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Safely across the river, Slagar awaits Stonefleck's army of rats. Below the cliffs, Matthias meets Sir Harry the owl who reveals a way to ascend them. Matthias and company ascend but also comes under attack in the Dark Forest almost losing Cheek before making their escape. Across the river Mattimeo leads an escape of his own but is immediately recaptured by Stonefleck's rats. Back at Redwall, Ambrose Spike and the others set traps for the invading birds and they engage in what is to be a long battle of wits and courage. The birds take Cornflower, Rollo, and Mrs. Churchmouse hostage and threaten to kill them unless Redwall surrenders. The stand-off temporarily resolved by the Abbot, but it leaves the captives in great danger. Matthias and the pursuers launch a raft to rescue Mattimeo but come under massive fire and take to the water, only to find it is alive with nibbling fish. Without any choice, they have to ride the river.