The Battle of Malkariss occurred in the underground kingdom of Malkariss. The Blackrobe Rats of Nadaz fought against the small band led by Matthias. This battle is split up into three parts.
In the first section of the battle, the small group of adults trying to free their children battled the vermin. This included Matthias, Jess Squirrel, Basil Stag Hare, Jabez Stump, Orlando the Axe, and Cheek, the young otter. Though they fought valiantly, the numbers of the Blackrobes began to beat them down.
After Log-a-Log took an arrow in the neck, a group of Guosim shrews carried him to safety. Log-a-Log spoke his last words, appointing Flugg, a loyal shrew, as the new Log-a-Log. Flugg then led the shrews at the Blackrobes, shouting the traditional Log-a-Log battle cry, "Logalogalogalog!"
The second part of the battle consisted of the single combat between the Wearet and Matthias. The two seemed equally matched in skill, but the Wearet's size and never-flagging energy finally was too much for Matthias. He toppled over a cliff. Orlando then slew the Wearet while experiencing Bloodwrath.
In the third part of the battle, the Blackrobes, seeing their champion defeated, attacked anew. Meanwhile, Matthias survived the fall and saw Malkariss get stoned to death by his own slaves, including Elmtail. Matthias freed the slaves and returned to the attack. Hearing his son's voice, Matthias experienced Bloodwrath and fought aggressively to get to him.Mattimeo, Tim Churchmouse, Tess Churchmouse, Sam Squirrel, Cynthia Bankvole, Jubilation Stump, and Auma were saved by Guosim shrews, and they also joined the fight. This time, the Blackrobes were driven back and slaughtered. Nadaz hid in the white statue of Malkariss, but Tim Churchmouse saw him run and hide. He notified Orlando and Matthias, who brought it crumbling and he was crushed.
Notably, Slagar the Cruel had hid from the action, and survived the battle. He later encountered Vitch and the entire Woodland army, headed by Matthias and Orlando. Slagar killed Vitch then tried to escape, but fell into the ancient well of Loamhedge and died.