“While I was drawing out this business for as long as possible,” Ironbeak continued, “my birds were in your orchards loading up many supplies. I kept you talking long enough for them to make several trips. Your sentries who should have been guarding the windows facing the orchard were watching me and Mangiz in case we tried something. Anyway, black birds cannot be seen flying by night. Also, I must tell you that we have moved down to your infirmary and dormitories. I am conquering this place from the top downwards. Now you are left only with the place called Cavern Hole. If you try to cross the floor of Great Hall after dawn tomorrow, we will be watching from the galleries, ready to attack you. We have all the supplies needed, and you will be held to a state of siege below the floor of this place. You and your friends might think yourselves clever, but you are not wise enough to outsmart General Ironbeak.”

The raven shot off into the night sky like a dark arrow.

*   *   *

Constance shook her head wearily. “He wouldn’t have outsmarted Matthias.”

Cornflower patted Constance. “You were wonderfully brave to get us free. We’re not beaten yet, as long as we’re alive and Redwall stands, there is hope,” she said reassuringly. “We must defend the Abbey and keep it safe, especially for the day when Matthias returns with Mattimeo. Strange, isn’t it, I keep thinking of my little Matti, even at the oddest times.”

Constance smiled fondly. “That’s because he’s your son and you’re his mother. Whenever I look at you, I can tell you are thinking of him. Any creature would be glad of a mum like you, Cornflower. Here, what’s this, tears?”

Cornflower sniffed and wiped her eyes. “No. I’m just a little tired, I suppose. I hope Mattimeo is getting his proper sleep, wherever he is.”

*   *   *

The trek across the great barren country started at daybreak. Canteens had been filled at the last woodland pool. Supplies were very low but the shrew cooks had done them proud. Log-a-Log and his scouts had foraged the woodland fringe, and fennel, cloudberry and dandelion, together with some half-ripened hazelnuts, had been thrown into a large communal salad, with the addition of some dried fruit and the last of the cheese. Then a good meal had been eaten facing the flat expanse of sun-scorched earth.

Basil sniffed the dry air.

“Useless trying to scent anything around here. Still, the tracks are clear enough. I can see them from here, runnin’ off in a straight line. They’re a day and a night ahead of us, I reckon.”

He stood, stretching his long limbs, gazing out at the already shimmering horizon as it wavered and rippled with the fierce heat.