“Aha! I thought so,” Ambrose whispered to Constance. “This is where the raven shows ’is feathers. The moment we drop our weapons, ’e’ll spring ’is trap, whatever it is.”

Constance watched Ironbeak as she murmured back, “I know what you mean, Ambrose, but what can we do? He has kept his word, even coming unarmed to meet us. We cannot face him with an army geared up to the teeth.”

“Hmm, I suppose you’re right. Leave it to me.”

He turned to the Redwall contingent. “Lay those weapons down and listen to me. If the raven or his pal try one false move, then grab the armoury up fast and make the pair of ’em into pincushions.”

Ironbeak had heard what went on and nodded. “Do as you will. We have come here only to trade hostages, no tricks.”

Constance banged her paw down upon the path. “Then let’s get to it and stop fussing about or we’ll be here to see dawn break.”

Ironbeak nodded to Mangiz, and the crow started the exchange.

“We release them at the same time, one for one. First the infant for Quickbill. Agreed?”

Constance untied the first magpie.

“Agreed!”

Rollo was aware of the gravity of the situation. He strode slowly across to Constance, crossing paths with Quickbill. On reaching his friends the little bankvole began singing:

“Kick a magpie in the eye,

Shoot a crow wiv a great big bow. . . .”

Winifred swept him up and hurried indoors.

“Now the one called Cornflower for Brightback.”

“Agreed!”

The mouse and the magpie passed each other in silence. Tension mounted in the air now that there were only two left. As Cornflower embraced Constance, the harsh voice of Mangiz sounded:

“Last, the churchmouse for Diptail.”

“Agreed!”

The exchange took place without a hitch.

Both sides stood watching each other.

At a wave from Ironbeak, the magpie brothers and Mangiz flew off, then the raven General fixed his eyes on Constance.

“I will continue to attack you. It is my destiny that I should rule in the great redstone house.”

The badger gave him back stare for stare.

“Others have tried to conquer Redwall, warriors greater than you. We are still here. Right is on our side, justice too. One day our warriors will return home, then you will be driven off or slain.”

Ironbeak was unmoved. “Hakka! We shall see. You are not as clever as you imagine, none of you. Did it not occur to you that my fighters were not with me to see the exchange take place?”

“Oh nuts’n’acorns,” Ambrose groaned. “I knew the villain had somethin’ hidden up ’is feathery sleeve.”