Doomwyte

The pretty squirrelwife pondered his words. “All my Abbeybeasts? That’s a great responsibility. But what will you do now, Father…er, Glisam?”

Again, there was no hesitation with the answer. “I’m going to be the Abbey teacher, it’s always been a dream of mine, to educate our young ones. Aye, and some of the not so young. Umfry Spikkle!”

The big hedgehog saluted. “Ye called me, sir?”

The old dormouse took Umfry’s paw firmly. “Your education commences when we return to the Abbey. I’ll instruct you in reading and writing. Is that clear?”

Umfry nodded dutifully. “H’aye, sir, when’ll that be?”

Glisam shrugged. “’Tis not my decision anymore, ask your new Abbess, she’ll tell you.”

Umfry turned to Perrit. “Mother h’Abbess!”

She felt like giggling as he made his request. Umfry was three seasons older than Perrit, yet he was calling her Mother. Perrit composed herself, speaking calmly. “Hmm, we’ve been here three days now, what d’you think?”

Feeling much like a counsellor, Dwink scratched his bushy tail thoughtfully. “Oh, another two days would be good.”

Little Mittee tugged at her mother’s pinafore. “Free days, us stays annuver free days, Muvver!”

Unable to resist, Perrit hugged her baby. “Three days it is then, miss. Any more questions, is everybeast happy with our decision?”

Dubble left off brewing fresh mint tea. “Mother Abbess. Log a Log Garul and his Guosim left three seasons ago. But Garul promised to visit Redwall five seasons hence. That means he will be coming to our Abbey this coming winter. Abbot Glisam said they could, will you still honour the arrangement?”

Perrit was very fond of the young Friar; she took his paws affectionately. “But of course, it goes without saying, Friar Dubble. Anybeast, no matter who, providing they are good at heart, is welcome to visit the Abbey. They may stay as long as they please. Our gates are open to all who come in peace, anytime. It has always been the custom at Redwall, and I fully intend to honour it!”

Glisam settled back in the wheelchair and closed his eyes. Dozing off in the warm noontide sun, a feeling of peaceful contentment fell over the old dormouse. He had chosen well. His beloved Abbey was in good and wise paws.

EPILOGUE

The following is an extract from the Recorder‘s Annal. It was found in this gatehouse, by the granddaughter of old Abbess Perrit.

Wisdom comes with age I know, for life has taught me thus,

those early wild and clouded rivers,

now flow calm and clear to us.

Tolerance replaces haste, rage gives way to reason,

our young ones grow, to learn and know,

as Season follows Season.

Lessons of truth and honesty,

from creatures, far more bold than me.

I tried my best, and played my part,

to be amongst the brave of heart.

Mayhaps I failed, though now it seems,

that I’ve become the Teller of Tales,

the scribe, and the Weaver of Dreams.

Umfry Spikkle.

Gatekeeper and Recorder of Redwall Abbey

in Mossflower Country.