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Book 1 - Kotir

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Chapter 1

Mossflower lay deep in the grip of midwinter beneath a sky of leaden gray that showed tinges of scarlet and orange on the horizon. A cold mantle of snow draped the landscape, covering the flatlands to the west. Snow was everywhere, filling ditches, drifting high against hedgerows, making paths invisible, smoothing the contours of earth in its white embrace. The gaunt, leafless ceiling of Mossflower Wood was penetrated by constant snowfall, which carpeted the sprawling woodland floor, building canopies on evergreen shrubs and bushes. Winter had muted the earth; the muffled stillness was broken only by a travelers paws.

A sturdily built young mouse with quick dark eyes was moving confidently across the snowbound country. Looking back, he could see his tracks disappearing northward into the distance. Farther south the flatlands rolled off endlessly, flanked to the west by the faint shape of distant hills, while to the east stood the long ragged fringe marking the marches of Mossflower. His nose twitched at the elusive smell of burning wood and turf from some hearthfire. Cold wind soughed from the treetops, causing whorls of snow to dance in icy spirals. The traveler gathered his ragged cloak tighter, adjusted an old rusting sword that was slung across his back, and trudged steadily forward, away from the wilderness, to where other creatures lived.

It was a forbidding place made mean by poverty. Here and there he saw signs of habitation. The dwellings, ravaged and demolished, made pitiful shapes under snow drifts. Rearing high against the forest, a curious building dominated the ruined settlement. A fortress, crumbling, dark and brooding, it was symbol of fear to the woodland creatures of Mossflower.

This was how Martin the Warrior first came to Kotir, place of the wildcats.

In a mean hovel on the south side of Kotir, the Stickle family crouched around a low turf fire. It gusted fitfully as the night winds pierced the slatted timbers where mud chinking had not been replaced. A timid scratch at the door caused them to jump nervously. Ben Stickle picked up a billet of firewood, motioning his wife Goody to keep their four little ones well back in the shadows.

As the Goodwife Stickle covered her brood with coarse burlap blankets, Ben took a firmer grip on the wood and called out harshly in his gruffest voice, “Be off with you and leave us alone. Theres not enough food in here to go around a decent hedgehog family. Youve already taken half of all we have to swell the larders in Kotir.

“Ben, Ben, tis oi, Urthclaw! Open up, burr. Tis freezen out yurr.

As Ben Stickle opened the door, a homely-faced mole trundled by him and hurried across to the fire, where he stood rubbing his digging claws together in front of the flames.

The little ones peeped out from the blankets. Ben and Goody turned anxious faces toward their visitor.

Urthclaw rubbed warmth into his cold nose as he talked in the curious rustic molespeech.

“Vurmin patrols be out, burr, weasels n stoats an the loik. Theym a lukken fer more vittles.

Goody shook her head as she wiped a little ones snout on her apron. “I knew it! We should have run off and left this place, like the others. Where in the name of spikesll we find food to pay their tolls?

Ben Stickle threw down the piece of firewood despairingly. “Where can we run in midwinter with four little uns? Theyd perish long afore spring.

Urthclaw produced a narrow strip of silver birch bark and held a paw to his mouth, indicating silence. Scratched on the bark in charcoal was a single word: Corim . Beneath it was a simple picture map showing a route into Mossflower Woods, far from Kotir.

Ben studied the map, torn between the chance of escape and his familys predicament. The frustration was clear on his face.

Bang! Bang!

“Open up in there! Come on, get this door open. This is an official Kotir patrol.

Soldiers!

Ben took one last hasty glance at the strip of bark and threw it on the fire. As Goody lifted the latch the door was thrust forcefully inward. She was swept to one side as the soldiers packed into the room, out of the winter night chill. They pushed and shoved at each other roughly. A ferret named Blacktooth and a stoat called Splitnose seemed to be in charge of the patrol. Ben Stickle sighed with relief as they turned away from the burning strip of bark and stood with their backs to the fire.

“Well now, dozyspikes, where are you hiding all the bread and cheese and October ale?

Ben could scarce keep the hatred from his voice as he answered the sneering Blacktooth. “Its many a long season since I tasted cheese or October ale. Theres bread on the shelf, but only enough for my family.

Splitnose spat into the fire and reached for the bread. Ben Stickle was blocked from stopping the stoat by a barrier of spear hafts as he tried to push forward.

Goody placed a restraining paw on her husbands spikes. “Please, Ben, dont fight em, the great bullies.

Urthclaw chimed in, “Yurr, baint much ee cn do agin spears, Ben.

Blacktooth turned to the mole as if seeing him for the first time. “Huh, whatre you doing here, blinkeye?

One of the little hedgehogs threw the sacking aside and faced the stoat boldly. “He came in for a warm by our fire. You leave him alone! Splitnose burst out laughing, spraying crumbs from the bread he was eating. “Look out, Blackie. Theres more of em under that blanket. Id watch em, if I were you.

A nearby weasel threw back the covering, exposing the other three young ones.

Blacktooth sized them up. “Hmm, they look big enough to do a days work.

Goodwife Stickle sprang fiercely in front of them. “You let my liddle ones be. They aint harmed nobody.

Blacktooth seemed to ignore her. He knocked the loaves from Splitnoses paws, then turning to a weasel he issued orders. “Pick that bread up, and no sly munching. Deliver it to the stores when we get back to the garrison.

Waving his spear he signaled the patrol out of the hut. As Blacktooth left he called back to Ben and Goody, “I want to see those four hogs out in the fields tomorrow. Either that, or you can all spend the rest of the winter safe and warm in Kotir dungeons.

Urthclaw kept an eye to a crack in the door, watching the patrol make its way toward Kotir. Ben wasted no time; he began wrapping the young ones in all the blankets they possessed. “Right, thats it! Enough is enough. We go tonight. Youre right, old girl, we should have left to live in the woods with the rest long ago. What dyou say, Urthclaw?

The mole stood with his eye pressed against the crack in the door. “Yurr, cumm ere, lookit thiz!

While Ben shared the crack with his friend, Goody continued swathing her young ones with blankets. “What is it, Ben? Theyre not comin back, are they?

“No, wife. Hohoho, lookit that, by hokey! See the punch he landed on that weasels nose? Go on, give it to em, laddo!

Ferdy, the little one who had spoken up, scuttled over and tugged at Bens paw. “Punch? Who punched a weasel? Whats happening?

Ben described the scene as he watched it. “Its a mousebig strong feller too, he is. Theyre tryin to capture him Thats it! Now kick him again, mouse. Go on! Hahaha, youd think a full patrol of soldiers could handle a mouse, but not this one. He must be a real trained warrior. Phew! Lookit that, hes knocked Blacktooth flat on his back. Pity theyre hangin on to his sword like that. By the spikes, hed cause some damage if he had that blade between his paws, rusty as it is.

Ferdy jumped up and down. “Let me see, I want a look!

Urthclaw turned slowly away from the door. “Baint much use, liddle edgepig. Theym gorrim down now, aye an roped up too. Hurr, worra pity, they be too many fer im to foight, eem a gurt brave wurrier tho.

Ben was momentarily crestfallen, then he clapped his paws together. “Now is the time, while the patrols busy with the fighter. Theyve got a job on their paws, draggin him back to the cats castle. Come on, lets get a-goin while the goins good.

A short while later, the fire was burning to embers in an empty hut as the little band trudged into the vast woodland sprawl of Mossflower, blinking water from their eyes as they kept their heads down against the keen wind. Urthclaw followed up the rear, obliterating the pawtracks from the snowy ground.

Chapter 2

Gonff the mousethief padded silently along the passage from the larder and storeroom of Kotir. He was a plump little creature, clad in a green jerkin with a broad buckled belt. He was a ducker and a weaver of life, a marvelous mimic, ballad writer, singer, and lockpick, and very jovial with it all. The woodlanders were immensely fond of the little thief. Gonff shrugged it all off, calling every creature his matey in imitation of the otters, whom he greatly admired. Chuckling quietly to himself, he drew the small dagger from his belt and cut off a wedge from the cheese he was carrying. Slung around his shoulder was a large flask of elderberry wine which he had also stolen from the larder. Gonff ate and drank, singing quietly to himself in a deep bass voice between mouthfuls of cheese and wine.

The Prince of Mousethieves honors you,
To visit here this day.
So keep your larder door shut tight,
Lock all your food away.
O foolish ones, go check your store
Of food so rich and fine.
Be sure that Ill be back for more,
Especially this wine.

At the sound of heavy paws Gonff fell silent. Melting back into the shadows, he huddled down and held his breath. Two weasels dressed in armor and carrying spears trudged past. They were arguing heatedly.

“Listen, Im not taking the blame for your stealing from the larder.

“Who, me? Be careful what you say, mate. Im no thief.

“Well, youre looking very fat lately, thats all I say.

“Huh, not half as podgy as you, lard barrel.

“Lard barrel yourself. Youll be accusing me next.

“Ha, youre in charge of the key, so who else could it be?

“It could be you. Youre always down there when I am.

“I only go to keep an eye on you, mate.

“And I only go to keep an eye on you, so there.

“Right, well keep an eye on each other, then.

Gonff stuffed a paw in his mouth to stifle a giggle. The weasels stopped and looked at each other.

“What was that?

“Oho, I know what it wasyoure laughing at me.

“Arr, dont talk stupid.

“Talking stupid, am I? Indignantly, the weasel turned away from his companion.

Gonff quickly called out in a passable weasel-voice imitation, “Big fat robber!

The two weasels turned furiously upon each other.

“Big fat robber, eh. Take that!

“Ouch! You sneaky toad, you take this!

The weasels thwacked away madly at each other with their spearhandles.

Gonff sneaked out of hiding and crept off in the opposite direction, leaving the two guards rolling upon the passage floor, their spears forgotten as they bit and scratched at each other.

“Owow, leggo. Grr, take that!

“Ill give you robber! Have some of this. Ooh, you bit my ear!

Sheathing his dagger and shaking with mirth, Gonff unlatched a window shutter, and slipped away through the snow toward the woodlands.

Oh fight, lads, fight,
Scratch, lads, bite,
Gonff will dine on cheese and wine,
When he gets home tonight.

Martin dug his heels into the snow, skidding as he was dragged bodily through the outer wallgates of the forbidding heap he had sighted earlier that day. Armored soldiers clanked and clattered together as they were dragged inward by the ropes that restrained the prisoner, none of them wanting to get too close to the fighting mouse.

Blacktooth and Splitnose closed the main gates with much bad-tempered slamming. Powdery snow blew down on them from the top of the perimeter walls. The parade ground snow was hammered flat and slippery by soldiers dashing hither and thither, some carrying lighted torchesferrets, weasels and stoats. One of them called out to Splitnose, “Hoi, Splittie, any sign of the fox out there?

The stoat shook his head. “What, you mean the healer? No, not a whisker. We caught a mouse, though. Look at this thing he was carrying.

Splitnose waved Martins rusted sword aloft. Blacktooth ducked. “Stop playing with that thing, youll slash somebody twirling it around like that. So, theyre waiting on the fox again, eh. Old Greeneyes doesnt seem to be getting any better lately. Hey, you there, keep those ropes tight! Hold him still, you blockheads.

The entrance hall door proved doubly difficult as the warrior mouse managed to cling to one of the timber doorposts. The soldiers had practically to pry him loose with their spears. The weasel who had been given charge of the bread kept well out of it, heading directly for the storeroom and larder. As he passed through the entrance hall, he was challenged by others who cast covetous eyes upon the brown home-baked loaves. It had been a hard winter, since many creatures had deserted the settlement around Kotir after the early autumn harvest, taking with them as much produce as they could carry to the woodlands. There was not a great deal of toll or levy coming in. The weasel clutched the bread close as he padded along.

The hall was hostile and damp, with wooden shutters across the low windows. The floor was made from a dark granite-like rock, very cold to the paws. Here and there the nighttime guards had lit small fires in corners, which stained the walls black with smoke and ashes. Only captains were allowed to wear long cloaks as a mark of rank, but several soldiers had draped themselves in old sacks and blankets purloined from the settlement. The stairs down to the lower levels were a jumble of worn spirals and flights of straight stone steps in no particular sequence. Half the wall torches had burned away and not been replaced, leaving large areas of stairs dark and dangerous. Moss and fungus grew on most of the lower-level walls and stairs.

Hurrying along a narrow passage, the weasel banged on the storeroom door. A key turned in the lock.

“Whatve you got there? Loaves, eh. Bring em in.

The two guards who had been fighting were sitting on flour sacks. One of them eyed the bread hungrily. “Huh, is that all you got tonight? I tell you, mate, things are getting from bad to worse around here. Who sent you down with them?

“Blacktooth.

“Oh, him. Did he count them?

“Er, no, I dont think so.

“Good. Theres five loaves. Well have half a loaf eachthatll leave three and a half. Nobodyll notice the difference.

They tore hungrily at Goody Stickles brown oven loaves.

Upstairs, Martin had managed to wrap one of the ropes around a stone column. Soldiers were jeering at the efforts of the patrol to get him away and up the stairs. “Yah, whats the matter, lads, are you scared of him?

Blacktooth turned on the mocking group. “Any of you lot fancy having a go at him? No, I thought not.

The door opened behind them, and snow blew in with a cold, draughty gust. A fox wearing a ragged cloak trotted past them and up the broad flat stairs to their first floor. The soldiers found a new target for their remarks.

“Hoho, just you wait, fox. Youre late.

“Aye, old Greeneyes doesnt like to be kept waiting.

“Id keep out of Lady Tsarminas way, if I were you.

Ignoring them, the fox swept quickly up the stairs.

Martin tried to make a dash for the half-open door to the parade ground but he was carried to the floor by weight of numbers. Still he fought gamely on.

The jeering soldiers started shouting and calling humorous advice again. Blacktooth tried freezing them into silence with a stern glance, but they took no notice of him this time.

Splitnose sniffed in disgust. “Discipline has gone to the wall since Lord Verdaugas been sick.

Fortunata the vixen waited nervously in the draughty antehall of Kotir. A low fire cast its guttering light around the damp sandstone walls. Slimy green algae and fungus grew between sodden banners as they slowly disintegrated into threadbare tatters suspended from rusty iron holders. The vixen could not suppress a shudder. Presently she was joined by two ferrets dressed in cumbersome chain mail. Both bore shields emblazoned with the device of their masters, a myriad of evil green eyes watching in all directions. The guards pointed with their spears, indicating that the fox should follow them, and Fortunata fell in step, marching off down the long dank hall. They halted in front of two huge oaken doors, which swung open as the ferrets banged their spearbutts against the floor. The vixen was confronted by a scene of ruined grandeur.

Candles and torches scarcely illuminated the room; the crossbeams above were practically lost in darkness. At one end there were three ornate chairs occupied by two wildcats and a pine marten. Behind these stood a four-poster bed, complete with tight-drawn curtains of musty green velvet, its footboard carved with the same device as the shields of the guards.

The marten hobbled across and searched the satchel Fortunata carried. The vixen shrank from contact with the badly disfigured creature. Ashleg the marten had a wooden leg and his entire body was twisted on one side as if it had been badly maimed. To disguise this, he wore an overlong red cloak trimmed with woodpigeon feathers. With an expert flick, he turned the contents of the satchel out onto the floor. It was the usual jumble of herbs, roots, leaves and mosses carried by a healer fox.

Approaching the bed, Ashleg called out in an eerie singsong dirge, “O mighty Verdauga, Lord of Mossflower, Master of the Thousand Eyes, Slayer of Enemies, Ruler of Kotir

“Ah, give your whining tongue a rest, Ashleg. Is the fox here? Get these suffocating curtains out of my way. The imperious voice from behind the curtains sounded hoarse but full of snarling menace.

Tsarmina, the larger of the two seated wildcats, sprang forward, sweeping back the dusty bedcurtains in a single move. “Fortunatas here. Dont exert yourself, father.

The vixen slid to the bedside with practiced ease and examined her savage patient. Verdauga of the Thousand Eyes had once been the mightiest warlord in all the land once. Now his muscle and sinew lay wasted under the tawny fur that covered his big, tired body. The face was that of a wildcat who had survived many battles: the pointed ears stood above a tracery of old scars that ran from crown to whiskers. Fortunata looked at the fearsome yellowed teeth, and the green barbarian eyes still alight with strange fires.

“My Lord looks better today, yes?

“None the better for your worthless mumbo jumbo, fox.

The smaller of the two seated wildcats rose from his chair with an expression of concern upon his gentle face. “Father, stay calm. Fortunata is trying hard to get you well again.

Tsarmina pushed him aside scornfully. “Oh, shut up, Gingivere, you mealy-mouthed

“Tsarmina! Verdauga pulled himself into a sitting position and pointed a claw at his headstrong daughter. “Dont talk to your brother in that way, do you hear me?

The Lord of a Thousand Eyes turned wearily to his only son. “Gingivere, dont let her bully you. Stand up to her, son.

Gingivere shrugged and stood by silently as Fortunata ground herbs with a pestle, mixing them with dark liquid in a horn beaker.

Verdauga eyed the vixen suspiciously. “No more leeches, fox. I wont have those filthy slugs sucking my blood. Id sooner have an enemys sword cut me than those foul things. Whats that rubbish youre concocting?

Fortunata smiled winningly. “Sire, this is a harmless potion made from the herb motherwort. It will help you to sleep. Squire Gingivere, would you give this to your father, please?

As Gingivere administered the medicine to Verdauga, neither of them noticed the look of slyness or the wink that passed between Fortunata and Tsarmina.

Verdauga settled back in bed and waited for the draught to take effect. Suddenly the peace was broken by a loud commotion from outside. The double doors burst open wide.

Chapter 3

Ben Stickle nearly jumped out of his spikes as Gonff bounded out from behind a snow-laden bush in the nighttime forest.

“Boo! Guess who? Hahaha, Ben, me old matey, you should have seen your face just then. What are you doing trekking round here in the snow?

Ben recovered himself quickly. “Gonff, I might have known! Listen, young feller me mouse, I havent got time to stop and gossip with you. Weve left the settlement at last and Im lookin for the little hut that the Corim keep for the likes of us.

The mousethief winked at Urthclaw and kissed Goody cheekily. “Ha, that place, follow me, matey. Ill have you there in two shakes of a cats whisker.

Goody shuddered. “I wish you wouldnt say things like that, you little rogue.

But Gonff was not listening, he was skipping ahead with the little ones, who thought it was all a huge adventure.

“Is it a nice place, Mr. Gonff?

“Oh, passable. Better than the last place you were in.

“Whats that under your jerkin, Mr. Gonff?

“Never you mind now, young Spike. Its a secret.

“Is it very far, Mr. Gonff? Im tired.

“Not far now, Posy me little dear. Id carry you if it werent for your spikes.

Goody Stickle shook her head and smiled. She had always had a special soft spot for Gonff.

The Corim hut was well hidden, deep enough into the forest to avoid immediate discovery. Urthclaw said his goodbyes and trundled off to find his own kind. Ben watched him go as Gonff lit the fire. He nodded fondly. “Good old Urthclaw, he only stayed at the settlement because of us, Im sure of it.

When the fire was burning red, Goody sat around it with Gonff and Ben. The four baby hedgehogs poked their snouts from under the blankets to one side of the hearth.

“Have you been stealing from Kotir again, Gonff? What did you pinch this time?

The mousethief laughed at Goodys shocked expression. He threw a wedge of cheese over to the little ones. “Its not pinching or stealing if it comes out of Kotir, mateys. Its called liberating. Here, get your whiskers around that lot and get some sleep, the four of you.

Ben Stickle sucked on an empty pipe and stirred the burning logs with a branch. “Gonff, I do wish youd be careful. We can live on what we have until spring arrives, Goody and I would never forgive ourselves if you got caught taking cheese and wine inside that cats castle.

Goodwife Stickle wiped her eyes on her flowery pinafore. “No more we wouldnt, you young scallawag. Oh my spikes, I dread to think whatd appen if those varmin catchered you, Gonff.

