User blog comment:Peony Laminar/Peony Laminar/@comment-From the South/@comment-1988904-20100518172606

Chapter 26 Sneak Peek:

''Lord Russano was standing a bit off to the side with Colonel Basil Nymium, Log-a-Log Dippler, Chief Burble, Janglur and Rusval, watching the progress being made in moving the desk. Sinon the squirrel was climbing up and down between the attic and the floor they were presently on, keeping and eye on the desk’s progress, while Skipper and his otters were anchoring him on a safety line. Foremole was directing his moles and the hares as they moved the desk in much the same way that the Abbess and her companions had climbed up to discover it in the first place.''

Sinon jumped down onto the windowsill and Skipper helped the squirrel try to untie Dippler’s complicated knot around the squirrel’s waist.

''Russano winked at the squirrels standing next to him. “To be young and winsome again, eh.”''

''Rusval patted Janglur’s stomach. “They’d have to use a bit more cord for us, eh, mate.”''

''Janglur crossed his arms over his chest. Colonel Nymium chuckled and patted the squirrel warrior on the back, saying, “I say, wot a bit of luck that Sinon is so dedicated to the Abbey. ‘Tis a good thing you have him, since…” he glanced awkwardly at Rusval.''

''Now Rusval crossed his arms over his chest. “My son abandoned his duties? Is that what you were going to say?”''

''The Colonel’s ears flopped down in dismay “Not at all, old chap. Merely that….”''

''“Redwall’s lucky Sinon is there to replace him? That squirrel will never replace my son, never.” Rusval stormed off in a huff.''

''“Bad show, chaps. Open mouth, insert foot, eh.”''