TW for violence and bad language in this chapter.

"Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to light."

John Milton, Paradise Lost

'Lee!'

Hester. She was calling for him. Dammit, had he overslept?

'Lee! Lee! Wake up, for crying out loud!'

Yup, he must've… wait, he hadn't been sleeping. He'd been doing something. Something important. Then he'd been whacked on the head and –

'Lee, for the last time, stir your stumps! We got a situation here!'

Lee heard Hester thumping her foot in exasperation, the groan of abused metal, the hiss of escaping air, a feral snarl. Memory crashed into him like a wave, and he realised they were still in terrible danger.

With a superhuman effort, he forced himself to stir, to rise, to open his eyes. The dark receded, and Lee realised they had crash landed in a field bordered by overgrown hedges and beech trees. Hester stood before him, regarding him with mingled relief and exasperation.

'Okay, not quite the you I was after, but it'll do,' she said.

What do you – ah hell! Lee groaned, realising he stood on four legs. I'm a wolf! Why am I a wolf?

'You got knocked out cold when we crashed,' Hester informed him. 'You must not be ready to come round yet. The wolf part of you must've woken up when it heard me calling.'

Thanks, Hester, he murmured. Being a wolf at the moment was far from ideal, but it was better than being unconscious and totally helpless. Lee looked round for himself, his balloon, Asriel.

The balloon was flopped in the middle of the field, the envelope limp and the basket tipped over on one side. It looked battered, but a quick glance confirmed none of the damage was irreparable. Lee started as he caught sight of himself, half in half out of the basket. He was lying on his side, eyes closed, and one arm flung carelessly to the side, as though reaching for something. His breath was coming and going easily, and Lee didn't see any obvious injuries except a large bruise forming on his forehead.

'You don't look too bad,' Hester told him, and Lee turned back to her thankfully. 'Bad bump on the noggin, but I checked you over and I don't see any other hurts. The problem is going to be keeping you safe while you're sleeping that injury off. Can't have that monster or the Magisterium finding you.'

Then let's take care of the monster and then go find the Gyptians and see if they'll drag my sorry carcass back to their boats, Lee said firmly. Asriel? Mrs Coulter?

'Ain't looked for them yet,' Hester admitted. 'Was trying to get you roused.'

Let's see what's happened to them.

Lee let his eyes drift closed and listened, as Lyra had taught him. He heard Mrs Coulter almost at once – she was crouched by a hedgerow to his right, panting for breath. He could hear her shifting position, crinkling dried leaves and twigs as she did so. Her breathing wasn't pained or laboured, so she probably wasn't badly injured.

He listened for Asriel next. It took him a moment or two, but then he heard a soft moan, a short way off, in the opposite direction to Mrs Coulter. He jogged over there, his massive paws silent on the soft grass, Hester at his side.

Asriel was lying flat on his back, having been thrown from the basket when it crashed. Stelmaria was crouched over him, her eyes only half open. Asriel was stirring as they approached. He opened his eyes just as Lee came to stand over him and survey him with a practised stare. No blood, no obvious broken bones. It looked as if Asriel had gotten lucky.

Asriel peered up at Lee woozily.

'Scoresby?' he whispered. Lee nodded.

'Where's your body? Are you badly hurt?'

Lee shook his head.

'Lee's over by the basket,' Hester chimed in. 'He's been knocked out, but that's it as far as we can tell.'

Asriel sat up gingerly, shaking his arms and legs as he tested himself for injuries.

'I'm all right,' he said roughly. 'Just bruises. I'll come and heal you quickly, Scoresby, and then you must turn human again so we can escape. Any sign of Coulter or the creature?'

Mrs Coulter's over by the south hedgerow. No sign of that creature, Lee informed Hester, who relayed the message to Asriel.

'Damn,' Asriel muttered. 'We can't afford to leave that thing running wild through the countryside. It'll murder everyone it encounters. We'll have to track and kill it once you're human. And I seem to have lost both revolvers in the crash, so I'd be obliged if you'd bring that handsome rifle with you.'

Lee nodded willingly enough. Asriel heaved himself awkwardly to his feet, and together they began walking back towards the crashed balloon.

They had gone maybe half-a-dozen paces when Lee heard the shuffling footsteps advancing on them. They were accompanied by the alarming crackle and bursts of flames licking at dry wood.

Hester, someone's coming, he told her, coming to a halt. Someone with a bad limp. And it sounds like… like they're carrying something that's on fire. An old-fashioned torch, perhaps.

