XX

Hail the conquering Foxwolfyou drooling idiot! The Urgan Nagru ducked as a bowl clanged against the banqueting chamber door. Wincing with the pain of his injuries, he hobbled to one side as Silvamord flung a three-branched candlestick.

“One day that poisoned tonguell be the death of you, vixen! the Foxwolf snarled dangerously. Limping to his chair, he slumped down and began tugging gingerly with his teeth at a long whitebeam splinter embedded in his paw. Silvamord continued her tirade.

“I could have caught them, but what did you do, clev-erbrush? Tried to drown me in the moat! Nagru the nit-brain, thats you, the fool who chases his own tail!

Nagru spat the splinter at her venomously. “Ahh, give your slobbering mouth a rest, clattergob, letting yourself be pulled out the window by a big, dumb badger!

The rat horde sat in the courtyard, some licking their wounds, others slaking their thirst from the dwindling cellars of the castle. Sounds of furious argument rang out from the banqueting chamber windows high above their heads.

Fillch, one of the rats, looked up from the honey-preserved chestnuts he was sharing with his companion Sourgall. “Big dumb badger, eh? That one didnt need to talk. She slew eight of ours with a tree limb itd take ten of us to lift!

Sourgall had remained behind to fish Silvamord from the moat. He looked Fillch up and down slowly. “Huh, she didnt urt yew, matey. Where were yer? Leadin from beind, Ill bet.

“Aye, an so would yew ave been, bucko. We nearly ad the otter, thatd fought like a madbeast while the others escaped. Then that badger was in the middle of us, swingin an arf of a tree! Where dyer expect me t be, eh? Drigg, Flokky, Big Bragtail an five others got in the badgers way, and they aint around ttell the story no more. You ask Hooktail if ydont believe me. Aint that right, mate?

The rat in question had lost an ear. He was using a poultice of dockleaves bound with earth and water to staunch the wound. “Gaah! he groaned. “Its all right you sittin there makin clever remarks, Sourgall. You wasnt there. Even the Urgan Nagru took to is paws an limped off like a flogged toad. I tell yer, mate, you wouldnt ave thought it was the same stoopid badger that played nursemaid to the fiddle squirrelbrat. That beast came after us with a full tree in er paws, even though we filled er with arrers like a pincushion!

A rat named Flangor joined the conversation. “Wot dyew suppose FoxwolfII do now, mates?

The one called Riveneye put aside the cider he had been swilling and snorted, “Hah, you should know the Urgan by now, mate. Nagru wont rest til their skulls are bleachin in the sun. Ol Foxwolfll hunt em til e gets every last one in those iron claws. Then we know wot ell do with em, dont we?

A shudder ran through every rat within earshot. They had seen what Nagru did to his captured enemies.

Riveneyes guess was right. Nagru was preparing to hunt the fugitives down. As evening shades drew the hot day to a close, he sat wincing as he flexed his injured limbs. The wolfhide across his back was still littered with whitebeam splinters. Silvamord sat watching him, unmoved by his plight.

The Foxwolf glared at her. “Whatre you staring at now, firogeyes? Make yourself useful; get me a beaker of wine!

“Get it yourself, jellyfish! said the vixen, curling her lip in disdain. “So, an old badger and a single otter thrashed the living daylights out of you and your killers! Tell me again, how many did they slay?

Nagrus eyes blazed pure hatred at her. “They never defeated us; they staggered off so full of arrows and covered with wounds that theyre long dead now. If I hadnt been injured, Id have followed them and skinned their hides off to bring back and show you!

Silvamord laughed humorlessly. “Just like you skinned the wolf that had been frozen dead half a season so that you could take its skin and name? Oh, dont act surprised. I saw you. Ill wager your horde wouldnt be so quick in following you if they knew the truth about the great Ur-gan Nagru.

The iron claws of the Foxwolf shot out, pointing at her. “One word from you, blabbermouth, and Ill rip the tongue from your head and make you eat it. Thats a promise!

“You dont scare me, sneered Silvamord, pouring wine for herself and sipping daintily. “I know you too well. What does bother me is that Queen and her brattheyre still free. Youd do better to get out there and capture them before they raise the whole of Southsward up in arms against us.

