‘Take 654 back to his cell,’ Captain Korentan called over his shoulder.

Khassian stumbled; Captain Korentan put out one arm to steady him. The large wig tipped awry; Orial reached up to adjust it, glancing nervously all about her to see who was watching. Wherever she looked there seemed to be grey Commanderie uniforms.

‘Don’t upset yourself, Diva,’ she soothed. ‘Keep your head down,’ she whispered as she helped Khassian up into the coach.

‘Open the gates!’ called Captain Korentan.

The fiacre began to move slowly, oh, so slowly, towards the gates. Orial risked a glance at Khassian who had huddled into the corner. Passing the guards at the gate was the last hurdle to be overcome. And in daylight, the exchange would be more obvious.

‘Your papers.’ Captain Korentan handed the papers through the window. ‘May I wish you safe journey back to Sulien.’

‘Thank you, Captain.’ Her fingers brushed his and she was overwhelmed with a sudden premonition, clouds gathering in a lightning-gashed sky.

And then they were rattling through the gates and out on to the potholed heath road. Orial sat unmoving, clutching the papers to her, staring straight ahead.

A litle starburst of light burst on the edge of her vision. And then another. And another.

She shut her eyes; the pinpricks of light continued to form – and burst – against the darkness. She felt suddenly sick and ill. Maybe a storm was approaching…

The fiacre lurched suddenly, swinging to one side. Orial was almost thrown to the floor.

The driver reined the horses to a stop; Orial heard him leap up, swearing.

Opening the window, she was choked by a cloud of dust rising from the wheels of a swift phaeton, galloping past them towards the Sanctuary.

‘Are you all right, demselle, Diva?’

‘Yes,’ gasped Orial through the dust. Khassian nodded his head.

‘Cursed speedster! Almost had us in the ditch!’

‘Open up! Commanderie business!’

Acir recognised Fiammis’s voice. Just to hear it evoked memories, painful memories dark with anger… and desire.

He beckoned Tobyn over to him.

‘Stall her. Give me a few minutes.’

‘What’s wrong, Captain?’ The young man stared at him in dismay.

‘Everything, Tobyn. Everything.’

He pushed the Guerrior out to greet her.

‘A young Sulien woman came visiting here today. Where is she?’ Fiammis’s voice was sharp and keen; she was predator still, delighting in the pursuit of her prey. ‘Is she still here? I need to speak with her.’

‘I – I’ll have to check. I’ve only just come on duty.’

Fiammis was on Orial’s trail. It would not be long before the deception was discovered – and the alarm bell rang out across the heath.

He must warn them. Protect them. Above all, they must not fall into Commanderie hands again.