“Ah, so you’re Mell, I thought I recognized your mother.” Roth said. Then, turning his head asked, “Professional thief, eh? You’ll like somebeast I know at Redwall, his name’s Gonff; he calls ‘imself the ‘prince of mousetheives’. Roth said, “An assassin though; you’ve got the stealth, just need a head for heights and you’re set.” Roth seemed to want to continue but his face fell as he said his next piece,
“I’m sorry about your father. I know that was seasons ago, but I met him a few times before you came along. He was a good companion, and was a sight to be seen with the short sword, a trait I see you take after.”
“You may be thinking that I don’t look the most sympathetic beast out there, well that is true. I may be cold and calculating on the outside, aye and somewhat inside too, but I am empathetic; I lost my parents twenty-four seasons ago and because of that I am genuinely sorry about Rosebelle. I want you to know that your father and sister are the reason I want you with me. But if you do not wish to come, for the sake of your mother’s heart, I understand. Don’t tell me now,” he said raising his paw to Mell, “there is plenty of time to give it some decent thought. Let me know when you’re ready to.”
Roth walked off before Mell had any time to say anything in response, disappearing in the shadows of the hall.
Meanwhile, in the barracks, Louis and William were conversing about the odd General.
“I’ll tell you Louis,” William began, “that otter is all the tales say and more, he acts like any general, and when he speaks, it feels like he is a General, but he doesn’t look the part, you know what I mean?”
“No, I don’t; he seems like a capable creature who can lead troops well. My Pater knew him a while back; says he never knew another like him, and that he’s as capable at sea as on land. He may be the only otter in the Patrol, but he has a service record, and a good one at that.”
“I suppose, but how did he get to be a General, if he’s only here for a few days once every four or five seasons?”
“The way I heard it was he saved Brig’s life after he was injured in battle, led the Patrol after that, and won a crushing victory against a crew of searats.”
“Well, that makes sense I guess, but you know what I still don’t understand?”
“No, and I don’t care right now so if you would wait until morning to tell me that would be greatly appreciated, thank you.”
A new voice came from right next to William’s ear, it sounded like Louis,
“Oh, alright, one more thing, what is it?”
“Well, he gave a great, motivational speech and all, but about this Clogg fellow, I’ve heard of him, he has to be in his late seasons by now and, well I don’t see how he could have the power to do the things that General Therik is saying.”
“Ah, well, I don’t know that one, but maybe you can talk to him in the morning.” The sound of even breathing told William that his friend was asleep.
The next morning, the hares of the Long Patrol were assembled in the mess hall, eating, chatting, planning, and eating when there was the shout of “’TEN-SHUN” along with the scraping of the long benches at the tables. Roth walked in and said in an even, but perfectly audible voice,
“At ease, sit down and listen.” The hares seated themselves and paid attention to the otter.
“I know of some questions that have been in the heads of some of you, and I am here to answer them. First off, Tramon Clogg is indeed older, but he is no less cunning than when he was sailing the coast, taking plunder and slaves. He has an army, and that is what is of the most concern, though only a quarter of you will be coming with me, all of you should know from me and instead of hearing barrack rumors,” Roth looked right at William.
“We are going north and we will put a stop to the stoat and his intentions. Second, I was made a General of the Long Patrol by the Brigadier himself when he was near death on the field of battle, I bound his wounds, and led a charge; no more than what needed doing. Third, we will be stopping at Redwall Abbey to gain information and some possible additional soldiers.” Roth made a quick nod and a “thank you” and walked from the hall with a quick “As you were,” over his shoulder. There was chatter from all of the hares, except William, who just wanted to disappear.
