“They plan to invade Granbretan?” Meliadus was incredulous. “How many men have they? What is the size of their army?”

“Five hundred horsemen, my lord.”

Meliadus began to laugh.

Chapter Twelve

The New Queen

KALAN LED MELIADUS up the steps towards a throne now replacing the sinister Globe. On the throne sat Flana Mikosevaar in a jewelled heron mask, a crown upon her head, the robes of state upon her body. And before Flana Mikosevaar kneeled all those nobles loyal to her.

“Behold,” Meliadus said in a voice booming coarse and proud through the vast hall, “your new Queen. Under Queen Flana you will be greatgreater than you have dreamed. Under Queen Flana a new age will blooman age of laughing madness and roaring pleasure, the sort of pleasure we of Granbretan hold dear. The world shall be our toy!”

The ceremony progressed, with each noble in turn swearing his allegiance to Queen Flana. And when at length it was finished, Baron Meliadus spoke again. “Where is Adaz Promp, Chief Warlord of the Armies of Granbretan?”

Promp spoke up. “Here I am, my lord, and I thank you for the honour you do me.” This was the first time Meliadus had mentioned Promp’s rewardcommand over all other commanders, save Meliadus himself.

“Will you report how the rebels fare, Adaz Promp?”

“There are few left, my lord. Those Flies we have not swatted are dispersed and their Grand Constable, Jerek

Nankenseen, is dead. I slew him myself. Brenal Farnu and the few remaining Rats have bolted into holes somewhere in Sussex and will soon be flushed out. All others have united in their loyalty to Queen Flana.”

“That is satisfactory, Adaz Promp, and I am pleased. And what of Hawkmoon’s laughable force. Does it still progress towards us?”

“So our ornithopter scouts report, my lord. They will soon be ready to cross the Silver Bridge.”

Meliadus chuckled. “Let them cross. Let them come at least half the distance, then we shall wipe them out. Kalan, how do you manage with the machine?”

“It is almost ready, my lord.”

“Good. Now we must set off for Deau-Vere to welcome Hawkmoon and his friends. Come, my captains, come.”

And Meliadus was led back down the steps by Kalan and along the hall until he came to the great gatesthe gates guarded not by Mantis warriors, but by Wolves and Vultures. Meliadus regretted he could not see them and thus savour his triumph the more.

After the doors had closed behind him, Flana sat frozen on her throne and thought of D’Averc. She had tried to speak of him to Meliadus, but he had not heard her. Would he be killed? she wondered.