Our Guardian Spirit
Who says that I am dead knows naught at all
I – am that is, two mice within Redwall
Matthias stood in front of the picture of Martin the Warrior. He could hear Cluny's horde outside, but he hesitated. Looking down at the beautiful sword in his paws, Matthias took a few deep breaths before returning his gaze to the tapestry.
Though a picture, Martin's eyes were friendly and reassuring, as if he could see the young mouse standing before him. Matthias wondered if old Methuselah could see him now, with the sword they had searched for together. He had the oddest feeling that Methuselah did know, that he was watching Matthias from wherever he was, filled with pride.
How had Martin known that Matthias would appear? Was it the same reason that the tales of Martin's deeds had lasted the test of time?
Matthias reached out a paw, placing it on the tapestry. It felt warm, like a living creature, with the spirits of all who had ever called Redwall home coursing through it. And Matthias understood.
Martin lived in the very stones of Redwall, and as he stood there, Matthias felt a surge of determination flow through him. Martin lived on in Matthias, passing on his legacy as Warrior. Martin watched over Redwall, protecting it from evil vermin like Cluny, bent on destroying the bastion of peace. The orchards, the lake, the walls - all held part of Martin's spirit.
The Redwall spirit could see the truth inside everyone. Those who could fight for peace would do so, and those whose talents lay in healing would heal. The leaders would lead the followers.
Raising the sword in a salute to Martin, Matthias whispered, "Let me do the job you would have done, Martin. Let me restore peace to Mossflower." He sheathed the sword, picked up the shield at his feet, and turned, striding purposefully towards the doors.
"Cluny the Scourge, I have come to settle with you!"
Just a little thing I thought of when I realized that the book never says what Matthias does between arriving at Redwall and coming out of Great Hall to fight Cluny.