Nagru walked carefully over to the table. Pouring himself a beaker of wine, he brought his face close to the vixens. His voice dripped sarcasm. “Thats what I fully intend doing, my beautiful and beloved one. Meanwhile, you can sit here, where you are safe and comfortable. Oh, keep an eye on Gael Squirrelking, will you? I presume you werent silly enough to have killed him in my absence?

Silvamord eyed him levelly. “Gael is not the problem. I had him tossed into one of his own dungeonshe could be dead or alive, I dont care. Now, are you going to hang about here until we both grow old, or are you going to do something about Serena and her little Truffen?

They remained for a moment a hairbreadth apart, eyes locked. Then, as if on an impulse, Nagru strode off to the window. He stared down at the horderats who were lying slumped on the stone courtyard, still warm from the days heat. The Foxwolf brought them scurrying upright as he howled down at them: “Sourgall, you and forty others stay behind on guard! Bladenose, Riveneye, get the rest ready for a hunt! Mingol, Vengro, get my Dirgecallers ready!

The horde kept silent, mentally thanking the fates that they had not been chosen to be in charge of the fearsome Dirgecallers, the Fox wolfs legendary trackers. Mingol and Vengro were speechless, their mouths dry with fear.

Serena and Truffen rested beneath a willow on the streambank, the infant sitting in his mothers lap. Their food lay untouched. Together they watched a comet streaking its brilliant tail across the soft, dark night. Otter patrols swam, sleek and silent, back and forth on the broad stream, alert for any strange sound in their territory.

Greenbeck, a big male, slid smoothly onto the bank beside the squirrels. Dipping a bowl into the steaming pot tof hotroot and watershrimp soup, beloved of otters, he offered it with an encouraging smile. “Cmon, marm, try some. Its good!

Serena averted her eyes from the food. “No, thank you, friend. I cannot bring myself to eat, not knowing if King Gael is alive or dead.

“Good vittles, marm. Eat an the liddle feller will, too. You must take care o him, Greenbeck persisted, nudging the bowl forward. “Lookit Iris, she dont know whats become o Rab, but she eats to keep up er strength. Iris wont give up ope, an neither should you, if yll excuse me sayin, marm.

Serena smiled wanly at the loyal otter. Taking the soup, she broke fresh barleybread and dipped it in, saying, “Look, Truffen, suppermake you big and strong!

The little fellow ate, staring up at his mothers face. “Where Papa an Uta?

Serena ate to avoid answering the question, but the good food stuck in her throat as tears overflowed on her face. Iris appeared at the Queens side, patting her gently.

“Hush now. Dont let the babe see you upset. Its hard, I know, though I hope that my Rab and your Muta took lots of those murderers with them. Be Like your son, Serena; eat and grow strong. Someday we will return to Castle Floret and avenge our loved ones.

The Squirrelqueen ate, staring into the night-dark stream. “I am not leaving Southsward country. I will stay to stand against Nagru and Silvamord.

Iris sat beside Serena, a worried look on her kind face. “We must leave Southsward nowwe are too few, my friend. One day we shall come back in force; at the moment we would sacrifice our lives needlessly against the Fox wolfs great horde.

Serena remained adamant. “Some help will come to us. I feel it. We must stay and get others in Southsward to support our cause.

“My Rab wanted you and Truffen out of this land, said Iris, shrugging hopelessly. “It has become a place of evil. But if you are determined to stay, then the otters will stay also. I will not desert youwe have always been loyal to your family. Though if we stay, I fear that only death awaits us.

Truffen looked up from his soup. “Stay an make Na-gu dead!

Iris settled down to rest. “Aye, make Nagru dead, little one. Who knows, maybe you an your mama are right. Perhaps there may be warriors we have yet to meet who can help us do just that. I hope they show up soon, whoever they are.

Peace fell over the otter camp. Gently lapping water and the still-warm night had cast its spell over the weary fugitives. Serena and Iris lay side by side with Truffen between them, all three mercifully deep in slumber after the days harrowing events. Truffen would not remember his dream next morning, and even if he did the squirrel-babe was far too young to explain it. A mousemaid who p carried a knotted rope, a strong old gray-bearded mouse carrying a stout stave ... And a great bell tolling aloud me sound of freedom.

Both Mariel and the rat Captain, Bragglin, were in a perilous position. Dandin and his friends stood ready to give up their lives protecting the little moles, while the rat patrol crouched, willing to pounce at their Captains word. Mid-noon heat caused both parties much discomfort; their paws shifted dangerously in the loose sand.

