The sun shone brilliantly over the Cold Narrows, but a shroud of dark haze hung within the confines of Xenoth's shield. Four ships lined the northern coast of the forbidden land in preparation for departure, the Crimson Rose, the West Wind, a nameless brigantine, now christened Freedom, and a brigantine with an untranslatable name in an unknown language renamed the Goddess by it's hopeful and jubilant crew.

All four ships were ready to depart Xenoth on the next high tide. One hundred and sixty creatures were anxiously awaiting their exodus from the shores of their prison. Some had been stranded for less than a year, but most had been trapped behind the shield for ten or more. They sat on the beach in small groups, talking about their families and friends, hoping that some portion of their former lives was still in tact, that families would be glad to see them, that lost loves were still waiting or that children would still remember them.

Not all the beasts given the chance for freedom elected to take it. Some, especially those who had lived on Xenoth for decades, chose to remain, despite the opportunity for freedom, despite the presence of the Scarlet Brotherhood and the Deev. They had new lives now, new families. There were perhaps a hundred of these ex-patriots who chose to stay and protect their new lives and loved ones. Ozab, for one, chose to remain behind, feeling responsible for his brother's actions, determined to stop Azmeritus' vile plan. Otto, his sister and niece, also declined to leave Xenoth, for all it's sinister history, it was still their home.

Orange Willum's first inclination was to stay and seek his revenge on the mongoose, but he was no fool. He could see the Brotherhood ships with their blood-red sails gathered in the coastal waters. He knew he would need help to battle the brothers. Willum decided to raise a crew and more ships. He knew from the chatter of newly arriving brothers he had watched, that there were hundreds of sea-faring beasts, betrayed by the Deevs, who waited, trapped in the confines of Minga by the Brotherhood's blockade. Orange Willum Crookfang would return to Minga to rally the corsairs and then he would let loose the dogs of war upon the Brotherhood.

The Scratchbacks offered their ship, the Crimson Rose for his quest and asked him to be it's captain. Tears came to the grizzled cat's eyes as he gratefully accepted their offer. Max chatted at length with the pirate and arranged to meet him in Minga after he flew to World's End to let the world know of the mass exodus from Xenoth.

Egbert was to leave aboard the Freedom, bound for World's End with Bobo, Zian, Winky, and Groggs. He asked the giant snow bear Ursamus to join them, but the gentle giant still felt the need to redeem himself for his past actions and chose to join Willum in his mission to fight the Brotherhood. Egbert had no intention of ignoring the rising storm on Xenoth, but he knew he would need more than a few shiploads of pirates to battle the Scarlet Brotherhood. His course of action would be to return to Morgaard and rally the forces of Thoth and Lokias to meet the impending storm.

Egbert, along with the majority of departing beasts, sat on the shore around a clutter of open fires. On the ships, small crews of beasts hurried about cleaning, rigging and generally preparing their various craft for departure. Dinghies and dories lined the beach ready to transport the remaining beasts to their respective ships. It had been decided that the small armada would depart around noon, staying together as long as possible before going their separate ways.

There was still a large measure of distrust among the castaways, they could clearly see the Brotherhood ships roaming the seas around Xenoth and most beasts felt at least some trepidation about the promise of safe exit Azmeritus had made. As a result of this concern, a good portion of the morning was spent scavenging as many weapons as possible from the numerous wrecks which still lined the shore. Besides weapons, oars of any design and size were snatched up as well. They would be needed to power the ships through the dead zone around Xenoth until wind could once again fill the long dormant sails of the vessels.

Egbert sat on the sand sipping a cup of hot tea and staring across the narrows. A happy smile rested on his face at the prospect of seeing Phoebe and his friends on the mainland once more. He looked up to see Wilbur approaching nervously and waved him over.

"Oi need to speak to you, Eggy," his nephew said quietly.

Seeing the concern on the young mole's face, Egbert patted the sand next to him and motioned to Wilbur. After Wilbur was seated, he avoided Eggy's glance and absently dragged his claws through the sand.