Gonff patted her very carefully. “There, there, Goody. Whats a bite of food and a warm drink between mateys? The young uns need their nourishment. Besides, how could I ever forget the way that you and Ben brought me up and cared for me when I was only a little woodland orphan?

Ben took a sip of the wine and shook his head. “You be careful, all the same, and remember what the Corim rule is; bide your time and dont let em catch you. One day well win old Mossflower back.

Goody sighed as she went about making porridge for the next mornings breakfast. “Fine words, but were peaceable creatures. How were ever goin to win our land back against all those trained soldiers is beyond me.

Gonff topped up Ben Stickles beaker with elderberry wine and gazed into the flickering flames, his normally cheerful face grim. “Ill tell you this, mateys: the day will come when something will happen to change all this, you wait and see. Some creature who isnt afraid of anything will arrive in Mossflower, and when that day arrives well be ready. Well pay that filthy gang of vermin and their wildcat masters back so hard that theyll think the sky has fallen on them.

Ben rubbed his eyes tiredly. “A hero, eh. Funny you should say that. I thought I saw just such a one earlier tonight. Ah, but hes probably dead or in the dungeons by now. Lets get some sleep. Im bone weary.

The little hut was an island of warmth and safety in the night, as the howling north wind drove snowflakes before it, whining and keening around the gaunt trees of winter-stricken Mossflower.

Chapter 4

Struggling wildly between two stoats, the captive mouse was dragged into the bedchamber. He was secured by a long rope, which the guards tried to keep taut as he dodged and jumped, scratched and bit, first letting the rope go slack, then dashing forward so the two guards were pulled together, as they collided he leaped upon them, biting and kicking despite the rope that pinned his paws to his sides. A ferret guard from the door came running in to help. Between the three of them they managed to pin the warlike mouse upon the floor. They lay on top of him, trying to avoid the butting head and nipping teeth. The mouse was breathing heavily, his eyes flashing reckless defiance at his captors.

Verdauga sat up straight, sleep forgotten as he questioned the two stoats. “Make your report. What have we got here?

One of the stoats freed his paw and threw a quick salute. “Lord, this one was caught within the bounds of your lands. He is a stranger, and goes armed.

A weasel marched in and placed the travelers ancient rusty sword at the foot of the bed.

Verdauga looked from under hooded lids at the sword and the sturdy young mouse upon the floor. “It is against my law to carry arms or to trespass upon my domain.

The mouse struggled against his captors, shouting out in a loud, angry voice, “I didnt know it was your land, cat. Tell your guards to take their claws off and release me. You have no right to imprison a freeborn creature.

Verdauga could not help but admire the obvious courage of the prisoner. He was about to speak, when Tsarmina grasped the battered sword and stood over the captive with the point at his throat. “You insolent scum! Quick now, what is your name? Where did you steal this rusty relic?

As the guards pinned the struggling mouse down, his voice shook with fury. “My name is Martin the Warrior. That sword was once my fathers, now it is mine. I come and go as I please, cat. Is this the welcome you show travelers?

Tsarmina forced Martins head back with the sword-point. “For a mouse, you have far too much to say to your betters, she said contemptuously. “You are in Mossflower country now; all the land you can see on a clear days march belongs to us by right of conquest. My fathers law says that none are allowed to go armed save his soldiers. The penalty for those who break the law is death.

She beckoned the guards with a sleek catlike movement. “Take him away and execute him.

Lord Greeneyes voice halted the guards as he turned to his son. “Gingivere, have you nothing to say? What shall we do with this mouse?

“Some say that ignorance of the law is no excuse, Gingivere answered without raising his voice. “Even so, it would be unjust to punish Martin; he is a stranger and could not be expected to know of us or our laws. Also, it would be too easy for us to slay him. He seems an honest creature to me. If it were my decision I would have him escorted from our territory, then given his weapon. He would know better than to come back again.

Verdauga looked from son to daughter. “Now I will give you my decision. There are enough cowards in the world without killing a brave creature for so little reason. This Martin is a true warrior. On the other side of the scales, if we to allow him to roam free as the wind on our land, this be read as a sign of our weakness. It is my judgment he be put in the cells to cool his paws awhile. After a time he can be set free, provided he is never again so rash as to trespass in my domain.

Snap!

Everyone present heard the sharp report. Furious at being overruled, Tsarmina had set the sword between the jamb of the door and the stone doorway. With a huge burst of energy she threw her weight against the venerable weapon. Suddenly it broke; the old blade rang upon the floor, leaving her holding the shorn-off handle, which she tossed to a guard.

“Here, throw him in the cells with this tied around his neck. If ever we do release him, then others will see him and realize how merciful we can be. Take the wretch awaythe sight of him offends my eyes.

As the guards tugged on the rope, Martin stood firm resisting them. For a moment his eyes met those of Tsarminas. His voice was clear and unafraid. “Your father made a just decision, but yours was the right one. You should have killed me when you had the chance, because I vow that I will slay you one day.

The spell was broken. The guards hauled on the ropes, dragging Martin off to the cells. In the silence that followed, Tsarmina slumped in her chair and sniggered. “A mouse kill me, indeed! Hes not even worth worrying about.

Verdauga coughed painfully. He lay back on the pillows. “If you think that, daughter, then you have made a grave mistake. I have seen courage before; it comes in all shapes and sizes. Just because he is a mouse does not make him less of a warrior than me. He has a fighters heartI saw it in his eyes.

Tsarmina ignored her father and called to Fortunata. “Vixen, mix Lord Greeneyes a stronger portion. He needs sleep after all the excitement. Gingivere, give father his medicine. You are the only one he will take it from.

Fortunata gave Gingivere the beaker containing the prepared draught. Tsarmina nodded to her, and they left the room together. Outside in the corridor the wildcat gripped the foxs paw in her powerful claws. “Well, did you fix the medicine?

Fortunata winced in pain as the claws sank in. “Twice. Once before the mouse came in, and just now before we left. Hes taken enough poison to lay half the garrison low.

Tsarmina pulled the vixen close, her cruel eyes burning. “Good, but if hes still alive in the morning you had better prepare some for yourself. It would be a lot easier than facing me if you fail.

The cells were deep beneath Kotir. They were ancient, smelly, dark, and dank. Martin the Warrior was hurled into his prison by the two guards who had dragged him down passage and stairway. He had fought every inch of the way and they were glad to be rid of him. Martin lay with his cheek resting on the cold stone floor where he had been flung. As the door clanged shut behind him, one of the stoats peered through the door grating, turning the key in the lock. “Thank your lucky stars, mouse. If Lady Tsarmina had had her way, youd be in the darkest wettest cells farther down the passage. It was Lord Greeneyes wish that you should be put in a good cell, aye, and given bread and water to eat and some dry straw to lie on. Huh, he must have taken a shine to you. Hes a strange one, old Verdauga is.

Martin lay still, listening until the sounds of the guards heavy paws receded and he was alone. Standing up, he took stock of his new surroundings. At least there was light coming in from a torch that burned on the far corridor wall. Feeling a slight draught, he looked up. There was a high narrow grille slitted into the wall near the ceiling. Martin changed position, still looking upward, until he could see a star shining outside in the night sky. It was his only link with freedom and the outside world. He sat, resting his back against the wall, huddling down in his ragged cloak to gain a little warmth. The rest of his cell was just the same as any prison: four bare walls and precious little else, no comfort or cheer to be gained from anything here. He was a prisoner, in a strange place.

The warrior mouse slept, overcome by weariness. Sometime before dawn he was wakened by paws thrusting something over his head and around his neck. Still half-asleep, Martin tried to grab hold of his assailants. He was roughly kicked to one side, then the door clanged shut as the key turned in lock again. Leaping up, Martin ran to the door. The stoat peered through the grating, chuckling and wagging a paw at him. “You nearly had me that time, mouse.

The warrior mouse gave an angry snarl and leapt at the grating, but the stoat backed off, grinning at his futile attempt. “Listen, mouse, if I were you Id keep pretty quiet down here, otherwise you might attract Lady Tsarminas attentionand I dont think youd like that. You just sit tight and behave yourself, then maybe in time somebody like Gingivere will remember youre here and have you released.

As the guards trooped off, Martin saw they had left a load of clean straw in one corner, also some bread and water. Instinctively he moved towards it, and felt something clunk against his chest. It was the sword handle dangling from a piece of rope around his neck. Martin held it in front of his eyes, staring at it hard and long. He would wear it, not because he had been sentenced to as a mark of shame, but to remind himself that one day he would slay the evil cat who had broken his fathers blade.

Settling down in the dry straw, he drank water and gnawed upon the stale bread hungrily. He was about to fell asleep again when shouts and commotion broke out upstairs. Pulling himself level with the door grille, Martin listened to the sounds that echoed in the silence of the cells.

“My Lord Greeneyes is dead!

“Lady Tsarmina, come quick, its your father.

There was loud stamping of spearbutts and the sounds of mailed paws dashing hither and thither, coupled with the slamming of doors.

Tsarminas voice could be heard in an anguished wail. “Murder, murder. My father is slain!

Ashleg and Fortunata took up the cry. “Murder, Gingivere has poisoned Verdauga!

A tremendous hubbub had broken out. Martin could not hear clearly what was going on. A moment later there was a sound of heavy pawsteps on the stairs; it sounded like a great number of creatures. Martin pulled to one side of the grille and saw it all. Led by Tsarmina, a mob of soldiers carrying torches marched down the corridor, Ashleg and Fortunata visible among them. As they passed the cell door, Martin glimpsed the stunned face of the gentle wildcat Gingivere. He was bound in chains. Blood trickled from a wound on his head. Their eyes met for a second, then he was swept by in the surge of angry soldiers, their faces distorted by the flickering torchlight as they chanted, “Murderer, murderer! Kill the murderer!

Martin could no longer see them, owing to the limited range of his vision through the grille, but he could still hear all that went on. Some distance down the corridor a cell door slammed and a key turned. Tsarminas voice rose above the noise. “Silence! I will say what is to be done here. Even though my brother is a murderer, I cannot harm him. He will stay locked up here until he lives out his days. He is now dead to me; I never want to hear his name spoken again within the walls of Kotir.

Martin heard Gingiveres voice trying to say something, but it was immediately drowned out by Ashleg and Fortunata starting a chant that the soldiers took up at full pitch. “Long live Queen Tsarmina. Long live Queen Tsarmina!

As the mob passed by Martins cell again, he drew back. Above the roars he heard Tsarmina, close by the door, speaking to Ashleg. “Bring October ale and elderberry wine from the storerooms. See that there is plenty for everyone.

Shutting his ears against the sounds of the revelers, Martin lay upon the straw with the sword handle pressing against his chest. Now that his last hopes were gone, it looked like being a long hard winter.

Chapter 5

Across the lea, beneath the leaves,
When countrylands wake up to spring,
Hurrah here comes the Prince of Thieves,
Hear every small bird sing.
So daring and so handsome too,
He makes a wondrous sight,
But if he comes to visit you,
Lock up your treasures tight.

Sunlight sparkled on the chuckling stream that had lain iced over and silent all winter. Snowdrops nodded agreeably to crocus on the warm southerly breeze. Spring was everywhere. Golden daffodils and their paler narcissus relatives stood guard between the budding trees of Mossflower Woods; evergreens that had endured the dark winter took on a new fresh life.

Gonff was returning from another successful visit to Kotir. The wine flasks bumped and banged against his broad belt as he skipped nimbly through the flowering woodlands, singing aloud with the heady intoxication of springtime.

Cuckoo, cuckoo, good day, my friend, to you.
O sly one you know best.
To lay in others nest,
Is a trick you often do.
But I am smarter, sir, than you,
Cuckoo, my friend cuckoo.

The blood coursed madly through Gonffs young veins like the waters of a brook, gurgling happily and generally making him so light-headed that he turned somersaults. Every so often he would pull a reed flute from his tunic and twiddle away with the sheer joy of being alive on such a morning as this. With a great whoop Gonff threw himself into a thick tussock of grass and lay with the perspiration rising from him in a small column of steam. Overhead the sky was a delicate blue with small white clouds scudding on the breeze. Gonff imagined what it would be like to lie upon a small fluffy white cloud and allow himself to be buffeted about in the sunny sky.

“Whooooaaa, look out, zoom, bump, whoof! Out of the way you big clouds. The little mousethief held tight to the grass, swaying from side to side as he played out his game of make-believe.

He did not notice the two weasels dressed in Kotir armor until too late. They stood over him looking grim and officious.

Gonff smiled impudently, aware of his clunking wine flasks. “Er, aha ha. Hello, mateys, I was flying my cloud, you see

The larger of the two prodded him with a spearbutt. “Come on you, on your paws. Youre wanted at Kotir.

Gonff winked at him cheerily. “Kotir? You dont say! Well, how nice! Listen, you two good chaps, nip along and tell them Im busy today but Ill pop in early tomorrow.

The spearpoint at Gonffs throat discouraged further light banter. The smaller of the two weasels kicked Gonff. “Up you come, thief. Now we know where the best cheeses and elderberry wine have been going all winter. Youll pay for stealing from Kotir.

Gonff stood slowly. Placing a paw on his plump little stomach he looked from one guard to the other with an air of innocence. “Me, steal? I beg your pardon, sirs, did you know the head cook has given me permission to borrow what I please from his larder? Actually, I was going to return the favor by sending him some good recipes. I understand his cooking leaves something to be desired.

The large weasel laughed mirthlessly. “Shall I tell you something, thief? The head cook has personally vowed to skin you with a rusty knife and roast whats left of you for supper.

Gonff nodded appreciatively. “Oh good, I do hope he saves some for me ouch!

Prodded between two spears, he marched off with the guards in the direction of Kotir.

A pale shaft of sunlight penetrated between the iron bars of the high window slit. The walls of the cell dripped moisture, and sometimes the faint trill of a skylark on the flatlands reached the prisoner. Martin knew that this was the onset of full, burgeoning springtime. His face was haggard, his body much thinner, but his eyes still shone with the warriors angry brightness.

Martin rose and paced the cell with the sword handle about his neck; it seemed to grow heavier with time. Fifteen paces, whichever way he wentfrom door to wall or from wall to wall, it was always fifteen paces. He had paced it many times as the days and weeks grew into months. Gingivere was too far away to converse with, besides, it only made the guards angry. They stopped his bread and water for attempting to speak to the one whose name it was forbidden to mention. Now Martin believed that he really had been forgotten and left here to die under the new regime of Tsarmina. He stood in the shaft of weak sunlight, trying not to think of the world of blue skies and flowers outside.

“Get the little devil in there quick. Itll be less trouble to feed two at once. Ouch, my shin!

Lost in thought, Martin had failed to hear the approach of guards bringing a prisoner to his cell door.

“Aargh, leggo my ear, you fiend. Hurry up with that door before he bites my lug clean off.

“Ouch. Ow. He nipped me! Keep him still while I find my key.

There was more shouting and scuffling as the key turned in the lock. Martin ran to the door but was immediately bowled over by another figure, which shot through the doorway straight in on top of him. Together they fell over backward, as the cell door slammed shut again. The two prisoners lay still until the pawsteps of the guards retreated down the corridor.

Martin moved gingerly, easing aside the body that had fallen on top of him. It giggled. He pulled his cellmate into the shaft of sunlight where he could view him more clearly.

Gonff winked broadly at him, played a short jig on his reed flute, then began singing,

I knew a mouse in prison here,
More than a hundred years.
His whiskers grew along the ground,
And right back to his ears.
His eyes grew dim, his teeth fell out,
His fur went silver-gray.
“If my grandad were here, he said,
“I wonder what hed say?

Martin leaned against the wall. He could not help smiling at his odd little cellmate.

“Silly, how could the grandfather of a hundred-year-old mouse say anything? Sorry, my names Martin the Warrior. Whats yours?

Gonff extended a paw. “Martin the Warrior, eh. By gum, Martin, youre a fine, strong-looking fellow, even though you could do with a bit of fattening up. My names Gonff the Thief, or Prince of Mousethieves to you, matey.

Martin shook Gonff warmly by the paw. “Prince of Mousethieves, by the fur. You could be the King of the Sky, as long as Ive got a cellmate to speak to. What did they throw you in here for?

Gonff winced. “Stop squeezing my paw to bits and Ill tell you.

They sat down on the straw together, Gonff massaging his paw. “They caught me running down the larder stocks of wine and cheese, you see. But dont you worry, matey, I can open any lock in Kotir. We wont be here for too long, youll see. Leave it to Gonff.

“You mean you canwe canescape from here? How, when, where to? Martins voice tumbled out, shaky with excitement.

Gonff fell back against the wall, laughing. “Whoa, matey, not so fast! Dont worry, as soon as I get things organized well say byebye to this dump. But first, lets get you fed. They should be ashamed of themselves, keeping a great lump like you on bread and water.

Martin shrugged and rubbed his hollow stomach. “Huh, what else is there? I was lucky to get bread and water sometimes. What do you suggest, fresh milk and oatcakes?

“Sorry, matey. I havent got milk or oatcakes. Would cheese and elderberry wine do you? he asked seriously.

Martin was lost for words as Gonff opened his tunic and spilled out a wedge of cheese and a flat canteen of wine.

“Always keep this for emergencies or trading. Here, you may as well have it. Ive had enough of cheese and wine for a bit.

Martin needed to second bidding. He wolfed away at the cheese, slopping wine as he gulped it into a full mouth. Gonff shook his head in wonder as the wine and cheese vanished rapidly. “Go easy, matey. Youll make yourself ill. Take your time.

Martin tried hard to take the good advice, but it was difficult after so long on starvation rations. As he ate he questioned Gonff. “Tell me, what have I walked into around here, Gonff? Im only a lone warrior passing through; I know nothing of Mossflower and wildcats.

The mousethief scratched his whiskers reflectively. “Now, let me see, where to begin. Since long before I was born the old tyrant Verdauga Greeneyes, Lord of the Thousand thingummies and so on, has ruled over Mossflower. One day long ago, he swept in here at the head of his army. They came down from the north, of course. The fortress must have been what attracted him. To woodlanders it was nothing but an old ruin that had always been there; Verdauga saw it differently, though. This was a place of plenty where he could settle, so he moved straight in, repaired it as best as he could, called the place Kotir and set himself up as a tyrant. There were none to oppose him; the woodlanders are peaceable creaturesthey had never seen a full army of trained soldiers, nor wildcats. Verdauga could do just as he pleased, but he was clever: he allowed our creatures to live within his shadow and farm the land. Half of everything they produced was taken as a tax to feed him and his vermin.

“Didnt anyone fight back? Martin interrupted.

Gonff nodded sadly. “Oh yes, even now there are old ones who are still too frightened to tell of how Verdauga and his cruel daughter put down the poorly organized rebellion. Those who were not massacred were thrown into this very prison and left to rot. Im told my own parents were among them, but I dont know the truth of it. When the rebellion was broken, Verdauga proved what a clever general he was. He actually made a kind of peace with the woodlanders. They were allowed to live within Kotirs shadow and farm the land. He said he would protect us from further attacks by bands wandering down from the north. We were partly enslaved then and very much disorganized. Not having any proper fighting strength and with all the rebellious fighters out of the way, most creatures seemed just to accept their lot. Then last summer Verdauga became ill. Since he has been sick, he has left the running of the settlement to his daughter, Tsarmina. Unlike her father, she is cruel and evil. Woodlanders have been driven too hard out on the fields and not allowed enough to live on. Hedgehogs like Ben Stickle and his family dare not run away; where could they go, with young ones to care for? However, things became so bad that a lot of them took the chance and escaped from the settlement. As the numbers grew less, Tsarmina demanded more and more from the few. I tell you, matey, its a sad tale.

They sat side by side, watching the shaft of sunlight striking the cell floor. Martin passed the wine to Gonff. “What do you know about the wildcat called Gingivere?

