“They call me Bane. Im a fighter, but if theres an easier way of getting what I want Ill always try it.

“Hmm, a fighter. My name is Tsarmina, Queen of the Thousand Eyes. That is my headquarters; it is called Kotir.

“Thousand Eyes, Bane said thoughtfully. “There was only ever one with that name, old Verdauga Greeneyes. He was a wildcat, too.

“Yes, he was my father.

“Was?

“Verdauga is dead now. I alone rule here. If you want, you may come into my service. Kotir is in need of fighters. Are there any with you?

“Sixty in all. Trained warriorsfoxes, rats and weasels.

“I dont trust foxes. Why should I trust you?

“Ha, who trusts who these days? Bane snorted. “Im not particularly fond of wildcats. Ive fought alongside your father, and against him, too.

“No doubt you have, but that is in the past now. You say you have threescore warriors at your command. What would be your terms if you came to serve Kotir?

“Make me an offer.

“Ill do better than that. Ill make you a guarantee, Bane, Tsarmina told the fox. “There are certain creaturesotters, squirrels, mice, hedgehogs woodlanders. One time they used to serve my family, now they choose to live in Mossflower Woods and resist me. Once we have flushed them out of hiding together and enslaved them, then you can have an equal place alongside me. We will rule Mossflower jointly.

Banes paw left the sword hilt. “Done! Ill take you at your word.

“And I will take you at yours, Tsarmina replied, clasping the proffered paw.

Their untruthful eyes smiled falsely at each other.

Tsarmina saw that at least Bane had told the truth about his followers; ragged and unkempt, but fighters to a beast.

They entered Kotir together.

Bane felt as if the place had been built for him.

The uniformed soldiery of Kotir looked askance at the tattered but well-fed band of mercenaries.

Banes fighters cast scornful eyes over the ill-fed soldiers in their cumbersome livery.

Tsarmina and Bane were closeted together in the Queens Chamber. She listened to his ideas with respect; treachery could come later, but for now she gave the fox full credit as an experienced campaigner.

Banes plan was simple. “Dont give em an inch; show them you mean business; forget about subterfuge and spiesthat only makes for prolonged warstrike hard and be ruthless. We have the superior number of trained fighters. Start tomorrow morning, have the full strength out in skirmish line, comb the forest thoroughly, kill any who resist and take the rest prisoner. Its the only way to get results, believe me.

“Bold words, Bane, Tsarmina told him approvingly. “But have you tried fighting squirrel archers? They can vanish through the treetops as quick as you can think.

“Then burn the trees, or chop them down. Ive seen it all before. If small creatures scurry off down holes, then block them up, fill every possible exit. Thats all they understand. You take my word, it works every time. I know, Ive done it.

Tsarmina pointed out of the window at the vastness of Mossflower. “Could you do it again out there?

“With our combined forces, easily.

“Then we start tomorrow morning, she said decisively.

“At first light!

Columbine was learning to use one of the smaller squirrel bows. Lady Amber had set up a target while they patrolled the digging areas to protect the workers.

“Pull the string right back, Lady Amber instructed. “Look along the arrow shaft with one eye. See the target? Good. Now breathe out and release the arrow at the same time Fine shot, Columbine!

The shaft stood quivering near the targets center.

“Haha, Im getting better at it all the time, Lady Amber.

“You certainly are. Keep it up and youll soon be as good as me.

Foremole and Old Dinny came trundling up. The mole leader tugged his snout to Amber.

“Marm, Dinny an oi filled up yon holler oak stump whurr ee gotn out Kotir from, he reported.

Old Dinny plucked the arrow from the target and returned it to Columbine.

“Hurr, that weave, he agreed. “Doant want fludden commen out thurr. Wem gotter fludd cat place, not m woodlands.

Amber sighed. “Its a long dig. Lets hope we can do it before the cat and her army make any surprise moves.

Skipper sprang dripping from the river.

“Never fear, Amber. My crew and I have done our bit. Weve dug from under the water clear to the flood-gates your crew sunk into the ground, where the moles began digging. Mind, I wish we could tunnel as well as Billum, Soilflyer and Urthclaw. Strike me colors, you ought to see those lads shift earth.

Foremole and Old Dinny smiled with pleasure, but Amber slammed her paw against the target.

“I just wish there was more my squirrels and I could do. Oh, I know were patrolling and keeping watch, but we dont seem to be contributing any real work. She sighed again.

“Then why dont you let me and my crew do a bit of guard duty? Skipper suggested. “We could certainly do with the rest after all that underwater diggin. Listen, Billum reckons theyll strike some big rocks soon; why dont you see if you could rig up something thatll help the moles to move them?

Amber was delighted with the suggestion.

“Righto. Ill get Barklad and Oakapple onto it. They could rig tree hoists. Thanks, Skip.

Chibb had flown a wide patrol merely for the exercise, but soon he grew weary of such energetic practices. Perching on a branch not far from the sleeping Argulor, he listened to the eagle talking in its sleep.

“Hmm, pine marten, one little pine marten, thats all, maybe they taste like pine, hmmmmmm.

Chapter 35

Despite the feeling of awe, Gonff could not help smiling to himself. After watching Salamandastron from afar, seeing the column of fire that spouted from its top, and recalling the very name meant “mountain of the fire lizard, the little mousethief immediately saw it was a trick worthy of some mind as clever and resourceful as his own. There were no fire-breathing dragons here, but there was something equally as impressive in this great cave.

It was more than a cave, he decided. It was a huge mountain hall. At the its center was a mighty furnacelike forge. A towering column of rockwork took it up to the ceiling, away out of sight. Surrounded by hares, there stood the father of badgers. He was pure silver from tip to tail with a double broad creamy white stripe on either side of his forehead. Above the thickly muscled limbs and barrel chest, a pair of wild eyes surveyed the newcomers. Giving the mighty bellows handle a powerful downward swing, he tossed a red-hot spearpoint with a quick flick of his bare paws. It landed in a water trough with a boiling hiss of bubbles.

As the badger stumped across to them, Martin could almost feel the reverberations through the rock floor. He towered above them, extending a calloused paw that resembled a chunk of rock.

“Welcome to Salamandastron, friends. I am Boar the Fighter, the big voice boomed and echoed about the hall.

His paw enveloped by Boars, Martin felt very tiny. Now the full impact of Bellas words came to him. Here indeed was one to save Mossflower; the silver badger looked as if he could tear Kotir to pieces with his paws.

“I am Martin the Warrior. This is Young Dinny, and these two are Gonff and Log-a-Log. I have traveled from Mossflower with my friends to bring a message from your daughter, Bella of Brockhall.

Boar unfastened his apron and shed it.

“All this I know. Come, let us go to my cave. It is more comfortable there. My hares will bring you food and drink, and you can clean yourselves up.

As they followed Boar, Gonff whispered to Martin.

“How does he know, matey? Is he a magic badger?

“Sshh, Martin silenced the mousethief. “Watch your manners. Well get to know soon enough.

Boars cave was indeed comfortable. There were ledges to sit or lie upon covered in velvety moss, plants grew around the walls and hung from the ceiling. There was a rough rock table and a pool in one corner with steam rising from its surface.

“The pool is heated from my forge, Boar said, noticing their surprise. “You may bathe there later. You will observe that it is never cold here, again thanks to the forge. But please be seated. Here comes the food.

The hares brought in new bread, fresh salad, baked fish, mint water and a selection of last autumns fruits crystallized in honey. After the frugal seashore meals, the four travelers ate like a regiment many times their number.

Boar watched them with something approaching amusement on his gigantic face.

Gonff gave him a friendly wink. “So, the flames of the forge carry up that rock flue and shoot out the top of Salamandastron, eh?

Boar winked back at Gonff. “You are a very perceptive little fellow, Gonff the thief.

“Prince of Mousethieves, matey, Gonff corrected him.

“But how did you know he was a thief? Martin interrupted.

Boar leaned his chin on muscular paws, bringing his eyes level with Martin. “I know many things, little mouse. Later I will show you how. Now, is that young Dinny, grandson of my childhood friend Dinny the mole?

“Hurr, Zur Bowar, that oi be. Youm know moi granfer Owd Dinny?

“Of course I do. Is that old rascal still going strong?

“Ho urr, ee be fittern a flea an owdern twenny ogs, Dinny laughed.

“Good, Im glad to hear it. And what about you, Log-a-Log?

“Sir Boar, I am a boat builder, one-time leader of the Northwest Shrew Tribe.

“Oh? Why one-time leader?

“Because Im all thats left of my tribe in freedom, Log-a-Log explained. “We were captured by sea rats. I was the only one to escape the galleys.

Boars eyes hardened to a burning ferocity and the bones in his paws cracked audibly as he ground them together.

“Sea rats! Dirty, treacherous, murdering scum!

Martin was shocked at the deep hatred in Boars voice, he listened intently as the badger continued.

“Not only do they burn and plunder among honest creatures, but they are savage to their own kind. Sinking each others ships, murdering their own companions for an extra pawful of loot.

“Log-a-Log has told me of a sea rat called Ripfang of the Bloodwake , Martin interrupted. “Do you know him?

Boar pointed seaward. “That one, hes out there nowmy spies have been watching him all springsailing from north to south of here, waiting his chance to attack Salamandastron. Ripfang is the most evil of all sea rats. He has fought and sunk all others who sail in these waters, pressing their crews as slaves in his service. He is also the cleverest and most cunning of them all.

“In what way is he clever and cunning? Gonff asked, noting the concern on Boars face.

“Well, he has never feared Salamandastron, or the legends that surround this place. Ripfang is very daring, too. He has personally been here and knows that it is only myself and a few hares who keep the myth of the mountain alive. Others we can scare off, but not Ripfang. It is written that soon he will mount a major war against Salamandastron.

This was the second time that Boar had spoken of things that had not yet happened. Martin was curious.

“You say it is written, Boar?

The badger stood tall, pointing at Martin. “What is that broken weapon you wear about your neck like a medal? he asked.

The warrior mouse took it off and gave it to Boar, who inspected it closely as Martin explained.

“That was once the sword of my father. He was a warrior. How it came to be broken I will tell you, because your daughter Bella asked me to inform you about all that is going on in Mossflower.

As they ate and rested, Martin told Boar how he came to Kotir, the plight of the woodlanders, and Bellas plea for Boar to return to his birthright and free the land. Throughout the narrative, Boar the Fighter said nothing. He paced the room, turning the broken sword hilt over in his paws, looking at it as if it carried some message for him.

Martin finished his recitation of the events. “So you see, Mossflower has need of its son, Boar, he concluded. “You must come back with us.

There was silence. When the silver badger spoke, he did not answer the plea.

“This is a very ancient sword hilt, a good one. I can make it into a new weapon. I must give it a blade that will not be broken again by anything.

Martin saw that Boar would not be pressed for answers; he decided to comply until the badgers mood changed.

“Thank you, Boar. I would dearly like to see my fathers old sword forged into a new weapon. Since it was broken I have felt like half a warrior carrying half a sword.

Boar shook his massive head. “Your mistake, Martin. You are a real warrior, a full and true one. You have the heartI can see it in you. But when I make this sword anew, you must always remember that it is not the weapon but the creature that wields it. A sword is a force for good only in the paws of an honest warrior. But enough now. You and your friends are tired. I will talk to you tomorrow and show you many things. Sleep here. If you wish to bathe the dust of travel away, I will send my hares with dry towels for you.

Boar took his leave of the travelers.

* * *

The hot bath was deep and refreshing. Trubbs, Wother and Ffring turned up with huge soft towels.

“One each, you chaps. No splashing.

“Wash behind your ears, old sport.

“Night-night. See you in the morning.

Dry, full and warm, they lay on the moss-covered ledges.

“Hoo urr, Dinny yawned, “so wem come to Sammandastor at last.

Log-a-Log stared at the high ceiling.

“A wonderful place indeed. Strange creature that Boar, eh, Martin?

“Oh, hell tell us what he intends when hes good and ready, Martin said airily. “Lets get some sleep. Ive a feeling tomorrows going to be a full day.

Gonff could not resist a rendition of his latest song.

At last the weary travelers
Have reached their hearts desire.
We quested overland to reach
The mountain of the fire.
To meet with Boar the Fighter,
Who knows secrets dark and deep

Gonff sat upright scratching his whiskers, “What rhymes with deep, mateys?

Three wet towels knocked him flat.

“Youm moight troi sleep!

Chapter 36

The woodlanders were caught completely unawares in the early morning.

Led by Bane and Tsarmina, the joint forces hit swiftly. Luckily the little ones were still abed at Brockhall and the Loamhedge mice were preparing breakfasts. The only creatures at the diggings were moles, otters and a few squirrels.

Banes mercenaries dashed in, hacking madly, backed by Tsarminas spears. Urthclaw, Billum and Soilflyer were deep underground. The rest were caught in the open.

It was chaos!

Skipper took an arrow in his side. Lady Amber lost an ear to a foxs sword. The woodlands were alive with yelling, slashing animals. There was only one thing to do: retreat with all speed. Disregarding his wounds, Skipper stood fast with a small band of otters, hurling stones as he roared aloud, “Get away, quickly!

