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That means Ma probably knows Gwaam is a phoenix. Will she make me give him up?
    Ash cleared his throat. “What sort of bird do you think he is, Ma?”
    Amelia leaned forwards to whisper. “I think he may be a phoenix.”
    “You don’t have to whisper, Ma. We’re alone.”
    “Yes, well, I hope so,” Amelia said. “But you can never be too careful.” She paused for a moment before speaking again. “I asked Pyrenia to speak to Lady Belgrave about Gwaam.”
    Ash jumped up. “Why? He’s not ready. We need to make sure of what he is before we tell anyone. It might be dangerous otherwise.”
    “I know the use of magic is forbidden in Icamore, but I was hoping that given the present circumstances this bird might come in handy. Maybe Lady Belgrave will be willing to use his magic to find her husband. Do you see what I mean?”
    “Yes. I see.” Ash nodded slowly. “But it’s still a dangerous thing for you to do. And, have you thought about Gwaam at all? He might not want to help Lady Belgrave. Phoenixes might have more important things to do. Isn’t that right, Gwaam?”
    “Yes. Yes,” Gwaam said as Ash sat him back on the table. “Very important indeed.”
    “See?” Ash appealed to his mother.
    “He came to us for a reason, Ash.” Amelia was firm. “And while he’s here, eating our food, we’re going to make good use of him.” She wandered over to the fire to stoke it. “It’s the only sensible thing to do. I’m convinced of it.”
    Ash wasn’t convinced that telling people about Gwaam was a good idea. Not when he was so special. So
rare
.
    I’ve only just found this bird, Ash thought. And now I might lose him. If what Rhyll says is true, there could be people looking for him right now. People who want to hurt him. And who knows what Lady Belgrave will do if she finds out about Gwaam? We could be cast out of Icamore, just like Taine and Rhyll’s mother.
    Filled with worry and dread, Ash sat slumped at the table, wondering what he should do.

6

THE SUMMONS
    The summons arrived in the form of Squire Renshaw Gilking.
    “Lady Belgrave wishes to see Master Ashfield Rover,” Renshaw announced on the doorstep early the next morning. “His bird is to accompany him.”
    Ash stared at his mother. I wonder what Aunt Pyrenia told Lady Belgrave, he thought. What am I going to say when I see her?
    “Best get yourself to the manor,” Amelia said. “You mustn’t keep Lady Belgrave waiting. Make sure you wear your clean shirt, now.”
    Ash knew there was no point arguing so he deposited the bird in the basket, changed his shirt then carried Gwaam outside.
    “Leave the dog here,” Renshaw told Ash.
    “But he always comes with me,” Ash said.
    Renshaw shook his grey head. “Not today.”
    “All right. Stay, Trip,” Ash said.
    Trip whined but did as he was told.
    “What does Lady Belgrave want?” Ash asked Renshaw as they set off towards the village.
    “She wants to see your pet phoenix, of course,” Renshaw said. “The one you found at
home
.”
    Ash chewed his lip, not liking to be thought a liar. “Who told you it was a phoenix?”
    “Never you mind, lad,” Renshaw said. “Now, we’ll stop to collect your two friends along the way. Lady Belgrave wishes to interview them also.”

    Once inside the manor, Renshaw Gilking regarded Ash and his friends gravely. “I trust you know how to behave in Lady Belgrave’s presence?”
    They nodded in unison.
    “And keep that bird under tight control.” Renshaw pointed to Gwaam.
    Ash shielded the bird protectively with his hand. His heart thudded. He hoped this wasn’t a trick and that Lady Belgrave was going to hurt Gwaam. “Uh, I will,” he said hesitantly.
    “Good.” Renshaw swung the huge door open, allowing Ash and the others a clear view of Lady Belgrave’s room with its carpeted floors, vibrant wall tapestries and heavy, polished furniture.
    “I don’t think I’ll come in.” Taine’s face was ashen. “I’m not feeling