Martin is a young mouse who leaves his northern coastal home to seek his fortune elsewhere after his family dies. His only legacy is his father’s rusty sword. Since Martin needed to fend off the attack of sea rat pirates early in life, he grew up as a fighter. This quality serves him well once he travels into Mossflower Woods. Initially, all Martin has to sustain him is his warrior training and the heart of a fighter. Even his sword is broken by Tsarmina early in the tale.

Like many other fictional heroes, Martin must go on a quest and withstand many tests of courage before he can claim the name of a hero. While in Salamandastron, his sword is reforged, and he uses it to help free Mossflower from Tsarmina’s tyranny. By the novel’s end, Martin becomes the hero he has always aspired to be.

Tsarmina is a wildcat and the daughter of the warlord Verdauga. She is prone to moments of rage and is greedy by nature. Although a formidable fighter, she is impatient to inherit the throne and orchestrates her father’s death. Her greed prevents her from sharing