“If anything happens to me, make the moles die slowly! Bragglin called out to his rats.

Mariel kept up her deadly bluff, cutting off further words as she pressed the dagger meaningfully at his I& throat. “Wont do your Captain much good; hell be wormbait, and well take at least half of you with us if you touch those little moles, be warned! The mousemaid could feel the hot sand shifting under her footpaws, and she moved to gain a firmer position.

At that instant Bragglin made his move. He wriggled way from the knife, kicking at Mariel and giving a swift to Grinj. The rat had been standing over Mariel, his wpaw slackened slightly from the long standoff, but he took the hint immediately and stretched the bowstring taut to fire the arrow.

Zzzzz. Clunk!

Grinj fell poleaxed by a smooth, round rock with a hole through its center. It was attached to a thin, toughened line. Grinjs arrow buried itself in the sand alongside the mousemaids eye as a deep, drawling voice called from the hilltop behind her.

“Paws still in the blinkin ranks than! If any of you longtails have half a bally brain, Ill drop you before you can use it! You showah listenin? Thats not just a bloomin order, its a fact!

Mariel watched in amazement as the stone was reeled swiftly in by a hare carrying a long, whippy fishing rod. He caught the stone skillfully as it swung back to him, his hooded eyes never once leaving the scene below. Holding the slack of the line in check, he whipped the slender rod back and forth, and the air hummed to its vibrations. Suddenly Bragglins paw grasped that of Mariel as he tried to wrest the dagger from her.

Zzzzzzz. Thonk!

With a swift, vicious flick the hare cast the stone deftly. The breath caught in Mariels throat. Bragglin lay slain, the flying rock squarely between his eyes.

“You chaps never learn, do yen? Didnt believe me, eh? Right, whos next?

The rats dropped their weapons as they gaped up at the curious hare. Young Bowly Pintipss mouth hung wide; he had never witnessed such a splendid-looking beast.

The hare was old and overweight, but obviously every inch a veteran warrior; his regalia proclaimed it proudly for all to see. On his head he wore a tricorn hat, with holes cut to allow his ears to pop out. It was surmounted by the most elaborate white drooping plume. Though his cheeks were pouched and baggy, the eyes that shone above them were hooded and sharp. His whiskers had been waxed and curled into a perfect handlebar moustache. He wore a faded but gaudy pink mess jacket, decorated with arrays of medallions and ribbons. He had epauletted shoulders and a front twinkling with polished silver buttons. Stowing the rod away like an elongated pace stick, he gave a cough and a nod. Four young leveret hares in quaint green uniforms nipped smartly out of the surrounding grass and saluted him. He acknowledged them with a wave of one ear.

“Righto, quick as ylike now, squad. Pick up all weapons an lay those rats facedown where theyre no bother to anybeast ...

One of the leverets sprang forward but skidded to a halt at a fierce glare from his superior.

“Whatve I told you, laddie buck? Wait for it, wait for it Right, go to it, squad ... Move!

The young hares scurried about gathering up all weapons. One was about to relieve Dandin of his spear when he caught the stern eye of his elder.

“Teh, ten! Cant ytell the good chaps from the rotters, Runtwold? Leave that mouses weapon alone, sah!

Pulling off his hat, he strode ponderously down the hill. Bending a leg in front of Mariel, he bowed with a totally overdone flourish. “Field Marshal Meldrum Fallowthorn at yservice, marm. Though me reputation oft precedes me, no doubt youve heard mname bandied about hither and yon, wot?

Mariel could only shake her head.

“Whats this? Theres a thing! said the hare, raising his eyebrows. “Never heard of old Meldrum the Magnificent? Astoundin! Never mind, mdear, you will!

Introductions were in order all around. The moles thanked their rescuers profusely, the old one tugging his snout respectfully to the warriors who had saved them.

“Burrhurr, thankee koindly, guddbeasts. Oi be Furpp Straightfurrer, an these yurr hinfants be moi daughters lotBurdill, Grumbee, an Porgoo, Straightfurrers all. Bid ee gennelbeasts good day, moles.

The three little ones tugged their snouts politely. “Good arternoon, zurrs! Foin day, marm!

Meldrum turned his attention to the rats lying with their noses pressed into the sand. “Now then, yblaggards, up on those paws smart I ike. One, two, hup!

