“I was born and brought up in Mossflower country, Milady. What is it that you require from me?”

“Fortunata, we are surrounded by blunderers.” Tsarmina’s tone was that of an old and trusting friend. “You are the only one I can really rely on. I never forget those who serve me well. I haven’t forgotten that you helped me to be Queen with your knowledge of herbs. This is a big area to rule, and it becomes lonely. I could do with someone as wise and clever as yourself to share that rule. But first I am going to ask you to do me a favor. Think carefully before you answer, because on that answer rests our friendship. Will you do me this favor?”

The greedy fox fell headlong into the trap. “I am yours to command, Queen Tsarmina.”

The wildcat ruler smiled like a cat with a bird. “Well said, friend. Now, what I want you to do is this . . .”

The Corim were startled.

Skipper strolled into Brockhall followed by a ferret. Before Lady Amber could fit arrow to bow, or Bella pick up a poker to strike the foe, Skipper addressed them heartily.

“Mates, don’t get your ropes in a tangle. This ’ere ferret is an otter. Meet my brother, the Mask.”

The Mask bowed low. Stripping the bindings from his ears, he removed the bark slivers that sharpened his muzzle, pulled out the wicked eyeteeth and undid his imitation tail.

Bella pounded the sides of her chair with a heavy paw. “Wonderful, he is indeed an otter. Welcome to Brockhall, Mr. Mask.”

Abbess Germaine seated the otter, placing food and drink before him. “So you are the Mask. I have lived long and seen strange things, but never one as strange as you, though I hope you will forgive me for saying so, sir.”

Mask shook the Abbess warmly by the paw. “It is a strange world marm, you will forgive me saying, but never have I seen such friendly and gentle mice as you and your oddly dressed followers.”

Skipper patted Mask on the back. “Friends, you wouldn’t believe your eyes if you saw old Mask in some of the getups I’ve seen him in.”

“Oh, tell us, Skip.” Columbine leaned forward eagerly.

Skipper took a draught of cider from Mask’s cup. “I couldn’t begin to tell you all this one’s disguises, but just as an instance, he gave me the slip coming through the forest. I looked high and low for him. Ha, there was the old deceiver stood right next to me, up against a tree, got up as a piece of bark, would you believe!”

Spike and Posy clung to Columbine’s habit, staring wide-eyed at the strange otter.

“Did you really, Mr. Mask, sir?” Spike asked.

Mask chuckled as he fed them a slice of apple each. “Oh, aye. That’s an easy one. All you need is an old piece of bark as big as yourself and the right tree. You just stand there and think the same thoughts as the tree, and presto!”