The residents of Redwall stood at the east gate a few days later.  Abbot Saxtus still looked pale, but was quickly regaining his strength.
     “You know you’re welcome to stay here,” Dandin said.
     Softbrush adjusted the well-stocked haversack on her shoulder and shook her head.  “No.  I already have a home.  The woodlanders need a healer.  But I’ll never forget you.”
     Dandin and Mariel shook paws with the vixen, who then set forth into Mossflower Woods.  At the edge of the trees, she turned and waved.  The Redwallers waved farewell.  As the form of the young fox became lost among the trees, Mariel put her hands on her hips and turned to Dandin.  “There goes the nicest vermin I’ve ever met.”
     Dandin smiled.  “Come on, now.  We have a feast to get to.  If we don’t hurry, there won’t be anything left!”
     Mariel chuckled, envisioning the massive tableau of cuisine that always graced Redwall banquet tables.  “Not likely,” she said.
     The two warriormice drifted across the lawn toward Cavern Hole.
     Somewhere in Mossflower, a bird twittered.