Ruler of the Realm

One hundred and ten

General Creerful bowed mutely as they entered the Situation Room. He nodded briefly to Pyrgus, ignored Mr Fogarty and Madame Cardui completely, and said, wooden-faced, to Blue, ‘Lord Hairstreak’s main forces are in retreat, Ma’am. There was some opposition, but we have now penetrated deeply into the Cretch and are approaching Yammeth City. I anticipate we will have captured it within hours.’

There was no protecting Yammeth City now, Blue saw at once. One of the largest globes showed the entire city from an elevated perspective. For a capital at war the place looked tranquil, its streets largely deserted. Until, that is, you looked towards the eastern sector where Nighter troops and engines of war were concentrated in vast numbers. Clearly her uncle still had not realised the demon forces in the desert were an illusion. It occurred to her suddenly that Beleth must have murdered Burgundy because he had found out.

She said bluntly, ‘We must withdraw.’

Creerful’s shock was palpable. ‘Withdraw, Majesty?’

‘Immediately.’

‘Queen Blue, the Faeries of the Night are at our mercy. We may never have this opportunity again.’

Blue said tiredly, ‘The Faeries of the Night are our cousins, not our enemy. Our real enemy has already been defeated.’ She glanced at the globe again. ‘Are we in communication with Lord Hairstreak?’

A wary look sprang into Creerful’s eyes. ‘No, Majesty.’

‘How long before we can contact him?’

‘Perhaps an hour with runners – the CC network is closed down. It will depend where he is.’

Madame Cardui asked quickly, ‘What’s happened to the CC network?’

General Creerful was joined by General Vanelke, who fielded the question: ‘We suspect sabotage. There have been several acts of rebellion by Faeries of the Night living in the capital. We’re working to repair the damage, but it may be some time before we’re operational again. Runners might be faster at this stage.’

Blue said, ‘Dispatch runners then, General. Coded message, of course. Inform my uncle of our withdrawal. Tell him his offer of an alliance is accepted.’