The raven leader settled down, reassured. “This is a good land to be in, Mangiz. It is not cold like those northlands, and the redstone house will be mine. It was your visions that first saw it; if you say the signs say wait, then we wait.”

*   *   *

Cornflower and Mrs. Churchmouse stood on the south ramparts, keeping tight hold of baby Rollo as he waved and shouted. The bells pealed merrily while the Sparra folk of Queen Warbeak flew south across the woodlands in the cloudless blue morning. Constance and the Abbot cheered as lustily as any at the brave sight. The Sparra Queen circled the Abbey once, then dipping her wings she dropped like a stone, taking up a zinging flight as she brushed by the creatures on the battlements.

“We find um, you see, we find um!” she called.

Warbeak flew high, shooting like a speeding arrow into the vanguard of the feathered squadron. Soon they became dark specks which rapidly disappeared into the distance over Mossflower.

John Churchmouse flexed both his paws and massaged the back of his neck wearily as he descended the wallsteps with Brother Sedge.

“Whew! Well, thank goodness that’s over. Maybe we can catch up on a little sleep now, eh, Sedge?”

Brother Sedge grubbed charcoal-stained paws into his red-rimmed eyes. “Aye, it’s straight up to the dormitory for me, John. It certainly takes it out of you, sitting up all night drawing maps and writing poems. I just hope that one of those birds finds Matthias and the others. I’d hate to think that we worked in vain.”

John stretched wearily. “Ho hum! Well, there’s at least twelve copies and they’re all carried by trusty Sparra scouts. If they can’t find them nobeast can. I wonder what’s for breakfast?”

“Breakfast indeed, John Churchmouse,” Mrs. Churchmouse tutted airily as she passed by. “You’ve done nothing but eat all night. Still, I suppose you could find room for some nutbread, blackcurrant cordial and elderberry pancakes before you sleep the day away.”

John leaned wearily against the Abbey wall. “Hmm, s’pose so, dear. I’ll be in soon. Tell that baby Rollo to save a pancake or two for me. Basil certainly taught him how to deal with the rations, the little nosebag.” He wiped his grimy paws on his habit and blinked owlishly. “’s funny, I could swear I saw a magpie above the west wall just then, did you see anything, Sedge?”

Brother Sedge stifled a yawn. “Oh come on, John, let’s get breakfast. You’re seeing things. There hasn’t been a magpie ever recorded in this neck of the woods.”

The morning wore on with the gentle pace of Redwall life. Three magpies winged their way low and slow to the maple at the north fringe.

*   *   *