Sorry I ever doubted you

by Fox and Cat Lover

You know, it irked me how in the book when the Redwallers found out Vitch was working for Slagar, Matthias didn't seem to realize that Mattimeo had a point. They fixed this a little in the animated series, but it still kind of bothered me that Matthias never apologized to his son while also pointing out why he ignored his son's suspicions at first. I made this to give them closure.

Shortly after the feast, Matthias went to find Mattimeo. He had something that had been on his mind ever since Mattimeo and company got kidnapped. Something has been eating away at him, and now was the time to clear the air.

"Mattimeo?", asked Matthias. "Yes, father?", the young mouse replied. "Mattimeo, I'm sorry." Mattimeo was confused. "Sorry? Sorry for what?" "I'm sorry I ever doubted you." "What do you mean?" Mattimeo asked.

"Son, you have no idea how guilty I have felt the time we tried to find you. I felt like somehow, it was my fault. You never liked Vitch, and were always suspicious of him. But you see, the reason why I disregarded your suspicions was because you attacked Vitch and you seemed to think that because you are my son, you deserved special treatment. I understand that he insulted you, but that wasn't the point. I now know that you were right. Something WAS wrong about Vitch. I'm so sorry I doubted you. I should have entertained the possibility that maybe Vitch was a spy. But I just brushed you aside all because I wanted our "guest" to feel welcome. Can you ever forgive me?"

Mattimeo replied, "Father, none of this is your fault. You had no idea of knowing. None of us really did, but I had a feeling. It's okay now. What's done is done. I forgive you."

"Oh, thank you, Mattimeo. You have no idea how much that means to me." Matthias pulled his son in for a hug. "I'm proud of how you handled this whole ordeal. You'll be a great warrior."