The Long Patrol, Published in 1997 by Brian Jacques, Philomel Books

"The murderous Rapscallion army is on the move. Pursued by Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, the Badger Lady of Salamandastron, they are heading inland to take a great prize: the peaceful Abbey of Redwall.
But the Long Patrol--that fighting unit of perilous hares--is called out to draw them off . . . and fight them to the death if need be. And the lead sword of the Long Patrol will be taken up by the young, in experienced hare Tammo--in one of the most ferocious battles Redwall has ever faced . . ."