Captured!

The inhabitants of Redwall gather at the Tapestry to hear from the Official Recorder, John Churchmouse, about their past, and how Martin the Warrior came to Mossflower ?- and how his coming foreshadowed the stories of Redwall, of Matthias, and then of Matthias' own son Mattimeo (Redwall series 1 and 2). As Martin's story is told, we segue back in time to a beach near the terrible Fortress Marshank...

On the beach, young Martin bids farewell to his noble father Luke, who departs to drive away the raider pirates, leaving his sword with his son. In Luke's absence, he must become a warrior and protect the weak. Martin is soon captured and enslaved by Marshank's leader, Badrang, and, defending an old squirrel called Barkjohn, is hung out to die- as Badrang's archrival Tramun Clogg sails to attack Marshank. Martin is protected from hungry gulls by Rose of Noonvale, who is seeking her lost brother imprisoned in Marshank.

In the Prison Pit, Martin meets Felldoh, the grateful son of Barkjohn, and Brome, the brother of Rose. Martin encourages Brome with the news that his sister is outside -? help is close at hand. But such is not the truth, and the situation looks grim. Young Martin will soon learn to grow into his birthright, and his journey to adult mousehood has begun.

Martin, Rose, Brome, Felldoh