Mattimeo

Chapter 26

Matthias and his friends watched in silence as Log-a-Log held up the black stone in one paw and addressed

the shrews seated on the river bank in the quiet summer’s evening.

“Members of the Guosim, you have heard the tale Matthias of Redwall and his friends related to us.

There is evil abroad in Mossflower; this we already knew. Slavers, the masked fox and his band, have

captured young creatures. Even now they are marching them south.”

“So, what has this got to do with us?” the shrew named Skan interrupted.

Log-a-Log turned on the insolent one. “Silence, Skan! Do not show your bad manners by calling out

while I hold the stone at a council meeting. If you wish to say anything, then wait until I have finished and

it is your turn to hold the stone. This is the rule of the Guosim.”

Skan sniggered and muttered something to his cronies. Standing boldly, he faced Log-a-Log.

“It’s a stupid rule, like all your silly Guosim customs. I am a tree shrew and I’ll talk when I feel like it.”

Immediately a hubbub and argument broke out on both sides.

Orlando pawed his axe. He made to rise, but Matthias warned him, “Sit still friend. Leave this to Log-a-

Log.”

The shrew leader restored order by raising his voice above the rest.

“Logalogalogalog! Listen to me, shrews. The creatures of Redwall have always been our good friends. If

we were hungry, if we were hurt, if we were sick, the Brothers and Sisters of the Abbey would help us

without question. It is our duty to help them now. I say we go with Matthias and his companions. We will

fight the slavers and rescue the young ones. Are you with me?”

There was a loud shout of agreement from the main body, but Skan and his followers stood to one side,

silent and sneering. Log-a-Log walked stiff-legged to where Skan stood. The shrew leader thrust his face

close to the young usurper, his hackles bristling dangerously.

“And you, Skan, are you for the Guosim or against it?”

“Guosim, huh!” Skan said scornfully, though he avoided Log-a-Log’s eyes. “A pile of old fuddy-

duddies making outdated rules and regulations, why should me and my friends get ourselves slain or

injured sorting out the troubles of others. I say we mind our own business.”

Log-a-Log smiled coldly. “So, it has come to this. You have been pushing and prodding me for quite a

while now, Skan. Perhaps you would like to be the new Log-a-Log of the Guosim? Well, now is your

chance. Let’s see if you fight as bravely as you talk. Come on, Skan, knock this council stone from an old

fuddy-duddy’s paw.”

The shrew leader stood in front of the young rebel, holding out the stone for all to see. He looked

relaxed, though his whole body was tensed like a steel spring. Skan stood half a head taller than Log-a-Log.

For a moment it looked as if he were about to do something, then he saw the light of battle in the shrew

leader’s eyes and his nerve failed him. He turned away.

“Yah, who wants to be bothered with the Guosim? I’m away to roam free and do as I like. Come on,

shrews.”

Skan and his group of followers marched off into the fading light.

There was an audible sigh of relief throughout the shrew camp. The main body, who were with Log-a-

Log, sat back and relaxed amid a general chatter of conversation.

Orlando nudged Matthias. “He’s not short of courage, your friend Log-a-Log. That Skan was bigger

and heavier than him by far. Do you think he could have beaten him?”

Matthias smiled knowingly. “Log-a-Log may be small, but he’s the fiercest shrew warrior I’ve ever

seen, though he’s no bully like Skan. The rest of the Guosim know this. Log-a-Log is a good leader, he’s as

wise as he is brave.”

Log-a-Log came and sat with them. He clapped Matthias on the back. “Sorry about that, old Redwaller,

though it’s none of your fault. Skan and his pals have been niggling at me all season, and it had to come to

a head sooner or later. Ah well, at first light tomorrow we’ll follow the fox. He’s travelling south; my scouts

have cut his track several times over the past few days.”

Slagar rose silently while the rest slept. He made his way quietly through the camp and across the foothills

until he was at the base of the gigantic cliffs which stretched away in both directions as far as the eye could

see. Drawing out his leather-thonged weapon, he twirled it until the metal balls clacked together loudly in

the still night air. There was an answering rap from the top of the plateau, as if two rocks had been banged

sharply together.

Slagar the Cruel smiled beneath his silken mask. He looked up and saw the two rope ladders uncoiling

themselves as they fell from the heights. Giving each of them a tug to make sure they were secure, the fox

stole off back to the camp and his slave line.

The peace of a warm summer night lay over Mossflower. It was a peace that would not last.