Gonff took a sip of the wine and passed it back. “I know he never took part in any killing. Woodlanders always hoped that Verdauga would pass the reins to him. Hes supposed to be a good sort, for a wildcat, that is. Now you take the sister, Tsarmina. She is pure evilthey say that she is far more savage than Verdauga. Ive heard the gossip around Kotir when Ive been visiting here, mateydo you know, they say old Greeneyes is dead and his son in prison here, so that means Tsarmina must be the new ruler now.

Martin nodded. “Its true. I saw and heard it myself. Gingivere is in a cell far down the corridor. I tried to speak to him but its too far away. The warrior mouse banged his paw against the wall in frustration. “Why doesnt somebody do something, Gonff?

The mousethief tapped the side of his nose and lowered his voice. “Sit still and listen, matey. Now the last families have left the settlement, were making plans. All the scattered families and woodlanders have banded together out there in Mossflower Woods. Theyre learning to become strong once more, and the old spirit of defeat is gone now. We have real fighters training, otters and squirrels, besides hedgehogs and moles and the likes of me. Weve even got a badger, Bella of Brockhall; her family used to rule Mossflower in the good old days. Youll like her. Together we form the Council of Resistance in MossflowerCorim, see, take the first letter of each word. Ha, were getting stronger every day.

Martin felt the excitement rising within him again. “Do you think that the Corim know were locked up here. Will they help us to escape?

Gonff winked broadly, a sly grin on his face. “Sssshhhhh, not so loud, matey. Wait and see.

He passed the wine flask across to Martin. “Tell me something, matey. Why do they call you warrior? Where are you from? Did you live in a place like Mossflower? Was it nice?

Martin put the wine to one side and lay back, staring at the ceiling. “Where I come from, Gonff, there are no forests, only rocks, grass, and hills. Aye, thats the northland. I never knew a mother. I was brought up by my father, Luke the Warriormy family have always been warriors. We lived in caves, constantly under attack by roaming bands of sea rats who came inland. You were forced to defend your cave, your piece of land, or be overrun. There were other families like us, I had lots of friendsthere was Thrugg the Strong, Arrowtail, Felldoh the Wrestler, Timballisto.

Martin smiled at the memory of his companions. “Ah, it wasnt so bad, I suppose. All we seemed to do was eat, sleep and fight in those days. As soon as I was tall enough I learned to lift my fathers sword and practice with it.

He touched the broken weapon strung about his neck. “Manys the enemy learned his lesson at the point of this swordsea rats, mercenary foxes too. One time my father was wounded and had to stay in our cave. Ha, I remember all that summer, fighting off foes while he lay at the cave entrance preparing our food and calling advice to me. Then one day he took off with a band of older warriors to meet the sea rats on the shores of the waters far away. They were supposed to make an end to all invading rats forever. It was a brave idea. Before he went he gave me his trusty old sword, then he left carrying spear and shield. My father said that I should stay behind and defend our cave and land, but if he did not return by late autumn then I was to do as I felt fit.

Gonff nodded. “And he never returned?

Martin closed his eyes. “No, he never came back. I defended our land alone, against all comers. That was when they started calling me Martin the Warrior instead of Son of Luke the Warrior. I left it as late as I could that autumn; then there seemed no point in defending a cave and land just for myself. I started to march south alone. Who knows how far I would have got if I hadnt been stopped at Kotir.

Gonff stood up and stretched. “Im glad you did stop here, matey. Id hate to be sitting in this cell talking to myself. Id sooner talk to a warrior like you.

Martin passed the wine back. “Aye, and Id sooner be locked up with a thief like yourself than wandering about alone, matey.

Chapter 6

It was strange that at the very moment Gonff and Martin were discussing Corim, the council of that name was talking of them. Ben Stickles humble home was crammed with woodland creatures, the largest of whom was a badger, Bella of Brockhall. She presided over the meeting. Also present were the Skipper of otters, Lady Amber the squirrel Chief, Ben Stickle and Billum, a dependable mole who was deputizing for his leader. Seated by the fire, Beech the squirrel answered council questions.

“Where did you see Gonff captured?

“Westerly, over near the fringe by Kotir.

“Whatever was Gonff doing to let himself get captured?

“Oh the usual, skylarkin and foolin about.

“You say it was two of Verdaugas soldiers.

“Aye, no doubt o that. In uniform and carryin spears.

“Where were you when all this took place, Beech?

“Sittin up an old oak not far off.

“Did you hear what they said?

“Heard em say they was takin him off to Kotir, Of course, you know Gonff. Treated it like a big joke, he did. No doubt theyll have wiped the silly grin off his whiskers by now down in old Greeneyes cells.

Lady Amber nodded at Beech. “Well done. Anything else to report?

“No, marm. I followed them as far as I could, then I spotted Argulor perched in a spruce. Couldnt say if he was awake, so I decided to come back here, knowin there was a gatherin of Corim.

Ben Stickle winked at Beech. “Aye, its late noon, too. Theres a pot of spring vegetable soup, cheese, and nutbread. Dyou think you could manage some, Beech?

The squirrel winked back at Ben, bobbed his head respectfully to the Corim leaders and was gone before further questions could be thought up.

Bella rubbed huge paws across her eyes and sat back with a grunt of despair. “Well, heres another pretty pickle our mousethief has got himself into. Any suggestions?

Amber clucked disapprovingly. “If I had my way, Id leave the silly creature to stew his paws in Kotir awhile. Thatd teach him a lesson.

There were murmurs of agreement.

The Skipper of otters whacked his rudderlike tail against the hearth. “Belay that kind o talk, mates. You all know that the little uns would have gone hungry many a time, cept for the thief. Skipper gave a good-natured chuckle. “That Gonff is my kind of mouse, a true messmate. A bit light of paw, but good-hearted and an able-bodied shanty singer.

Ben Stickle raised a paw. “I vote we rescue Gonff. Wed be ashamed to call ourselves true woodlanders, leaving one of our own in Kotir prison.

Billum lifted a velvety paw. “Hurr, do moi vote count whoil gaffer Foremoles not yurr?

Bella thought for a moment while they all digested the meaning of the rustic molespeech. “Of course, Billum. After all, you are Foremoles deputy and the Corim respect your judgment as a sensible mole.

Billum squinted his round eyes with pleasure at the compliment.

By a show of paws the vote to rescue Gonff was unanimous. Then there was a temporary respite for refreshment, while the assembly helped themselves to bowls of Goodwife Stickles famed spring vegetable soup, farls of warm nutbread and ripe yellow cheese.

Lady Amber smiled fondly at two little hedgehogs who were trying to look very fierce and brave, knowing that she was always ready to recruit warriors into her band. She dealt with them as if they were two bold squirrels.

“Shows me your paws. Hmm, youd probably make good climbers after some training. You certainly look tough enough. Goody, are these two young villains very strong?

Goodwife put down her ladle and wiped her paws on her apron. “Ho my, yes. Ferdy and Coggs are two of the strongest. Why, you wouldnt believe your eyes if you saw these two a-gatherin up all those great heavy dishes and washin pots. Theres no two hogs more powerful.

Much smiling and winking was in evidence as Ferdy and Coggs gathered bowls, grunting with exertion as they proved their strength by scouring a large cauldron between them.

Buckling down to the business of Gonff, the Corim set about planning his escape.

Argulor had returned to Mossflower. No creature could say why he had deserted his mountain stronghold in the far West; maybe it was that he enjoyed the comfort of woodlands where prey was far more plentiful. Argulor was a golden eagle of great age. He had grown too slow and short-sighted to pursue small creatures, so staying within handy range of Kotir and Verdaugas troops suited him. But the frightening strength and savagery of an eagle had not deserted Argulor, and if the chance of a larger animal came his way he took it, with curving talons and fierce hooked beak. Ferrets, rats, weasels and stoats made good eating, and besides, there was a pine marten living in Kotir. Admittedly it was a bit battered and bent, but Argulor had never tasted pine marten before and was determined that one day he would do so. The eagle and the wildcats had crossed trails many times over the years. Each had a healthy respect for the other. With the exception of Tsarmina. Whenever Argulor was sighted circling the sky over Kotir, Verdaugas daughter incited the soldiers to fire arrows and throw stones at the great bird, offering rewards to the creature that could bring him down. Argulor was not unduly worried by a mob of vermin loosing missiles at him, as he could outdistance anything they chose to throw. Sometimes he would hover on a thermal, slightly out of range, trying with his failing eyesight to catch a glimpse of the desired marten, or Tsarmina, whom he hated. Bright spring sunlight warmed his wings as he wheeled above the fortress.

Ashleg cringed behind his wildcat mistress as she stood glaring upward at the soaring eagle. “Shoot, you fools! Not over there, idiots! There, see, right above your thick heads.

The soldiers continued firing without success. Tsarmina grabbed a particularly slow ferret and cuffed him soundly about the head. Hurling the smarting creature to one side, she picked up his bow and notched an arrow to the string. Taking careful aim, she paused a moment as the eagle swooped lower. Swiftly she loosed the barbed shaft with a powerful hiss of flighted feathers. To the surprise of the watchers, Argulor wheeled to one side then shot upward in pursuit of the arrow. Up he went until the shaft had reached its peak of flight, then wheeling quickly inward the eagle caught the arrow in his talon and contemptuously snapped it. Zooming downward, he flew low enough to stare for a second at Tsarmina, then he beat the air with massive wing-strokes, flying away into the blue yonder.

Tsarmina would have vented her rage upon Ashleg, but he had vanished inside when he saw the eagle diving.

“Get out of my sight, you useless lot of buffoons!

The soldiers followed Ashleg with all speed, each trying not to be last as Tsarmina was in the mood for making examples.

The wildcat stood alone pondering a question: where had she seen that same look of vengeance and fearlessness before? The mouse, that was it! She could not even recall his name; anyhow, he probably hadnt lasted the winter down in the cells.

Tsarmina watched a furtive figure coming across the parade ground, ducking and weaving, flattening itself in the shadows. She snorted scornfully; it was only Fortunata. “Frightened of a blind old eagle, vixen?

“Milady, I was ducking the arrows and stones of your soldiers as they came down, but that was a good shot of yours, Fortunata said in a fawning voice. “A pity that the eagle caught it in midair.

The vixen jumped sharply to one side as Tsarmina fired an arrow from the ferrets bow. It landed where her paw had been a moment before.

Tsarmina notched another arrow, her eyes glinting cruelly. “Right, lets see what youre best at, foxcatching arrows or getting inside with a civil tongue in your head.

She bent the bow back and giggled wickedly at the sight of Fortunata beating a hopskip retreat.

Sooner or later the Queen of the Thousand Eyes had the final say in all things.

Something rattled though the slit window above Martin and Gonff. In the semigloom they groped about in the straw until Gonff found the object.

Martin could not conceal his disappointment. “Goodness me, a stick. How helpful. We could take this place single-pawed with a stick. What a useful thing to send us.

It was not a stick. Gonff ignored his cellmate and set about undoing the thin wire that bound the bark parchment to the slim blade. He unfolded the parchment and moved into the light, where he read aloud the message it contained.

Gonff. Here are your tools. Leave by the woodland side of Kotir at the first light of dawn. We will be waiting to cover for you. Corim.

Gonff laughed quietly as he destroyed the message. “This is what weve been waiting for, matey. Of course they dont know about you. The plan is only supposed to cover my escape, but dont worry, well sort it out. The council will be glad to have a real trained warrior on their side. Now, dyou see this silly old bit of wire and this little knifeblade? Well, theyre going to get us out of here, matey. These are the tools of an honorable thief.

Martin clasped Gonffs paw warmly. “Im sorry, Gonff. All I did was stand here making stupid remarks. You are the expert. From now on you have an assistant who is willing to learn from your experience. In fact, youve got a real mate, matey.

Gonff laughed and winced at the same time. “Righto, matey, the first lesson is not to break the experts paw by crushing it cos you dont know your own strength. Lets settle down now. When is the next guard patrol due?

“In about an hours time, regular as clockwork since Ive been here. After that, therell be nobody by until two hours after dawn when they bring the bread and water.

“Good, that gives us time for a little rest, Gonff said, stretching out comfortably on the straw.

Martin lay down, willing himself to relax against the flood-tide of excitement building inside him. Gonff played on his flute awhile, then he began singing softly.

Pickalock pickalock, youll regret the day,
When you took a mousethief and locked him away.
Sillycat, look at that, its two for one,
The thief and the warrior
By dawn will be gone.

Martin lay with his eyes closed, listening. “Who taught you that song?

Gonff shrugged as he packed his flute away. “Nobody. Songs just spring into my head. Silly, isnt it. Sometimes old Goody Stickle says that its Mossflower singing through me. Now and then shell say its a sight of seasons the sun hasnt yet shone upon.

Martin savored the phrase as they lay in the straw. “A sight of seasons the sun hasnt yet shone upon, eh. I like that, matey, your friends sound like nice creatures.

Gonff chewed on a straw. “Youll like Goody Stickle. If I did have a mother one time, then she couldnt be any nicer than Goody. Wait till you taste her spring vegetable soup, or her oat and honey scones, piping hot and oozing butter, or her apple and blackberry pudding with spices and fresh cream, or just her new yellow cheese with hot oven bread and a stick of fresh celery, aye, and a bowl of milk with nutmeg grated on top of it

The straw slipped from Gonffs lips. Martin was glad that he had dozed off. All that delicious mention of food had set his mouth watering like a stream. He was positive that he would like Goody Stickle. In fact, she would never be short of a constant admirer if her cooking was half as good as Gonff described it.

Chapter 7

It was still three hours to dawn as the rescue party headed by Amber and Skipper left the Stickle dwelling. Goody pressed parcels of food upon them, clucking worriedly, “Now I dont want to hear of anyone a-gettin theirselves catchered by those madcats. Theyll eat you for sure.

Amber the squirrel Chief smiled as she hefted a pack of food. “Dont fret your spines, Goody. Were more likely to be laid low by the amount of rations youre making us take than by an enemy.

Skipper peeked inside his pack. “Marm, my old stummickd sink in a stream if I ate half o this. Id be down at the bows for a week.

The small band of tough, capable woodlanders were paw-picked from Ambers squirrel archers and Skippers otter crew. They stood about checking weapons. The otters twirled slings and selected stones, some of them balancing light throwing javelins. The squirrels waxed bowstrings and belted on full quivers.

Ben Stickle remarked to his wife, “As fine a body o woodlanders as Ive seen. Lets hope they can be of help to our little Gonff.

Ferdy and Coggs strolled out to join the band. The two small hedgehogs wore cooking pot helmets and blanket cloaks, each carried a piece of firewood, and they scowled in a warlike manner as they stood among the squirrels and otters.

The Skipper of otters clapped a paw to his brow and staggered about in mock fright. “Strike me colors, if it aint two bloodthirsty savages. One glance at these twod put a wildcat off his skilly an duff for life!

Ferdy and Coggs strutted about, tripping on their blankets but still managing to maintain fierce grimaces. Concealing a smile, Lady Amber took the two would-be warriors by their paws and positioned them outside the Stickle house. She placed one on either side of the doorway, where they stood scowling and stabbing the air with their firewood weapons. The otter and squirrel band dutifully scowled back in recognition of two fellow fighters.

Skipper gave them a broad wink and waved his muscular tail for silence. “Belay the gab and listen to me now. These here rough-lookin coves has offered to spill some blood n guts over at Kotir, but what I say is, leave the easy work to us, well manage that. What we need is two ruffians wholl stop at nothin to patrol round this cottage and guard it while were gone. Ill tell you otters n squirrels, tis hard and dangerous work, so Ill leave my packet of tuck to keep you two villains alive while youre on watch here. Thats if you think you can manage the job.

Ferdy and Coggs stood to attention, spikes bristling, cheeks puffed out with authority, practically bursting with enthusiasm. They saluted officiously as the rescue party moved off in the direction of Kotir.

Amber sniffed the light breeze. “Not more than two hours to daybreak now.

Skipper wound a slingshot about his paw. “Aye, marm. Thatll give us enough time if we move along handy.

On the fringe of Mossflower, Kotir stood dark and forbidding, the very embodiment of evil and tyranny, awaiting the dawn.

Martin sat bolt upright at the sound of a bird on the outside. He shook Gonff soundly. “Wake up, sleepyhead. Itll be dawn in less than an hour.

The mousethief sat up. Rubbing his paws into half-opened eyes, he looked upward to the narrow strip of sky through the barred window slit. “Time to go, matey.

Gonff took out his slim knifeblade. Sliding it into the keyhole of the cell door, he twitched it back and forth. “Oh good, an easy one.

With both eyes closed and a smile of pleasure on his chubby face, he jiggled the blade until there was a metallic click. “Thats it, matey. Give it a shove.

Marten pushed the door, but it refused to open. “Its still shut. Whats gone wrong?

Gonff tested it carefully, pushing until he heard a slight rattle. “Bolts. Ill need a boostcan you hold me up, matey?

Martin braced his back against the door, cupped his paws and squared his shoulders. “Try me.

The mousethief climbed up and balanced on his friends shoulders.

Martin bore his weight patiently, hoping that Gonffs talents would do the trick. “How does it look up there? he asked anxiously.

Gonffs voice came back punctuated by odd grunts of concentration. “No real problems, matey. Leastways, nothing that a Prince of thieves cant handle. Ha, rusty old bolts, shove a bit of greasy cheese on em with my knifeblade, loop the wire round the bolt handle, then its just a matter of wiggle and jiggle and tug until it comes loose, like this one. Ha, got it!

Martin squared his shoulders once more as Gonff sought a new position. “Now for the other lock. Hee-hee, this beats scrabbling and climbing up doors, a good strong matey to stand on. Martin, youre as solid as a rock.

“Maybe, Martin grunted. “But Im not as thick as one, so stop prancing about on the back of my neck like that. Ive been standing here for ages.

Gonff was never short of an answer. “Ages, huh? Youve not been there ten seconds, and the jobs near done. Ive known clumsy thieves and burglars whod keep you there until you grew gray whiskers. Just thank your lucky stars youve got an honest thief like me to look after you, matey. Look out, here it goes!

Suddenly the door swung open, and they both tumbled in a heap out into the passage. Gonff was laughing uproariously. Martin clapped a paw across his noisy friends mouth. “Sssshhh! Youll have the guards coming down to check on the din.

Martin closed the door carefully and rebolted it.

Gonff was halfway along the passage when he noticed Martin was not with him. Glancing back, he saw his friend standing by a cell far down the corridor. It was Gingiveres cell, and Martin was speaking to the wildcat.

“Gingivere, do you remember me? Im Martin the Warrior. When I was taken prisoner you were the only one who tried to help me. Ive not forgotten that, even though were on opposite sides. Ive got to go now, but if theres a way that I can help you when Im free, then I will.

Gingiveres voice reached Martin. He sounded weak and despairing. “Save yourself, Martin. Get far away from this place and my sister.

Gonff pulled Martin away, calling as he went, “Im Gonff, the Prince of Mousethieves. Weve got to go now, but if youve helped my friend then Ill try and help you someday.

As they hurried along the corridor, Gingiveres voice echoed behind. “Thank you. Good fortune go with both of you friends.

They reached the end of the passage and mounted the stairs. Gonff was panting slightly, so Martin waited while he regained his breath. The stairs were built in a spiral. At the top was a wooden door. Gonff held up a paw for silence as he eased it open. It was all clear. They stepped out into a broad hallway which stretched away to the left and right of them.

Martin scratched his head. “Which way? Left or right?

Gonff placed his slim blade on the floor and spun it. They stood watching until it stopped. “Left. Come on, matey.

Continuing down the hallway, they saw a high window with the morning sunlight streaming through onto the top of a flat wide stairway. Gonff groaned. “Oh no, were late. Weve mistimed it because of that dark cell. Ah well, if we hurry they may still be waiting outside for us. Which way now?

As the steps took a turn they were in a smaller hall with a door at either end. The sound of Tsarminas voice could be heard. They froze. “If one word of this ever gets out, just one, you vixen and you Ashleg, Ill see you both hanged in chains over a roasting pit. The army will only follow the rightful leader, and now that my brother is in the cells, thats me. I am Queen of the Thousand Eyes. I rule Kotir and Mossflower.

