers eyes and for a split moment he saw what he hoped he would, Rosethorn's eyes flickered with flames for a split second and the wildcat started an uproarious laugh.

"Ha, ha, ha you are too late now the very thing I was sent to do has been done there is no hope for you now stripe dog you shall forever be doomed to a life of incredible evil, ha, ha, ack...."

Rosethorn immediately beheaded Wrangil and strangely enough something happened to Rosethorn and Artheris. Inside Rosethorn felt good and angry at the same time craving even more bloodshed to his foes while wanting to complete his revenge. Artheris's eyes began to change and he screamed out in agony as his eyes changed with violent power. Afterwards Artheris checked his reflection and was shocked to see that his eyes were half of a bright violet and half of a bright bloody red.

"Rosethorn what's going on? What's happening to me?"

"It seems that what the wildcat said was true and so far I have killed two of the Seven Sinister Systems of Death which leaves five left. You prisoners have a choice you can tell us how to find the other five or you could join the wildcat in death."

"We have a map of their hide-outs locations sire." said the wimpiest one of them all.

He handed Rosethorn the map and in return he let them free as long as they never terrorized anyone again. Rosethorn packed up his things and grabbed Wrangil's sword and slung it across his back.

"Why are you taking his sword?"

"Because it is important to keep the weapons of foe when in their case if some other villain shows up it would tell them about the Seven Sinister Systems of Death when they come across the secret compartments in the weapons all the members who owns a weapon has something very important and special to me that is my property when I was little. Pack up and get ready to move out, I see your eyes have gone back to their natural dark blue color."

"Oh alright I'll get my stuff."

They left the forest that afternoon and luckily came across the hideout of the next member and prepared for a siege. That very same night they waited until the underlings of the one called Zeilour the Torturer and snuck in when they were all gone except for Zeilour of course. They entered the hideout and made their way towards the master chamber.

"Wait Artheris there might be a trap."

Rosethorn put on the Mask of the Rose and was able to search for any signs of danger. Carefully he disarmed a trip wire that would otherwise cause a spike trap to spring out of the walls around them and opened the door.

"So it was true that you're still alive Rosethorn. I was hoping you would be."

The voice came out of nowhere as the evil Zeilour stepped out of the shadows. Rosethorn and Artheris had never seen such a beast it was a horrifically ugly beast that none would dare to tell in even the most horrifying ghost stories. You see Zeilour is a Wearet with the most horrifying laugh any have ever heard.

"What are you? Are you some kind of monster made real?"

"No I am a Wearet of course but enough talk now is the time you die by my hand instead."

The Wearet threw a chair at Rosethorn who merely put up a single fist and the chair went to pieces once it connected. Rosethorn drew his swords and spear and repeated the same thing with the other two; the Wearet drew his Bastard sword and lunged at Rosethorn. Rosethorn blocked and parried every blow the Wearet was backed into a corner and became even more vicious than he was earlier he drew a solid oak club and struck Rosethorn in the head although knocked out temporarily Rosethorn fell to the ground, Artheris sensing the extreme danger jumped in and guarded Rosethorn's unconscious body with his very life. Rosethorn recovered quickly from such a blow and decided to finish the fight by throwing his Vanguard Sword after issuing a warning to his teammate. Artheris ducked as the sword flew over his head straight into the Wearet's body pinning him to the very corner he stood in. Rosethorn retrieved his weapon as well as his enemies and left with Artheris. They got to the river they planned to rest at the same night. Before they started to unpack a young Otter slid out of the river and asked them a few questions.

"Hello there, are you all right?"

"We are fine thank you, just need to rest a bit."

"Well you shouldn't sleep out here it is too dangerous why don't you come with me to my Holt?"

"Sure but might I ask your name?"

"Sure my name is Orval nice to meet you."

"I am Rosethorn and this is Artheris it is nice to meet you as well."

Young Orval led the two weary travelers to his Holt where they rested for the night.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter Three

The next morning Rosethorn awoke inside a beautifully lit chamber Orval was a little ways away from him waking up Artheris.

"Your awake I guess I don't have to wake you up after all. Come with me there is something I would like you to see."

"What is it Orval? Do you know which way the nearest waterfall is would you?"

"Wait until after I have shown you the sword."

"A sword you say? What kind of sword?"

Rosethorn was cut short as Orval opened the door that was built into a hollowed out tree, beyond it there was a small chamber with an altar in the middle of it bearing a sword with a dark leather casing on the sheath. Rosethorn walked up to it with Orval and admired the sword; it had a dark hilt with a beautiful blue gem as the pommel stone. Orval picked up the sword and unsheathed it holding it out in front of him the jet black blade glittering in the twilight turning it in his hands so he could see the carvings in the blade, he said something in a foreign language.

"What was that? I couldn't understand a word you just said."

"It is a language only otters can understand; it is written on the blade in our ancestors' sacred runes. It reads: You are the wielder of the black flame but beware! He who uses this sword for evil shall meet an end fitting for his crimes beware!"

"May I hold it Orval?"

"Absolutely not it is forbidden for outsiders to use this sword for any thing especially evil like the inscription said plus I will be leaving my home soon to join the Freedom Brigade and fight the new enemy rising up known as The Beasts they are ten times the size of normal members of their various species. Rats, Wildcats, Weasels, Stoats, as well as Ferrets and other sorts of beasts are in their ranks. I just hope I will survive long enough so I can come back to my wife and son."

