THE LIGHT IN THE NORTH

CHAPTER 17 - Until It Gets Dangerous

Ace had been blithely happy when he went to bed, and like Will, he was completely exhausted and had fallen asleep right away. He woke long before it was light, and he lay there in the silent hut, wondering what had woken him. Then he heard a slight noise, like someone scratching on the window. Perhaps it was later than he thought… it might be Ross, or Kiefer, seeing if anyone was going training. Ace decided he might as well get up, now he was awake, but he was careful not to disturb the others. He dressed quickly and slipped outside. Then he froze.
“What do you want? I’ve got nothing to say to you.”
It was Blanche, and she looked different. Maybe it was the way she’d twisted her hair into plaits around her head… but she was still beautiful. Stone-cold beauty, with a heart of ice… maybe he was beginning to see her as she really was.
“Ace, please, I know you’re angry with me, but I can explain everything. Explaining doesn’t excuse, I know that, but please give me a chance. Five minutes?”
“Huh,” said Ace, “it’d have to be a pretty good explanation for such a bare-faced lie. Go on then, five minutes, and not a second longer.”
“Come into the forest, then,” said Blanche. “Then we won’t be disturbed.”


“Yes, I lied,” said Blanche. “And for that, you got into trouble, and got a cruel punishment, and I’m sorry. Is it true that you were whipped?”
“Yes,” said Ace. “They stripe your arms to show you’re in disgrace. It hurts. What of it?”
“I didn’t know the army did things like that,” she faltered.
“You thought we were soft, did you? Well, you’re wrong. This isn’t a game. The safety of the whole realm is in the army’s hands and it needs total dedication, so yes, the punishments are tough.”
“It’s all my fault. I’ve ruined your career, and I’m so sorry.”
“What? What d’you mean?”
“Oh Ace, you don’t seriously think they’ll ever make you an officer now? After being in detention twice? That’ll be on your record forever, it’ll always be held against you.”
“No, it won’t,” said Ace, wishing he didn’t sound so unsure. That couldn’t be true, could it? “That may be how Special Brigade operates, but the army’s not like that.”
Blanche shook her head pityingly.
“Why do you think so badly of Special Brigade? It’s not what you think. You think the army guards the realm, but it doesn’t. It’s a nice old tradition, that’s all. No-one takes it seriously! You of all people ought to be able to see how old-fashioned it is. You ought to come to Wielkopolska, and see what it’s like. The organisation, the quality of the people, the sheer commitment.”
“You must be joking! All they do is want to control everyone.”

Blanche’s answer surprised Ace very much.
“I know it looks like that,” she said, “but you don’t understand the politics. Not everyone wants us to cut ourselves off from humans. There are lots of young sprites who think like you do, you’d be surprised. If you care about contact as much as you say you do, you’d fight for it in the only way you’ve got a chance of succeeding – from inside Wielkopolska.”
“That’s not the only way.”
“You actually want a war? Pointless fighting… deaths, even? Believe me, Ace, the army has no chance of winning a war. I’ve seen the preparations. You have no chance.”
She sighed in frustration. Her five minutes were up, but Ace felt he ought to listen to this.
“If only you could see what a brilliant career you could have in Special Brigade,” she said. “It’s such a waste. This time next year, what will you be doing? Boring patrols? The jobs no-one else wants? Special Brigade would never waste talent like yours.”
“So that’s why you stole that paper and lied about it. Ruin my career, and you think I’ll be more likely to join your mob?”
“I was trying to make it easier for you to leave.”
“You’re wasting your breath. But just tell me one thing – why are they so keen for me to join them? I thought they wanted to kill me? What do they want, a public execution?”
Blanche laughed. It didn’t sound beautiful anymore, it just sounded annoying. Ace felt he’d rather have Clover in a bad mood any time.
“You’re very clever, Ace. You must know that if they still wanted to kill you, they could have done that by now? I could have done that by now, and you know it.”
Admitting to himself that that was true didn’t make Ace feel any better.
“So they’ve changed their minds? Why?”
“Because of a prophecy.”


Again, her answer wasn’t what Ace had been expecting.
“Go on,” he said cautiously.
“It came to the Chief Interpreter in a dream. Just before you were born, apparently. She saw you, at Envoy Mecsek’s trial, and knew you at once. She told the Premier, and when he heard that you were the one who would make or break the realm, he wanted you to join us, it’s as simple as that.”
“That’s crazy! How could I be in a prophecy? I don’t believe you.”
“It must seem hard to believe. I understand. But don’t you see, the point is that the Premier believes it. That’s why they want you on their side.”
Ace was so stunned he didn’t know what to say. And besides that, he felt frightened. This was all getting too much, and he wished that Will was there, with his sturdy common-sense, and preferably Gran too, who would know what all this mysterious stuff was about. He fought to concentrate, to focus on what mattered right now.
“OK,” he said. “OK, if that’s true, it makes sense. But how do I know it’s true? You do nothing but lie to me.”
“The Premier foresaw that you would feel like that. That’s why he sent me this, to give to you.”
She handed him a stiff white envelope. Inside it was a letter, with the seal of parliament embossed on it in scarlet and gold.

To Ace Moseley, it said, in neat, precise handwriting. I am reliably informed that a most illustrious destiny has been foretold for you. I extend to you a most cordial invitation to be my guest here at Wielkopolska. I would like to show you the excellent opportunities here at parliament, where one of your talents could be sure of making a real and lasting difference to the quality of life for all sprites.
I understand that you are at present pursuing a military career, and our most senior general informs me that, should you wish to honour Special Brigade with your choice, you would enter at the rank of lieutenant.
I hasten to add that your acceptance of this invitation commits you to nothing, and you will be free to leave at any time.
I hope very much that you will accept and I look forward to meeting you.

Vinco Salix viminalis Gennargentu
Premier.


