It took the group from Silence Gorge until mid–afternoon before they arrived at the rubbish site just off the slave fields of the Kingdom. Leif had allowed people to dawdle and chatter, realising that some of the group may not yet live to see the day through, and they had stopped once to eat a hearty meal.

The rubbish site itself was sparse and with little opportunity to hide should any Lamya show up, but close enough to the Kingdom to get in quick.

Leif stopped the group behind the biggest pile of rubbish there – a heap of broken chairs, damp and mouldy – and noting the look on some of their faces, quickly explained the reason for his actions.

"I'm afraid you'll just have to put up with the smell. Crouch down and stay as quiet as you can. We're very close to the Lamya now, though Mariko has told me few come here during daylight. Now, just beyond those few houses there, are the fields..."

There was a murmur from the group, all of them had family and friends held captive, and he raised a hand so he could continue. "I want no one rushing in on their own thinking they can rescue everyone. We leave that until later. Now be patient, wait here, and should anything happen, you listen to Sorrel. Mariko, you're with me."

Mariko joined him and they were just about to set off towards the Kingdom when Saoirse jogged up behind them.

"Leif! Wait!"

He stopped and turned. "Saoirse..."

She held out her sword. "Take this. I don't know what you're doing but I guess you're trying to look like a Lamya. What sort of Lamya carries a staff instead of a sword?"

He hesitated, reluctant to take the weapon, so Mariko took it for him and handed his staff back to Saoirse. "Now come on," she said impatiently.

Leif nodded, gazed at Saoirse then hurried after the Lamya.

#

Corrinus was having an audience with his aides in a small private room on the ground level of the castle. As was the way when he was present, the room was poorly lit, this time by a single candle, which flickered weakly in a lantern hung from one of the walls.

Millicent, her father Jonjo, and the other two aides were there, seated around the rough wooden table, as was Zev, though he stood to one side, just behind his master. Corrinus had dressed in his finest purple velvet hood and robe and sat alone at the table's head.

"…and when she does get here," he continued, staring round at his aides, "she'll head straight for us in the castle. Now, Millicent, dear, I know you've been plotting behind my back…"

Millicent's eyes widened and she made to protest but Corrinus waved for her to stay silent. "I have fought hard to get where I am today," he said, "worked my way to the top. I did not achieve this by being a fool. I know you've been trying to blackmail my healer with the death of my slaves, yes, but she will not help you." Corrinus laughed and glared at Millicent, a vein above his right eye pumped furiously. "Whatever made you think she would? But no matter. I'll forgive you for that, and I'll forgive you for killing some of my slaves even. I am willing to spare your life and therefore am merciful, yes?"

Millicent gritted her teeth and smiled at him. He sat back in his chair and gazed at her for some time before he spoke again. "You will go into the towns and gather the most ruthless band of fighters from the entire Kingdom. Then, my dear, you will stand at their head and wait with them at the base of the castle for the arrival of the swords–master. That way, my castle will be protected and if she does get through and you are still alive, I will have you killed for failure." He smiled, leaned forwards and whispered harshly, "Either way, it's a win – win situation. For me."

"But, my lord, if this swords–master is coming, as you say she is, and she manages to get into the castle, who will stop her from getting to you?" Jonjo asked.

Corrinus looked at the aide, giving him a puzzled smile. "Zev, of course! And I have my twin dragons. Besides, nobody can best me when it comes to using a blade. Or have you forgotten that?"

The aide gulped and looked at the glint of metal beneath Corrinus's cloak. "No, no! I was simply worried for your safety, my lord, that's all."

"Good," he hissed, relaxing. He shifted his attention back to the woman. "Well? Go, Millicent. And remember," he called after her, "the only way you get to live is if you succeed in keeping the girl from gaining access to the castle. I suggest you choose strong fighters, my dear! Very strong fighters, yes?"

He turned back to his aides and smirked.