'Scoresby?' Asriel whispered, wondering at his sudden stop. Hester relayed what Lee had told her, and Asriel and Stelmaria immediately ducked down, crouching in the long grass, sharp eyes seeking movement in the dark.

'There, right in front of us,' Asriel murmured after a few moments.

Lee spotted it at once: the bobbing of a bright flame, bright and glittering as the sun on water. It was advancing on them, moving jerkily, and Lee realised his first guess was right. It was a broken tree branch, the forked end set aflame and burning in the hands of whoever was holding it.

The light advanced upon them, and as it did so a figure emerged from the murky shadows. It wasn't tall, was wearing dark clothes and limping badly. And as it drew closer, Lee realised it was muttering to itself.

'Beware of false prophets, that come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly, they are as ravening – ravening…and wild animals shall meet with hyenas…By the Authority's glory and punishment, he will vanquish them…'

Ah, hell! Lee said to Hester. It's Danvers again! And he ain't sounding too rational, if you know what I mean.

'I hear him,' muttered Hester. 'Asriel, it's Alderman Danvers, and it sounds like he's mad as hell. And we ain't sure if it's mad as in angry, or mad as in loony.'

Asriel frowned.

'Anyone with him?' he asked.

'Not that we hear,' Hester answered.

'Let's carry on and get you healed, then,' said Asriel. 'I can cope with Danvers in isolation – especially if I manage to find my revolver.'

Asriel went striding off across the field, leaving Lee standing, the fur along his back quite literally standing on end.

I don't like the looks of this, Lee said to Hester. Even if he is just one man, he's sounding real unstable, and crazy men are liable to do crazy things.

'I agree,' answered Hester. 'Lee, I know you want to turn human, but I think we should deal with Danvers first. Let Asriel heal you and then we'll get you back in your skin once we've sorted out the Alderman.'

Come on then, and keep low, said Lee, and together they began making their stealthy way across the dark field.

It was easy to keep track of Danvers, who wasn't making any effort to conceal his progress. The Alderman was limping badly, muttering to himself and holding the burning branch before him as a bishop might hold his staff. As the man drew closer, Lee realised he was holding the branch in his right hand, and something else in his left, something liquid in a glass bottle that sloshed.

The smell reached his sensitive nose a moment later.

Whisky! Lee exclaimed. That lunatic's planning to set everything on fire! He must've seen the balloon go down, and he's wanting to torch everything he can get his hands on. It's a wonder he hasn't got any of those Magisterium forces with him. Probably didn't want to wait for them.

'You sure he's fixing to burn everything?' Hester whispered. 'Maybe he just wants a drink. I know after getting thrown downstairs and getting caught in an explosion I'd need a good stiff whisky.'

The pious Alderman? Imbibing alcohol when there's enemies to smite?

'Good point. Come on, let's go and take out the loony before he does something dangerous. Even more dangerous.'

They crept along a little further, until the Alderman was only ten metres or so away. Then Lee sank into the grass, flattening himself, trusting his dark fur and stillness to conceal him from the Alderman's night-blind eyes. Hester did likewise, guessing Lee's intent. Watch Danvers go limping past, then jump on him from behind and knock him out before he could do any damage. Make sure that fire didn't spread and then turn human, hunt down the creature…

Lee lost his train of thought as Danvers lumbered into view.

The Alderman looked appalling. He was burned all down his left-hand side, the flesh lobster red and crusted with black smears, his left eye bloodshot and half-closed. His black clothes were in shreds, ripped and singed and smeared. He stood awkwardly, favouring his right leg. His expression was chilling. It was fury and fanaticism and pain and viciousness all mingled together, without the slightest bit of fear to dilute it.

Lee froze, crouched in the long grass. His dark fur was excellent camouflage, for the Alderman didn't see him. He carried on lurching towards the downed balloon, intent on his quarry. The flames on his improvised torch were burning fiercely, transmuting wood into ash.

Lee regarded him with a hunter's eye. The Alderman was just one man, badly injured. But Lee couldn't help the wariness that surged up within him as he watched Danvers. Something deep down was warning him that the Alderman was dangerous. Hester felt the same, for she reared up on her hind legs, slowly so as not to attract attention, and whispered in his ear.

'Be very careful, Lee. Strike when he's not looking. Knock him out if you can, snap his neck if you can't.'

That gave Lee pause.

Not sure I can kill him, Hester, he admitted to his daemon.