The rats did as they were bidden with alacrity. Meldrum prodded one in the stomach with his rod butt. “Now listen hard, ygreat stinker. Im promotin you pro tern offisah of this mob. See that hill yonder? Well, if you aint all over it an1 gone in two flicks of me eye, Ill make rat pudden with the lot of yah, understand?

The rat nodded, knowing his life depended on it.

Meldrum signaled to his leveret squad and Mariels group. “Weapons at the ready, shoot at will if they dont move quick enough. Aim for between the shoulder blades. Righto, attention, verminon my command of run, youll flippin well run for ylives. Got it? Good, ready ... Run!

Sand scattered in all directions as the terrified rats fled, stumbling helter-skelter over the hill. In an amazingly short time, they were gone from sight. Field Marshal Meldrum Fallowthorn sniffed disdainfully. “Rats! Nevah could abide the rottersnasty, sly, an not a scrap of guts or discipline in any of em!

Bowly stood goggling at the array of decorations jingling and rattling on the Field Marshals tunic. “Gwaw! A real, live warrior. Wot dyew get all those medals for, sir?

Meldrums chest swelled, and he gave Bowly a swift wink. “Battles, young hog, mlad. Thats what a chap earns these gongs for. Thisn was the Eastern Campaign, an the big star here I got for subduin a stoat uprisin. Hah, made those blighters jump I can tell yeh! See these colored bars? Earned em for wallopin weasels up north. This here special silver shield was for biffin the daylights out of a snake, most arrogant adder I ever met, a real boundah! Now, about this golden crescent with a ferret straddlin it ...

The young leveret Runtwold whispered to Mariel and Dandin, “Good ol Uncle Mel. Were his nephews, yknow. He makes all those medals an awards em to himself, but only when he thoroughly earns em. The old fellahs a top-hole warrior an a real toff!

Furpp gestured in the direction of a hill to the west. “Burr, cn oi offer ee guddbeasts summ afreshment, baint much, tho youm be welcumm tmoi dwellin t share et.

Meldrum donned his hat and, pulling his ears through the holes, he signaled his squad into line. “Refreshments! I say, thats rather civil of you, old molechap. Bibntuck-ers me favorite exercise. Lead on!

Furpps dwelling was actually a hill, hollowed out and shored up with rock and timber, dark and cool after the hot noon sun. An entire mole colony lived there. Furpp was obviously the tribal patriarch. He gave them drinking bowls, brimming with a cold cordial of pennycloud and wild barley sweetened with honey. The leveret squadRuntwold, Coltvine, Thurdale, and Foghilldrank deeply, shuffling with anticipation as they watched wood platters being piled high with cold sliced deepernever pie, garnished with hogweed and dandelion salad dressed with crowfoot and garlic mustard. Meldrum the Magnificent shifted huge quantities as he planned his next decoration.

“Hmm, two rats slain an about sixteen vanquished. Lemme see. I think maybe two small silver rats, rampant over a black ribbon with sixteen yellow stripes should fill the bill. Foghill, pour some of that cordial for my chum Bowly.

The young hare saluted casually. “Right ho, Uncle Mel!

The Field Marshals ears shot up stiffly. “Improper form, sah. Youre on a fizzer, young Foghill! I charge you with addressin a superior offisah as uncle. Penalty, polish all me medals before ybunk down tonight! You know the regulations, laddie buck: Im either Sir, or Field Marshal, or Meldrum the Magnificent. Next one I catch callin me Uncle Mel or Nunky, Ill have his ears for breakfast an his tail for tea. That clear, squad? Good, as ywere. Carry on victuallin up!

There were so many moles introduced to the visitors that they soon gave up trying to remember names. The dwelling was very homey, and every comfort was lavished upon them. Furpp invited the rescuers to stay for the night and they gladly accepted, though later Mariel slightly regretted her decision. Every nook and cranny of the dwelling, throughout its various side chambers and alcoves, was packed with multitudes of sleeping moles. They snored and snuffled, sleepwalked, and some of them even argued or sang in their slumbers. The dwelling became oppressively close. Mariel and Dandin, stepping carefully over the sleepers, made their way outside to sleep in the fresh air.

They strolled around the hill, noticing how the dwelling entrance was carefully concealed between a large rock and some thick brush. The gentle breezes constantly shifted the dry sand and smoothed over any traces of paw-prints leading to Furpps home. They came upon Furpp and Meldrum lounging outside, they too having deserted the packed chambers for the soft, starred outdoors. The four sat down in the warm sand, discussing the days events in low tones. Meldrum had already been apprised of the situation by Furpp, and he was not happy.

