Tom turned towards his own forces. The queen was inspecting her warriors. The old woman rode in a carriage drawn by four white horses. A young girl, in a white dress, stood beside her with the War Shield of the Catti. Another held a sprig of holly.

The warriors beat their swords against their shields. The rattling spread down the ranks, reached the end of one line and bounced back along another: waxing and waning. The old woman went from clan to clan. Small children ran to greet her. They had garlands of leaves and other offerings. The sight filled Tom with horror. He found it incomprehensible that his men had brought their families with them. Their loved ones would be slaughtered or enslaved if Morgon carried the day.

The sound of the advancing troops sent shivers down his spine. They were so near he could hear the clink of their armour and the shouts of the battle marshals as they called their men into line. He waited as the old woman finished her inspection and mounted the bank.

She arrived with agonisingly slow steps.

'Is all prepared, Sky Warrior?'

'Aye, Majesty.'

'Has the challenge been issued?'

'Griffin is doing so now, Majesty.'

Tom clasped his sword and stared out over Baddon Plane. In the shrinking gap between the two armies, the solitary figure of the Chariot Master rode out to meet an advance party of Morgon's officers. Tom watched as Griffin dismounted. He was approached by one of Morgon's men. The man wore a helmet with a crimson plume. They exchanged salutes. A discussion followed. Tom waited then a signal from Griffin said he should proceed.

He climbed down from the bank and strode across the soggy ground. Thunder walked by his side and ten warriors of his personal guard followed. Each carried a large rectangular shield emblazoned with a double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Sky Warrior.

'Gods willing, it'll be like the last battle on Baddon Plane,' Thunder prodded Tom in the ribs. 'You'll kill the big bugger and it'll all be over ... quick smart.'

'Only if he takes up my challenge.'

Thunder lengthened his stride to keep up with Tom.

'If he doesn't, people will say he's scared and that will be very bad for his reputation.'

'It's not that simple.'

'It's very simple,' Thunder insisted. 'If Morgon refuses, your reputation is enhanced. If he accepts, you've got a chance to kill him. The only thing you've got to worry about is that he might kill you because that would be very bad for your reputation.'




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