Waking late the next morning he managed to scavenge some breakfast and spent the day with some of the courtiers he had met the day before. A lady fussily insisted on preparing him for the next day’s wedding. It was after lunch by the time Rupert caught up with him.

“Simon. I’m afraid we’re going to have some problems today.”

“What? Is the wedding off?” He was ready to feel a surge of relief.

“No. He, ... I mean, the Princess is keen on the preparations. No it’s that man you met last night. The traitor.”

“Oh, did you say you were going to arrest him?”

“I am now. He’s going to get us all into trouble.”

“What’s he done?”

“I’ll explain later. First we have to find him. And separate him from the Spanish faction, they are fiercely partisan and anti-English.”

“So what are they doing here?”

“Diplomacy. You’ll learn about it one day.”

The prince seemed ill disposed to answer too many questions. Making their way to the lower part of the palace Rupert had a long conversation with a gardener about stuff Simon was not the slightest but interested in and after a time he found they were by the door leading to the courtyard where men were arranging wood.

“They seem busy here this afternoon.”

“This is the execution ground. It has not been used before so we have to arrange the protocol.” Simon could already imagine the poor man being dragged along to have his head cut off and he looked around for a giant axe.

“Why is he so dangerous?”

Rupert looked at him sternly. “These are affairs of state but you will not be quiet until you understand. The fate of the nation hangs in the balance. Once false word and it will be disaster. For you and many others.”

Rupert walked to the end of the courtyard, into the small field near where the elephants were paddocked. One of them raised his trunk curiously. Sitting on a bench he motioned Simon to sit next to him.

“Rose has ordered this. The court is in crisis. The king will return at the end of the week. You know where you are from. If the Spanish courtier reveals his secrets Rose and all his faction will be denounced as witches with the usual punishment. That includes you and dozens of courtiers and I don’t suppose I’ll get off lightly either.

“So there is some kind of coup going on. Is there a plot against the king?”

“Only Rose is privy to the secrets of his own mind. Remember that to know a plot against the king and fail to reveal it is itself treason. That is what did for Father Garnett.”

“And the Spanish guy, how is he not part of this treason? He would be executed as well.”

“He’s a renegade. Favoured by the king he has set himself above suspicion. Believe me, he is trouble.”

As Rupert spoke there was a commotion around the side of the building. Rupert looked across, shouted to someone. Turning to Simon, “He’s making a run for it.”

“Where?”

“He’s slipped my guards, he’ll be making for the stables. Must have friends in place with a horse ready.”

“How will we stop him?”

Rupert looked over at the camels, peacefully snacking the long grass.

“It still has its saddle on. Those grooms, so useless. Just because I didn’t specifically tell them to take it off again.”

“You serious?”

“Go,” said Rupert, “you know you can do it. Just keep sight of him.”

His command was so powerful Simon felt himself running to the side of the camel who recognised him and this time allowed him on with minimal protest. His face smacked into the furry hump and he spat out lumps of foul tasting hair. Grabbing the reins he steered it round and Rupert had already run over and opened the gate.

Cantering round the side of the building Simon saw the horse racing down the long drive and cut across the lawns to the arched entrance where the guards had been slow and had not managed to close the gates in time. Rushing past them he could see it running up the muddy lane beyond but being faster than the camel it was as much as he could do to keep the fugitive in sight.

The horse took to open fields which proved better terrain for the broad footed camel. It showed stamina and did not worry about jumping a brook and scrambling over the other side. It was slower through a small patch of woodland but the horse was gaining no more distance. Simon let the camel lope along and as the horse tired he caught up. Not knowing what to do could only ride along behind.

“Not so pleased to see me this time are you?” he called.

“You meddling idiot. Who do you think you are?” To Simon’s horror the man produced a sword and Simon felt a fool for going out unarmed.

When the man swung at him ineffectively the camel tried to bite him so he fell back with the horse and glared at Simon, unable to escape but also without any prospect of getting past Simon’s mount.

