‘You’ve done what!’ Cracky shouted at Oldfart, putting his flagon of Riggley’s Piddle down heavily on the bar.
‘We’ve put Agnar’s old cheese mine up as a bond. It was a bit of a no-brainer really.’
‘Doesn’t this strike you as ever so slightly suspicious, Oldfart?’ Cracky continued, his reddened face portraying his annoyance. ‘I wish you’d have spoken to me first. Blacktie doesn’t do anything unless the outcome favours him. He must want the cheese mine for a reason we have yet to fathom.’
‘I would agree with Cracky,’ said Tikky, now out of her tin foil disguise. ‘There’s something not quite right here and we should really try to get to the bottom of it.’
Agnar decided it was time to voice his opinion. ‘Look, it’s my cheese mine and I’ve made a decision that it’s worth a gamble. This could be our passage to the big time after all.’
Theo had listened long enough and also decided it was time to enter the debate. He knew intuitively that he was with friends. ‘Good Agnar,’ he said, allowing his thoughts to be heard by all within the immediate circle. ‘I have no doubt that you have acted in the best interests of your friends by agreeing to this deal, but you must be aware that there could be forces at work here that have another agenda. I apologise for being silent until this moment, but now is the time for cooperation and openness.’
All eyes looked around to see where the pleasant and sagacious voice was coming from, until Cracky pointed downwards towards Theo. ‘I am Prince Theo of Corwen,’ he said. ‘And my friends and I are at your service, wherever that may now lead.’
‘Hello you lanky git,’ Half-blind Ron said to Aiden.
‘I thought it was you,’ Vindy said to Theo. ‘I just didn’t want to blow your cover. But we have met before, haven’t we?’
‘Indeed, Your Majesty,’ Theo said. ‘And it is a delight to see both you and the Queen looking so well. I believe I was a tad younger when we last met in Wrexham.’
‘You were,’ said Tikky. ‘And you were delightful. Have your “gifts” continued to bloom?’
‘That would be a true statement, Your Majesty.’
Tikky looked more sombre, her colour fading slightly, as she asked the next question. ‘How is your father?’
Theo’s head dropped momentarily and then he proudly composed himself. ‘He ails, Your Majesty. He is very old and weak. I fear he may not see out the next winter.’
‘Please tell him he has the best wishes of the people and curries of Wrexham,’ Vindy said.
‘Thank you, Your Majesty.’
Tikky turned one of her bay leaves upwards, as if using it as a magnifying glass. ‘You’ve grown into a very wise and royal cat, Theo. Your mother would be so proud. Are you aware that she and I were great friends?’
‘Yes, Your Majesty. She spoke of you a lot and with great affection.’
‘Well, this is a turn up for the books,’ Olaf said. ‘Who’d have thought that a simple music tournament could generate so much interest and attract such royal and prestigious guests. I think I speak for the entire band when I say we are very honoured that we have your support.’
‘And, of course, you’ll all have to come to my party later,’ Ophelia added.