Ruler of the Realm

Eighty

‘Beleth?’ Fogarty echoed. ‘The King of Hell?’

‘Well, technically his title is Prince of Darkness, deeah, but yes, that Beleth.’

Fogarty shook his head, frowning. ‘The Hell portals are closed.’

‘There may be new ones. Blue says the demons have been planning an invasion.’

‘How does Blue know what the demons are planning?’ Fogarty asked.

Madame Cardui stared at him, then shook her head impatiently. ‘I’m sorry, deeah. I forgot you were with the Forest Faerie when Blue came round. Blue was kidnapped by the demons using Henry as their agent.’

‘Good God!’ Fogarty exclaimed. He did a double take. ‘Using Henry ?’

‘They implanted him. We’ve just had it removed. I’ll tell you the whole story when we have more time,’ Madame Cardui promised. ‘Just now, the important thing is Blue has information about a possible demon invasion. I’m worried this might be it. If Beleth’s troops join up with the Faeries of the Night, we’re finished.’

‘I take your point,’ Fogarty said. He leaned forward to peer into the crystal ball again. ‘But are you sure those dots are demons?’

‘No, of course not. That’s why I’ve sent Pyrgus to find out.’

‘You sent Pyrgus?’

‘Yes.’

Fogarty blinked. ‘Bit dangerous if you happen to be right.’

‘He was close and I can trust him. This is no time for niceties – we’re at war and I need to know what we’re facing. Besides, Nymphalis is with him: next to Kitterick I don’t know anyone who could protect him better.’

Fogarty tore his eyes away from the scene in the globe. ‘Does Blue know?’

Madame Cardui withdrew her hands and the globe sank back down into the recess in her desk. ‘About Pyrgus? Yes, she was with me when I sent him.’

‘Where is Blue anyway? Shouldn’t the Queen be running her own war?’

‘She certainly agrees with you on that,’ Madame Cardui said. ‘She was in the Situation Room until she came close to collapse. I finally bullied her into taking a rest – she’s still recovering from the effects of demon poisoning. But I expect she’ll be back before long.’

‘But she knows about these demons, does she?’ Fogarty waved his hand towards the globe.

‘Assuming they really are the demons,’ Madame Cardui sighed, ‘and not a figment of an old woman’s imagination. No, she doesn’t and I don’t plan to worry her until we know for sure.’

‘Maybe we -’ Fogarty began, but was interrupted by a thunderous knocking at the door.

‘Oh, dear, what now?’ Madame Cardui sighed. She walked across and thumbed the security lock.

A florid-faced General Creerful was standing with his hand raised to knock again. He ignored Madame Cardui completely.

‘Gatekeeper, Lord Hairstreak’s at the palace gates. He demands to see Queen Blue.’