The squirrel’s hooded eyes flicked idly around the table. “We take everybeast who can wield a weapon. Remember I said to the fox this mornin’ that we’d bring a selection of valuables to trade for liddle Dwopple. Well, we’ll be carryin’ four or five bundles, though only one’ll contain trinkets. The rest will be bundles of weapons. Me an’ Rusvul will open the bundle o’ trinkets an’ when we gives the word you’ll all pull out the arms an’ attack. Me an’ Rusvul will snatch Dwopple an’ pass ’im to Cregga, she’ll protect ’im. Log a Log, some o’ yore Guosim shrews will be with us, but as soon as it goes dark tonight, I wants you t’take half yore tribe out quiet like. Go straight out onto the flatlands an’ sweep back so that yore well below the Abbey to the south. Then get in the fields an’ woodland fringe. When you see the attack’s started I want you to charge their rear an’ take ’em by surprise.”

Tragglo Cellarhog scratched his headspikes. “But why, Janglur? If we get the babe back, wot’s the point o’ fightin’ further? We’d be best gettin’ back inside o’ the Abbey quick an’ safe as possible. Why stay an’ fight with ’em?”

Murmurs of agreement with Tragglo’s reasoning came from all around the table. Janglur sighed and tossed down his charcoal stick. “Tell ’em why, Rusvul.”

Rusvul Reguba pounded the tabletop slowly as he spoke, as if driving every word home. “Because they’ll slaughter us if we don’t get ’em first! To fight vermin you gotta think the same way they do. If they lose the babe an’ don’t git no ransom fer ’im, then believe me, they won’t just pack up an’ go away. Oh no, mates, they’ll be out fer revenge on Redwall, an’ they won’t rest till they gets it!”

Rusvul’s paw rested on the table. Skipper’s closed over it. “He’s right. Take my affidavit on it, mates!”

Cregga Badgermum nodded her huge striped head. “It’s a perilous plan, but I trust our warriors. All in favor say aye.”

Every creature in Cavern Hole gave their answer without hesitation.

“Aye!”

*

Mokkan had one hundred and ninety water rats and five other Marlfoxes under his command, and he planned to use them well. They sat about on the creek bank as he issued final orders.

“You all know what to do. Anybeast who does not do it right answers to me. We move out at twilight. Rest now, but see that your weapons are attended to, make sure those blades are sharp and ready to serve the High Queen’s brood. Ascrod, Vannan, which two do you need?”

Ascrod sought out the two they wanted. “Dakkle and Beelu, you will accompany me and my sister.”