Meliadus rubbed at his mask. “There are detachments of Wolves, Vultures and even Ferrets on the mainland. Perhaps if they were recalled…”

“Would there be time, sir?”

“Well, we should have to make time, captain.”

“Aye, sir.”

“Offer all prisoners a change of mask,” Meliadus suggested. “They can see that we are winning and might wish to join a new Order.”

Beli saluted. “King Huon’s palace is superbly defended, sir.”

“And it will be superbly taken, captain, I am sure.”

The music of Johne continued and the firing continued and Meliadus felt sure that all was going perfectly. It would take time to capture the palace, but he was confident that it would be taken, Huon destroyed, Flana put in his place and Meliadus the most powerful man in the land.

He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was nearing eleven o’clock. He got up and clapped his hands, silencing the girls. “Fetch my litter,” he ordered. “I journey to the Palace of Time.”

The same four girls returned with his litter and he climbed in to sink among the cushions.

As they moved slowly along the corridors, Meliadus could still hear the music of the flame cannon, the shouts of men in conflict. Admittedly victory had not yet been accomplished and even if he slew King Huon there might be barons who would not accept Flana as Queen Empress. He would need a few months in which to consolidatebut it would help if he could unite them all into turning then: hatred against the Kamarg and Castle Brass.

“Hurry,” he called to the naked girls. “Faster! We must not be late!”

If Taragorm’s machine worked, then he would have the double advantage of being able to reach his enemies and unite his nation.

Meliadus sighed with pleasure. Everything was working so perfectly.

BOOK THREE

And now the resolution was imminent. The Heroes of the Kamarg plotted in Castle BrassBaron Meliadus plotted in Taragorm’s Palace of Timethe King Emperor Huon plotted in his Throne Roomand all the plots that were made began to influence each other. The Runestaff, too, centrepiece of the drama, was beginning to exert its influence upon the players. And now the Dark Empire was divideddivided because of Meliadus’s hatred of Hawkmoon whom he had planned to use as his puppet but who had been strong enough to turn against him. Perhaps it was thenwhen Meliadus had chosen Hawkmoon to use against Castle Brassthat the Runestaff had made its first move. It was a tightly woven dramaso tightly woven that certain threads were close to snapping . ..

The High History of the Runestaff

Chapter One

The Striking of The Clock

THERE WAS A chill in the air. Hawkmoon drew his heavy cloak about him and turned his sombre head to regard his comrades. Each face looked at the table. The fire in the hall was burning low, but the objects on the table could be clearly seen.