Bishop Skaar was bathing when Prester Jauba entered his chamber. The Prester averted his eyes and looked down at the floor waiting for Skaar to acknowledge him. The Bishop took his time. First he dunked his head under the water to rinse the soap off his face, then he rose and exited the tub, walking across the room to where his robe hung. Water ran off him, leaving a dark trail on the stone floor. Jauba stole a glance.
What disgusting creatures these humans are, the sable thought, pink and shiny, with almost no fur.

"You don't care for humans, do you, Prester?" the bishop asked, as though privy to Jauba's thoughts.

The Prester was taken aback, but managed to compose himself.
"I have no thoughts about it one way or another," he lied, "you are human, you are my bishop...and I obey."

"The correct answer, Prester...it does not matter how you feel about my race, only that you obey me in service to Xenophus," he tied off his robe and beckoned Jauba to sit. He walked over and joined him, leaning on the edge of his desk, " It is time to send out the Gleaners...three patrols, one north, one west, and one south...thirty brothers each, fully armed."

Jauba nodded.
"Yes, Bishop. When shall we go?"

"Tomorrow...noon, I think...is that reasonable?"

"I'll see to it, Bishop," Jauba stated. He got up to leave. Skaar raised his hand to stop him.

"You didn't ask why I'm sending them out so late," he said flatly.

"It is your choice, holiness," the sable responded.

Skaar became annoyed and his voice reflected it.
"I'm well aware that it's my choice, Jauba. The reason I made the choice I made is because as soon as dawn has broken, I want you to dispatch a dozen five man squads onto the plateau. Have them remain concealed and pay careful heed to any beasts not of our Brotherhood. The natives have been getting early warning about our Gleaners, hence, there must be spies within sight of the compound...all strange beasts will be captured as supplicants or killed. No beast is to get off this plateau. The hidden squads should notice activity when the Gleaner patrol leaves, that is when they will strike...and that is why the Gleaners are leaving later, so the trap can be properly set...do you understand?"

Jauba thought about what Skaar said. He had to begrudgingly admire the human, it was a smart plan.
"Yes I do, Bishop, I shall make all the necessary preparations."

"Very good Prester," Skaar said walking back to his tub and dropping the robe onto the floor, "now go, I'd like to finish my bath."

After nightfall, Egbert woke his companions at the edge of the plateau. They made their way carefully to the stand of trees overlooking both the Deev castle and the Scarlet monastery. It was decided that Pretus take the first six-hour watch. Egbert and Max, settled down to some much needed sleep. Max had spent the last few hours taking regular scouting flights over the compound in the event that the Gleaners left before the group made their move to the grove.

Nothing happened during the night and Pretus turned the watch over to Degar a few hours before dawn. As the sun rose, Degar noticed activity around the Deev castle. Small groups of brothers were leaving the main stronghold in various directions. It was clear to Degar that these weren't the Gleaners, so other than remaining cautious, he did not take any special note of these movements. His companions still slept and he had no wish to disturb them.

When he tried to locate any of the small groups which had ventured from the castle, he was unable to and assumed they were foraging parties, not worthy of any special precaution. By the time morning was in full bloom and his comrades wide awake, the incident was not even considered noteworthy to Degar and he failed to make any special mention of it to Egbert, other than saying he had seen a few brothers wandering outside the fortress.

The sun hung directly overhead. Egbert was viewing the entrance to the compound when its doors swung open and a large group of brothers, thirty strong, formed in single file outside. Two more identical groups joined them. Egbert could see them being instructed by a beast of higher rank. After a time, the three groups left the meeting area, each in a different direction. The mole became excited and addressed his comrades in a loud whisper.

"That's them! The Gleaners! They're headed out. Max, are you ready?"

The brightly colored bird stepped forward.
"Ready, ready," he replied.

Eggy nodded.
"Good. Go on, floi as fast as you can back to the Rose and let them know to get ready....this is it."

Without another word, the parrot headed skyward and north. Degar stood and watched the bird disappear in the distance.

