THERE WAS HEADY CELEBRATION, BRIEF MOMENTS OF ELATION and triumph, and then the knights and soldiers of Idylswylde took second looks at the proud and fierce-looking warrior women of Seth and their pagan priestesses and began to wonder if they’d opened the gates of the sheep fold to let in the wolf Those in the courtyard gathered around the women, regarding them with baleful glances and muttered comments. At about that moment, someone caught sight of Ven and saw that while he was human above, the young man was beast below.

Shouts of “Devil-spawn,” the clash of steel, and a rush of men put an end to the brothers’ reunion. Marcus tried to reason with them, but he couldn’t make himself heard. He knocked a man to the ground with a blow of his fist, as Ven lifted up another with his bare hands and flung him back to his comrades, bowling them over like ninepins.

Hearing the uproar, the warrior women drew their weapons and started to go to the rescue. The king’s men rushed to bar their way, and it seemed as though the enemy might as well sit down and rest, for their work was being done for them.

A furious shout sounded. Hooves clattered on cobblestone. King Edward rode into the fray, his knights accompanying him, striking to the left and right with the flat of their blades.

The king turned to face the mob.

“Have you gone mad?” Edward roared. He had no need to use his sword. The fury in his voice and the rage in his face caused the soldiers to fall back and lower their weapons. “Last I looked, the enemy was outside the walls!”

The soldiers muttered and then one spoke up boldly, pointing at Ven, “What’s this then?”

“A miracle,” Edward replied. “A miracle sent by God in our hour of need. Now return to your posts! Or, by God, I will clap every single man among you in irons and charge you with treason!”

The soldiers saw the king, and they saw, out of the corners of their eyes, the knights on horseback, who had them surrounded. The soldiers were riled, their blood was up, and they made no move to disperse. The king’s face darkened. His knights were starting as to edge their horses forward when a man shouldered his way through the crowd and ran toward the king.

He was stopped at spear point by one of the knights. The man said quickly, “Your Majesty, I bring urgent news.”

Edward stared down at the man in astonishment, for he recognized him. “Draconas!”

“Dragons are flying to join in the assault, Your Majesty,” said Draconas. “Not just one. Many.”

His voice carried. A hush fell over the crowd, as they lifted their heads to stare fearfully into the sky.

“Many?” Edward repeated in dismay. “What can we do to fight them?”

“You spoke truly when you said a miracle had come.”