Even so, only a few of the big beasts – the chelandions – were off their anchor. Most of the fleet manoeuvring close to the great chain that protected the mouth of the Horn were the smaller dromons, the attack ships, each one armed with a deadly fire-syphon mounted high in the bows.

‘Arbasdos should be marshalling the fleet from the Karabisianon,’ said Erlan. That was the naval headquarters that stood overlooking the harbour. ‘Don’t expect a warm welcome.’

‘You’re late, slave,’ barked Arbasdos when at length they climbed the stairs to the wooden balcony where the general and his retinue of spatharioi were gathered, among whom stood Davit, who gave them a grudging nod. ‘And your fat friend, too.’

‘Not heard that one before,’ Einar sighed in Norse.

‘Let’s be clear.’ Arbasdos prodded Erlan with the baton that marked his high office. ‘I indulge you only because the basíleus orders it. But understand this – I don’t need you. I don’t want you. And when this is over you can scuttle back to the palace where you cock-suckers in white belong.’

‘Friendly fella, ain’t he?’ muttered Einar.

‘Did I say you could speak, you sack of offal?’

Einar hefted his axe menacingly but held his tongue.

‘What’s past is past,’ said Erlan. ‘I have no quarrel with you. We have a common enemy now.’

‘Hah. If only life were so simple. Debts are debts, even in war.’ Arbasdos suddenly laughed. ‘No matter. For my part, at least, I consider myself amply repaid.’ Erlan figured he meant the gold Lilla had paid for his freedom. He never had got out of her what price he had fetched. ‘Just be sure not to get in my way,’ he added. ‘I have work to do.’

Dusk was growing thicker now. The flares at either end of the balcony burned brighter in the deepening dark. Arbasdos looked out over the harbour and spread his hands along the balustrade. ‘They say the Mother of God protects this city. That victory rests in her hands.’

‘Then let’s hope the old bitch is still awake,’ growled Einar.

The general turned and glared at the Fat-Belly. And then, all of a sudden, his face cracked into a smile. ‘Amen,’ he said, and threw back his head and laughed. ‘Amen. . .’

Lilla watched the last of the second fleet disappear around the point. A hazy blanket of darkness was settling over the straits and the distant hills of Asia.

‘Three hundred and sixty sails by my count,’ said Leo.

‘Where have they gone?’ asked Lilla.

‘There’s a bay beyond the headland. My guess is they’re there, unloading as fast as they can.’

‘Then what are you waiting for? Why don’t you release the fleet?’

He smiled at her. ‘Don’t you trust me?’

Lilla felt suddenly awkward, the way he was looking at her.