Underground in the kingdom of Malkariss, Mattimeo and friends see the slaves building a huge city. Brave Tess refuses to be a slave and Mattimeo is brutally attacked when he tries to save her from punishment. The slaves are thrown into a dark cell. Matthias unravels the last secret of the Loamhedge parchment and and finds a way into Malkariss - the old rabbit's amulet is the key to enter!

Redwall Abbey is also successfully fighting back with Martin's Ghost and Stryk, the enormous kite bird, crashed on the earth. While Slagar and Malkariss deal for power, Matthias and friends descend into the kingdom. A fierce battle ensures in which Log-a-Log saves Matthias's life but is mortally injured. To prevent more bloodshed Matthias challenges the rats to bring forth their champion for him to fight - none other than the ferocious Wearet the Slavemaster.