'I don't see why not,' she murmured back. 'I know you don't like it, but it's him or us. Ain't no way he's going to back off. And from the looks of it, he's gonna die sooner rather than later. He's in shock from those burns, it's the only way he's moving. If he picks up an infection –'

I ain't never killed a man as a wolf though. Feels like… I'd be crossing a line.

'Don't see why. Four legs, two legs, you're still you. It's just the wildest part of you coming out. 'Sides, I reckon wolves kill cleaner than most humans. They're fighting for survival. Which is what you're doing. Danvers didn't have to come to this, but he chose his path. Like you chose yours.'

Lee couldn't smile at her in wolf-form, but he turned to give her a wink of acknowledgement. Then he crept velvet-footed after Danvers, ready to pounce and knock him flat and hopefully clobber him unconscious.

Which he would have done, had Asriel not come striding up in his usual reckless manner.

'Scoresby, what the hell are you playing at?' he was demanding. 'Come on, quick, I've healed you and slung your body over the hedge, but you need to –'

Asriel had noticed Danvers, of course he had. The man was standing in a dark field holding a flaming torch, the only source of light for at least a mile. Asriel just didn't consider him a threat.

You idiot! You damn fool! Lee thought furiously, but of course Asriel didn't hear him. So, Lee crouched down, gathering strength for a pounce to take out the Alderman.

Danvers struck first.

He shambled to within arm's reach of Asriel, raised the whisky bottle high above his head and brought it crashing down upon the other man.

Only Asriel's wolfwalker speed prevented him from being cracked over the head. As it was, the bottle struck his shoulder and smashed, dousing him in pungent whisky. Danvers crowed in triumph and thrust the torch at him, trying to ignite the alcohol.

Lee moved, almost without thought. He didn't dare leap upon the Alderman in case he knocked him – and the flames – right into Asriel. Instead, he seized hold of the Alderman's bedraggled jacket and tugged him backwards.

Lee was far stronger than any man in his wolf guise, and Danvers was caught off guard. He was pulled off his feet with a yelp of alarm and dropped the torch. Danvers and the burning branch both landed in the cool grass, flaming ash dropping on the dark green fronds. Most of them snuffed out after a moment, but then one landed in a puddle of whisky.

The flames surged up and crackled merrily. Asriel, swearing volubly, discarded his soaked jacket and reached for Danvers, one hand balling into a fist as he did so.

Lee saw Danvers move, but he was still behind the Alderman, so didn't realise what was happening till a second too late. With speed that would have done a wolfwalker proud, let alone a severely injured human, Danvers withdrew a small pistol from a miraculously intact pocket, thumbed off the safety and fired at Asriel. The shot, though not as loud as that made by Lee's Winchester or even most revolvers, whiplashed through the night and Lee flinched away from it.

Asriel dodged. He'd comprehended Danvers's actions a heartbeat before Lee did, and flung himself to the left, away from the burgeoning fire. He wasn't quite quick enough. Lee heard him grunt as the bullet struck the fleshy part of his upper arm. Stelmaria yowled.

Lee snarled and lunged for the weapon. He knocked Danvers to the ground, pinned him there and clawed at the Alderman's hand, trying to make him let go of the gun. Danvers's lemming daemon shrieked in outrage, but Hester came running up and sent her flying with a single kick from her powerful hind legs. Lee felt Danvers shudder from the strike, and his fingers finally relaxed their grip.

Lee pawed the gun away and turned to check on Asriel. The other man had discarded his soaked jacket and was tearing strips from his shirt and binding his wounded arm up as best he could, cradling it awkwardly against his chest.

'Son of a bitch,' Asriel cursed. 'I think he's nicked the bone. Scoresby, do you know how to heal in wolf-form?'

Lee shook his head.

'If you didn't teach Lyra, then she's not taught us,' Hester chimed in. Asriel rolled his eyes.

'Fair point. I'd heal myself, but it's harder to heal yourself, takes more time than we've got right now. All right, is Danvers subdued?'

'We ain't sure,' Hester informed him. 'He's still alive and kicking, but he's gotta be feeling the effects of those burns.'

'The power of the Authority sustains me!' proclaimed the Alderman, audible even though his face was pressed against the ground. 'You'll be dead, all of you, before the night is out! Magisterium forces are on their way, I left orders that they were to follow me…'

This guy just won't quit, Lee remarked to Hester, an absurd desire to laugh bubbling up in him. You kind of have to respect it.

