Bella stood up. Dusting her coat off, she refused an offer to stay for lunch.

“I wouldn’t dream of intruding on two such happy creatures any longer,” she said firmly. “Besides, I’ve got to get back to Brockhall and give them the good news. Not only have I found a second hideout, but I have rediscovered our friend Gingivere and made yet another new friend in Lady Sandingomm.”

Gingivere smiled understandingly. “As you will, Bella of Brockhall. Give my best wishes to all the woodlanders, and don’t forget to tell Ferdy and Coggs to visit Uncle Gingivere and Aunt Sandingomm sometime.”

“Oh I will, never fear,” Bella assured him. “Thank you, it’s good to know that we of the Corim have two great friends always ready to help.”

The badger set off westward, back toward the leafy glades of Mossflower in the noonday sun.

“Goodbye, Bella of Brockhall. Good luck to you,” the cats called after her.

“Thank you. Take good care of each other now. Goodbye, Farmer Gingivere. Goodbye, Lady Sandingomm.”

Night had fallen over Salamandastron.

The war party climbed down the roof ladder onto the sand. Gonff, Dinny and Log-a-Log had been outfitted by the hares. They were helmeted and armed with long pointed pikes, smaller versions of the arms carried by fighting hares.

Martin looked around, checking out the company. There were Trubbs, Wother and Ffring, Harebell, Honeydew and Willow, his three traveling companions and Boar the Fighter. The silver badger towered above them all, looking fearsome enough to chill the blood of any sea rat’s veins. He wore heavy spiked armor across his back and front, topped off with a shining metal headpiece that came forward into a badger war mask.

Boar pointed his great war sword up at Buffheart as he gave final orders.

“Make sure you pull that ladder back up safe, slide a rock over the entrance hole and don’t open it to any creature.”

“But supposing you want to get back in again, Boar?” Starbuck asked, gazing down from behind his father.

The badger chuckled drily. “Don’t worry, Star. A short climb and a rock slab won’t stop me.”

Lupin appeared at the opening. “Breeze is at the forge sobbing herself silly. Will you be all right, Boar?”

The badger did not look up. “I’m fine, Lupin. You’re the strong one. You know what to do.”

“I do, Boar.”

“Good. Then come on, you lucky lot, follow me. We’re going to a party with some sea rats.”

As they moved off, Gonff nudged Dinny. “What a happy badger. He seems to get merrier when he’s closer to a battle.”

“Urr, wishen oi did,” Young Dinny gulped. “Moi young paws be all of a-trimble.”

“I’m glad I haven’t got that trouble, Din,” Gonff giggled nervously. “Mine froze solid with fright some time ago.”

* * *

In silent file they made their way out to the shore, keeping close to the rock face. The party halted when they stood with their backs to the mountain. It was deserted, though Bloodwake bobbed at anchor close to the land.