Amber and her squirrels managed to escape through the treetops, leaving two slain on the ground. Skipper and his otters saw to it that the few moles were safely carried off across the river, before vanishing into the water themselves.

Tsarmina gave out howls of victory across the now silent woods.

Bane leaned on his curved sword breathing heavily. “See, I told you theyre no match for us. Phew! But they can put up a tidy fight, even when theyre outnumbered.

Brogg swaggered up and saluted.

“Two squirrels, three otters and a mole slain, Milady, he reported.

He was about to turn away when Bane tugged on his cloak.

“How many of ours lost? he asked tersely.

“Three ferrets, a stoat and a weasel, four rats and a fox.

Bane shook his head in amazement. “Good job, we outnumbered them. No prisoners?

“No, sir, not a one.

“Hmm, pity.

Ratflank limped up, nursing a cracked paw.

“Weve found three big holes over there by the river, he said.

The commanders strode across to the spot. Bane bent down and sniffed the earth around each hole, while Tsarmina stood watching.

“What dyou suppose they were up to? she wondered.

Bane spat into one of the holes. “Your guess is as good as mine. We didnt get time to chop the trees or fire the woodland. Maybe theres some of em still down these holes.

“Then we can fill them in. Tsarmina grinned wickedly. “Brogg, get some big rocks, fetch that timber lying about there, use the spears, fill them in well and press the earth down hard. Theyll be imprisoned down there until the air runs out.

Bane wiped his sword and sheathed it.

“Well, thats that. Theres not much my band can do around here. Well head back to Kotir and try another dawn raid tomorrow.

Tsarmina was right beside the fox leader. She was not about to stop out in the woods with her soldiers, leaving Bane to take over Kotir in her absence.

“Right, Bane. Ill leave Brogg with some of the others to get on with the job. The rest of us will go back to Kotir with you.

As they marched off through the morning brightness of Mossflower, one of Banes foxes sniggered as he trod on the back of Ratflanks cloak.

“Yah, I think your pussycat Queens frightened of us locking the fortress door on her.

Ratflank tugged his cloak free, sneering. “Oh yes? Well, you just try calling her pussycat to her face, hero!

The first Bella knew of the attack was when the Corim leaders regathered their crews at Brockhall. Abbess Germaine and Columbine organized bandages and herbs, Loamhedge mice bustled about ministering to the wounded. Skipper refused to stand still, and Goody Stickle chased about after him, dabbing at his injury, trying to get a bandage around it.

There were tears of rage in the otters eyes. “Six lost, by the fur. Where did they come from? Who was that fox with all those scruffy murderers? Tsarmina could never have done this on her own.

Lady Amber adjusted the bandage around her head so she could see properly.

“I heard someone call him Bane, she told him. “Get Chibb. Tell him to go to Kotir. Hell have to be very careful, but weve got to find out all we can about this other lot.

Foremole tapped a digging claw upon the table.

“Usll avter do summat bout Urthclaw, Soilflyer n Billum. Theym stucken down oles. Oo be a-tellen wot they villyuns do to ee.

“Yes, Bella agreed, “its most important that we rescue the moles from the tunnels. Next on the list is to make sure that the area around Brockhall is completely hidden. If they dont know where we are, they cant attack us. Furthermore, we will need to find a second hideout, somewhere deeper into the east of Mossflower. If ever Brockhall is discovered, another refuge will be very necessary.

Messengers were sent out to find Chibb, and the woodlanders set about erasing the tracks around Brockhall, while Germaine and her mice tended the wounded with dedicated care.

The memory of the murderous ambush still lingered.

Lady Amber was not one to forget.

Neither was Skipper.

Before noon, Chibb had reported back to the Corim, but the news was not good.

“Er, ahem. Very serious, very serious. It seems that this fox Bane is an expert, a mercenary with a band of about sixty. Harrumph. Scuse me. Evidently they are planning another ambush, as deep as they can get into Mossflower in one early morning march. Tomorrow, they plan to set out at dawn in a skirmish line, killing or capturing all before them.

Columbine held up her paw. “Then we must not give them any targets. Everyone should stay here, completely out of sight, in case Brockhall is discovered.

Bella nodded approvingly. “I second that. Good thinking, Columbine. Are we all agreed?

There was a low murmur of assent. Nobody noticed the look that passed between Amber and Skipper.

In the early afternoon, Bella left command of Brockhall to the Abbess and Columbine. Alone, the badger set out eastward into the woodland depths to find a second place of refuge.

Chapter 37

Martin woke feeling pleasantly fresh. He opened his eyes to see Boar supervising the laying of a beautiful breakfast table. Hares were wreathing flowers across the board; the food they brought had been grown in small gardens dotted about the landward side of the mountaintop. Boar had small rosebuds and sweet peas twined in his beard, and a garland of ivy leaves sat on his head. The huge badger looked like some benevolent spirit come down from the mountain, holding a green wand in his paw.

Pointing to a high arrow window that streamed down golden sunlight on him, he boomed out to the waking travelers, “Welcome to Salamandastron on the first day of a new summer!

Young Dinnys heart leaped at the sight of Boar and the mention of his favorite season. “Burrhoourr, oi dearly loiks summertoid, Zurr Bowar!

During a fabulous meal in which all took part, they were introduced to the other hares who lived in the mountain. Besides Trubbs, Wother and Ffring there was also Harebell, Honeydew and Willow, three doe-eyed beauties who could render Trubbs and company speechless with a single flutter of their eyelashes. There were four others, a huge fellow named Buffheart, his wife Lupin and their two young ones, Starbuck and Breeze.

“These hares are my eyes and ears, Boar explained. “I can stretch out my paws through them and feel what is going on for miles around. They are also fearsome fighters. Yes, every one of them. Dont let silly talk and pretty eyes fool you. Theyll show you later. As for the present, theyll take your friends off and show them something of this mountain we live on. Martin, will you come with me? I would talk to you alone.

The warrior mouse followed the silver badger up through many caves, flights of rock stairs and long passages. High up the pair went, into the topmost cave. It was still warm from the heat of the forge. Martin looked out of a long open window to see the beach below and the waters beyond, sparkling and glinting in early summer sunlight.

“This is where you heard my voice when you were down on the shore last night, Boar whispered to him. “I must whisper now because if I were to raise my voice, the echoes would deafen you.

Martin nodded, fearing to speak lest his voice did the same.

Boar smiled, patting the mouse warrior lightly. “You are wise beyond your seasons. Now, do not be surprised by what I am going to show you. This is for our eyes alone, Martinwe two warriors.

The badger went to the left wall between the entrance and the window, where there was a long, deep crack that appeared to be a natural seam in the rock. Setting his great blunt claws deep into the fissure, he began to pull.

Martin stood in awe at the frightening brute strength of Boar the Fighter. Steely sinews and giant muscles bulged and strained as the badger pulled, grunting quietly deep in his chest. Froth appeared on his jaws with the exertion; still he pulled with might and main, platelike back paws set flat on the rock floor, ponderous claws gouging at the bare stone. With a low rumble, the entire wall started to swing outward.

Martin watched wide-eyed, paws and jaws clenched tight, willing the silver badger to perform this great feat of strength. Boar set his shoulders against one side and his paws against the other. He pushed hard, and the secret doorway stood wide open. Without a word they walked inside.

* * *

It was a narrow hall. One side of the wall was covered in minute carvings, the other was smooth, whilst the far end was a rounded alcove. What Martin saw there stopped him in his tracks so fast that Boar stumbled on him.

A badger in full armor was seated on a throne in the alcove! Martin felt Boars paw upon his back. “No need to be afraid, little friend. The badgers voice was calm. “This is my father, Old Lord Brocktree.

Boar padded silently forward. He touched the armored badger reverently.

“I went questing for Salamandastron, just as my father did, he explained. “When I found this place, he was still alive and well. He ruled here, and we were happy together for many seasons. In the end he was called to the gates of Dark Forest because of his great age. Now he is part of the legend of the mountain, as he wished to be. I did this for him; this is his tomb. Boar gave the armor a gentle rub; it glowed dimly. Walking back to the entrance, he called Martin over.

“Let us start at the beginning. See here? Boar indicated a carved line of badger figures. “Our kind have come here since creatures first felt the sun. Only warriors, the brave of heart and strong of will, are listed here. See: Urthnin the Chipper, Spearlady Gorse, Bluestripe the Wild, Ceteruler the list goes on and on. Look, here is my father, Lord Brocktree; here I am, next to him. There are the spaces for those to come after us. I see you wish to ask me a question. Carry on, Martin. I release you from your silence.

Martin did not need to speak; he pointed at a block of picture carvings set apart from the others.

“They are good likenesses of you, I think, Boar whispered.

The scene was a small frieze depicting the activities of four creatures. Three were intentionally small, but the fourth was unmistakably Martin, even to the broken sword about his neck. Boar looked at Martin with a strange expression on his face. “Friend, believe me, I did not carve these pictures here, nor did my father. How long they have been here, I do not know. I accept it as part of the legend of Salamandastron; you must, too. You are the largest figure, and here are your friends. See, here you are leading them toward the mountain. Here is Salamandastron, and here are you again, emerging from it with your friends. You no longer carry the broken sword about your neck; you are holding a bright new sword. As for the rest, well, your guess is as good as mine.

Martin studied the picture closely. “Here is the sea, there is a ship Over here looks very faint. It could be a group of trees, a wood or a forest. This looks like a whip and an arrow. What does that mean, Boar?

“Your eyes are far better than mine, Martin. The whip is the scourge of the sea rats, a sign of evil. As for the arrow, which way does it point?

“Down the hall to where your father sits.

Boar indicated the room of echoes. “Martin, you must go out there and wait for me.

Without question, Martin went, glancing backward once, to see Boar stooping in the alcove behind Lord Brocktrees throne. He was studying something carved low down on the wall.

Sometime later the badger emerged. He seemed older and tired-looking, and Martin felt concern for his friend.

“Are you all right, Boar? What was written there?

The great silver badger whirled upon Martin, his face a mask of tragedy.

“Silence! Only Boar the Fighter must know that!

The sudden shout caused a thousand echoes to boom and bounce off the walls with startling intensity. The sound was deafening. Martin threw himself to the floor, covering both ears with his paws as he fought against the flooding crescendo of noise, Boars voice reverberated like a thousand cathedral bells. Sorrow and contrition ceased the big badgers face; he swept Martin up with a single paw, bearing him swiftly from the room.

When the warrior mouse recovered, he was lying back in the badgers cave. Boar was bathing his brow with cool water.

“Martin, forgive me. I forgot to keep my voice down. Are you hurt?

Martin stuck a paw in his ear, wiggling it about.

“No, Im all right. Honestly I am. You mustnt blame yourself. It was my fault.

Boar shook his head in admiration. “Spoken like a true warrior. Rise up, Martin, and follow me. Now I will give you the means to fight like one.

* * *

Trubbs, Wother and Ffring met them at the forge. There were lots of giggling and winking between the hares.

“Well, does he know about you-know-what, eh, Boar?

“I say, lets show it to him now, Boar. Be a sport.

“Yes, otherwise the poor old bean might keel over with suspense.

There was a twinkle in Boars eye as he turned to Lupin, the wife of Buffheart.

“What dyou think, Lupin? Is he ready for this?

Lupin waggled her long ears humorously as hares do.

“Oh, I suppose so. Anyhow, well soon find out.

Boar had moved to the edge of the forge and was toying with something wrapped in soft barkcloth.

“While you slept last night, my hares and I worked until after dawn had broken, he said at last. “I have made something for you, Martin.

The warrior mouse felt the hairs rising on the back of his neck. He gulped with excitement as Boar continued.

“One night while out on patrol, our Lupin here saw a star fall from the sky. She found the spot where it landed. A lump of hot metal was buried deep in the sand. When it cooled she dug it out and brought it back to me. Last night I put sea coal and charcoal in my forge; more than ever before, I made Salamandastron glow so hot that it could be seen in lands far across the sea. I had tohalf the night had gone before the metal became soft. I hammered it out, oiled it, folded it many times against itself on my anvil, all the time reciting the names of every great warrior I had known or could think of. I spoke your name on the final hammer blow. Here, Martin. This is yours.

Everyone gathered round, including the three travelers, who were back from their tour of the mountain. They held their breath as Martin carefully unwrapped the barkcloth, layer by layer.

It was the sword!

Double-edged, keener than a razor, it lay glittering and twinkling, a myriad of steely lights. Its tip was pointed like a mountain peak in midwinter, the deadly blade had a three-quarter blood channel. It was perfectly balanced against the hilt, which had been restrapped with hard black leather and finished with a ruby-red pommel stone and curving scrolled crosspiece where it joined the marvelous blade.

