Everybeast on the path in front of Redwall set up an earsplitting cheer. Skipper waved them to silence. “Would y’like to say a word to yore tribe, Log a Log, me ole mate? Come on, don’t be shy.”

The new Log a Log thrust the rapier into his belt. “Ahem, now let me see . . . er . . . yes. Guosim! I’m only young, but I’ll try to be as good a Log a Log as our old ’un was, fortune smile on ’is memory. But I been thinkin’. No more logboats fer us, we’re goin’ to build new vessels, light an’ swift an’ easy t’carry overland. Soon now I’ll take ye to see me friend Chief Burble, boss of the River’ead watervoles. He’s the bucko who’ll show us ’ow t’make boats like the Swallow, neatest liddle craft ever to sail a stream! Oh, an’ there’s another thing. I won’t stand t’see any young ’uns in our tribe pushed around or bullied or made fun of! Er . . . that’s all fer now, but I’ll think of more to say to ye later.”

Dann strode over to congratulate his friend. “Well said, Log a Log. I think you’ll be a great Chieftain!”

Cregga’s searching paw reached Dann. “What about you, sir Reguba? Have you got any plans?”

“Who, me? Er, no, not really, marm. Oh, I’m sorry, here’s yore sword back. Sorry I borrowed it without permission.”

Janglur’s lazy eyes flickered as he murmured to Gawjo and Rusvul, “Just watch young Dann’s face when Cregga tells ’im the news!”

The blind badger’s paw closed tightly over Dann’s, holding the sword there. Everybeast heard what she had to say.

“The sword of Martin is yours now for as long as you shall defend this Abbey with it. Dannflor Reguba, I name you Champion of Redwall!”

Before the cheering could start anew Skipper’s paw shot aloft. “Belay the roarin’, mates, there’s more t’come yet. Now, is there a Songbreeze Swifteye among us t’day? Well, if there is you better get yoreself over ’ere smartish!”

Willing paws ushered Song forward until she was standing alongside Dann in front of Cregga Badgermum. Looking slightly bemused, the squirrelmaid whispered to her friend, “Hope they’re not going to ask me to sing. My mouth’s full of dust from that long trek.”

Ellayo tweaked her granddaughter’s ear. “Manners! Stop whisperin’ an’ lissen to wot the Badgermum has to say to ye, missie!”

A hush had fallen on the crowd. Curious onlookers at the back stood on tip-paw to see and hear what Cregga was about to say. She did not keep them waiting. “Song, you are to be the Abbess of Redwall!”