As Terram and Hardleaf trekked through mossflower the Redwallers were preparing a feast to celebrate the return of River Winder the otter after his own journey. As the two new friends neared the abbey a young mousemaid thought only of getting out! When the unlikely duo arrived at the gates , the head cook, Cardo had a fit . His shouting could be heard throughout the lower levels of the abbey. After a fitful night sleep even Cardo was in good mood . The abbey dibbuns had found a new "friend" in Terram after discovering him sleeping upside down in the dormitory.
Trudging down the stairs, with the dibbuns in his wake Terram began ask when breakfast was.
He was told that he would have to wait until the feast . He asked when that was and his only answer was "WHEN I SAY SO!!!" "Pish tush I can wait till noon today ." As Terram walked out side he was muttering "I'd like to box that fat cook about some time . The cheek of it. Why he'd have a body starved wot wot!" River winder had arrived in the middle of the morning and hadn't said a word until he saw Terram . " Com' ere are!" Terram gulped noisily and almost whimpered "Me?" When he saw who had spoken. River Winder earned his name because he was said to be able to wind a river with his bare paws. When Terram was standing next to Rive (for that was what most beasts called him.)Rive was saying "Hare I need a partner . My Brother, Silver Strike is guarding our camp by River Moss. If ye have any companions bring them . After the feast we leave ." "Yessir!" was all Terram Could say.
Hardleaf was helping gather fruits and nuts from the trees in the orchard . Each time he dropped his load, the mousemaid holding the basket would cry "Watch it!" to which he would say "Why did I have to be paired with you Cherryall?" And she would only sulk. As Terram was searching for Hardleaf he ran strait into Cherryall spilling the basket and causing the squirrel to fall out of the tree. Terram quickly explained to his friend about Rive's proposition . Cherryall listened intently and went to see Rive .
The feast was huge! All that could be heard was munching, crunching, and the occasional
pass the salad, or push that cake my way. When the abbot stood up to say grace he looked round and intoned in a solemn voice ,
"Fur and whisker, tooth and claw,
All who enter by our door.
Nuts and herbs, leaves and fruits ,
Berries, tubers, plants, and roots,
Silver fish whose life we take,
Only for a meal to make.
There was aloud "Amen."from all round .
The dibbuns were amazed as Ambrose spike preformed magic .
The otters Performed cartwheels and other acrobatic feats.
There were eating contests and singing challenges .
And last but not least Terram gave a rendition of the Terrible Night of Big Bad Food Fight.
It was a night to remember.