'You'd better knock him out, or else he's gonna keep causing trouble,' Hester told Asriel, ignoring Lee's quip. Asriel nodded briefly, focused on binding up his arm. Lee glanced at the fire that was beginning to burn hot enough to singe his fur.

Hester, I ain't sure we should just leave Danvers, he cautioned. This fire's taking a-hold. I can live with shooting the guy, but leaving him to burn – well, it don't feel right.

'Fair point, Lee. Let's see if we can get this fire stamped out before it gets too big to handle. It'll be easier than dragging Danvers around and I don't like the idea of it getting close enough to blow our gas tanks.'

Asriel finished binding his arm and stood to survey Danvers with mild disdain, as though the man were a mosquito buzzing round him. He'd obviously overheard Hester's half of their conversation.

'I never took you for a squeamish man, Scoresby,' he said to Lee. 'Dead is dead. What difference does he make if he burns or dies from a gunshot?'

'It'd take too long to explain, but it makes a difference to us,' Hester answered firmly. Stelmaria, at Asriel's side, glanced scornfully at Hester, but the hare daemon was impervious, staring back at the haughty snow leopard until Stelmaria grunted and turned away.

'Anyways, Asriel, if that fire spreads we'll all be in danger,' Hester pointed out reasonably.

Asriel evidently saw the sense in this, for he walked over to the burning grass and the blackened branch and began stamping with enthusiasm, putting out the fire as best he could. Danvers grunted where he lay, trying to see what was going on, but Lee shifted his position, pressing harder on the Alderman's shoulder, and he subsided. Stelmaria watched Asriel's rather futile efforts against the fire. Hester perched on her hind legs, scanning their surroundings for further danger.

'Lee!' she whispered suddenly, fiercely. 'Mrs Coulter's coming!'

Ah hell! Lee cursed. Hester, we gotta hide. She doesn't know about me being a wolfwalker, and I don't want her finding out!

'Asriel, Mrs Coulter's on the way,' Hester informed him. Stelmaria's eyes widened in alarm. Asriel realised the problem at once. He stopped fighting the fire – which despite his best efforts was spreading – and bent to scoop up Danvers's tiny pistol.

'Scoresby, make yourself scarce,' he ordered. Lee didn't demur, stepping off Danvers and loping off into the night, Hester at his side.

Lee ran to the nearest hedgerow and slunk alongside it, counting on the dark hulk of the hedge to conceal him from all but the sharpest eyes. He watched as Asriel pointed the pistol at Danvers, who was still lying face down. His wolfish ears picked up Asriel's words as the man spoke.

'Danvers, if you blink, I will kill you. Ah, Marisa. Perfect timing.'

Mrs Coulter came striding up. Lee's sensitive hearing told him that she was favouring one leg slightly, though he couldn't perceive a limp as he watched her. She was good, very good, at hiding her hurts. He never would have known had he not used his ears. Lyra was right, he thought to himself. He couldn't just go on sight, not now he had the ears and nose of a wolf to aid him.

'Asriel,' she said coolly. 'Where's Scoresby?'

'Unconscious, over in the next field.'

Mrs Coulter did not respond at once, but Lee saw her eyes glittering, reflecting the flames Asriel had not yet stamped out. He eyed the fire apprehensively. It was burning with vigour, despite the chill of the night surrounding them.

'Are you sure?' Mrs Coulter asked eventually. 'I thought I saw something move away from here.'

'That was your delightful little experiment. It's been prowling round here, looking for prey. Easy enough to frighten off, thankfully.'

Danvers muttered something, glaring at Asriel sceptically. Asriel swatted him on the head, and the Alderman subsided.

'If you say so,' Mrs Coulter answered sweetly. Lee could tell she was unconvinced but wasn't wholly certain what was going on.

Let's sneak around the field and let me turn human, he said to Hester. Coulter's suspicious enough as it is, I don't want her working out the whole wolfwalker business.

'First smart thing you've said all evening,' Hester whispered back, so low even Lee strained to hear her. 'Come on, keep low. And keep an eye out for that creature.'

Lee crouched and began slinking along the hedge, taking a circuitous route back to his balloon. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Asriel hauling Danvers roughly to his feet, Mrs Coulter watching impassively. Lee could just about make out Danvers mumbling some prayer, asking for divine protection, his voice surprisingly firm despite all that had happened to him.

'What do you intend to do with the Alderman?' Lee heard Mrs Coulter ask.

'Keep him alive for now,' Asriel fired back. 'He might be useful, if the Council hasn't decided to wash their hands of him. At the very least, he knows too much about your so-called experiments to be set loose.'