"You have a son as well?"

"Yes I do, let me guess you do too?"

"Yes two in fact Thorn and SlimBlade, I even have a daughter named Rose."

"Congratulations my friend I hope you get to return to them."

"I do hope I can as well Orval, for their sakes. Is it alright if I meet him?"

"Sure don't see why not."

Orval lead the two visitors to a small chamber where a little crib sat by a huge bed, inside was a cute little otter babe in a deep sleep murmuring silent words and twitching in his sleep. Seeing such a darling little babe made Rosethorn feel a huge pang of homesickness and made him wish he could go back home and meet his own little ones.

"I don't know what it is but I feel as if he is really important somehow, it is a strange feeling I have right now and it seems as though I am expecting him in the future this is an awkward experience for me but it seems to want to be cherished in some way."

"I should tell you I kind of had the same feeling when I met you the other night it felt as if it was fate that led you to me but I'm not so sure if it is indeed the same feeling."

"I am sorry to say this but I must be going now I have a mission to complete."

Rosethorn and Artheris left the Holt of Orval in search of their next target.

"Rosethorn I feel strange like I did before."

"It seems that we're close to another hide-out."

"How do you know that?"

"Well for starters it is on the map and you have an ancient power that could help you discern the location of our enemies."

"I didn't hear any of that from the Wildcat."

"Of course you didn't. I know something about it when I looked in the old library in Salamandastron and stumbled on it after I killed Gallette Gortus."

"I found it Rosethorn the third one it is right under our feet we're standing on a woven reed matt let's go inside and kick them out."

"No I am going alone this time the map says this is the hide-out of Hrack the Thief, he is a rat that wouldn't put up much of a fight if any and plus I don't want to get careless in case someone tries to seal us in. That's why you're staying here."

"Rosethorn be careful then, I've grown too really like you and I don't want to lose a friend besides you remind me of my family."

"I won't be killed I'll promise you that."

Rosethorn departed for the entrance by removing the matt and descending into the hole. Once he touched the bottom he opened the door and went inside. It was almost as if it were empty save for the leader of this thieves guild Hrack.

"There you are yikes it's you how are you still alive? I mean how are you doing? I trust that you are well?"

"Stop it now you aren't going to escape your fate you are going to pay for your misdeeds."

"That would be true if it wasn't for me having backup now get him!"

Rosethorn was set upon by two huge animals one was a Ferret who was larger than any other Rosethorn had yet seen and the other one was a Fox with reddish orange fur and twice the size of an average one.

"So you had two other leading members here it shouldn't be too hard."

Immediately Rosethorn threw them off of himself and drew his swords and entered a bizarre state that had never befallen him before. Rosethorn's eyes were blood red with flames emanating from them then it changed to just black flaming pools of nothingness. Rosethorn ran at the Ferret and swiftly beheaded him before he even had a chance to react, then he ran at the fox who gave him more of a challenge, ducking and weaving dodging the blows that would've finished any other normal foe in their exact spots where they stood. The Fox took a deep slash on his right arm angry the fox kicked Rosethorn and picked up his scimitar Rosethorn flipped himself up and off his back and threw one of his dual swords straight at the Fox. The fox deflected the sword and deftly dodged an incoming slash from Rosethorn. The Fox charged at Rosethorn and locked blades with him both the Fox and Rosethorn struggled to over power each other, desperately trying to push their foe over so the battle would be done. The Fox pushed Rosethorn over and knocked the blade right out of his hand. The Fox picked Rosethorn up off the ground wrapping both paws around his enemies' neck chuckling to himself at the mere thought of Rosethorn winning.

"I'm not done with you vermin."

The Fox began to tighten his hold on Rosethorn's neck. As he did so Rosethorn began struggling as he had never before trying to shake off his attacker to no avail. Rosethorn's vision began to grow dim as the air left his seemingly lifeless corpse Rosethorn awoke to a strange place. It was dark and foggy there were trees that looked like they had been dead for ages everywhere; there were two huge gates in front of him. Rosethorn walked toward them as he did so they began to open. Once he was right in front of them two figures came out to meet Rosethorn. To his surprise the two figures were Theralious and Rosaline.

"What is this place how can I see you?"

"Rosethorn this is the Dark Forest home to Hellgates themselves you are dead, you've failed your mission."

"No I won't fail you I will not allow myself to die while the ones who killed you are still alive. I swear by my honor as the Prince of Rosetalia and the Badger Lord of Salamandastron that I won't fail."

Once Rosethorn finished forging one of the most important promises that would ever come to be a bright warm light shone down on him and Rosethorn left the Dark Forest for now. Rosethorn awoke in the thieves' guild on the floor. Once he remembered where he was and what he was doing he jumped up grabbed his weapon and finished what he started.

"What in the world? You're supposed to be dead I checked you my self."

"As long as all of you are alive I will never die."

Rosethorn advanced on The Fox and the Thief Rat and began the fight again. The Fox thought he could finish this once and for all and went for a little too obvious move, he dived under Rosethorn and jumped up behind him and prepared to strike his enemy down. Rosethorn swiftly turned around and stabbed the Fox right in his middle. Slowly Rosethorn turned toward the Rat and finished him with a simple slash to the back. After the battle ended Rosethorn retrieved the three head member's weapons and hastily departed upon hearing the screams of his partner.

