The old squirrel, Ashnin, spoke. “That would be wise. The rock ledge they are camped on will be battered by heavy waves when the storm comes. Go and wake Urthwyte. He will haul the boats up to the woodlands for you. Tell your shrew friends to come and visit us until it is time to leave—I would like to know what sort of creatures I will be traveling with to the shores of the great sea.”

“You’ll be goin’ too, marm?” Pikkle was surprised.

The ancient squirrel took a bow and arrows from the chimney corner. “I certainly will, young feller. I’ve never missed a good fight in my life. I’m a dead shot too!”

Pikkle rubbed his head where the cherry stones had struck. “I can already vouch for that, marm!”

*   *   *

Log-a-log and the Guosssom shrews yelled in alarm when a large white badger head poked over the cliffs at them, until Pikkle came bounding down paw over paw on a rope.

“Panic over, chaps. This is old Urthwotsit, a pal of ours. He’s offered to haul the boats up to high ground—apparently there’s goin’ to be a whizzo storm tomorrow and all this ledge where you’re standin’ will be underwater. Hey, Mara, come down an’ show old Log-a-thing what you’ve brought for him!”

Mara slid down the rope. Without a word she hung the Blackstone around Log-a-log’s neck. Immediately all the Guosssom shrews raised their paws in the air and gave a mighty roar.

“Logalogalogalogalog!”

One by one they filed past their leader, touching the Blackstone and bowing respectfully. There was not a shadow of doubt who the absolute leader of the Guosssom was now. Log-a-log clasped Mara’s paws in both of his.

“I will never forget this, Mara.” His voice shook with emotion. “No matter what the time, day, or season I am yours to command.”

Nordo placed his paws over those of his father. “And I also. Mara, friend, words cannot thank you enough!”

The badger maid smiled at them both. “Then save your words, friends. Show me by your actions when we reach Salamandastron and face the hordes of Ferahgo!”

*   *   *

The white badger was a great source of amazement to the Guosssom. They watched openmouthed as he wrapped his huge paws around the damaged logboat. Bracing himself, Urthwyte gave a single grunt and lifted the entire vessel. He carried it five paces, then deposited it neatly on the trestles they had set up for its repair.

Nordo hesitantly touched the powerful corded muscle and sinew which stood out through the badger’s snowy coat. “By the log of my father’s boat! It would have taken at least fifteen shrews to even budge one of our craft. You have the strength of a giant, Urthwyte!”

The big badger smiled and swelled out his chest. He was a simple creature and enjoyed the adulation of the shrews.