Martin put his supper to one side. “Maybe not, but he was smart enough to spy on us without our knowing it. I think we should treat them as enemies. That way we won’t be caught off guard. Anyhow, let’s get some supper and sleep. We’ve got a long day ahead tomorrow.”

* * *

From the window of her high chamber, Tsarmina’s eyes pierced the night with the keenness of a predator. She saw Cludd and his special patrol hurrying to Kotir from the north fringes, then sweeping her gaze in an arc she noted a movement at the south edge of the forest.

Woodlanders!

Tsarmina rushed to the table and rang her little bell vigorously. A ferret named Raker came scurrying in.

“Quickly, alert the entire garrison. Have them form up inside the barracks awaiting my orders. Tell them to be silent. Send Cludd to me. He’ll be arriving shortly.”

Raker wondered how Tsarmina knew of Cludd’s imminent arrival, but he did not dare ask her how. He held up his Thousand Eye shield in a smart salute.

“Right away, Milady.”

Tsarmina peered intently at the band of otters, mice, and hedgehogs. She noted the ripple in the treetops—squirrels too. This time she had the element of surprise on her side. She did not intend wasting it. Now they would learn the meaning of the word fear.

* * *

Halfway down the stairs she bumped into Cludd, who was dashing up to her chamber to make his report.

“Milady, I have gathered some expert knowledge on the movements of the woodla—”

“Yes, I already know. Form your patrol up and get down to the main barracks quickly.”

“But, Majesty, there was a robin flying through the woods and I told Thic—”

Tsarmina whirled upon the slow-witted weasel. “Robin? What rubbish are you spouting now? What d’you think I care about a robin? Get out of my sight, you useless lump.”

Cludd stood, bewildered, on the stairway as she brushed past. There was no point in trying to talk to Tsarmina when she was in one of her moods.

* * *

The highest tree near the south side of Kotir was a stately elm. Chibb was perched in its branches when he sighted the woodlanders.

“Ahem, harrumph! Over here, please, and keep quiet. We don’t want any eagles waking up.”

Skipper threw a smart nautical salute with his tail. “Ahoy there, mate. Is everything shipshape?”

Chibb paced to and fro upon the branch. “Ahem, well I must say it appears to be, harrumph. Though I have my doubts.”

Lady Amber dropped in beside him, and the nervous robin leaped with fright.

“Madam! Ahem, kindly have the goodness to announce your presence in a less startling manner.”

Ben Stickle and the rest were unloading packs of rations at the foot of the elm. Columbine looked upward at the robin.

“D’you know, Ben, for some reason I feel as uneasy as Chibb.”

Ben loaded the packs on the squirrels, who scampered up the trunk as if it were level ground.