Matthias's raft drifts towards the rats on shore, watched in horror by Mattimeo and friends. In the roof of Redwall Abbey Baby Rollo, Mrs. Churchmouse, and Cornflower wait to be thrown down unless the abbey surrenders. Triumphant, Slagar drags the miserable slaves onwards as Warbeak desperately and unsuccessfully still seeks Matthias.

At Redwall, little Sister May comes up with a potion to drug the birds with food. Cheek saves Matthias and the other by eating the nibbling fish and drift them to shore.

As Abbot Mordalfus prepares to exchange hostages at Redwall, Warbeak joins Matthias at the river to defeat Stonefleck's rats. She delivers the deciphered message which will help to locate the young ones but is killed in battle trying to save the other Sparras.

Matthias heads south, deeply saddened by the death of his old Redwall ally. Slagar will pay dearly for his evil.