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up the trident and waddled off, back into his domain of swamp and mist.
The questors gazed in wonder at the scene before them. On the horizon the sun was sinking in a sheen
of pearl gray and dusty crimson. Martin s paw shot up, pointing northwest.  Look, the flames of
Salamandastron!
Chapter 32
That same evening, the Corim assembled in the main room of Brockhall. There was much to be discussed.
Goody Stickle bustled about laying the table, with Coggs firmly attached to her apron strings. The little
hedgehog did not complain; besides, speaking through a mouthful of hot acorn scone dripping with fresh
butter and damson jam was not quite the form for budding warriors and daring escapers. He waved in
passing to Ferdy, who was seated in a deep armchair with Ben Stickle.
Between bites of his scone, Ferdy related a highly colored version of their adventures.
 So me and Coggs broke the door down and pounced on these three weasels or was it stoats? No,
they were weasels. Anyhow, there was six of them, great ugly vermin. Hoho, did we ever give them what
for! The wildcat Queen was there, but she took one look at us and ran away. Good job, too! D you know,
Ben, me and old Coggs there, we had to carry four squirrels off through the trees or was it otters? No, it
was squirrels, I m sure. Saved them from those Kotir soldiers, though.
Ben Stickle wiped jam and crumbs from Ferdy s mouth.
 Must have made the pair of you powerful hungry. You haven t done anything but eat since you got
back, except talk, that is. Are you sure you never chattered any of those stoats to death?
When the table was laid, silence fell as Bella entered the room.
 My hall is your home, she said.  Please fill your platters and eat the excellent food. Thank you,
Goody Stickle, for this splendid table.
There was an immediate clatter of serving and good humor.
 Pass that deeper  n ever pie. Mind you don t fall in.
 Hoho, is that leek and onion broth I smell?
 Mmm, fruit pie. Ouch, it s hot!
 Here, cool it down with some of this cream.
 Pass the butter, please.
 Nut pudding! My old mum used to make this.
 Aye, I remember Gonff pinching it from her oven.
 Hahaha. Here, have a go at this quince and apple crumble.
 Hey, who s used all the cream?
 I say, Goody, you must give me the recipe for your plum pudding.
 Ask your gran she gave it to me.
 Now, which will I have, October ale, cider or buttermilk?
 None. You re fat enough, Ben Stickle.
A pleasant time was passing eating the celebratory supper.
When the dishes were cleared away, Abbess Germaine stood up.
 Pray silence for our host, she called.
Bella took the floor.  Where are Ferdy, Coggs, Spike and Posy?
Ben pointed in the direction of the dormitory.  Well abed and snorin like champions, marm.
Bella bowed her head.  Then let us give a moment of silence and thought to the memory of a very
brave otter, the Mask, without whom none of tonight s joy would have been possible.
A respectful silence followed, broken only by an audible sniff from Skipper.
Bella took a sip of buttermilk, then she wiped her eyes on the back of a heavy paw.
 Now to business. First let me say it has been a good day in many ways, mainly because Ferdy and
Coggs are back safe with us. Also because we have a new friend in our midst Gingivere. I am sure you
will all join me in saying that our home is his for as long as he chooses to stay here.
 Thank you, Bella, and you too, my friends. But this cannot be, he said sadly.  Tsarmina is a very
dangerous creature; my presence here would only endanger you all. I would never forgive myself if any of
you suffered because of me. Tonight I will stay with you, but tomorrow I will leave at first light to go
eastward through Mossflower, far away from Kotir and all it stands for. I could not stay here, knowing that
I would be adding to your problems. If Tsarmina knew that I was here with you, she would go mad for
revenge on us all, and who knows what evils her dark mind could think up. Somewhere beyond
Mossflower I will make a fresh start. Thank you for all your help and kindness. All my life, wherever I am, [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]