“You know the treason,” said the man. “You know Rupert and his fake princess are plotting to take over the throne of England. These witches who have plucked their own people from the future to act as demon courtiers. Why do you fight me? Do you think he will send you back to your own time. You are being used. Just like me.”

“I don’t trust you,” said Simon. “Why would I?”

“You are simple. You come from some city in the far provinces. We have people like you in Spain. Let me tell you things you will never believe.”

As he said the words a company of horsemen encircled the duo and one of them with a skilful blow knocked the sword out of the man’s hand. They relieved him of his horse. One of the soldiers held his arm tightly around the man’s face so he could not say any more.

“We’ll take it from here,” said the captain. “You can take that strange beast back, never knew one of them would come in useful.”

Simon trotted the camel back to the palace grounds while the soldiers forced the Spaniard to walk in humiliation alongside the horses even as his own empty horse was led along beside the procession. Passing the gates in regular fashion Simon took the camel to the field at the rear and not seeing Rupert he instructed the attendants to ensure that the saddle was removed and stowed in its usual place.

Back in the palace he cooled off and waited to see what would happen. He did not have to wait long. Rupert came down with an entourage and went out to inspect the rear yard. Simon stood inside the door next to the suit of armour. Rupert talked to the men outside and gave orders. Then he came back in and waited.

Simon took the chance to speak to him. “What’s happening now?”

“Oh they’re bringing him down. Soon be done.”

“Has he been tried already?”

“Doesn’t need it. It would be dangerous for him to shout his mouth off in open court. Summary execution.”

“But what about Magna Carta? Every Englishman has the right to be tried by his peers and all that?”

“He’s not an Englishman. He’s a Spanish spy.”

“Oh.”

Simon looked out the door. “How much wood do you need to chop a man’s head off?”

“What? We’re not going to chop his head off. We’re setting up the fire.”

“Fire?”

“What do you think? He’s guilty of unnatural practices.”

“Oh my God. That is so cruel. I never would have, I mean, am I responsible for this?”

“Don’t worry,” said Rupert. “I’ll take care of it all.” Simon worried.

Walking across the yard as the prisoner was being dragged out a face leaned over the fence, delighted to see him again. He moved quickly to the side to avoid being spat at. As she craned down to nibble at a patch of long grass he reached over to her neck and started to stroke it, ignoring the action behind him. Suddenly the fence creaked and gave way and the camel bounded into the courtyard scattering men and wood. Simon ran after trying to rescue the situation.

Rupert looked furious. The prisoner tried to free himself in the commotion and had to be wrestled back into house by soldiers. Ordering men to capture the beast and take it to a safe place he managed to restore the execution ground and finally ordered the prisoner to be brought out again. Simon noticed he had been gagged to prevent any outburst and suddenly recognised the band of cloth tied round the Spaniard’s face. The wording VISCOUNT CLOTHING clearly visible round the edge.

“My pants” he cried. “How did you? I mean, what ...”

“Just something we found in Rose's rubbish,” said Rupert casually. “Didn't know it had anything to do with you. Perhaps I should have realised. Not much use to you now anyway are they?”

“Well I mean, ...” said Simon but failed to continue as the execution was about to start.

One of the soldiers ceremoniously lit a piece of wood and the flames started. Rising in a ring around the condemned man who just shrugged at the impending catastrophe.

“What have they done?” scowled Rupert. “It’s all on the outside and he’s not taking it at all.”

“That’s ok,” said Simon. “He’ll suffocate and it’ll be a lot easier on him.”

“No. Look.” The flames suddenly leapt up high starting to burn the gag while the prisoner himself was unaffected. “All my care, he’ll give away everything if that comes off.”

“So what do we do?”

“The arrows. Quick. Get back inside.”

They ran back into the door where the bow was propped up against the wall. “Not sure I can draw it like this,” said Simon.

“Get the armour on.”

