Mattimeo A Tale of Redwall

Slagar the Fox is determined to vanquish peaceable Redwall. Gathering his mercenary band of rats, stoats, and weasels, he advances upon the abbey with a cunning scheme-rather than making courageous battle plans, he will steal the children of Redwall from under their parents' very noses. And his prize captive will be Mattimeo, the headstrong young son of Matthias, the fearless mouse warrior!

Brian Jacques says: "A lot of seasons have faded on the breeze since I sat down to write the third tale in my Redwall Saga. We have all grown a little older since then, though I hope that we are still young at heart, my friend. "As Recorder of Redwall, I can remember unfolding the story of young Mattimeo-sitting in my garden 'twixt the big lilac bush and the little apple tree, with my West Highland terrier lying at my feet. It was a gentle season, soft breezes, and sunlight dappling through the leaves. On days like these, dreams weave their way through my imagination. "So Mattimeo was born. A small mouse, not naturally marked by the brand of the Warrior, as was Martin the Abbey spirit, or Matthias, the little fellow's father. Mattimeo had an easy life; he was slightly spoiled by the kind Redwall creatures, pretty much the Abbey pet. But within him, the resolution and courage to be a great Warrior showed itself through a twist of fate. "Within these pages you will learn how it all happened, the privations and evils he endured with other young friends, until he became the one they all looked up to, the hero. It is a lesson in determination and the desire to help those about you. I do hope that you enjoy my tale; I wrote it just for folk like you. "It is my promise to all Redwallers, even when fires burn low, and cold winds sigh around the eaves, I will be dreaming and writing, adding even more adventures to my Redwall saga. Just for you, my friend, just for you. So leave me here awhile and go off on your quest-the trail of adventure awaits both you and Mattimeo." Brian Jacques is the author of the best-selling Redwall novels, as well as many related books. He was born and still lives in Liverpool, England. Visit his Web site at www.redwall.org.