Gonff wiped perspiration from his whiskers. “In the name of mice and crab apples, that big feller nearly had us there, matey!”

Martin pointed to the open window. “It’s not over yet. Look!”

Tsarmina stood glaring at them. The mess was crowded with frightened creatures, none of whom would venture near the window.

Ashleg shuddered and clutched at his clammy fur. “Did you see those claws, ugh, the size of its beak!”

Tsarmina swung him round by his cloak. “Shut your blathering face and get me my bow and arrows. Just look at that for a prize piece of impudence.”

Gonff was pulling faces at the wildcat Queen. He blew out his cheeks, stuck a paw to his nose and rolled his eyes in the most ridiculous manner.

Tsarmina snatched up a spear and flung it, but the weapon was deflected by the close-knit yew branches. A well-aimed arrow would do the trick, she thought. “Where’s that dithering woodenleg with my bow and arrows?”

Eight sturdy red squirrels came bounding through the yew branches as easily as walking a paved path. They split into two groups of four, each taking charge of the two escapers.

Lady Amber came swinging in. She spoke sternly to Gonff. “Now none of your shenanigans, young thief. You, whoever you are, just relax and leave the rest to us. You’re in safe paws.”

Before he could say a word, Martin was seized by paws and tail. He felt himself tossed about like a shuttlecock. Never in his life had he descended from a height so swiftly, or with such ease; it was like being a flower petal on a gentle breeze. In a trice he and Gonff were on firm ground.

A horde of armed soldiers poured out of Kotir. Martin sought about for a weapon, anything to defend himself with. There was a whirring sound, and the first four soldiers running forward seemed to relax, lying down upon the grass as if they were taking a nap. Two more went down. Martin saw a line of otters swinging slings; they were hurling large river pebbles with deadly accuracy.

A big burly otter came running to them. Gonff clasped his strong tattooed paws. “Skipper, I knew me old messmate wouldn’t leave his favorite thief in the lurch. Oh, by the way, this is Martin the Warrior. He’s my friend, y’know.”

Skipper signaled his crew to retreat, waving to Lady Amber as he fitted another stone to his slingshot. “Ha, welcome aboard, Martin. Though how an honest fellow like you came to be mixed up with this little buccaneer, I don’t know.”

Skipper introduced Martin to Lady Amber, who said rapidly, glancing anxiously about her, “Pleased to meet you, I’m sure, Martin. Skipper, I don’t like this, they’re planning something . . .”

As Amber spoke, a horde of soldiers bearing Thousand Eye shields came streaming out of the main door with Tsarmina leading them. There were far too many to contend with.

Amber muttered to Skipper, “Take Martin and Gonff. Break and run for it. We’ll cover you.”