"Are you alright Artheris?"

Artheris removed his paws from his eyes to show Rosethorn what had happened his eyes were now six different colors Violet, Red, Green, Blue, Amber, and a bright pearly Pink.

"It seems that you are changing your fur is changing color as well didn't it used to be ashy grey?"

"Yeah it was but it's not anymore now I'm black and white."

"Are you alright Artheris?"

"Yeah but are you alright Rosethorn?"

"I'm fine. That makes six of them gone and only one left finally my revenge shall come to an end."

"You mean there were two more than expected?"

"Yes and it seems that what our friend Orval said is true there is a new enemy rising up to power The Beasts are coming."

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter Four

Rosethorn and Artheris walked onward toward the waterfall they promised to meet Dartclaw at. They walked for hours occasionally stopping to either rest or eat. By the time they got there it was nearly midnight and the moon was unde3rgoing a sort of strange transformation, it was turning red ever so slowly and Rosethorn couldn't take his eyes off of it.

"Sure is beautiful isn't it?"

Rosethorn didn't answer.

"Hey Rosethorn are you okay?"

Still there was no answer from Rosethorn.

"Rosethorn buddy snap out of it."

Artheris stood in front of his friend and took one look at his eyes and shrieked as Rosethorn grabbed him by his throat.

"Why are you still here? You are nothing but a big sniveling coward and you are weak!"

Rosethorn's eyes were blazing fire like a million burning bonfires all in one small area. Artheris gasped for breath as he started to feel the icy grip of death and despair closing in on him ever so slowly. Artheris was silent and a Hellfire stricken Rosethorn laughed insanely craving even more bloodshed until Artheris snapped into consciousness and kicked Rosethorn right in his gut. Rosethorn staggered and dropped an insanely dangerous Artheris on the ground and glared at him as Artheris flipped himself upright and stood face to face with Rosethorn.

"So this is what happens when the Bloodwrath, Hellfire, and the Power of the Symmatriarc are wrapped up all in one huh? Well this is quite unexpected but worth it ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, haaa!"

Artheris stood there in front of Rosethorn shaking as the three most deadly afflictions surfaced, his eyes were black with six colored flames his muscles grew to twice their size.

"ROSETHORN! You really don't want to do this. What about your family? Don't you want to be able to survive to meet your kids? Does any of that mean anything to you? Do you even care about what happens to your wife? How about your uncle you told me about? Do you have any emotions?"

Rosethorn began to shake violently, clutching his head and murmuring things in complete agony. Inside Rosethorn's head two very different forces were at work. One was an all white badger with Rosy Red eyes the other was an all black badger with eyes of flame and pure evil.

"No! What is going on?"

"Grrrrr I must kill!"

"No stop it!"

"Never! Not ever!"

"I won't submit!"

"I must kill everyone!"

"NO! I WILL NOT LOSE CONTROL! NOT IN A MILLION SEASONS!"

As Rosethorn's inner selves fought they were brought together now one complete being. Soon after Rosethorn was on his feet breathing deeply.

"Are you done Rosethorn?"

Rosethorn slowly raised his head and opened his eyes. To Artheris' s surprise they were Rosy pink flames emanating from them, they blazed hotter than any forge ever has before. Then Rosethorn Used his fully unleashed form of the Bloodwrath and the flames changed into black fires as if they were from Hellgates themselves.

"I've done it; I've taken control of it! I'll never be out of control of it again."

Artheris walked up to his friend and reverted to his normal eye color then he embraced Rosethorn in a somewhat brief yet caring hug.

"Don't ever do that again Rosethorn! I've too much already and I won't let anymore be taken or destroyed. Like it or not you're the only family I have left and I won't let you die next!"

"You think I am your family now?"

"Of course, you remind me so much of Barius and Toan so much of my family that I lost long ago."

"Don't worry I'll always be here with you little brother."

As soon as Rosethorn said that Artheris broke into tears and sobbed for the rest of the night. The next morning Rosethorn woke Artheris as Dartclaw swooped down with his team of hawks carrying a big basket with them.

"Hello Dartclaw did you bring the armor and the sword?"

"Yes I did, that black and white armor with the seven different colored gems made into it with the dual sword of black and white metal."

"Wait when did you make armor for me?"

"I had a vision of a figure with half of a Bright White fur and half of a Dark Black fur wearing the armor and holding the sword. He told me I would make them both for someone I would meet like him."

"That is incredible!"

"Hurry up and get that armor on! Dartclaw take these weapons back to Salamandastron and tell the long patrol to put them in my forge room on the table. I will be coming home in less than a season."

With that Dartclaw and his team flew off toward Salamandastron and disappeared from view. Rosethorn and Artheris walked towards an incredibly deep forest and disappeared from view as soon as they entered it. The forest creaked and groaned as a wind started blowing through the trees. Rosethorn and Artheris camped for the night and rested peacefully.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter Five

Rosethorn looked around mesmerized that there was nothing villainous in the forest. The branches creaked as the wind drove itself onward through the spaced out treetops. Rosethorn and Artheris walked onward then stopped as a battleaxe flew down out of the treetops. There on an Elm bough perched gallantly was a Red Squirrel. He was wiry and somewhat bulky with bright Blue eyes and Orangish-Brown fur. He was wearing some sort of garment that looked like a mix betwixt a tunic and a jerkin with a brown barkcloth belt. He looked to be around 14 seasons he was very young looking for his appearance.

