As the Marlfox vanished into the ditch the Abbey gates burst open. Log a Log and his Guosim shrews came pouring out, rapiers drawn. They leapt into the ditch, but there was not a trace of the Marlfox. Rusvul patted the shrew’s back as he returned through the gate. “Tough luck, matey. You was just a smidgen too slow there.”

The shrew Chieftain sheathed his rapier and helped to bar the gate. “The fox just disappeared. Vanished.”

Rusvul snorted. “They ain’t magic. I know ’cos I pierced one of ’em through the shoulder with my javelin. Hah! That’n didn’t look too magic, scrabblin’ off on all fours!”

Janglur bounded down the wallsteps. “Let’s go to Cavern Hole. I’ve got a plan!”

Rusvul called Dann, Song and Dippler to him. “Right, ’tis about time you three started to grow up a bit. I’ve got a meetin’ with Janglur an’ the others in Cavern Hole, so that means we need to mount a guard on the ramparts, in case Marlfoxes or water rats come back. How d’you feel about some sentry duty?”

The three friends were proud to accept. Dann spoke for them. “You can trust us, we won’t let Redwall down!”

Rusvul nodded approvingly at his son. “Spoken like a Reguba! See what ole Butty has at the gatehouse in the way of weaponry an’ arm yoreselves. Keep a sharp eye on the woodlands an’ don’t be afraid to yell for help if’n you needs it.”

In the gatehouse, Friar Butty was poring through old record books. He indicated a long, narrow corner cupboard. “There’s weapons in there, I think, though they’ve not seen the light o’ day in many a season. Help yourselves. Personally, I could have done with your assistance in my researches, but if you three are needed on the walltops then so be it. I’ll come up and let you know if I discover anything about the Marlfoxes or their hidden island.”

*