'Do I detect a note of jealousy, Asriel?'

'No, you do not. If there's anything to detect, it's my contempt for your having done something so abominably stupid.'

Lee smirked inwardly at Coulter's huff of outrage. But grim amusement turned to grim apprehension in a trice, as he realised the creature was lurking just ahead of him, crouched in the shadows of the hedgerow.

Lee froze. But the creature did not turn to look at him. Not even an ear twitched, and Lee realised with relief that the creature was unaware of his presence. It was focused on the three people standing a little way off, listening and watching with absolute focus. Lee wondered whether to attack, to drive it off, but something about the creature's posture, for all its intense concentration, was unthreatening. Head bowed, wicked claws resting upon its still-human knees… It looked like nothing so much as a dog waiting for an order from its master.

So, Lee sank into the grass, Hester at his side, and studied the man-wolf hybrid. It looked almost peaceful, sitting there, and he wondered what had calmed the panicked beast. In legends it was usually a marvellously virtuous maiden who tamed vicious monsters, but Lee had always taken those stories with a substantial pinch of salt. Besides, the only woman around was Mrs Coulter and she was no angel, although she had been able to control the creature back at the mansion.

What's it playing at? Lee asked Hester. His nose twitched from the acrid smoke drifting towards him.

'It's listening,' Hester murmured back. 'Hush up a moment – I think it's trying to say something.'

Lee hushed and listened. Hester was right. The creature was mouthing and mumbling something. It wasn't making an effort to be quiet, but it was still difficult to make out what was being said. The creature's malformed mouth and tongue and teeth had stolen its eloquence, but if he concentrated, Lee found he could distinguish a rhythm to whatever it was saying. Almost like a chant…

Dammit, Lee said to Hester as he realised what was going on. It's praying along with Danvers! Of all the goddam things for it to remember…

'What's the problem?' asked Hester. 'It's creepy, sure, but at least the monster's not tramping round ripping throats out.'

Hester, if that creature remembers a prayer, who's to say what it remembers? What if it remembers it was a member of the Magisterium? Who do you think it's gonna turn on then? Who's it gonna obey? Last thing we need is to hand the Magisterium another weapon.

'Ah. Fair point, Lee.'

Come on. Let's try and take it out while it's distracted –

Before Hester could agree or remonstrate, they were interrupted by the thunk of heavy boots trudging towards the field. The footsteps, marching along, were too regular for the motley Gyptians. The Magisterium was on its way.

Lee swore an oath he'd learned off a forester in Lapland who'd gotten a billhook stuck in his leg and not the branch he was aiming for, and for once Hester didn't chastise him.

'We're running out of time here, Lee,' Hester said shortly. 'Forget the creature. Let's warn Asriel and then skedaddle.'

What about the creature? We can't just let that poor thing run free – or worse, let it be turned into a Magisterium asset.

'Those guards coming will have guns. They'll take it out, with any luck. Best thing for all concerned. 'Sides, you and Asriel can't hope to hold out against a dozen armed men, even if you both turn wolf.'

Hester was right, as usual. Lee cast about for a way to warn Asriel and decided on the direct method.

Come on, Hester, he said. Let's go scare the Magisterium. Make one of them take a shot at us. Best case scenario, the creature gets spooked and takes off, Asriel makes for cover, and we can sneak round the field, and I get my opposable thumbs and handsome face back and head for safety.

'Worst case scenario, you get a lump of hot lead in you.'

That's why you're coming with me. Keep me out of the worst kind of trouble.

'That's never worked before.'

Never kept you from trying.

'Ain't that the truth. Come on and keep low.'

Lee sloped silently away, amazed all over again at how quietly he could move as a wolf. He made his way quickly across the field and spied the Magisterium guards in the midst of trying to push through the thick hedgerow. None of them were succeeding very well. A sensible couple were tramping along the outskirts, searching for a gate. There were about ten in all, not as many as Lee expected. The rest must be trying to deal with the chaos back at Farleigh Hall.

Lee quickly surveyed the men wrestling their way into the field and spied one who'd managed to get both himself and his rifle snagged on numerous spiny twigs. He crept through the tall grass till he was within arm's reach of the stuck man. Preoccupied with freeing himself and his weapon, the guard was oblivious to the huge wolf standing only a foot away.

Choking down an absurd desire to giggle, rather like in childhood games of hide-and-seek when the seeker was crashing about within inches of him, Lee instead snarled as viciously as he knew how.

