The unwanted, uninvited traveler was heading in a northwest pattern, attempting to find his way to the ancient abbey. He was perhaps a little better off than Alex though, because when he was younger he used to hike in the woods all the time. Unknown to him however, there were two evil creatures watching him. They were not normal vermin though. They liked to lull their victims into a false sense of security. One was a fox red furred with a silver tail and amber eyes. His name was 'Silver fang Warpath'. His evil campion was a rat known as 'Thrug Chiller'. Both beasts were dressed more like gentleman than thieves, but thieves is what they really are. The fox approached the unusual creature and spoke in a genteel voice:
"Good morrow to you sir. Where are you traveling today?"
The man knew from one of his students however, that vermin were not to be trusted. And they traveled alone.
"The name is Adam Rider. I know that you are not alone. I have no money, but I do have a plan to conquer Redwall Abbey."
Thrug spoke, slinking out of his hiding place "If you think that you can conquer that place alone, you are crazy! No ONE who has tried to bring down those ancient walls has ever succeeded!"
Silverfang nodded his head. "Thrug is right. I don't even want to mess with someone who is crazy enough to try and conquer that place."
Adam Rider went on to explain about coming from the future where the abbey had fallen. And if they helped him conquer the abbey they could rule it, and he would only take a couple of captives for experiments where he came from. Overcome with greed, the two vermin cheerfully agreed. No one knew what the future held for them all.
Meanwhile, on a southwest path, Alex was getting along better since Vincent gave him tips about breathing and walking long distances - though he was still a little tired. When they rested under the trees, the friendly hare shared his food with the strange boy, but seemed surprised at how fast he bolted it down.
"Are you quite sure that you are not part hare? I have never seen anyone eat so fast." The hare studied his companion curiously.
"I didn't really eat any lunch, and I didn't eat much breakfast so I am hungry." Alex replied.
"Well, be careful you'll make yourself sick if you eat like that all the time. Why, would you look at that?" the hare exclaimed suddenly, interrupting his lecture. "I do believe that in the large clearing over there we'll find a spot to make camp for the night. It is getting late and I don't want you to get all worn out."
Alex didn't argue. He was too tired to care if the camped under the trees or out in the ocean. Ever the efficient one, once they got to the clearing, the hare started making an acceptable campsite. Alex asked why he was traveling to Redwall.
"Well, back home I was considered a klutz. No good for anything - according to my father. So I am making this journey to Redwall to toughen up." The hare replied as calmly as if he were discussing the weather, or the blades of grass beneath their feet.
Alex suddenly felt very sorry for his companion. And he realized how alike they were. Unperturbed by Alex's sudden silence, Vincent said they should take turns standing guard and offered to take first watch. Alex accepted with gratitude and as he closed his eyes beneath the overcast night sky, he groggily wondered what kind of adventures tomorrow would bring to he and his hare friend.