The escapers backed down onto the stairway they had just ascended, the echoes of Tsarminas voice all around them as they ran round the turn of the steps.

Martin and Gonff crashed straight into Tsarmina, Ashleg and Fortunata, who had unknowingly been walking up the stairs behind them!

In the shrubs and small trees that bordered the woodland edge of Kotir the otters and squirrels lay low. It was full bright morning, long past the dawn. Birds were singing. The sun beamed over bright greenery dotted with daphne, spurge laurel and late winter jasmine.

Oblivious to the beauty around him, Skipper lay whispering to Amber. “We cant hang the anchor round here much longer, marm.

Amber stared at Kotirs gloomy walls. “Youre right, Skip. We could be spotted in broad daylight from those walls quite easily. Where in the name of the fur has that little thief got to?

“We can only give him a little longer, Skipper shrugged resignedly. “Then well have to push off and try another day.

A young dark-colored otter came wriggling through the grass on his stomach and saluted them. “Huh, youre never goin to believe this, Skip, but theres a whole fleet of mice dressed in funny-lookin robes comin this way through the woods. Never seen ought like it in all me born days.

Skipper and Amber looked quizzically at the scout. “Where?

“Sort of circling from the south. Look, there!

Sure enough, he had spoken truly. Through the trees a band of mice were marching, all dressed in green-brown robes, complete with cowls and rope ties about the middle.

Amber shook her head in amazement. She signaled a squirrel in a nearby tree. “Quickly, take this otter with you. Get over and tell that bunch of ninnies to get down flat. Dont they know where they are?

Before the pair dashed off, Skipper spoke. “Stay with em. Soon as its safe, take em in tow. Go to Brockhallthat should be large enough. Get in touch with Bella, and tell her about them. Say that me and Lady Amber will be in touch afore nightfall. Of ygo.

Amber watched them bound away, ducking and weaving. Beside the army of Kotir, there was always Argulor to watch out for. She turned to Skipper. “What a prize bunch of boobies! Imagine parading around Kotir in broad daylight. Where dyou suppose theyve come from?

The otter snorted. “Search me. Bella will probably know as shes done a fair bit of roaming in her time. Huh, talkin of time, I think its nearly run out for young Gonff if he doesnt show himself soon.

Even at this early morning hour the warmth from the sun had lulled old Argulor into a drowsy sleep. The eagle perched high in a spruce, partially leaning against the trunk. In his sleep he groaned pleasurably, ruffling his plumage slightly to let the glorious warmth seep through to his ancient flesh and cold bones. If only there was a place that had no cold winter or damp windy autumn, just eternal spring followed by summer.

Life passed Argulor by as he slept the day through on his perch. It passed by more importantly in the forms of an otter and a squirrel leading a band of robed mice directly beneath the very tree where he slumbered.

It would have been hard to tell who was more surprised, the escaping prisoners or the wildcat and her minions.

Immediately they collided, Tsarmina gave a yowl of rage and more by luck than judgment seized Gonffs leg. This was followed by a more anguished yowl as Martin whipped the blade from Gonffs belt and stabbed Tsarmina sharply in the paw, forcing her to release his friend.

“Follow me! Martin grabbed Gonff and ran back up the stairs, giving Fortunata a good slash across the rump with the blade as he went. The vixen collided with Ashleg, and they fell in a jumble. Tsarmina tripped over them. She struggled to extricate herself, screaming curses and raking the unlucky pair with her claws.

“Blockheads, idiots, out of my way.

Martin and Gonff dashed headlong down the hall. Taking the door to the right, they dived inside, slamming it shut behind them.

It was the late Lord Greeneyes bedchamber. With the shouts of their pursuers ringing closer the escapers scuttled for cover beneath the large canopied bed.

“We cant stay here long! Martin panted as he felt about in the darkness and found Gonffs paw.

“Dont worry, matey. Get ready to make a bolt when I shout.

There was no further opportunity for conversation, as the door banged open. Tsarmina pushed her creatures before her and closed the door. She was licking her wounded paw. Fortunata, who had suffered a loss of dignity, tried not to rub at her wounded rump. Ashleg stumped about, trying to sound helpful.

“At least we know weve got them cornered in here somewhere.

“Somewhere, echoed Fortunata. “But where?

Tsarmina lowered her voice as she called the other two close. “We dont know how much those mice overheard. They must not leave this room alive. Let us search every corner thoroughly.

Stretched out flat beneath the bed, Martin could see the paws of their pursuers. He watched as they dispersed in separate directions, then turned toward Gonff.

In the name of mice! That little thief was the absolute limit. Gonff had actually closed his eyes and appeared to be napping. Martin prodded him urgently. The three hunters were getting closer to the bed as other hiding places were discounted.

“Ashleg, have you checked those wall hangings properly?

“Yes, Milady. Maybe theyre up on top of the bed canopy.

The pine marten was actually leaning against the side of the bed now. Gonff patted Martin reassuringly as he wriggled silently past him. The warrior mouse could only watch in dumb suspense as his daring little friend went to work.

Gonff carefully pulled the end of Ashlegs long cloak beneath the bed, slitted it expertly with his blade and crawled a short way toward the bedhead, where a tall, heavy folding screen stood to one side. Working quickly, he tied the slit ends of the unsuspecting martens cloak around one leg of the screen.

Gonff did three things almost in one movement. He pricked Ashlegs good paw viciously with his blade, grabbed Martin and shot from beneath the bed, roaring as they went.

“There they go! Stop em!

Pandemonium ensued. Ashleg screamed and lurched forward. The heavy screen went with him; it tottered and fell. Tsarmina managed to leap out of the way, but the vixen was not so lucky, she was struck by the screen. Half-stunned, she pushed it away. The cumbersome screen toppled sideways into the fireplace, falling directly into the grate, which held the embers of a previous nights fire. In a trice the room was a thick choking mess of ashes, cinders, dust and smoldering embers.

Martin and Gonff pushed the door open. Two weasel guards who had heard the noise in passing came thundering into the room as Martin and Gonff hurried past them out into the hall. Behind them the shouts reached a crescendo as unprotected paws came in contact with a floor strewn with red-hot embers.

This time Martin took the lead as they went straight down the hall and through the door at the opposite end.

They found themselves in an upper messroom full of soldiers, stoats, ferrets, and weasels, all eating breakfast at a long trestle table with a window at one end. Taken completely by surprise, the soldiers sat gaping at the two fugitives.

“Stop those mice! Kill them! Tsarminas enraged shouts reached them as she ran toward the mess.

Gonff sized up the situation at a glance: the unexpected was called for. Without a second thought he pulled Martin with him. They ran across the room, bounded from a vacant seat up onto the tabletop and dashed madly along it, scattering food, drink and vessels everywhere as they went. Together the thief and the warrior leaped through the open window into empty space with a loud defiant shout.

“Yaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!

Skipper and Amber both heard the cry.

So did Argulor.

It came from the north side of Kotir, not far from where the woodlander squirrel scout stood perched in a tree. He bounded down and made his report to Amber. “Its Gonff, but theres another mouse with him. They jumped from the upper barracks window.

“Wed better get round there. Are they hurt?

“No, but talk about lucky, they landed right in the foliage of a big old yew growing on that side.

Amber leaped up. “Get Beech and the others. Well have to get them out of there double quick. Skipper, you bring the crew and give us cover.

Argulor launched himself from his spruce, flapping ponderously. Once he was airborne his natural grace and ability took over. Circling to gain height, he squinted over to where the sounds had come from. The yews upper foliage was shaking. The eagle soared downward to see if it was anything edible.

Inside the messroom, Tsarmina laid about herself with a sturdy wooden ladle. “Dont stand gawping, you dimwitted toads! Someone get out there and capture them!

There was an immediate stampede to grab weapons and buckle armor on. Nobody seemed disposed to leap out of the window, though they all tried to look as if they were helping in some way.

Tsarmina flailed the ladle about in a fury. Suddenly a bright young stoat, more reckless than his comrades, saw a chance to distinguish himself in the eyes of his mistress. He bounded up onto the table.

“Leave it to me, Milady. Ill stop them. Striking a gallant pose, the stoat ran to the window ledge and stood nerving himself for the leap.

Argulor soared low, close to the yew. His rheumy eyes could not distinguish much between the crisscross branches. He was about to abandon hope of a quick meal and turning away on his huge wing span, when suddenly a fat juicy stoat with an expression of heroic duty upon its face jumped out into midair, straight into the talons of the wheeling eagle.

Argulor gave a screech of delight, which contrasted jarringly with the stoats ragged squeal of dismay. The old eagle flapped joyfully off to his spruce branch with the tasty burden.

Gonff wiped perspiration from his whiskers. “In the name of mice and crab apples, that big feller nearly had us there, matey!

Martin pointed to the open window. “Its not over yet. Look!

Tsarmina stood glaring at them. The mess was crowded with frightened creatures, none of whom would venture near the window.

Ashleg shuddered and clutched at his clammy fur. “Did you see those claws, ugh, the size of its beak!

Tsarmina swung him round by his cloak. “Shut your blathering face and get me my bow and arrows. Just look at that for a prize piece of impudence.

Gonff was pulling faces at the wildcat Queen. He blew out his cheeks, stuck a paw to his nose and rolled his eyes in the most ridiculous manner.

Tsarmina snatched up a spear and flung it, but the weapon was deflected by the close-knit yew branches. A well-aimed arrow would do the trick, she thought. “Wheres that dithering woodenleg with my bow and arrows?

Eight sturdy red squirrels came bounding through the yew branches as easily as walking a paved path. They split into two groups of four, each taking charge of the two escapers.

Lady Amber came swinging in. She spoke sternly to Gonff. “Now none of your shenanigans, young thief. You, whoever you are, just relax and leave the rest to us. Youre in safe paws.

Before he could say a word, Martin was seized by paws and tail. He felt himself tossed about like a shuttlecock. Never in his life had he descended from a height so swiftly, or with such ease; it was like being a flower petal on a gentle breeze. In a trice he and Gonff were on firm ground.

A horde of armed soldiers poured out of Kotir. Martin sought about for a weapon, anything to defend himself with. There was a whirring sound, and the first four soldiers running forward seemed to relax, lying down upon the grass as if they were taking a nap. Two more went down. Martin saw a line of otters swinging slings; they were hurling large river pebbles with deadly accuracy.

A big burly otter came running to them. Gonff clasped his strong tattooed paws. “Skipper, I knew me old messmate wouldnt leave his favorite thief in the lurch. Oh, by the way, this is Martin the Warrior. Hes my friend, yknow.

Skipper signaled his crew to retreat, waving to Lady Amber as he lifted another stone to his slingshot. “Ha, welcome aboard, Martin. Though how an honest fellow like you came to be mixed up with this little buccaneer, I dont know.

Skipper introduced Martin to Lady Amber, who said rapidly, glancing anxiously about her, “Pleased to meet you, Im sure, Martin. Skipper, I dont like this, theyre planning something

As Amber spoke, a horde of soldiers bearing Thousand Eye shields came streaming out of the main door with Tsarmina leading them. There were far too many to contend with.

Amber muttered to Skipper, “Take Martin and Gonff. Break and run for it. Well cover you.

Tsarmina was furious. She guessed what was happening: the squirrels were taking a stand while the otters slipped off into Mossflower with the fugitives. She issued orders to a ferret Captain named Raker. “Stop here with a platoon and face the squirrels. Ill take the rest and circle around them, and well cut them off. They wont realize Im following, so theyll slow down a bit when they think theyre in the clear.

Raker saluted. “As you say, Milady. Here you, Scratch, and you, Thicktail, take your squads and follow the Queen.

The two weasel Captains saluted with their spears, then detailed their creatures to follow Tsarmina. The wildcat had bounded off alone, taking a wide loop south and back east.

Nothing aggravated Raker more than squirrel resistance fighters; they were like smoke in a breeze, here and gone. He took aim and heaved his spear at their leader, but it was a complete waste of time. Amber stood back drily, twirling her sling, and ducking as she let the spear graze harmlessly past. Directing her troops back across the open ground, she loosed a heavy pebble at tremendous speed. Raker threw his shield up in the nick of time, staggering backward as the stone struck his shield and bounced off. When the ferret lowered his shield it was as if there had never been a squirrel inside Kotirs grounds.

They were gone into Mossflower.

High in the branches of the trees that fringed the woodland, squirrels shook with silent laughter at the dumbfounded expression on Rakers face. He shook a mailed paw at the trees. “Come out and fight, you cowards!

One last thunderous hail of stones, arrows and javelins sent the Kotir soldiery scurrying for cover.

The treetops rustled and swayed. Distant laughter told the enemy that the squirrels were swinging away through the sunlit upper terraces of leafy Mossflower.

Chapter 8

Bella of Brockhalls huge striped face lit up with pleasure. “Well, this is a rare and unexpected pleasure, Abbess Germaine. Come in, all of you, welcome to Brockhall.

Abbess Germaine led me Brothers and Sisters of Loamhedge into Bellas ancestral home, down the long twisting passage into the massive cavelike main hall, whose ceiling was the arched roots of the great oak above Brockhall. They made themselves at home around the wide hearth, whilst Bula the otter and Pear the squirrel, who had acted as their guides, explained to Bella what had taken place.

The badger listened carefully, settling back in her old armchair. “I had an idea something like this would happen. Thats why I left Goody Stickles and came home here. Nothing ever goes as planned with Gonff. Still, not to worry, that young rip will be as right as rain, youll see. First things first. Lets get you all fed. You must be famished. I was baking a batch of chestnut bread. Itll be ready soon. Ill make some celery and fennel stew with hazelnut dumplings and get a cheese up from the storeroom. Now stop looking noble, the pair of you. I know what growing otters and squirrels are like. You can wait here after youve eaten until the rest get back. Fetch bowls from the shelf for our guests. Thats it, make yourselves useful.

Eagerly the woodlanders did as they were bid, then they sat with the Loamhedge Brothers and Sisters.

Bella rose and embraced Abbess Germaine. “My old friend, we were many summers younger when last we ate together.

The Abbess placed a thin, worn paw over Bellas hoary pad. “Yes, the seasons are born anew, but alas we grow older, my friend.

“But not you, Germaine, Bella chuckled. “You look as young as ever. What news of Loamhedge?

The Abbess could not prevent a tear trickling onto her gray whiskers. “Loamhedge, what magic in that name. But the happy times there are gone like leaves down a stream. You heard of the great sickness?

Bella nodded. “I had heard something from travelers, but I thought it was far south. I did not think it had found its way to your home.

Germaine shook and closed her eyes as if trying to ward off the memory. “Only those you see here escaped. It was horrible. Everything it touched withered and died, I could not

Bella patted the old mouse gently. “There, there, no need to say more. Try to forget it. You can call my home your own, for you and your mice, as long as you like, and please dont thank meyoud do exactly the same if I needed shelter. In fact you did, many years ago, when I was young and liked to travel.

The two old friends went to the kitchen and began preparing the meal. Bella told Germaine of all that had taken place in Mossflower. “This is a sad and oppressed place you have come to, though once it was happy under the rule of my father, Boar the Fighter. I was still young then. I returned from my wanderings with Barkstripehe was my mate; we met far to the southeast and returned to stay with my father at Brockhall. I think that father was waiting for this to happen. My mother was long ago gone to the gates of Dark Forest; she died when I was a cub. Boar the Fighter was a good father, but a restless spirit. He had tired of ruling Mossflower and wanted to go questing, just as his father, Old Lord Brocktree, did before him. One day he left here and Barkstripe ruled in his stead. Those were good seasons. We had a cub, a little male called Sunflash because of his forestripe, which had an odd golden tinge. He was a sturdy little fellow.

“In the autumn of that year the wildcats arrived. Verdauga and his brood took over that old ruin of a fortress. There was no one to oppose him, and he brought with him a vast horde of wicked vermin. At first we tried to fight back, but they were so cruel and merciless that they completely crushed us. Barkstripe led a great attack upon Kotir, but he was slain, along with many others. Those who did not escape into Mossflower were caught and left to rot in Verdaugas prisons. Alas, that was all long ago. We have learned to keep ourselves safe here in the thick woodlands now.

Germaine drew loaves from the oven on a long paddle. “Where is your son, Sunflash? He must be quite big now.

Bella paused as she laid the bread to cool. “While I was ill and grieving for Barkstripe, our son stole out of here one night. They say he went to Kotir to avenge his fathers death, but he was far too young. Sunflash has never been seen or heard of since. Many, many seasons have gone by since then, so I think that one way or another my son ended up at the gates of Dark Forest with his father.

Outside in Mossflower the afternoon shadows began to lengthen over the trees that were budding and leafing, promising a thick emerald foliage for the summer. In another part of Mossflower not far from Kotir, a mailed tunic and tabard bearing the Thousand Eye device slipped carelessly from a high spruce branch and landed in a crumpled heap on the forest floor. Argulor shifted from claw to claw as he preened his pinions, carefully arranging his long wing feathers. A good fat stoat would be extremely welcome, but pine marten ah, that was a delight he had yet to savor. Argulor would wait. His time would come; a marten with a wooden leg could only run so fast in any direction. The eagle snuggled down into his plumage, glad that the spring nights were kind to young and old alike. It was good to visit old hunting grounds again.

Chapter 9

The evening chorus of birdsong fell sweetly upon Martins ears as he strolled along through the woodlands with Skipper and Gonff, reveling in his new-found freedom after the long winter in Kotir prison. The otters were never still; they were playful as puppies, bounding and cavorting through the trees and bushes. Skipper was instructing Martin in the art of the slingshot. He was delighted to have such a keen pupil and took every opportunity of amazing the warrior mouse with his expertise. Casting a pebble high into the air, Skipper re-slung a second pebble and shot it, hitting the first one before it had time to fall to earth. The otter shrugged modestly. “Its only tricks, me hearty. I can teach you them anytime. Ha, Ill bet afore the summers through youll be able to sling a pebble across any villains bows.

Gonff was great friends with the otters. He wholeheartedly shared their recklessness and sense of madcap fun. The little thief imitated their nautical mode of speech perfectly, telling Martin that he was, “As likely a cove as ever pirated vittles from Kotirs galley.

Martin enjoyed himself. Having been a solitary warrior for so long, he found it a pleasant change to be in the company of such gregarious friends. Skipper presented him with his own personal sling and pouch of throwing pebbles. He accepted the gift gratefully. The otters were naturally curious about the broken sword hilt Martin kept strung about his neck, so he told them the story, and was taken aback by their hatred of Tsarmina. Though, as Skipper remarked, “Wildcats never bothered us. Once our crew is together, there aint nothin on land or afloat thatll trouble otterfolk.

Looking about, Martin could quite believe it. Gonff danced on ahead with two otters who did a hornpipe as he sang.

Im a mouse with a very long tail,
With a heart and voice to match,
Ive escaped from the pussycats gaol.
Theyll find me hard to catch.
So, away, through the grass, the flowrs and leaves,
Like smoke on the breeze, the Prince of Thieves.
Lets cheer for the day when we will see
The Mossflower country safe and free.

Martin was tapping the happy tune from paw to paw when be saw that Skipper had dropped back a few paces. The otter was standing with an air of intense concentration, swaying from side to side, sniffing the breeze. At a sign from him, Gonff stopped singing and the entire crew grew silent.

Skipper said in a gruff whisper, “Some beasts a-comin, mates. Not from astern, mind. Over yonder there. Birds stopped singin over that way first. Ha, Ill wager its the cat. Skipper pointed. They could soon make out shapes moving from tree to tree. As the intruders drew nearer, it was plain to see they were Kotir soldiers in full armor, led by Tsarmina, a barbaric figure wearing a splendid cloak and a helmet that covered her head completely except for slitted eye, ear and mouth apertures.

At Skippers growl of command, the otter crew spread themselves out in fighting formation, faces grim, weapons at the ready. Skipper stood fearlessly out in the open where Tsarmina could see him, paws folded across his chest, a sling hanging from the right one, loaded and ready. Tsarmina halted a short distance away. She stretched out a paw, letting a wickedly sharp claw spring dramatically forth to point at Martin and Gonff.

