The sound of gunshots grew louder.

‘We’ve got to try not to get mixed up in the fighting,’ he shouted. ‘Or we won’t stand a chance.’

Amy’s face was set in a grim mask, her lips white. She nodded quickly, too scared to speak. James grabbed her hand and pulled her up a flight of steps. At the top they nearly ran straight into Jana Carnifex, who was going the other way with a small entourage.

She looked so surprised to see the two of them that she didn’t have time to react, and before she could do or say anything James and Amy had run off. James could smell her perfume, wafting on the still air.

It was a smell he didn’t think he’d ever be able to forget.

The terrace in front of the temple was deserted apart from one of Ugo’s men, who was stretched out on the ground. He appeared to be just lying there, resting and there was nothing to show how he had died. He was a young man with a simple, open face and he wore a slightly puzzled look.

James felt desperately sorry for him. This fight was nothing to do with him. He thought of all the other soldiers who had died in countless wars without ever really knowing why.

As he was standing there, looking at the dead man, he felt something tug at his sleeve a split second before he heard the bang of a gun. The bullet tore his shirt, but only grazed his skin, not causing any damage. He had no idea what direction it had come from, or who had fired it, and didn’t wait to find out. He grabbed Amy and ran for cover before another shot found its mark.

They hurried in silence through the network of alleyways, steps and courtyards that led up to the main piazza. When they got there they found that between them and the aqueduct on the opposite side were Zoltan’s men, who were involved in a fierce firefight with the palazzo guards.

James saw in an instant that they were badly outnumbered and it would soon be over for them.

‘Come with me,’ said James. ‘And keep your head down.’

Not giving Amy a chance to object, James pulled her into the piazza.

They pounded over the paving stones and dived into the fountain, where they shuffled backwards until they were up against the central support, hidden behind a curtain of water.

‘We’ll wait until it’s safe to go over to the aqueduct,’ said James.

‘Please,’ said Amy. ‘You have to tell me what’s going on.’

‘Zoltan’s attacking Ugo.’

‘But why?’ said Amy. ‘It’s hopeless. What’s he trying to achieve?’

‘He told me he had a plan to destroy the palazzo. He said my cousin Victor had given him the idea.’

‘What plan?’ said Amy. ‘What did your cousin say?’