“Aye. I felt it best to tell you in private. Come.” Taragorm led Meliadus through a short passage and into a small room in which stood only one ancient clock. Taragorm closed the door and there was relative silence. He indicated the clock. “It is probably the oldest clock in the world, brothera ‘grandfather’ it was called and it was made by Thomas Tompion.”

“I have not heard the name.”

“A master craftsmanthe greatest of his age. He lived well before the onset of the Tragic Millennium.”

“Indeed? And has this something to do with your message?”

“Of course not.” Taragorm clapped his hands and a side door opened. A lean, ragged figure stepped through, his face covered by a cracked, plain leather mask. He bowed extravagantly to Meliadus.

“Who is this?”

“It is Elvereza Tozer, brother. You remember the name?”

“Of course! The man who stole Mygan’s ring and then vanished!”

“Exactly. Tell my brother Baron Meliadus where you have been, Master Tozer…”

Again Tozer bowed and then sat himself down on the edge of the table, spreading his arms wide. “Why, I’ve been to Castle Brass, my lord!”

Suddenly Meliadus sprang across the room to grab the startled Tozer by the slack of his shirt. “You’ve been where!” he growled.

“C-castle B-Brass, your honour…”

Meliadus shook Tozer, lifting him clear of the ground. “How?”

“I reached the place by accidentI was captured by Hawkmoon of KolnI was held prisonermy ring taken from mewithout ring could not remainescapedarrived b-back here…” Tozer gasped in fright.

“He brought some information with him that’s more interesting,” Taragorm said. “Tell him, Tozer.”

“The machine which protects themwhich keeps them in that other dimensionit’s in the dungeons of the castlekept carefully protected. A crystal thing they got from a place called Soryandum. It took them there and it ensures their safety.”

Taragorm laughed. “It is true, Meliadus. I’ve tested him a dozen times. I’ve heard of this crystal machine but did not suspect it existed still. And with the rest of the information Tozer has given me, I think I can achieve some results.”

“You can get us through to Castle Brass?”

“Oh, much more convenient than that, brother

within a short time I am fairly certain that I will bring Castle Brass back to us.”

Meliadus looked silently at Taragorm for a moment and then began to laugh. His laughter was so great then that it threatened to drown the noise of the clocks.

“At last! At last! Thank you, brother! Thank you, Master Tozer! Destiny is patently upon my side!”

Chapter Four

A Mission For Meliadus

IT WAS ON the following day, however, that Meliadus was summoned to King Huon’s Throne Room.