In the kitchens of Redwall Abbey, MATTIMEO son of Matthias The Warrior and Cornflower, fights VITCH, a mean little rat. Mattimeo is punished by his father for discourtesy to a guest. But Mattimeo's instincts about Vitch are validated when it transpires that Vitch is a spy for SLAGAR THE FOX - a slaver for the terrible underground Kingdom Of Malkariss. Slagar gains entry to Redwall disguised as leader of a troupe of magicians. At a great feast he is able to drug the drinks and capture Mattimeo and his friends, Tess and Tim Churchmouse and Sam Squirrel and Cynthia Vole....