Hollyberry topped up a ladle with the foul-smelling medicine. “Hush now, my little gluttons. One more shout out of either of you and I’ll double the dose!”

*   *   *

The games commenced just before twilight. Samkim and Arula started off the proceedings by winning the three-pawed race in fine style. There was much laughter and merriment at some of the elder Brothers and Sisters pillowfighting while perched upon a greased pole. The Abbess and Bremmun, who had always excelled at quoits, were amazed at the skill of Baby Dumble—he could throw a quoit more accurately than any grown Abbeydweller and amassed several prizes. Tudd Spinney carried off the honors on the croquet lawn, using his walking stick in place of a mallet. Turzel and Blossom, the two small mousemaids, teamed up with Thrugann to win the relay race around the Abbey grounds, while Friar Bellows and Brother Hal beat all comers at the acorn and stick high-batting contest.

The games were going full swing when Foremole held up a paw, sniffing the air. “Yurr, et smells loik thunner an’ loitenen be due!”

Bremmun shook his head. “No, it’s only nighttime arriving.”

“Nay, nay, lissen ’ee Maister Bremm’n!”

The distant rumble of thunder proved Foremole’s instinct correct. On the still-warm evening air a heaviness began to settle, and over to the east the sky lit up in a flash across the treetops of Mossflower. The little ones threw up their paws and began crying, but Sister Nasturtium cheered them up with the suggestion of indoor games in Great Hall.

Faith Spinney seconded the idea. “Come on now, Redwallers. Gather all this sporty gear up and take it to Great Hall. I’ll see if I can manage to prepare some liddle goodies for supper—hot honey ’n’ nutdip an’ cold strawb’rry cordial from the cellars. ’Ow’s that?”

The young ones raised a cheer and began collecting the equipment. Samkim and Arula were about to carry in the bows and arrows from an archery butt that had been set up when Bremmun gave them both a stern glance.

“Remember what I said about bows and arrows, you two? Best leave them to me and keep temptation away from your paws. Get that big tug of war rope inside—that’ll be a help.”

Thunder boomed overhead and lightning cut the sky as drops of rain big as chestnuts began spattering down.

The equipment was all indoors, and Sister Nasturtium and Abbess Vale were going about toweling small wet heads. Tudd Spinny felt in his waistcoat pockets and checked his front headspikes. “Oh, wildflowers ’n’ weeds!” He tutted in annoyance. “I gone an’ left my glasses on the west wallsteps. I’ll get soaked goin’ over there for ’em!”

Samkim stepped forward helpfully. “I’ll get your glasses, Mr. Spinney. I’m already wet through from carrying sports gear in. Come on, Arula!”