Redwall

In the kitchens of Redwall Abbey, MATTIMEO son of Matthias The Warrior and Cornflower, fights VITCH, a mean little rat. Mattimeo is punished by his father for discourtesy to a guest.

Redwall Abbey awakes to find their young ones are gone, and as they piece the previous night together realize that Mattimeo was right and that Vitch was the slaver’s spy.

Mattimeo realizes that the slaves are headed South and will get no help from their parents who are following false trails - they must escape by themselves or not at all.

Mattimeo and the slaves make their first attempt to escape, valiantly led by Tess Churchmouse, and Mattimeo takes another short step towards his birthright of leadership.

Mattimeo and his companions race to the landslide beneath which their parents are buried, and are seen by Slagar who sends rats to recapture them.

From Redwall Abbey, Warbeak and her sparra squadrons fly South bearing the riddle - they hope to find Matthias and help his quest.