Never in his wildest dreams had Martin imagined such a thing. Since they left Mossflower on the quest, he had more or less forgotten the broken hilt that hung about his neck. Caught up in the adventures and perils they had been through, he had used whatever he had toa sling, a piece of wood as a stavenever expecting to see his fathers sword restored to a newness that far outshone its humble beginnings. Now, suddenly, he felt the warlike blood of his ancestors rising at the sight of a fighting weapon few were chosen to look upon, let alone own. The feeling of destiny lay strong upon him as he picked up the fascinating weapon in one paw. His hackles rose and the blood gorged in his face, flashing across his eyes. Now he was the Warrior!

Everyone moved back to the walls as the warrior mouse took his sword in both paws. He held it straight out, letting the point rise slightly to feel the heft of the weapon. Suddenly Martin began sweeping it in circles, up, down, and around. The steel blade whooshed and sang eerily on its own wind, the bystanders followed its every move as if hypnotized. Martin leaped onto Boars anvil, still swinging his sword. There was an audible ping as he sliced the tip from the anvil horn. It ricocheted oft the rock walls. They ducked instinctively as it hummed past like an angry wasp, leaving the singing blade unmarked.

“Tsarmina, can you hear me? Martin roared out above the voice of the howling blade. “I am Martin the Warrior. I am coming back to Mossflowerrrrrrrrrr!

Chapter 38

An hour before dawn, Brogg was rubbing sleep from his eyes. He flopped his Thousand Eye Captains cloak about him and stumbled into the main billet with Ratflank. They kicked at prostrate forms, pulling tattered blankets from sleeping soldiers.

“Come on, you lot, they ordered. “Up on your paws. Its invasion time again.

Grumbling and protesting, the troops sat up, scratching at their fur, wiping paws across eyes.

“Gaw! I was havin a lovely dream there.

“Huh, me too. I dreamed we were getting a proper hot breakfast.

“Youll be lucky, bucko. Bread and water, and be glad of it.

“Wheres this fat of the land were all supposed to be living off? Thats what Id like to know.

Ratflank kicked out at a huddled form wrapped in sacking. A rawboned fox wearing brass earrings leaped up.

“Keep your stupid paws off me, lumphead, he snarled. “Im not one of your dimwit soldiers. We only take orders from Bane.

Ratflank hurried away, narrowly dodging the bared yellow fangs.

Bane and Tsarmina paced restlessly about in the entrance hall. The fox banged his paw against a doorpost.

“Whats keeping them? he asked impatiently. “Itll be noon by the time we get going at this rate.

Tsarmina gritted her teeth, turning, she screeched toward the barracks, “Brogg, Ratflank, get them out here double quick, or Ill come in there and move you myself!

The first bunch came tumbling out, adjusting tunics, clattering shields on spears.

“Heres mine. Wheres your crew, Bane? Tsarmina smirked.

Moments later, Banes mercenaries strolled casually out in the rear of the uniformed soldiers. The fox commander struck his curved sword against a shield until he got order.

“Right, you lot. Same drill as yesterdayskirmish line, comb the woods, keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you. When we find them, remember: no mercy!

The horde moved out toward the parade ground in the courtyard. As the first half-dozen soldiers passed through the doorway into the open, there was a harsh shout from the woodland fringe.

“Fire!

A hiss of vicious weaponry cut the air. The six soldiers fell in their tracks, cut down by arrows and javelins.

“Retreat, retreat, get back inside, quick! Bane ordered hastily.

There was panic as the back ranks coming forward stumbled into the front ranks retreating. More troops fell, transfixed by flying death.

“Whats going on out there? Tsarmina yelled at Bane.

Bane stood panting with his back to the wall.

“Theyve got us bottled up in here. Wait a moment. Badtail!

The rawboned fox came trotting up. “Here Bane.

“See what the position is out there. Pinpoint where they are and report back to me.

Badtail lay flat upon his belly. Sliding around the doorposts, he scrambled out onto the parade ground, tacking and weaving. Halfway across the courtyard, he bobbed up and down, checking the trees and scanning the low bushes through the open main gates.

“What dyou see? Banes voice rang across the open space.

Still lying flat, Badtail raised his head as he shouted back, “Squirrels and otters. Theyve got the main gates open and theyre shooting from the tr

An otter javelin closed his mouth forever.

Bane poked his head around the doorpost. An arrow hummed its way viciously into the woodwork. He pulled back swiftly as two more buried their points in the doorpost where his head had been.

Skipper crouched behind a bush and signaled to Lady Amber, who was perched on the low branches of an oak.

“Eleven down and plenty more to go, he reported.

Amber drew back her bowstring and let an arrow fly. “Make it the round dozen, Skip!

Grim-faced and determined, the crews of both leaders tightened paws on bowstrings, slings and javelins, waiting for the next head to show around the doorposts of Kotir fortress.

Inside the building, confusion followed the panic of the initial attack. Tsarmina dashed upstairs to her chamber, dashing back down again when a fusillade of arrows greeted her through the open window. Bane sat at the foot of the stairs.

“Fortunes of war, he said philosophically.

“Oh, burn them out, come down hard on them. Ive seen it all before, Tsarmina sneered. “Well, fox, whats your next move?

“Is there another way out of here?

“Theres the scullery and larder entrance on the north side, but its only a small door.

“Itll have to do. Lets give it a try.

At the scullery and larder entrance the door was shut tight with rusted bolts which took some considerable time to move. When it was finally opened, the troops hung about reluctantly. Nobody seemed very keen on dashing out to do battle. Bane prodded a Kotir soldier with his sword.

“Come on. You lot have got shields. Get out there!

The stoat turned sullenly to Brogg. “Hes not giving me orders. Ive got six seasons service here. Him and his lot only arrived yesterday.

Tsarmina rushed up the corridor, thrusting creatures aside. “Get out there, you and you, she ordered. “Form a barrier of shields the way youve been trained to do!

Her word was final; there was no arguing with the Queen of the Thousand Eyes.

Three soldiers pushed their way out into the open, shields held up in front. A slingstone cracked the middle ferret on his paw. He yelped with pain, automatically dropping the shield. Arrows hissed in once more, reducing the ranks by a further three.

High in a sycamore, Barklad fired off an arrow as he remarked to his companion, “How long dyou think we can keep this up, Pear?

Pear rubbed beeswax on her bowstring before answering.

“Lady Amber says until noon, then itll be too late for them to go invading Mossflower. Personally, I think we should encourage them to come out at noon, then we could follow them back and pick them off in the evening.

Another squirrel swung in through the branches. “Are you two all right for arrows? he asked breathlessly. “Heres another quiver full. Give a call if youre running low.

He swung off to the next tree with his supplies.

Bane tried every possible move, but at each new turn he was frustrated by the deadly accuracy of the woodlanders. Every exit tried, be it window or door, resulted in further loss of troops. The summer morning wore on, the high sun above impervious to the dead that littered the courtyard.

Tsarmina came up with the most sensible suggestion to date. “Why dont we just shut the doors and ignore them? With nothing to shoot at, theyll have to leave.

Bane was glad of the solution. He would have mentioned it earlier, had Tsarmina not been in such a towering rage.

Skipper was no mean climber. He stood on a low bough with Lady Amber. Together they considered the problem of the doors that were slammed shut and the bolted, wooden tables which had been placed across the open windows.

“Looks like a stalemate, Amber.

Lady Amber thwacked off an arrow at the closed door. “Cowards! Theyre very brave attacking defenceless woodlanders and killing unarmed creatures, but they cant face real warriors when it comes to a battle.

Skipper looked up at the clear blue sky. “Ah well, second day of summer and alls well, me old branchjumper. Come on. Lets withdraw and get back to Brockhall.

A mischievous smile spread across the squirrels face. “Right you are, Skip. But not before Ive left them with a small token of our regard.

Tsarmina sat eating woodpigeon with Bane in an inner room with no windows. There was a tap on the door.

“Come in! she called.

It was Ratflank.

“Milady, Brogg says to tell you that the woodlanders are setting fire to us.

“What?

“Er, yes, Milady. Fire arrows. Theyre shooting them into the doors and window shutters. Brogg says itll be all right, though, cos its a stone building and theyll only burn the woodwork.

Tsarmina sprang up knocking the table sideways. “My chamber! Bane, see if you can do something quickly. Organize a bucket chain. Put those fires out. If theyve touched my room Ill, Ill oooooohhh!

She dashed from the room, taking the stairs two at a time.

The wall hangings were smoldering ruins and the door still blazed merrilyAmbers archers had given it special attention.

“Get those buckets up here. Bring water! Tsarmina howled down the stairwell.

“But were trying to put out the fire at the front door, Milady, a dithering voice called up from below.

“I dont care what youre trying to put out! Get that water up here on the double.

“What about the door, Milady?

“Spit on it, for all I care. This is my roomthe Queens own chamber is on fire. Hurry up, idiot.

“Idiot yourself!

“Who said that? she demanded.

Chapter 39

“Place your paw flat upon the blade, grip the handle tight, hold the sword flat above your head.

Thwang!

Martin countered Lupins blade as Boar roared out instructions.

“Thats how to block the downward chop. Now let go of the blade. Sweep it down and under. Two paws on the haft, straight up and slice. Quickly, turn in and slice again at head height.

It took Lupin all her skill to duck Martins blade. She backed off, panting as she leaned on her sword.

“Whew. Golly, theres not a lot you can teach this warrior.

“Cant I, though. Boar smiled. “Watch this!

The badger picked up a fire iron from the forge. Thrusting one paw into his blacksmiths apron, he adopted a ready stance.

“On guard, Martin, he called. “Go for a direct thrust.

Martin came on guard. Moving in swiftly to take the badger by surprise, he lunged and stabbed forward.

Boar hardly seemed to move. With a flick of his fire iron he disarmed Martin, sending the sword spinning and pinning Martin against the wall in the same movement, the fire iron hovering a fraction away from the warrior mouses right eye.

“How did you do that? Martin gasped with shock.

Trubbs and company were watching from the sidelines.

“Oh, he does it easily, old sport.

“No trouble to the jolly old boss.

“Quick as a wink, doncha know.

Boar laughed aloud. “Its only a trick, Martin. Dont get discouraged. Ill show you a dozen more like it before this days through. Pick up your sword, on guard again.

This time the silver badger ducked in under the blade, catching Martins sword paw. Locking the point with the flat of the fire iron, he flattened the warrior mouse against the wall with the edge of the sword across his throat.

“See, just another bit of trickery.

That second day of summer, Martin learned more of swordplay than in his whole life. Nobody was more adept with a blade than Boar the Fighter.

Dinny, Log-a-Log and Gonff tried jointly to lift Boars own sword, but they could hardly manage to get the big battle blade off the floor. It was immense, a real full-grown male badgers war sword, with double crosstrees and a ripping edge that had two sets of curved prongs halfway down the length of the extra-wide blade.

Boar performed tricks with it, slicing apples in the air and taking a whiskertip from Lupin as she stood stock-still. Martin noticed that the badgers mood became more light-hearted and jovial when he was around weapons, even allowing himself to be flattered by Harebell, Honeydew and Willow, who imitated Trubbs and company by speaking alternately.

“Ooh, you are clever, Boar old chap.

“And strong. My word!

“We ladies would never be able to lift your big heavy sword.

Three special daggers had been forged for Gonff, Log-a-Log and Dinny, who wore them proudly about their waists. Gonff delighted the occupants of Salamandastron with his impromptu ballads.

Harebell, Honeydew and Willow,
Each a pretty thing;
Bold, brave and fearless,
Wother, Trubbs and Ffring;
Lupin, Buffheart, Starbuck, Breeze,
Swift as winds across the trees;
Rule oer land and sea herefrom,
Sala-manda-stron.

Harebell and company fluttered their eyelids madly.

“Oh, Mr. Gonff, you are clever.

“And so handsome, too.

“You have a lovely voice.

Gonff waved a modest paw. “Save it for Trubbs and company, ladies. Im promised to my Columbine.

“Is she pretty?

“Very pretty?

“Prettier than us?

“Well, shes certainly prettier than Gonff, Martin, Dinny and Log-a-Log chimed in impudently.

“Id say half as pretty again.

“Oid say twoice as priee, hurr hurr.

Boar roared with laughter and raised his battle sword. “Cheek, shall I chop off their heads, Gonff?

The mousethief flushed scarlet beneath his fur. “No, just their legs will do, Boar. They need their mouths to eat and make silly remarks with.

To ease Gonffs embarrassment, Buffheart beckoned the friends.

“Have you seen our fire lizard?

“Fire lizard? No, Gonff chipped in quickly. “Lets go and have a look!

They followed Boar and the hares, trooping up more flights of stairs until they were somewhere near the echo cave. Buffheart took them into a side cave that had a big open window slot. By the side of the window lay a great stone carving of a fearsome head, a grotesque parody of what its maker had imagined a dragon should look like.

“Nobody knows how it came here, Starbuck said, stroking it fondly. “Sometimes Boar lifts it up to the window at night and lights a fire in its mouth to frighten off the sea rats.

Boar exerted his great strength and picked up the stone head. “Yes, I put it about here, facing out to sea.