"Stop right there or you're both dead beasts not a muscle should be moved if you want to live. Who are you and why are you trespassing here?"

"I am sorry I was not aware of this land being yours I am Rosethorn and this is my friend Artheris pray tell us who are you?"

"I am Firlow and I own this forest why are you here? Sent to kill me I bet. No doubt you work for The Seven Sinister Systems of Death?"

"Never am I one of them! I would rather sooner die than work for such scum of the earth!"

"Well aren't we a feisty one now?

"You wouldn't happen to know where the leader of said vermin horde resides would you."

"Well yes and no someone else I know who lives close by does know the way I'll take you to my friend if you like."

Rosethorn and Artheris follow Firlow to a small lean-to propped up against a tall Oak tree and a small hill jutting out of the ground like a pointing spear blade. Rosethorn waits outside as Firlow vanishes from sight into the lean-to. After a short while voices could be heard coming form inside, out came Firlow and another creature, a mouse with eyes like lavender and fur the lightest gray that could ever be imagined. She spoke in a calm soothing voice that could charm a bird right out of its nest.

"I am Notch Grayfur; I am a rover, wanderer, explorer what ever you want to call me as they share a great deal in common."

"I am Rosethorn and this is Artheris my friend, we are looking for the leader of the Seven Sinister Systems of Death."

"Ah you're the one who's after them huh? I know where you can find Zanna she's the leader but be warned she is the most cunning Warlady I've ever clapped eyes on!"

"You know where? Tell me I want to know."

"I'll take you there but I won't fight with you against her I'd sooner keep on roving than to lose my life to her either in slavery or death. I wouldn't stand a chance."

"Okay just leave her to me and Artheris we'll take care of her."

"Wait could I help you get rid of her for good?"

"Sure Firlow whatever you want to do we're with you!"

"Thanks Artheris I can't wait to finally free this land of their evil!"

"Alright fine we have a deal then."

Notch and Firlow accompany Rosethorn and Artheris on their journey. They walk through the forest and camp at nightfall; they all lie on their backs looking up at the starry night sky and watch the stars glittering like the morning dew on a fresh field of grass. All was calm as they lay there watching the stars. It was a deep longing to be with his family. Lady Alleria, Thorn, Slimblade, and Rose all at Salamandastron cozy and warm by a fireplace. Rosethorn felt more than just a pang of homesickness, Rosethorn kept these feelings to him as he lay there under the stars listening to the stories of his companions.

"Hey Artheris what did you do before you became a warrior?"

"Nothing really I was rescued when I was a babe by two Badgers. They cared and raised me like I was their little brother. Barius and Toan were the only family I had. They took me in when I was helpless and they raised me to be a good beast. They trained me and helped me get stronger. They were killed by Wrangil a member of the Seven Sinister Systems of Death but Rosethorn helped me avenge their deaths."

"Really, Rosethorn wouldn't happen to be one of them in disguise would he?"

"Hahaha does it look like I'm wearing a disguise eh Firlow?"

"Hm no I guess not I don't think there's a disguise big enough to hide you! I was just asking."

"Haha I know you were, there's nothing wrong with that."

"What did you do before this Notch?"

"Oh nothing really just roving from here to there going from one place to the next nothing overall special just sort of average stuff for me. What about you Rosethorn?"

"I was a prince, to a country named Rosetalia. It is a beautiful place filled with wonder and excitement?"

"Well don't stop now it's just getting good!"

"Alright, alright calm down! Well one day a fleet of ships arrived on our south coast. Out came a huge horde of vermin and at the head of them stood seven evil beasts. They stormed the castle and slew my mother and father in cold blood. They kidnapped me and my uncle Haybor and left the only place I could call home. A little after that I escaped and found a new family, I fought an Adder with my bare paws and rescued their son Roughtide my new little brother. Skipper Wavecrester, his wife Perla and their son Roughtide became my new family. They adopted me and made me their son."

"Wow and I'll bet you went through a whole lot more huh Rosethorn?"

"Aye, that I did Firlow. What did you do?"

"I really don't want to talk about it!"

"Alright, It's getting late we should get some rest before Dawn's first light."

"You're right good night everyone!"

"Good night Firlow, Artheris, and Rosethorn."

"Good night Notch."

"Sleep well Notch."

"Rest well and pleasant dreams Notch!"

The serene quietness stole over the four friends, but something wasn't right. Firlow and Notch were still awake and alert.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter Six

In the dark two big glittering eyes stared at the four friends sleeping soundly.

"Yesss sssleep now ressst while I feed on you. Ssslarisss commandsss you, sleep now and never wake up!"

"Die now foul Snake!"

Firlow was up in the Elm tree next to the Adder as he said those two words he threw his Battle Axe at the Adder's head cutting it clean off. Firlow descended the Elm tree with such skill that only a Squirrel could posses. He retrieved his battle Axe and rubbed a pawful of dried grass to clean off the blade, as he snuck back into camp he noticed that Notch was still up.

"Let me guess Slaris again?"

"Aye but I got him this time though! I can't believe he was tracking us what did you do to him this time?"

"Adders think they're untouchable just because they're deadly and feared by many different beasts. He was trying to kill a small mouse so I rescued him and sent the Snake packing for the marshes but he must have wanted to get revenge on me for what I did."

