It's been awhile since I wrote a synopsis. We just finished our 7th session, so I figure I'd better get writing before I start forgetting those earlier tales. On with story #3!
Spring was coming to a close. The rains had not abated and Fallan's thoughts were often drawn, against his will, to the people of Port Sumac. He wondered whether the dam he and Abram had reinforced had held. He often wondered about Patrick.
He had not seen his friend since returning to Lockhaven. Patrick had left sometime before Fallan's return and so he had not had time to deliver the news of his sister's death. In truth, Fallan was relieved.
About a week after returning to Lockhaven, Gwendolyn once again summoned Fallan. The wise leader of Lockhaven spoke calmly to Fallan, yet there was a strictness in her voice that made his hair stand on end.
"I've read your report," she said. "Something troubles me. When you knew that there were crabs invading the coast, why did you not hunt them down? Crabs are dangerous."
Fallan took a deep breath to compose himself. "We fought the war so that we could free Mousedom from the cycle of violence and death. I believe that we can peacefully maintain its borders. If we chase off the crabs often enough, they will stop coming here and there will have been no need for bloodshed."
Gwendolyn did not share his optimism. "I appreciate your ideals, but a Mouse Guard must be prepared to do whatever is necessary to defend the people."
"But is such violence necessary?" Fallan countered.
"It is if I say it is," Gwendolyn responded in a level tone. Fallan realized he'd over-stepped his boundaries. Gwendolyn continued. "Predators are predators. You, as an experienced fighter, may be able to drive them off, but what about the times you aren't there? Could some poor merchant do the same? Or a young basket weaver? What about a child? Your plan is a kind one, but to initiate it would take time and resources we don't have. And in such matters, hesitation on our part means the death of another innocent."
"As my lady commands. I shall think well over what you have said and will act accordingly in the future."
Fallan bowed, his open eyes staring at the complicated carvings in the floor of Gwendolyn's comfortable study. He was seeing other images, however. Children. Why had she mentioned children? Did she suspect? His mind wandered back to the dark days of the war. Did she know?
Gwendolyn continued. "I have another mission for your patrol. This Spring rain has washed away the scent borders, they will need replacing. Take this letter to the scientist Amos in Sprucetuck. He'll provide you with the scent mixture. Then proceed to the Eastern border and lay the scent. Be careful. With the border down, there's no telling what's gotten into the kingdom."
Fallan left the room quietly. He was only thankful Gwendolyn hadn't mentioned Patrick's sister. But then, why would she? Fallan hadn't included her in his report.
"The scent border? We have to lay down urine?" Freya didn't seem pleased at the job they'd been given.
"Someone's got to do it," Abram remarked in his quiet way. Fallan gave him the letter to Amos. Fallan was thinking about other things. Many faces kept flashing before his eyes; foremost of them all was Sera's, her fur soaked with sweat as she died in his arms. He was determined to prove he could save a life.
Gwendolyn might be sending them out to mark the border, but he would show her he was capable of so much more. He would prove to himself he had made the right decision joining the Guard. He would prove that their deaths, and hers, hadn't been his fault.
Fallan thinks he has his goal all figured out, but the other members have goals of their own. What will they think when their leader starts acting strangely? Stay tuned to find out!
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