Conor sat back down and reached out for Ariel, smooth­ing her scaly neck as he spoke. ‘I’m really sorry about your dad. When did it happen?’

Joe told him about his father’s death; Conor described their months in the dragonhall, and the awful day the Brotherhood arrived. The terrible news that a dragon had been killed had thrown them all into shock. The day flew past as they tended to all the dragons.

The girls and Tiago arrived back, one by one, bring­ing news, water and more food for them and the growing dragons.

Flavia was breathless. ‘I did it! I found my way home and told everyone the message. They’re going to pass it on too. Everyone will know by nightfall. They’ll be ready to take the city back as soon as we’ve freed the duke’s soldiers.’ Her expression was a strange mixture of pride and worry. ‘It worked, just like you said, Joe!’ Now she grinned at him for the first time since they’d met. ‘I walked under the noses of the Brotherhood a dozen times today. Not one of them noticed me. I might as well be invisible.’

Winter came in behind her. ‘I’ve told my mother and her neighbours.’

‘Thank you, Winter.’ Joe slumped in relief.

Conor said, smiling, ‘There you are, Joe, it looks like your plan will work. Shame we needed a city under siege for your hidden talents to emerge.’

Amina came in last, buzzing with triumph. ‘Done!’ she 243cried. ‘And I have spare black clothes for us all if we’re to move at night. The craftspeople are ready to act and retake their neighbourhood. I really think it could work, whatever Yannic thinks.’

‘You talking about me?’ Yannic bellowed in Joe’s ear, making him jump.

‘Good evening,’ he said wearily, noticing that Yannic had crept in to eavesdrop on them before he announced himself.

‘News!’ Yannic went on. ‘Well, that was illuminating. A day with the Brotherhood is always a joy.’

‘You’re drunk!’ Tiago said accusingly, as the whiff of unwashed flesh and old rum floated across to them.

‘I had to join in, didn’t I? Would’ve stood out like a sore thumb if I suddenly gave up the grog.’

‘So, what did you learn?’ Joe stroked Ren’s back as she leaned on him, listening intently.

‘There is some good news.’ Yannic waited.

Winter crossed her arms and said, ‘Go on then, tell us?’

‘They’re going to hold a feast tonight – they usually last till dawn. And I know where they keep the barrels of rum. How about a little light tampering? A few rotten rats to spice their drink? They won’t be able to move tomorrow, and they can blame it on the bad food.’

‘How can we be sure they won’t notice?’ Conor said. ‘I’d notice if someone gave me dead rat juice.’

‘Here’s the thing,’ Yannic said gleefully. ‘They’re getting restless. Insecure, you might say. Surprise, surprise: power isn’t quite the easeful dream they was hoping for, what with people objecting to, y’know, the murder of cityfolk and dragons.’ 244