'Hmph never liked Snakes especially Adders. Let's get back to sleep shall we?"

"Aye we need the rest because I recognize this area we're close to the compound."

Both Notch and Firlow fell asleep peacefully now that the Adder was dead. In the morning breakfast was cooking on a small fire as Rosethorn and Artheris were cutting up small fruits and Garden Vegetables.

"Mm something smells very good."

"Aye something does smell good what's cooking?"

"Oho you want some do you? Well this is just a simple breakfast, some fruit Oatmeal and some savory Vegetable soup, go ahead and eat what you like."

"Thanks Rosethorn where'd you learn to cook like this?"

"My uncle Haybor, this is the same soup he made when I was still a babe. I miss him but somebody had to rule Rosetalia."

"Aye it must be hard for you when your family is at Salamandastron and you're leagues away form them."

"Aye I am very excited to see my family again after so long. When this is all over I won't be able to stop being happy when I'm with my family."

"How old are your little ones?"

"Well Thorn and Slimblade are twins but Thorn look two seasons older than his brother. Rose is the newest one to the family."

"Awww wow they sound like perfect little angels!"

"Aye but Thorn was injured in an accident. You see Thorn and Slimblade are twins, Thorn was injured very badly nothing our healers could do to help worked; there was only one possible choice to save him! We to him to a Vermin Mystic, she was a healer and she helped anyone who needed it. We took him to her and she healed him. She was the only one who could help him and she told us the treatment would accelerate Thorn's age by two seasons. That's why he's a bit bigger and older than Slimblade. He was injured by a poisoned blade, he found it and accidentally cut himself on it."

"Oh I'm sorry that he's like that."

"There's nothing for you to be sorry for Notch it is in the past and you had nothing to do with it."

"Hey where's Artheris going?"

"I don't know exactly but I have an idea that we may be close to Zanna's hideout. Quickly get your things we have to catch up with him."

The three friends immediately grabbed everything and packed it away. They gave chase so they wouldn't lose sight of Artheris. They followed him out of the forest and stopped, had they gone any further they would have fell over the side of the cliff that was positioned beside the forest. Rosethorn and Firlow looked down and were shocked to see that there were not more trees but water! The cliff they stood on was the northern most part of the North Eastern coast.

"What is it Artheris?"

"We're here! The compound is in this very cliff down there is a tunnel carved into the side of it. It leads to a secret system of catacombs that surround the compound! We're going to have to climb down and infiltrate the catacombs!"

"Alright way to go Artheris! You did it you found her hideout. So what do we do now Rosethorn?"

"Well Firlow we're going to need rope, lots of it!"

"Ahaha you came to the right Squirrel! I have a huge coil of it in my pack I carry it around cause it helps me build up strength. Here you go the whole coil of it!"

"Thank Firlow okay now Notch you and Artheris tie this end off to that Oak tree and make sure it is nice and tight!"

"Alright Rosethorn, It's nice and tight."

"Okay you stay here; Artheris, Firlow and I will infiltrate the compound and slay Zanna thus completing my mission!"

"Aye Rosethorn but what would happen to me when we slay Zanna?"

"I'm sorry Artheris but you would become a Symmatriarc, an all powerful mage capable of mass destruction. But you like every other beast have a choice, whether to be a good one, a bad one, or a neutral one. You always have a choice, don't ever let anyone take that from you or tell you otherwise!"

"Okay I won't I promise this to you! Now are we going to put an end to Zanna or what?"

"Aye let's get going!"

Rosethorn, Artheris, and Firlow climb down the rope carefully paw over paw they went down bit by bit until they saw an impressively carved entrance into the lair of Zanna the Fang! They swung to the entrance expertly landing on their paws; they started down the tunnel passing many different openings and passageways. Carefully they walked forward and stopped for right in front of them stood a figure wearing a red cape. He turns around to look at the three beasts before him, he cut a dashing and gallant figure with white fur all over his body, and his eyes were red and had flame tattoos. His cape was a beautiful bright scarlet red. He wore a Silver Cuirass with a red sun emblazoned on it he wore silver fingerless gauntlets.

"Hello may I ask for your names?"

"I'm Rosethorn son of Theralious and Rosaline of Rosetalia, this is Artheris and Firlow!"

"The names Redmight Suntrike Paladin of the Desert, but those that know me simply call me Red"

"I am here to seek out Zanna the Fang. She along with six others is responsible for the murder of my parents."

"I am sorry to hear that I am here looking for King Silverwrath, a ruthless killer who slaughters for the fun of it. I am sorry for you Rosethorn I am very sorry that they did that to you. Come I'll show you the way to the compound I just came from there when I was spying on Zanna and her Vermin cohorts!"

"Aye well isn't that a shame coming all this way only to get lost in a never ending maze underground."

The four new found friends spin around to see a pure white Ferret. He wore a brown tunic with a long sword and a bow and arrows with several daggers and a sword in belts wore around his waist and chest.

"I hope you know how to survive down here without any light cause you're going to be here forever! Oh and by the way I'm known as Clash Riverkiller your new murderer!"

"Fat chance Ferret!"

Rosethorn threw one of his swords only to have it get lodged into the wall by the Ferret. Clash snickered at his failed attempt at slaying him and fell to the ground laughing wildly.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHA! Is that the best you've got? HAHAHAA, I can't believe Lady Zanna sent me here to kill you off! Especially you White Wolf! HAHAHAHAHA! I'm going to let you live only so I can see you fail ttfn. HAHAHAHAHAAA!"