"What's wrong?" Eggy asked.

Wilbur answered in almost a whisper.
"Oi was thinking about going to Minga with Willum."

"Whoi? Oi thought you'd go to World's End. Your dad will be very worried...and probably more than a little upset with me if you don't come back with me."

"Oi know, Unc, but Oi want to do moi part. Oi don't want to go back to Gleneden yet and if Oi go to World's End, that's where Oi'll end up. Oi want to help Willum and Oi want to stay with Ursamus a whoile. Ursamus is a foine beast, but he needs a friend...everybody is scared of him, but he's just a big kid...loike me...and he has a big heart...Oi can keep him out of trouble..."

Egbert chuckled.
"You keeping somebeast out of trouble seems loike having a fish help you stay droi, but Oi admire your loyalty. Oi don't suppose the fact Gella is on the Rose has anything to do with your decision."

Wilbur tried very hard to look indignant.
"Oi...well...of course Oi worry about da Scratchbacks too...and Gella is a Scratchback...Salto's a Scratchback, so Oi need to watch him too...and...and Trey and Cat..."

Egbert interrupted.
"Yes," the big mole laughed, "they're Scratchbacks. Oi appreciate the family history, but Oi know you like Gella."

Wilbur hung his head and smiled shyly.
"Maybe a little," he raised his head and looked his uncle in the eyes, "but what Oi said about Ursamus is true, too. They're moi friends,  
Eggy, and Oi don't want to desert dem."

Egbert looked at his nephew in silence. He took his digging claw and ruffled the young moles head.
"Then Oi guess you have to go on the Crimson Rose. Oi know Willum will appreciate your sailing skills."

Wilbur broke into a broad smile and excitedly hugged his uncle.
"You'll let me go? Thank you...thank you!" he became serious, "But what about my dad? Oi don't want to get you in trouble."

Egbert laughed.
"What Yogi doesn't know won't bother him...and if he foinds out, he'll understand your decision and be proud of you. Now get out of here and get ready to report to Willum."

Willum was already onboard the Crimson Rose checking every inch of the ship prior to raising anchor. The Scratchbacks were in their quarters, which though intended originally for the ship's captain, remained the lodgings of the scavenging clan at Willum's insistence. About thirty other castaways were scurrying around the decks checking riggings and sails.

Almost all the beasts onboard were experienced mariners and Willum had carefully sized each member of his new crew up, assigning tasks best suited to each of their individual skills. Ursamus sat on his haunches near the stern of the boat staring solemnly inland toward Xenoth. A small smile crossed the fierce ursine's face as he noticed a skiff heading toward the Rose. Among the beasts rowing toward the ship, the bear could clearly see his friend Wilbur and his spirits lifted. He bounded to the rail as beasts scattered out of his way. When the small boat was within hailing distance, Ursamus called out happily.

"Wilbur! It is good to see you my friend!"

The young mole stood up and waved, then cupped his paws around his snout to call out.
"Ahoy the Rose. Request permission to come aboard and accompany the crew to Minga!"

Willum stepped to the rail smiling.
"If'n ya come aboard it won't be as a passenger. Each beast in me crew pulls his weight," he paused, "I'm needin' a first mate, bucko, do ya think ya can handle it?"

"Aye, Aye cap'n, I'm your mole!" Wilbur called happily.

"Then welcome aboard matey, I'll see ya on deck," he turned to Ursamus, "I'd like ya ta join us fer our meetin' and I'd like ya ta get the Scratchbacks up here as well. I believe they be in their cabin."

Ursamus stood.
"Aye, aye, Captain Crookfang."

It was nearly noon when the small armada of castaway boats weighed anchor and manned their oars in preparation for leaving the confines of Xenoth. Egbert sat on the rail of the Freedom alongside Bobo looking east toward Morgaard as the ship eased its way to the barrier around the island. There was absolute silence aboard the ships, broken only by the syncopated sounds of oars slashing into the water. Every beast was anxious. There was no one who was completely certain that the potion Azmeritus had given them would, in fact, allow their exit through the barrier, or that if they were successful in breaching the mystical boundary, that the numerous Brotherhood ships on the Narrows would let them pass unchallenged.

