One hundred and one

As the flyer swooped low over Yammeth City, Nymph said suddenly, ‘Look over to the east.’

Pyrgus glanced in the direction of her pointing finger. Below them tens of thousands of Nighter troops were streaming through the city, accompanied by heavy ordnance. He had never seen so many soldiers together at one time in his entire life. He felt his spirits sink.

‘I hope our men can hold back that lot.’

‘They’re moving in the wrong direction,’ Nymph said.

Pyrgus blinked. Woodfordi moved out of his seat and stood behind him to look over his shoulder. After a moment, Pyrgus said, ‘You’re right.’ The forces were pouring out of their city gate into the Eastern Desert. He turned round, frowning. ‘What’s that all about? Are they retreating from our troops?’

‘Does that look like a retreat?’ Nymph asked.

It didn’t look anything like a retreat. The men were marching in good order with no sign of casualties at all.

Pyrgus said thoughtfully, ‘Maybe Uncle Hairstreak’s joining up with Beleth’s army.’

‘Beleth’s army doesn’t exist,’ Nymph said.

‘He may not know that.’

‘Unlikely,’ Nymph said shortly.

Pyrgus glowered at her. ‘All right, what do you think’s happening, smart boots?’

Nymph shrugged annoyingly and turned away. ‘I don’t know.’

To Woodfordi, Pyrgus said, ‘I don’t suppose you’re back in contact with your network yet?’

‘Afraid not, sir. Should have been by now, but I’m not and that’s the fact of it. I think the Communications Angel must be sick.’ He craned round Pyrgus’s head to get a better view of the city below. Almost every street was full of men now, marching like ants towards the eastern gate. ‘Why do you ask, sir?’

‘Because the sooner the palace knows about this the better.’

‘Your people will already know about it,’ Nymph said. ‘From their Generals.’ She sat down and added, ‘Since Lord Hairstreak is obviously disengaging.’

‘Why would he be disengaging?’ Pyrgus asked belligerently.

‘I don’t know that either.’

‘The palace still needs to be told as soon as possible,’ Pyrgus muttered.

‘We’ll soon be back there anyway,’ Woodfordi said in a conciliatory tone.

Pyrgus wheeled the craft around and increased speed to maximum, ignoring the spell-driven voice that claimed it wasn’t safe.