Log a Log turned to the speaker. “I knowed it wouldn’t take long fer you to pipe up, Fenno. When all this is over me’n’you are goin’ t’take a stroll in the forest, outside where we won’t be abusin’ Redwall’s rules.”

Fenno glared at the smaller and older figure. “I’ll look forward to it. I’m sick o’ you pushin’ me around!”

Log a Log’s paw shot out and dragged Fenno forward by his ear. “So be it, but until then y’can stay in front where I can see yer. I don’t want you be’ind me when the action starts!”

*

Dann, Song and Dippler watched as Sister Sloey and Brother Melilot guided elders and Dibbuns downstairs to the wine cellars. Melilot waved to them from the stairwell. “They’re all accounted for, you can leave them to us now.”

Song saluted him with her greenstone-tipped stick. “Thanks, Brother. We’ll be up here if you need us.”

Dippler crossed Great Hall to where the main party were assembled. Skipper hid a smile as the small chain-mail-laden figure trundled up. “Yer a fearsome sight, matey. Now don’t forget an’ bar the door soon as we leave, an’ don’t lift that bar to anybeast except us when we gets back. Clear?”

Dippler tried a fancy salute and almost tripped over the huge halberd he was toting. “Clear, Skip. I won’t even let an ant pass!”

Cregga placed her paw on the wonderful tapestry, touching the spot where stood the likeness of Martin the Warrior. “Guide us to victory this night and let us bring the mousebabe back to Redwall unharmed. Rusvul, Janglur, lead on.”

They passed through the main wallgate, treading carefully to stop the weapons clanking in their sacks. Friar Butty and Nutwing held the gates open, wishing the rescuers good luck as they went.

“Let’s hope all goes well, Tragglo!”

“Oh, it’ll be all right. Just make sure you stay awake, Nutwing.”

“Hmm mm, stay awake yourself. You’ll need your wits about you out there tonight.”

“Aye, we will that. See you later, eh, Friar.”

“I certainly hope so, my friend, with all my heart!”

Standing out on the path, the old squirrel Recorder and his owl companion watched the procession start south down the path. They did not even feel the draft from the swirling cloaks of Ascrod and Vannan as the two Marlfoxes, accompanied by the rats Dakkle and Beelu, slipped into Redwall like four dark wraiths. From the shadows of the wallsteps the vermin intruders watched while Butty and Nutwing secured the gates, chunnering away at each other as old friends always do.

“Come on, you ancient featherbag, lift your end of the bar!”

“Hmm mm, I am lifting. Phwaw! This bar gets heavier every day. Are you sure you’re lifting your end, old bushtail?”