Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Mistah Miles! Sleepyhead! Get outta bed!" Curio, the dibbun squireel was knocking at Miles' door, willing him to get out of bed.

Sister Vultus, the Infirmary Sister, happened to hear the commotion and hurried towards the young squirrelbabe.

"Now what's all this about? Has Miles overslept?"

Curio nodded his little head. "Yes, Sistah Vultah. He's been sleeping forevah!"

Vultus wrinkled her face. She then said, rather loudly, "Well 'twould be in his best interests to wake up and begin preparing for the feast later today. I'm certain he doesn't want a rude awakening like last time."

Miles' blank eyes shot open. He quickly and begrudgingly began to get dressed. He remembered all too well the last time he slept in. Sister Vultus had commented that morning that, Miles was "a really deep sleeper, and the foolproof way to wake a body up; is to douse them in water." Miles didn't take her seriously. He spent the rest of that morning in the largest habit available (Even though it was still a bit small) while his clothes dried.

Miles checked the position of the Sun outside his window. It was hidden behind some clouds directly overhead. He frowned. He planned on sleeping in past noon, mostly in an effort to avoid work. When Miles felt ready, he left his guest room and made his way downstairs.

As Miles walked downstairs, he caught a glimpse of Canda at one of the Cavern Hole tables, trying to persuade a young dibbunmaid to eat its lunch. Miles hesitated, checked his reflection in a nearby frame, and made his way confidently downstairs.

Canda looked up to see the newcomer. Oh Miles, it's you. I see you've decided to wake up today."

"Wha'? Oh, hi Canda, I didn't see you there. As a matter o' fact, I was gone all morning helpin' Eris move the wine barrels aroun' the cellar."

"Oh really? Well, Sister Vultus told me that you slept in all morning, and she nearly had to douse you in cold water again."

Miles had hoped she had forgotten about that incident. "Meh. I wouldna trust her."

Just then, Eris the cellarhog poked her head from out of the cellar door. "Hi there, Miles! Now that you're awake, you can help me get ready for the feast today.

Miles turned around and gave her a half-serious glare. "You came a' just the wrong time, my friend."

The Feast started as the Sun was making its descent to the horizon. All the abbeydwellers gathered in the Great Hall for the delicious meal they were about to receive. As usual, Miles sat next to his friend Risus.

After the blessing was made, the creatures all around began to dig in. There was talk of abbey life, and of family living outside the abbey. They expressed joy and concern, humor and sadness, work and play.

Miles noticed that Risus was staring at the female otter twins (known as Geminas and Geminos) a few chairs down. Miles took this opportunity to swipe some food from Risus' plate before asking him, "I've noticed yew looking a' those twins down there. Yew like them, aye?"

"Is it really that obvious?" was the reply.

Miles shook his head. "No. It's no' like I've noticed it or anythin'"

Risus ignored the comment and continued; "They're just so… you know… pretty. And uh… nice. And that sort of thi- Hey! Someone's swiped my food!"

Miles looked away. "It was one of the dibbuns."

"Aye. An overgrown dibbun wearin' a plaid skirt!"

Miles' head snapped back to look at Risus. "It's NOT a SKIRT. It's a KILT."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I meant to say, 'maleskirt.'"

Before Miles could make a comeback, he noticed a small bunch of Redwallers standing near the end of the table, talking in hushed voices. He caught words like; "wildcat", "injured" and a couple words which really caught his attention: "honey badger."

Interested, Miles left his seat and walked to the small group. "Honey Badger? In the Abbey?"

A male mouse shook his head. "This is sort of private, Miles. We don't really want to disturb the Feast with information of an injured bea-"

"Injured? She's 'urt?"

The mouse was about to continue, when a squirrel by the name of Scondit interjected. "Wait, how did you know the gender?"

"Well, I think I saw the beast yer talkin' about a few days ago."

"Do you know anything about her?"

"Well, she was lookin' fer some beast. A wildcat, I think it was."

By now, several Redwallers became interested in all the hushed talk, and were clearly trying to hear what was being said. Scondit noticed this and motioned for Miles and those gathered to follow. "Come. Let's find someplace a bit more quiet where we can talk. And perhaps our friend here can shed more light on the subject."