All three dissolved in helpless laughter.

Chibb arrived with the moles, saving the miscreants further scolding; reports were made to the Corim leaders present. Ferdy and Coggs had arrived at a decision to become warrior carpenter cooks, so they served refreshments for everybody.

As they ate, the Abbess mulled over the situation. “Well, if the forces of Kotir are hiding in the woods, it would be unwise for you two to try a repeat performance of today’s attack.”

Skipper grinned broadly. “Why, perish the thought, marm. They’ll be keeping themselves busy, by the sound of it. We’ll just let ’em lie uncomfortable like out there all night, then they can shiver through the dawn waiting for us not to turn up. What a damp squib.”

Foremole banged the tabletop with one of Ferdy’s biscuits. “Hurr, an’ iffen they varments think us’ns stopped a-diggen, burr, they’m doant know moles. Us’ll ’ave ’ee tunnels worken agin afore eventoid, mark.”

* * *

Bella of Brockhall had wandered far in search of a second hideout. If ever Brockhall were discovered by the army of Tsarmina, it was imperative that the woodlanders have a place of safety to flee to. The good badger was always conscious of her responsibility to the woodlanders. She felt she must undertake this search. Bella enjoyed the solitude of the far Mossflower stillness after the close confines of Brockhall in the company of woodlanders. By midday she was traveling east through vast tracts of field country. The badger knew instinctively that the River Moss would be winding its way somewhere near, and her good senses were confirmed in due course.

Bella seated herself on the bank of the broad swirling water. She did not resist taking a short nap in the early summer warmth.

“Bella. Hey there, Bella of Brockhall!”

The badger sat bolt upright, blinking away her tiredness. Gingivere was running towards her, and there was another cat with him, a sleek reddish female.

The badger jumped up waving her paws joyfully.

“Haha, Gingivere, you old rascal, who’s your friend?”

The female cat smiled and waved back.

“Oh, you are just as I imagined you, Bella,” she said warmly. “Gingivere has told me all about you and his woodland friends. I’m Sandingomm.”

They sat on the bank together as Bella brought them up to date with the news and explained her mission. As she talked, Bella noticed how strong and happy Gingivere looked. The reason why soon became apparent.

“Look at me, Bella. Would you believe it, I’m a farmer now. Yes, me, Gingivere, son of Verdauga. We’ve got a nice little piece of land further up the bank and the fishing is good in this river.”

The badger was delighted. “Well, you certainly fell on your paws this time, friend. Though you deserve it after all you’ve been through. Congratulations to you both.”

Sandingomm thanked Bella. “Anytime you please, you may bring the woodlanders to stay with us. This place is too far away for Gingivere’s wicked sister to find.”