“The Premier’s a willow?” said Ace.
“What?”
“That’s gross! How dare he be!”
“Ace, what are you talking about? Don’t you understand?”
“Yes, I do, actually,” said Ace. “Bribery. First, you tried to ruin me, to see if I’d run away to Special Brigade. No chance. Now, they’re trying to bribe me. Still no chance. Is that it? Can I go back to bed now?”
“You would be very foolish if you did,” said Blanche. “You really should accept the Premier’s invitation. Because if you don’t, General Huskvarna’s threats will come into force.”
Ace could feel the jaws of a trap tightening round him, but he tried not to show it.
“Threats? What can he threaten me with?”
“Oh, he’s not threatening you. Because of you, the death-warrants on the other Ally-makers were lifted. Refuse the invitation, and they come back into force. General Huskvarna instructs me to tell you that if you refuse to co-operate, he will personally make it his business to hunt down all six of them. Major Arley, the goblin, Clover and Dan, Phil Royden… oh yes, and Will, of course. All dead, within a year. He guarantees it.”
Ace’s shoulders sagged.
“All right,” he said quietly. “You win. What do I have to do?”


“We must be quick. Other people will be getting up soon. I’ll have to send a message that we’re coming, but it won’t take long. Come on!”
“Just you wait there a minute,” said Ace.
He crept back into the hut and for a moment just stood there looking down at Will. Then he took his shirt off and put Will’s on instead, picked up his hat from the top of the clothes box, fixed it on his head at the most jaunty angle, and went back outside.
He followed Blanche through the trees, expecting to go to Signals, but she went right past it and aimed for the generals’ houses. General Vandenesse? What on earth was going on?
“Please, wait here for me, I don’t want to disturb anyone so early, but this is just where the direction is perfect.”
So close to Gran… would he have time to run along there, and get back? No, probably not…he’d have to message, then. Soon, Ace was nearly hopping with frustration, because Gran was still asleep, and Will was, too. No matter how loudly and fiercely he thought, neither of them responded. She was coming back… he could see her hair… with seconds to spare, Ace was just about to try Major Inari, when Will woke up.
Will, no time! Tell Gran – General Vandenesse’s house!
He had to stop concentrating before Will could reply, but he felt sure he’d got through, that time.
“You will be such an honoured guest,” Blanche said sweetly. “Come on, let’s run!”


From the generals’ houses it was only yards into the Southern Forest. Blanche caught Ace’s hand as they ran, and for a moment he felt the old yearning return. If only he could make her see! There was still a chance, and he wasn’t going to give up, no matter how badly she’d behaved.
“Are we going to run all the way to Poland?” said Ace.
“I feel like I could run round the world,” said Blanche, “but no. There are some friends of mine, not far away. They will help us.”
Yes! thought Ace. Oh Gran, what a genius you are…

He knew where they were going now, and it was going to be a hard journey, jumping all that way on his own. No unison today, no team… it made him feel lonely, but it had to be done. So he pretended not to know where they were going, gritted his teeth and got on with it.


Will’s shock at finding Ace gone had been quickly allayed by that hurried message, but there was still a lot to worry about. He had a horrible feeling that Ace was heading into danger with his eyes wide open, and he hoped Gran would know what was going on. Begging Wayne to do his canteen work for him, Will raced off to find the general, and met him half way.
“I was just coming to find you,” said Gran, looking a bit worried but not surprised. “Have you heard from Ace since he left?”
“Five words. He was in a hurry. ‘Tell Gran, General Vandenesse’s house’.”
“What?” Gran stopped in his tracks. “It can’t be! Can it? That clot probably can’t do Poland himself, never mind help anyone else… er, you didn’t hear me say that, Will.”
“Say what, sir?”
“Good lad. This is going to need some thought. And some tact. I need to talk to the Commander. Where will you be this morning?”
“Combat training, with Sergeant Olt.”
“I may have to send for you. In the meantime, try not to worry. And whatever you do, I implore you not to go after Ace on your own, no matter what happens. I mean it, Will. If anything goes wrong, I have lots of different plans ready and waiting, but we’ll need you to find him. I can’t find him if I’ve lost you too, you understand?”
“Understood,” said Will. “What if he gets in touch again?”
“Message me at once, please, and direct – not to Signals. This is urgent. See you later!”


Gran jumped off and Will stood still, trying to pin-point exactly where Ace was. He was moving fairly fast, so he must be jumping. And he was moving east… more like south-east, actually, and he wasn’t that far away yet. Somewhere between the forest and the road to Otta. Then Will guessed where they were going, and shivered.


“Gia? We have our first clue, and it’s not Signals at all.”
Gran explained to the Commander exactly what Ace had said, and she was as puzzled as he was.
“He was in a hurry… waiting for her, perhaps? Outside the house, or in? I wonder if Viorne heard anything. I’ll go and talk to him, and ask him if we can have a look round his house. We must tread carefully, because this may not be the answer, it may just be a clue to the answer. It won’t be easy, as we don’t know what we’re looking for.”
“Then I think we ought to take Will. He knows how Ace thinks – if he spotted something, Will would spot it too.”
“That’s a good idea. Go and get him, Gran, while I speak to Viorne, and I’ll meet you there.”


