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BoH: Chapter 7
By: Kathryn
The sun's radiant beams slowly began to fade as night began to rise. The otter council was in deep discussion; having recieved news that an attack on Redwall was imminent, they were determined to help...but 'how' was a different question!
However, Jacq Linglin was more concerned on the whereabouts of his wife and son. He was getting rather worried; they hadn't come home and night was beginning to set in. He searched around the river bank feverishly, but to no avail...there was no sign of them! He ran into the village. He would have to gather a search party, but there was no one there except an old otter lady named Klingtail, for most of the village were at a council meeting to discuss how to help Redwall.
Jacq would have to find them on his own. His dark, black fur became one with the night as he silently jogged into the Mossflower Woods. He listened carefully, looking for signs of the pair. His sharp eyes darted back and forth. Suddenly they focused on two indentations in the wet forest floor. They had been here! He started to run, following their path.
What was this, though? Here there were more than just two sets of footprints! "No..." he thought...they had been captured! He ran with all his might, the swift swish of air on his face as he ran. Suddenly, he tripped over something. When he stood up, he was looking into the eyes of a variety of about twenty vermin, mostly rats, foxes, and weasels. "Where are they?", he said venomously. The simply smirked at him. He was beginning to get impatient with these dim-witted vermin. "WHERE ARE THEY!!" The leader, a sly looking fox, replied, "Well, what do we have here, a brave liddle otter trying to find, perhaps..his wife and son?" Jacq tried to run at her, only to be instantly pounced on from behind by a large rat, and bound securely. He bowed his head in shame, for he had been captured by a band of stupid vermin.
He was dragged on the ground by the rope. "Where are you to taking me!?!" The sly fox replied with a snicker, "To see Breath of Night, I don't think you'll be liking him..." Jacq heaved a sad sighl; resistance was futile now, but his thoughts did not lie on himself...they lay on his wife and son. He hoped they were alright...
After being dragged about for what seemed like forever they suddenly stopped. Jacq opened his eyes and looked around his surroundings. They were in some sort of barracks ground...'Oh no!', he thought silently, 'This was the army that was to march against Redwall!' Jacq was hoisted up and released from his restraints, only to be held roughly by two huge weasel guards.
He was taken to a big tent, obviously their leader's. The fox that had captured him shouted out boldly, "Oh Mighty One, Right Hand of the Throne of the Night, Whisperer of Life and Death, Decider of Fate..."
A level voice issued from within: "Bring him in." Jacq was brought into the big tent. "Highly exalted Breath of the Night, we have captured another otter." The Emperor of Night approached. He was a black rat, a giant in size. "Hmm...you might be useful...yes, I believe Ihave a job for you. You will go to the Abbey and open the side gate at midnight for the hordes of the Night to enter."
Jacq immediatley retailiated, "No, never would I work for scum like you!"
The Emperor's right hand smiled. "Perhaps a little incentive would change your mind." He beckoned to a guard. In a flash, two bound and gagged figures were brought into the tent...his wife and son!
"No...you wouldn't!", gasped Jacq.
Rijahk Straightsword laughed venomously. "Are you quite sure? Go to Redwall. The abbey or their lives...you choose." Jacq racked his brain, trying to think of a way out of this, but there was none. He hated himself for what he was about to do, but it was the only way to get his family back. He growled, "Alright, I'll do it, you scum!" The Emperor shook his head and smiled grimly. "Is that the way to address the one who has the power of life and death over your mate and child? Let's try that again, shall we?"
Jacq lowered his head in shame, and grunted "Yes...sir."
The Breath of Night smiled. "Much better. Now go". The otter ran out of the tent, accompanied by the two big guards.
When they finally reached the fringe of the forest, the abbey was in sight. One of the weasels, who he had discovered was called Darilyl, whispered, "Now, go, and no messing about or you know what happens!"
Jacq walked slowly towards the big abbey gates. As he looked upon the peaceful place a tear ran down his face, glistening in the moon's white light. He knocked on the door and it opened with a creak. The friendly face of Abbott Cedric greeted him, "Welcome, Jacq!"