by Rick Johnson
In tha’ lovely place we’ve been.
But t’was so darkly sweet & kind,
We won’t go back again!
The Leap-Bugs were gathering into long columns, walking as one out of the city. Through the drifting dust and smoke that floated through Silverpreen, Major Messus saw wee beasts marching, as tough and ready as they were dirty and ragged, half-mad with happiness. Laughing and singing, their feet seeming to fly across the paving stones.
Unable to avoid being affected by the spirit of the moment, he smiled despite himself. Running to the front of the column, he cried, “Where are you going? What’s happening?”
“We’re leaving Silverpreen forever,” one of the beasts yelled. “All we ever wanted was our freedom, and to show this town that we are real, living beasts, just as you are! We’ve done our job, and we’re off to find a new life. There’s nothing here for us—never was, and never will be. We leave the flies to pick over the carcass, and lay eggs in the rot.”
Book Three
Silversion
Bound for Walloper’s Hold
On the morning after the Silverpreen disaster, Davison stood at the rail of Hell’s Knell as she cruised before a strong northwest wind. The flagship of the fleet he had built was sailing along the wide beaches north of Silverpreen. As Silverpreen came into view, something seemed odd. Having approached the city from the sea many times before, this time something looked not quite right. Raising his spyglass to his eye, he gasped.
“By the Ancients! What’s happened?” he cried.
Turning his glass across the horizon, Silverpreen—just coming into view—seemed jumbled, partly obscured by drifting clouds of smoke. Its iconic towers now tilted precariously, and the entire city seemed to have sunken into the earth. Two towers that once rose parallel to one another, now seemed to meet! Surrounding mountains that buildings once blocked from sight, could now be seen!
“By the Ancients, Motty!” Davison cried to Motty Nam, Hell’s Knell’s Captain. “What is it? Did our plans go bad?”
“Just as planned, sir,” Captain Nam replied, “looks like the beaches are full o’ beasts.”
Turning his glass to the broad beaches north of Silverpreen, he smiled. The beaches were covered with former Leap-Bugs, waiting to be evacuated by the fleet.
“Yar!” Davison cried. “Something strange is going on in Silverpreen, but can’t worry about that now. We’ve got to get those beasts off the beach. Signal to the other ships to take positions, drop anchor, and execute the plan.”
Motty Nam called for flags to signal the other ships. The coast being too shallow and rocky for sea-going ships to come closer, the fleet dropped anchor about a mile off shore. That meant a long pull in longboats, through choppy surf, to reach shore. Although the weather was good, the brisk wind kicked up the surf, and underwater rocks made the approach to the beach treacherous.
Even the longboats had a hard time reaching the beach because of rocks near shore. In the end, the former Leap-Bugs had to wade out to the longboats, sometimes with their chins barely above water. A few of the longboats swamped in the rough waves and were smashed on the rocks. Although many beasts got soaked, and there were bumps and bruises a-plenty, no one drowned. By late afternoon, the beach was empty.
With all the former Leap-Bugs safely aboard the ships, Davison called a Ship’s Council on Hell’s Knell. Besides himself and Captain Nam, the Council consisted of SwiggMuch, skipper of one of the other ships, and two former Leap-Bugs, Zamamon and PugRash.
“Well begun, comrades,” Davison began, congratulating Zamamon and PugRash. Splendid! You’ve broken the back of the old order in Silverpreen—one of the main pillars of tyranny in the Hedgelands! Now we take on the other pillar.”
“What now?” Zamamon asked.
“The rest of the plan is tricky,” Davison replied. “Our destination is Walloper’s Hold, the port serving Maev Astuté—and home port for the Battle Stallions.”
“Walloper’s Hold! Have you lost your mind? With all these Leap-Bugs aboard?” Captain Nam exclaimed. Seeing Davison give him a questioning look, the Captain added, “Of course, you’ve not lost your mind—just caught my brain a bit unprepared! Sheets tend to flap in such heavy weather!”