General Vandenesse’s house looked just as Norwegian as all the other buildings from the outside, but inside, it was all France. There was a lot of furniture – making it seemed to be a hobby of the general’s – and although the quality of the workmanship was breathtaking, everything looked very fragile. All the tables had thin, spindly legs and their highly-polished tops were covered in delicate ornaments. It wouldn’t be safe to let Dale in here, thought Will, looking around in bewilderment. What on earth had Blanche wanted in here? He didn’t know if Ace had come inside or not, but he prowled around anyway, searching for anything odd.
The general and the commander were discussing messaging, trying it out for themselves, seeing if for some reason this was a good position, but they didn’t seem to be finding anything special about it. Will left the over-crowded sitting room and went into the kitchen. Here, there were cupboards, and cupboards were good for hiding things in. He opened a few doors, seeing nothing but normal kitchen things, jugs and cups and spoons, but then, behind a fancy coffee percolator, he saw something very out of place indeed.
“Aha…”
Gran was at his side in an instant.
“A battery… what on earth’s that it’s connected to?”
“That,” said Will, “is a mobile phone charger.”
“What! So that’s how she did it! And all this time, I’ve been suspecting Signals, and all this time it’s been that incompetent… no. No-one’s that stupid. This is malicious, it’s got to be. I knew he’d be bad, but I never thought he’d be this bad.”
“Gran, if you say, ‘I told you so’, I may have to strangle you,” said the Commander.
“Strangle, that’s a good idea. I’ll go and find him and strangle him.”
“I think I’d better tell Inula to get him. For his own safety. Calm down, Gran, because it’s clear now what’s been happening. What we must do now is question him and find out everything he knows. He’s a problem, but dealing with that can wait. Right now, all that matters is being ready to give Ace any help he needs.”
Will had no fault to find with that.


The Commander told Will that she was going to summon all the generals to the conference room, and she wanted him to be there too.
“You’ll be there as an expert witness,” she explained. “I’d like you to listen carefully, and if General Vandenesse says anything about the phone that you know to be wrong, or if you want to ask anything, pass me a note and I’ll do the talking. I want to get his co-operation, and the general has a strong sense of personal dignity, and would object to being questioned by a recruit.”
“I understand,” said Will. “I’ll be very quiet and respectful.”


He had to wait around for a long time, while the other generals were summoned. As General Stalden was at Stavang, this took quite a while. Will used the time to focus with all his might on where Ace was. It made him unhappy to think of Ace having to do that long journey on his own, so he poured out all the strength he could to help him. He had no idea if that kind of one-sided pooling would work at a distance, but it was worth a try.


Finally, they all arrived, looking very serious. They took their places around the table, and Will took a seat by the wall out of the way.
“General Vandenesse,” said the Commander, “this is not a trial. You are not under arrest for the possession of illegal technology. I’m not interested in that. What I am interested in is why this was found in your house.”
“Oh, it’s not mine,” said the general, rather as if that solved everything. “I just look after it, as a favour to someone.”
“I’m afraid you’re going to have to tell us who.”
“Oh, I don’t think he’d mind, it’s Envoy Yantra. You see, he wanted to keep in touch with one of the recruits. She’s an old friend of his, he’d watched her growing up, and he’s so fond of her.”
“And which recruit was that?”
“The pretty frost fairy, Blanche Hakarp.”
“Hakarp, yes. Which is in Sweden. How do you suppose Envoy Yantra – who is from Bulgaria – watched her growing up in Sweden?”
“Bulgaria, really? I didn’t know that. Oh well, I suppose one of them must have changed colonies.”
Even General Saal was shaking his head. Gran had his fists clenched and a vein was throbbing at the side of his head.
“So presumably there is a phone to go with this charger? Where is it now?”
“I expect Blanche has taken it. She does, sometimes. You don’t have to leave it in the charger all the time. If it’s been in there for a long time, you can take it away with you and it works for ages.”
The Commander glanced at Will, and he nodded, to show that this was correct.
“You say she takes it away sometimes – does that mean that usually, she uses it in your house?”
“That’s right,” said General Vandenesse. “She comes at night, so the other recruits won’t see her. Technically, it’s illegal, but it’s different for a member of parliament.”
“Is it?” said General Stalden. “I don’t see why. One law for them, and one for everybody else? You condone this?”
“Er… well, now you mention it, it does seem rather unfair.”
“So she’s been keeping in touch with parliament the whole time she’s been here!” exclaimed General Széchenyi. “How often?”
“At least once a week,” said General Vandenesse, sounding a little more worried now. “Sometimes more often.”
“Did you overhear any of the conversations?” asked Gran, in a deadly quiet voice.
“No, I was in another room. I could hear her, but not the actual words, if you know what I mean. Why are you so concerned? It doesn’t do any harm, does it?”
“Doesn’t do any harm!” Gran exploded. He brought his fist down on the table with a great bang, but then controlled himself. “I beg your pardon, Commander.”
“Go ahead, Gran,” she said vehemently. “You’ll say it much better than I could.”
“The harm, Viorne, started when you accepted a position that you should have known was beyond you,” said Gran forcefully. “You couldn’t even see that you were being used! Keep in touch with his dear little friend, Blanche – for goodness’ sake, how likely was that to be true? Yantra? And someone from Hakarp? As soon as we found out that Blanche was from Hakarp, I came to you, I told you all about why we were suspicious – and STILL you didn’t get it! You never even thought to tell me about this phone! Well, I’m sorry, Viorne, but I am accusing you of deliberate treachery. I think you must be a really good actor, pretending to be so stupid. But no-one’s that stupid.”
“I’m not stupid! How dare you be so rude? I just haven’t got a suspicious mind like you, that’s all!”
“Special Brigade planted her here, for one reason – to destroy Ace Moseley, in one way or another. Well, now she has gone, and Ace has gone with her. If we lose him, it’ll be your fault.”
“Is that it? That’s the sum total of your alleged harm? The loss of one idiotic recruit, whose bad behaviour is matched only by his arrogance? He’s only just out of detention, and that was for stealing a paper of yours!”
“That was because he chose not to disclose the evidence that would have cleared him,” said the Commander sharply. “It’s not your place to pass judgement on the victim of this wicked plot you helped with.”
“He’s no loss, I tell you!”
“Is that what you really think?” said Gran. “I’ll tell you something, Viorne, there’s only one other elf in this room that I trust as much as I trust Ace Moseley, and it isn’t you.”
“Quite,” said the Commander. “I think we have heard all we need.”
“I agree,” said General Széchenyi. “The only question is, do we punish accidental treachery through stupidity as harshly as deliberate treachery through malice?”
“Yes,” said Gran.
“Yes,” said General Saal. “It’s hard, but if you let people off because they couldn’t help it, you make it easier for people to go bad on purpose.”
“Nella?”
“In this case, yes,” said General Stalden. “At this rank, we should accept full responsibility for the consequences of our actions, intended or not.”
“General Vandenesse, you are now under arrest for treachery, and you will serve two weeks in detention. After that, we will consider your future. Before you go, is there anything you would like to say? If you can remember anything now that would help us, it would count in your favour.”
“Detention? Gia, you can’t be serious! This is ridiculous, preposterous!”
“Is that all you have to say? In future, you will address me as Commander. General Saal, please escort General Vandenesse to the detention cells.”


