Shaking with triumphant laughter Meliadus drew back his great broadsword and struck at the Throne Globe. He felt a shock run the length of his body as the blade crashed into the globe. There was a white explosion, a wailing cry, a sound of shards falling to the floor and the splattering of fluid against Meliadus’s body.

He blinked his eyes, expecting to look down upon the

twisted, tiny frame of his slain King Emperor. He says nothing but deep blackness.

His laughter changed to a scream of terror.

“By Huon’s Teeth! I AM BLIND!”

Chapter Ten

The Heroes Ride Out

“THE FORT BURNS well,” said Oladahn, turning back in his saddle to look for the last time upon the garrison. It had contained a force of Rat infantry but now not one lived save the commander who would take his time in dying for the citizens of the town had crucified him on the scaffold where he had crucified so many of their husbands, wives and children.

Six mirror helms now looked forward to the horizon as Hawkmoon, Yisselda, Count Brass, D’Averc, Oladahn and Bowgentle rode away from the town at the head of five hundred Kamargian name lancers.

Their first encounter since leaving Kamarg had been a complete victory. With surprise on their side they had wiped out the skeleton garrison in less than half an hour.

Feeling little elation, but with no sense of exhaustion, Hawkmoon led his comrades on towards the next town where they had heard they might find more Granbretanians to kill.

But then he reined his horse as he saw a rider galloping towards them and realised that it was Orland Fank, his battle-axe bouncing on his brawny back.

“Greetings, friends! I have some news for youan explanation. The beasts have fallen upon each other. There is civil war in Granbretan. Londra itself is the

main battleground with Baron Meliadus in arms against King Huon. Thousands have been slain so far.”

“So that is why there are so few here,” Hawkmoon said, removing his mirror helm and wiping his forehead with a silken kerchief. He had worn armour rarely in the past months and he had not yet got used to the discomfort. “They have all been recalled to defend King Huon.”

“Or to fight with Meliadus. It is to our advantage, don’t you think?”

“I do,” Count Brass broke in gruffly, his voice more excited than usual, “for that means they are killing each other and improving the odds a little in our favour. While they battle, we move swiftly to the Silver Bridge, crossing it and reaching the very shores of Granbretan herself! Luck is with us, Master Fank.”

“Luckor fateor destiny,” Fank said lightly, “call it what you will.”

“Then had we best not ride swiftly to the sea?” Yisselda said.

“Aye,” Hawkmoon said. “Swiftlyto take advantage of their confusion.”