Log-a-Log turned on the insolent one. “Silence, Skan! Do not show your bad manners by calling out while I hold the stone at a council meeting. If you wish to say anything, then wait until I have finished and it is your turn to hold the stone. This is the rule of the Guosim.”

Skan sniggered and muttered something to his cronies. Standing boldly, he faced Log-a-Log.

“It’s a stupid rule, like all your silly Guosim customs. I am a free shrew and I’ll talk when I feel like it.”

Immediately a hubbub and argument broke out on both sides.

Orlando pawed his axe. He made to rise, but Matthias warned him, “Sit still friend. Leave this to Log-a-Log.”

The shrew leader restored order by raising his voice above the rest.

“Logalogalogalog! Listen to me, shrews. The creatures of Redwall have always been our good friends. If we were hungry, if we were hurt, if we were sick, the Brothers and Sisters of the Abbey would help us without question. It is our duty to help them now. I say we go with Matthias and his companions. We will fight the slavers and rescue the young ones. Are you with me?”

There was a loud shout of agreement from the main body, but Skan and his followers stood to one side, silent and sneering. Log-a-Log walked stiff-legged to where Skan stood. The shrew leader thrust his face close to the young usurper, his hackles bristling dangerously.

“And you, Skan, are you for the Guosim or against it?”

“Guosim, huh!” Skan said scornfully, though he avoided Log-a-Log’s eyes. “A pile of old fuddy-duddies making outdated rules and regulations, why should me and my friends get ourselves slain or injured sorting out the troubles of others. I say we mind our own business.”

Log-a-Log smiled coldly. “So, it has come to this. You have been pushing and prodding me for quite a while now, Skan. Perhaps you would like to be the new Log-a-Log of the Guosim? Well, now is your chance. Let’s see if you fight as bravely as you talk. Come on, Skan, knock this council stone from an old fuddy-duddy’s paw.”

The shrew leader stood in front of the young rebel, holding out the stone for all to see. He looked relaxed, though his whole body was tensed like a steel spring. Skan stood half a head taller than Log-a-Log. For a moment it looked as if he were about to do something, then he saw the light of battle in the shrew leader’s eyes and his nerve failed him. He turned away.

“Yah, who wants to be bothered with the Guosim? I’m away to roam free and do as I like. Come on, shrews.”

Skan and his group of followers marched off into the fading light.