When they’d gone, the Commander leaned back in her chair and gave a great sigh. Then she smiled at Will.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “I don’t really think we’re in any danger of losing Ace – though no thanks to that one! I am sure he will come back to us. What exactly did you tell him, Gran?”
“Well, they weren’t orders,” said Gran. “Wouldn’t order anyone to take that much of a risk. But I did suggest playing along, until it gets dangerous, to find out exactly who wants him, and why, and what else they’re up to.”
“You do know, don’t you, sir, that even now he’s still hoping to make her see sense and come back?”
“I thought as much,” said Gran. “He can’t help it. It’s just sycamore optimism. I don’t think he’s got much chance, though. We won’t see her again. But Ace will come back, I’m certain of it.”
“So am I,” said Will staunchly.
“And I will be there to shake his hand,” said the Commander. “I hated having to punish him like that, but as General Herdalen pointed out, it was necessary to convince Blanche that she’d succeeded, so she would move on to the next stage of her plan. And now, Will, would you excuse us, while we discuss what to do about General Vandenesse?”
“Of course, ma’am.”

Will smiled at them all and got up to leave. In some ways, he felt relieved. He knew now exactly what Gran had told Ace to do, and that was good. It was just the ‘until it gets dangerous’ bit that still worried him. Would Ace realise soon enough when that moment had come?


Out in the rough country north of the Otta road, Ace was making good progress. Blanche was flitting from rock to rock like a butterfly, always ahead of him, always out of reach. Maybe she thought she was helping, by luring him on, but she wasn’t. Ace still felt sorry for her and wanted to help her, but he could see past the beautiful façade now and the allure was fading. All the same, the journey was proving to be easier than he’d expected. The memory of coming this way with his closest friends was very cheering, and so was the excitement of wondering what dangers lay ahead of him. Most of all, he could sense that Will was helping him, and the sympathy behind that was almost as good as the help itself.

When they finally reached the road and crossed over to the lake, Ace sank down to his knees at the lakeside, scooping up water with his hands. He was aching badly. He didn’t want to show it, but on the other hand, he didn’t want to arrive in a dangerous place feeling too exhausted to move fast, so he told Blanche firmly that he needed a rest. He lay on the grass on his back with his eyes closed, so she’d leave him in peace, and lost no time in getting through to Will.
Thanks for the help, it was great.
It worked? Oh, excellent! How far have you got, somewhere near the road?
Just passed it. At the lake now, just resting for a bit.
Good. Gran was very puzzled by your clue, but we’ve solved the mystery. She was using his house – with his permission – as a place to use a mobile phone.
So that was it! Not Signals at all… is General Vandenesse in big trouble then?
I’ll say. He’s in detention.
Ha! Good. Serves him right.
Listen, Ace, Gran’s told me not to come after you – says he’s got plans – but if you need me, tell me. Tell me straight away.
If things were that bad, he’d probably come with you.
That’s true – oh well, keep in touch, and good luck!

Immensely cheered, Ace said he was ready to get going again, and asked Blanche how far she was hoping to get today. She didn’t answer him directly, but she did say that she thought they ought to keep to the road for a while. Ace said in that case, he was going to hitch a lift, and then she had to tell him where to get off. Hearing that it was Lom only confirmed his suspicions that they were heading for Special Brigade’s camp.
After Lom, they returned to open country, and Ace went more slowly. He told Blanche he was tired, but really he was memorising the route and conserving his energy. They crossed the lowest slopes of the high mountains just as dusk was falling, and that was the absolute limit of the area Ace knew. He felt as if he was entering enemy territory now, and all his senses were alert. Blanche led him further and further east, and even though it was getting dark, he could see where he was going because she still seemed to cast a pool of light around her. When the land began to dip towards a lake, she stopped, came close up to Ace, stroked his face and smiled.
“Below us, by the lake, is a place where we can spend the night,” said Blanche. “It’s the HQ of the new Renegades Unit. They might be quite rough; it’s a punishment, being sent to that unit. I just wanted to say, please don’t judge all of us by the worst of us.”
“Fair enough,” said Ace. “I wouldn’t want the army judged by Gromwell. And it’s only for one night, isn’t it?”
“Oh, yes,” said Blanche. “And tomorrow, they’ll help us on our way, I’m sure.”

Five miles south-east of Lom, on the western shore of a small lake. HQ of a new unit called Renegades. ETA ten minutes.
Got that, Ace. I’ll tell Gran.