Rosethorn and the other three look at each other skeptically and hope they were alone. Rosethorn retrieved his sword and they continued onward with Redmight the Paladin leading the way.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter Seven

{C}Zanna stood there staring at a huge drawn up plan stretched across the table top. She glared at the figure of a small Badger Prince and snarled as she thrust a dagger right into it.

{C}"Why is it that all of my plans and hard work has failed? Every piece of my plans was perfect! How could it just fall apart? What are you grinning at?"

{C}"Oh nothing I just think its funny how one little Badger was too much for you to handle! Ha-ha I could just imagine the look on that fools face when his head was cut off! YIKES!"

{C}Silverwrath ducked just in time as an Axe sped its way towards his head. He looked up at it and gave a small laugh then looked comically at Zanna.

{C}"I wasn't there to stop that useless idiot from releasing him! That stupid fool, Sludgegob letting him go!"

"Hehe bet you wish you were there to stop it huh? Oh well no use crying over spilt milk I always say but maybe we should shove some down that throat of yours huh? Oh look our assassin's back!"

{C}"They are still alive they outnumbered me I didn't stand a chance."

{C}"Shh, shh there, there calm yourself it wasn't your fault, grrraaa! You idiot didn't I tell you to take three others with you? Did you even bother to cover your tracks?"

"I didn't have too the white wolf was with them!"

"What? Redmight's here? How did he find me, Oh no this is not good for you Zanna! Ha I bet he got lost then waited for this fool to bungle his way in and out without killing him! Mayhap that's the reason why he's still alive eh Zanna?"

"Since when did I approve you to call me by my name? What do you mean it is bad for me? You're involved in this too you know that?"

"No I'm not involved in this! You're mad if you think I'm a part of this! I'm just here for the laughs and entertainment! I love it when things take twists and turns. You never know what's going to happen next!"

"I really hate you right now!"

"Hehe just my luck to follow a War lady who turns out to be a Clown! I hope it won't be boring! Hm do you have any cake?"

"Shut up before I run you through!"

"Ha-ha you'll try but you won't get very far! Seriously is there any cake around here?"

Zanna and Silverwrath locked eyes, Zanna's eyes were filled with hate as Silverwrath's were filled with a comical merriment. The looks tore into each other then Zanna looked away quickly.

"You're a fool you know that?"

"Oh I'm a fool? Had I been there when you captured him I would've fought you and the rest off all by myself!"

"Why wait when you can die along with her this very instant!"

King Silverwrath and Zanna turned around to see Rosethorn, Artheris, Firlow, and Redmight standing in the door way. Rosethorn put on his mask and stepped closer his eyes started to emit flames and his swords were in his hands. Redmight kept an eye on King Silverwrath as he crept away from the approaching Badger. Redmight looked to Rosethorn who looked back and nodded, Redmight ran towards Silverwrath who just ran the opposite direction laughing madly Redmight lost sight of him when he entered the catacombs and returned to the battle.

"I've been looking for you Zanna. I think it's about time I finished you and your little schemes. You're going to die slowly painfully without mercy! I'll make you wish you never found my country, before I'm done with you, you'll wish you were dead long before you met me!"

"Ha you think you're good enough to kill me? You're sadly mistaken!"

Zanna leapt toward Rosethorn swinging and jabbing with her spear trying to seek out a weakness to her foe. She snarled spat hissed and growled as she kept trying to injure her foe. Rosethorn tried to evade and dodge the seeking spear point but was too slow to avoid all the attacks. He slashed left and right trying to separate the weapon from its vicious master. He took cuts from the blade on his legs and paws his neck was bleeding from a jab meant for his face he finally cut the point of the spear off and tried to get to Zanna. Zanna grabbed a shield hanging on the wall and threw it at Rosethorn it struck him in his middle knocking the wind out of him.

Suddenly Artheris leapt up and rolled towards Zanna, he drew his swords and tried slashing at her she stepped back and slammed a chair against the back of his unprotected head. Artheris was out immediately, on the floor unconscious. Firlow quickly ran forward swinging his Battle Axe wildly, cutting Zanna on her arm and leaving a deep gash on her side. Zanna swung the remnants of her spear down on Firlow's back. Once, twice, thrice she swung it hard hitting his back with the crushing power of a mad beast she kicked him about the room laughing as she did.

"Hahahaha is that all you got. This was too easy! How weak you all are you just aren't good enough."

"Looks like you forgot about me!"

Redmight ran forward swinging his claymore at her she ducked and kicked out at his legs tripping him she leapt up and kicked away Redmight's claymore. Then she started slamming her foot paws onto his cuirass trying to crush him under the sheer power of her paws. He tried to knock her away from him but was unsuccessful. She readied for a killing blow to his head then something unexpected happened. Rosethorn leapt at Zanna knocking her to the ground he sat on top of her punching her face and body she clawed at his face trying to blind him but she was only able to rip off his mask. Rosethorn's eyes were bottomless pools of dark black with flames erupting madly from them as if they were torches.