Egbert was in the lead ship and as they approached the barrier, he held his breath. Bobo closed his eyes. The bow of the ship broached the barrier and the entire ship slipped through in short order. Bobo opened his eyes in time to see Egbert exhaling in relief.

"So far, so good, Eggy. I can't believe we made it out."

Egbert remained silent until the remaining three ships were clear of the barrier. When they were, he clapped Bobo hardily on the back.

"Now Oi feel better! You really are a lucky beast. Let's hope those red ships let us by."

Egbert's hopes were justified in short order. The Scarlet Brotherhood's ships paid them no mind at all and soon the four ships were well past them. When the oars were shipped and the wind filled their sails, the castaways flew swiftly eastward toward Morgaard. When the red-sailed ships were well behind them, three of the ships turned north toward World's End and the Crimson Rose steered south to Minga. Cheers and songs filled the decks of all the vessels as hundreds of thankful beasts realized their dreams of heading home.

On the beach, two beasts stood watching the ships gliding toward the horizon. Ozab smiled broadly and threw his arm over Otto's shoulder.

"Our friends seem to have succeeded in leaving."

"I am happy for them," Otto said honestly, "but they will return...they'll be in danger again,"

"There will always be danger, there will always be sadness, but between them, happiness can thrive."

"Even for you Ozab?" Otto asked.

Ozab paused in reflection.
"Perhaps, if my brother is stopped...a little at least. It doesn't really matter, happiness is an illusion at best, it is not happiness we should strive for."

Otto's curiosity was piqued.
"What then, what is it we should seek in life?"

"Contentment, love given and love accepted, peace, calm and creation...happiness is just the sweet foam on a cup of chocolate...it tastes wonderful, but has no substance. It dissolves and disappears, but even when it does, the chocolate it covered remains as sweet and satisfying."

Otto chuckled.
"That's what I get for asking a priest questions..."

"Ex-priest," Ozab corrected.

"I don't think so. You're a priest through and through. I'm a simple otter. My whole life has been on Xenoth with my sister and niece. We've been haunted and hunted by Deev and Scarlet Brothers our entire existence, yet we've managed to snatch happiness where we could, but contentment has eluded us. So to me at least, happiness is very important and contentment is a myth. It's happiness alone that's sustained us...and, yes love given and accepted as you said, but there is no peace, no calm, and as for creation, what's going on here on Xenoth is the exact opposite, isn't it? Your brother means to destroy everything."

"I never said the world was in balance, far from it and that is what I work towards, that is the purpose I have given myself in this life," Ozab chuckled, "I am a really pretentious beast aren't I?"

"A little," Otto returned the chuckle, "but better to set your sights high, I guess. Now that our friends are safely off, what say we go back to Ophelia's and have a little feast in celebration?"

A huge cracked smile spread over Ozab's face.

"Shame on you, Otto, to crush a friend's argument so easily. The thought of a generous portion of your lovely sister's cooking is spreading happiness through my withered old soul...and you know what?"

"What?"

"It seems a lot more substantial than some silly old froth!"

The old mongoose draped his arm over the young otter's shoulder and poked him in the ribs.

"Don't stand there gawking, young beast, lead on!" With that the two friends began their walk back to Ophelia's, each casting one last glance out to the Cold Narrows to catch one last glimpse of the ships taking their friends home.

Azmeritus found himself unable to focus. Evening devotions, which he had either attended or led every night with fervor, were now becoming an annoyance, a waste of precious time. All that mattered to the mongoose now was the full moon after this one, the full moon which would culminate with his lord's awakening.