The man stopped struggling and glanced round nervously. Astonishingly, he didn't glimpse Lee-as-wolf standing right before him. Hester sighed. Lee rolled his eyes (not the easiest thing to do in wolf form) and lunged right for the guard, teeth bared, growling ferociously.

Lee never touched the guard, but the unexpected sight of a wolf looming out of the darkness, teeth bared and eyes blazing, would have shocked even the coolest, most collected individual. The poor man blundering through the hedgerow, having expected a quiet night duty at Farleigh Hall only to be thoroughly unnerved by fireworks, invaders, explosions and now a forced trek through the countryside in the pitch black on the orders of a crazed-looking Alderman Danvers, promptly went into hysterics.

He began shrieking in terror, his daemon – a plump woodcock – leaping straight up into the air in fright. The man twisted his gun towards Lee and fired without pausing to aim.

Caught in the thick-leaved hedge, the barrel of the gun wasn't even pointing towards Lee and the bullet went sailing harmlessly up into the night. But even if the guard had managed to aim properly, he still would have missed his target. Lee and Hester were well away, sprinting across the field to safety, their work accomplished.

A few moments, and they were within sight of Asriel. He had heard the Magisterium guard's yells and had pulled Danvers to his feet. He and Mrs Coulter were dragging the Alderman – still mumbling prayers – towards the far end of the field, where the balloon was.

Behind them, the fire was still spreading, licking at the grasses, burning twigs and dry leaves blown into the field. Lee regarded it with anxiety. It wasn't yet burning out of control, but it wouldn't take long before it rampaged through the field and out into the surrounding countryside.

Place is drier than I realised, he remarked to Hester. He'd seen wildfires before, in his youth in Texas, and knew their destructive power. What are we gonna do about that fire?

'Ain't nothing we can do at the moment,' Hester remarked practically. 'Let's stick to the plan. The authorities will have to handle the fire if it takes hold. What are Asriel and Coulter doing?'

Looks like they're making a break for it, Lee answered. Good, so long as Asriel gets away. Where's the creature?

'I hear it,' whispered Hester. 'It's trailing them, walking along after them. I think Asriel knows it's there, he keeps looking round. Pity he doesn't have a big enough weapon to take it out with. That popgun won't even dent the creature.'

Damn. Should we attack?

'Let's hold off, Lee. Asriel's on high alert and the creature ain't threatening them just yet. Come on, let's get you human and then decide how to get out of this pickle and back to the Gyptians.'

Lee did as Hester advised and loped round the motley group comprised of Asriel, Mrs Coulter and Alderman Danvers and headed back towards his balloon.

They hadn't gone more than a few paces when a commotion sounded from just behind them.

It wasn't the Magisterium guards, thank the stars – it was Asriel and Mrs Coulter, her voice low and sweet, his harsh and angry.

'For the love of – leave that bloody thing be, Marisa!'

Lee heaved a weary sigh as he realised Mrs Coulter had spotted the creature and was attempting to speak to it. Was nothing going to go smoothly this evening? The Magisterium might have been held up by their panic-stricken comrade and the sturdy hedge, but they were minutes away at best. And despite Mrs Coulter's efficient mesmerisation of the creature back at Farleigh Hall, Lee very much doubted if she'd be able to exert the same control out here. The poor beast was injured, frightened and half-crazed, and it was only a matter of time before it went wild again and lashed out at whatever unfortunate person was nearby.

Lee was on the verge of leaving Asriel and Mrs Coulter to their own devices and going and turning human – forget Asriel's being Lyra's father, the man was too dumb to know when he needed help – when Alderman Danvers spoke.

'Luis!' Danvers called out. 'My dear Luis!'

Mrs Coulter, who had been carefully approaching the creature, an appealing hand extended towards it, whirled around. Her face was contorted with a fury so absolute that even Lee, who was no stranger to violent emotions, was shocked. Lord Asriel, finally realising his peril, struck Danvers hard across the face.

The Alderman dropped to his knees, but the blow didn't silence him. Lee though absently that Danvers must be in shock. But he was far from being mute, as Lee had seen in some men who'd been badly injured or terrified.

'Luis!' he cried. 'Listen! This woman has made a mockery of all that is holy, she has perverted your shape, the one made in the Authority's image, but you have a chance now to right the wrong, to wipe her evil off the face of the earth!'

