A few days later, Martin, Bugs, and the rest were back in Mossflower.
"We're home again," said Bugs.
Woodship was anchored in the River Moss, and the Guosim shrews moored their boats. They all stepped out onto the bank.
"Brockhall must be somewhere near," said Martin.
"Martin. Hey there, Martin the Warrior!" a voice called.
Gingivere was running towards him, and there was another cat with him, a sleek reddish female.
Martin waved his paws joyfully. "Ha-ha, Gingivere, ye old rascal, who's your friend?"
The female cat smiled and waved back.
"Oh, you are just as I imagined you, Martin," she said warmly. "Gingivere has told me all about you. I'm Sandingomm."
"Look at me, Martin," Gingivere said. "Would you believe it, I'm a farmer now. Yes, me, Gingivere, son of Verdauga. We've got a nice little piece of land further up the bank and the fishing is good in this river."
"Guess it's true what they say about cats always landin' on their feet," Bugs chuckled.
"Though you certainly deserve this good fortune after all you've been through," Martin added. "Congratulations to you both."
Gingivere and his new wife led the mice, hares, and shrews back to their farm. They found Bella and Skipper waiting there.
"Skipper, ye old water walloper!" Gonff cried.
"Gonff, ye young pie bandit!" Skipper replied.
"Hello, Bella," Martin said. "Ahoy, it's me, Martin!" He ran up and gave her a hug.
Bella smiled fondly at the warrior mouse as she patted his back. "Martin the Warrior, welcome home. You've grown. You really look like a full-blooded warrior now. What a beautiful sword that is! Is my father here? Where's old Boar the Fighter?"
"Yeah… about that…"
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Martin told Bella and Skipper about his adventures, and they filled him in on everything that had happened while he'd been away.
When they were finished, Martin said, "Boar the Fighter cannot be here, but our force has been doubled by the numbers who have sailed back with us, and we have seasoned warriors with us now. I promise you that I will make an end of Tsarmina and all who follow her."
Bella was red-eyed with grief but calm and composed. "Tell us what you want us to do, Martin."
The warrior mouse was leaning on his sword. "Trust me, Mossflower will be saved. Bugs and I have been thinking of a plan…"
