is the prettiest hare I have ever seen, and I personally think that she knows more of healing wounds than anybeast. But
don’t tell Sister Viola I said that. Alas, even Pasque can do nothing for Tammo’s limp, which the spear wound in his
leg caused. But Tammo just laughs when asked about his injury. He says that he never intended being a Runner and
gets about better than most. I agree with him, the limp is hardly noticeable.
When the sad day arrives that Russano has to leave us, our Abbey will not be without a badger. Lady Cregga has
decided to live at Redwall as Badger Mother. The Dibbuns adore her, and though she has massive strength, her
gentleness toward them is touching to see. And talking about seeing, Mother Cregga is learning to see more without
the use of her sight than most of us can see with two eyes!
The Guerilla Union of Shrews in Mossflower, or the Guosim, as they are known, have faithfully stayed at our
Abbey to help rebuild the wall, as have the Waterhogs. Redwall is full of fast-growing Dibbuns with even faster-
growing appetites. Log-a-Log has been hearing the call of the streams and rivers of late, though he says he will wait
until Russano is ready to go, then the shrews can accompany him.
Gurgan Spearback keeps his houseboat on the water meadows, merely for the pleasure of his large family. What a
quaint beast Gurgan is. He has relinquished Chieftainship of the Waterhogs to his eldest son, Tragglo. Gurgan’s great
interest now is being Abbey Cellarhog; he was so enthusiastic about brewing October Ale that old Gurrbowl has
retired and passed the job on to him.
You will forgive me, but I am about to put aside my quill pen and scrub the ink from my paws. I have an
appointment with Friar Butty. Together with the Friar and Captain Twayblade, I will help to plan the triple feast. There
will be ten kinds of bread, from hazelnut and almond to sage and buttercup loaves.
Cheeses, well, last autumn’s cheesemaking was the best ever. We have some huge yellow ones, with celery and
carrot pieces in them, and all the different cheeses in between, ending with tiny soft white ones.
Friar Butty has drawn up a recipe for a South Wall Cake, it will be the centerpiece of the tables. Though if you
could see the recipe and the amount of fruit, honey, and meadow-cream the cake will take, you would wonder how
any other food could find room on our festive board. The seasons have been kind; there will be more than enough for
every-beast, but then they deserve it.
What more is left to say, my friend? Redwall Abbey is as it has always been, basking in the shelter of Mossflower
Wood, the gates ready to open any old sunny day to weary travelers, friends, and visitors, all good honest creatures
like yourselves. Please come and feel free to stop for a season, any time. You are always welcome.
Craklyn Squirrel, Recorder of Redwall Abbey
Epilogue
Many a long season passed since Major Perigord Habile Sin-istra had set eyes upon the mountain of
Salamandastron. Straightening his scarlet tunic and brushing his slightly graying whiskers, he touched the long-healed
scar line upon his brow and gazed up at the fortress on the far west shore. “The old place hasn’t changed a bit, wot!”
Captain Tamello De Fformelo Tussock and his wife, Lady Pasque Valerian, detached themselves from the throng of
travelers. Standing to one side, they too viewed the mountain. “So this is Salamandastron, m’dear. ’Tis all you said it
would be.”
“Wait until you see inside, Tamm—it’s even more impressive. Oh, look, there’s a welcoming party coming out to
greet us!”
Old Colonel Eyebright headed the reception group, leaning heavily upon the paw of Garrison Captain Cheeva.
Tammo was reminded of his own father as the old hare popped in his monocle and peered closely at the lines of
shrews, Waterhogs, and Redwallers, led by Arven, who carried the Sword of Martin.
Then Colonel Eyebright’s gaze shifted to the hares, and the monocle dropped from his eye to dangle on its string.
“Well, ’pon my life. Perigord!”
The Major clasped paws warmly with his old friend. “Colonel Eyebright, sah, you’re lookin’ remarkably chipper.
Brisk as a blinkin’ barnacle on a big boulder, wot!”
Eyebright chuckled, shoving Perigord playfully. “Away with you, base flatterer! I’m as old as I feel and twice as
jolly well old as I look. The owl Taunoc told us you were comin’, but I didn’t expect you until the start of winter. ’Tis
still autumn!”
Drill Sergeant Clubrush and his companion Sergeant Tor-goch saluted the Colonel smartly. “Beg to report, sah, we
made good time, mostly by water with our pals the Guosim shrews an’ the Waterhogs. Sah!”
“Aye, we remembered what you taught us, sah, save the old footpaws wherever possible. No doubt the owl gave
you our message, sah, ’fraid we didn’t bring ’em all back, two score an’ a half lost in action ...”
Colonel Eyebright nodded sadly. “So I heard, Sergeant. Perilous beasts, they’ll live in our memories forever, wot.
Your friends from Redwall will have to stay with us until spring—no good makin’ that long trek back in wintertide.
We’ll make them welcome to share all Salamandastron can offer. You there, young chap, c’mere. What name d’you go
by, eh?”
“Tamello De Fformelo Tussock, sah!”
“Hmph! No need t’shout, sir, I’m not deaf, well not completely. So, you’ll be the laddo who stole the prettiest hare
on the mountain. Wed to our Pasque, if I’m not mistaken. Hmm, Tussock, knew your father well, your mother too, she
was as pretty as your wife.”
Tammo and Pasque bowed respectfully to the Colonel as he gestured Cheeva to assist him walking through the
ranks. The Colonel halted near the rear markers and, slowly bending his knee, bent his head down until he touched a
massive footpaw with his forehead.
“My life and honor are yours to command. Sire!”
Immediately he was raised up by a gentle paw.
The old hare found himself gazing into a pair of dark hazel eyes. He knew instinctively that they held more wisdom
than he could have gathered in two lifetimes. The badger was tall, young, and slender, but his paw and shoulder
structures dictated that in maturity he would be a beast of mighty girth and boundless strength. Shifting aside his
homespun green traveling cloak, he walked toward the mountain entrance, with Eyebright leaning upon his paw for
support.
Holding her Colonel’s other paw, Captain Cheeva glanced across at the tall young badger, curiosity overcoming
her. “Sire, it is said that Badger Lords always carry a great blade, spear, or mace, yet you carry no weapon. Why is
that?”
Such was the calm and dignity radiated by the badger that everybeast was attracted to his presence. They all craned
forward to hear him speak for the first time. His voice was deep and mellow.
“I have no need of a blade, nor any kind of great weapon. This is all I carry. You would be surprised what a
creature can do with this. I have been brought up by good friends and instructed in its use.” Smiling quietly, the badger
drew forth from his cloak a short hardwood stick, well used and polished to a dull sheen. “It once belonged to a
warrior, formidable and perilous.”
Old Colonel Eyebright tightened his grip on the badger’s wide paw. “It was written in the stones of Salamandastron
that you would come here one day to rule. Truly you are named Russano the Wise, Lord of Salamandastron!”
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