Ironbeak was heartened. “Well spoken, Mangiz, my strong right wing. What else do you see? Are the omens good for your General?”

“The omens are good. It all becomes clear as water now. Ironbeak, you and I will live a good and easy life in this redstone house, the food will be plenty and the seasons good, winter’s cold will not harm us in this place surrounded by tall woodland. When the earthcrawlers get tired of playing their silly little games, we will catch them all out in the open, and that day they will be slain. Then there will be none left to oppose us. This I see truly, my General.”

Ironbeak stood and stretched his wings, and Mangiz ducked to avoid being knocked out of the window.

“Kachakka! This is good, Mangiz. I feel good in my feathers too. I think I will fly up and perch awhile on the roof of my big redstone house. Tell the rooks to rest well, and sleep yourself. You look tired and hot.”

Ironbeak launched himself from the sill and spiralled up to the Abbey roof.

Mangiz blew a great sigh of relief and settled down to nap in the hot sun. It was the first time he had lied to Ironbeak about his visions. They were still clouded by the warrior mouse, but the crow was not going to tell Ironbeak that. What the General did not know for the moment would not harm him, and compliments were better received than kicks.

*   *   *

When night fell over Redwall and the Mossflower country, Cornflower began buckling on her armour. However, Sister May had a better idea, so Cornflower unbuckled it and listened. Constance covered her mouth and shook with suppressed laughter when the ruse was outlined to her.

“Oh yes, let’s do it. I wouldn’t miss this for a midsummer feast!”

*   *   *

The rooks perched in the dormitory, half dozing, half awake, none fully asleep since the General had issued the order for them to have the rest of the day off. Most of them had slept all afternoon, and they found it difficult trying to sleep in the night also. It was hot and airless for birds who had lived their lives in the cold northlands. A full moon beamed down through the dormitory window, bathing the entire room in pale bluish white light.

“Leeeeave ooooour Abbeeeeeeeeey!”

“Yaak! What was that?”

“Death is neeeeear!”

The rooks froze on their perches.

“Death waits outside this rooooooom!”

A black shadow cast itself across the beds and the floor. There was something at the window.

The rook Ragwing turned his head slowly and fearfully until he could see the window.