“The mice are mine, otter. I will take them from you.

Skippers voice was hard as flint. “Back off, cat. Youre on my quarterdeck now. This is Mossflower, not Kotir.

“All the land belongs to me, Tsarmina said imperiously. “I am Tsarmina, Queen of Kotir and Mossflower. These mice are escaped prisoners. Give them to me now, and I will not punish you. Your creatures will be allowed to go unharmed.

A thin smile played about Skippers mouth. “Go and chase your mangy tail, pussycat!

The breath hissed from between Tsarminas teeth at the otters fearless impudence. She raised a paw to her soldiers, who began fitting arrows to bowstrings. As they did, some sixth sense tingled through the wildcat and she looked up. Lady Amber stood in a tall elm, in her paw a light javelin poised for throwing. Reacting instinctively, Tsarmina grabbed the nearest soldier to hera ferret.

There was a swish and a thud. She felt the impact as the luckless soldier took the javelin that was intended for her.

The squirrel Queen concealed her disappointment at the lost opportunity by aiming another javelin and calling out, “Unstring those bows quick, all of you. She cant hold him in front of her for long, and this next one will get her between the eyes if you dont obey me right now!

Tsarmina, still holding the ferret with the spear protruding from his lifeless form, said urgently out of the side of her mouth, “Do as the squirrel says.

They obeyed instantly.

Tsarmina let the ferret fall, twisting the body as she let go of it. Skipper was backing off into the bushes with his crew. He waved up to Amber. “Thankee kindly, marm. Dyou mind keepin a weather eye clapped on em while we push off?

Suddenly the wildcat plucked the javelin from the fallen soldier and flung it up at Lady Amber.

“Cut and run crew! Skipper shouted as he bolted off with the rest. Amber had momentarily relaxed the javelin in her paw; she ducked in the nick of time as her weapon came hurtling back at her. Tsarmina did not wait to see if she had scored a hit but took off after Skipper and the crew, yelling, “This way! Cut them off through the bushes!

Martin and Gonff ran with the otters, Skipper urging them on as they pounded through the undergrowth. “Hurry now, crew. Amber cant hold em off forevertheres too many of em. Hark, theyre back on to us.

Tsarmina was no fool; she had sensed the direction they would take. Accordingly, she retreated then came back at a tangent to cut down the distance on an angle. Suddenly Martin and Gonff found themselves on the banks of a broad fast-flowing river with steep grassy sides. Skipper stamped his paws and sighed. “Belay, we nearly made it. Too late, here they come!

Tsarmina and her troops broke through the trees and came hurrying along the bank toward them.

Martin could see there would be no talking this time. He drew his sling, as did the otters around him. They let fly the first volley before their foes had time to notch arrows or raise spears. The hail of stone caught the enemy head-on. Rock clattered on armor as Tsarmina threw herself flat yelling at her soldiers, “Down, get down and return fire!

Martin saw two otters felled by heavy spears. Now Skippers crew was trapped between the open stretch of bank and the river. The otter crew rattled off another salvo of rocks.

This time Tsarmina had anticipated it; she had the front rank take the stones on their shields, while another rank behind hurled their spears over the tops of the shield-bearers. Some of the spears went too far, but one found its mark: an otter standing up with a whirling sling dropped back, killed by a well-aimed throw.

Reinforcements arrived, with Lady Amber bringing squirrel archers through the trees to fire at the Kotir troops from behind.

Skipper saw Tsarminas forces turn to face the new foe. He seized his chance. Martin found himself grabbed by the otter leader, while Gonff was clasped by a big otter named Root. “Take a good breath, messmate. Were goin for a swim!

The entire otter crew took a short bounding run and dived into the river with a loud splash.

Tsarmina was facing the squirrels with an arrow notched to a bow. She spun round and loosed the shaft, catching the last otter in the back before it hit the water. Despite this, the otter still managed to submerge and get away.

Lady Amber found that she was losing troops. She decided on a quick withdrawal now that the otters had escaped. Ducking the arrows and spears, the squirrels took off through the trees.

Tsarmina howled her victory to the sky. Running to the waters edge, she called a halt to those soldiers who were aiming weapons into the river. “Enough! Cease fire! Theyre gone. Stand still, everyone.

The troops stood fast as the wildcat peered into the depths. They watched Tsarmina draw back from the rivers edge. She was scratching at her fur as if trying to dry herself, shuddering as she muttered, “Urgh! Dark, damp, wetwater everywhere, swirling, swirling. Ugh! When she was away from the water, Tsarmina recovered her composure. Throwing off her helmet and cloak, she slumped moodily at the foot of a beech tree. Night had crept up unawares. The soldiers stood watching, puzzled at their Queens strange behavior. Tsarmina stared back. “Well, what are you all gawping at? Brogg, Scratt, listen carefully. I want you to go back to Kotir, see Fortunata, and tell her to bring the Gloomer to me. I want you back before dawn. Get going, the pair of you!

Brogg and Scratt stood rooted; terror loosened their tongues. “The Gloomer, Milady? Surely you dont mean

“Lady, hes completely mad!

Tsarmina rolled herself in her cloak and settled down beneath the tree. “I know he is, idiots. But Ill get a sight madder if you dont move yourselves. Now be off! Guards, set up a sentry on river watch. If anything happens, let me know straightaway. Otherwise Im not to be disturbed until Fortunata arrives with the Gloomer. If Brogg and Scratt are still here, give them a good whipping with bowstrings for idling. Tsarmina settled down to sleep, lulled by the sounds of the two ferrets crashing and blundering off through the undergrowth.

Nothing could escape the Gloomer in the water. The wildcat Queen had tasted victory that day. She was not about to let it all slip away because of incompetent soldiers. The Gloomer must be brought here quickly to consolidate her triumph.

Chapter 10

The whole world was black, icy cold, airless, and wet.

Martin concentrated on holding his breath. When he ventured to open his eyes, it became a murky dark gray, but he could sometimes make out shapes moving around him. He began to wish he were anywhere but beneath a rivereven back in his cell at Kotir. At least there had been air to breathe there.

Skippers strong paws gripped him relentlessly by the scruff of his neck. Water rushed by them, roaring in his ears as the powerful swimming otter dragged him along.

Fresh air, just one breath, he wished, one lungful of good clean air.

Skipper held Martin tighter as he began to wriggle in panic. Bubbles of air were escaping from his mouth, an iron band was crushing his skull. Why was Skipper drowning him?

Martin opened his mouth to shout, but the water came pouring in. With a huge rush accompanied by much barking and shouting, the otters broke the surface, shaking their coats.

Skipper hefted Martins body and tossed him out upon the bank. The warrior mouse lay coughing and gasping, gulping in vast quantities of clean fresh air. Never again would he take such a wondrous gift for granted.

All around him otters were whooshing playfully in and out of the water, ducking one another and generally behaving as if the whole thing were a great lark. Martin looked about until he sighted Gonff. Immediately he dashed across to his friend. Gonff had not fared as well as he on the underwater journey; the little thief lay face down on the bank, his body looked forbiddingly limp and still. Root, the big otter who had borne Gonff underwater, began pushing and pumping at Gonffs inert form with his strong forepaws.

Martin felt a surge of panic. “Is he all right? Hes not drowned? Hell live, wont he?

Root laughed and gave Martin a huge wink. “Bless yer life, matey, hes fine. Little thief, stealin our riverwater like that. Here, hes comin around now.

A moment later Gonff was spluttering and shaking indignantly. “Root, you great clodhopping water monster, Im sure you took the long way around to get here. Have I coughed all that water back? Yuk! Bet I lowered the river level by a foot or two, matey. Oh, hello Martin. Well, how dyou like Camp Willow?

Martin had not looked at his surroundings. Now that the danger was past, he took stock of where they had beached. It was a large, sandy, shelf like area, the roof of which was a mass of gnarled willow roots. Phosphorescence from the swift-flowing water palely illuminated the cave system of the underground bank. A canal ran through the middle of Camp Willow, emanating out of the gloomy darkness of hidden caves and bolt holes in the rear.

Skipper watched proudly as Martin gazed about. “You wont find no better ccommodation for an otter anywhere, Martin. Camp Willow was built by otter paws.

Martin nodded shrewdly. “A right fine job they did of it, too, Skipper.

The Skipper of otters swelled out his barrel-like chest. “ Andsome of you to say so, mate, but belay awhile and Ill call muster.

It soon became apparent that three of the crew were dead, possibly four; nobody could account for the fact that a young female called Spring was missing. Skippers face was grim as he called two young males, Duckweed and Streamer, to search the river for the missing one. With barely a ripple, the two plunged back into the water and were gone.

Martin and Gonff were given rough barkcloths to dry themselves. They sat upon the bank with the otters around a bright fire, eating thick wedges of carrot and parsley bread, which they dunked in a steaming bowl of river shrimp and bulrush soup, seasoned with fiery ditchnettle pepper. It was delicious, but extremely hot.

The otters munched away happily, laughing at the two mice and calling out old river proverbs.

“Haha, dont taste no otter to an otter, matey.

“The more otter it is, the more otter otters likes it.

Martin and Gonff swigged cold water and laughed along with the crew.

Not long before they settled down to sleep, Duckweed and Streamer returned. They emerged, dripping, into Camp Willow. Between them they were supporting young Spring. Streamer had removed the arrow from Springs back. Fortunately, she was not badly hurt.

Skipper was delighted to see her, and he dressed the wound carefully. “Ho, tis me, little matey Spring. Never you fear, young un. If they gave you an arrow, well pay em back with a shower of javelins. You get some vittles and a good rest. Youll be right as a river rock tomorrow.

Spring told them what had happened.

“When I got hit I didnt swim away for fear of leavin a blood trail in the water, so I swam a little ways then laid under a bush hangin over the bank. I slapped a good pawful o mud on my wound to stop the bleedin and lay waiting. I knew Skip wouldnt leave me long afore he sent help. I was that close to some of those vermin sittin on the bank that I could have reached out and laid a flipper on em. They were all talkin about somethin called a Gloomersaid that the cat had sent messengers to Kotir to fetch this Gloomer thing.

Skipper patted Spring. “Well done, matey. You get some sleep now, and dont fret your ead about nothin. Old Skipll take care of it.

Root struck his thigh with a heavy paw. “Ha! The GloomerI mightve knowed it, Skip. Whatll we do now?

The fire burned low in the Stickle dwelling as Goody tidied around before going to join Ben outside. It was a peaceful spring night. Ben knocked his pipe out on the gatepost. “Should be a fair day on the morrow, old girl.

They both stood nodding. Suddenly Goody threw up her paws. “Well, in the name of Stickles, will you just look at those two liddle ogs a layin there.

Ferdy and Coggs had really taken their sentry duty to heart. They had rigged up a tent from a blanket and branches. Nearby lay a jug of strawberry cordial and a half-finished apple pie which they had requisitioned from Goodys cupboard. The two little hedgehogs lay with their arms about each other, snoring uproariously, cooking pot helmets askew, mouths wide open.

Ben chuckled fondly. “I do believe well sleep sounder in our beds, Goody, knowin weve got these two terrors to guard us through the night.

As Goody folded the blanket away, Ben carried Ferdy and Coggs inside.

Still asleep, Ferdy waved his stick. “Who goes there? Ill fight the six of you!

Chapter 11

At Kotir, Fortunata was also sleeping peacefully, until the banging of spearbutts against her chamber door brought her yawning and shuffling from her bed.

“Whos there? Go away and see Ashleg about it, whatever it is.

Brogg and Scratt stood aside as Cludd, the weasel Captain of the guard, kicked the door open. “Come on, fox. Youre wanted by Queen Tsarmina. Shes camped by the River Moss.

Fortunata rubbed her injured rump. “Couldnt Ashleg go? Im injured.

Cludds stolid face was expressionless. “No, the Queen wants you there by dawn. Youre to bring the Gloomer with you. Brogg and Scratll lend a paw.

Fortunata recoiled with fright and distaste. “The Gloomer! I thought that horror had died years ago or gone away. Cludd pointed his spear at the vixen. “Come on now, no nonsense. You know what Miladys like if you disobey her orders. Well make sure Gloomers well secured.

Fortunata had no choice. In a foul temper, she followed the three soldiers down corridors and flights of stairs to the very bowels of the fortress.

Far beneath the cells there was an underground cavern and great lake. The only one who ever went down to the lake was the guard who was detailed to feed the Gloomer. Once a week he would take down the refuse from the barracks, leaving it a respectable distance from the post to which Gloomers long chain was attached at the lakes edge.

Verdauga had captured Gloomer and brought him to Kotir long ago. The monster water rat was robbed of normal sight after years of swimming in the dark murky waters of the lake. It had little hearing and no speech at all. None of this mattered while it still possessed the instincts of touch and smell; the Gloomer was a killer, savage and mindless, particularly when there was fresh meat to be had.

Fortunata was frightened; this was no place to be in the night hours. Gingerly she picked up the chain. The rattling iron links echoed eerily around the cold musty cavern, and what little courage the fox had failed her. She dropped the chain, looking imploringly toward Cludd. “Im only a vixen. This will take a creature strong and brave as a Captain of the Guard.

The obvious slyness of the remark did not escape Cludd, yet he swelled slightly at the flattery. Taking the chain firmly, he nodded at the others. “Right. Stay out of the way and leave this to me. I know how to deal with Gloomer.

Tugging hard on the rusty chain, Cludd splashed it up and down in the water as he pulled. The underground lake rippled, and there was an audible gasp of shock from the three onlookers as the Gloomers monstrous head appeared from the depths like the worst kind of vision from a bad dream. The eyes were staring, sightless white marbles veined with blood-red streaks, the snout ribbed and scarred like a wet black patch of leather. What little fur there was on the head was plastered flat. Water ran off it as the mouth opened wide.

Even Cludd felt his paws shaking as the Gloomer swam toward land. The sightless eyes were fixed upon the weasel Captain as if they could actually see him. The mouth worked hungrily open and shut, purple blubbery lips drawn back to reveal curving greeny-yellow fangs spread this way and that, the very oddness of them adding to their revolting appearance.

Cludd dropped the chain and picked up his spear, his voice snaking noticeably. “Here, Brogg, Scratt, grab your spears and do as I do. Keep driving that thing in a circle around the post.

Gloomer paused for a moment in the shallows, water dripping from its ugly bulk, the hideous head moving to and fro as it scented the soldiers and pinpointed them by their sound and movement. Then in a sudden rush Gloomer charged with an awesome turn of speed.

The trio were highly nervous but ready. Dodging and prodding Gloomer with spearpoints, they kept the monster pursuing them clockwise around the post, Cludd bawling instructions as he ran.

“Dont stop, whatever you do. Keep it moving!

Fortunata was impressed; the plan was simple but effective.

The trio skipped, jumped and ran as Gloomer pursued them mindlessly. It was not until the entire chain had been wound around the post that Gloomer was forced to stop. The post shook with the beasts maddened efforts to push forward. Brogg and Scratt kept their spearpoints at its back, so it could not unwind the chain by going in the reverse direction. Cludd leaned his weight against the chain to keep it tight, and called to Fortunata, “Get the leads attached to the collar, quickly!

With icy fear coursing through her veins and an expression of extreme distaste on her face, Fortunata obeyed. Cludd strained at the chain, watching Fortunata impatiently. “Stop dabbing and primping, fox. Get those leads fastened, or Ill loosen this chain.

Fortunata secured the last of the three heavy greased leather halters around the short, powerful neck, which already bore a studded iron collar. Detaching the chain, she jumped backward and made for the stairs. “There. Its done! I know which way to go. You three get hold of the leads and follow me.

Cludd called out sternly, “Get back here, lily liver, Im not going anywhere. Captain of the Guards my job. If the Queen had wanted me, she would have said. Come on, take one of these leads.

Immediately Fortunata picked up the lead; Gloomer moved toward her. She hurried swiftly ahead to keep Gloomer from her. Brogg and Scratt stood on either side and slightly back, pulling their leads tight, straining to control Gloomer. Cludd watched them go, glad he had completed his distasteful task.

Fortunata led the way. Having lived in Mossflower all her life, she was familiar with the area. She increased her pace to keep the maximum distance between herself and the huge gray and black beast. Gloomer snuffled and tugged, this way and that; Brogg and Scratt strained on the leads to keep it going the right way. The moon over the woodlands shone through the trees on the reluctant trio and their monstrous charge as they blundered and crashed through Mossflower, disturbing the peaceful night, tainting it with evil.

Chapter 12

Martin was awake before dawn. He fed the fire and sat by it. Skipper came and sat with him. “Now then, messmate. Youve got a face on you like a wet waterbeetles grandad. Why so worried?

Martin smiled half-heartedly. “Oh, its listening to those stories that the crew were telling about the Gloomer, I suppose. Its all my fault for coming here and causing trouble for you, Skipper.

The big otter gave Martin a hearty clap on the back that nearly sent him head over tail. “Ha harr. Bless your little eart, me old warrior. You dont want to listen to that scuttlebutt. Was that all you was afeared of? You come with me and Ill introduce you to our Stormfin.

“Stormfin?

“Aye, Stormfin, matey. Come ere to the back of the cave.

In the darkness of the cavern recess, Skipper showed Martin a sluicegate that blocked the canal across its middle. There were narrow spaces in the gate, allowing the water to flow through. At one side was a hollow log.

Skipper picked up a cudgel and passed it to Martin. “Listen, mate, that big pussycat may ave a Gloomer, but us otters got a Stormfin. You start thumpin that there log and Ill raise the sluicegate. Stay clear of the waters edge, though.

Mystified, Martin began banging the log. The eerie sounds bounced off the cavern walls as Skipper raised the gate clear of the water.

The otter nodded sagely. “Thatll warn anyone whos in the water to get out, Stormfins comin. Watch the canal, now, and dont forget to stay clear.

Far back in the darkness something was beginning to come forward. A smooth wave rose; it slopped over the sides as the water was pushed along by some tremendous force. Martin was about to question Skipper when the otter lowered the gate slightly, and the water began roiling and bubbling. A long shape, like a section of tree trunk, smooth, with a many-spiked dorsal fin emerged.

Martin gasped and jumped back. “Thats Stormfin?

“Aye, this is Stormfin, matey. Me and my brother trapped him long ago. Skipper leaned forward and patted the giant pikes fin, causing it to lash its tail. The water boiled into a white foam as the otter leaped back laughing.

“Hohoho! Take a look, Martin. You wouldnt like to cross that coves path if you was out a swimmin, now would you?

Martin leaned forward. He saw the powerful bony head with its muddy eyes and long hooking underjaw. The mouth opened slightly. He had never seen so many teeth in one mouth; there were row upon row of jagged backward curving rippers, needle-sharp and milky white. Stormfin seemed to be smiling in anticipation. With a flick of his mighty silver-and-black-banded bulk he butted his head against the lowered sluicegate, anxious to be freed into open water.

Skipper stood with both paws on the gate lever. “Right then, you old buccaneer. Dont eat him too quick, now; youll make yourself sick.

Martin helped Skipper to weigh down upon the lever. The sluicegate lifted. Stormfin rushed through, creating a miniature tidal wave as he traveled. Skipper left the gate open.

“Hell be back in a few days. We coax him in with tidbits. Pity there aint moren one Gloomer. That pike has a terrible appetite.

Panting and rasping, the Gloomer dragged on the leads. The trio looked toward Tsarmina as they dug their paws into the turf and were dragged helplessly toward the River Moss.

Fortunata began to panic. “Milady, quick, give the word, or it will have us in the water!

Tsarmina extended her paws and raised them as if starting a race. “Right, you three, when I let my paws drop the

Too late. Gloomer snapped the lead Fortunata was holding and the two guards were pulled over on their faces. Immediately they let their leads go; Gloomer sploshed noisily into the water.

The monster water rat swam about in slow circles, scenting and feeling vibrations in the river current. Without warning it dived, heading in the direction of Camp Willow.