Asriel swiped at Danvers again, but this time the Alderman saw the blow coming and flung himself flat upon the ground, finally falling quiet. Mrs Coulter turned back to the creature, hands already raised in a soothing gesture, a sweet smile pasted on her face.

The creature ignored her. It raised itself from a crouch, standing awkwardly at first, but then rearing up to its full height, well over six feet tall. Its bloodshot eyes were hard and intent, focusing clearly on the Alderman. Despite taking a bullet earlier, it was showing no signs of being of being in pain or favouring an injury, and Lee wondered if it was running on adrenaline or simply healed up quickly, as wolfwalkers were able to do.

Lee shivered, the fur along his back rising. Hester, crouched by his forepaws, huddled close against his leg. Lord Asriel, recognising something untoward was going on, stepped away from the Alderman with speed, Stelmaria following closely.

Mrs Coulter wasn't unmoving. She was either over-confident or simply hadn't realised the risk she was running. She actually took a step towards the creature, still smiling, her hand upheld as if to caress its unlovely head. Behind her crouched the monkey daemon. It was silent, almost vibrating with tension, keeping a safe distance. Lee watched incredulous. Could the woman not feel her daemon's terror?

'She knows it's afraid,' Hester whispered, apropos of nothing. 'But she's cut herself off from it.'

Lee shuddered at the notion. To cut himself off from his darling Hester, never to know what she was thinking or feeling – it was horrendous. The memory of their recent estrangement, brief though it had been, made him wince and he suspected that it always would.

'I'm here, Lee,' Hester murmured reassuringly. 'I won't leave you. Be careful, that creature's about to go –'

It was too late for a warning. With one slow, almost lazy movement, the creature raised a mighty paw and swiped at Mrs Coulter, backhanding her.

Mrs Coulter reared back at the last moment, so the blow caught her across the shoulder rather than the face. Had the creature struck its target, it almost certainly would have broken her neck or fractured her skull. But the strike still lifted her off her feet and hurled her several metres across the field. The monkey-daemon screamed, a high, raw sound that went on and on and on – until the creature lunged forward and seized the monkey in its paws.

The daemon went as limp as a ragdoll, and the creature tossed it aside in disgust. Then it fixed its sights on Asriel and Stelmaria.

Almost on reflex, Asriel raised and aimed the tiny gun he'd taken from Danvers.

That ain't gonna cut it, thought Lee despairingly. A bullet from that nickel-plated toy wouldn't do any damage to the creature – except maybe to piss it off further. Asriel evidently realised this, for he stuffed the gun back in his pocket and sank into a crouch, waiting to see what the creature would do next.

Alderman Danvers raised his burned face from the earth and saw the creature looming over them. He managed to gain his feet, staggering slightly. Asriel could easily have knocked him down again, but for once Lyra's father erred on the side of caution and remained still.

Lee considered his own position. Should he run for the edge of the field, turn human and come back with his rifle? Attack while the creature was distracted by Danvers? Hold steady and see what happened next? He glanced down at Hester for guidance.

'Hold your horses, Lee,' she whispered to him. 'I ain't sure what's about to happen, and I don't like to make a move until we have some idea. Asriel's gonna need help soon, but let's not attack till we have to. It's not just that beast – the Magisterium's gonna be here before long.'

Lee did as his daemon suggested, hunkering down and waiting to see which way the wind blew. Asriel was very slowly stepping backwards, trying to put some distance between himself and the creature. Not that it was paying him any mind – the strange hybrid seemed utterly transfixed by Danvers. The Alderman was shuffling forward, hands raised almost in benediction, speaking softly. Words of prayer, of self-sacrifice and duty and destiny.

'Listen to me, Luis,' Danvers said, voice pitched low, and even the sceptical Lee found it oddly compelling.

'You are still one of the Authority's anointed, despite this perversion of His image. You resisted the lures of that temptress, perceived that all she spoke was lies. You can still serve the Authority. Come with me and help me wipe out these devils known as wolfwalkers and their allies.'

Lee, still watching and waiting, saw Asriel gradually raise the tiny pistol, aiming at Danvers this time. But he didn't fire, and Lee heard rather than saw Stelmaria shake herself, demurring.

Good thinking from Stelmaria, Lee said to Hester. Even if we take Danvers out now, that creature's still going to turn on us all. That damned idiot has managed to speak to whatever part of the creature that's still a man. No way will it run off and leave us be now. And killing the Alderman's probably gonna send it crazy.

'I hate it when you're right, Lee,' answered Hester. 'Come on now, let's creep over to Asriel. You're allies, at least, and neither of you should be going up against Danvers and that thing alone.'