Three hundred yards from where Egbert was hidden, a squad of Scarlet brothers was hidden as well, behind a patch of gorse. They had been instructed by Jauba to watch for spies and if they found any, to capture or to kill them. The leader of the squad, Meega the stoat, was new to the Brotherhood, and like any fresh convert, enthusiastic and a true-believer. He was watching the general area where the copse was located that had served as cover for Eggy and his comrades.

Meega saw the brilliantly colored Max take off and head north. Raising his spyglass in that direction, the stoat saw Degar stand. He snapped at his brethren.
"Spies! Right there...," he pointed at the distant trees, "follow me!"

Keeping low and circling along a lower portion of the plateau, he led his soldiers in a flanking line, staying out of sight until they were less than a hundred yards from where he had seen Degar. Meega spoke quietly, but with authority.

"We're not lettin' dese heretics warn their people. They are defying Xenophus and we can't allow that. I want you to send two flights of arrows into that grove! When the second fight is in the air, drop yer bows, pull out yer clubs and swords and foller me. We'll rush in and any what ain't been kilt, we'll take 'em back to Jauba, got it?"

His squad nodded their assent and notched arrows onto their bows. On Meega's command, they let loose the first flight and quickly notched and fired a second shaft each. When the second arrow was loosed, they quickly dropped their bows, pulled their weapons and followed Meega in a charge toward the grove of trees before the second flight had even reached its mark.

Degar was still standing and about to speak. Egbert glanced in his direction when the first flight of arrows hit. The mole heard a whooshing sound and jumped in shock as an arrow struck Degar in the forehead, killing him instantly. Pretus and the mole reached for their weapons and looked for the source of the attack.

The second flight hit. Egbert grimaced in pain as an arrow struck him sharply in the thigh. He fell to the ground. Pretus panicked and ran from the copse across the open meadow just as Meega's squad entered the stand of trees. Egbert attempted to stand, but three brothers rushed him and beat him to unconsciousness. Meega looked out toward the fleeing Degar. He smiled grimly and slipped his bow from his shoulder, notching an arrow purposefully and taking aim. He let the shaft fly and watched in satisfaction as the deadly projectile arched gently toward the running target.

Pretus was in full stride when the arrow struck him in the center of his back. He was dead before he hit the grass. Meega let out a small grunt of satisfaction before turning back toward his squad, now circled around the stunned mole.

"Tie him up," he ordered, "we'll bring him back to Jauba," he looked at Egbert and chuckled, "he's a big one...we best rig a stretcher outta some branches or we'll break our backs tryin' to carry him."

"What about the bodies?"  a brother asked.

"We'll retrieve them later...toss 'em into the sea, I suppose...," he glanced towards the mole. A brother was about to remove the large tooth which hung from around its neck. Meega ran over and violently kicked the offending soldier to the ground. "We ain't thieves or grave robbers, we're on a holy mission! Leave the beast's trinkets be! Next of you tries to steal anything, I'll have their head! Now let's get movin'!"

A stretcher of sorts was rigged with each corner manned by a brother. Meega began his march toward the Deev fortress with his squad, carrying the still unconscious Egbert, close behind.

It took Max less than an hour to reach the Crimson Rose. Willum, Gella, Wilbur and Zian were playing cards in the captain's cabin. Ursamus, who was on deck for the bird's arrival, lumbered to the door and knocked loudly before sticking his massive head in.

"The parrot has returned! He says the Gleaners are on their way!"

Willum jumped to his feet and loudly clapped his paws together in excitement.
"The game's afoot, me fine friends! Time ta head to the hill and ready yourselves!" With that the orange cat rushed out of the cabin to muster his troops in preparation for the ambush. Zian, Gella, and Wilbur still sat holding their cards. Gella giggled.

"He seems anxious. How much time have we got?" she asked.

"At least three hours. It's a long walk from the fortress. I think we should get ready, but...we don't have to sprint about like our pirate friend." Zian commented, laying down his cards and standing. He turned to Wilbur.
"Is Ursamus ready for his part?"

"I am," a low voice from outside the cabin called.

"Oi'll be roight out, Ursamus," Wilbur said loudly, "meet me on da beach!"

"Will do!" The bear shouted in response.

