With Swords, Claws, and Teeth Bared

"Pleased to meet you, Gruntabiller", says Zamron. "I am glad that there are those, such as yourself, who are loyal and true to Narnia We have much work to do! Many of our people were brutally slain in the battle. They will be honoured. Others, who deserted us and joined the lion and the humans will, in due course, be punished severely. In the meantime, however, those who survived the battle and escaped the treachery of that lion and his minions, the human dogs, must be found and reunited with us. Then, we can plan our revenge. It will be a long, slow task to restore Narnia to what it should be, but we shall triumph, no matter how long it takes! They will pay dearly for what they have done! I am hopeful that at least some of our people with the ability to fly will be joining us, as it is crucial to find out what the enemy are up to.
 
"As for that," replied Gruntabillery, "I have a Talking Vulture friend named Ripskin, who is out scouting. I expect her back here soon with news."
 
Whilst waiting for Gruntabillery's vulture to return, half a dozen wolves pick up the scents of Zamron and Gruntabillery and arrive in the area. These are led by Lieutenant Ashraf, who is now the most senior member of the secret police, following the death of Maugrim. (No doubt Ashraf would have been promoted to Captain, if Jadis had not had other more pressing matters to deal with, and then been killed at the Battle of Beruna). Like Zamron, they are extremely angry at the unexpected turn of events, and thirsting for vengeance. Ashraf is also aware that his own brother betrayed both the Queen and himself, and feels that it is his duty to kill him as soon as possible, to restore the family honour.

Upon seeing Zamron and Gruntabillet, Ashraf greets them, and listens while Zamron discusses his plans. Realising that the minotaur is an excellent strategist and tactician, far superior to himself or any of his comrades, Ashraf quickly concludes that the best thing is for he himself and his wolves to join forces with Zamron. He accepts Zamron's leadership without argument, as he realises that the minotaur possesses the qualities needed for the current situation. Ashraf's experience of dealing with the minotaur previously, and the information he had concerning him, convince Ashraf not only of Zamron's loyalty to the Queen, but also that Zamron possesses those abilities needed to gather and hold together all those opposed to the human vermin and the lion. He therefore commands his fellow wolves to do likewise, and follow Zamron's orders.

Before the vulture returns, Zamron uses the wolves to establish a perimeter in the area. This is for two reasons. Firstly, as a matter of security in case any of the enemy are anywhere close: he does not think this likely yet, but has no intention of being caught napping! Zamron also hopes there may be more of the Queen's supporters heading this way. He wants them to be intercepted and persuaded to join his group. "However," he says, "There are some who pretended to serve Her Majesty who are cowards or traitors! I want them too! They must be thoroughly interrogated and then....!" Zamron draws a finger across his throat in a meaningful manner. "As soon as Gruntabillery's vulture returns, we should have a good idea what the enemy are up to!
 
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Far away from this meeting, Flakefeather the Bluejay sights Ripskin the Vulture, who is heading to rejoin Gruntabillery. Ripskin tries to catch the Aslan-worshipping bird, but Flakefeather easily dodges her, and hurries away to report the sighting of a known Jadisite.

So Ripskin hurries too -- in order to warn her Giantess friend that Aslan's followers will now be aware that at least some Jadisites are still at large (though it was only Ripskin herself who was spotted).
 
Whilst Bluejay, somewhat shocked by the recent encounter with the vulture, is flying towards Cair Paravel, to report this unwelcome news, Ripskin flies north, to rejoin Gruntabillery. Both birds are alertly keeping watch, albeit for different reasons. Meanwhile Zamron, with Ashraf's help, has made a crude map of this part of Narnia. He is especially interested to know of any settlements in the area, not only as a source of food, and possibly other supplies, but for security reasons too.
 
Arriving at the hideout, Ripskin is glad to see "friendly reinforcements." After introductions, she tells Zamron and the others:

"South by southwest of here, half a day's easy flight for a sturdy bird, there is a large field of wheat or some such grain. And in spite of this being early spring, it's completely ripe!" Wheat is of no interest to Ripskin for herself, but she realizes that not all Jadisites are obligate carnivores.

What the Vulture _doesn't_ realize is that this wheatfield arose from a single magical grain of wheat, which none other than _Flakefeather_ had been privileged to plant, this task being assigned by Father Christmas.
 
O.O.C: I assume neither Zamron, Ashraf nor any of their followers are aware of the origin of this field of wheat anymore than Riplakish is?

"A field of wheat, ripe at this time of year?" Zamron is amazed. He is thoughtful for a moment. ""Not all our people are flesh eaters. What say you, Ashraf, shall we harvest some of this wheat? It seems a pity to let it go to waste.!" Ashraf thinks this is a good plan. "Right", says Zamron.
"Riplakish, did you see any sign of the rebel scum on your travels?" I'd dearly like to know what they are doing. It maybe that they are all still at Cair Paravel, celebrating their supposed victory. All the better if they are, as we will not have any interference. However, it would be helpful to know whether there is anyone near this field of wheat likely to give us any trouble."
 
(I assume that hardly anyone has noticed that field yet)

Ripskin the She-Vulture answers Zamron. (She had already mentioned seeing Flakefeather.)

"I saw a force of Archenlander infantry and cavalry, which -- meaning no offense -- is far too strong for us here to attack successfully. But they were scouting, or something, far west of the grainfield. I believe you could get to it and harvest it before any of the Lion's dupes come there. If you like, I will head back toward those Archenlanders, catch their attention, and try to get them to follow me farther away from where you would be."
 