He rested the head on the window sill, then went strangely quiet. Boar the Fighter stared hard to seaward. The rest joined him at the window to see what it was.

Halfway between the skyline and the shore, a ship was sailing in toward land. It was a large black galley with double oarbanks and twin square-rigged sails. At the tip of the prow was the bleached skull and fin of some large sea fish, standing out like a figurehead.

Boar whispered a single chilling word.

“ Bloodwake!

He was oblivious of all about him, remaining with his gaze riveted on the craft in the water.

Martin turned to Lupin. “Is that Ripfangs ship? he asked.

She nodded distractedly, pulling at Boars heavy paw. “Come away, Boar, please. Cant you see hes taunting you again?

The silver badger shook her off and dashed through to the echo cave.

Even though they shielded their ears, they could hear Boar in the other room, roaring out like thunder at the vessel, “Ahoy, Bloodwake . Ripfang, are you there? This is Boar the Fighter. Why dont you show your rotten hide near my mountain again? How about tonight? Ill be waiting, seascum!

As they watched, a red flag embellished with a scourge was hauled to the foremast peak. It dipped up and down twice.

Buffhearts teeth ground angrily together. “Hell be here, make no mistake about that.

Boar strode heavily in from the echo cave, stretching himself up until his head brushed the ceiling. He gave a huge sigh of satisfaction then recited aloud,

The second night of summer,
The second visit since spring,
The rat from the seas
Meets the Lord of the rock,
To settle everything.

Martin saw the wild light of battle in Boars eye. “Then youre going to fight Ripfang tonight? he surmised.

Boar departed from the cave, calling as he went, “No, Im going to kill him!

They pursued him down the stairs to the forge hall. Taking a rough file, the badger began putting a slashing edge to his war sword.

The happy time was at an end.

Martin picked up his own sword. “Were coming with you, Boar.

The badger shook his head. “No. This is not your fight. This one was written long ago on the wall behind my father. It must be.

Martin was obdurate. “Say what you like, Boar. When night falls, Ill be there at your side.

“Aye, and I.

“Me too.

“Im coming with you.

“And me, matey.

“Boi okey, an oi too.

“Count me in, old chap.

“Rather, what ho!

“Wouldnt miss it for the world, what?

Boar put the file aside. “So be it. Come if you feel you must, and thank you, my friends. But you, Buffheart, and you, Lupinyou must remain here with your young ones. The fires must be kept burning, you understand?

Buffheart nodded, biting his lip so fiercely that a trickle of blood coursed from the side of his mouth.

“As you say, Boar, Lupin spoke for both of them.

The silver badger stood with his paws resting on the top crosstree of his sword, every inch the commander.

“The rest of you, listen to me. No matter what happens, you must obey the warriors code. I give the orders, no one else. I know it may be difficult for you to understand, but you must trust me completely. If you obey me, then you are my true friends; disobey, and you are my enemy. Do you understand what I say?

The heads nodded in silence.

Boar hung the great sword back on its wall spikes.

“Good. Now go and rest, Boar told them. “But first see to your weapons and eat.

When they had gone, Martin lingered awhile with Boar.

“That verse you spoke, he said curiously. “It was written on the wall. Did you recite it all?

Boar shook his head. “Not all. The last lines are only for me to know. Once again, Martin, thank you. It will be good to have a real warrior at my side tonight.

They clasped paws, the mouses dwarfed by the badgers.

“Good luck, Boar, my friend.

“Luck has little to do with fate, Martin. You follow the warriors star. Be true to yourself and your friends.

So the creatures of Salamandastron lay down to rest, each one with their own thoughts.

The second glorious day of summer rolled on toward night.

The black ship Bloodwake sailed closer with every wave.

Chapter 40

Bane had an idea.

“Now that the woodlanders have gone, he suggested cunningly, “why dont we sneak out of Kotir and hide ourselves in the bushes at the edge of the forest? We could hide right behind the position they held this morning. That way, well be able to turn the ambush on them if they come back tomorrow for another dawn attack.

“Huh huhuhu, good idea, fox, Brogg chuckled encouragingly.

Tsarmina turned a frosty stare upon the Captain; the chuckle died to a gurgle in his throat. Near open enmity was the order of the day now between her and Bane. She was sorry she had ever let him and his band inside her gates.

“Fool, Brogg, she snarled. “Cant you see this fox only wants us out of Kotir so that he and his raggedy band can slip in behind our backs?

Bane spread his paws wide disarmingly. “Hoho, if thats what you think, lady.

“Yes, thats exactly what I think, fox! Tsarmina snapped back.

“Thats a problem easily solved. Bane shrugged. “You stay in here with your deadhead Captain; I take the forces out into the woods. In fact, Ill take them tonight, so that we can be well hidden by the time the woodlanders arrive.

Tsarmina sniffed. “Thats a better idea. Ill agree to that, Bane.

The fox laughed. He drew his sword and held it out. “Think you can trust me, or would you like to confiscate my sword?

Tsarminas eyes slitted dangerously. “If I take that sword, Ill take your head with it, fox.

Bane sheathed the sword and spat, “If you ever try to take my sword, itll be your head that comes off, cat.

“We shall see.

“Aye, we shall see.

Chibb saw, too. He heard all as well.

A swift flutter of his wings took him out across Mossflower, back to Brockhall.

Foremole was pacing around in deep leaf mold with Old Dinny. They were trying to remember the exact location of a disused tunnel.

“Thurr it may be. Moind, oi only sez maybe.

“No, tis yurr. Oid swurr on moi tunnel its yurr.

“Nay, mayap its midway twixt they two.

“Wo urrhoops, urthenquaker. Look out!

The ground beneath them trembled and heaved. Both moles were tipped flat on their bottoms in the loam.

Soilflyers head popped out of the ground. He blew dead leaves from his snout, grinning broadly.

“Hurr, good morrow to ee, zurrs, he called cheerfully. “Usns found that crossways tunnel as used to be yurr.

Foremole tried hard to preserve his dignity. “Thurr ee be, Owd Din. Oi did tell ee it wurr thurr.

“Oo, fer a spectable Foremole, ee be a gurt fib bag!

Soilflyer pulled himself free of the loam, followed by Urthclaw and Billum. They tugged their snouts in mock respect to their elders, Billum stifling a bass giggle.

“ Ow summ of these owd lads do enjoy loif, a-setten about playen in ee leaves loik liddle ogs, it do surproise oi.

Foremole shook a stern claw at Billum. “Lessen thoi cheek. Get ee over to Brockenall an git ee vittles.

* * *

Over at Brockhall, things were running smoothly. The little ones played games with Columbine and Goody, while the Abbess helped Ben Stickle and her mice to fletch arrows, which they tied into bundles. As deputy in Bellas absence, Abbess Germaine was not too pleased that Skipper and Amber had disobeyed a Corim decision, but she made allowances for the fact that they had lost friends in the ambush at the diggings. Nevertheless, she felt it was her duty to upbraid them.

“You had no right to go off like that after electing to stay here. Both of you might have been killed.

Skipper was fishing pieces of hazel nut and leek out of a pan of stew that had gone cold beside the hearth. Germaine rapped the table sharply with an arrow.

“Skipper of otters, are you listening to me?

“Oh aye, marm, Im all ears, he said abstractedly. “Are these last seasons nuts or the one before? Right nice sweet taste theyve got.

The Abbess snorted in exasperation. “Now, I want you, both of you, to promise me that youll never do anything so foolish again. Im surprised at you, Lady Amberyou a squirrel Queen, too. Thats not setting a very good example to others, is it?

Amber cocked her severed and bandaged ear stump toward Germaine.

“Eh, whats that you say?

All three dissolved in helpless laughter.

Chibb arrived with the moles, saving the miscreants further scolding; reports were made to the Corim leaders present. Ferdy and Coggs had arrived at a decision to become warrior carpenter cooks, so they served refreshments for everybody.

As they ate, the Abbess mulled over the situation. “Well, if the forces of Kotir are hiding in the woods, it would be unwise for you two to try a repeat performance of todays attack.

Skipper grinned broadly. “Why, perish the thought, marm. Theyll be keeping themselves busy, by the sound of it. Well just let em lie uncomfortable like out there all night, then they can shiver through the dawn waiting for us not to turn up. What a damp squib.

Foremole banged the tabletop with one of Ferdys biscuits. “Hurr, an iffen they varments think usns stopped a-diggen, burr, theym doant know moles. Usll ave ee tunnels worken agin afore eventoid, mark.

* * *

Bella of Brockhall had wandered far in search of a second hideout. If ever Brockhall were discovered by the army of Tsarmina, it was imperative that the woodlanders have a place of safety to flee to. The good badger was always conscious of her responsibility to the woodlanders. She felt she must undertake this search. Bella enjoyed the solitude of the far Mossflower stillness after the close confines of Brockhall in the company of woodlanders. By midday she was traveling east through vast tracts of field country. The badger knew instinctively that the River Moss would be winding its way somewhere near, and her good senses were confirmed in due course.

Bella seated herself on the bank of the broad swirling water. She did not resist taking a short nap in the early summer warmth.

“Bella. Hey there, Bella of Brockhall!

The badger sat bolt upright, blinking away her tiredness. Gingivere was running towards her, and there was another cat with him, a sleek reddish female.

The badger jumped up waving her paws joyfully.

“Haha, Gingivere, you old rascal, whos your friend?

The female cat smiled and waved back.

“Oh, you are just as I imagined you, Bella, she said warmly. “Gingivere has told me all about you and his woodland friends. Im Sandingomm.

They sat on the bank together as Bella brought them up to date with the news and explained her mission. As she talked, Bella noticed how strong and happy Gingivere looked. The reason why soon became apparent.

“Look at me, Bella. Would you believe it, Im a farmer now. Yes, me, Gingivere, son of Verdauga. Weve got a nice little piece of land farther up the bank and the fishing is good in this river.

The badger was delighted. “Well, you certainly fell on your paws this time, friend. Though you deserve it after all youve been through. Congratulations to you both.

Sandingomm thanked Bella. “Anytime you please, you may bring the woodlanders to stay with us. This place is too far away for Gingiveres wicked sister to find.

Bella stood up. Dusting her coat off, she refused an offer to stay for lunch.

“I wouldnt dream of intruding on two such happy creatures any longer, she said firmly. “Besides, Ive got to get back to Brockhall and give them the good news. Not only have I found a second hideout, but I have rediscovered our friend Gingivere and made yet another new friend in Lady Sandingomm.

Gingivere smiled understandingly. “As you will, Bella of Brockhall. Give my best wishes to all the woodlanders, and dont forget to tell Ferdy and Coggs to visit Uncle Gingivere and Aunt Sandingomm sometime.

“Oh I will, never fear, Bella assured him. “Thank you, its good to know that we of the Corim have two great friends always ready to help.

The badger set off westward, back toward the leafy glades of Mossflower in the noonday sun.

“Goodbye, Bella of Brockhall. Good luck to you, the cats called after her.

“Thank you. Take good care of each other now. Goodbye, Farmer Gingivere. Goodbye, Lady Sandingomm.

Chapter 41

Night had fallen over Salamandastron.

The war party climbed down the roof ladder onto the sand. Gonff, Dinny and Log-a-Log had been outfitted by the hares. They were helmeted and armed with long pointed pikes, smaller versions of the arms carried by fighting hares.

Martin looked around, checking out the company. There were Trubbs, Wother and Ffring, Harebell, Honeydew and Willow, his three traveling companions and Boar the Fighter. The silver badger towered above them all, looking fearsome enough to chill the blood of any sea rats veins. He wore heavy spiked armor across his back and front, topped off with a shining metal headpiece that came forward into a badger war mask.

Boar pointed his great war sword up at Buffheart as he gave final orders.

“Make sure you pull that ladder back up safe, slide a rock over the entrance hole and dont open it to any creature.

“But supposing you want to get back in again, Boar? Starbuck asked, gazing down from behind his father.

The badger chuckled drily. “Dont worry, Star. A short climb and a rock slab wont stop me.

Lupin appeared at the opening. “Breeze is at the forge sobbing herself silly. Will you be all right, Boar?

The badger did not look up. “Im fine, Lupin. Youre the strong one. You know what to do.

“I do, Boar.

“Good. Then come on, you lucky lot, follow me. Were going to a party with some sea rats.

As they moved off, Gonff nudged Dinny. “What a happy badger. He seems to get merrier when hes closer to a battle.

“Urr, wishen oi did, Young Dinny gulped. “Moi young paws be all of a-trimble.

“Im glad I havent got that trouble, Din, Gonff giggled nervously. “Mine froze solid with fright some time ago.

In silent file they made their way out to the shore, keeping close to the rock face. The party halted when they stood with their backs to the mountain. It was deserted, though Bloodwake bobbed at anchor close to the land.

Trubbs twitched his whiskers. “Dont like this at all, chums. Not one little bit.

“Ill second that, laddie.

“Thirds for me, old scout, wot?

Gonff peered toward Bloodwake . “Maybe theyre still on board.

Log-a-Log gripped his pike tighter. “No, mate. Shes riding too high in the water for that.