The soldiers of Kotir ran alongside the bank, following Gloomers progress and shouting excitedly.

“Look, hes after something. Hey, Gloomer, eat an otter for me!

“Dont eat em, kill em all, Gloomer! Rip them to bits!

A ferret who had run ahead of the rest called back to his comrades, “Somethings coming! I think its the otters. No, wait, its a big fish of some sort.

Swift chevrons of water rippled out to both sides of the bank as Stormfin sped downstream like a great arrow.

Gloomer thrashed the water as he swam upstream, feeling his prey getting near.

Closer and closer the leviathans came toward each other. Gloomer lifted his snout clear of the water, sucking in a huge gasp of air. He submerged again and waited, facing the oncoming foe, mouth slightly agape, claws at the ready.

Stormfin looked as if he was smiling. The underslung jaw clamped shut, pointing at his adversary like a battering ram, he piled on extra speed, drew his fins in tight and came at Gloomer like an arrow from a bow. The onlookers on the bank saw a spout of water shoot high like a geyser as the combatants crashed together.

Gloomer had the breath driven from him as Stormfin struck his ribs. Disregarding the pain, the rat sought the pike with his teeth, feeling his heavy claws rake searingly through its scales.

With the madness of battle upon him, Stormfin rose clear of the river, swishing his tail in a mighty leap; then twisting in midair, he launched himself back into the water like a downward torpedo with gaping teeth. Gloomer was waiting. He pushed his head clear of the river, sucked in a quick breath and locked jaws with the descending pike. The surface boiled in a welter of cascading water, shimmering scales and ragged fur, the whole scene streaked with blood.

They snapped and bit at each other, locking jaws, rolling over and over, now letting go, now seeking another hold, contorting madly. Gloomer had the pike by the tail. He chewed voraciously. Pain seared through the big fish, but Stormfin had his enemy by the stomach, and ripped viciously.

Tsarmina dashed up and down the bank with a spear at the ready. She could not throw it for tear of hitting her destroyer. Mud boiled up from the bottom to mix with the flotsam of combat. Silver scales and gray black fur became indistinguishable in the melee.

Now Gloomer had latched his claws into Stormfins side and bitten deep into the pikes dorsal fin. Stormfin thwacked away at Gloomers injured side with his heavy tail like a stout paddle. He had severed Gloomers tail and was tearing ferociously at the rats hindquarters.

The need for breath forced Gloomer to relinquish his hold momentarily, and Stormfin slid off like a wraith, following the current. Gloomer surfaced and gulped in several grateful breaths.

Dementedly Tsarmina shouted from the bank, “Gloomers won! Wheres the pike? Is it dead?

Fortunata was caught up in the excitement. “It must be, Milady. Nothing could stand against the Gloomer for long.

The soldiers raised a ragged cheer. It was immediately stifled as Stormfin came back to the attack!

Driving low, hard and fast, the big pike crashed into Gloomer with staggering force, catching him unawares. The huge rat had the breath smashed from his lungs as he was battered swiftly up against the far bank. Falling back into the water, he swallowed liquid instead of air. Still lashing out with tooth and claw, Gloomer was unconsciously inflicting injuries on the pike, but the damage was done.

Stormfin knew every inch of his river. He slid into a deep pit beneath the bank and attacked the rats soft underbelly with the mad power of one who feels victory in sight. Gloomer scratched blindly at the rock either side of the underwater hole, missing his adversarys head completely. Baffled, he tried to turn away.

Stormfins jaws clamped tight on Gloomers back legs. The monster pike backed water as he dragged the rat backward down the pit with him. The watchers on the bank saw Gloomers front claws emerge wildly from the water, grasping at thin air before they vanished beneath the surface.

The destroyer from Kotir was beaten. Stormfin had finally won!

Tsarmina shot several arrows into the area where the pike had pulled her rat down. The soldiers stood about on the bank, shuffling awkwardly and fidgeting. A sense of foreboding hung over them after the defeat of Gloomer. Fortunata tried to stroll casually out of sight, knowing the wildcat Queen would be looking for a scapegoat to vent her wrath upon.

“Get back here, fox. Dont try to slink away. Holding out her paw, the wildcat Queen snapped at a stoat close by, “Give me your spear.

Keeping her eyes fixed on the quaking vixen, Tsarmina accepted the spear. She swung it around until the point was at Fortunatas throat. “So, nothing could stand against the Gloomer, eh, fox?

The terrified fox could think of nothing to say. She merely gulped.

Tsarmina swung the spear away and dipped it into the river. She fished about for a moment then whipped the point out of the water. Looped over the spearpoint was the collar once worn by the Gloomer. Tsarmina hurled the weapon. It whizzed past Fortunata and buried itself in an ash trunk, quivering with bright droplets of water shaking from it.

From somewhere along the river came the deep, barking laugh of an otter.

The wildcats cloak swirled about her as she tore the spear from the tree and ran to the waters edge brandishing it.

“Laugh, yes laugh all you like, but stay hidden while you value your miserable lives. I am Tsarmina, Queen of the Thousand Eyes. Before I am finished with Mossflower, every creature who defies me will wish that its mother had never given birth to it. The crying and the dying will be loud and long. Now let me hear you laugh at that!

As Tsarmina finished her speech, Fortunata leaped forward. The vixen was thinking of ingratiating herself with her Queen by adding a few words to the speech.

“Thus speaks the mighty Tsarmina, ruler of all Mossfl

As Brogg turned from the rivers edge he collided with the leaping fox. Their heads clashed painfully. The weasel staggered back a step and trod on the hem of the vixens cloak. They tripped, landing ungraciously in the mud of the shallows.

The otters laughter was mingled with the chuckling of squirrels.

Chapter 13

The sun was at its zenith in the woodlands. Young bees droned fuzzily around the flowers in anticipation of their first summer. A venerable oak of massive girth and height towered above the surrounding trees. Beneath its spring foliage of small green leaves and below its aged trunk was Brockhall, the ancestral home of badgers. The solid, intricate root structure of the oak provided ceiling beams, wall columns, shelves and in some places flooring for the beautiful old dwelling. A door was set between the fork of two roots at ground level. From there a long passage ran downward with rooms leading off itBellas private study, small sitting rooms, a nursery and small infirmary. At the other end the passage opened out into the main hall. This was large and well-appointed, with a hearth, fireplace, full dining board and small seated alcoves around its walls. Several doors led off the main hall; to the left was the master bedroom and dormitories, while off to the right was the larder, kitchens and storerooms, behind which lay the bolt hole or escape door, constructed with typical woodland common sense.

Brockhall had been built by badgers in the dim past, and they had taken great pains that everything should be just the way woodland badgers like it to be. Great care and the skill of many craftbeasts had provided every conceivable comfort in the underground mansion; there were elaborate wall torches and beautifully carved furniture (again, much of this cut into the living root to blend with the surroundings). The walls were lined with fawn- and pink-colored clay, baked to give it a fine rustic atmosphere. Here and there throughout the chambers were large overstuffed armchairs of the type badgers prefer, each with a fuzzy old velveteen pawstool, often used by young ones in preference to the small polished maple chairs made specially for them. Overall it was an admirable country seat which could easily accommodate the entire Corim membership.

All the woodlanders were gathered to meet the mice who had journeyed from Loamhedge; it was an occasion for feasting. The Council of Resistance in Mossflower leaders sat in the main hall, infants were taken to the nursery, and friends went to help with the cooking and preparation of food in Bellas much admired kitchen. Though the badger was not short of provisions, she always welcomed the addition of otter, squirrel and mole food. All had arrived well burdened. Bella liked tasting other dishes, after cooking for herself all the time.

Gonff introduced her to Martin. She greeted him warmly.

“Martin, welcome, friend. We have heard of you already from Ben Stickle. I believe you gave a Kotir patrol a taste of your warrior skills single-pawed, before they managed to capture you. We shall be grateful if you would share your talents with us in the times that lie ahead. Tell me, did you come from the northlands?

Martin nodded as he shook Bellas big paw. The badger smiled knowingly. “Ah, I thought so. You probably cut your eyeteeth on rats and foxes. Ive heard all about the warrior mice from up north. Come and meet some friends of mine from the south.

Bella took them to the kitchen, where they were introduced to Abbess Germaine, who was presiding over the preparations. From there Gonff took Martin to be introduced to Ben and Goody Stickle.

The two hedgehogs were overjoyed to see Gonff back safe. They patted him furiously on the head, as their spines prevented them hugging anyone other than fellow hedgehogs.

Goody patted and scolded Gonff at the same time. “Oh, my goodness, thank mice youre back, you liddle rip. Dont go ever gettin yourself locked up like that again. Me n Ben was plain worried for you, Gonff.

Ben was patting Martins head enthusiastically. “Heed what Goody tells you, Gonff. Tis for your own good. Be more like young Martin hereonly get yourself caught when theres nought else for it.

Goody nodded in agreement, trying to look severe, but Gonff caught her by the paws and danced her about.

Youve been more than a mum to me,
And you brought me up very well
Im a little mousehog to thee.
My Goody, no words can tell,
When I see your old prickle face

“Get on with you, thievin liddle fibber! Goody shooed Gonff off, wiping her eyes on her old flowery apron.

Gonff flung a paw across Martins shoulder. As they strolled away smiling, Ben sniffed loudly. “Cant fail to like that little rogue, someow.

“Silence, woodlanders, please. Bella called out, “Could you all find a seat? The food will be served after the talking has been done.

The hall was full, creatures occupying seats, shelves, hearth and floor. Skipper banged his tail. The hubbub subsided, and he nodded for Bella to continue.

“Thank you. Welcome, one and all. As you can see, there are many new friends in our midst, not the least of whom is Martin the Warrior. He and Gonff recently escaped from Kotir prison in a very brave and daring manner.

Heads turned to look at Martin. There were winks, nods and pawshakes.

“Also I have great pleasure in introducing some mice that you may not know of yet, Bella continued, “Abbess Germaine with her Brothers and Sisters of Loamhedge. I am sure the Abbess would like to say a word.

There was general applause as the old mouse stood up.

“My mice and I wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing us to settle in your beautiful Mossflower country. We are a peaceful order of builders and healers; in our own tradition we are wise in the ways of mother nature. Please feel free to come to us with your families, the sick, injured, or just fretful little ones. We will do all we can to help. The only price we ask is the gift of your friendship. Perhaps one day when this land is free of the tyranny which shadows it, we can work together to raise a mighty building, giving settlement and security to all who wish to dwell peacefully within its walls.

The Abbess sat down amid loud cheering and many offers of help from decent, hardworking family creatures. Order was nearly restored when a young squirrel voice piped up, “Caw, is that roast chestnut with cream and honey I can smell?

“Indeed it is, made to an old Loamhedge recipe, too. Abbess Germaine called back, “Is the talking finished, Bella?

“It certainly is, Abbess. I havent had Loamhedge roasted chestnuts in many a season. Stay where you are, everyone. The food is ready.

Suddenly a fat dormouse leaped up with a squeak of fright. “Ooh, the floors moving!

“Dont be afeared, matey, Skipper laughed. “Thatll be Foremole arrivin. Hes smelled the vittles, too.

Willing paws united to lift a floorstone. There was a moments silence, the earth trembled slightly, then a huge pair of paws with powerful digging claws broke through. Seconds later they were followed by a dark velvety head with tiny bright black eyes, a moist snout, and a gruff whiskery mouth.

“Boy urr, a mornin to ee, do be sorry bouten tunnel. Cooken smells roight noice. Foremole popped out like a black furry cannonball, followed by a score and a half of grinning moles. Like their leader they all spoke in heavy rural molespeech.

“Ho urr, lo Bella stroipead.

“Yurr, be that chesknutters oi smell?

“Hoo arr, oi gets powerful ungered a-tunellen.

“Harr, morrow to ee, Skip. Ow do ee do.

The industrious moles were loved by all the woodlanders. Infants shrieked with laughter at their quaint speech, and the moles would smile, speaking more broadly, if that were possible.

Exclamations of admiration and delight greeted the food as it was served. After all, who could resist roast chestnuts served in cream and honey, or clover oatcakes dipped in hot redcurrant sauce, celery and herb cheese on acorn bread with chopped radishes, or a huge home-baked seed and sweet barley cake with mint icing, all washed down with either October ale, pear cordial, strawberry juice or good fresh milk.

Martin muttered through a mouthful of cake and milk, “In the name of mice, Id have been a cook and not a warrior if I knew food could taste this good.

Gonff grinned, trying to answer through a face crammed with chestnut, honey and strawberry juice. “Mmmfff, shoulden talk wiff ymouff full.

Bella sat with the Corim leaders. As they ate they talked. “I think for the future we should all live together here in Brockhallat least all those that cant climb trees and swim rivers. Theyd be caught by Tsarmina and her army sooner or later.

“Aye, marm, good idea. Skipper agreed. “They cant be found out here; the cat knows nothing of Brockhall. But that doesnt mean my crew and Lady Ambers band. We dont strike our colors and run at the first sign of trouble.

“Nobody doubts your courage, Skipper, Abbess Germaine interrupted. “But maybe were jumping ahead a bit. With all the woodlanders hiding out here, the cat will have little to do except sit on her tail. Why not form a good spy network and see what she is up to? Maybe then we can form a plan of action. What do you think, Martin? Youre a seasoned warrior?

Martin had been listening. He cleared his mouth. “I think all your ideas are good and sensible. Lets try them. But peace is not found like a pawful of nuts or an apple. The wildcat is here, and Kotir wont go away if we close our eyes. Sooner or later we will have to fight to rid the land of them. Only then can we talk of building and peace.

Skipper and Amber both clapped him on the back.

“Let us attend to one thing at a time, Bella advised. “First, we need a good spy to keep us informed. If we know our enemies, we will know their weaknesses.

Ferdy and Coggs marched up, trying to look warlike yet secretive at the same time. “Weve heard youre looking for two good spies, Miss Bella.

Before any laughter could start, Skipper was up and marching around inspecting them. They stood stiffly to attention, knowing a good officer when they saw one. Skipper eyed them up and down.

“Ho yes, I remember you covestwo of the fiercest fellers as ever stood guard at the Stickle place. I heard weasels and ferrets was a-shakin in their skins at the thought you might attack Kotir. Shall we let em be spies, Lady Amber?

The squirrel looked serious, shaking her head. “Spying is too tame for these old wardogs. I think that with the good job they did at Stickles we should promote them to Captains of the Home Guard at Brockhall.

The two little hedgehogs nearly burst with pride. They set off to make themselves badges of office.

Gonff threw in a suggestion. “The best spy I know is Chibb.

Objections flooded in.

“Chibbs not one of us.

“Hes a bird.

“Hell want payment.

“I wouldnt trust a robin.

“Why not one of our own?

Bella pounded her chair until a heavy dust cloud arose and silence was restored.

“Gonff is right. No one could get closer to Kotir than Chibb. If he wants payment, then so be it, well pay him. I think its a good idea.

“Hurr, a burd tis, wens say let Chebb be a spoiy. Save usns doin the job. Asoides, we doantave wingers to floiy wi.

The Foremoles logic was irrefutable. Unanimous agreement was given by a show of paws.

Chibb it was to be.

Ben Stickle had the final word. Being one of the last to leave the shadow of Kotir, he received a sympathetic hearing.

“I dont know much about fightin and spyin but I still think its a good idea. One thing I do know, me an my missus an our liddle family wont be goin back to slave for no cat and her soldiers. Wed be as well off dead as havin to do that again. But wed all best listen to the good Abbess here. Lets not jump too hasty; war means creatures gettin theyselves killed. If it must come to that, then so be it, but meanwhiles lets keep level heads about us, concentrate on safety for now. Aye, that an keepin ourselves an our families safe. I want to see my little ones grow to farm their own food and not have soldiers comin around to tell us that our land is theirs an takin toll and tax of over half the vittles we have. That aint fair nor right. Mind, though, weve got time on our side. I know that Kotir larders must be run down considerable since we all left. Huh, the cat and her soldiers can march about all season, but theres no one left to order about and they aint no farmers, thats sure. Theyll starve without others to do their labor.

Chapter 14

The sun beat down on the soldiers of Kotir as they stood in serried ranks upon the parade ground. Each creature stood stiff as a ramrod, and all wore every available piece of equipment, including heavy spears, shields and full packs stuffed with rocks strapped to their backs.

Blacktooth licked a drop of sweat that rolled past his lip. He muttered to Splitnose, “Huh, whats all this about? It was the Gloomer lost the battle, not us. As far as I can see, we didnt do too badly against those river wallopers and tree jumpers.

Splitnose twitched his eyelid against an inquisitive fly. “Youre right there, Blackie. Sometimes I think Id like to pack in all this soldierin lark at Kotir.

Behind them in the next rank, Brogg could not resist a titter. “Heehee, just you try it, stoat. Where would you go on your own, eh? Nah, shed have you dragged back and made an example of..

Scratt in the rank behind Brogg agreed. “Aye, youre right there, Brogg, but theres not many would pass up a chance of sliding off from here and starting up somewhere else. Perhaps we might form a little group sometime and try it.

Blacktooth was skeptical. “Oh yes? Let me tell you something, Scratt. Thatd be worse than going off on your own, itd be mutiny or mass desertionand you know how Tsarminad punish that little lot.

Scratt knew only too well. “Death!

Blacktooth chuckled humorlessly. “Right. Deader than a fallen log. Huh, youd be glad to be so when she finished with you, bucko.

Cludds heavy voice bellowed out across the parade ground, “Silence in the ranks! No talking back mere!

Scratt muttered under his breath, “Oh dry up, slobber-chops. You werent even out in the forest when we had to fight.

“No, he was back here with his nightie on, snoring like a dead dog, Splitnose sniggered.

“I wont tell you again. I said, silence in the ranks!

From the rear of the army a complaining voice called out, “I reckon weve been stood here nearly two hours now. What for?

Other voices began complaining before Cludd could silence them.

“Aye and why the full uniform and rock packs? Are we supposed to roast alive?

“Pretty daft, if you ask me. Im only a storeroom guard.

Tsarmina prowled silently out of the main door onto the sunlit parade ground. An immediate deafening silence fell over all.

She signaled to Cludd.

The Captain of the Guard bellowed to the sweating troops, “Tribute to the Queen followed by twelve circuits of the square at the double. Begin!

With a loud shout, ferrets, stoats and weasels roared in unison.

“Tsarmina, Queen of Mossflower!

“Slayer of enemies!

“Lady of the Thousand Eyes!

“Conqueror of all creatures!

“Ruler of Kotir!

“Daughter of Lord Greeneyes!

Breaking off, they commenced running in a swift trot around the parade grounds, paws punished by the harsh gravel, muscles aching with the strain of the heavy packs and cumbersome weapons.

Tsarmina watched impassively, remarking to Ashleg, “Daughter of Lord Greeneyes. Who said that was to be kept among my list of titles?

Behind her back, Ashleg looked at Fortunata and shrugged.

The wildcat Queen stared fixedly ahead as her troops lumbered by on their second circuit. “Well, Im still waiting for an answer. Who said that my troops should be shouting about my dead father instead of me? Am I not capable of ruling Kotir alone?

Fortunata got in ahead of Ashleg. “There has never been a more capable ruler than you, Milady. On my oath as a healer, it was not I who arranged your title list.

Tsarmina rubbed her injured paw thoughtfully. Behind her, Ashlegs wooden limb made nervous little shifting noises.

“What have you got to say for yourself, marten?

“Your Majesty, I thought that

Tsarminas snarl overrode Ashlegs nervous muttering. “Thought? Who gave you permission to think? Get out on that parade ground this instant!

The unhappy Ashleg stumped out, knowing it was useless to plead or argue.

Tsarmina halted the march on its next circuit. They ground to a halt in front of the marten. She called out to Cludd, “Keep Ashleg in front of the army. First rank, point your spears at that marten. All of you, remember this: I am no longer called Daughter of Lord Greeneyes. That title is dead. It will be replaced by the name Tsarmina the Magnificent.

