The squirrel warrior wiped a paw across his eyes. “’Twas me drove Dann to it. D’you think he’ll ever forgive me for the things I said to ’im?”

Ellayo took Rusvul’s paw and squeezed it. “Course he will. Dann’s a good young creature, like our Song, he ain’t stubborn an’ unmovin’ like his father. But it takes all kinds, friend, and wot we’re goin’ to need in the days that lie ahead are warriors, stubborn unmovin’ warriors, like yoreself!”

For the first time since the battle at the southwest corner, Rusvul smiled. He stood up and bowed courteously to the old squirrel. “I thank ye for those kind words, marm. When there’s fightin’ to be done an’ warriors need to stand firm, you’ll find me the most stubborn an’ unmovin’ of all. ’Tis just the way I am.”

Because of the danger from further volleys of arrows, Skipper requested that anybeast not on wallguard stay inside the Abbey. Florian decided that the time need not be wasted. If the Redwallers were to defend themselves from outside attack they needed drill and weapon training. Knowing nothing whatsoever about either matter, the hare made it all up as he went along. Armed with a motley selection of ladles, window poles, brooms and any domestic item that came to paw, elders and Dibbuns were lined up in Great Hall, together with the Noonvale troupe, and Florian swaggered about in what he imagined was true parade-ground manner.

“Right ho, troops, let’s see if we can’t knock you into shape, wot! Form y’selves up in four ranks here. Jump to it now!”

Brother Melilot and Diggum Cellarmole were edging away when the hare challenged them. “I say, you two chaps, where d’you think you’re jolly well off to? Back in line this very instant!”

Melilot put down the feather duster he had been shouldering. “Excuse us, but you’ll have to let us go, that’s if you want dinner tonight. We’re on kitchen duty.”

Florian waved them away hastily. “Oh, right you are. Can’t have starvin’ troops, wot, wot?”

Sister Sloey and Gurrbowl grounded dustpan and window pole.

“Sorry, ’fraid we’ve got to tend t’the wounded in the Infirmary.”

Florian blew a sigh of frustration. “Off y’pop then, you two, excused drill. You there, Dwopple, I said form four blinkin’ ranks, not five. Come up front here, sir, where I can keep my beady eye on you!”

Saluting furiously, the mousebabe charged up front, dragging behind him a long-handled oven paddle, which cracked against footpaws and tripped all who came in contact with it, causing widespread chaos.

“Yowch! Go easy with that paddle, you wretch!”

“Oof! An’ you watch that ladle, near put me eye out!”

“Aagh! Me footpaw! Get away, y’villain!”