“Before I go on,” Davison chuckled, “let’s get one thing straight. There are no Leap-Bugs on my ships. The leaps are dead. Silverpreen is wrecked. And there’s no more Leap-Bugs. Zamamon and PugRash here are crew—just like the rest of us—and we’ll need the extra crew if we’re going to convince the Battle Stallions to surrender! I said the rest of the plan is tricky, but with the help of our new crew members, we can end the High One’s tyranny.”
“I’m in,” Motty Nam said with excitement, “but how?”
“Before we left Silverpreen,” Davison said, “I sent a message to the High One by way of a friend. If the message reaches the High One before we arrive at Walloper’s Hold, as I plan, we may expect him to join us in our efforts. My message informs him that his rule is in the most deadly peril. Frunge plans to remove him from power at the upcoming meeting of the High One’s Most Revered Council!”
“What?” Motty exclaimed.
“Colonel Snart is aboard a ship also bound for Walloper’s Hold. It left Silverpreen a few hours ahead of us, so should be in port before we arrive there. Aboard the ship with him is a huge shipment of silver. Frunge plans to use it to finish off support for the High One in the Council. He has played the role of the High One’s most trusted advisor for years, all the while cleverly undermining his rule. He now has several members of the Most Revered Council in league with him. The rest will join him when they see casks of silver being delivered to them, with the promise of more to come.”
“So what will we do?” Zamamon asked.
“That will depend a little on the lay of the land when we arrive at Walloper’s Hold,” Davison replied. “I expect that most of the Battle Stallion fleet will be docked there. Frunge was worried about pirates attacking the silver shipment, so he sent a strong cruiser escort to protect it. If they’re all anchored in the harbor, as I expect, we’ll lay off-shore, just out of sight, until we see how the High One reacts to my message.” He looked around the Council table and smiled. “Once we see what the High One does, we’ll know how the rest of the plan will go. Sometimes you just have to move, and see where the path goes from here.”
Tillanious-Rippan, of Frinnet
When Tē’d’Tē stepped off the leap as it came to a stop at wharf, as previsously planned, she immediately joined the group of guards surrounding piles of crates marked, Silver/F. Sapperpate. Riding down into the hold of the ship with the silver shipment, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Davison may not rule Silverpreen,” she thought, “but he’s certainly got friends in some key places.”
After the silver was loaded, the Captain of the Guards gave orders. “It’s two days’ sailing to Walloper’s Hold,” he said. “There’s nothing but big wigs on board as passengers. Not much to worry about—so we’ll post one guard per shift.”
A bit later, Tē’d’Tē heard the Captain giving orders to sea-beasts, clearing the ship to sail. Sounds of sea-beasts scrambling on deck and the motion of the ship, soon told her they were underway. In a short time, the open ocean was splashing loudly against the sides of the ship. For the next two days, the ship plowed through the sea without incident.
Tē’d’Tē had drawn the fourth watch, just before dawn, so she was on duty, the morning of the third day at sea, when the ship entered the bay at Walloper’s Hold. When the ship floated up to the dock, the sun was just cracking the horizon. After the mooring lines were secure, the work of unloading cargo began. Tē’d’Tē’s heart beast faster as she took her place with the guards assigned to escort the silver shipment to its final destination. Skull Buzzards were questioning every beast leaving the ship.
“Who’s this?” one of the Skull Buzzards asked the Captain of the Guard.
“Guards assigned by Mr. Frunge himself to escort his g
oods,” the Captain replied.
“I didn’t ask what this is,” the Skull Buzzard snarled, “I asked you who this is!”
“Two Lemaranes, a Frinnet, a Marnee, and a beast from North Winyt,” came the answer.
“How long since the Frinnet came from there?” the Skull Buzzard asked. Tē’d’Tē’s blood froze. Frinnet was her home village. Although she had not been there in many years, Hedgies were identified by their village of origin throughout their life.
“He’s a long-time resident of Silverpreen,” the Captain replied. “Been assigned to my formation for the better part of three years. Good beast.”
“I didn’t ask for a testimonial, Just answer the questions I ask you,” the Skull Buzzard growled. “So the Frinnet hasn’t been back to that area in the past three years?”
