“I did not approve of this venture from the first, my child. One false move and the General’s birds would slay you and Sister May. Constance could be badly hurt too.”

Cornflower avoided the stern gaze. “But, Father Abbot, we have got the birds frightened. If the ghost of Martin walks the Abbey by night, we will make the rooks and others lose heart and they will not enjoy living at Redwall. Maybe they will fly off to their northlands and leave us in peace.”

The old mouse held up a paw for silence. “We went over this argument once before. At first I thought it might have done some good; perhaps it has. But, Cornflower, you are taking this whole thing too lightly, treating it as a big joke. I feel it in my whiskers, one of you will be badly hurt or captured. The whole charade must stop.”

A rebellious gleam shone in Cornflower’s eyes. “Matthias would have approved of it. I’ll bet he and Basil would have kept it up until those birds were scared out of their feathers.”

Mordalfus peered severely over the top of his glasses. “I am glad you mentioned Matthias. Have you thought of my duty to him as Abbot? What if he came marching back out of the south with our young ones, as I am sure he will do one fine day? How do you think I would feel, having to report that whilst he was gone I allowed you to play foolish tricks until you were killed? You see, Cornflower, I have a responsibility as Father Abbot to you, Matthias and all the creatures within our walls. Now will you please do as I say.”

Cornflower sighed deeply and bowed. “I will do as you say, Father Abbot,” she said reluctantly.

The kindly old mouse rose stiffly. He patted her head. “Thank you, Cornflower. Now, Constance, will you take all the warrior’s armour to the gatehouse and put it back carefully.”

Constance gathered the armour and climbed into the tunnel.

*   *   *

Ironbeak was stalking the edge of the Abbey pond. The silver glint in the waters told him that there were fish about. He marvelled at the abundance of food the earthcrawlers had within the walls of the redstone place: orchards, gardens, a great storehouse in the area below stairs, even a pond with good water and fish for the taking. Sometime soon it would all belong to him. He looked about in admiration, staring at the strong outer wall that would keep other earthcrawlers out. His quick dark eye caught a movement over by the main gate. The big stripedog had materialized practically out of thin air. It was carrying something. Ironbeak crouched in the reeds and watched intently.