It didn't take Willum long to gather his men and review the plan. Zian, Wilbur and Ursamus sat separate from the group, but close enough to hear all that would be required of them. With little commotion, the company headed inland toward the steep hill leading downward to the crossroads, the location of the massive pit they had all helped dig.

It was a rugged trek, up and down sand dunes at first, then gorse-covered hills, and then the rough rocky terrain leading to the forested and dense landscape which comprised the interior of the island. It took about an hour to reach the foot-trail leading down the hill toward the crossroads.

The company was careful to avoid the pit at the base of the hill. Large thin fishing nets had been stretched and pinned over it. The nets had then been covered with dead leaves twigs and debris, completely disguising the hole to all but the closest of inspections.

The path leading up the hill was narrow, it could accommodate no more than two creatures abreast. Dense jungle growth and vines acted as living green walls to either side of the path. The trails upper point at the beginning of the descent had a fair sized clearing, also surrounded by the dense exotic greenery.

The majority of Willum's men hid themselves at the base of the fifty foot high hill. Secreted in the jungle around the clearing at the top of the hill were Zian, Ursamus and Wilbur. It was with some effort that the giant bear squeezed between vines and paddle-sized leaves, but when he did, there was no part of him visible from the clearing. Gella, acting as scout and being swift of foot, headed further up the path towards the approaching enemy, in an effort to provide some warning at their approach. When everyone was set, the hustle and bustle of their preparation ended and the jungle was silent once more, save for the songs and squawks of its avian inhabitants.

Azmeritus was illuminating a manuscript at his desk when Jauba entered. The mongoose looked up at the sable and waited. Jauba approached and addressed the high priest.

"We have killed two spies and captured one," he said proudly.

Azmeritus allowed himself a smile.
"Excellent, Jauba. We will use the captured enemy in the place of a supplicant."

"There is more holiness," the sable said anxiously.

"Is there?"

"Our prisoner was recognized as one of the beasts who attacked our Gleaners earlier."

"Even better...," Azmeritus purred, "what manner of beast is he?"

"A mole, holiness, the largest....," Jauba indicated a height well above his own, "mole I have ever seen."

The albino mongoose stroked his chin.
"A giant mole, you say? That strikes a memory... bring him here to me...now."

"As you require, holiness," Jauba left quickly.

A short while later, Jauba re-entered with two guards and Egbert. The mole was restrained in leg shackles and manacles around his paws. He limped badly from the arrow-wound, The shaft was still in his leg, though broken off near the fur. The bleeding had reduced to more of an oozing, seeping into his leg-fur with every step he was forced to take.

Azmeritus approached him, staring intently at the injured beast's visage. Egbert remained silent. The mongoose examine the tooth around his thick neck, then stepped back. A broad hideous grin spread over Azmeritus' face.

"Lord Egbert of Gleneden! Hero of the Khalisian Wars! You are unmistakable. I'm honored...," his voice dripped sarcasm, "that you took the opportunity to visit."

Egbert still did not speak, but did emit a small groan as he shifted his weight, causing the arrow to move in his muscle. Azmeritus looked to the mole's wound.

"Jauba, bring a healer to remove this arrow! We cannot have him die on us before he meets Xenophus, it would be an insult. A royal supplicant is a rarity indeed and I'm sure our Lord would appreciate it."

The healer came and tended the mole's wound. He nervously removed the arrow under Azmeritus' icy glare. Next he cleaned the wound and applied an herbal compress. Finally he bound the wound with a bandage. Cocking his head slightly, he addressed the mongoose.

"It was a clean wound, there is no immediate danger."

"Leave us, physician," the healer scurried out quickly. Azmeritus returned his attention to Egbert.

"You will be taken to your accommodations now, Lord Egbert. I'm afraid it's not well suited to nobility. You will be sharing quarters with some other of my guests who are awaiting, like you, an audience with our Lord. Do not fret, you will not have to wait long." The mongoose turned his attention to Jauba, "Take him to the compound and toss him into the holding cell with our other supplicants."

