Safely across the river, Slagar awaits Stonefleck's army of rats. Below the cliffs, Matthias meets Sir Harry the Muse who reveals a way to climb them. Matthias and his band ascend but come under attack in the Dark Forest, almost losing Cheek the otter before making good their escape. Across the river Mattimeo tries to lead an escape of his own but is immediately recaptured by Stonefleck’s rats.