‘Yes, sir.’ Fitzroy saluted and climbed down from the wall to relay Arthur’s orders. Meanwhile Arthur stared out over the city. The sound of gunfire was already fading away, apart from occasional bursts as the attackers discovered a few remaining pockets of Tipoo’s men. Rising above the city was the palace and Arthur realised that if the ruler of Seringapatam could be found and persuaded to surrender, then the city might yet be spared the worst ravages of defeat. Otherwise, the marauding bands of redcoats would unerringly find their way to stores of drink and then, fuelled by arrack and the fire in their blood, they would carry murder, destruction and rape to every corner of the city.

As soon as Fitzroy returned they set off towards the palace, stepping round the bodies that lay behind the wall. When they turned into the avenue that led to the palace gates they saw several companies of redcoats waiting outside.

‘It’s the 33rd.’ Fitzroy pointed. ‘And over there - Major Shee.’

Arthur hurried across to Shee. ‘What news?’

Shee stiffened his back as he made his report.‘Enemy’s beaten, sir. Just winkling out the last few of ’em. There’s a few hundred still sheltering in the palace. General Baird has asked them to surrender.’

‘Baird? Where is he?’

‘Through there, sir.’ Shee nodded at the gate.

Arthur and Fitzroy made towards the arch and cautiously walked through into a large courtyard. Baird had his back to them, and was staring at the façade of the palace. Several of Tipoo’s men stared back warily from the palace entrance. More men stood at the windows of the building. At the sound of boots crunching on gravel Baird glanced back over his shoulder, and then turned to greet Arthur. There was no triumph in his expression, just weariness.

‘Ah, Wellesley, it’s all but over now. I’m just waiting for the killadar to send out word that he’s accepted my terms.’

‘Terms, sir?’ Arthur asked. ‘What terms?’

‘Surrender of the palace and the men sheltering there, including two of Tipoo’s sons. In exchange, the palace and all those in it will be placed under the protection of your regiment.’

‘What about Tipoo, sir? Where is he?’

‘The killadar claims he doesn’t know. The last time he saw Tipoo was over by the water gate.’

‘We have to find him, sir. If he escapes then he’ll continue the war from somewhere else. If he’s been killed we must find the body.’

‘I’m no fool, Wellesley. I know damn well what’s at stake.’

‘I apologise, sir. I meant no offence.’

‘Never mind. Anyway, here’s the fellow now.’