Back at Fjaerland, scarcely any work was being done. The news that a general was in detention had stunned everyone, and as usual, rumours were flying thick and fast. Will kept out of it as much as he could, wanting to concentrate on Ace’s messages, but when one of the first years asked him if it was true that General Vandenesse had murdered Ace, he knew he had to show a bit of responsibility.
With a guilty start, he remembered that he was still team leader, and that the team would be worried and no-one had told them anything.
“I’m sorry,” he said, when he’d got them all together. “You’ve had to wait so long for news.”
“It’s all right, Will,” said Clover. “You must be worried sick, and anyway, none of us believed the daft rumours that are going round. But if you’ve got time now, we are a bit desperate to know what’s happening.”
“Briefly,” said Will, “Blanche thinks she’s succeeded in what she came here to do – to get Ace to leave with her. Ace is acting under General Herdalen’s instructions, to play along until it gets dangerous, and find out as much as possible.”
“Until it gets dangerous?” said Clover. “Oh, Will…”
“I know,” said Will, “but he’s got loads more sense now than he used to have, after all we’ve been through. Don’t you think so?”
“ ’Course he has,” said Rose firmly. “And he’s very brave. I expect you wish you could have gone too, don’t you?”
“So much,” said Will. “But I can’t. I have to guide the rescue party if anything goes wrong. But there’s a bit more to it than that. Ace trusted me to look after the team for him, and I have to trust him too… trust that he can cope on his own when he has to.”

Others were gathering round, all of their friends and lots of first years too, sure that Will would know what was happening, and he told them all the same thing.
“Ace is doing a brave thing for the army,” said Fran, “and he needs your help. Don’t worry about the team for a moment. We’ll get on with everything we’re supposed to be doing, and set a good example.”
“That’s just what’s needed,” said Will. “The army is under attack tonight, and the best thing we can do is carry on as usual.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do,” said Maig. “Ace will come back. Everyone’s sure of that. But Blanche won’t. She’s torn a hole in our year, and we need to mend it.”
“We’ll stitch ourselves back together then,” said Phil. “It’s music time, we shouldn’t be in here, fretting, but outside. Whose turn is it?”
“Oh no,” said Droz, “I was hoping you’d all forgotten, and I’d get away with it!”
Everyone laughed, and the tension was lifting already.
“Mr. Zlatni,” said Betch with a bow, “I have heard Fran snoring, and believe me, that was sweet music compared to you torturing your violin, but tonight, there’s nothing I’d rather hear. Go get your fiddle, you old rogue.”
“OK,” grinned Droz. “You asked for it!”
“I’ll help!” shouted Camellia. “Everyone who plays the violin, come and help Droz!”
“Now you’re talking,” said Droz. “This is going to be a night to remember.”


So, instead of moping or worrying, everyone pulled together in defiance. When Captain Dolfawr arrived, late and breathless, he was pleased and astonished, not just by the band of violins on stage, but by the cheerful spirit. True, the music wasn’t the best, but there was plenty of witty banter going on between the performers and the audience, and everyone was having a great time.
Will was glad to see it too, and the way he was feeling right now, it almost moved him to tears to see everyone pulling together like that. But he couldn’t afford to be drawn in. He had other work to do, and he had to concentrate. So he pulled back to the edge of the crowd, watching happily but like someone looking in from the outside, until at last he heard from Ace. His heart was banging so hard in his chest. This was going to be the crucial part.
Got that, Ace. I’ll tell Gran.

Will closed his eyes, and kicked his concentration up a gear.
Gran, Ace says, ‘Five miles south-east of Lom, on the western shore of a small lake. HQ of a new unit called Renegades. ETA ten minutes’.
Thanks, Will. This is it, then. Meet me in Signals, will you?

Of course, thought Will, as he ran over to the Signals building. He has to stay in touch with all the people he’s got on standby. But surely he doesn’t want me inside? I’ll never hear Ace in there!


As Will knew now, the crackling green in the crystal pillar was organic, no less than a root of the Great Tree coming up through the earth from the very mountain itself. The life of the tree was the source of the power that sent and received messages all over the realm, hundreds and hundreds a day, dozens and dozens at the same time. Will didn’t expect for a moment that he’d be able to hear Ace in there. Their connection, special though it was, and so rare that its like hadn’t been seen for centuries, couldn’t compete against strength like that.
“The column will take the messages, won’t it?” Will said to Gran. “They’ll spin out to anyone in the room, just like they always do.”
“They might,” said Gran, “but with you two and messaging, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Major Inari tells me that if he’s outside, talking to someone on camp, and then walks in to Signals, the flow of contact is uninterrupted. I think that might work between you and Ace. Even better – and I know this is asking a lot, but I know you can do it – with enough concentration, messages and replies can be reflected from the column back out to everyone in the room.”
“No problem,” said Will. “If that’s what’s needed, that’s what I’ll do. I’ll go back outside and test it, then, before he gets there.”

Will rubbed his face with his hands, and calmed his mind. He thought of the Tree, and thought of Ace, then took a deep breath. Once he was through, he was going to have to hold the connection open, maybe for hours, and whether Ace was messaging or not. Here goes, he thought.

Ace, I’m testing the connection because of Signals, reply if you can.
’K, Will… why is it always impossible to think what to say when you’re testing?
Nursery rhyme, said Will. If you lose me, remember where you lost me. And I’ll do the same. Squirrel grey, squirrel red…
Nuts in belly, nuts in head, said Ace. You’re coming through loud and clear.
So are you, said Will, passing the door into the building. Hurt that bark and you’ll be dead…
Squirrel grey, squirrel red, said Ace. Are you in the pillar room yet?

Yes, said Will. That last line just came through to everybody. You should see the looks on their faces!
Good grief, said Ace, I’m glad you warned me. I’ll try not to use any of those expressive words you’ve taught me.
They heard that too, clot.
Can they hear you?
I don’t know, said Will. Hang on… Major Inari says, yes.
We’re nearly there, now.
Gran says keep talking as you go in… we have to make sure they haven’t put any clever blocks in place.
Magpie, magpie, hit him on the beak, said Ace. Then you jump behind him and give his tail a tweak.
Take it away, Ace. Send me everything you can, your words as well as theirs, it’ll help keep the contact open.