“Log-a-Logs right, Martin whispered to Boar. “What do you think?

“Oh, theyre here, somewhere, Boar chuckled softly. “I can smell the stink of sea rat fouling up my territory. Trubbs, you take the left. Harebell, around the mountain to the right. See if you can spot anything.

The hares slipped off like sand on the breeze. “Look, theres a small band of em, Boar exclaimed, pointing straight ahead. “Been lying low where the waves lap the sand. Ha, they dont fool me. Theres some kind of ambush being rigged up around here, but dont worry, well be ready.

Trubbs and Harebell arrived back at the same time. “Boar, theyre around the back of the mountain, hordes of them!

“Harebells right. I saw em too, all skulking in the shadows.

Boar remained calm. “Huh, Ripfang seems to be using his brains more and his mouth less these days. They must have dropped off farther up the coast and come overland, circling to get behind us. I told you that band up ahead was only a blind.

Dinny gave a hoarse shout. “Look out! Yurr theym a-cummen!

From both sides of the mountain they filtered out in a swift pincer movement. Trubbs estimate was right: there were hordes of them. Martin watched in silence as they formed a semicircle. He had never seen so many sea rats.

Villainous faces, wreathed by black headbands and adorned with brass earrings, snarled at them. Strange sickle-shaped swords with small round target shields were brandished high. Daggers and whips bristled where there were no swords. Martin thanked the fates that there were no archers.

Boar stood forward smiling hugely, leaning idly on his battle blade. “Well, well. The gangs all here. Wheres old snotwhiskers?

The ranks parted, allowing two standard bearers carrying sea rat banners to come through. Standing between them was a rat, half as big again as any of the others, carrying a sickle sword and a long whiplash. A single fang grew overlong from the left side of his mouth, giving his face a grotesque sneer.

“Here I am, mountain Lord. We have you surrounded and ready to die.

Boar did not give the courtesy of a reply. He whirled his giant war sword aloft and charged with a thunderous battlecry.

“Yoooohaaarrraallaayleeeeee!!!

Both sides surged forward, meeting with a crash of steel upon the churning sands.

Martin felt the madness of combat searing through his veins. He leaped and struck, hacked and thrust, stabbed and slashed like a flash of hot summer lightning. Shields were shorn through by his flying blade, sea rats went down before him like corn to a reaper. They crushed inward, swinging their sickle swords. Dinny took a gash upon his shoulder. He was about to go down when Trubbs heaved a squealing rat high upon his pike, tossing him onto the blades that menaced Dinny. Gonff had lost his pike, but he went at them with a dagger in each paw, flailing like a windmill, up, down, across, over, his fear forgotten in the boiling melee of battle. Ffring was hemmed in on all sides, his bobtail shorn off; but Wother and Log-a-Log came vaulting over the sea rats heads on their pikes to save the beleaguered hare. Jabbing left and right, they were joined by Harebell. Foursquare back to back they fought, turning in a ferocious circle, spearing and ripping like a carousel of doom.

The rats on the tideline had begun to move. Boar swung low at the feet of his enemies. As they jumped, he carried the sweep high, the immense war sword slicing through at head level. Blood-spattered, pierced by steel in a dozen different places, he fought on, oblivious to his wounds, trying to reach Ripfang, who stood at the back urging on his sea rats.

“Come to me, Ripfang, the silver badger chanted as he battled. “Meet Boar the Fighter. I am the son of Old Lord Brocktree, ruler of Mossflower, Chief of the mountain. My blade is singing your deathsong. Let Boar take you and your vermin crew to the gates of Dark Forest this night. The summer sun cannot stand the sight of you darkening the earth!

Now the rats packed in harder at Ripfangs command. The roiling mass of enemies seemed endless. Martin and his comrades wiped sweat and blood from their eyes as they battered heroically away at the tide of sea rats which threatened to engulf them.

The warrior mouse found himself back to back with Boar. “Boar, were hard-pressed and outnumbered, he yelled over the noise of war. “Itd take us all season to slay this pack, even if they stood in line and waited.

The silver badger made a rat into two half-rats with his sword. “I know, little warrior. I told you this was my fight. Im sorry I got you into it.

Martin extinguished a spitting face with his blade. “Not your fault, Boar. It was written.

The badger used his sword hilt to pulp a rat who came too near. “Listen, Martin. Get the crew around you. Im going to force a way through, then well run for it. Theres only that single group standing between us and Bloodwake . Are you ready?

It took a few moments in the battle until Martin had mustered his comrades in a group. There was a momentary lull as they stood ringed on all sides by sea rats.

Like chain lightning, Boar made his move with a furious charge. The mad onslaught carried them forward to the edge of the horde. Hewing ceaselessly, Martin and the rest broke through. They began running toward the small advancing band of sea rats.

Pikes clashed with sickle swords as they met. The astounded vermin were so taken aback by the ferocity of the attack that they broke and scattered.

Rushing onward, the friends made the waters edge.

Honeydew looked back. “Weve left Boar behind!

“No, he never came with us.

“Lets go back.

“Stay! Martins shout was a cold command.

They turned to stare at the warrior mouse.

“Remember your orders from Boar. Do as he said; it is the way of the warrior. Boar has seen his own fate written, there is nothing we can do to stop it. We must capture that ship.

They slid into the surf with the sounds of battle still ringing in their ears.

There was only a token watch left aboard to guard the galley slaves. They leaped overboard at the sight of the roaring fighters who sprang dripping to the deck of Bloodwake .

Panting with exertion, Martin turned to Log-a-Log, “Get this vessel under way with all speed!

The shrew rapped out commands to the new crew. “Slash that anchor cable. Hoist those sails. Martin, take the tillersteer her out to deep water. You below, row for your lives if you want to taste freedom again.

Pushing the tiller over, Martin felt Bloodwake respond. She turned on the ebbing tide with a stiff breeze at her stern, riding the waves out toward the open sea. The rest of them joined him as he stared over the after end, across the smooth wake to the shore.

The silver badgers voice carried to them on the wind.

“Sail away, my warriors. Tell Bella and Mossflower of Boar the Fighter. Come closer, sea rats. Let my blade kiss you to sleep. Ah, Ripfang, my old enemy, got you! Now I embrace you as a friend. See.

They watched as Boar went down under a mob of sea rats who were howling and screaming. The badger wielded his sword with a single paw, the other mighty paw held Ripfang close to his studded metal armor, crushing him to death.

Martin turned away, blinded by tears. He could look no more.

Nor could his companions.

Before them lay the deep open sea. Behind them, the flames of Salamandastron burned bright over a shore piled and littered with dead and wounded sea rats.

The spirit of Boar the Fighter lingered on the sands, reluctant to leave a good battle and travel to the gates of Dark Forest.

The silver badger had seen the writing on the wall. He had fulfilled the legend of the mountain!

Tsarmina and Bane watched each other like pike eyeing a water beetle, the wildcat Queen from her high window, Bane from where he crouched shivering with the troops, drenched in morning dew, completely dispirited after a fruitless night spent in the forest. The rift was widening between cat and fox.

Bane squatted in the wet grass beside Brogg.

“See how your Queen treats us? We shiver out here all night while she lies in luxury, warm and snug.

Brogg squinted dully. “She always has. Milady is a Queen, you know.

Bane spat at a small insect. “If I ruled Kotir, the troops would get the same treatment as me. Ask my crew. We always had plenty to eat. I never hid in safety and let them take all the risks.

“Is that why you pushed them out of doors, in front of all those arrows and javelins? Ratflank sniggered.

Bane cuffed him soundly across the snout. “Who asked your opinion, snivelwhiskers? I didnt notice you volunteering to dash out and fight those woodlanders.

Brogg stood up, brushing dewdrops from his cloak. “Ah well, they wont be showing up this morning. Wonder how they knew wed be lying in wait?

Bane winked and tapped his muzzle. “Maybe she got word to them. That way she could have Kotir and the rations to herself. Theres enough supplies in there to keep one cat happy forever.

Brogg scratched his chin. “Really? Do you think shed do that?

“Well, look at the evidence. Bane laughed mirthlessly. “From what I hear, the garrison was in a right old mess before I arrived with reinforcements and rations. They say she was acting strange. You should knowshe had you pulling tails and checking whiskers. What normal creature does things like that?

As the force moved back to Kotir, Bane and Brogg were deep in quiet, earnest conversation.

Tsarmina watched them from her high window. She also scanned the surrounding treetops for signs that the eagle might be abroad. An idea was forming in the wildcats mind.

Later that morning, while Bane was supervising a team to replace the burned door and window timbers, Tsarmina had Brogg come to her room. She fed him on cider and roasted woodpigeon as she wormed information from him.

The weasel Captain told his Queen all.

Tsarmina resumed her position at the window, watching the telltale quiver of a spruce top. When she turned to Brogg her voice dripped sincerity.

“You have been a good and loyal Captain, Brogg. Make no mistake, your Queen will reward you. This fox forced his way in here while we were distracted by the woodlanders. He countermands my orders and whispers lies about me to my soldiers. Do you realize that if he had not barged his way in with his ragged mob, I was going to promote you to act as Supreme General?

“Me, Milady? Brogg could hardly believe his ears.

“Yes, you. Say nothing of this to any creature, especially Bane. Let him carry on repairing our woodwork. He thinks he will rule Kotir one day. You stick to doing your job, Brogg. Keep my Thousand Eye soldiers loyal to me. As for Bane, leave him to me. If he speaks to you, tell him that I wish to see him, up here in my chamber.

“I will, Milady. You can trust me.

“I do, Brogg my good friend. Now go.

The weasel did not stop backing up and bowing until after he was outside the room.

By midafternoon most of the repair work was well under way. Bane strolled up to the high chamber and slouched against the table where Tsarmina sat.

“Well, what dyou want me for now, cat? he asked insolently.

Tsarmina pushed a beaker of elderberry wine across the table to Bane, and poured one for herself.

“To you, Bane. A good job well done on the doors and windows. I could not have done better myself.

The fox watched carefully, not taking a sip of the wine until the wildcat had drunk from her beaker.

“Why this sudden honor, Tsarmina? What are you up to?

The wildcat Queen shook her head sadly. “How did we ever come to this mistrust and enmity, Bane? She pointed a dramatic claw to the open window. “Out there is where the enemy is. The woodlanders are the ones we should be fighting, not each other.

The fox took a mouthful of the rich dark wine. “Ill agree with that, but whats brought about this sudden change? Tell me, if we are to trust each other.

Tsarmina passed a weary paw across her brow. “Until you came, I had not won a single victory over the woodlanders. Even when they attacked us yesterday you did all you could, but still I did not trust you, she confessed. “I made you wait out in the open all night and you never complained once. Today I looked from my window and saw you helping your band to repair the damage to Kotir. That was when I changed my opinion of you.

Tsarmina refilled Banes beaker with wine. When she spoke again there was something approaching a sob in her voice.

“Forgive me. I have misjudged you, Bane. You are a true friend.

The fox quaffed the wine, then took the liberty of pouring himself some more.

“You like the work that we are carrying out on the fire damage?

Tsarmina pushed the wine jug so that Bane would not have to stretch when reaching for it.

“Indeed I do. Its ten times better than my bumbling lot could have done, she assured him.

Bane nodded agreement. “Aye, my band can turn their paw to most things. Theyre still working round at the larder and scullery entrance.

“Good, Tsarmina said over her shoulder as she rummaged in a wooden chest. “But what Im worried about is the main gates between the courtyard and the woodland edge.

The fox finished his wine, banging the beaker down decisively. “Right, lets go and take a look at em, though I dont think theyll need much repair. Theyre a solid old pair of gates.

Tsarmina produced a cloak from the chest. It was a long trailing garment made from bright red velvet trimmed with woodpigeon feathers. Recently it had been cleaned and brushed.

“I want you to take this cloak, friend, she insisted smilingly. “Wear it as a token of our new alliance. As you can see, it is not the plain cloak of a Captain; this was made for a Lord.

Bane took the cloak. Twirling it round, he admired the color and weight of the velvet. He swept it up, draping it around his shoulders. Tsarmina fastened the clasp at his neck.

“There! How handsome you look. More like the Ruler of Kotir than I do.

Banes paw stroked the feather edged velvet. “Thank you, Queen Tsarmina. This is a splendid cloak. Hoho, waitll my gang see their leader decked out in his finery. Come on, lets take a look at that gate.

There were many admiring and envious glances from Banes mercenaries as he strode across the courtyard.

“By the fang. Look at old Bane. What a fine cloak!

“He certainly cuts a dash in it. Ill bet hes been promoted.

“Haha, he looks more like the Chief here than the cat does.

Brogg and Ratflank leaned out of the barrack room window. The weasel Captain could not help remarking under his breath, “What dyou suppose the fox is doing, wearing Ashlegs cloak?

Chapter 42

Dawn brushed pale streaks of pink and gold through the gray mist on the calm sea waters.

Rasping sounds from a file could be heard on deck from the oarbanks below. Gonff was freeing the slaves.