“Too many of those confounded rats in Southsward now. I got back from me campaignin an travelin too late; the bally place is swarmin with em. That lot today arent the only ones Ive run into; Ive seen patrols everywhere. Now Furpp tells me that me old friends Gael Squirrelking an his good ladywife had the very throne pulled out from under em by invaders an villains. Couple of foxbeasts, I hear. Ones said to be half wolf. Tchah! The ruffianll be half dead if he ever crosses my trail. Actually, I was on me way to Castle Floret with the squad when I bumped into you chaps. What dye say, care to join us?

Mariel exchanged a grim nod with Dandin before answering, “Were with you! After what we saw today of those filthy rats, Dandin and I are game for anything that will rid the land of them and their evil kind!

“Baint that easy, zurrs, said Furpp Straightfurrer, shaking his head. “Youm oanly seed but a few of Foxen-wolfers orde. Gurt boatloads of ee vurmints came to this land, moren ee leaves in autumn winds. Ho urr, theym be too aplenty furr the loikes of us n s to cope wi.

Meldrum the Magnificent sniffed as he twirled his waxed mustachios. “Balderdash! Quality counts, old lad, not quantity. Proved it meself many a time. What dyou think these medals are for, cleanin me porridge bowl an goin to bed early?

“Not so hasty, Meldrum, Dandin spoke up on Furpps side. “Dashing deeds and dead heroes would be a sad fact in the face of a horde such as our friend Furpp described. Mayhap we should be a bit careful and take a closer look before rushing madly in.

“Indeed! Meldrum said, wiggling his ears huffily. “Took the very words out o me mouth, young feller. Proceed with extreme caution, then wallop em when the times ripe, thats what I always say!

Mariel could see Meldrum was in a touchy mood. She ended the meeting by yawning and stretching. “I suggest we sleep on it; were all tired and need a rest.

Meldrum loosened his tunic buttons. “Of course, tucker first, shuteye next, then action! Eat, sleep n fight in that order, always been me motto. Glad I thought of it, wot?

Suppressing a giggle, Mariel lay down saying, “I dont know where wed be without your wise counsel, sir.

Meldrum peered hard at her in the darkness. “Tell you somethin else, missie. Better off sleepin out here under the stars, wot? Dreadful fellers for snorin these motes, an those young neph, er, troops of mine, sound like a pack of hogs in a truffle patch. Advise beddin down outside, earth for ybed, sky for a blanket an all that. Capital stuff!

Dandin yawned and closed his eyes. “Well take your word for it, Meldrum.

The old hare hit the ground with a resounding thud, nestling his head into a grass tussock. “Sensible creature, I can see were goin to get on well tgether. Gnight, chaps!

He was instantly asleep. After suffering an hour of his stentorian snores, Mariel, Dandin, and Furpp crept around to the other side of the hill. The old mole stuffed grass into his ears as he commented, “Hurr, oi cn ear Meldum a snoren from yurr, ee could win a gurt fat medal ftirr snorin, thatn be a champiun, burr aye!

Dandin drifted off to sleep, wondering how his old friend Saxtus was coping as Abbot of Redwall, and his companions, Durry, Rufe, and the other good Abbey comrades, Mother Mellus and Simeon. Were they still well and happy, enjoying a long, peaceful Mossflower summer? A wave of longing for his old home swept over him. What was he doing here, four seasons away from the Abbey he had been brought up in, going off to fight some other beasts war? Then he thought of Mariel, the truest mousemaid he had ever stood alongside, through thick and thin over many adventures, trekking, eating, thinking, and fighting together in all manner of strange places, making new friends and fighting many enemies.

A smile passed across the face of the sleeping mouse warrior. This was the life; he would not have had it any other way.

Candles cast their warm flickering glow over the tables, sending long shadows into the comers of Great Hall. Father Abbot Saxtus dipped his quill pen in the ink; a long bark parchment lay on the table before him. Though the night was late, his duties as Recorder were required. Every Redwaller sat silent, the food at table forgotten, as Joseph the Bellmaker stood to relate his dream of the previous night. The words sprang unbidden to his lips.

“All day I have been struggling to recall the message Martin the Warrior gave to me as I slept, but I could remember nothing until now. So, friends, I will tell you about the dream as it happened.

