Martin , Gonff, and the otter crew were on their way to Brockhall from Camp Willow. Suddenly Gonff's paw shot out. "There, matey," he said. "There's Brockhall."

Martin examined the large oak tree Gonff had indicated. It was huge: wider and taller than almost all the trees Martin had ever seen in his life. At the base, if he looked carefully, he could see a door. Skipper went up to it and knocked. Somebeast opened it from inside and they all went in.

Martin suddenly found himself face to face with a large female badger. She smiled down at them. "Hello again, Gonff. Who's your friend?"

"Miss Bella, this is Martin the Warrior," Gonff said. "We shared a cell in Kotir. Martin, this is Bella of Brockhall."

"Martin," Bella said, shaking his paw, "Welcome, friend. We have heard of you already from Ben Stickle. I believe you gave a Kotir patrol a taste of your warrior skills single-pawed, before they managed to capture you. We shall be grateful if you would share your talents with us in the times that lie ahead. Tell me, did you come from the northlands?" Martin nodded silently. "Ah," Bella said, "I thought so. You probably cut your eyeteeth on rats and foxes. I've heard all about the warrior mice from up north. Come and meet some friends of mine from the south."

Martin and Gonff followed Bella to the kitchen. Many creatures bustled around as they worked on preparing a meal. Bella led them over to an older female mouse. "Martin, Gonff, this is Abbess Germaine," she said. "Abbess Germaine, these are Martin and Gonff."

"Nice to meet you both," Abbess Germaine said, shaking their paws.

"Nice to meet you, too," Martin and Gonff both chorused. Then Gonff turned to Martin. "Come on, matey, I see Ben and Goody over there. You have got to meet them!" He grabbed Martin by the paw and pulled him over to where the two hedgehogs were standing.

"Gonff!" they both exclaimed.

"It's so good to see you back safe, Gonff," Goody said, while Ben ruffled his ears affectionately.

"Indeed it is," Ben said.

"Ben, Goody," Gonff said, "This is Martin the Warrior. Martin, this is Ben and Goody."

Ben and Goody both shook paws with Martin. Then Goody turned back to Gonff and began patting him on the head. "Oh, my goodness, thank mice you're back, you little rip," she said. "Don't go ever getting yourself locked up like that again. Me 'n' Ben was plain worried for you Gonff."

Ben was patting Martin on the head enthusiastically. "Heed what Goody tells you, Gonff," he said. "'Tis for your own good. Be more like young Martin here—only get yourself caught when there's nought else for it."

Goody nodded, looking stern. Suddenly, Gonff grabbed her paws and began dancing her around as he sang:

"You've been more than a mum to me,

And you've brought me up very well

I'm a little mousehog to thee.

My Goody, no words can tell,

When I see your old prickle face—"

Goody's attempt at seriousness crumpled. "Get on with you, you thievin' little fibber!" she exclaimed, shooing him away and wiping her eyes on her apron.

Gonff flung a paw across Martin's shoulders and they walked away smiling. Martin heard Ben sniff and say, "Can't fail to like that little rogue, some'ow."