At a wave of Cludds spear the army chanted aloud, “Tsarmina the Magnificent!

Ashleg looked around nervously. He was standing out in front of a rank of gleaming spearpoints, all pointed at his body. The marten gathered his cloak up, knowing the cruel command that was imminent. Tsarminas snarl cut cross his thoughts. “At the double. Carry on!

Fortunata stood to one side, knowing that a careless word could have placed her alongside the hapless marten.

Ashleg tried not to think. Desperately he dragged himself along in a frantic hop cum hobble, in front of the lethal spears. Madly he tried to gain a little ground, only to realize that he was hard put to keep what lead he had from the relentlessly double-marching soldiers.

Tsarmina laughed mockingly and she dug Fortunata in the ribs. “Ha, thumpitty clump, eh, fox. How long dyou reckon hell last?

“Not long at that rate, Milady. Look at him trying to keep ahead of those spears. Ashleg mightnt be too bright, but at least hes obedient and loyal.

Tsarmina sighed moodily; her fun had been spoiled. “Hmm, youre right, I suppose. Tell Cludd to call a halt.

Fortunata waved a signal to the stolid weasel Captain. Cludd halted the troops at the very moment Ashleg fell face forward on the gravel, his tortured body unable to travel another pace. He was sobbing pitifully for breath.

Tsarmina prowled purposefully out in front of the ranks, ignoring Ashleg, who was dragging himself painfully toward the indoor coolness of the entrance hall. The wildcat Queen faced her command as they stood in the gravel dust with heaving chests.

“Look at you. See how you have grown fat and lazy, slugs, worms! As from today, all of this will change. Believe me, or die. Mice, two silly little mice, have escaped my prison. Together with a rabble of woodlanders, they have made fools of you all.

Nervous paws crunched the gravel as Tsarminas fury and scorn lashed them.

“Ill take revenge for the insult to my majesty. Mossflower will be drenched in the blood of any creature who will not obey me, whether it be a woodlander or a soldier of Kotir!

Fortunata shuddered inwardly at the mad light that shone in Tsarminas eyes as her voice rose in the sunlit stillness.

“Cludd, Ashleg, Fortunata, you will split the army four ways. Take a group each. I will stay here to guard Kotir with the remainder. You will go into the forest and hunt out every last woodlander. Take them prisoners. Any that resist, kill. Kotir will grow strong again with prisoners to serve it. We will enslave them. The flatlands to the west will be cultivated and farmed. My father was too soft with those creatures. They took advantage of his good nature in letting them live outside the walls in a settlement. Thats what encouraged them to desert: too much freedom. Well, Ill tell you all right now, no more settlements. Itll be the cells for them this time; separate cells, punishment, thats what theyll be here for. We will hold their young as hostages. To stop any uprising, they will toil from dawn to duskor their families will starve. Go now, and remember, this time there will be no failure.

There was a hurried clanking and stamping from the already armored and kitted troops. Orders were called amid wheeling and marching. In a short time Tsarmina stood alone on the empty parade ground, staring at a single fallen spear.

Whoever had dropped it would be far too scared to come back and retrieve it. She stooped and picked up the weapon as something whooshed by close overhead.

Argulor!

As big and powerful as she was, Tsarmina did not wait around to challenge the eagle. Taking a swift run, she vaulted through a ground-floor window, using the spear shaft as a pole. Peering out, she saw Argulor circle away to his perch, well out of arrow range.

The wildcat Queen was glad that no one had witnessed her retreat.

Chapter 15

Chibb the robin watched the little procession of woodlanders marching southward. He had no doubt that they were coming to visit him. They were carrying food. If they were not coming to see him, then what right did they have wandering about Mossflower carrying bags of candied chestnuts?

He was different from other birds. For the sake of his little fat stomach, Chibb had overcome all barriers. Greed was the one motive that drove him to sell his spying skills to othersgreed, tempered with wisdom. Chibb would never sell his services to Kotir, as he had narrowly escaped being eaten by weasels and such on more than one occasion.

The woodlanders used Chibb whenever they had cause to, Sometimes to locate a missing young one, more often than not to find out what was going on in other parts of the forest. Chibb did not come cheaply, however. The fat robin had a fondness amounting to a passion for candied chestnuts.

He watched the party below him: Martin, Lady Amber and a young Loamhedge mouse called Columbine were in the lead; Gonff and Billum the mole trailed behind, both carrying small barkcloth bags of candied chestnuts. Chibb could not take his bright eyes off the bag that Gonff was bouncing playfully in his paws.

“Ha, candied chestnuts, eh, Billum. Whats the good of giving these to old Chibb, just for a skinny bit of spyin? Ill bet me and you could scoff these between us and get their spyin done for em easy enough.

The trusty mole caught the bag in midair as Gonff tossed it. He crinkled his velvet face in a deep chuckle.

“Ho hurr hurr! Liddle wunner they send oi tkeep watch on ee, youm a villyen, Maister Gonff. Keepen ee paws outten ee chesknutters, or oi tells Miz Bell offen ee.

Gonff threw up his paws in mock horror and ran to catch up with Martin, complaining aloud. “The nerve of Billum! Fancy not trusting honest old Gonffme, that was sent on this mission specially to keep an eye out for greedy moles. Ill bet I end up getting scragged by you lot, trying to keep those chestnuts safe. Theres no room for an honest thief these days.

Martin chuckled as he watched Columbine from the corner of his eye. The pretty young fieldmouse was laughing merrily, obviously taken by Gonffs roguish charm. Martin encouraged her by putting in the odd word or two on his friends behalf.

“Be careful of that fellow, Columbine. Hes not one of your Loamhedge order. If you dont watch Gonff, hell steal the whiskers from under your nose.

Columbines eyes went wide with amazement. “Would he really?

Gonff winked at Martin. Cartwheeling suddenly, he shot across Columbines path so close that he brushed by her face. With a squeak of shock she put up her paws. Martin shook his head seriously.

“You see, they dont call Gonff the Prince of Mousethieves for nothing. Have you counted your whiskers?

Columbine put her paws up then dropped them smiling. “Oh really, you two!

Gonff bowed and produced two thin strands. “What do you think these are, O wise beauty?

Columbines mouth fell open. “But, I didnt feel a thing.

Billum had caught up. He chuckled and scratched his snout. “Nor oi wagers you didden, missie. They whiskers is offen Gonff. Thas ow youm never feeled owt.

Lady Amber pointed at a long-dead elm covered in ivy. She held up her paw for silence. “Hush now. This is Chibbs home. We dont want to frighten him off. Gonff, you do the talking.

Gonff rapped upon the trunk of the elm and shouted up toward a hole left by a broken branch, “Hey, Chibb! Come out, you old redbreast. Its me, Gonff.

There was no response, Gonff tried again. “Come on, matey. We know youre in there. Whats up? Dont you want to earn some candied chestnuts?

Billum opened one of the bags and selected a large nut. “Harr, mayaps youm roight, Gonffen. Usns could ate chesknutters an do ee jobs ourselfs.

The mole popped the dark sugar-glazed nut into his mouth, licked the sweetness from his digging claws and chomped away with an expression of rapture on his homely face. “Umff, gurr, oo arr, mmmmm!

Much to Columbines amusement, Gonff did likewise, imitating perfectly the mole speech and gesture.

“Hurr, oo arr, Billum, these yurr be furst-clarss chesknutters. Hoo arr, that they be.

They had eaten a nut apiece when a bout of nervous coughing erupted from the branches of a nearby rowan. “Err, harrumph, ahem hem!

Chibb puffed out his chest importantly, ruffling his feathers to increase his stature. He paced a branch with wings folded behind him in a businesslike attitude. Politely he cleared his throat once more before speaking.

“Harrumph, ahem, scuse me. Let me warn you before we proceed any further, if anyone eats another nut I will judge it an insult, then of course you will have to take your business elsewhere, ahem.

“Please consider what I say before answering. Martin responded in an equally formal tone. “I have been authorized to make you an offer. Here are our terms: you, Chibb, will spy on Kotir and find out what plans are being made by Tsarmina against the woodlanders of Mossflower. The Corim wish to know all details of any reprisals or attacks directed at our creatures. For this you will be paid two bags of candied chestnuts now and a further two bags upon bringing back your information. Is that agreed?

Chibb cocked his head on one side. His bright eye watched Gonff as he picked crumbs of chestnut from his whiskers with his tongue. The robin coughed nervously.

Columbine had assessed the situation correctly. She interrupted in a more friendly tone. “Of course the nuts will be carefully counted, Mr. Chibb. The bags will be completely filled. I will see that four more nuts be added as an interest for the two that have just been eaten, and another four added as evidence of our good faith in your well-known skills.

Chibb shifted his claws and fixed Columbine with a quizzical stare. “Ahem, hem, you are the one from Loamhedge they call Columbine. I shall do business with you, harrumph, scuse me. These others are not required for our dealings.

Lady Amber breathed a sign of relief. Chibb could be incredibly pompous and stubborn; thank the fur for the good sense and initiative shown by Columbine.

The robin flew down and bowed courteously to the Loamhedge mouse. “Aherrahem! There is, however, one small matter that may cost an extra nut or two

Billum nudged Gonff. “Oi spected thurr moight be, hurr hurr.

Chibb ignored the mole. “Harrumph, yes, theres the question of the eagle, Argulor. Ahem, as you know, he is back in the area of Kotir. This puts an, ahem, element of risk upon my espionage activities.

Columbine nodded in agreement. “Indeed it does, Mr. Chibb. I appreciate this. Should you be attacked or injured in any way by large birds, we propose in doubling your fee. Do we have a bargain, sir?

Chibb was almost dumbfounded by this generous offer. He held out a claw to Columbine. “Er ahem, a bargain, Miss Columbine. A bargain indeed!

Paw shook claw. Lady Amber interrupted to give details of the spying mission to the robin, Gonff tossed the two bags expertly up into Chibbs home in the elm, and goodbyes were made all around as the friends departed. A few paces into the undergrowth Lady Amber held up a paw.

“Hush! Listen!

Silently they tried to stifle their laughter as the sounds of Chibb reached them. The robin was stuffing himself with his fee, coughing with excitement as he crammed candied chestnuts into an already overflowing beak.

“Ahemcawscrunffmmmharrumphcrunch!

Martin held his sides as tears from stifled laughter ran down his cheeks. “Hahaha, oh dear, listen to that. Oh, the little glutton! Columbine, whatever possessed you to offer him a double fee like that?

Columbine leaned up against a tree, helpless with mirth. “Well I, oh, heeheehee, I could have offered him ten times the fee, if Id have thought, ohahaha. Imagine a robin coming back to claim a fee after being attacked by a golden eagle, hahaheeheee. There wouldnt be enough of him left to make a smear on Argulors beak. That eagle could scoff Chibb in a half-mouthful, haha-haha!

Tsarmina stood at a barred window in full view of Argulors perch.

“Im here, you great feathered blindworm, she called.

Argulor took the bait; the fierce instinct of his ancestors would not allow him to do otherwise. The eagle launched from his perch with a blood-chilling screech, diving like a great winged missile at his insolent tormentor.

Tsarmina danced triumphantly and laughed aloud at the sight of the half-blind eagle smashing against the barred window. “Haha, you blundering old feather mattress. Dozy farmyard fowl.

Argulor struggled awkwardly on the narrow window ledge, trying to marshal his wings into a proper flying position to regain what was left of his dignity. The great eagle slipped from the sill, landing on the ground. He had to resort to an ungainly lopsided shuffling run to attain flight.

Tsarmina purred aloud and dug her claws into a rug, opening and closing them, reveling in the pretense of pinioning helpless woodlanders in her needlelike grip, puncturing imaginary hides. Suddenly she whirled over, tossing the rug high in the air. Leaping upon it, she rent it fiercely with her savage strength. Fragments of the flayed rug flew about the room as she ripped and slashed. Hairs and fibers floated in fine sunlit shafts from the bars, dancing with golden dust motes on their way to the floor.

Filled with exuberance, the big cat paced restlessly. Soon a bunch of woodlanders would be marched in, sniveling and bound, to await her pleasure.

And what pleasure! Some she would deal with personally; otters, yes, she would take them down to the Gloomers lake and see how well they would swim bound up and weighted with stonesthat would teach them manners. There were one or two squirrels that could do with jumping lessons from the battlemented roof of Kotir. As for the rest, well, there were always plenty of good hard work and cells.

Tsarmina sprang down the stairways and the dripping passages of her fortress, heading for the cells, where sunlight seldom penetrated. Two stoat guards tried hastily to come to attention as their Queen hurtled past, but they were knocked spinning sideways.

Picking himself up from a pool of slimy water, one of the stoats rubbed his head where it had banged against the walls.

“By the fang! What dyou suppose is wrong with her, this time?

His companion felt gingerly at the sore beginnings of a lump on his snout. “Huh, your guess is as good as mine. One thing I do know, shes not down here for the good of our health. Wed better get straightened up before she comes back this way.

Tsarmina ran from cell to cell, peering through the bars at the hostile interiors as she muttered aloud, “Yes, good, this is ideal. Theyll soon learn obedience down here. Males in one cell, females in another and young ones in a special prison all of their own, where they can be heard but not seen by their parents. Haha, I must remember that: heard but not seen. Well, what have we here, all alone in the darkness?

Gingivere was fading into a gaunt skeleton. The once glossy coat was ragged and graying, his whole body had an air of neglect and decay about it, except the eyes. They fixed Tsarmina with such a burning intensity that she was forced to look away.

“Well, well, my one-time brother, I thought perhaps that you had perished by now in this unhealthy atmosphere, dark, cold, damp, with little to eat. But cheer up, Ill find you an even darker and deeper prison when you move out to make room for the new lodgers Im planning. How would that suit you?

Gingivere stood clasping the cell bars. He stared at his sister.

Tsarmina shifted nervously. Her previous mood of euphoria rapidly disintegrating, she became irritable.

“Never fear, my silent, staring brother. I can soon fix up other arrangements for you. A sword, perhaps. Or a spear during the night to deepen your sleep.

Gingiveres eyes burned into Tsarmina, and his voice was like a knell. “Murderer!

Tsarmina broke and ran, pursued by the voice of her brother like a spear at her back.

“Murderer! You killed our father! Murderer! Murderer!

When the sounds of Tsarminas flight had died away, Gingivere let go of the bars and slumped to the floor, hot tears pouring from his fevered eyes.

After their trek through Mossflower to find Chibb, the little party were ready for food. Now that all the woodlanders were billeted at Brockhall, mealtimes were like a constant feast, so many different dishes were contributed. A pretty posy lay in the middle of the festive board symbolizing the coming together in springtime to oppose the reign of Kotir.

Gonff was conscious of Columbine watching him. Bella had given the little mousethief permission to sing grace, and he stood up boldly and sang aloud,

Squirrels, otters, hedgehogs, mice,
Moles with fur like sable,
Gathered in good spirits all,
Round this festive table.
Sit we down to eat and drink.
Friends, before we do, lets think.
Fruit of forest, field and banks,
To the springtime we give thanks.

The woodlanders began passing food. As Gonff sat down, he winked at Columbine, showing no sign of modesty.

“Good, eh? Thats an ancient chant that has been sung through the ages. I composed it a moment ago for today.

Gonff was so pleased with himself that Columbine could not help laughing with him at his outrageous statement.

Martin had sat at many tablesfarm tables, inn tables, and, more often than not, any handy flat piece of rock where he could lay his food. Now he sat back and surveyed the board before him with wonder. Bulrush and water-shrimp soup provided by the otters; a large flagon of Skippers famous hot root punch; hazel nut truffle; blackberry apple crumble; baked sweet chestnuts; honeyed toffee pears; and maple tree cordial, a joint effort by hedgehogs and squirrels. The Loamhedge and Mossflower mice had combined to provide a number of currant and berry pies, seedcake and potato scones, and a cask of October ale. By far the biggest single offering was a colossal turnip n tater n beetroot n bean deeper n ever pie with tomato chutney baked by the Foremole and his team.

Normally a solid trenchermouse, Martin would have stuck to deeper n ever pie, but Gonff encouraged him and Columbine to sample some of everything.

“Here, matey, hows that for October ale? Columbine, try some of this hot root punch. How dyou like seedcake? Try some of this, both of you. Come on, have a wedge.

“Hey, Martin, dyou reckon youd get the better of one of these toffee pears? Come on, get stuck in, stuck in, hahaha.

“Put that hot root punch down, Columbine. You look as if your face is on fire. Try some of the maple tree cordial.

Ferdy and Coggs sat nearby, hero-worshipping Martin and Gonff.

“Tell you what, Coggs. If ever I come across a broken sword Im going to hang it round my neck, just like Martin the Warrior.

“Huh, fancy trying to keep old Gonff locked up in Kotir! Ill bet he could come and go with both paws tied. You know, I think I look a bit like Gonff.

“Of course you do. I look like Martinpretty quiet and very braveor I will be when Im older. Just wait and see.

“Come on, matey. Weve eaten enough. Lets go off together and invade Kotir before we get sent to bed. We can slip away quietlike.

In the hubbub and confusion of the feast, nobody noticed the two baby hedgehogs take their leave.

Chapter 16

A crescent moon hung over the warm spring night, casting its cloak over the light early foliage of Mossflower Woods. Indifferent to the woodland floor carpeted with dark green grass, dotted with bluebell and narcissus, Fortunata stopped in her tracks and held up a paw for silence. Immediately she was bumped by Brogg and Scratt, two weasels who did not stop fast enough. Ferrets and weasels in their turn blundered sleepily into each other.

Fortunata bared her teeth impatiently. “Stand still, cant you. I think I hear something.

The patrol held its collective breath and listened intently. Scratt dropped his shield with a clang. They all jumped with fright. Fortunata cursed at the hapless weasel, but he was tired and weary of listening to pointless orders.

“Ahh, whats the difference, fox? Were on a right fools errand in this jungle, I can tell you. Huh, tramping about all day in full kit and armor, without anything to eat, and not a sight or sound of a living thing, except the sign of our own pawtracks that we keep coming across. What are we supposed to be doing out here, anyhow? Thats what Id like to know.

There were murmurs of agreement. Fortunata cut in quickly to stem any ideas of mutiny. “All of you, get the soil out of your ears and listen to me. Can you imagine what will happen if we march back to Kotir empty-pawed? Well, can you? By the claw, it doesnt bear thinking about. Imagine the Queendyou think shell say: Oh, you poor creatures. Didnt you find any of those naughty woodlanders? Well, never mind, come in and take off your armor, sit by the fire and have a bite to eat.

One particularly stupid ferret grinned hopefully. “Oh, that would be nice.

Fortunata was about to give him something painful to think about when she heard the noise once more.

“Ssshhh! There it is again, coming right toward us. Right, this is your chance to carry out the mission properly. I want you all out of sight. You lot, get behind those trees. You others, hide in the bushes. When I give the signal, come out whacking. Use your spear handles, shields, branchesanything. I want them taken alive. Here they come! Hide quickly.

As the soldiers dropped out of sight, a cloud obscured the moonlight. At that moment a band of dark shapes came into view.

The vixen ran out shouting, “Now, up and at em, troops!

Spurred on by Fortunata, the soldiers dashed from hiding. They charged with a roar into the midst of the intruders, dealing out heavy blows, kicking, biting, scratching and pounding away at the enemy. The air was rent with blows, screams, thuds and yells of pain.

Exulting in the chaos of the ambush, Fortunata seized the nearest figure and thrashed it unmercifully with her staff.

Thwack, bang, crack!

“Yeeow, aargh, oo mercy, help!

It was only when she kicked out savagely and splintered the wooden leg that the vixen realized she was close to slaying Ashleg.

“Stoppit! Halt! Pack it in, you fools. Were fighting our own! Fortunata yelled at the top of her lungs.

When the clouds moved, moonlight illuminated a sorry scene. The soldiers of Kotir sat about on the grass, moaning pitifully. Broken and fractured limbs, collective bumps, bruises, sprains, missing teeth, blackened eyes, contusions and some very nasty scratches were much in evidence.