Ace followed Blanche into a wooden hut, not unlike the ones he was used to. It seemed to be some kind of mess, because there were plenty of benches and tables, and some elves were sitting around with an off-duty look about them. Some of them had beer glasses in their hands. They did look rough, some with dirty hair, some with unkempt uniforms, but they had the calmness that comes from confidence in your own massive strength, and Ace thought they looked pretty daunting.
When they saw Blanche, most of them got to their feet.
“As you were,” said Blanche crisply. “One of you go and get Major Diolkos, please.”
“Yes, Lieutenant.”
The one who looked the youngest ran off, and shortly afterwards an older elf came in, sturdy in build, with short bristly black hair. He had his chest thrown out as if to show his importance. He welcomed Ace warmly, and gave him a seat by the fire, but his attention was all on Blanche and they were soon talking in low voices. Ace strained his ears to listen, but all he could catch was ‘…must be tonight’.

Ten huts, various sizes. Seen eighteen elves, all off-duty. One of them called her lieutenant. I can understand what they’re saying, not sure how. The officer in charge, he’s called Major Diolkos. She’s talking to him now, they seem to know each other.

All Will had to do was keep concentrating, stay focused, and just be a channel. He could hardly move or react himself, but he could see Gran, sitting nearby at one of the back desks. The reaction on Gran’s face was clear. Shock, and surprise.


Blanche went outside then, and Major Diolkos drew up a chair opposite Ace. Ace remembered that Will had asked for his own words too, so he concentrated carefully.
“Let’s get one thing straight,” he said, speaking a little more slowly than he usually did. “I’m not here because I want to be. I’m here because your boss is threatening to kill people I care about. And if that’s not bullying, I don’t know what is.”
“Natural you should think like that at this stage,” said the major. “I just hope you’ll feel differently some day soon. Don’t you remember things from when you were young, that you didn’t want to do, but when you did them, you saw how good they were?”
“Yes,” said Ace, “that’s true, I suppose. And I don’t doubt that most of you want what’s best for the realm. I never have doubted that.”
“Good. You’ll see, I hope, that we’re trying to achieve things you actually want, only using methods far more likely to succeed. Would you like a drink? A glass of beer, perhaps?”
“I’d love a drink,” said Ace. “I’ve jumped a long way. But just lake water, and I’ll get it myself if that’s all right. I don’t trust you yet not to try and drug me – no offence.”
“None taken,” said the major. “I like your practical attitude. Here’s a cup. I’ll walk down with you, because I don’t trust you yet either, not to try to run away.”

Once outside, Ace got the feeling that the major was dashing out messages, because people on duty seemed to be scurrying around, moving tarpaulins and closing doors. But Ace was fast and observant.

Ammunition dump, more than you’d need for practice, he thought. Machinery – wooden, wheeled – still being made by the look of it. Catapults, booby traps… more troops – lots more – looks like only a quarter were off duty. They look a right load of thugs. Approaching the lake now.

“First Squadron, clear the air in Sector Three,” said Gran, and Poppy Rhaeadr instantly sent the message.
Will guessed that some warning had gone out to keep things clear tonight of non-urgent messages. Everyone was rapt with attention.

Ace drank a whole cupful of water in one draught, then re-filled the cup, sipping from it now as they walked back through the camp.

It’s not well-lit. Hard to spot. I suppose they have to be careful down here. There’s Blanche coming back, where’s she been? Using her phone somewhere? No, she’s over there? Oh, dear…
What’s the matter?
I can see two of her, and I feel very dizzy.

“What’ve you done? Poisoned the whole lake?”
“No,” laughed the major. “The drug was painted on the inside of the cup. Don’t worry, it’s only laudanum. It’ll keep you calm and help you to tell us the truth.”

“Damn!” said Gran. “Norway 1 advance north, top speed. Wait at rendezvous point one for further orders.”

I can handle it, said Ace. I think.


Ace pulled himself together and tried to walk without wobbling.
“I don’t know what you’re so worried about,” he said. “I don’t tell lies. She’s the one who tells lies. Just ask her!”
“Now, don’t be bitter,” said Blanche. “It’s just another weapon. Great news, Major! Tusenfryd is nearly here.”
“Very nice for you, after all this time.”
“I can’t wait. We’ll be leaving at dawn, and this time next week I’ll be a captain.”
“Very well-deserved. You’ve pulled off a great coup here.”
“What?” said Ace wuzzily. “You’re leaving? I thought you wanted to take me to Poland?”
“I’ll see you there,” said Blanche soothingly. “Dear me, you are dizzy, aren’t you? No, I’ll fly there, and you’ll be travelling with a special escort of elves. The Premier’s sending them to meet you here. They’ll help you to travel as fast as they do.”

Gran looked really alarmed at that, which worried Will very much.
“To Major Gourdon,” he called out, “supply antidote for laburnum sap to messenger. And get me a messenger to the hospital fast, and tell her to give the antidote to the surgeon flying with First Squadron. And can someone ask the Commander to come here, if she’s free?”
“I’m here, Gran. It’s OK. The situation is more serious than we thought, but you’ve got everything under control. Carry on.”
Will hadn’t realised the Commander was there either, but she’d just been listening quietly at the back.

Don’t want… said Ace. Bad method…
Gran looked even more worried now. It sounded like Ace was losing it.

Ace, hang on! thought Will desperately. Give me the dizziness!
Won’t work…
Yes, it will. The mental part will. Your legs will still be wobbly, but you can handle that once your mind’s clear.
But then you won’t… think…
Yes, I will. I haven’t got to do anything else, like move around. Stop arguing, Ace, and do it while you still can. It’s only pooling… now!

Will rocked on his feet as it hit him, and grabbed hold of the nearest support, which happened to be the top bar of a railing separating the desks from a walkway. Hanging on with both hands helped him force his mind to use every bit of concentration he had.

Crumbs, that’s better. Are you OK, Will?
Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.

