It was a strange and exciting adventure our travelers had to relate. We listened eagerly to the tale of how they quested to bring back our stolen tapestry. Dibbuns sat wide-eyed as Gawjo told them of the lost island at the center of the great lake and of how it was conquered. He said that now it was a place inhabited by water rats who live there peacefully in the castle, learning to farm the land for their food. All the slaves were freed, some to return to their homes, others being part of the force that came back to Redwall. Now that the curse of the Marlfoxes was lifted from the island it was a pleasant place to be, ruled over by a great fish eagle, whom all spoke well of. Abbess Song said that the bird’s name is Mighty Megraw. She wanted him to come to the Abbey with her, but he refused. We laughed at the curious speech of Megraw, and our Abbess herself has written down his parting words to her. This is what he said. “Leave mah island? Ach, awa’ wi’ ye, lassie. Ah’m King o’ this place, d’ken. Atop yon castle is mah perch, a bird would be oot o’ his mind tae leave a fine braw lake, full o’ bonny pikefishes, so easy tae catch an’ guid tae eat. Ah’ll bid ye fareweel, go an’ awa’ back tae yer Abbey an’ eat all manner o’ dreadful fruit an’ veggibles. Mebbe ah’ll gang aroond tae see ye wan day!” I had great difficulty understanding this, but Dwopple and the Dibbuns didn’t. Often we have to bring them down from the walltops, where they stand watching for a visit from the one Dibbuns call “Mig’aw h’eagle.”

It is mid-autumn now, and the trees shed tears of brown and gold as their leaves fall softly to the quiet earth. We gathered in the last of our orchard’s russet apples yesterday. Mister Florian and his troupe decided to travel on, it was a sad parting, but after all they are strolling players. Well, scarce half a day’s journey down the path their cart fell entirely to pieces. Since they had eaten all the provisions they had been supplied with, Florian traipsed boldly back at the head of his troupe and inquired if dinner was ready (wot wot)! So the Wandering Noonvale Companions are installed in Redwall once more. Abbess Song was informed by Florian that it might take a season or three to build a new cart. We are all very fond of the old rascal, he may stay with us as long as he pleases.