William James sat on one of his many thrones in one of his many castles, scowling at his own reflection in the Holy Grail. His arm twinged painfully again, and as he drank, his broken bones began to knit together.
‘Read me that last part again,’ he said.
Captain Aiken had found Professor Crickshaw locked up in the Capital Prison. He was in there for some crime or other that William cared far less about than his ability to translate Ancient Greek.
‘Of course, sire,’ said Crickshaw, with a nod. ‘“The Golden Unicorn, the Minotaur and the Griffin will be born again as children of humanity. Only these three united in common purpose can fell him who seeks to triumph over all.”’
‘Hear that, Captain?’ shouted William.
Captain Aiken baulked a little. ‘Yes, sire.’
‘The Northern Kingdom is to be scoured, do you hear me, scoured! And double the guards on all borders! You will find these freaks of legend and you will bring them to me!’
‘Yes, sire. And what do you want done with this one?’ Aiken shoved forward a woman in handcuffs.
William stared for a moment, then smiled. ‘Ah yes,’ he said. ‘Kelly Swift’s mother – you may be quite useful.’
Hannah stifled a sob.
‘Don’t be upset!’ said William. ‘You just need to tell me everything you can about this Golden Unicorn of yours.’
To be continued …