Martin noted the sad, faraway look in the badger’s eyes. “He must have been a mighty warrior. Does he still live?”

Bella shrugged. “Who knows? He followed his father, old Lord Brocktree, to go off questing. This was before Verdauga and his army arrived in Mossflower. My mate Barkstripe was slain in the first battle against Kotir and my son Sunflash lost to me forever. Barkstripe was more farmer than warrior. Had it been Boar the Fighter that faced Kotir, we would have won, I am certain of it.”

Martin turned his steps back to Brockhall.

Goody Stickle was standing in the doorway, rubbing her paws together anxiously. As they approached, Bella spoke to Martin in a whisper. “Tell nobody of our conversation. I must talk to you further about certain important matters, maybe later.”

Martin nodded. “I will look forward to it, Bella. You have aroused my curiosity. Hey, Goody, why are you looking so worried?”

Goody fussed with her apron. “Mornin’ Miz Bella. Mornin’, Martin. ’Ave you seen ought of those two liddle ’ogs of mine in the woods?”

“Ferdy and Coggs?” Bella shook her head. “No, Goody, I’m afraid we haven’t. Is anything wrong?”

The hedgehog gnawed her lip. “Well, they ain’t slept in their beds last night. Asides that, there’s two oatfarls, a good wedge o’ cheese and some of my best blackcurrant cordial missin’ from the larder.”

Martin could not help smiling at the thought of the two little would-be warriors. “All that for breakfast! They’ll go bang one of these days. I wouldn’t worry too much, Mrs. Stickle. Knowing those two rascals, they’ll be back by lunchtime for more food.”

Ben Stickle emerged into the sunlight. “Aye, Martin’s right, m’dear. Don’t you go a-botherin’ your old ’ead. Ferdy and Coggs is like new button mushrooms—they always turn up at a good meal.”

Ben sat against a tree, chuckling as he filled his pipe.

Gonff and Columbine came out to join them, the mousethief patting his stomach.

“Better hurry up, mateys. There’ll be no breakfast left soon. Hey, Goody, I hear that Ferdy and Coggs are missing. We’ll help you to look for them. Don’t worry, they’re probably somewhere nearby playing soldiers.”

Goody knotted her apron strings anxiously. “Thank you, Gonff. Oh, I do ’ope they’ve come to no ’arm, Ben. Get up now and ’elp Gonff ’n’ Columbine. I won’t be ’appy until I see their mucky liddle snouts agin.”

Ben stood up and stretched. “So be it, Goody. Come on, you two.”

Bella reassured her. “Now don’t start getting upset, Goody. I’ll send all the woodlanders out looking. They’ll find them. Martin and I will stop here at Brockhall in case they come back while everyone’s out searching.”

Goody smiled gratefully, although she was close to tears. “Thank you kindly, Miz Bella. I’ll go and start cookin’ the lunch.”

Shortly thereafter, Bella addressed a large party of willing helpers.

“Listen now, friends. Ferdy and Coggs must be found before nightfall. Split up into small groups, search everywhere, and pay particular attention to small dens and possible hiding places—they may be lying asleep somewhere. Above all, be careful. There may be Kotir vermin abroad in Mossflower. Don’t shout out too loud or make unnecessary noise. Report back to me or to Martin. Off you go now, and good luck.”