“Martin guided my mind through a far country. It looked peaceful and warm, but 1 could feel fear, the fear of the creatures who live there. I also felt the presence of evil, a shadow loomed, like that of a big animal, a large fox maybe, or even a wolf! Then I heard Martin speak.

Birds of cloth that fly oer water,

Guide trees of the forest through the sea,

Where a snake begins, find thy daughter,

Go now, turn thou, due to my plea.

Joseph paused. The only sound to be heard was the scratch of Saxtuss pen, who then said, “Thank you, Joseph, Ive got that. Is there more?

The Bellmaker continued to narrate what he had dreamed. “Oh yes, there is much more. Martin faded from my mind and I saw Mariel and Dandin, as clear as I can see you, my friends. They were repeating a verse together.

Five will ride the Roaringburn,

But only four will eer return.

Urgan sits in Gaels Royal House,

Warriormaid and Warriormouse,

Say hasten, and give aid.

Immediately a murmur arose from the assembled Red-wallers.

“Five are to go. Which five?

“The rhyme never said?

“Aye, but only four will come back; thats what he said!

Simeons stick rapped the tabletop sharply. “Silence, please, friends! he said. “You must wait until Joseph has finished speaking.

The Bellmaker bowed slightly to the blind Herbalist. “Thank you, Simeon. I have not much more to say now. My dream ended with many images, swirling water, flames, the sounds of battle, and above all the voice of Martin calling aloud:

Bellringer whod love to stay,

Go! With cellarhog, I say,

Laughing flowr with eye of hawk,

Digger who would rather walk,

Fathermouse with beard of gray,

Five from Redwall go, away! “

Saxtus stopped writing and looked over his spectacles. “There! I feel that you have finished, Bellmaker?

“I can remember no more, Father Abbot! said Joseph as he took his seat. He looked tired.

Tarquin L. Woodsorrel loaded up his platter with salad and a mushroom turnover, then, pouring himself a beaker of October ale, he smiled brightly and said, “Righty ho! Well done, sir! Now lets get down to solving the mystery an unravelin those riddles, wot?

Mother Mellus shook her grizzled head. “Youd stay up all night as long as there was food on the table, wouldnt you?

“Mmf snnch glomff, scuse me! the gluttonous hare spoke around a mouthful of food. “An1 whats wrong [ with that, may I ask? Chap needs his nosebag yknow!

Sister Sage wagged a reproving paw at him. “Cant you see Joseph is tired? Father Abbot, too? No consid-ieration for otherbeasts, thats your trouble!

Simeon could not help smiling as he tapped gently on ie table with his stick. “Now now, I think we are all tired; the hour grows late. Perhaps it would be best if we slept on Josephs words.

“Wise counsel, my friend, said Saxtus, seconding Simeons suggestion. “Tomorrow our minds will be refreshed, when we have had rest and time to think.

The Redwallers rose from their seats in a body, all save Tarquin, who carried on with his extended dinner. His wife, the Hon Rosie, ruffled his ears fondly. “You carry on, old lad; save a lot of clearing up, wot?

Tarquin rescued the remains of a heavy fruitcake. “Thank you, mdear. Beautiful and jolly understandin toomade a wise decision when I chose you. Snch grmff mmm! Mustve had a good meal before I met you, eh!

Rosie allowed Simeon to lean on her paw as they went upstairs to the dormitories. “Thats my Tarkers for you, always payin me compliments, she said. “Er, that was a compliment, wasnt it?

Dawn was up and a beaming sun was drying the dew from lawn and orchard. It promised the Abbey dwellers another fine, long summer day. Breakfast was a picnic affair, set out on the west wall steps by the main gate. Brother Fingle and Durry Quill set hot apple scones and cool mint tea on the grass at the foot of the steps. Sister Sage and Brother Mallen wheeled a trolley up the path, its small log wheels almost buckling under the weight of bowls piled with fresh fruit salad. They were surrounded by whooping Dibbuns. Sage waved a ladle threatening the little invaders, and they dodged around, grabbing a slice of the freshly cut fruit whenever a chance presented itself. Mother Mellus intervened. “Get out of it, you scamps! Listen, if you all go up on the wall and guard the battlements, Ill have breakfast sent up to you. How does that sound?

A mousebabe thought for a moment, narrowing his eyes fiercely as he weighed the proposition. “Wanna lotta brekkist; it be ard work up there!