They raced to fit the suit, it was heavy and Simon walked stiffly out to the courtyard. The crowd turned as one and gaped to see a figure fully suited clanking into the execution ground. Pulling hard on the bow he managed to flex it and fitting the arrow launched a perfect shot which thudded into the man’s chest. He fell instantly and the flames reached up to consume his inert body.

“I’ve really done it now,” said Simon, in a muffle as the visor had fallen down over his face.

“No,” said Rupert, “Looks like you’ll be ok.”

The crowd started cheering. “Hooray. Simon the Merciful.” Gathering closely around him.

“It’s a great act to relieve a condemned prisoner at his last moment,” said Rupert, and the crowd cheered as half a dozen men lifted Simon in the heavy armour and carried him round the ground in a great parade until eventually tiring they let him waddle stiffly back to the door where Rupert helped him undress.

“I have some questions,” said Simon.

They walked away from the crowd who had turned back to the now roaring flames, Simon for the first time truly hearing the crackle and hiss of a bonfire. Upstairs in a secluded room Rupert prepared for the onslaught but Simon was measured in his question.

“Just tell me who’s in charge here, how does it all come about. I know perfectly well you’re from the future, when we were downstairs you used the word ok which was invented by an American politician. And earlier you referred to my handlebars. Tell me about Rose.”

Rupert sat down, leaned forward in his seat, arms in front of him. “He’s just some drag queen from I don’t know when. Was already here when I arrived. Seems to have control over people, guess he knows how to pull their levers. You saw how gullible the country idiots are in Bristow, they’re not much better here in court.”

“But you’re his right hand man. Why did you bring me here? Is it something I’ve done? Something to do with Di and the curse of the Chadwicks?”

Rupert flinched at the mention of the name.

“You know don’t you. Is it your curse? Is it all your doing?” Simon stood up, taller than the prince who rose and backed into the side of the room but that angered Simon who snarled at him. “I’ll have you and that Rose both burned alive when the king gets back.”

“No, da-“ Rupert cried as Simon moved towards him.

“What?” Simon stopped.

“What?”

“What were you about to say.”

“Nothing. I was just saying No, dammit, you’ve got it all wrong.”

“No you weren’t.” Simon looked at him carefully. “What is your name? Your real name.”

The boy said nothing, trying to look controlled. “Is it by any chance Jonathan? Jonathan Rupertus Wyche?”

The boy gave himself away by staring down at his feet.

“So. Now we have it all revealed. You used Rose to bring your own father back to make sure he didn’t marry someone and then you put a curse on him.”

“No, it’s not like that. I don’t even know about the Chadwicks. I mean I’ve seen the book of course but I didn’t bring you back. When I knew you were here I went to rescue you. And got there just in time, it turned out.”

Simon sat back into his chair and thought about it. Motioning to Rupert who returned to his own chair. There was a long pause. Simon looked at his son, waiting expectantly, and Rupert gave in.

“I was here. Literally here. I mean, in the hotel. I went there with Elsa. It was over a year ago. We were on a weekend break. It used to be a hotel, I mean then, like it kind of will be a hotel in the future. I was walking down the drive when it suddenly became cold and instead of tarmac it was packed earth under my feet. There were soldiers and a man, Rose it was, came and took me inside. He has a spell on people, I did everything he said. I learnt the court and became his assistant. Now he's arranged for the king to go away and ... goodness knows what I’ve done. When I heard he’d brought you back using the other device, the one in Bristow, I went there to fetch you. You weren’t doing too well.”

“What about the Chadwicks?”

“You still on about that? It’s nothing to do with me. I don’t know. Have a look at the book. It’ll be over soon anyway.”

“How so?”

“Can you count? Unto the thirteenth generation. Look back in the family tree to the original. Simon Chadwick. Who put the curse on our family. You are generation twelve. I’m the last. I’m the end of it not the cause. My children will be free.”

“Ok, ok. But still. Can’t look in the book here can I. How do I get back?”

