‘So, Master Crow. I have to admit that you have brought me my heart’s desire. I suppose you want your reward now.’

The Crow was still staring at the cygnet with utter astonishment. He cleared his throat. ‘Well … Yes … It would be very…’

But at that moment every face turned to look over his shoulder and all the swans hissed as one.

Seren turned quickly.

A bedraggled figure stood there.

He was tall and thin and his dark coat was torn and his thin fair hair plastered to his skull. He was out of breath and his backpack hung empty and his walking stick was broken and there was a large bandage on his left big toe. But he looked triumphant.

‘Mordecai,’ he said, holding out both hands. ‘It’s me. I got here. I got here at last!’

12

Anything in all the world

Wish for love, wish for treasure

wish for someone else’s pleasure.

The Swan bristled. ‘Another thief in my garden? I’ll turn this one into a toad this time!’

‘No!’ the Crow gasped, astonished. ‘Don’t do that! He’s my brother, Enoch.’ With a twitch of his wing he waved Enoch over.

The tall man came quickly over the grass. He nodded a little nervously at the Swan. ‘I do beg your pardon, Ma’am … I don’t mean to trespass. I’ve been following them all and trying to catch up but there were a few … er obstacles.’

‘How on earth did you get through the thicket and over the mountain?’ the Crow demanded.

‘Well, I’ve learned a little magic, brother, after watching you over the years. I hope you don’t mind. They were very good obstacles, though, I have to say. I’ve rarely seen better.’

The Crow looked a little less annoyed.

The Swan narrowed its eyes. ‘Seeing as your friends have brought my son home I’ll overlook your presence here. This once.’

‘Much obliged.’ Enoch nodded to Seren, ‘Hello, Miss Seren. Very glad to see you.’

She bobbed a curtsey. ‘And you.’ It seemed a long time now since their first meeting in the railway waiting room, when he had given her the newspaper parcel, which contained the Crow.

‘You’ve been a great friend to my dear brother, you really have. And you, too, Master Tomos.’

The Crow gave a splutter of irritation. He hopped closer to the Swan. ‘Look this is all very well, and I’m delighted you have your cygnet back but, really, what about me? When are you going to take this spell off me? You promised and I really think it’s time…’

The Swan hissed.

It seemed to swell and grow fiercer.

The Crow flapped hastily back.

‘I made a promise and I will keep it,’ the Swan said softly. ‘But there is a difficulty. Are you certain – absolutely certain – that it was you who found my Egg?’

‘Ah. Er … well …’ The Crow threw a panicky look at Seren.

‘Or…’ the Swan swivelled its beautiful face to her, ‘was it you?’