Martin and Dinny assisted the pathetic creatures onto the deck. Some of them had not seen daylight in seasons. They were a mixed bunch, ragged shrews and emaciated mice, together with some bedraggled hedgehogs and the odd gaunt squirrel.

How could any creature treat another in this cruel manner? Martin wondered. It made his blood boil as he tended them.

Dinny was doling out food from Bloodwake s well-stocked pantry. “Yurr, get sum vittles down ee, usns fatten ee up.

Martin was supporting a tough mouse who seemed on the verge of collapse.

“Thank you, Martin son of Luke, he said, nodding gratefully at the young warrior.

Martins paws gave way. He sank to the deck of Bloodwake , taking his burden with him. They sat staring at each other. Martin could find only one word to say.

“Timballisto?

Tears ran freely down the mouses whiskers. “Martin, my friend.

A shrew who was gnawing at a ships biscuit came and sat by them. “Martin, the young warrior mouse, eh? Timballisto here was always talking about you.

Timballisto threw a paw about his friends shoulder. “How did you know I was aboard this floating rat trap?

Martin hugged him. “I didnt, you old wardog. I thought youd gone to the gates of Dark Forest long ago, fighting enemies off outside our caves in the northlands.

As they sat talking, Log-a-Log came from Ripfangs cabin aft. He was studying some sailcloth charts. Immediately a great shout went up from the shrews who had been freed.

“Log-a-Log! Chief, its us, the old gang from the village!

Preoccupied with something he had discovered among the maps, the Shrew Chief waved distractedly to them. “Ha, hello, you lot. Well, eat up and get fit again. The boss is back now. Told you Id rescue you, didnt I.

Gonff heaved himself up from the galley banks below. “Whew, matey! It could do with a good scrub down there. Hey, Log-a-Log, found some booty?

The shrew spread charts upon the deck. “Look, its all herethe way home.

Martin could make little of the charts. “Show me.

“Righto. Its simple really. See here, thats Salamandastron, Log-a-Log explained. “Keep the setting sun to your left and follow the coastline until we sight a river flowing into the sea from the right. Its the River Moss, see, flowing from east to west.

Dinnys digging paw tapped the canvas. “Hurr, well oi never did, stan on moi tunnel! It be our river as flows thru Mossfler. Lookit, thurr be ee woodlands marked up over yon. Burr, ee ratbag knowed it all.

Log-a-Log pinned the canvas down against a breeze that was springing up.

“Ill say he did. Thats how he came to capture my tribe. Theres our village marked up on the northeast fringes of Mossflower. Banksnout, shin up the mast and keep your eyes busy for the river flowing in from landward. Gonff, take the tiller and hold it seaward a point to bring us closer into shore. Shrews, break out all sail so we catch this good breeze.

Under the eye of the summer sun, Bloodwake scudded across the foaming white caps like a great seabird. Timballisto leaned over the deckrail with Martin.

“I wish Id had the chance to meet Boar the Fighter, Timballisto sighed. “He sounds like a great warrior, from what you say. What a pity he wont be coming back to save Mossflower.

Martin drew his sword. He pointed it east toward the land. “It is my duty to save Mossflower. I swore it to Boar and I intend keeping that oath.

Timballisto watched him as he held forth the beautiful blade. “You will, Martin. You will!

A hedgehog poked his head around the door of the forward cabins. “Ahoy, theres a full armory here, ladsswords, spears, knives, everything an army could wish for.

“Gurt loads o vittles, too. Dinny chuckled. “Oi tell ee, Gonffen, liddle boats make oi sick, hurr, but thisns a noice big shipper. Oill call er Wuddshipp . Harr, that be a foin name.

Gonff watched the forepeak respond to the tiller.

“ Wuddshipp it is then, Din. Though personally Id have named her Columbine .

Trubbs and company chimed in.

“I say, thats a bit strong, Gonff, old sailor.

“Has Columbine really got a wooden bottom?

“And two ears that stick out like sails?

They narrowly ducked the pail of seawater that Gonff hurled.

Banksnout roared out in a gruff shrew bass from atop the rigging, “Ahoy! River in sight up north to landward!

Martin climbed the bowsprit. He stood on the bleached fish skull figurehead, looking eagerly.

Sure enough, there was the river, boiling across the shores in the distance. He turned to the crowd of eager faces watching him.

“Take her head up and round the shore, Gonff. Were going home!

Shrews, mice, hedgehogs, squirrels, hares and a single mole roared out in one voice that rang across the waves,

“Mossflowerrrrrrr!!!

Chapter 43

Argulor was awake.

Shifting on his high spruce perch, he glared down greedily through his old watery eyes at the red-cloaked figure crossing the parade ground of Kotir.

“At last, pine marten!

Tsarmina pushed hard against the gates. “See, theyre rocking on their hinges, she pointed out to Bane. “Those woodlanders have been meddling with them, Im sure of it.

Bane gave the gates a kick. “Do you think so? They seem solid enough to me. Huh, even fire arrows didnt make much impression on these gates.

Tsarmina unbolted the locks. Opening the gates cautiously, she peered around them at the woodlands. It was safe.

“All clear out here, but I dont like it. Im sure theyve done something to these hinges from outside. Just think, if these gates blew down during the autumn, wed be at their mercy.

“Huh, I dont know what youre fussing about, Bane said, swirling his new cloak impatiently. “The gates look all right to me.

Tsarmina gnawed her lip. “Are you really sure, though?

The fox sighed in exasperation. “Oh, I suppose Ill have to go and take a look to keep you happy.

He strode briskly outside.

Tsarmina dodged inside, slamming the gates and bolting them.

Bane was puzzled momentarily. “Hoi, whats the matter with you, Tsarmina?

There was no reply. Tsarmina was racing across the parade ground to watch from her high window.

Suddenly Bane sensed he had been tricked, but it was too late.

Argulor had already launched himself from his perch. He homed in on the red-cloaked figure like a bolt from the blue.

On the other side of Kotir, Banes mercenaries worked away on the scullery door, blissfully unaware of what was taking place outside.

Bane did not see the eagle swoop; he was trying to find pawholds as he clambered up the oaken gates.

Argulor struck him hard from behind, burying powerful talons and vicious hooked beak in the prey that had eluded him for so long. The fox was transfixed, frozen with cruel agony; but as the eagle started to carry him off, Banes fighting instincts took over. Freeing his curved sword, he struck upward at the feathered enemy.

The sword hit Argulor, once, twice!

Doggedly the great eagle sank talons and beak deeper into his prey. Beating the air with his massive wingspread as he did, both hunter and quarry rose skyward.

Tsarmina at her window danced up and down in fiendish glee. Attracted by the screams, the occupants of Kotir looked up. Bane slashed wildly with his sword; Argulor stabbed madly with his beak. All the while the combatants rose higher, and soon they were above the treetops.

Chibb fluttered in circles some distance away. He watched the amazing sight as eagle and fox rose into the sky.

Far above Mossflower, Argulor won the battle. Bane gave a final shudder and went limp, the curved sword falling from his lifeless paws. The ancient eagle felt cheated; this was no pine marten, it was a fox. Argulors heart sank in his breast. It did not rise again. The rheumy eyes shut in the same instant as the great wings folded in death, and only the talons remained fixed deep into the dead fox.

Tsarmina watched as both creatures plunged earthward.

Two enemies defeated in a single brilliant stroke.

Ratflank dashed for the gate. Brogg shouted after him, “Where dyou think youre off to?

“Ha, to get that cloak, of course. Thats a good bit of velvet. It can be repaired, yknow.

“Get back here, frogbrain. See what happened to the foxhe wore the cloak. Dyou want the same thing happening to you?

“Frogbrain yourself, dimwit. Cant you see the eagles dead? Any creature can wear that cloak now.

“Hoi! Dont you call me dimwit, droopywhiskers.

“Ill call you what I like, dimwit. Nitears! Fatnose!

Tsarmina smiled inwardly, a third victory today. Now that she heard Ratflank shouting she could identify the insolent voice that had often insulted her from the protection of the ranks or the bottom of a curved stairwell.

Later that day, she instructed Brogg.

“Take Ratflank, and find the bodies of the eagle and the fox.

“Yes, Milady. Shall I bring them back here?

“No, Brogg. Bury them.

“As you say, Milady.

“Oh, and Brogg

“Yes, Milady?

“How do you feel about that insolent Ratflank these days?

“Oh, him. Hes a cheekybeast, Milady. Called me lots of nasty names.

“Yes. Me too. How would you like to bury him with the fox and the eagle?

“Huh huhuhuh, Brogg chortled. “Can I, Milady?

“Yes, but not a word to any creature about it.

“Can I have the red cloak too, Milady?

“Yes, if you want it.

“And Banes curved sword, Milady? Brogg pressed her.

“If you can find it.

“Where dyou think it fell, Milady?

Tsarmina turned her eyes upward as if seeking patience. “Brogg, I wouldnt know where the sword fell, or the eagle, or the fox. Just get out of my sight and dont bother me with details.

“But what aboutYes, Milady.

Urthclaw was first to reach the underground foundations of Kotir. Tunneling steadily, he made his way along the underground wall until he met up with Billum. Together they continued until they linked up with Soilflyer, who was waiting for them.

“Burr, day to ee moles, he greeted them. “Foremole an Owd Dinny be along wi tools soon, usns can brekk throo ee rock then.

Lady Amber had sunk the floodgates at the other end of the tunnels, they were to be lifted by rope hoists attached to rock counterweights over high branches. Skipper and his crew had dug fresh tunnels from the river, sloping down to meet the floodgates which separated them from the main tunnels. All the workings had been shorn up with stone and timber. Foremole supervised the removal of rocks from the foundations of Kotir. The moles pried away the soft, damp stones with bars and chisels until they felt the cold fetid air on their snouts. “Burr, oo, durty owd place needen a gurt barth, hur hurr.

Shortly before nightfall, the moles climbed out of the tunnel workings, back in Mossflower, where the woodlanders and Corim leaders had assembled. Bella rolled three large rocks over the holes from which the moles had emerged. Others moved in to pack the bung-rocks firmly in with wood and soil.

Now everything was ready.

Between the lower depths of Kotir and the distant river in Mossflower Woods, all that stood was three timber sluicegates.

Lady Amber laid her tail flat on the lower branches of a sycamore.

The woodlanders held their breath.

Skipper nodded to Foremole.

Foremole nodded to Bella.

Bella nodded to Amber.

The squirrels tail rose like a starters flag. There was a creaking of rope pulleys as squirrels launched the rocks from the high trees, riding down to earth on them, holding to the ropes. The counterweights traveled fast, humming across the heavily beeswaxed branches.

The wooden floodgates made a squelching sound as they were pulled free of the earth, then water began rippling through into the tunnels.

The flooding of Kotir had begun!

Chapter 44

Driving Wuddshipp inland against the flow of the River Moss was a difficult task.

All paws manned the oarbanks, and Martin sat alongside Timballisto.

“Phew! I never realized rowing was such heavy work, Martin groaned.

“Pull, my friend, pull. Its twice as bad when you have to do it on half-rations with a sea rats whip cracking about your ears and you chained to the oar.

The vessel had been built for coast raiding. Though it was a large craft, it had a flat bottom for taking shallow draught; thus it was able to travel upriver without a deep keel sticking in the shallows.

Inland they traveled, sometimes aided by a breeze when the sails were hoisted. Other times saw two teams dragging her forward on headropes from the riverbanks.

It took a day and a half of hard work to get across the flat beach and into the dunes, where the river was tighter-channelled and flowed faster against them. Log-a-Log solved the problem by using the long galley oars from the deck. Two crew to each oar, they punted and pushed Wuddshipp through the dunes, keeping her head upriver with great difficulty. Gradually the dunes gave way to hilly scrubland and the sand began to disappear.

It was a weary crew that sat upon the bank that night, watching the ship riding at anchor.

Gonff hurled a clod of earth at the fast-flowing water. “Well never make it this way, mateys. Why not abandon ship and march the rest of the way?

Harebell and company smiled sweetly.

“Oh, you are a silly, Mr. Gonff. We must take the ship.

“The river flows back to the sea, you see.

“And we may need that to make a quick getaway if we are pushed.

Martin winked at Gonff. “The ladies certainly know their strategy. By the way, has anyone seen Log-a-Log Big Club?

As if in answer, the shrew strode up out the gathering gloom. “Aye aye. Ive been scouting ahead. Found the old village, too. Come on, you lucky lot. Therell be a hot meal and a warm bed with a roof overhead tonight. Banksnout, you wouldnt recognize your little ones nowtheyre taller than me. Oh, Martin, I forgot to tell you, weve gained another hundred able-furred recruits.

Delight awaited them at the shrew village as families were reunited amidst cheering and shouting.

“Daddy, Daddy, its me, Emily, your baby shrewlet.

“Hoho, look at you! Youre bigger than your mum.

“Sharptail, you said you were going for acorns. That was four seasons ago! Where have you been?

“Sorry, mdear. Sea rats yknow. Whats this, grand-shrew babies?