Ashleg sat on the ground, nursing his wrecked wooden leg. “You booby, you knothead, you nincompoop of a fox, you, you !

“Er, sorry, Ashleg. But how were we to know? Why didnt you signal that you were coming?

“Signal, you brush-tailed blockhead! Ill give you a signal! The marten flung his broken wooden leg, catching Fortunata square on the top of her nose.

“Yowch! You twisted little monster, there was no call for that. We thought you were woodlanders; it was a genuine mistake.

Ashleg rubbed a swollen ear. “Woodlanders! Dont talk to me about that lot! Weve patrolled this forest until our paws are sore. Not a solitary mouse, not so much as the hair off a squirrels tail or the damp from an otters back.

The vixen slumped down glumly beside him. “Same here. Where dyou suppose theyve vanished to?

“Huh, search me. Tsarmina will skin us alive when we get back.

Scratt threw down his spear and sat with them. “Aye, youre right there. Ah well, maybe well have more luck when it gets light. We may as well camp here. At least we can search around for roots and berries.

Fortunata and Ashleg looked at each other.

“Roots and berries Yuk!

Chibb the robin circled the crenellations of Kotir in the dawn light. There was not a lot to interest the little spy; the garrison was still asleep. He noted each window and what was inside: snoring ferrets, slumbering weasels, dozy stoats, even Tsarmina in her upper chamber, stretched out in splendor upon a heap of furs. The wildcat Queen was dreaming troubled dreams of water, muttering to herself, pushing the air as if it were water enveloping her. Chibb flew down and lighted on the parade ground near the wall. Keeping a watch for the eagle, he set about breakfast. From a small bag slung about his neck he selected a candied chestnut; not one of the big smooth ones, but a small wrinkled nut that had lots of sugar in the cracks. Chibb liked them better that way.

Chibb noted that he was near something which looked like a drain outlet, a hole cut into the wall at floor level. He bopped inside, peering about curiously. It went slanting downward as far as he could see. Nibbling the nut daintily, the fat robin explored the tunnel. It was quite dry underclaw.

Chibb cocked his head to one side, listening to the sounds of ragged breathing from farther down the tunnel. “Ahem, hem, must be somebody still asleep.

Working his way farther down, he found his progress arrested by three vertical iron bars set into the tunnel. This was no drain; it was the upper window of a cell. Chibb edged up to the bars and peeped down. He was looking into the burning eyes of an emaciated wildcat seated below upon the damp stones.

“Humph, harrumph, hem, scuse me.

Gingivere shaded his eyes, staring upward at his strange visitor. “Please dont fly away. I wont harm you. My name is Gingivere.

The robin cocked his head airily on one side. “Ahem, humph. Youll excuse my saying so, but you dont appear to be in any position to harm me. Er, ahem, must go now. Ill drop by and see you another time.

Chibb beat a hasty retreat back up the tunnel. The wildcat with the staring eyes had quite unsettled him. At the edge of the tunnel the robin ate the last of his nut, then flew off back to Brockhall to report his findings.

The day promised to be fine and sunny. Chibb flew high, knowing that the sun in the east would shine in the eyes of predators looking west. He took not the slightest interest in the woodland floor far below. Had he flown lower, he would have noticed Ferdy and Coggs lying in a patch of open sward, fast asleep, their paws about each other, blissfully unaware that a short distance away Cludd was making an early start at the head of his patrol.

Bella was up and about early that morning, being a light sleeper. She received Chibbs information about Gingivere being imprisoned. This was already known to the Corim through Martin and Gonff, yet it gave Bella pause for thought; Kotir was now definitely ruled totally by the cruel Tsarmina.

Martin joined her for an early morning stroll in the woodland before breakfast. The badger had matters to discuss with the warrior mouse.

“War is coming to Mossflower, Martin. I can feel it. Now that we are all at Brockhall, the defenceless ones are safer, but I listen to the voices at Corim meetings. The squirrels and otters are not satisfied with merely resisting Kotirs rulethey want to challenge it.

Martin felt the broken sword hanging about his neck. “Maybe that is no bad thing, Bella. Mossflower rightfully belongs to the woodlanders. I will do all I can to help my friends live without fear.

“I know you will, little warrior, but we are not strong enough. We have few who are trained in the art of war. If Boar the Fighter, my father, were still ruling here, there would be no question he would fight and lead us to certain victory.

Martin noted the sad, faraway look in the badgers eyes. “He must have been a mighty warrior. Does he still live?

Bella shrugged. “Who knows? He followed his father, old Lord Brocktree, to go off questing. This was before Verdauga and his army arrived in Mossflower. My mate Barkstripe was slain in the first battle against Kotir and my son Sunflash lost to me forever. Barkstripe was more farmer than warrior. Had it been Boar the Fighter that faced Kotir, we would have won, I am certain of it.

Martin turned his steps back to Brockhall.

Goody Stickle was standing in the doorway, rubbing her paws together anxiously. As they approached, Bella spoke to Martin in a whisper. “Tell nobody of our conversation. I must talk to you further about certain important matters, maybe later.

Martin nodded. “I will look forward to it, Bella. You have aroused my curiosity. Hey, Goody, why are you looking so worried?

Goody fussed with her apron. “Mornin Miz Bella. Mornin, Martin. Ave you seen ought of those two liddle ogs of mine in the woods?

“Ferdy and Coggs? Bella shook her head. “No, Goody, Im afraid we havent. Is anything wrong?

The hedgehog gnawed her lip. “Well, they aint slept in their beds last night. Asides that, theres two oatfarls, a good wedge o cheese and some of my best blackcurrant cordial missin from the larder.

Martin could not help smiling at the thought of the two little would-be warriors. “All that for breakfast! Theyll go bang one of these days. I wouldnt worry too much, Mrs. Stickle. Knowing those two rascals, theyll be back by lunchtime for more food.

Ben Stickle emerged into the sunlight. “Aye, Martins right, mdear. Dont you go a-botherin your old ead. Ferdy and Coggs is like new button mushroomsthey always turn up at a good meal.

Ben sat against a tree, chuckling as he filled his pipe.

Gonff and Columbine came out to join them, the mousethief patting his stomach.

“Better hurry up, mateys. Therell be no breakfast left soon. Hey, Goody, I hear that Ferdy and Coggs are missing. Well help you to look for them. Dont worry, theyre probably somewhere nearby playing soldiers.

Goody knotted her apron strings anxiously. “Thank you, Gonff. Oh, I do ope theyve come to no arm, Ben. Get up now and elp Gonff n Columbine. I wont be appy until I see their mucky liddle snouts agin.

Ben stood up and stretched. “So be it, Goody. Come on, you two.

Bella assured her. “Now dont start getting upset, Goody. Ill send all the woodlanders out looking. Theyll find them. Martin and I will stop here at Brockhall in case they come back while everyones out searching.

Goody smiled gratefully, although she was close to tears. “Thank you kindly, Miz Bella. Ill go and start cookin the lunch.

Shortly thereafter, Bella addressed a large party of willing helpers.

“Listen now, friends. Ferdy and Coggs must be found before nightfall. Split up into small groups, search everywhere, and pay particular attention to small dens and possible hiding placesthey may be lying asleep somewhere. Above all, be careful. There may be Kotir vermin abroad in Mossflower. Dont shout too loud or make unnecessary noise. Report back to me or to Martin. Off you go now, and good luck.

The woodlanders dispersed, eager to begin. Each creature searched in the best way it knew; squirrels swung off into treetops where they could scan the ground below, otters made their way to the water to scour the banks and creeks, mice and hedgehogs ploughed into the undergrowth. Moles trundled through last autumns deep loam. The search was on.

* * *

A blackbird in a sycamore raised its amber beak in a hymn of joy to the sun. Ashleg blundered into wakefulness. Shivering from the damp, he hopped into the sunlight and leaned against a tree. Scratt joined him, but not before he had aimed a sly kick at the sleeping Fortunata.

“Oi! Are you going to lie there all day, lazybones?

The weasel drew his paw swiftly back from the vixens snapping jaws. Far more used to sleeping in the open than the Kotir soldiers, she had dug herself into the soft loam of the forest floor.

“Mind who you call lazybones, fathead. Ive been lying awake here for the past two hours listening to you snore like an ailing toad.

Ashleg closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the sun seep through his damp cloak. With a sigh of resignation he remembered the quandary they faced.

“Cant you two stop squabbling long enough to give a thought to the mess were in? Weve beaten each other up, slept through the whole night without posting a single sentry, and now weve got to go back to face Tsarmina sometime today. Look, if we must argue, at least lets argue about something useful. Whats to be done about this whole fiasco?

Fortunata shook loose loam from her cloak, showering them. “Well, there were three patrols sent out to search this forest. Where have Cludd and his lot got to?

As if in answer to the vixens question, Cludd came marching through the undergrowth at the head of his column. Scratt was the first to notice him.

“Oi, Cludd, over here. Where in hells teeth did you get to? We havent seen you since we left the fortress.

The weasel Captain stuck a paw in his belt and leaned upon his spear, smirking knowingly.

“Oh, weve been doing our job, dont you worry, Scratt. Huh, what happened to you lot? Did a pile of trees fall down on you?

“It was nothing, reallya little mistake, could have happened to anybeast. Ashleg tried to sound casual. “Let me tell you, though, we havent seen hide nor hair of a living creature in this rotten maze of trees. Were rightly in for it when the Queen sees us.

Cludd smiled confidently. “Speak for yourself, Ashleg. We wont be returning empty-pawed. Oh no, not us.

“Why, what dyou mean? Fortunata interrupted eagerly. “Who have you captured? Where?

Cludd sneered at the fox. “Oh hello, vixen. You look as if youve been enjoying yourself. By the way, what happened to the old wooden leg, Ashy?

The marten was using a forked branch as a crutch, and he stamped it down bad-temperedly.

“Listen, weasel, will you stop waffling around and tell us what youve got, instead of standing there looking pleased with yourself?

Cludd beckoned with his spear. “Right. Show em lads.

The ranks of the patrol parted, revealing two small hedgehogs. They were gagged and trussed upside down, slung upon poles carried by four soldiers.

Ferdy and Coggs were well and truly captured!

Chapter 17

Bella paused, gazing at the run of the grain on the tabletop. She was remembering times long gone.

“Where did old Lord Brocktree and Boar the Fighter go questing? Martin asked softly. The badger gave her answer in a single word: “Salamandastron.

“Salamandastron? Martin repeated the strange-sounding word.

Bella nodded slowly. “Aye, the fire mountain, secret place of the dragons.

Martins eyes went wide with wonderment. “Bella, dont stop now. Carry on, please.

The badger smiled wistfully. “Ah, little Martin the Warrior, I see that same strange fire kindled in your eyes, just as it was with my father and his father before him. Why must Salamandastron always weave its spell upon the brave? I can see your desire to travel there; that is as I wanted it to be.

Martin furrowed his brows. “You want me to travel to Salamandastron? But why?

Bella leaned close, emphasizing each word with a tap of her paw on the table. “Since Boar left Mossflower, we have lived under virtual siege. First there was the rebellion, when many brave woodlanders lost their lives; then there was the Settlement with its slummy hovels and tolls, and soldiers harassing the creatures that had to endure living there. I know it seems fairly safe out here in Brockhall, but will it always be so? Now that Tsarmina rules Kotir, we can never be sure what she will do next. Ben Stickle hit the nail on the head when he said Kotir could not last without creatures to supply it with rations. Will the cat start to search Mossflower for us? She will have to do something before next winter; she has a full army to feed. Martin, I feel that we are living on a knifes edge here. Ben Stickle wants peace, Skipper wants war, the Abbess wants peace, Lady Amber wants war. Boar the Fighter is the rightful ruler of Mossflower. I cannot leave here; I have responsibilities to our friends the woodlanders and the Corim. Who could I send? Martin, there is only you. You have traveled, you are an experienced warrior, you are the one I will stake my trust on. Dont rush to give me your answer now. I want you to think about it. This is a very dangerous mission, and I will understand if you wish to stay here. My home is your home!

“I believe that my father still lives. You must bring him back to Mossflower to break Tsarminas regime. Together under the leadership of Boar the Fighter we will defeat Tsarmina.

The spell was broken by Lady Amber, who came striding in with a face that was so grim it heralded bad news.

“Ferdy and Coggs are lost for sure. Weve scoured high and low, all of us. Its as if the forest has swallowed them up.

Bella scratched her stripes reflectively. “Have you seen Chibb?

“Yes. Hes been around Kotir. Nothing to report, really. I sent him on a wide patrol of the woods. Maybe hell bring news before nightfall.

The searchers returned at noon. Goody had busied herself setting out a salad luncheon on the sward outside Brockhall. Woodlanders ate in silence, avoiding any mention of the lost young ones while Goody was about. Shortly they set off again to resume searching. It was not a happy day in Mossflower. Martin was torn with a desire to help the searchers and curious to find out more about the mysterious place called Salamandastron. The former won; by early noon he was out searching with the others, knowing that Bella would tell him more that night.

* * *

Tsarmina stood at her high chamber window, watching the perimeter of the woodland where the trees thinned out into shrubs and bushes. There they were, at last!

The ragged columns tramped out of the woodlands with Cludd bawling orders at them.

“Come on, you sloppy mob, smarten yourselves up into proper ranks. Right markers, lead off. Tidy that pace up there. Ill not have you lolloping into the garrison like a load of hedgehogs on daisychain day. You there! Yes, you! Liven your ideas up, me laddo, or Ill liven them up for you with my spear.

The Captains voice drifted up to Tsarmina. She could see plainly that there had been no losses among her troops. Neither had there been any mass of captives taken. In a sudden outburst of vicious temper, she slashed a wall curtain from top to bottom with her wicked claws, before storming out down the stairs to the parade ground.

The three platoons staggered to an untidy halt in the courtyard. Wearily they bumbled their way into formation, shouldering weapons and showing Thousand Eye shields front and center. Tsarmina checked her rush in the doorway and strode gracefully out with sinuously waving tail and baleful eye. A tremor rippled the ranks as they stood stiffly to attention, all eyes front. They saluted jointly.

“Hail, Tsarmina, Wildcat Queen of the Thousand Eyes, Ruler of all Mossfl

“Save your breath, fools. Youll get your chance to speak when I say and not before. Tsarmina prowled between the ranks, missing nothing, not even the two pitiful forms that lay bound on the gravel.

Fortunata stood rooted to the spot, feeling the Queens feral breath raising the hairs on the nape of her neck.

“Well, fox, it seems that you all had a cheery spring outing in the woods. I notice that half the patrols are injured in one way or another. Tell me, did those two small woodlanders put up such a ferocious battle?

Tsarmina continued circling Fortunata, her voice at a level of dangerous calm. “No need to worry now, eh, fox? Weve caught their two champion warriors this time. What, if I make ask, was your heroic part in all this?

Fortunatas limbs trembled with the effort of standing motionless. “It was Cludd who caught them, Milady. He found them asleep in a tent made from a blanket. Ashleg and I helped to bring them in.

Tsarmina repeated the phrase slowly. “You helped to bring them in. I see. Good work!

The pine marten was next to receive Tsarminas attention.

“Ah, my fearless friend Ashleg, you must be in great pain. Did one of those two bold rogues nibble through your wooden leg?

“No, Majesty. That happened when my patrol was attacked by Fortunatas command in the night, Ashleg blurted out, surprised at the shrillness of his own voice.

Tsarmina widened her eyes in mock horror. “How awful! We attacked ourselves in the dark. No doubt it was all a little mistake.

“Thats right Milady, just a bit of a mistake, it could have happened to anyone, really. Fortunatas protest sounded hollow.

The wildcat turned her back on the whole scene. Paws akimbo, she stood staring out toward Mossflower. When she eventually spoke her tones dripped sarcasm and controlled rage.

“Get out of my sight, all of you idiotic scum. Down on your bellies and crawl back into the barracks like the worms you are. That way I wont have to look at your thick gormless faces slobbering excuses at me. Go on, clear off, the lot of you! Fortunata, Ashleg, Cluddbring the prisoners up to my chamber.

Less than a minute later, Argulor stirred on his spruce branch and blinked owlishly, unaware that he had missed the chance of snatching a quick meal from the parade ground. He dozed off again in the hot afternoon sun as Chibb shot across the front of him, bound for Brockhall and safety. The tiny red-breasted spy had not missed a single word or movement of what took place on the parade ground.

A group of sad-faced creatures sat in the main hall of Bellas home.

Gonff tossed the blanket and empty cordial jar on the table in front of the Corim leaders. “Found em over to the west, about halfway between here and Kotir. The place stank of weasel and ferret. Lots of tracksa big party, Id say. Anyone got more news?

Bella looked around the searchers who had returned, checking that the Stickles were not present. She kept her voice low. “Chibb saw them trussed up on the parade ground at Kotir earlier today. Theres no doubt about it: Ferdy and Coggs have been taken prisoner. They were carried off to the wildcats chamber for probable questioning.

Skipper slammed a paw against the hearth. “Mates, it doesnt bear thinkin about, those two pore little fellers in the vermins brig.

Columbines voice had a sob in it. “Whatll we tell Ben and Goody, poor creatures.

Gonff was in no doubt at all. “Tell em well rescue little Ferdy and Coggs back straightaway. Thats what well do, mateys!

There was a roar of approval.

Bella called for silence. “Please, Gonff, be sensible. Im certain that the Corim will agree to mount a rescue operation as soon as possible. But let us not run off or do anything reckless in the meanwhile. It would only end up in more prisoners being taken, or lives being lost.

“Bella is right. Abbess Germaine put in. “I suggest that you let me preside over the rescue operation. We can use all of you, especially Chibb; he will be of more value to us now than ever before. Meanwhile, let us keep our hopes high and tempers in check. Bella is very busy working on something else for our benefit with Martin, and they must be excluded from the rescue attempt.

Bella was astonished. She looked blankly at Germaine.

The old Abbess smiled back at her. “I too was out taking the air in the woods early this morning.

Bella bowed to the Abbess. “Thank you for offering your help, old friend.

Bella and Martin retired to the study. Immediately Bella closed the door, Martin turned to her.

“Bella, I have decided. I will find Boar the FighterI will undertake the journey to Salamandastron.

Bella took hold of the warriors paws. “Are you sure you want to do this thing, Martin?

Martin nodded firmly. “For you and all my friends in Mossflower, I will find this strange place, even if it is at the worlds end. And I will bring back your father Boar the Fighter.

The door swung open. Gonff entered, rubbing a paw to his ear.

“Funny things, doors. Sometimes its as if theyre not there, and you can hear everything. By the way, Miss Bella, Im surprised at you. Fancy sending my matey off on a quest without an able-bodied assistant.

Martin hesitated. He looked at Bella. “Id feel a lot safer with a good thief along.

The kindly badger smiled. “Of course. Careless of me. Welcome, Gonff. We may need a brain as sharp as yours.

They sat on the edge of a scroll-littered desk, while Bella settled comfortably into a dusty old armchair. She sighed and looked from one to the other.

“Well, I wish I knew where to begin. Fighting badgers have been going off questing for Salamandastron as far back as memory goes. My grandfather, old Lord Brocktree, went off when I was very small, then later he was followed by my father, Boar the Fighter.

“Is there any record of whether they ever found it, or are there any maps of the way to Salamandastron? Martin interrupted.

Bella stroked her stripes thoughtfully. “There must be a map somewhere. Both Lord Brocktree and Boar seemed to know where they were going. One thing I do know, it would be far too difficult to find the place of dragons without some form of key or map. You would need directions.

Gonff smiled disarmingly. He picked up a bundle of scrolls from the desktop.

“Well, mateys, the solution is simple. Lets find the map!

It had been a confused and frightening day for the two little hedgehogs. Since they had been taken by Cludds patrol, not a word had passed between them. Both lay on the floor of Tsarminas room, trying to forget the pains that shot through their bound-up paws and the filthy-tasting gags tied roughly across their mouths. Ferdy snuffled through his nostrils for breath and exchanged glances with Coggs.