“Yes it can be done. Rose told me once. Think she said something she didn’t mean to, never spoke about it again. But I know the mechanism. It takes two people it will have to be when she is asleep. She’s murder if you cross her.”

“And you were going to marry me to her?”

“No. I mean, no. That was only ever a cover. You needed protection. I was going to break it off when the king returned. But events moved ahead of me thanks to that idiotic Spaniard. You’re right, you have to go back, and so do I.”

“Yes. Your son wants you and me back to our normal times.”

“My son? You’ve met him.”

“Yes. Simon. Another Simon. He’s in Bristol at the monastery.”

Rupert looked puzzled. “So I’ll have to bring him back too. That’s complicated.”

“No. He wants to stay. Leave him, it’ll be ok. Just remember when he disappears at the age of fifteen.”

Rupert looked at the young version of his father. “I guess you know best. I’ll get us back.”

"And Ferdinand, is she one too?"

Again Rupert looked puzzled. "No, stupid, she's just normal. She's inter, they were a lot more tolerant nowadays than your generation. Uglu is her daughter just as she says."

Late into the night the sun was already brightening ready for the sun to come up when Simon felt himself woken by the courtier Nicholas. “Come on sir, the prince is asking for you.”

Making their way through the corridors he could hear the princess snoring in her chambers and presumed the attendants had been bribed not to wake her. They climbed the steep winding staircase to a turret and behind a heavy wooden door Rupert was sitting next to a complicated piece of machinery and next to him sat Uglu.

“Simon,” she said. “You came.”

Nicholas sat on a chair but Simon remained standing. “Uglu will help me run the device,” said Rupert. “I'll show Nick how to work it then the two of them can take me back afterwards, which will take about an hour to set up. The princess will be unconscious for a couple of hours.”

“What did you do? Knock him on the head?”

“Tricked him into drinking Valerian,” said Rupert. “Should never trust me too much.”

“Hmm,” said Simon, agreeing with that prospect.

“There will be a price to pay,” said Rupert.

“How so?”

Uglu reached over and took hold of his arm. She leaned towards him.

“I have to kiss the princess?”

“More than that if she is to get her way,” said Rupert.

She leaned over and started to hold him. Simon felt hideous in the pair of skimpy clothes he had been wearing for the last two days.

“Je desire ton bander,” said Uglu. “You are the best man in the whole palace.” Reaching down to his waist. “You will give me a baby before you leave.”

Simon looked helplessly at Rupert then at Nicholas and meekly allowed himself to be led by the lady into a side room.

When he came out the pair were still sitting there. “Can I go back now?”

“Sure,” said Rupert. “I’ve made the adjustments.”

“When will it take me back to? Don’t want to meet myself on the way out.”

“No,” said Rupert. “It can only take you back an exact number of years. The portal is on the slope down at the front of the building. So you’ll have been gone the same number of days you've spent in this time of the world.”

“And what about Uglu? Does she come back.” He had a sudden thought. “If she stays here and happens to have a baby like she wants he could be my own ancestor. How does that work?”

“Don’t worry,” said Rupert, instantly raising Simon’s level of concern. “I have an idea to deal with that, I’ll get Uglu and Nick to work on it. It’ll be fine.”

He produced a coin from his pocket. “Time to go.”

“What’s that for? Something to anchor me to this time? Or to pay the ferryman?”

“No,” said Rupert. “No need to stretch your imagination with myths. Keep it with you. When I disappear and come back again show it to me and I’ll know it’s all been real. No need to talk about any of this before then, you never did talk much about the past anyway.”

The coin was a silver shilling, dated 1621. Fresh and shiny and the king’s head on the back. IACOBVS DG ANG SCO FRA ET HIB REX. Simon looked for a pocket and eventually found a tiny compartment in the sleeve of his shirt. As he did so he looked out the window and on the dark side of the building away from the rising sun saw a candle lit in one of the rooms below. He was sure it was Rose's projection he could see against the window.