A deal was struck and the Dibbuns fled, yelling war-cries, to the west walltop. Brother Mallen shook with laughter. “Guard the wall? Hahaha! Theyd have to get ladders to see over the battlements!

Saxtus sat on the grass with his back to the wall, noting the excited faces of those around him.

“Well, good morning, Redwallers. I see that some of you have already solved a puzzle or two. No doubt you may know the names of the five whom Martin chose.

Durry Quill came dashing up and, throwing himself flat, he kicked all four paws in the air. “Me! Me! Im the cellarhog in the rhyme. Im goin!

Joseph merely smiled and shrugged. “Me, too, unless theres another Fathermouse with beard of gray in our Abbey.

Mellus ambled up and sat beside him. “Nobeast has more right to go than you, Beilmaker. Your daughter is one of the two all the fuss is about, she said. “I only wish I were spry and young enough to go with you; Id seek out Dandin. I brought that young rogue up from the time he was a Dibbun. Huh, Id still scrub his ears if he were here today. Rufe Brush, whats wrong? Mellus had been watching the young squirrel closely.

Rufe blinked back a tear which was threatening to fall. “Bellringer whod love to staycouldnt be nobeast but me, could it? Ive never been outside of Redwall, really, dont want to either. The Abbeys my home, an I love it here.

Durry threw a comforting paw around his friend.

“Cheer up, Rufey. Itll be a great adventure. Ive been on adventures before, youll enjoy it. Im your matey, aint I? Well stick together, men you. Rufe n Durry, Durry n Rufe, eh!

The young squirrel scrubbed a paw across his eyes and sat close to Durry. “And well come back home to Red-wall together, too!

Mellus turned her attentions to Foremole. He was shaking his velvety head to and fro, murmuring to himself, “Ho urr, lack a day, zurr Marthen ee said oim tgo.

Joseph looked with surprise at the mole. “Of course! Digger who would rather walkthats you!

Foremoie continued shaking his head. “Oi wishes et wurrnt, zurr. Wem be goin aboard a boat, oi feels et in moi diggen claws. Bohurr, oid rather walk anywhurrs than sail on ee boat. Oim gurtly afeared o drownen. But if Marthen says et, then oim bound tgo!

Joseph smiled as he took the heavy digging claw Fore-mole extended to him. “Bravely said; we will need your logic and strength. Now, I wonder who the fifth one is, laughing flower with eye of hawk. Perhaps it is Tree-rose?

Oak Toms pretty wife shook her head. “Not me. But I can tell you who I think it iswatch! She crept over to the bottom step where Hon Rosie was sitting. Stealing up behind her, Treerose tickled the hares long eartips. Rosie exploded. “Whoohahahooh! I say, stoppit! Whoo-hahahooh!

Treerose stopped. “There she is. Rose Woodsorrel, the laughing flower! Though I dont know about her having an eye like a hawk.

Hon Rosie stiffened her ears indignantly. “Eye of hawk? Hawkeye! I say, thats what old Colonel Clary used to call me when I was in the Long Patrol. Im absolutely top hole with any sort of weapon yknow: bow n arrows, slings, javelins, hit anythin you name. Dead on target, first time!

Recognition suddenly dawned on Rosie and she burst out afresh. “Whoohahahooh! Oh I say, the thingummy, the rhyme, it meant me! What a wheeze, you chaps, Im goin with you!

Rosies husband, Tarquin, drew himself up huffily. “Steady on there, old gel! Do I take it that you intend swannin off an leavin me here with our young uns?

Rosie was an excellent mother and she loved Tarquin dearly. But being caught up in the throes of an adventure appealed to her wild spirit. “Got to do what Martin the bally Warrior commands, old lad! She saw Tarquins ears droop miserably and relented. “But if youre against it, mdear, then I wont go!

Knowing both hares well, Joseph came up with a ploy. “Youre right, Tarquin. Here at Redwall with the young ones and your good self, thats the proper place for Rosie! Of course, this changes everything. I was thinking of giving my duties as menu setter and food taster to you, Tarquin. Mellus would look after your young leverets, give mem a bit of Abbey schooling, theyd make friends and get a good education. Right, Mellus?

The badger caught Josephs wink and agreed. “Indeed is. Oh, then theres also the temporary Cellarkeepers fades. Im sure Durry needs some reliable beast to check on all his cellar stock. October ale, strawberry fizzgot to be tasted each day and kept at the right temperature.