Tonight's ceremony was the last of the regular feedings and that fact did excite the mongoose priest. Fifteen Scarlet Brothers were eating their final meals and preparing for their sacrifice, certain that this ultimate act of submission would somehow increase their status in the next life. Azmeritus did not even visit his supplicants to assure or praise them. Previously he would have learned their names, even those of the involuntary supplicants and offer words of encouragement or faith. Now he thought of them only as food for Xenophus. Even the sacrificial ceremony itself which had just last month involved the combined presence of twenty senior holy men, tonight involved only the mongoose and the supplicants, without chants or prayers. Where he had worn his best vestments in previous ceremonies, this night he wore only his everyday robe.

Now that he had moved from his living quarters to the cave, the high priest spent a large portion of his day staring into the alcove, trying to imagine what Xenophus looked like. He reveled in the ever more frequent tremors which shook the cliffs, his own body quivering at their occurrence. When the foul air rushed from the alcove, Azmeritus inhaled deeply rather than hold his breath.

Bishop Skaar had taken over most of the day to day workings of the Brotherhood, leaving the albino to his own thoughts and growing madness. Skaar had unexpressed concerns about his master. He could see that any details not directly concerning Xenophus were being ignored. The bishop worried that Azmeritus had not dealt correctly with the escaping castaways. Skaar's thought had been to destroy them all without mercy, but Azmeritus insisted they be granted their freedom for reasons he would not share. He said he would let them leave and despite the protests of senior clergy, he did. Skaar feared this decision would come back to haunt them, but Azmeritus would hear none of it. In his mind the matter was settled. As for the Deev, since their position was intertwined with the fate of Xenophus, Azmeritus was still deeply involved and cautious. They were a threat, but still necessary.

Skaar knew that everything would change when the Ürgod was free, that his master would transform as soon as Xenophus began his reign. It was a race to the finish and Skaar knew that all the trivialities of daily life would only matter for a few more weeks. He would wait. He would do his duty. He would do whatever his master required of him.

As the full moon began its journey across the evening sky, the voluntary supplicants made there way to the sacrificial cave beneath the waterfall. Fifteen Brothers clad in their finest blood-red cloaks entered the chamber in an almost silent procession, heads down and cowls drawn over their faces. With each step forward they paused for half a beat during which they chanted a short bass note.

Only Azmeritus was present in the cave. He was seated silently below the hole in the ceiling in front of a small table on which the Book of Prophecies lay open. The mongoose barely acknowledged the entrance of the parade. Hunched over the table, he carefully studied the book, silently mouthing the words.

The supplicants made their way to the alcove and sat cross-legged between the stalagmites, hanging their heads in silence. When they were all settled, Azmeritus looked at them briefly, then up toward the opening to see the moon's progress. Satisfied that he still had time, he returned to studying his book.

The moon crept into the opening about fifteen minutes after the supplicants sat. Azmeritus closed his book and began to quietly chant. When the moon was nearly dead center, the albino priest stood and moved his chair to within four feet of the alcove entrance and stared into it intently.

The moon reached the center of the hole. The ground began to shake and quiver. Small pieces of stone rained down across the cave. A rank wind exuded from the alcove. The shaking increased in severity, especially in the alcove itself. The previously silent supplicants became increasingly frightened, some whimpering, others covering their heads.

Azmeritus stared unblinking into the smaller cave, breathing in the rushing foul air. Suddenly the roof of the alcove began to descend. The small shrieks and whimpers of the supplicants increased.     

Inexorably, the roof of the alcove continued to lower until the was no opening at all and the sounds of the supplicants were silenced. Azmeritus looked upwards and for a brief moment saw what he was trying so hard to detect. At the top of where the alcove entrance had been, two globes, each six feet wide, bulged briefly forward, covered by what the mongoose assumed were eyelids. As suddenly as he had seen them, they were gone as the alcove re-opened, empty of all the supplicants and covered in an oily slime. Azmeritus smiled and turned his back on the mouth of Xenophus, calling back loudly.

"One more month, my lord. One more month and you can feed yourself. One more month and you can eat this entire world!"