The Rogue Crew

Felton Fforbes shielded his eyes as sunlight turned the mist into a blanket of golden tendrils. “Looks like ’em, Milady, about the same number I’d say. But they fled from us last night, so why are they runnin’ back toward us in such a blinkin’ hurry? They’re not even tryin’ to sneak up on us, like vermin do. Very strange, marm!”

The reason became startlingly clear a moment later. Folderum shouted wildly, “It’s the ship! Look . . . the ship!”

The vessel Greenshroud emerged, riding a breeze, which was dispersing the mist lazily. Amongst the young hares speculation ran rife.

“Are they showin’ their crew where we are?”

“Looks like we’ve got a real battle t’face now, chaps!”

“Well, stand by, buckoes—true blue an’ never fail, wot!” The major rapped out an order. “Everybeast down below this hilltop. Don’t dare show an eartip until I see what’s goin’ on. Smartly now!”

They obeyed with alacrity, but not without comment.

“I say, aren’t we goin’ to fight ’em, sah?”

“Not like warrior hares, hidin’ from a jolly old scrap, eh?”

Lady Wildstripe’s voice silenced further speculation. “It’s not a matter of hiding from a fight. Do as the major says. The way they’re running, it looks like the ship may be chasing them. It could be some sort of mutiny amongst the crew, vermin fighting vermin.”

Peasblossom chuckled. “Oh, I say, wouldn’t that save us a blinkin’ job, wot. It’d cut the odds down a bit, Milady.”

The badger nodded. “Perhaps it would. Let’s wait and see.”

The major interrupted. “That ship had a large crew last time it visited Salamandastron. Even if they slew those vermin who are runnin’, we’d still be well outnumbered. Milady, the best thing we could do is retreat to our mountain.’Twould give us more of a fightin’ chance.”

The Badger Lady lay flat, peering over the hilltop. “You’re right, of course, Major, but I’d like to see the outcome of this incident first. They’re closer now—it’s the gang who were here last night, sure enough.”

Overcome by curiosity, the major and the rest of the contingent joined her to watch. Like all young hares, they kept up a commentary.

“Hah, those runners are slowin’ down. Must be winded, wot!”

“Oh, look, a band have jumped from the ship. They’re after ’em like Billyoh!”

“Haha, so they are! C’mon, you rascals, give those other rascals a spot o’ blood’n’vinegar. Get ’em!”

Lady Wildstripe stood up abruptly, in full view. “Those beasts that came from the ship—they’re not vermin, they’re otters . . . and hares, too!”

The screams of falling vermin mixed on the breeze with fierce ringing war cries.

“Yaylahooooh!”

“Eulaliiiiaaaaa!”

Drawing his sword, the major ran toward the conflict. “That’s Cap’n Rake. I’d know those twin claymores anywhere! Aye, an’ there’s Sarn’t Miggory. Eulaliiiiaaaa, you chaps!”

The Patrol drew blades and lances, dashing along with him. “Eulaliiiiaaaa! Eulaliiiiiaaaaa!”

Skor Axehound despatched the last vermin with a mighty sweep of his battleaxe. He leaned on the haft, nodding at the approaching patrol. “Looks like some o’ yore young bucks, Rake, tryin’ to make a name for themselves. A bit late I’d say, eh?”

Rake Nightfur wiped his blades on a slain corsair before sheathing them across his back.

“Aye, Ah reckernise Major Fforbes by his war cry. Och, he’s a braw singer, the noo. But Ah cannae help wonderin’ what they’re doin’ sae far frae Salamandastron.”

Sergeant Miggory shook his head in disapproval. “Chargin’ off like h’a load o’ bees to brekkist, h’an leavin’ their lady h’on’er own. Bad form, sah!”

Lady Wildstripe could be seen descending the hill with slow dignity. Rake called out, “Bawdsley, Fletchers, Miz Ferrul, hop tae it an’ provide escort for Lady Wildstripe!”

Skor nudged his son Ruggan. “You go, too, an’ mind yore manners. She’s a Mountain Lord . . . er, Lady!”

He signalled to the vessel. “Ahoy, bring ’er for’ard an’ help the Badger Lady aboard when ye reach her. We’ll take her back to Salamandastron in style!”

EPILOGUE

Herein is an extract from the journal of Lady Violet Wildstripe.

Reunions are often a source of both sorrow and joy. Sorrow for the fallen, those valiant ones who gave their lives that their mission should succeed. Joy in welcoming back our Long Patrol comrades. Also the making of new friends, the mighty Skor Axehound and his formidable Rogue Crew. Sea otters are not only brave, fearless beasts, but jolly good company.

The ride back home on a wheeled ship was a wonderful experience. Major Fforbes sent two of his fastest Gallopers ahead to announce our arrival. We rolled smoothly up to Salamandastron—it was a tremendous reception. Even old Colonel Bletgore forsook his noontide nap, appearing resplendent in full dress uniform, bedecked in medals and ribbons from neck-band to midriff. Our hares lined the shore and rock slopes, cheering the warriors’ return.