“Nt that right, Durry?

The hedgehog caught on to the ruse and he nodded firmly. “Need somebeast with a good stomach for sam-plin an checkin. Cellar should be cool n quiet in the summer.

Tarquin L, Woodsorrel set his jaw in a decisive jut. “Who said you couldnt go, mdear, eh? Show me the curmudgeon an Ill give him two pieces of me mind! Our young uns need schoolin. Never hurt anybeast. Now not another blinkin word, Rosie. Youre goin! Oh I know its a jolly hard sacrifice, but Ill stay right here. Samplin ale n cordial, tastin grub an makin menus. Dont you fret, my beautiful gigglin blossom. Ill keep mself busy. You nip off; the breakll do you good!

Laughter and applause greeted Tarquins noble offer. Saxtus tapped the parchment whereon he had recorded all.

“Listen to this, and see if any beast can make it clear.

Birds of cloth that fly oer water,

Guide trees of the forest through the sea ...

Simeon interrupted the poem. “I solved that last night-its simple to a blind one who has had to have things described to him all his life. Trees of the forest going through the seathats a ship; the white birds of cloth are its sails, they guide and propel the ship through water.

Joseph shook his head in admiration. “Well done, Simeon! Read the other two lines, Saxtus.

“Where a snake begins, find thy daughter, Go now, turn thou, due to my plea.

The Abbot looked at the Bellmaker. “Turn thou, Joseph!

Joseph did as he was bid; standing up, he turned around. “Done that. Now what do I do?

Simeon shook with silent laughter. The Abbot glared in his direction. “This is no laughing matter, my friend!

The blind mouse took a little time to compose himself. “Sorry, Saxtus, but I did hear Joseph actually stand and turn then. Thats what I was laughing at. Youve got it all wrong; the rhyme means that you turn the word thou.

Saxtus thought about it for a moment, then he tried. “Uoth! Whats that supposed to mean?

“Try turning it a bit more, switch the letters O and U around.

“Outh? Still means nothing.

Simeon took a sip of his mint tea. “It wont until you find where a snake begins.

The Abbot looked puzzled. “At its tail, I suppose. Thats where all snakes begin.

“Oh really! the blind Herbalist snorted impatiently. “Im Simeon, that begins with S. Youre Saxtus; that begins with 5. Now what does snake begin with? An 5!

Saxtus still looked blank. “Im sorry, Simeonyouve tost me. Could you explain it all?

Simeon spoke in a slow and patient tone. “Put the letter S with the word outh and you have South. Due South! Martin is pleading with you to sail due south! Saxtus swept the cup from Simeons paw and gave it to Rufe. “Mint tea is no fitting drink for a genius. Rufe take this to the cellars and fill it with the finest old blackberry wine, for a blind mouse who can see further than any beast in Redwall Abbey. Simeon, accept my humble congratulations!

Long into the afternoon they labored at the final verse, Joseph reading it over and over:

“Five will ride the Roaringburn, But only four will eer return, Urgan sits in Gaels Royal House, Warriormaid and Warriormouse, Say hasten, and give aid.

Rufe Brush repeated the second line. “But only four will eer return? Will one of us die, Durry?

The hedgehog shook his spiky head. “Pay it no eed, Rufey. Well take care o each other. Besides, it may be a trick line. Martin the Warrior always says one thing an means another. Dont you worry, mate.

“Durrys rightno use wondering how a journey will finish before you start it, said Mellus, as she passed Rufe a cup of cider. “Warriormaid and Warriormouse must be Marie! and Dandin, as you said, Joseph, and you must hasten and give aid to them. But what do the other lines mean?

Hon Rosie gave a careless shrug. “Five riding the Roaringburn and Urgan sittin in Gaels Royal House, wot? Whats a Roaringthingy and whats an Urgan or a Gael, even if they do have a Royal bally House? We either know or we dont, an take it from me, chaps, I certainly dont! Never was much good in the brainbox department, but Im frightened of nothin. So why worry about it, eh?

Simeon rose slowly, straightening up his old frame with a grimace. “Thats the wisest thing Ive heard all day, Rosie.

Joseph stood and offered his paw for Simeon to lean on. “Right! Weve got the five and we know which direction to travel. Thats good enough for me! Tomorrow at first light we set out to find Mariel and Dandin!