Shiv ran around and around the knocked-out guard, chanting, “Hit him in the hazelnuts, hazelnuts, hazelnuts, hit him in the hazelnuts, we all fall down!”

“What sorta nursery rhymes are they teachin’ you kids these days?” Mucum grabbed her by the hand. “Come on, little Malikum, time to get you home. I need to visit a few old pals and deal with some squit!” Before leaving the cell, he bent over Alnus and took the keys from his belt, his fingers fumbling.

“Ow, me bits!” moaned Alnus as his eyelids fluttered.

“We will be in bits if I let you get up, matey!” Mucum delivered a good old crunching uppercut with his right fist. Alnus’s head snapped back and almost bounced off the floor. Mucum paused for a second, listening for trouble. “Sleep well!” he said before heaving the guard’s unconscious body onto the excuse for a bed and covering it with a blanket. It might buy them some time. Then he took Shiv by the hand and made for the doorway. He peered out nervously. All clear.

“Let’s go!” Mucum said. “This way!” He pulled the dungeon door shut and locked it before turning right and hoping that the map of the building was accurate. If it was, then a certain plumbing trapdoor was going to make the perfect hidden exit.

Ten minutes later, they were out and well beyond the house, waiting at the crossroads, thick morning mist hovering just above their ankles. Mucum couldn’t believe he’d done it. Maybe, with Flo’s help, he’d get to the King after all.

Flo stepped out from behind a laurel bush. “Oi’m glad yow be safe,” she whispered.

“Search parties gonna be on their way. We gotta make a move.”

“Yas!” Flo seemed in an odd mood. She didn’t come forward to embrace Mucum and her voice was uncertain.

Mucum was puzzled. Where was the kiss she promised?

“Let me take the girl and look after her, for now.” She put her hands out to Shiv, who happily skipped across the woodway.

“Are we off on a nadventure?”

“Yas. Oi think so.” Flo then pulled a blade out of her shift and advanced toward Mucum.

“Wot you doin’?” Mucum was shocked.

“It’s for yowr own good, moi boyo!”

“Drop it, Flo. Ain’t got time for muckin’ about!”

Flo moved with surprising speed, her long legs closing the gap between them. Before he could even put his hands up in defense, she had slashed at his right arm, slicing the skin open.

“Are you an acorn nutter?” Mucum clutched his arm, watching in horror as the blood dripped down and all his faith in the Rootshooters leaked away with it. “Why help me escape and then sell me out?”

Shiv was crying, trying to run from Flo, who held the little girl tight.

Before Flo could answer, she felt a sudden breeze from above.