Brian Jacques - Redwall #20 - Eulalia!

Asheye turned his face toward the recently promoted General Mullein, his constant companion. "Remember I told you of the voices that haunted my dreams? They said that never again would I be seen at Salamandastron, once the autumn leaves fall. Well, old friend, it looks like the shadow of fate has finally fallen upon me."

Mullein nodded sadly. "Aye, sah, who can escape it?"

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That was when my father said his piece. "When I was taken captive I thought many times that I would die never having seen Redwall, or Salamandastron. But I was mistaken, as I believe you are, Lord. There is a ship lying in the bay, it will take you to be united with your long-lost brother, whom you thought dead. When autumn leaves fall, you will be far from this mountain, bound for the Abbey of Redwall. I think that is what your voices were trying to tell you, sir. The fates are being kind to you!"

Mullein helped the ancient badger to stand upright. "Well, stap me, sah, I believe Lord Gorath's right. I'll jolly well wager your brother, the Tabowot'sisname, will be over the blinkin' moon t'see ye, wot!"

Lord Asheye clasped his friend's paw. "It would be a pleasure if you were to accompany me, Mull."

The General saluted gallantly with his free paw. "Hah, t'would be an honour to travel at y'side, sah!"

I have heard that story many times from my father, he calls it the happy fate of Lord Asheye. My mother also related how Asheye, and Mullein, sailed away on the Eulalia, bound on a rosy dawn tide for Redwall, to meet again his brother, the Tabura.

I think this is a fitting start to my Chronicle. Redwall Abbey is a place of my dreams, many times I have pleaded to visit there. However, my father always said I was too young, until this season, my fourteenth. With the aid of Aunt Maudie, Rangval and my mother, he was finally persuaded. I am to spend four seasons at the Abbey. Can you imagine it, four whole seasons! Mother has given me to understand that I will spend time being educated by my two adopted grandfathers, Asheye and the Tabura. Father says that education is the key to both happiness and wisdom, I am sure this is true.

But Auntie Maudie and Uncle Rangval told me there is lots of fun to be found at Redwall, and lots of new friends to be made. There'll be feasting, singing, sporting,

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log-boating with Guosim, ranging the streams with Barbowla and his otters.... And I'm actually sailing tomorrow at noon, I'll be lucky if I sleep a wink tonight!

I know I'm repeating myself, but Redwall really is the place of my dreams. They say that there is always a welcome there for those who are good of heart, and true to their friends. Who knows, perhaps we'll meet there one sunny day?

Rowanbloom, daughter of Lady Salixa and Lord Gorath of Salamandastron

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