Lantern shadows flickered around the hidden cave as the badger Lord stirred his powerful frame. The smoke from the herbs had cleared away, and Urthstripe rubbed his eyes and yawned as if coming out of a deep sleep. Casting aside the chisel, he picked up the lantern and held it close to the wall, where it illuminated the fresh carvings. The badger Lord’s gruff voice echoed around the cave as he translated the pictures aloud:

“Two badgers. This small one—it’s my Mara, I’m sure. This other one, is it me? No, it cannot be. I have stripes, he has none.”

The mountain Lord’s eyes clouded over. He shook his head as half-forgotten images flitted through his mind.

“Strange, a badger without stripes. . . . Without stripes?”

He blinked, turning his attention back to the wall.

“What’s this? Vermin eyes? Yes, they’re the eyes of vermin—two pair, probably weasel’s. The round thing between them, is it the moon or the sun? No, it has carving on but I cannot see, it is too small and fine. Ah, here is a sword, the weapon of a warrior, and here am I, Urthstripe, Lord of Salamandastron.”

Next to the figure of Urthstripe a few lines were written in Badger rune. He narrowed his eyes, studying them.

Faintheart shall be made strong,

But a warrior’s fate for the mountain Lord.

Blue eyes brings battle ere long,

Whilst the maid comes of her own accord.

The mount shall be ruled by badger kin,

The sword shall make Mossflower free

The Abbey will take its Guardian in

Far from this rock by the sea.

Urthstripe stood tall, his brooding eyes alight with the knowledge of his own fate. He felt as though the heavy paw of destiny had touched him, but the thought of a coming war seemed to obliterate all feelings of sadness or fear.

Sapwood’s voice cut into his thoughts as it boomed hollowly along the chamber passage, “It’s three hours t’ dawn, sir. Those vermin are all haround us, surroundin’ the mountain. Everybeast is in position, waitin’ on your word, shall Hi tell ’em yore comin’, sir?”

The badger Lord unfastened his forge apron. “They will see me in the hour of dawn, Sergeant, and I will see them. Then we will take a look at this vermin horde in good plain morning light. Lay out my armor, helm, sword and spear!”

14

Dingeye and Thura headed south through Mossflower Woods. They had a good head start and made the most of it, knowing that once Brother Hal’s body was discovered, together with the loss of the sword, pursuit by the creatures of Redwall would be inevitable. The forest was tall, green and silent, save for the rustle of leaves and trill of birdsong.