‘Imported from Germany,’ Pascal says in a gentle voice, ‘and named after a snake, a lancehead.’
‘Spearhead,’ Gideon says. ‘The German translates tospearhead.’
‘Whatever,’ Pascal says. ‘She’s using them against her enemy dragons. They’re being set up right now, along the coast.’
‘TheBolgorithsare using them,’ I correct him. ‘They’re in control of Wyvernmire and her government now. And if you don’t let us go, they’ll kill the rebels and seize the whole of the United Kingdom.’
‘How do you reckon you’ll be getting your hands on these guns?’ Marquis snorts.
‘There’s a stash hidden behind the sand dunes near our camp,’ Jasper says.
‘Have any of you ever been trained to shoot a dragon from the sky?’ I say coldly. ‘The Bolgoriths are stronger than British dragons. That’s why the poison pouches don’t kill them. Even with a hundred Speerspitzes, they’ll still be the predator and you the prey.’ I glare at Jasper. ‘Krasimir is like a rabid dog. If you don’t give up on this ridiculous idea, you’ll have children’s blood on your hands. Philippa’s blood.’
His expression darkens.
‘Go to Sanday,’ I say. ‘Beg Ruth to take you in. You’ll be safe there.’
‘And risk getting shot by a crossbow?’ Freddie says.
‘Better than getting mauled by a dragon, you great prat.’
In one swift movement, Roy grabs Marquis by the throat. I jump from my seat as they stand nose to nose, Roy’s shirt caught in Marquis’s fist.
‘Go on, then,’ Marquis snarls. ‘Let’s see what you’ve got.’
I take a step towards Roy and a hand grabs my sleeve.
‘Don’t,’ Gideon warns me.
Roy presses his face up against Marquis’s, his eyes bulging.
‘Not this one, Roy,’ Freddie says slowly.
Roy’s lip curls and for a minute I think he isn’t going to listen. But then he lets Marquis go. Neither boy lowers his eyes.
‘Send a group for the Speerspitzes in the dunes, if you must,’ I say quietly as I sit back down. ‘And then go to Sanday. Ruth has the best view of the island. You’ll be able to shoot whatever you want from there.’
A shadow falls across the pews as a dragon flies over the church. Everyone tenses. When the light bursts back in, we wait in silence to be sure it isn’t about to return.
‘That’s if you make it that far,’ Marquis mutters.
‘Why should we let you go?’ Freddie says.
I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. ‘You heard us arguing in the graveyard, didn’t you? We’re part of a rebel military operation against the Bolgoriths, and if you don’t let us get on with it, I promise you, not all the Speerspitzes in the world will save you.’
Freddie stares at me, then nods.
‘Where will you go?’ Jasper asks.
‘To find Chumana.’
And Atlas, I add silently. He’s not in the fields around the church and when we traipse back through the forest, there’s nothing among the trees but a salty breeze.
‘I reckon they’re all barking mad,’ Marquis says, rubbing the spot where Freddie punched him.
‘That Roy certainly is,’ Serena mutters. ‘Do you think they’ll go to Sanday?’
‘Probably. Jasper lost his pig-headed nerve when Viv mentioned Philippa,’ Marquis replies. ‘Where the hell is Atlas?’