She lolloped off, noiseless through the long grass, and Lee followed faithfully, still listening to what Danvers was rabbiting on about. But a crackling noise in the background impinged upon his sensitive ears, and he realised with a sickening lurch that the fire was beginning to rampage.

Fire, the Magisterium, the beast – some real pretty ways to die on offer tonight, he muttered wrathfully. He was strongly tempted to say to hell with it, go and find his human form and make a break for it. But deserting Asriel wasn't an option – Lee had no liking for the man, but they were still allies of a sort.

He followed Hester. A few swift strides brought Lee to within touching distance of Asriel.

'Hey, Asriel,' Hester called softly. Asriel glanced down, and actually looked glad to see them. Things were definitely dire.

'Glad you're back, Scoresby,' Asriel whispered to him. 'We need to kill that creature and flee as quick as we can. There are too many enemies for us to take all of them on right now, but I can't leave that beast in the clutches of the Magisterium. If they work out how to replicate the experiment, or even divine some of our weaknesses, it could be catastrophic.'

'So, what do we do?' Hester asked reasonably. 'Could we shoot it? Lee's got his rifle in the balloon basket.'

'I think that might be best,' Asriel murmured. 'Scoresby, let's go and retrieve your weapon before the Magisterium guards gather themselves – and before that fire spreads further. Just give me a minute to fetch Marisa.'

For crying out loud, Lee muttered, but Asriel was already moving off, in search of Mrs Coulter. Lee followed him for want of anything better to do, but he was getting real antsy. His nose prickled with the smell of smoke from the spreading fire. He could hear the Magisterium soldiers finally picking their way across the field. And he could make out Danvers still murmuring some religious-sounding mantras to the creature. Multiple threats, all still looming. Shoddy work on his part.

I'm losing my touch, Hester, he grumbled his daemon. She flicked her ears at him as she loped alongside.

'No, you ain't,' she said matter-of-factly. 'No-one's died or been captured, or even badly injured. You did what you had to at Farleigh Hall, got us the hell outta there and even that crash landing was a heck of a lot softer than some I recall. Stop fretting and go do what you need to.'

Lee grinned inwardly. Good old Hester.

He put on a burst of speed and caught up with Asriel and Stelmaria. The former was hefting an unconscious Mrs Coulter onto his shoulders and his daemon was holding the golden monkey-daemon, limp and battered-looking, in her jaws.

'She's losing blood,' Asriel muttered to his daemon. 'She'll need medical treatment. Hopefully the Gyptians will oblige. We'll work out what to do with her once we've got to safety –'

Lee and Asriel both heard the heavy tread of a Magisterium soldier at the same moment. Both whirled around to face the threat. Asriel was lumbered with an unconscious woman, but Lee was ready and waiting.

He pounced as soon as the man was within range, coming at the soldier from the side so as to avoid getting shot. Lee knocked him clear off his feet, and the poor man didn't even manage to yell. His rifle went flying and Lee flinched away as it landed on the ground. Luckily, the safety was still on, and the gun didn't fire.

The soldier managed to raise himself up on his elbows – just in time for Asriel's boot to stamp down, hard, on his face. The man fell back, unconscious.

Lee growled at Asriel. Lyra's father glared back.

'Less of that, Scoresby. It's one less enemy to deal with.'

The sooner we put some distance between us and this jerk, the better, Lee said to Hester. She didn't answer him, but the filthy look she gave Asriel and Stelmaria spoke volumes.

Asriel didn't see it. He was nudging at the dropped rifle with his boot-tip, obviously deciding whether or not to purloin it.

Tell Asriel it's either Mrs Coulter or the rifle. Ain't no way he can carry both, Lee said to Hester. Distasteful though it was, he was rather hoping Asriel's ruthlessness would kick in and he'd decide to dump Coulter. Despite the fire and the Magisterium, Lee had few fears for the woman. She'd proven she was a survivor.

But it looked as though even Asriel's disregard for human (and wolf) life had its limits. Hester relayed the message, and Asriel grunted in acknowledgement before standing straighter and turning back towards Lee's balloon.

'And where do you think you're going?'

Author's Notes: Well, the end is in sight, dear readers! There'll be at least one more chapter and probably a lengthy epilogue too. I can't promise when, but as soon as possible. So, will Lee and Hester survive the viciousness of the creature, the fanaticism of Danvers and the raging fire? You'll have to wait and see!

Till next time, dear readers...