She gasped and screamed as she looked into the face of Rosethorn as if he was the one who would bring her to Hellgates. She slashed at his face but instead caught is arm and started punching madly at him once he was off of her she leapt up and ran into the catacombs not caring which way she went as long as she got away from the enraged Badger. She ran and ran unknowingly passing King Silverwrath who had been watching the battle hidden from sight he laughed to himself madly and fell to the ground shaking with great mirth at how Zanna's face looked when she passed him.

Zanna ran and ran not stopping once until she saw a light on the end of a tunnel she was in. She ran and almost fell as she was at the entrance. Rosethorn was right behind her she looked frantically for a way out but there was no where to go. She looked down and caught the sight of jagged rocks below her she looked back only to be staring Rosethorn right in his face his smile was so scary it sent a chill up Zanna's spine.

"No stay away! I don't want to die!"

"You should have thought of that before you killed my parents! You are the lowest thing in existence! You are more pathetic than any of your members! You will die believe me but I will make you suffer as I have suffered. There is nowhere for you to go, nowhere for you to hide it's time to finish you for good!"

Rosethorn brought his swords and spear together and moved towards Zanna. She screamed as Rosethorn slashed her armor to pieces bit by bit till her chest was unprotected he slashed repeatedly, making sure not to deal a critical blow. He laughed at her pain and misery and she hated him for it! She felt something perhaps for the first time, she felt sorry for what she did. She pleaded with every thing she had left for him to stop but he did not stop. He kept injuring her over and over again slashing her until she bled profusely! She got up and was barely able to stand she looked at herself and started crying her tears stinging her wounds then she began walking backwards.

"You're not going anywhere I'm not done with you yet!"

"NO! Stay away from me you monster! Stay away! Ahhhh......"

Zanna stumbled and fell down, down into the ocean below. Rosethorn walked over to the edge and looked down at the jagged rocks below. There was no sign of Zanna as far as he could see. He got up and walked back inside he found everyone was still okay Artheris was screaming in agony as his eyes began changing. Now they were not multiple colors but a glossy reddish brown. He looked at his reflection in a mirror and laughed at the fact it was all over. Redmight was helping Firlow and Artheris healing their wounds. He then tended to Rosethorn and healed every cut and slash he had without leaving a single scar. Rosethorn's eyes turned back to their usual green color and he smiled. It was all finally over; he could go home and hold his two new babes.

"So this is what it feels like to avenge someone eh Redmight?"

"Aye I guess it is but might I be able to come with you back to where you came from?"

"You want to accompany me to Salamandastron?"

"Aye if that's okay with you!"

"Aye it is you may come with me. Let's go Notch should be waiting for us up top."

Rosethorn, Artheris, Firlow, and Redmight went out of the catacombs and scaled the rope Notch had lowered for them. Rosethorn called for Dartclaw and his hawks to bring the basket and all of them except for Notch and Firlow climbed in. They said their good byes and went their separate ways. The basket took off for Salamandastron with the three friends inside but unknown to them there was an extra passenger, clinging to the underside of the basket.

The Badger and the Rose: Book Three

Rosethorn's Revenge

Chapter Eight

Rosethorn, Artheris, and Redmight were in a deep blissful sleep they were still in the basket heading for Salamandastron. The hours went by one by one they finally arrived at the mountain on the second day when they left the hide-out of Zanna the Fang. Rosethorn awoke with a sudden jerk and woke Artheris and Redmight up.

"Come on we're here I can't wait to see my two new babes."

"Alright, alright we're coming wait for us!"

Rosethorn ran up to the big wooden doors to Great Hall and ran all the way to his wife Lady Alleria. She was sitting in her usual spot at the huge table holding the new Badger twins. Rosethorn approached with awe and a deep love for his two new babes. "Oh my, aren't they the cutest things you've ever seen? They're so small. They're much smaller than Thorn is now. Where is Thorn?"

"Right here milord I'm trying to feed the little tyke some vegetable soup but he doesn't want to eat it."

Commander Darkpaw was sitting on the other side of Alleria with Thorn wrapped up in a little bundle and a spoon in his paw trying to feed him. Rosethorn gently picked up Thorn all wrapped up in his little blanket and took the bowl of vegetable soup, he dipped the spoon in and started whispering to Thorn in a gentle and soothing manner Thorn started eating every bite Rosethorn gave him and laughed every time soup trickled on his chin. Rosethorn took out a cotton kerchief and wiped away the remnants of the soup then he started rocking him to sleep.

"You have to be extra gentle and you also need to use a soothing tone you can't try to feed him using an irritated tone you need to stay calm."

"I never thought of that the only time I've ever taken care of someone like that was my little nephew after his parents were murdered."

"Oh dear I'm sorry to hear that Commander Darkpaw."

"Fret naught Lady Alleria it is all in the past now nothing we can do about it."

Rosethorn gently took the bundle of twins from Alleria and looked at them with wonder in his eyes. The two small babes were just as Rosethorn thought they would look like. Rose had his eyes and Slimblade has his ears Thorn has his mother's eyes. Rosethorn sat there entranced by his new babes little forms, he could barely speak a word as he sat there rocking them gently singing a song his mother used to sing him.

"Lay thee down in gentle warmth all through the night,

May all your troubles flee in fear of your gentle and caring might,

All of those watching close may help you find your light,

Never fret about what you can't see just do what you feel is right,

With every passing day that goes by I fear you are lost to sight,

My memory of you stays strong even from the greatest height,

I'll never forget what you mean to me so just stay here with us happily,

You'll always be now and forever free so sing out merrily."