“Aye, youre a grandpa shrew now.

“By the fur! Here, give me a hold of that little fat feller.

“Gluggabuggaluggoo!

“Haha. See, he knows me already.

The hares joined Martin and the others around a fire. Two plump shrews served them with hot fruit pie, dandelion salad and bowls of fresh milk. Gonff sang around a mouthful of hot pie,

O the Wuddshipp is a goodship,
And well sail her anywhere,
Rowed by mice, crewed by shrews,
And often steered by hare.
So hoist the anchor, loose the sails,
Give me a wind that never fails,
And well sail the goodship Wuddshipp
From here to old Brockhall.

He had to sing it twice again whilst the shrews danced a hornpipe with the hares.

As the fires burned low, they settled back with full stomachs and renewed hope for the morn.

Martin and Timballisto slept side by side beneath the stars, each wrapped in a colorfully woven shrew blanket.

Dinny dug a flatfish hole for the hares.

“Oh, thank you kindly, Mr. Mole.

“Such charming manners and swift digging.

“Ooh, and that beautiful velvety fur and strong claws.

Dinny wrinkled his face and tugged his snout, slightly embarrassed. “Burr, bless ee, baint nought but an owd ole, missies.

The moon rose like a white china plate over the peaceful scene on the banks of the River Moss.

Tsarmina faced the troops gathered in the large mess hall. She had specially arranged the gathering by sending Banes former mercenaries in first; her own soldiers, led by Brogg in his red velvet cloak, ringed the mercenaries by jostling them to the center of the floor. Brogg held up Banes curved sword for silence as the wildcat Queen addressed the assembly.

“Bane is dead. Those who served under him have nowhere left to go now. Move from here, and you do it without supplies or weapons. Besides, those woodlanders out there would take care of you in short order. Any creature want to say something?

There was silence.

“Right, she continued commandingly. “From now on you take your orders from me. Brogg will see that you get rations and a billet each. Later Ill see about appointing more officers and getting you some proper uniforms. Take over, Brogg.

The weasel Captain stepped up, twirling his new sword. “Altogether now. Hail Tsarmina, Queen of Mossflower!

The response was less than enthusiastic.

Tsarmina made them repeat it until she was satisfied. “Thats better. You can learn my list of titles later.

They stood in awkward silence, not knowing what to do next. In the hush that followed, Tsarminas ears rose visibly. Something was beginning to disturb her.

“Dismiss, all of you. Brogg, you stay with me.

When the hall was emptied she turned to Brogg with haunted eyes.

“Listen, can you hear it? she asked fearfully.

“I cant hear a thing, Milady.

“Listen! Its water, flowing, dripping, spilling somewhere. Ugh!

Brogg gave careful ear. Suddenly he brightened up. “Haha. Yes, I can hear it now, Milady. Youre right. There is water about somewhere. Damp dyou think?

The sound of water produced so distressing an effect upon Tsarmina that she forgot to chide Brogg. She cowered in a corner, paws covering her ears to shut out the dreaded noise. Flowing water, seeping water, creeping water, dark, icy, swirling water!

“Brogg, quick, get as many troops together as you can, she ordered desperately. “Find out where that water is coming from and stop it. Stop it!

Brogg saw the terror on his Queens face and fled the room.

The whole of the garrison searched high and low. But not too low; nobody, including Brogg, was overkeen to venture beneath the cells. Down there it was dark and cold; down there was the lake where Gloomer used to be kept.

And goodness knows what else!

That night, as Tsarmina sat huddled in her chamber, dripping water echoed in her imagination, never letting up. When the fear of water was upon her, the daughter of Verdauga was no longer Queen of Mossflower, Lady of the Thousand Eyes or Ruler of Kotir.

She was reduced to a crazed, terrified kitten, trembling at the sound of dripping water in the darkness, longing for morning light to come stealing over the horizon.

Something had gone radically wrong with the flooding.

Bella slumped in the grass by the river with Skipper.

“No joy, marm? he asked solicitously.

“Im afraid not, Skipper. There seems to be only a trickle going down the tunnels.

Lady Amber joined the pair. “Aye, it seemed to be going so well at first. Dyou think its because its summer and we havent had much rain? she suggested.

Skipper chewed a blade of grass. “Maybe so. Theres not a lot we can do about it, anyway.

“Maybe we could dam the river? Bella offered tentatively.

“Impossible, marm, the Skipper of otters snorted. “Dam the River Moss? Stow me barnacles, you couldnt hope to stop a river that size from flowin to the sea.

Columbine stopped by to join the discussion.

“Perhaps it will fill gradually.

“Aye, missie, Skipper chuckled drily. “We could all sit there growing old and watch it doin just that. No, well give it a bit more time, then if things are still the same well have to think of another scheme.

Lady Amber whacked her tail down irritably.

“After all that underwater digging and tunneling, then theres the lives that were lost, too. Huh, it makes me mad!

The river carried on flowing its normal course, only a thin trickle diverting down the tunnels.

It was the evening of the following day. Abbess Germaine and Columbine were helping Ben Stickle to take the little ones out for an evening stroll along the river bank. Ferdy and Coggs played with Spike and Posy, together with some young mice. They were sailing miniature boats that Ben had made for them.

Germaine watched fondly as the young ones dashed boisterously up and down the bank, bursting with energy after being confined to Brockhall the past few days.

“Be careful, Spike. Watch you dont fall in, she called.

“See my boat, Abbess. Its faster than Coggss.

“Ooh look, Ferdy is cheating. Hes pushing his boat with a stick.

“No, Im not. Its the wind. Mine has a bigger sail.

“Columbine, mine has gone down the hole. Can you get it back for me, please?

“Sorry, Spike. Its gone for good now. Never mind, Im sure Ben will make you another.

Ben Stickle crouched to look down the hole where the boat had vanished. He stood up, wiping his paws and shaking his head.

“Flood tunnels, theyre about as much use as an otter in a birds nest. How far dyou suppose theyll have filled up the lake under Kotir? A paws height? A whiskers level?

The Abbess watched the rays of the setting sun through the trees. “Who knows, Ben. One thing is certain, though: Kotir still stands, dark and evil as ever it was. What a shame that Foremole and Old Dinnys plan never worked.

They turned back to Brockhall.

“Bella says theres no likelihood of rain; the weather is staying fine, Ben added.

Ferdy tucked the boat under his small spines.

“Maybe they should have done it in the winter, Ben, the Abbess observed unhelpfully.

Ben ruffled Ferdys head. “Maybe frogs should have had feathers. Come on, young uns. Get your boats. Back to Brockhall and wash up for supper.

It was a warm night. As the Corim sat about in the main room, an air of defeat hung over the company.

Bella yawned, stretching in her deep armchair.

“Well, any more suggestions?

There were none. The badger searched one face then another. “Then we must explore the possibilities open to us. But let me say this, I do not want to hear any more plans of mass attack or open war.

Skipper and Lady Amber shifted uncomfortably.

“Foremole and Old Dinny still think that the flooding will work, if they can figure out certain alterations to the original plan, Bella continued. “I know a lot of us do not agree with this, but personally I think that the flooding is our only hope. With this in mind, I propose we visit the site tomorrow morning. Maybe with all the Corim there we might come up with a good idea. If not, then there is only one other sensible thing to do.

Goody Stickle wiped her paws on her flowery apron. “What might that be, Miz Bella?

“To move all the woodlanders and everything we can carry away from here. We would travel east to Gingiveres new home. I have told you that he and Sandingomm will accommodate us. We would find a welcome there, far away from Kotir.

Skipper jumped up, unhappiness written on his tough features. “But thatd mean the cat has won.

Cries of support rang out for the otter leader.

“Yes, why should we be driven out?

“We already left our homes to come to Brockhall.

“It wouldnt be the same in a strange place.

“I was born around here. Im not moving!

Abbess Germaine banged a wooden bowl upon the table to restore order, but it broke in two.

“Silence, friends, please. Let Bella speak, she shouted above the din.

Bella picked up the two halves of the bowl, and smiled ruefully at Germaine.

“Thank you, Abbess. Friends, there is more to my plan first meets the eye. If we were to make this move I am speaking of, then think of its effect upon Kotir. Tsarmina would not have won; she would not have chased us through the woodswe would have left of our own free will. Now, what would it accomplish? Imagine for a moment if we stayed in the east until next summer, or even spring. All the time we were gone the water would continue to run down the flood tunnels. In autumn there is more rain and the wind drives the river faster. Winter would see the current run under the ice, and on warm days the snow would feed the river and swell it. Finally when the thaw arrived in spring, the river waters would flood, mighty and unchecked, then we would truly see the lake rise beneath Kotir. One other thing. Between now and next spring my father, Boar the Fighter, may arrive. He alone can face Tsarmina and defeat her. That is all; I have spoken my piece.

Foremole rose and came to the table. Taking the two broken halves of the wooden bowl, he held them up.

“We be loik this hobjecksplitted up wem baint much use. But ifn us sticken tgether, then wem useful, hurr. He pressed the two halves together for all to see.

Old Dinny seconded him. “Foremole be roight, Miz Bell. Tis wunnerful molesense.

Columbine was allowed her say.

“Let us do as Bella suggests. Tomorrow we will go to the flood tunnels, then if nothing can be done we will follow her plan.

Immediate agreement followed.

“See, Columbine, the Abbess said, picking up the broken bowl in her frail paws, “old and weak as I am, yet somehow I managed the strength to perform a small bit of magic. Let us sleep now. It is late, and tomorrow we can tidy up here and wash the dishesall except this one.

The Abbess placed the broken halves carefully on the table.

“Maybe a lesson in mole logic would not be a bad thing for a wildcat Queen to learn.

Log-a-Log was in his element as leader of his tribe once more, he roused the entire village an hour before dawn to get the ship under way. With a hundred extra shrews to help, Wuddshipp fairly flew along the river. When they were not rowing, they were punting, pushing or hauling on ropes.

“Come on shrews, hoist sail, Log-a-Log commanded. “Two of you on this tiller. Make yourselves busy. Double up on the oars there. You two in the crosstrees, stir your stumps, the Chief is back. Lets show these bunny rabbits how to move a craft up our own River Moss.

“I beg your pardon, old Log-a-Thing.

“Steady on with the name-calling there, O Mighty Leader.

“Indeed, were hares, not bunny rabbits, dyou mind.

T. B. sat on the deck sharpening pikes. “Odd lot those hares, he remarked.

“Seasoned warriors though, Martin said, as he counted swords and daggers. “Boar the Fighter taught them personally. Dont let their silly talk fool you. I wouldnt have them as an enemy at any price, and I was proud to fight alongside them against the sea rats.

Gonff sniffed the air. His whiskers twitched in the predawn darkness that shrouded the riverbanks.

“Trees, Din. We must be in Mossflower. Dawn will soon tell.

The young mole was painting a crude sign to cover the name Bloodwake . It bore the legend Wuddshipp . He shook his head admiringly, wiping paint from his paws.

“Hurr, Gonffen, wem ome again, oim a-feelen it.

The gruff voice of a shrew in the crosstrees confirmed Dinnys words. “Sun arising eastward, trees growing close, were in the forest.

“Keep her head straight, shouted Log-a-Log, standing out forard. “Furl those sails in before they snag on the branches. Lively there!

Martin joined him at the prow.

“At this rate we should make Camp Willow around midday. I never noticed us navigating the ford that crosses the path.

Log-a-Log patted the rail. “I chanced it in the dark. Good sailoring, see. Old Wuddshipp skimmed the shallows with her flat bottom. Nice and deep here though, easy going on the oars.

The sun rose above the woodland mists, revealing another hot summer day. Patterns of water light played along the bulkheads, leaf and branch shadow mottled the decks. The oars pulled strong against the deep slow current as the big ship nosed its course, farther into the depths of Mossflower.

Chapter 45

Brogg watched Tsarmina as she lay flat upon the parade ground with her ear to the floor.

One of Banes former mercenaries, a rat named Chinwart, tugged at Broggs cloak and asked, “Whats she up to, Capn?

“Cant you see, shes listening for water.

“Water?

“Aye, water, wormbrain. What dyou suppose shed be listening for, strawberry cordial?

Tsarmina sprang up, hurried across the parade ground and lay near the wall of the building. Listening intently, she waved a paw.

“Brogg, over here!

“Yes, Milady.

“Get down, press your ear to the wallnot up there, down here by the ground.

“Oh, right. Here, Milady?

“Thats it. Tell me what you can hear.

“Er, nothing, Milady.

“Are you sure, Brogg?

“Im certain, Milady.

“Well, I can hear water running.

“But I cant, Milady.

“Hmm, perhaps its my imagination.

“Strange thing the imagination, Milady.

“Are you sure you searched below the cells last night?

“Positive, Milady.

“Brogg, if I thought you were lying to me You did search there, didnt you?

The weasel Captain noted the look of fear that flitted across Tsarminas features. He took full advantage of it.

