A/N: Those of you who thought my first Redwall fic was a flop, I agree. Those who liked it, (Who are probably very few) you have Much Ado About Nonny to thank for it being deleted. Hopefully this is a lot better. Read on!

It was high summer. A curious looking otter strode through Mossflower country. He was lithe, but his coat was olive green in some places, and light brown in others. He carried a simple oaken staff. A young Guosim shrew accompanied him.

"Well, Urbai, it's been a few seasons since I left my home. I just hope I get to Redwall in time."

"Aye, Earthcoat. Papa's been wanting to take me to Redwall, but Log-a-Log's been saying I'm far too young. As soon as you came along, Papa knew it was my chance, though I'd hate to be him when ol' Big Club sees that I'm gone."

"Look, there it is! Redwall!" Both travelers broke into a brisk trot. They soon stood at the main gate, looking up at the immense walls. Earthcoat shouted, "Ahoy! Is there anybeast up there?"

Another otter, accompanied by two mice and a squirrel, called back: "State yore business, mates. Why are ye here?"

Earthcoat called back, "I have come to find Martin, son of Luke. There is trouble in the northlands. I am Earthcoat, son of Keyla and Tullgrew Wildlough!"

Martin smiled. "I am Martin, though I never suspected Keyla and Tullgrew loved each other. Come in, Earthcoat, and tell us what's happened."

Earthcoat, along with his companion Urbai, were ushered into the gatehouse. Martin, Gonff, Columbine, Germaine, and Bella sat. Earthcoat began his tale. " From the west there was a great migration of birds. There was a golden eagle, followed by legions of sparrow hawks and ospreys. At first we of Noonvale thought nothing of it. Then two of our mice were carried off, not ever seen again. Soon after that one of my best friends, Yerma, was taken. I can only hope she is still alive. Martin, will you help us? Brome himself sent me to find you!"

"Martin, who is Brome? And who are Keyla and Tullgrew anyway?" Germaine asked. "I think it's time we hear the true story about Martin's past."

"I agree, old friend." Bella replied.

Martin sighed. "Very well." He proceeded to tell them of his experiences at Marshank, his history at Noonvale, and how he came to meet Rose. Gonff was amused at Martin's antics with Rose. They reminded him of when he met his future wife Columbine. Then he heard how Rose died. His heart went out to his friend.

"Matey, why didn't you tell me?"

"I promised I would never tell."

Earthcoat sniffed. He knew the story by heart, but every time he heard it, it made him cry. "Martin, will you help us?"

Martin laughed. Somehow the telling of the story made him feel better. "Of course!"

Gonff snorted. "Hey, what about me?"

Earthcoat smiled. "You too, mate."

Skipper and Lady Amber persuaded Martin to take them along as well. Trubbs and Co. were to come along as well. Columbine would not let Gonff off on another adventure without taking her, so she was going too.

Abbess Germaine would not let anyone leave without a good meal. Earthcoat had never tasted anything like it, not even in Noonvale. Martin kept to himself, and Gonff was found guilty of stealing five apples from the kitchens.

The next day found eightscore creatures leaving Redwall. Martin waved goodbye to all his friends. Then he turned and walked side by side with Earthcoat. Martin was in his regular habit, but he had his full regalia packed for battle. Martin was curious. "How long have your parents been married?"

Earthcoat thought for a bit. "Oh, fourteen or fifteen seasons. I'm about 14 seasons old, though, so I guess it's been fifteen."

"They must have wedded two or three seasons after I left." Martin concluded. "I wish I could have been there, but there was a weasel who had grandiose plans, so I had to stop him. I wasn't in Noonvale anyway, though, so I wouldn't have known." Martin looked at Earthcoat's staff. "What is the purpose of this staff?"

"It is my weapon. I am skilled with it. And besides, mum won't let me try any weapon that has anything sharp."

Martin laughed. "The Tullgrew I knew wasn't like that. She would have done anything to get her paws on anything sharp. Then again…" Martin thought out loud, "she was also a slave."

"My mother told me often of the days in Marshank. She said that when you had escaped she gained hope. She lost it after a while, and the only one who could comfort her was my dad. She said she often asked him to sit on her bed to keep her company. Dad told me that often he would wake up under the covers with her." He chuckled. "He never got mad. He was curious at why she did it, though. Not that she ever told him."

Martin chuckled too. He already liked the young otter. He was wondering, though, exactly how Noonvale would accept him after what had happened.