The Battle of Malkariss occurred in the underground kingdom of Malkariss. The Blackrobe Rats of Nadaz was fighting against the small band led by Matthias. This battle is split up into three parts. In the first section of the battle, the small group of adults who were trying to free their children. This included Matthias, Jess Squirrel, Basil Stag Hare, Jabez Stump, Orlando the Axe and Cheek the young otter. Though they fought valiantly (particularly Basil and Cheek who were said to have fought a furious rear guard action), the numbers of the Host began to beat them down.