Byron Woodson Sr., author of A President in the Family, talks about what he learned when he took a DNA test to prove that he is a sixth-generation descendant of Jefferson. But first, Matthias cuts the rope that holds the Joseph Bell, and it plummets onto Cluny. With his last breath, the dying Abbott anoints Matthias Warrior Mouse of Redwall. Matthias is now grown and has a rambunctious son of his own, Mattimeo. One of Matthias' old enemies makes an unexpected appearance at a Redwall celebration with plans to kidnap Mattimeo.
Winter weather brings a chill, but the formal goes on.
Operatic ambitions and auditions for state choir cause more misunderstandings and conflict.