“I am that is, my sword shall wield for me.”

“Who knows, my friend? Maybe the sword does have some magic. Personally, I think it's the warrior who wields it.”

“No doubt your sword is indeed a beautiful thing. It is a tribute to whoever forged it in bygone ages. There are very few such swords as this one left in the world, but remember, it is only a sword, Matthias! It contains no secret spell, nor holds within its blade any magical power. This sword is made for only one purpose, to kill. It will only be as good or evil as the one who wields it. I know that you intend to use it only for the good of your Abbey, Matthias; do so, but never allow yourself to be tempted into using it in a careless or idle way. It would inevitably cost you your life, or that of your dear ones. Martin the Warrior used the sword only for right and good. This is why it has become a symbol of power to Redwall. Knowledge is gained through wisdom, my friend. Use the sword wisely.”

“Aha! Today I shall become an author! And I will auth and auth and auth and make a squillion dollars, whoopee!”

“...there's me, Gurth, Dotti, Grenn an' about a hunnerd shrews. If'n we wants to lie 'round for a day or two then you'll find yore prob'ly outvoted!"Lord Brocktree's eyes told the otter that he was not about to have his decision overruled. Swinging forth his battle blade, he stuck it quivering into the ground. "Lets's be reasonable about this, friend. Let me explain the rules. One Badger Lord carries two hundred votes and his sword carries another hundred. Agreed?"Ruff looked from the sword to the badger. Sunlight gleamed from the blade lighting Brocktree's eyes with a formidable gleam. He smiled nervously at his huge friend. "Reason, that's wot I likes, mate. Vote carried. We go after brekkist tomarrer!”

“The young mouse's eyes snapped open, clear and bright. He swung the ancient sword high and struck at the giant adder.He struck for Redwall!He struck against evil!He struck for Martin!He struck for Log-a-Log and his shrews!He struck for dead Guosim!He struck as Methuselah would have wanted him to!He struck against Cluny the Scourge and tyranny!He struck out against Captain Snow's ridicule!He struck for the world of light and freedom!He struck until his paws ached and the sword fell from them!”

“Friar Hugo, old friend, brace yourself. I am the bearer of tragic news!"Alarm spread across Hugo's pudgy features. "Tell me, Jess. What dreadful thing has happened?"Jess spoke haltingly in a broken voice. "I fear that Cluny has tore up one of your oldest and most venerable dishrags. Alas, Redwall will never see it wipe another plate.”