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 a 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, Sam Squirrel, and Cynthia Vole.