Many long seasons ago, when I had completed my first book, Redwall, the publishers asked me, would I continue to write about the world I had created? It was like asking Dibbuns if they liked candied chestnuts! I was overjoyed. Immediately the idea popped into my mind: What was Mossflower Country like before the Abbey was built? How did the woodland creatures survive without their wondrous home? I imagined this picture.

Cold winter, with the earth shrouded in freezing snow. Good creatures living in misery, hunger, and slavery under the tyrannical cruelty of the wildcat Queen, Tsarmina. The evil Castle Kotir, filled with vermin ready to do her bidding. Who would save the woodlanders from this dreadful regime?

Striding through my mind came a young mouse: Martin the Warrior, wearing a tattered cloak and carrying his father's battle-worn sword, marked by destiny to become a legend. Thus the Saga of Redwall was born in steel and fire. Now it will continue for as long as I can put pen to paper. I wrote it for all who are honest and good of heart. This is for you, my friend, the tale of Mossflower!

UK edition cover art: