“Whoa there! Just because we had a laugh, it don’t mean I ain’t thinkin’ about it.”

“I have to speak to the King. We’re running out of time.”

“Oh, right. Arktorious Malikum, fourteen-year-old sewage worker, here to uncover a secret plot to a-sausage-mate … a-sissy-mate … err.” Mucum bunched his lips tight in concentration. “Got it! to … kill the King! Take me to your leader! It’s really going to work, that is!”

“I’m glad you’re so amused. Have you got any better ideas?”

“Actually, I have. You’d be surprised what’s lurkin’ up ’ere!” Mucum tapped the side of his head as if the wisdom of ages lay within.

“Well, I hope it’s better than your spelling.”

“Give us some of that cheese and I might let you in on my brilliant plan.”

By the time they finally approached the edge of the court, the October sun was falling over the far forest. The platform that supported the home of King Quercus was the biggest in the country. Some of the beams that underpinned the foundations were a hundred feet thick and over a thousand yards long. Barkingham Palace itself was massive, a magnified log cabin with battlements.

At this time of evening, the landscaped pleasure gardens were full of courting couples. The scent of honeysuckle hung in the air, and noble families gathered for supper picnics in the grass, under ornamental cherry trees planted in raised beds sunk into the boardwalk. Happy families. Ark longed to be part of it, chewing on a chicken leg and making small talk into the twilight with not a worry in the world. Despite the unjustness of it, it was still his country, still worth saving. Maybe one day, all would be welcome. A mad dream.

“This is how the other ‘alf live, eh?” muttered Mucum. “Anyways, we’re ’ere to do a job. Do yer see it?”

Ark’s eyes focused. A bog-standard manhole cover was set within the planking, just a few feet from the outer wall. He’d seen a thousand in his short life. This one might be their ticket.

“Now, remember what I said. I’ll see you in a minute.” Mucum sauntered casually toward the manhole. Ark studied the scene. Luckily, all the couples had eyes only for each other, and the plump children of the court were too busy stuffing their faces. A plumber going about his legitimate business wasn’t a cause for concern. The guard was another matter. The thought of it made Ark’s forehead prickle.