Snowstripe gave out with a yawn, and his eyelids fluttered, gradually closing.
"Anything more?" Russano whispered in his ear.
As sleep overcame the little badger, he nodded. "Hmm, the Badger Lord of Salamandastron must always show a welcome an' good cheer to all of true heart who come to visit here in peace. Our gates will be ever open to them..."
Snowstripe's voice trailed off as slumber claimed him, and Russano completed the last line for his son.
"For this is the word of the Badger Lord and the law of Salamandastron, passed down to us from Lord Brocktree!"