Book the First: Chapters 11-15 Summary

Chapter 11. The threadmaster is called and he ties a red piece of thread around Despereaux's neck, marking him as a condemned mouse. As he does this, the threadmaster asks about the girl Despereaux loves and advises Despereaux to be brave for his fair maiden.

Chapter 12. As Despereaux is escorted away by two hooded mice, his mother calls out a farewell and faints.

Chapter 13. Despereaux is walked to the dungeon door in the castle kitchen. As they walk, Despereaux comes to realize one of his guards is his own brother, Furlough. When they reach the door, Furlough pushes Despereaux into the darkness, where he tumbles down the stairs.

Chapter 14. As Despereaux lays at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for the rats to come eat him, he begins telling himself the story of the brave knight...