Jauba snapped to attention.
"Yes, holiness." He motioned to the guards and they turned Egbert around, leading him out the door. Before Jauba exited, Azmeritus called his name. He turned.

"Good work, Jauba. You have proved your worthiness today."

"Thank you, your holiness," he said in an almost jolly manner. The sable exited the room smiling broadly.

Abbot Carr, a middle-aged weasel led his Gleaner squad north along the winding trail. It was a large company, thirty strong and heavily armed. Each brother was scanning to the right and left for any sign of activity, though no one expected any serious hunting before the small villages of the coast were reached. Suddenly one of the leading marchers turned to the abbot and pointed vigorously ahead.

"I saw a beast fleeing, up ahead!" he said urgently.

"Which direction?" the abbot asked calmly.

"North, up the trail," the brother answered.

"Then there is no need to worry, no need to rush, that is the direction in which we are headed anyway...so...stay alert, keep a steady pace," the abbot instructed.

Gella had seen the Gleaner's approach from well down the road. She turned and headed back to her friends. Gella ran along the trail like a panther, dropping to all fours, leaping and bounding through the jungle with a power and speed that belied her delicate physique. She arrived in the clearing at the top of the hill well before the Gleaners. Gella called into the tropic undergrowth surrounding the clearing.

"They are just up the road, be ready!" she urged.

"We're all set." Wilbur's voice called back.
Satisfied that the message had been delivered, Gella headed down the hill, carefully avoiding the covered pit at its base, to deliver her warning to the remainder of the waiting force.

Abbot Carr paused at the top of the clearing until all his Gleaners were huddled in the space. Issuing some quick directions, he took the lead and began down the hill at a slow steady pace with his squad following, two wide. When the last of the Gleaners had made their way out of the clearing, Ursamus, Zian, and Wilbur exited the undergrowth and stared down the trail.

"Ready, Ursamus?" Zian asked.

"Ready," affirmed the bear.

Taking a deep breath, the snow-bear positioned himself at the top of the trail. He closed his eyes momentarily. Then raised his head and let out a roar like none that was ever heard on Xenoth. He launched himself down the hill at full speed, still roaring with a primal ferocity.

The Gleaners at the rear turned in panic to see a massive beast with enormous teeth barreling in their direction, and pushed forward in survival-driven desperation. A domino effect ensued and several gleaners lost their balance and footing, beginning to tumble down the steep hill.

Ursamus hit the rear of the Gleaners with full force. All the brothers, unable to get out of the way in the narrow corridor, fell and began tumbling as well. Behind him, Zian and Wilbur held tightly to a rope tied around Ursamus' upper body, trying to help the bear maintain his balance and prevent him from stumbling and rolling uncontrolled down the steep incline. Abbot Carr was the last brother knocked off his feet, having been situated ahead of the squad. The avalanche of bodies swept him up and soon he too was tumbling, uncontrolled down the trail.

When the main body of Gleaners reached the base of the hill, they swept forward onto the net over the pit, falling helplessly into the large hole. Abbot Carr was unlucky enough to be the first into the hole. He looked up to see his beasts, in a knotted mass of bodies, fall directly on him. He was knocked unconscious almost immediately.

Zian and Wilbur dug their heels into the rocky surface of the trail, using every ounce of their energy to attempt to impede the bear's furious descent. They managed, but barely. When the dirt and dust settled, Ursamus lay belly down at the base of the trail with a full third of his body hanging over the edge of the pit. Below him, all thirty Gleaners laid moaning, piled three deep. Willum's men surrounded the hole and began to disarm the stunned brothers.

The pirate laughed loudly and turned to Ursamus, who had recovered and was sitting on his haunches. Behind him, Zian and Wilbur dusted themselves off while laughing uproariously.

"Dat was fun," Wilbur exclaimed. He slapped Ursamus on the back, "You are one scary beast...heavy, too...you gave us a great roide."

Ursamus smiled and answered softly.
"I'd be lying if I said that wasn't fun."

Willum interrupted the revelry.
"We got time fer recollections later mates. Let's get these coves outta the pit and escort 'em back to their accommodations. Then it'll be up to ole Ozab and his actin' troupe."