The Abbess, Sister Ellie, Skipper, Brother Tim and Barley were all enjoying a wonderful breakfast in Cavern Hole. When Chef Jeremy had learned that his Uncle Skipper had come to Redwall the ottercook prepared a special meal in the otter chief's honor. They all ate their fill and complimented Jeremy on such a fine job. He waved them off, saying that it was his pleasure. They were all sitting and talking when Ellie noticed Brother Cornelius come barreling down the stairs.
"Is something the matter Brother?" the Sister stood up from the table.
"The mouse warrior-"
"We found out his name is Ruka," Tim interjected.
"Ruka then," Cornelius was short of breath. "He's gone!"
"What?" the Abbess moved from her seat. The others had gotten up as well.
"I-I must have dozed off. When I awoke, he was gone. I'm sorry," the Brother had a dejected look on his face.
"Now, don'tcha worry there Brother," Skipper patted the mouse on the shoulder. "Twasn't your fault. An' besides, I don't think he could've gotten far in his condition."
"Frankly, I'm surprised he'd even be able to sit up with his injuries," Ellie shook her head. "If we're goingto find him, we need to do it in an organized fasion. Form search parties to look in Mossflower in case Ruka left the Abbey. Skipper," she nodded to the otter, "you are the best tracker here."
"He nodded, "Aye, I'll find 'im if'n he's out there."
The six creatures exited Cavern Hole, proceeded through the main hall, and out onto the Abbey lawn. They started formulating the best plan to search for the missing Ruka.
"We should also search the Abbey, he might not have left andcould just be hiding somewhere if he's confused," the Abbess gestured around the Abbey grounds.
"Agreed," Ellie asked Jeremy and Cornelius to start searching the Abbey.
"Are we all clear on the details?" the Abbes received "yeses" from each beast. "Good. Let's try and find him as quickly as possible. According to Skipper, there might be vermin about in Mossflower. I want everybeast going into the forest to be extremely cautious. Take a weapon, a sling or curtain pole or anything you feel you might be able to use to defend yourselves. Do not hesitate to return to Redwall if you feel the need."
A young squirrel named Alana, who was little more than a dibbun, started tugging on Ellie's paw, "Sister? ... Sister…"
Ellie smiled, "sorry Alana, I don't have time to play right now."
But Alana persisted, "but Sister, I wanna ask you something."
The Sister crouched down, bringing herself to the little squirrel's level. "Alright little one, what do you need?"
"I jus' wanna know who dat is," she pointed to the walltop. Ellie followed the small creature's paw. She smiled at Alana.
"Oh," the Sister ruffled Alana's tail, "don't worry, he's a new friend."
"Okay," satisfied with the answer, the young Abbeybeast skipped off to join her friends, who were playing over by the Abbey pond. Ellie called off the search. Ruka had been found.
The warrior mouse stood on the South walltop, staring in the direction of his homeland. A stuttering sigh escaped his lips as a single tear tracked down his cheek.
"I shall return my friends," Ruks balled his paw into a fist. "I swear it."
He heard voices approaching and decided to greet the good beasts who had helped him.