The Marlfox fell halfway to the ground, propped up by the otter javelin that had slain her.

Otter crews from far and wide charged over the Abbey lawns, headed by Skipper.

“Give ’em blood’n’vinegar, mates! Redwaaaaaaall!”

They flung themselves upon the foebeast like a mighty tidal wave, engulfing all in its path. Big brawny otters, both male and female, tribal tattoos decorating the sinewy paws that wielded sling, javelin and longblade. A rousing cheer rang from the Abbey’s dormitory windows, as Dibbuns and elders shouted their heroes on to victory.

“Give um glugg’n’binnaga, mista Florey!”

“Come on, Janglur, me big fat son, show ’em yore a Swifteye!”

“Hurr, you’m give umm billyo, zurr Skip!”

“Rusvul matey, that Marlfox is sneakin’ away. Quick!”

Predak had almost made it to the gatehouse when Rusvul came pounding up. The vixen slipped up the west wallsteps, shedding her cloak and causing the squirrel warrior to trip on it. She dashed along the battlements, straight into the waiting grasp of the otter Borrakul. He set his paws in a death grip around the Marlfox’s neck. “Now y’must pay for killin’ my brother Elachim!”

Raventail fought like a demon, until he was backed up against the Abbey door. Florian could not resist stretching past the ferret Chieftain and striking the door with his pole. “Vermin leader outside, come to call on ye, marm, wot!”

The door opened slightly. Raventail managed a whimper of fear as Cregga’s paws shot out and snatched him inside. That was the last anybeast ever saw of the barbarian Raventail, alive.

Skipper dashed up to the walltop and waved his javelin. “You vermin, throw down yer weapons an’ you’ll be spared. Right, mates, surround ’em an’ pen ’em at the northwest corner. Slay any who still want t’fight!”

The remaining vermin hastily threw away their weapons. They were herded into the wallcorner, where they sat, paws upon heads. Skipper was about to come downstairs when he noticed Borrakul lounging against the battlements.

“Aye aye, matey, wot ’appened to yore Marlfox?”

The Noonvale otter shrugged, glancing over the wall. “Vanished! You know the way Marlfoxes can disappear, Skip.”

Skipper knew it was a long drop from the battlements to the ground below. He nodded at Borrakul, straightfaced. “Aye, I know ’ow Marlfoxes disappear!”