Gran had got up and come to check he was all right. He smiled encouragingly.
“Tell him to keep pretending.”
Ace, Gran says keep pretending.
Well of course I’ll keep pretending, what does he think I am, stupid?
Ace, he can hear you, thought Will weakly, trying not to laugh.
“Will, that doesn’t matter,” said Gran earnestly. “Honestly. Don’t worry about that at all.”
“Antidote’s gone off, sir,” called someone.
“Good,” said Gran.


This must be Tusenfryd – that’s daisy, I think. Not much like Bella. More like Dan, only not so gentle.
You’re going to have to be very brave now, Ace. What d’you think she wants her best friend for? Remember now, she was always too good to be true.
I’m afraid you might be right. They’ve gone off together. Oh, this is awful!
I know. I understand. It was only ever a pretty picture, Ace, and you know now what it was masking. Think of all the nice fairies you know – ones that really do love you. They’re much prettier, really. What are you doing now?
Back in their mess, having a nice sit down with my eyes closed, on account of being so dizzy. Are you sure you’re all right?
Why, am I breaking up?
No.
Then I’m OK. All that matters right now is the contact.
The major’s coming back…

“So, Ace, how are you feeling?”
“Bit better now, thanks, sir. Not so wobbly. Feel quite peaceful, really. Bit puzzled, though.”
“What’s puzzling you? Let me see if I can help.”
“Well, why are you here? So close to the army? Aren’t you afraid they’ll spot you?”
“No, not really,” laughed the major. “They do have some good troops, I admit, but they’re not here at their HQ. All they have here are the very old and the very young – not much chance of them spotting us. Until the time comes, of course!”
“Time? What time?”
“Don’t worry about that, you’ll be long gone, and by then you’ll be glad about it. I mean, this is just the middle of nowhere, isn’t it?”
“No,” said Ace. “Actually, it’s not. You’re within twenty miles of one of the most important places on earth. Army HQ is here for a reason, you know. Or have you forgotten the Tree?”
“Oh, you really are a little innocent, aren’t you? There are lots of powerful trees, it doesn’t matter which one you use.”
“Use?” said Ace. “Use?”
Major Diolkos patted him on the shoulder.
“Don’t worry about it. You’ll learn. Look, here’s Lieutenant Hakarp coming back.”
Hang on tight, Ace, said Will.


Not a frost fairy at all… nothing soft or clinging about her now. All her shimmering white beauty had gone, and yet she didn’t look completely different. It wouldn’t have been so bad if she had, thought Ace miserably, finally acknowledging how badly he’d been taken in. On the same face, shorn of glamour, you didn’t notice beauty, but determination. This sensibly-dressed fairy had a knife at her belt, a brisk attitude and a look of disdain on her face, and Ace wondered now how he’d ever imagined he could get her to change her mind.

Ace, are you OK?
D’you remember that garden in Cheadle Hulme? The one that looked at us as if we all smelled? What flower was that fairy?
Er… tulip, I think, said Will.
Yes… that’s what she is. She isn’t a frost fairy at all. Just an ordinary white tulip.

Ace stared at Blanche, unsmiling, but trying very hard not to look shocked or surprised.
“Mmm, very good transforming,” he said lightly. “Is this really you now, or is it just Mark Two?”
“Mark Two? What are you talking about?”
“Oh, sorry, I forgot that none of you knows any technology. It means, the next trial version.”
“Oh, I see. Yes, this is what I really look like, so you’d better get used to it. What’s the matter? Changed your mind now, have you?”
“No,” said Ace. “I didn’t come with you because of your beauty. You know very well why I came. All I want from you now is the truth, for once. How do I know that my friends will live if I join you?”
“We’re not dishonourable,” said Major Diolkos. “If General Huskvarna has promised to let them live, then he will.”
“He hasn’t,” Ace pointed out. “He’s only promised to kill them if I don’t. That’s not the same thing, and I’m not going a step further until I get a guarantee of their safety.”
“You can ask him yourself when you see him,” said Blanche. “Or should I say, if you see him? Whether you ever get to see General Huskvarna depends on you. You asked for the truth, and now you’ll get it. You see, the Premier doesn’t just want you. He wants your twin as well. And he’s the only one who knows where you are. When he comes after you – and you know he will – he’ll walk right into a trap.”
“What if he doesn’t?”
“You’d better hope he does. Not everyone is as patient as the Premier, and I have other orders I could choose to follow. If Will isn’t here by dawn, you die. It’s as simple as that.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” said Ace. “You don’t seem to realise who you’re up against here. We sussed you out ages ago, Lieutenant Hakarp. D’you really think I would have come with you for any reason but to string you along? I know who you are and what you’re doing, I know why you want me and what this mob of thugs is doing on our patch. I know what the Premier’s keeping from Huskvarna and what Huskvarna’s keeping from the Premier, and I think that’ll do for now, so if you don’t mind, I think I’ll be getting back.”
“How dare you speak to me like that!”
“Oh, and that list you stole – all rubbish. We made all the names up one night over a glass of beer. So I’d forget that promotion if I were you, Lieutenant. Not going to happen.”
“This is it,” said Gran. “Norway 1, move, fast! Get down to the target area and surround it. First Squadron, take up final positions!”

“You’re making a big mistake, Ace. Those threats were real.”
“Oh, I daresay,” said Ace. “But making threats isn’t the same as succeeding. But even if it was – just get this, you dozy lot – d’you seriously think that any of them would want me to betray the army to save their lives? Crumbs, even Clover would laugh in your face, and as for Will, you really don’t want to hear the language he’d come out with. This is your last chance, Blanche, and I really hope you’ll take it. You joined the army, and no-one is ever kicked out. Come back with me. Leave these losers and learn to be a real soldier.”

Blanche didn’t even bother to answer, and Ace wasn’t really surprised. Once, she’d had an air of uncertainty, as if, deep beneath the lies, she might have had a good heart. Now, she looked as if she’d never had a moment’s uncertainty in her life. She drew her knife.
“Now, now, it’s not dawn yet,” said Ace.
“What’s the point waiting? He’s not coming, is he?”
“Nope,” said Ace.

