[color=darkgray][INDENT][COLOR=SILVER][h3][b]E L S E W H E R E:[/b][/h3][/COLOR][/INDENT][hr][INDENT][INDENT]The waves broke over the bow as the trireme scouted along the coastline. The sun overhead was beating down heavily upon the crew above deck, while those manning the three tiers of oars stayed cool below, albeit showered by the mist of the waves breaking against the oar holes. Gulls circled above, suspiciously eying the foreign craft. It was unlike the pirate galleons or merchant schooners usually seen off the coast of Mossflower Woods.

Atop the bow stood a towering figure. Plumed ears were swept back by the sea breeze as the feline figure lifted his powerful jaw towards the sun. The light glistened off the two pointed teeth peeking out from under the upper half of his muzzle. A spear was gripped firmly in his left claw, a brilliant cerulean banner flying defiantly against the wind and waves. 

The Prince's eyes searched the horizon for Cinereous. The vulture was his eyes, ears and most importantly his herald. The raptor had departed from the vessel some time ago. The tales of Mossflower and its Redwall Abbey had reached even the shore of Yurazea. Amidst the war, famine and sickness, the shores of Mossflower Woods sounded like an enticing paradise. A paradise that the Prince hoped to claim as the seat to his new empire. 

But first, he'd need a legendary weapon, one worthy of an Emperor Apparent. The legends said that the abbey held one such weapon, one forged by a Badger Lord from a fallen star. Soon, Cinereous would return with said blade grasped between his talons and then, the Yurazen Prince would march on Mossflower Woods.[/INDENT][/INDENT][INDENT][COLOR=SILVER][h3][b]B A N C R O F T[/b][/h3][/COLOR][/INDENT][hr][INDENT][INDENT]With his staff held high, Bancroft moved swiftly and quietly behind the Cellar Hog. The older good beast was surprisingly spry given his seasons and Bancroft found himself having difficulty matching both the speed and complete silence that Ellis maintained. Keeping an eye on the sky, the mouse let out a small squeak of surprise as the giant raptor landed atop the Abbey's main gate. 

Dust and stone crumbled to the ground, loosed by the razor-sharp talons gripping the rampart. Clearing his throat, the raptor called out to the Abbey Grounds below.

[COLOR=WHITE]"Creatures of Redwall Abbey, fear not!"[/COLOR] He cawed, [COLOR=WHITE]"For a bring glad tidings and news of salvation! It comes in the form of your new Lord, from across the Eastern Sea and with an army of Yurazea's strongest, my Liege seeks only one small token of gratitude from your humble order."[/COLOR] The raptor turned its head, cocking an eye towards the grounds as it searched to see if it had any sort of audience. His hooked beak casting a long crescent shadow across the grass.

[COLOR=WHITE]"Legends of your Abbey have traveled far and wide and it has reached our ears you have a great treasure. A sword, forged in the darkest of nights of the brightest star. Turn this weapon over to me, and not only will my Master spare your lives, but you'll live and prosper. Wealth beyond your wildest dreams."[/COLOR]

The vulture hopped across the rampart, entering further into the abbey.

[COLOR=WHITE]"All I seek is the blade, hand it over and you may resume your festivities without fear."[/COLOR][/INDENT][/INDENT][/COLOR]