“No, sir,” the Captain replied. “No possible, since he’s been under my command every day for these past three years.”
“I’ll decide what’s possible or not possible!” the Skull Buzzard scowled. “We can’t be too careful, you see—Frinnets are always a pack of trouble. Ever since that Weasel riled them all up some years back, it’s never been the same up there.”
“Yes, sir, I understand,” the Captain answered grimly. “If I was in your boots, sir, why, I’d be just as careful as you are. Can’t be too cautious these days, what with rebels and troublemaking all over. Yes, sir, you’re a good and loyal beast to be careful. That’s why you’re a Grand Major, sir, and I’m only a Captain.”
“See that you remember that,” the Skull Buzzard said, smiling. “Let me see the Frunge letter authorizing your assignment to this cargo.”
The Captain handed over the paper and the Skull Buzzard took it over to consult with another Skull Buzzard. A few minutes later, the entire guard contingent was ordered to go into the watchhouse to see the officer in command.
“Which of you is the Frinnet?” the officer asked.
“I am, sir,” Tē’d’Tē answered, stepping forward with a smart salute.
“What is your name?” the officer inquired.
Tē’d’Tē nearly gasped. She had not expected this close of an examination. Although she knew the assumed name Davison had listed for her, she did not have a backstory on her new identity. If the officer inquired very deeply, she would run out of credible answers very quickly.
“Reppard Rippan,” Tē’d’Tē replied, “of Frinnet, Left Bank Sens’m River.”
“That name is not on Frunge’s list,” the officer said.
“Oh, yes it is, sir,” the Captain of the Guard protested.
“The name here is Tillanious,” the office said.
“Well, my full name is Reppard Northet Tillanious-Rippan,” Tē’d’Tē declared.
“What is your father’s name?” the officer asked suspiciously.
“I never knew my father,” Tē’d’Tē replied coldly.
“Never knew your father, eh?” the officer said. “Rather convenient, that, I would observe. But you’ve heard of him, I’ll wager—and you do know his name, so out with it!”
“Sir, I neither knew my father, nor my mother. Nor did I ever hear tales of either of them. I’m sorry if that’s not sufficient accounting for myself, but my heart’s always been hoping to learn the same answers you’re seeking.”
The officer paused, considering, then continued, “Well, you’ll have to stay here at the watchhouse while we check you out. Can’t be too careful with Frinnets.”
“Sir, with all due respect,” the Captain exclaimed. “If you please, I can’t hold up my formation any longer, and I need this guard to do his duty! Mr. Frunge will be terribly angry if we report with his goods not in order and missing guards.”
The officer looked slyly at the Captain of the Guard. Then, pointing at Tē’d’Tē, said, “Are you then willing to be held completely responsible for him?”
“Sir, I have been responsible for him for the past three years. Why would I not continue to accept responsibility?” the Captain replied.
“Yes, but I don’t know him, you see,” the officer growled.
“I don’t want either of you to be responsible for me!” Tē’d’Tē exclaimed loudly. “I’m no criminal. I’m as honorable a beast as either of you! My papers are in order. You have no summons against my name. Let me do my duty!”
The Grand Major and the other Skull Buzzards withdrew to consult. They stood talking by themselves for a long time, seemingly having lost all interest in the detachment of guards. At last the Captain of the Guard turned to Tē’d’Tē and said, “Do you have any silver?”
“Only one fiftieth,” Tē’d’Tē replied, fingering the tiny coin in her pocket.
Taking it, the Captain walked over to where the Skull Buzzards were standing. Giving the piece of silver to the Skull Buzzard commander, the whole difficulty was settled, and the guard formation was released to continue its journey.
“All of that hassle for such a trifle!” the Captain exclaimed to Tē’d’Tē as they walked.
“Considering all the travelers that pass this way every day,” Tē’d’Tē observed, “it’s probably a goodly stream of silver.”
“And never once did he ask for it,” the Captain replied. “He would have just let us sit here until we turned to dust, if I hadn’t realized what he wanted. But I’m glad he didn’t ask much more about you,” he added, smiling at Tē’d’Tē. “As it was, all he wanted was to keep harassing us until we gave him something. But, I’m afraid that I would have failed in my promise to Davison if he’d been much more curious.”