There was an ominous lull in the messages then, and everyone in the Signals room knew that Ace was fighting for his life. Will was nearly passing out from the worry on top of the dizziness and the concentration, but someone – he thought it might actually have been the Commander – brought him a cup of coffee, and that revived him enough to carry on. Gran was sending out more orders, but Will just focused on Ace, sensing what he was doing by his movements and by stray thoughts.
Why’s he fighting a whole roomful of them? He’s going to get killed!

Ace kept circling as he fought, fending them all off, lashing out so fast that no-one could get in close to deliver a killing blow. To do that, he had to take blow after blow to his arms and hands, and he still wasn’t quite steady on his feet.

Will poured out all his last drops of strength to help Ace fight. He just hoped it would be enough. Surely Norway 1 would be there by now?

Suddenly, with a noise like thunder, the roof was torn away, and a dozen elves jumped into the hut, knives drawn. At once they started to beat back the major’s unit. Ace disarmed Blanche, then gave her a right hook to the jaw and knocked her out cold.
“Sorry, Blanche,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun, but I have to go now. Lieutenant Bessheim! Nice of you to drop in.”
“Hi, Ace,” grinned the lieutenant, giving the major a crippling hand blow that made him drop his knife. “Ready to go? We’d better move before reinforcements arrive.”
“Ready when you are.”
“Together, everyone – jump!”

They soared over the tottering wall and streaked away into the darkness. As they cleared the perimeter of the base, Ace saw a large squadron of army fairies coming in to attack, armed to pelt, and he knew that their job was to deal with any attempt at pursuit. Once they were a couple of miles clear, they stopped.
“Cracking rescue,” said Ace. “Thanks a lot.”
“Glad to help. The cheek of it, setting up a base right on my doorstep! Who’s got the bandages?”
Ace had his arms and hands bandaged, then the lieutenant messaged formally back to Signals himself.

Major Inari called out the words so that everyone in the room could hear.
“Lieutenant Bessheim to General Herdalen: Mission accomplished. On our way home.”
The whole room erupted in cheers and clapping.
Gran stood up with a great smile on his face, and thanked the Signals team for their work, and then Pice Inari took over, organising things so that ordinary messages could get through again. Gran had a quick word with the Commander, then came to Will.
“Well done,” he said.
Will shook his head, even more dizzy now from the relief that was flooding through him.
“Wasn’t he brave!”
“I’ll say. And he’s not the only one. Are you all right?”
“Couldn’t be better. No more fake frost fairies!”
“Fake… that’s a point.” With a look of dawning comprehension, Gran flicked through some papers on the desk. “Yes, here it is. Message from Bjørk, copy of the register of births. She was born on 10th June! I should have spotted that.”
“I see,” said Will. “That’s why she told the truth about her name? So you wouldn’t look too closely at the other details, and spot that she couldn’t really be a frost fairy at all.”
“Very devious,” said Gran. “I’m impressed.”
“Good job you’re even more devious, then,” smiled Will.


Will was so exhausted he didn’t even remember getting into bed, and never heard the others coming in, but he woke quite early, and sensed at once that Ace was getting close. He got up quickly, washed and dressed, and when they saw him, Fran, Betch and Peter did the same. It was clear that the news had gone round late last night.
“I see now, all this weird stuff that’s been happening is just General Herdalen having a cunning plan,” said Betch.
“It usually is,” grinned Will.
“I’ll go and give the others a shout,” said Fran. “The whole team ought to be there.”
“You’ll have to shout very loud to wake Clover.”


Will was astonished to see how many people were up so early, and all heading towards the Western Gatehouse. They weren’t just recruits, either. Gran was there, looking tired but triumphant, as well as all the sergeants and even the Commander. Ace was moving very slowly now, but it was steady, and he was very nearly here. Will, near the front with the team, saw him first, then saw Norway 1 stop and hold back. They were giving him the honour of entering on his own.
Ace saw his team waiting for him. His face lit up and he rushed through the gate, and only then did he see the size of the crowd. A huge cheer went up, and Ace stood there looking quite stunned. He stopped grinning, and for a moment he looked as if he was going to break down. Anyone could see what a hard time he’d had. He’d lost his glow, and looked very pale, his arms were heavily bandaged and he was limping badly. But despite all that, he rallied, and waved to acknowledge all the cheers.
“Thank you,” he said. “Thank you all so much. What a lovely welcome home. But you’re cheering the wrong person. I may be copying someone here, but here goes.”
He walked up to Gran and saluted shakily.
“All done, sir,” he said. “Your victory, General.”
“Thank you, Ace,” said Gran, sounding a bit shaky himself. “I’m so glad to see you back safe. Lieutenant Bessheim, welcome home to you too, splendid work, all of you.”

Then the Commander stepped forward.
“I’ll talk to you later, Ace,” she said, “but I want everyone here to know how very proud I am of you. Your exemplary courage is fast becoming legendary. But first, you had better go to the hospital, I think.”
“Oh, I’m not that bad, ma’am, it’s only patching up!” said Ace.
Major Gourdon stepped forward and held out his hand.
“Come on, Ace,” he said with a smile. “Goat’s milk…”
“Hospital it is, then,” said Ace. “Can my team come too? Sorry, I mean, Will’s team?”
“I think it’s your team again now, Ace,” said Will. “Isn’t it, ma’am?”
“Certainly, Will, if you wish to step aside, I have absolutely no problem with that at all.”
“Thank you,” said Ace. His words were for the Commander, but his eyes were on Will. “Come on, then… goat’s milk for breakfast!”

“He’s amazing,” said Fran, bringing up the rear with Betch.
“I know,” said Betch. “And he didn’t even lose his hat.”