In "The Ribbajack: and Other Haunting Tales," Brian Jacques explores the unpredictable nature of fate and the challenges of maintaining relationships. The quote "Fate is fickle, and the company of unwilling friends short lived" highlights how fate can shift unexpectedly, affecting people's lives and their connections. Relationships formed out of necessity rather than genuine desire often struggle to endure, leading to fleeting companionships.

This theme underscores the importance of authentic relationships and the need for mutual willingness in friendships. Through the characters and narratives in the book, Jacques illustrates the idea that true friends are those who share genuine bonds, while transient relationships born from necessity may crumble under the weight of fate's whims. The haunting tales serve as a reminder of the complexities of human connections influenced by unseen forces.