Ruka had introduced himself to the Abbeybeasts and they in turn did the same. Skipper returned the mouse warrior's sword, and Sister Ellie had troubled herself with making sure his bandages were alright. Ruka was very pleased to find out that all the creatures at Redwall were extremely friendly and hospitable. They all had questions they wanted to ask him.
"Please," the Abbess held up her paws, "I'm sure that our friend Ruka will answer all your questions in due time. But for now," she took his paw, "let's get you some food. You must be famished."
He hadn't been, until Elizabeth mentioned it. He allowed her to lead him down off the walltop and across the lawn into the Abbey's main hall. The five others followed them. As they passed through the main hall, Ruka stopped abruptly. He stared at the tapestry hanging on the wall, which was flanked on one side by a beautiful sword, the likes of which he had never seen.
Ellie moved next to the mouse warrior, "I see you've noticed Martin's tapestry."
"Martin?"
"Brother Tim chimed in, "Martin, along with Abbess Germaine, founded Redwall Abbey many hundreds of seasons ago. He was a great warrior, the first of many who have defended Mossflower country from various threats. It is said that his spirit has guided the creatures at the Abbey in their time of need."
Ruka studied the image, "I feel as if…as if I know him somehow… I know it sounds strange."
"Oh, not at all sir. It stands to reason that you are both of a kindred spirit because you are warriors," Tim smiled at Ruka. The mouse understood, but felt that it went somewhat deeper than that.
He nodded, "Well, let's hope that Martin is watching over us while we eat."
The other creatures laughed and they all went down to Cavern Hole. Jeremy set about putting out all manner of delicious foodstuffs. Word of Ruka the warrior had spread, and almost all the beasts in the Abbey came to see him.
"It looks like I'll have a bigger audience than I expected," Ruka sat. He took only a cup of tea for lunch, and then began to tell his tale.
His homeland of Southsward, which had been at peace for countless seasons, was now overrun by an army of vermin. They were led by a fox called Vulgin the White. Ruka and the Royal Guard were the only true warriors that stood to resist Vulgin's hordes. Squirrelking Darius, knowing that there was little hope without more troops, had charged Ruka with finding any help he could. His comrades had bought him enough time to escape. But a contingent of troops, led by Vulgin's daughter Rachart, had found out about him and was sent by Vulgin to kill Ruka. They had followed the warrior all the way north to Mossflower Wood.
"It was fortunate that Skipper happened upon me when he did," Ruka nodded to the otter. "I don't know if I'd be here if not for him."
"Sister Ellie's the one you should really be thankin'," Skipper waved toward the Sister. "All I did was get you here so she could patch you up."
"Of course," Ruka smiled at Ellie. "I am eternally indebted to you Sister. Indeed, to all of you for you kindness and grace. Even if I haven't been able to fulfill the King's request-"
"Now don't you despair just yet," Ellie said wrapping a paw around Ruka's shoulder. "I'm sure that you'll find some help, and while we can, we'll do everything in our power to help you."
All the creatures in Cavern Hole chorused "here, here" in agreement with Ellie.
The warrior mouse looked around, his unbandaged eye twinkling, "Thank you all. I am fortunate to have found such friends, even in my darkest hour hope still shines bright." Ruka knew that no matter what happened, these good beasts would stand by his side.