Half an hour later, he met Flo at the top of the lift. “Time to make a quiet visit to the palace. Are you sure your crew is ready?”

“Oi be sure, moi good friend. We is about to have some fun, warghhh!”

Fun was not a weapon as far as Ark knew. All that Corwenna had given him before he left was a bag of juicy red apples and a whistle that apparently no Dendran could hear. What was he leading his friends into? The odds did not bear thinking about.

Soon, they were approaching the palace, weaving their way through the expectant crowds. The pleasure gardens surrounding the palace were normally closed to commoners. Now Dendrans from all woodwalks of life were leaning over the far parapets to take in the bird’s-eye view of Hellebore. The outer courtyard of the castle was laden with tables, each piled high with the best that the harvest could offer, and much more besides from the King’s own stores. Soon, the feast would begin. “Yow don’t warnt to come in with me boi the back way?”

Flo could find her way through plumbing systems with her eyes closed. And there was plenty of kit to pick up once the rest of the Rootshooters arrived.

“No, thanks, Flo. I need to see if Corwenna’s training works. See you there in half an hour.”

“Yow’ll be all right?”

“Absolutely!” Perhaps by sounding confident, he would be. Flo gave a last wink, then turned to join the throng. It was now or never. There were the steps up to the enormous oak doors guarded by the same sneering soldier. It was nearly dusk, the low light softening the air. The lantern parade was beginning. As the first lamps flickered, throwing trembling shadows across the ground, Ark stepped out from the crowd. He was in open territory. Corwenna had taught him to be still. How could you be still and move at the same time? There was only one way to find out.

The soldier was bored and annoyed that this evening he’d have to let the commoners inside. Surely he was there to keep the plebs out? There was a sudden breeze and the doors behind him blew open. “Buddy latch loose again!” he muttered. “I’ll stick a twig up the royal carpenter’s nose!” He slammed them shut.

Ark couldn’t believe it. His every footstep had been lighter than air, his whole mind focused on keeping slow and unnoticed. Briefly, the soldier’s eyes had trained directly on him. Ark knew he’d been spotted, until those same beer-stained eyes slid away and he was in! Amazing! From far off, he felt Corwenna whispering encouragement. But congratulations weren’t in order yet.