The protagonist in this story is Tamello De Fformelo Tussock (or Tammo), a young hare who lives at Camp Tussock. Tammo longs to be part of the Long Patrol at Salamandastron. His father, Cornspurrey, will not hear of it however. He believes that his son is too young to join up.
Against her husband's wishes, Tammo's mother Mem Divinia prepares for him to leave during the night with Russa Nodrey, a wandering squirrel who is a friend of the family. The two then set off to find the Long Patrol. Along the way, they encounter the ferrets Skulka and Gromal. They do eventually meet up with the Long Patrol, but Russa is killed saving a baby badger. He is named Russano by one of the hares, Rockjaw Grang, in her honor.
