A drum sounded, its slow ponderous beat echoing across the field. Bane saw the troops shuffling into formation in ranks of seven. He and Banouin continued to walk up the hill. The spirits of the Stone soldiers ignored them, continuing their battle preparations.

As Bane came within thirty feet of the first line he halted. Then he cried out in a loud voice: 'Appius, where are you?'

Now the spirits noticed him, and he felt their cold stares upon him. 'Appius!' he called again. Then: 'Oranus, where are you? Speak to me, Oranus!'

The first line parted and an officer stepped from it. He was tall and handsome, his breastplate intricately engraved, as were his greaves, helm and wrist guards.

'It is Valanus,' whispered Banouin.

'Appius!' yelled Bane again.

'Who are you?' demanded the officer, coming closer, sword in hand.

'I am Bane, son of Connavar the King.'

'Nonsense! I know Connavar. He is a young man, little older than you.'

'Appius!' shouted Bane.

'He is not here!' snarled Valanus. 'Now tell me what you want and why you are dressed in the armour of Stone. Speak or I will cut you down.'

'Why is Appius not here?' demanded Bane. 'Is this not Cogden Field? Is Appius not your second in command?'

Valanus stood very still, confusion in his face. 'He is gone,' he said at last.

'Gone?' echoed Bane. 'How can he be gone? The battle is not yet started.'

'He is gone, damn you! What do you want?'

'The Rigante are charging!' hissed Banouin.

Bane ignored him and kept his gaze locked to Valanus. 'Then where is Oranus?' he said. 'Is he not your aide? Where is Oranus?'

'What trick is this?' shouted Valanus.

'It is no trick,' Bane told him. He glanced at Banouin. 'Dress me as a Rigante warrior,' he said. 'Quickly now!'

Instantly the armour of Stone disappeared, replaced by a swirling pale blue and green chequered cloak, and a shining mailshirt.

Swinging on his heel Bane waited until the advancing Rigante were close. 'Connavar!' he shouted. 'Let Connavar show his face!' The charge slowed. 'Fiallach! Where are you? Bendegit Bran, let us see you! Govannan, come forth!' Bane walked to meet the advancing men, still calling out the names of their generals. The spirits slowed to a walk, then began glancing nervously around. A Rigante noble pushed his way to the front of the line.

'Why do you call for Connavar?' he asked. 'Are you an agent of the enemy? Do they seek a truce?'

'Where is Connavar?' asked Bane.

The man hesitated, then looked around, scanning the ghostly ranks. 'He is not with us,' said the officer.