“All the mice took a solemn vow never to harm another living creature, unless it was an enemy that sought to harm our Order by violence. They vowed to heal the sick, care for the injured, and give aid to the wretched and impoverished.”

The abbot tells Matthias the rules of the order. While the elderly mouse adheres to these principles, it will eventually cost him his life. In contrast, Matthias learns that pacifism is not the way to deal with tyrants like Cluny.

“All in the space of a night events had moved from festivity to a crisis, and he, Matthias, had taken a major role in both. First the big grayling, then the sighting of the cart; large happenings for a small mouse.”

At this point in the story, Matthias still perceives himself as a novice monk. He is also aware of his diminutive size. Both these limiting forms of self-identification will change over the course of the story.

“‘Many times in our history has tragedy been forestalled by miraculous happenings.’ Constance grunted in agreement, not wishing to disillusion her trusting old friend. Deep within her she knew a dark shadow was casting itself over the Abbey. Furthermore, it was happening in the present, not in bygone days of fabled deeds.”

The abbot wishes for miracles to deliver Redwall. Constance and most of the other defenders are more pragmatic. They recognize evil when they see it and know that prayer won’t solve their problems with Cluny and his horde.