Zamron replies, in a disgusted tone. "Archenlanders! So, the lion and his human puppets are so insecure that they need to hire mercenaries! Our beloved Queen never stooped so low, even when dealing with her enemies! Don't you agree, Captain Ashraf?"

Ashraf is startled by his sudden promotion. Although Jadis would almost certainly have given him this post, following the death of Maugrim, she had had no time to do so before her death, having been occupied with more pressing matters. Although the post carries far less weight now, and his followers are vastly reduced in number, nevertheless, Ashraf is delighted by his promotion. "I thank you, my Lord Zamron," he says. "You are indeed right, Her Majesty never used such filth! Indeed, she had no need to do so! The secret police and others, such as yourself, Gruntabillery here, and good Riplakish, were able to help Her Majesty handle those few traitors and malcontents opposed to our beloved Queen's enlightened rule. There was always the threat of trouble from the barbarians of Archenland, but our Queen, in her wisdom, created an ice barrier to protect Narnia and her people from their aggression."

"Too right she did," answers Zamron. Unfortunately, things have changed in Narnia, and not for the better! I fear it will be long before the country is restored to how it should be! However, in the short term we need food, as not all our people are meat eaters. We will go and gather some of this wheat. Riplakish, this is not really the kind of work for which you are suited. However, it would be most useful to us if you were to keep an eye on these mercenaries. But don't put yourself at any risk! You are the only one we have so far who can fly, and it is crucial that no harm comes to you. As for that bluejay, even if it reports spotting you, what can harm can it do? It saw a vulture! So what? They already know some of our people survived the Battle and escaped. The bluejay won't know where you were going. From your description, it sounds like a bluejay I know to be a traitor. We'll deal with it in due course!Right, Let's move out and do some harvesting!"
 
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Very soon afterwards Zamron leads the main body of his followers in the direction of the corn field described by Ripskin. Captain Ashraf, as a precaution against any possible attack or ambush by their enemies, deploys his wolves to provide cover on all sides. Therefore, if any creature should approach, irrespective of the direction they come from, they will be noticed before they are able to see anyone.
 
Two wolves, members of the secret police, who are scouting ahead of Zamron and his followers, pick up Ulysses' scent and quickly spot him. Realising that he is alone, they immediately approach and "invite" the satyr to accompany them for a "chat" with Zamron and Captain Ashraf.
 
Ulysses had missed the battle -- not because he had meant to desert, but because in his stupidity he had gotten lost on the way. Now, exactly like a minor character about to be killed off, he asks, "Are you folks here to celebrate Aslan's victory?"
 
The two wolves exchange glances, and one of them turns to Ulysses, giving him an ingratiating smile. "Of course we are, my friend! In fact a group of us are about to hold a party in celebration of this great event! You will come and join us, won't you?"
 
Satyrs are actually fast enough that a Satyr might be able to outrun Wolves; but Ulysses the Useless suspects nothing, and comes along with the two Wolves, asking, "Will there be something to eat?"
 
"Of course there will, my friend," answers the other wolf. "Whoever heard of a party without food and drink? Come, we'll take you there, as our honoured guest!" The wolves again exchange looks and grin evilly. They then escort the unsuspecting Ulysses back to join Zamron and the majority of their followers, who are cautiously heading in that direction. As soon as they are in sight, the two wolves thrust Ulysses forward, saying, "Lord Zamron, Captain Ashraf, we have found the field of wheat and we have also arrested this dog, whom we discovered prying and snooping there." Struggling to avoid laughing out loud, the wolf, whose name was Parcash, continues, "This fool thinks we are followers of the lion, and actually believed us when we told him he is invited to a party to celebrate his victory!" The other wolf, Sareg, continues,
"We felt sure you would wish to interrogate him."
"Excellent!" replies Zamron. He quickly seizes the unfortunate Ulysses and slams him against a tree. Then, restraining him by holding him there with one arm across the satyr's throat, he turns to Ashraf. "I'm really looking forward to interrogating this traitor, but would you not agree that our first priority must be to harvest that wheat, especially with those mercenaries in the area?"
"My thoughts too," agrees Ashraf. However, I see no reason why this lazy, good-for-nothing shouldn't help us! I strongly recommend restraining him, however, otherwise he may try to escape and I know from experience, whilst serving our beloved Queen that satyrs can move very fast when they have a mind too!"
"Right!" says Zamron, and produces a length of strong rope. He ties one end securely around the satyr, with knots far tighter than necessary, in order to inflict more discomfort upon Ulysses. The other end he fixes to his own arm. "Now then, you," he snarls. "I shall question you later, and for your sake you'd better tell me what I want to know! In the meantime, you are going to work hard and help us, or it will be the worse for you!" Then, satisfied with these arrangements, he leads his followers on towards the wheat field, shoving Ulysses forward.

O.O.C: I'm not sure whether handcuffs, chains or similar methods of restraint would be available in Narnia at this time, so i hesitate to use them. However, I feel it is quite reasonable for Zamron to be carrying a rope.
 
Upon arrival at the field, Zamron and his followers, along with their prisoner, the satyr Ulysses, proceed to harvest the wheat. Working hard, none more so than Ulysses, encouraged by all manner of colourful insults, not to mention physical abuse, they soon harvest as much wheat as the various containers provided by the giantess, Gruntabillery, will hold. As soon as this is accomplished, they prepare to leave, after admiring their "handiwork".
"Well done, everyone!" says Zamron. "We've harvested as much as we can carry."
 
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"Which still leaves some," observes Gruntabillary. "So, no harm in eating some on the spot." Gathering a fistful of the raw grain, she stuffs it into her mouth and begins chewing.
 
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