Mask strode down to the cells with a businesslike air, his Captain’s cloak swirling splendidly.

“Hey, where d’you think you’re off to?” a weasel on sentry duty in the corridor challenged him insolently.

The disguised otter rounded on the unfortunate guard, stamping his paw down hard in fine military fashion.

“Stand to attention when you address a Captain, you scruffy idle mud-brained scum.”

The weasel gulped, coming swiftly to attention. “Sorry, Captain. I didn’t realize . . .”

Mask stood, paws akimbo, sneering contemptuously. “Chin in, chest out, eyes front, spear straight, shield up. Up, I said. So, you didn’t realize. It strikes me there’s been quite a bit of ‘not realizing’ going on down here. You probably didn’t realize it when the prisoners escaped. Well, let me tell you, my mangy-furred laddo, things are going to be different around here. You’ll learn to jump when you hear the name of Captain Patchcoat in future. Either that, or you and your cronies will find out what double duties in full pack on half-rations mean. Do I make myself clear?”

The weasel banged his spearbutt resoundingly against the floor. “Very clear, sah!”

“Right. Lead me to the wildcat’s cell, then get back about your duties,” Mask ordered sternly.

“Follow me, sah!”

* * *

Gingivere heard the rapid paws marching down the passage. With practiced ease he slung Ferdy and Coggs up into their haversacks and sat on the floor, looking forlorn.

The wildcat gaped vacantly through the bars at the evil-looking fox on the other side of the door grille.

When the sentry departed, Mask held up a paw to forestall questions. “I am the Mask. The Corim sent me to free you. Are the hedgehogs with you?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Then be ready tonight.”

“You mean we’re getting out tonight?” Gingivere asked incredulously.

“Aye, if I can swing it. Tell Chibb there must be a good force of woodlanders waiting in the thickets on the east side. I’ve got to go now. Be ready tonight.” Mask strode off down the passage, every inch the Captain of Kotir.

Ferdy and Coggs made the haversacks dance and wriggle.

“Hooray, we’re going home tonight!”

“Who was that, Mr. Gingivere? Was it a fox?”

“You tell me, little Coggs. How the Corim could employ any creature so evil-looking, is beyond me.”

“Look at me, Mr. Gingivere. Do I look evil?” Ferdy called, sticking his snout out of the haversack. “I can, you know. All I do is shut one eye and pull my snout to the left, like this.”

“By the fur, you’re frightening the life out of me, Ferdy. Best leave your snout alone or it’ll stick like that.”

“Can we come down to play, Mr. Gingivere, please,” Coggs pleaded.

“Not right now. Try and get some sleep up there. I’ll call you when Mr. Mask gets back tonight. We’ll need to be bright and alert if we’re to make it back to your friends and family in Mossflower.”

* * *

Martin was astonished by the size of Lord Cayvear’s domain. Bat Mountpit was vast and impressive, with chasms, tunnels, streams, caves, waterfalls, and underground lakes. Lord Cayvear pointed out his tribe. Those not searching for Gonff were farming great areas of edible roots, mushrooms and subterranean plants, while others fished the lakes.