With the last lines two lines of the lullaby sung Thorn, Slimblade, and Rose were in a deep and peaceful sleep. Rosethorn carefully got up and walked to his chambers with his wife. They set the small babes in their cribs and covered them up in a soft cotton blanket and gave each of them a gentle kiss on their weary little heads. He and Alleria both walked back down to Great hall and sat down to dinner talking about his journey and if he completed his mission.

"You did it? You finally rid the world of another evil?"

Aye that I did my love they are all gone I will have to excuse you as I need to retrieve something please excuse me."

Rosethorn excused himself and got up he walked up to the forge and took all the weapons of the now deceased members and started tapping them searching for the secret compartment where his precious childhood treasure was divided and hidden. He found each compartment and happily fixed his treasure. It was a bracelet with red, green, and a white silver metal. It changed its color into a pattern that went like so, green, white, and red. It was a beautiful thing his father had made him. Every piece was special for underneath was a name of a special family member and close friend. There were only three spaces engraved. Theralious, Rosaline, and Haybor were the names in the first three spaces he checked underneath, next to those were eleven other spaces to be engraved. He took his special tool in paw and started engraving his name the name of his wife Thorn's name, Slimblade's and Rose's name next to those spaces as well. He strapped it on and admired the workmanship.

Outside in the dark a figure scaled the mountain side up to Rosethorn and Alleria's chambers where the three babes were sleeping. He was about to enter when he heard someone coming to the door, he quickly hid outside the window and waited for the beast to leave. The beast did not leave. He carefully and quickly stole a glance at the beast, it was Alleria n her night gown she climbed into bed and waited for Rosethorn to enter. Some time afterward Rosethorn came in and took off his armor he hung it on a hook in the wall and neatly folded his cape and placed it on a trunk he climbed into bed and the two Badgers fell fast asleep.

The figure waited a while for the Badgers to fall asleep. He carefully and quietly stole into their chamber without even making a sound; he crept over to the babes cribs and carefully lifted them out one by one. Once he had all three he chanced a quick contented giggle and crept back to the window. He was about to climb down when one of the babes woke up and started crying loudly. With fear in his heart he quickly looked back to see Rosethorn bounding for him. "Hehe it's time to go bye, bye."

"Oh no you don't, give me back my babes!"

Rosethorn reached out and was able to get Slimblade and Rose back from the mysterious figure then he looked at the beasts face. It was King Silverwrath and he still had Thorn.

"I'd love to stay and have an unfriendly chat Rosethorn but I must be off! Hahahahahaaa!"

Silverwrath started sliding down the mountainside carefully avoiding any sharp rocks or crags he quickly ran to the ocean and quickly looked back. Rosethorn was down on the beach sword in paw running for Silverwrath. With panic in his heart he quickly looked about there was a small ship on the beach ready to be taken. He climbed aboard and started sailing it out to open sea, with the high tide helping to move it out he was already a ways away from the beach. He quickly looked back and was relieved there was no sight of the Badger Lord then he looked in the water and gasped. Rosethorn was swimming for the ship his sword clenched in his teeth swimming as best he could, trying desperately to get to his son and his kidnapper.

Silverwrath laughed crazily looking back and grinning evilly. He was happy that he got away and more than this happy feeling was with him.

"Well it turns out this wasn't a waste after all. Sorry Zanna but I know you're not dead no you didn't die you sly old fox. Hehe to think she had a secret space under that piece of jutting rock just for that kind of situation. Oh well by now her crew will have rescued her and cleaned her up. What do you think little guy shall we put some distance between us and this place?"

Thorn looked up at Silverwrath's face sadness and tears welling up in his eyes he whimpered and cried loudly constantly saying the only word he knew.

"Daddy waaahaaa daddy!"

"Hehe don't worry now little guy I'm your daddy now. Oh look at you you're so cute aren't you the cutest little Badger?"

Dripping wet and exhausted Rosethorn climbed back to shore. He stood up and looked back at the ship's shape drifting farther away. Anger, rage, and despair welled up inside him his eyes spilled tears that seemed to never end he looked back at the ship and roared as loud as he could. "NOOOOO! THORN! I'LL GET YOU SILVERWRATH I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS!!! THORN, NEVER EVER FORGET YOUR REAL FAMILY, NEVER!!!"

A faint sound drifted over the waves barely able to be heard. He looked with sadness as he heard the sound when it reached his ears.

"Daddy, daddy, waaahaaa daddy!"

Rosethorn fell to the beach from the exhaustion and blacked out. Redmight, Artheris, Commander Darkpaw and the whole of the Long Patrol came running out to the spot where Rosethorn fell.

"It's no use we'll never catch them and it's too dark to see out there! I'm sorry Rosethorn but there's nothing we can do."

"He'll never get away from me and the Long Patrol no matter where he goes he'll not be able ta hide when I find him no sir!"

"They hauled Rosethorn back inside the mountain. The next day the sad news was told to Rosethorn and he was very unhappy. That same day they held a memorial for the missing son of Rosethorn and Alleria. Through the whole day Rosethorn was silent, not speaking a single word. He looked lifeless while Thorn was gone, as if he could no longer live while Thorn was lost out there with a cruel and evil kidnapper.

"I promise you Silverwrath I will find you no matter where you go no matter what you do I will find you one day. I will get my son back and I will make you pay!"