The Elven captain practically pulled the Queen out of her bed, dragging her, unshod and in her flowing nightgown, into the dark hall. The yells of anger and disbelief could be heard over the clashing of swords and scuffles.

At the far end of the hall, the faint, flickering light of approaching torches appeared. Niamh heard Captain Aengus inhale sharply and pull her towards the darkness of the other direction. They took shelter behind a pillar by the stairwell.

“What’s going ...