“What promise was that?” Tē’d’Tē asked.
“I promised I’d get you safely to Maev Astuté,” the Captain answered.
“Then you know—” Tē’d’Tē began.
“I only know that I promised to get a certain Tillanious-Rippan, of Frinnet, assigned to my guard formation three years ago, safely to that exalted place,” the Captain said. “And a promise to Davison is all I need to know.”
The New Bozz Less
On leaving Tilk Duraow, fearing unknown enemies that had apparently captured Tē’d’Tē, Helga and Christer avoided the main trails. Supposing that Tē’d’Tē’s attackers probably had nothing to fear in the uninhabited, desolate wilds surrounding Tilk Duraow, Helga guessed that they would use the trails. Consulting maps they took from Tilk Duraow and using a bit of trial and error, they followed the main Ice Cutting Trail, while not actually walking it.
Keeping the Ice Cutting Trail in sight, far below them, they hiked and climbed for several days without seeing any other beasts. The rugged land made travel slow off the trail.
“I don’t think we’re going to find her,” Christer said one day, as they rested. “If they came this way, surely we’d have found a campsite or something by now.”
“They may be ahead of us,” Helga replied. “We’re moving slower than they would if they’re on the trail. They could be days ahead of us by now. And they’re not likely to be sloppy, leaving smoldering campfires and such. By the Ancients, I feel in my bones that we’re on Tē’d’Tē’s trail.”
“So we just keep on, keeping on, until…when? When do we say we’re not going to find her?” Christer asked.
“Tē’d’Tē saved my life,” Helga said, “and I’m going to keep going until I find her.”
“But if we don’t know where she went, then what?” Christer asked.
“You know how the Hedgelands works, as well as I do,” Helga replied. “The main reason bandits, or whoever, makes an attack like this is either to take slaves or booty.” She rose and began hiking again. “Come on, we’ve rested long enough. Since none of our missing party had anything of value on them, their only use us as slaves. That means they’re probably headed for the sea to sell them. We’ll keep going that direction. I think we’ll find her.”
“But Helga,” Christer responded, “there’s no seaports on this map.”
“Maps only show what’s on them,” Helga answered. “Just because something’s not
on a map doesn’t mean it’s not there. I can think of reasons that things might not be on a map.”
“Like if this map is for common worker beasts to do their jobs, and not to show them where the slaver ports are, eh?” Christer replied. “I see your point.”
“Well, yes, that’s part of what I’m thinking,” Helga said. “But there’s another part, too. When I was a wee beast, I remember going to Woods Blow Wad with my father for the first time. Because of all the stories Father used to tell about the Wad, I felt like I knew the place by heart before I ever when there. When we got there, I pointed out an immense, beautiful tree. It was so beautiful that I couldn’t believe Father had never mentioned it. I swear it was so beautiful that it almost made me cry with delight. Father just laughed and said, ‘That’s exactly why I’ve never told you about it. You wouldn’t feel like that if I’d been telling you about it all the time.’ So, I reckon there’s lots of reasons beasts don’t say what they know.”
“I’m pretty sure we’re not missing some beautiful tree,” Christer said. “More likely nasties—or worse.”
Hiking on, in a few more hours they came upon a place where the entire mountain side had recently collapsed. The whole thing had fallen away and slid into the river gorge!
“By the Ancients!” Christer exclaimed. “It’s like the mountain just turned to jelly—look how it melted and flowed down, then turned solid again!”
“The entire mountain—just flowed like melted butter!” Helga agreed. “But looks solid enough now.”
“I wouldn’t trust it for anything,” Christer replied. “No telling if it’s safe or not. Too risky. We’ll have to go higher and get around.”
“We’ll have to go all the way to the summit then,” Helga observed. “That whole side of the mountain looks unstable way up. I don’t see a safe way to cross down lower.”
“Scrambling over loose rocks, crawling up stone walls, and making numerous changes of direction to go around chasms, by the time they neared the summt, it was almost sunset.