‘He’s not taking us, Denzil…’ Tomos began, but the Crow held up a wing to silence him.

‘You have no need to concern yourself, my man,’ the Crow said loftily. ‘I am highly experienced in magical matters, I can assure you, and…’

‘Assure all you like, sir.’ Denzil stood, stockily unmoved. ‘They will not be going anywhere unless I think it is safe.’

‘Please, Denzil!’ Seren stepped forward. ‘I haven’t got time to explain everything now but it’s really important we go! It’s to get the Crow back to his proper shape. We’ve got everything we need and we shouldn’t be in danger…’

‘There is always danger meddling with the faery people.’ Denzil shook his dark head. ‘You know that, Sir.’

‘I do.’ The Crow looked down its beak. ‘But let me tell you that this … disguise … is not who I actually am. In fact, I am a prince … well, professor … or rather…’ It caught Seren’s eye and cleared its throat guiltily. ‘…well, a schoolteacher. I am, Sir, a schoolteacher and so am well used to looking after children.’ Suddenly, it looked crestfallen, and its voice went small. ‘I’m not just a moth-eaten toy. Please don’t think that.’

‘I’m thinking you are much more than you seem. So maybe you should go alone.’

‘Er … unfortunately … due to my present position … well, shape … I am unable to carry the Egg.’

‘Egg?’ Gwyn whispered.

‘Listen.’ Seren was impatient. ‘We’ll be back by midnight. I promise! We have to go with him, Denzil, because he can’t do it by himself, and you have to stay here and guard the house because They will be coming to the Ball…’

The small man sighed heavily. ‘Indeed, Seren bach, I know that.’

‘Please, Denzil! Please trust me.’

For a long moment Denzil stood silent. Then he said, ‘If you are not back, Seren, if the Captain thinks you have run off and taken Tomos with you into danger, he will no longer want you here. Do you really want to risk all that you have at Plas-y-Fran for a stranger?’

Seren bit her lip. ‘The Crow’s not a stranger. I have to take the risk.’

‘Anyway,’ Tomos said stoutly. ‘I’m not being taken. I’m going because I want to.’

‘Very well.’ Denzil looked at the Crow and the Crow looked back at him. Finally he stepped forward. They were beak to nose. He nodded. ‘All right. But listen to me, Master Schoolmaster. If anything happens to Tomos or Seren I will hold you responsible. And I will seek you out. Because I am experienced in these matters also, my father and my father’s father both being dynion hysbys and men of craft. So beware, Sir.’

The Crow nodded. For a moment Seren thought he would say something mocking but when it spoke its voice was quiet. ‘I undertake to guard them with all my power.’

‘That is all I ask.’ Denzil stepped back. He glanced at Gwyn. ‘We’ll guard the Plas. This day is Midsummer and the longest day. A time of magic and music. A dangerous day. Come on, boy.’