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. They join a group of slaves among whom is AUMA, little daughter of ORLANDO the Badger who even now is hunting the fox. As the slaves are taken away Slagar is revealed to be Chickenhound the treacherous fox from Series One, "Redwall" - seeking his revenge against Matthias The Warrior.