Part 1, Kotir: Chapters 9-18 Summary

In Chapter 9, as the otters, squirrels, Martin, and Gonff begin the walk to Mossflower, they become aware of Tsarmina and her soldiers following them. A quick battle ensues, ending with the otters taking the mice underwater to escape to their camp, Camp Willow. Angry at the defeat, Tsarmina orders one of her men to tell Fortunata to join them with a creature called the Gloomer.

In Chapter 10, at Camp Willow, Skipper learns about Tsarmina's decision to bring the Gloomer on them. Back at the Stickles, young Ferdy and Coogs pretend to be warriors.

In Chapter 11, Fortunata is unhappy being awakened, and made ever more unhappy by the news she is to bring Tsarmina the Gloomer. Two guards and the captain of the guard help Fortunata retrieve the creature from the lake where it is kept under Kotir...