The destinies of the badger lord dubbed Sunflash and his mortal enemy, the ferret warlord Swartt Sixclaw, are entwined with those of many creatures, particularly the inhabitants of Redwall Abbey.

Amanda is a lonely little girl. Her mother means well, but doesn't have a lot of time for a 9-year-old and, after plenty of begging from Amanda, agrees to let her have a pet. Amanda chooses a ferret (and names her Peach) because ferrets aren't ordinary and, darn it, neither is she! But her mom sets up Two Big Rules: 1) Amanda has to care for Peach, and 2) Peach can't ever bite Amanda. It seems like Amanda finally has the friend she's needed... but...