“Your Majesty, I personally went alone to the place beneath the cells where its all damp and green with slime and fungus. I searched around that underground lake where the Gloomer lived. The place was full of strange echoes and dripping sounds. Maybe thats what youve heard. The place is always full of odd echoes and dripping noises down there in blackness. Shall we go down there together and recheck it, Milady?

Tsarmina could not stop her whole body shaking; she sat on the ground, unconsciously wiping her paws across her coat. “No, no, Brogg, she said nervously. “I wont be going down there. Ill be up in my chamber if you need me for anything.

She hurried indoors, brushing roughly past Chinwart, who had been lingering nearby, eavesdropping on the conversation.

He winked knowingly at Brogg. “I was with you last night. We never went anywhere near that place under the cells. What a pack of old fibs you fed her there, mate.

Brogg grabbed the rat savagely by his ear and pulled him close, twisting hard.

“Listen to me, bonebrain. You keep your skinny mouth shut. Im giving the orders now, not Bane.

“Owowowow, leggo, youre pulling me lug off! Chinwart whined pitifully.

Brogg twisted the ear more cruelly.

“Ill rip your tongue out too if I hear another word from you, he said menacingly. “Let her go and search the deep dark places if she wants to. Im not going down there, not for all the cider in Kotir. Unless, of course, youre volunteering to go down there alone?

Brogg released the rat, who stood nursing his ear tenderly. “All right, all right! I havent seen nothing, heard nothing, and I wont say nothing. Its none of my business.

Brogg contemptuously wiped the claws that had been nipping Chinwarts ear on the rats tunic.

“Good. Now get about your business, pigsears.

When the rat had scurried off, Brogg stood sunning himself. He held the larder keys, had a new red velvet cloak and a dangerous-looking curved sword. To all apparent purposes, he was the only Captain at present serving in Kotir.

Life was beginning to feel fairly good.

A packed lunch was served at the rivers edge.

Bella tossed an apple core into the water, they watched it bob to one side then stick in the shallows.

Skipper plucked it out and flung it far. “All I can say is that somehow the River Moss is at a low ebb. Those holes were underwater when we dug them, and now they are high and dry.

Ben Stickle lay flat out on the bank, gazing up at the cloudless sky. “Must be the mild spring we had. Look at it now, hardly a week into the season and its like midsummer. Huh, itll be late autumn before we see a drop of rain at this rate.

“So, what is to be done? Abbess Germaine asked, putting her milk beaker aside.

Lady Amber stroked the space where her ear had been, “What dyou think, Skip? Would it be possible to dam the river now that the levels fallen a bit?

The otter picked up a pawful of banksand. It ran freely through his claws.

“Marm, even as things are now, itd be like trying to stop the sunrise at dawn. We dont stand a chance of even trying to block off a river the size of old Moss.

“Er ahem! Chibb perched on a young chestnut shoot.

They continued talking, ignoring the robin.

“Maybe if we dig the channels a bit deeper.

“Tunnels, you mean.

“Channels, tunnelsits all the same, isnt it?

“Ahemhem harrumph! Chibb called again.

“It is if youre a squirrel, but to a mole or an otter a channel and a tunnel are two completely different things.

“Humph, ahem, harrumph! Chibb was becoming impatient.

Hurr, that be correck. Oles is oles an furrers is furrers.

“Harrumph, ahemhemhemhem!

“What dyou mean, furrows, a channel isnt a furr

“ Ahem!

“Chibb, whats the matter with you? Some nut stuck in your throat, is it?

“Er ahem, no. But I thought youd like to know theres a ship coming up the river.

“A ship!

“What, you mean a boat?

“Harrumph, I beg your pardon, but Id have said a boat if I meant a boat. It is a ship, full size, all black, white skull thing on the front, rolled up canvas sails, lots of oars. Ship!

Bella leaped up, spreading her paws wide. “Every creature take cover. Abbess, you stay with them. Be ready to make a dash for Brockhall if you hear my signal. Skipper, Lady Amber, come with me. Wed better go and investigate. Chibb, did you see who was on the ship?

“Ahem, fraid not. Soon as I sighted it I came here to report.

“Good work, Bella congratulated him. “Come with us. We may need you to carry word back fast to those in hiding.

The woodlanders concealed themselves behind trees, in bushes and under deep loam. The badger, the otter, the squirrel and the robin struck out west along the bank, leaving the scene apparently deserted.

Travelling light, they made swift progress. It was not far to the stretch of water where the ship was.

Chibb was the first to sight it. He fluttered up and down excitedly. “Ahem, see, I told you so. Look at those two big poles sticking up above the trees. Theyre, er, harrumph, big poles that stick up on ships.

Skipper saw them, too.

“Masts, they are, matey, he explained. “Lets get in closer and take a better look.

On all fours, they crept to the rivers edge, concealing themselves in the bushes as the ship hove into view.

“You there, come no farther, Bella called from her hideout, in the forbidding boom of a warlike badger. “If you mean harm to any creature in Mossflower, put back to seaor deal with me!

There was silence from the black ship.

* * *

On board Wuddshipp , Martin and his friends lay on deck, hidden by the ships sides.

Dinny clapped a paw to his mouth, stifling a chuckle. “Hurrhurrhurr, oi know oo that be a-shouten.

“Bella, good old Bella of Brockhall. There was a distant look in Martins eyes. “For a moment there she sounded like Boar.

Log-a-Log nodded toward the shore. “Well, we cant lie here all day. Whos going to answer her?

Young Dinny solved the problem by standing up and bellowing, “Yurr, thurr be a beast aboard oos a-perishen frum luv fer one called Combuliney.

The creatures in the bushes dashed out in time to see the mole hit the water with a splash as Gonff heaved him over the side.

“Oo arr, glub, elp! Oi baint much gudd at swimmen!

“Hold fast there, Young Din! Skipper called, and he was in the water like a flash. He held Young Dinny up as eager paws hauled them on board.

“Skipper, you old waterwalloper!

“Gonff, you young piebandit!

“Hallo, Bella. Ahoy, its me, Martin!

“Martin the Warrior, welcome home. Look whos here!

“Lady Amber, wheres your ear?

Log-a-Logs voice rang out, and suddenly Wuddshipp was swarming with shrews, mice, hedgehogs, squirrels and hares.

“Bring her hard over. Steady to the bank. Mind those masts on the trees. Steady that tiller. Watch her head in the shallows!

Chibb flew to the ship and perched importantly upon the rail. “Ahem, I must fly and conduct good tidings to those languishing in concealment.

As he flew off, Skipper chuckled. “Does that mean hes going to tell the others? Strike me colors, but this is a fine andsome vessel. I never seen the like of it afore on old River Moss. You didnt steal it, did you, Gonff? Is that two sails I spy? Wonderful. Blow me, look at the size of that tiller! This is a real seagoing craft, all right. Whats that big skull on the forard tip? A fish! I dont believe theres a fish that big in all the world.

As Wuddshipp berthed alongside the bank, Timballisto held up his paws laughing heartily. “Hold steady, otter. You must be Skipper. Im Martins pal Timballisto. Well answer all your questions soon enough.

Bella and Lady Amber came aboard, gazing about in awe as they hugged Martin, Gonff and Dinny.

Bella smiled fondly at the warrior mouse as she patted his back. “Martin, youve grown. You really look like a full-blooded warrior now. What a beautiful sword that is! Is my father here? Wheres old Boar the Fighter?

A silence fell over the ships crew. Martin gently took Bellas paw.

“Come into the cabin with me, old friend. I have a long story to tell you.

There were many stories told that summer afternoon while Martin and Bella remained in the cabin. Ferdy and Coggs, Spike and Posy sat among a group of woodlanders on the deck. The little hedgehogs wore brass sea rat earrings and carried a round shield each. Their eyes were wide and mouths agape as Gonff related the events which had befallen the travelers since they left Mossflower to go questing for Salamandastron. Ben Stickle, Goody and the Abbess were equally impressed, smiling broadly when Gonff could not get his paw loose to illustrate a point because Columbine was clasping it tight.

“Toads, mateys. Youve never seen toads as wicked as this lot. But when that eel came slithering out of the Screamhole

“Was the eel as big as a tree, Mr. Gonff?

“Twice as big, Spike. Hed have eaten you without even opening his mouth.

Lady Amber chuckled drily. “Are you sure you saw mice with wings, Gonff?

“Oh, I never saw them. But Martin and Dinny did. Isnt that right, Din.

“Burr aye. Gurt leathery burdmouses, a-flyen about inside ee mounten.

“Was that Salamandastron mountain, Mr. Dinny?

“Indeed it was not. Batchaps inside our mountain? Never!

“Fat chance, young feller me hog, what!

“Only fire, hares and badgers inside our mountain, old lad.

Gonff looked severely at Trubbs and Company. “Whos telling this story, me or you?

“Yes, please be quiet and let Mr. Gonff tell the story, Trubbs.

“Rather, hes a much better storyteller than you.

“Indeed, and isnt little Columbine pretty.

“Then there was this beach, Gonff continued enthusiastically. “Huge, big as Mossflower, nothing but sand as far as you could see, besides the water and the crabs.

“Ooh, whats a crab, Mr. Gonff?

“Well, its like a spider, only a hundred times bigger, with great nipping claws and lots of hard armor.

“Did you and Martin slay the big crab, Mr. Gonff?

“Er, well, no, Ferdy. Actually, I ended up dancing with it.

“Hahahahahaha!

“Was it a pretty lady crab, Gonff?

“No, I think it was a jolly sort of male crab, Columbine.

“Oh, then thats all right.

“Here, I nearly forgot, this is a necklace of shells I made for you. Put it on.

“Oh, thank you, Gonff, its beautiful. Are they crab shells?

“No, missie, thems shell shells, cllected em moiself, oi did.

“While Gonff was busy dancing with the crabs, I suppose. Thank you very much, Dinny.

The mousethief chose to ignore the reference to his dancing talent and continued the narrative.

He told of the sands, the movement of mighty sea tides, of the scavenging seabirds and the dead rat whose provisions saved their own lives. He described the meeting with Trubbs and company and how they led the travelers to the mountain. Gonff went on to tell of the fabulous place called Salamandastron, its halls, caves, stairs and passages. He related to his amazed audience the saga of Boar the Fighter, of his roaring forge, gigantic battle sword and his colossal bravery in the war against the sea rats. Gonff told of the struggle that ended with Boar and Ripfang going together to the gates of Dark Forest, and finished with the capture of the ship Bloodwake , now called Wuddshipp .

There was a moments complete silence, then the woodlanders flocked about him, babbling questions.

T. B. and some former oarslaves saved Gonff from further harassment by lugging large copper tubs out from the galley.

“Right. Form a line here. Its skilly and duff time!

The young ones sniffed the savory odors as he explained, “Seafood and potato stew, thats skilly. Itll put hairs on your chest like a giant sea dog. Theres plenty of pepper and sea salt in it, too. Finish it all up and show me a clean plate, then Ill dish you up some of my own warriors recipe: plum and chestnut duff in cream and beechnut sauce. Come on, theres plenty for everyone.

Night fell as Wuddshipp rode at anchor, kedged safe in midstream. Martin emerged from the cabin looking pale and sad after the news he had related to Bella. He called the six hares to him.

“Go to the cabin, Bella wishes to talk with you, he told them. “Tell her all you know of her father and the time you spent in his company on the mountain.

“Rely on us, old chap.

“Only the good times. Mums the word, yknow.

“Thats the ticket. How strong Boar was.

“Like a father to us. A handsome badger, what!

“He taught us all so much. He was so understanding.

“How could we forget such a dear friend.

Before they slept, the travelers were closeted with the Corim leaders to hear how Mossflower had fared in their absence. When they had learned all, they went out onto the deck. The little ones had been bedded down in the cabins, but the novelty of hammock sleeping lost out to weariness. Outside on the deck, every creature was assembled, packing the rails and rigging.

Bella stood with her paw upon the tiller, red-eyed with grief but calm and composed.

Martin took command instinctively. The warrior mouse seemed to have grown in stature and confidence since his return, every woodlander now looked upon him with a respect that bordered upon awe. He stood on the peak of the after end gallery, the sword glinting under a full moon.

“Friends, I have heard all, and my companions have told you everything that happened to us on our quest. Now I am back.

Abbess Germaine nodded approvingly at the commanding figure. “Tell us what you want us to do, Martin.

The warrior mouse drew his sword and leaned on the pommel stone as his blade pierced the deck timbers.

“Trust me, Mossflower will be saved. I have been thinking of a plan that I will not explain at present. First I must see certain things before I know it can be executed properly. Now we must sleep until the morning. Tomorrow, after the little ones are somewhere safe, you will see what I intend. Do not worry any more. Our force has been doubled by the numbers who have sailed back with us, and we have seasoned warriors with us now. Boar the Fighter cannot be here tonight, but I know that his strong spirit watches over us. From beyond the gates of Dark Forest he has sent me with this sword to make an end of Tsarmina and all who follow her. I promise you that I will.

Every creature who saw Martin the Warrior that night knew, without a shadow of doubt: he was the one chosen to keep that promise.

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Book 3 - Of Water and Warriors