Gorm lay on a ledge in the depths of the lake and coughed up black bile that floated away into the cold shadows. He was dying, an arrangement that he favoured over the alternative. And there was the added bonus of knowing that his death would bring about the death of the gardens. What would Juno do without her precious herbs now?

The thought brought the flicker of a smile to his eyes.

Something splashed into the lake above him. He coughed up another gob of bile and considered slinking away into the shadows but his curiosity got the better of him. As he watched Juno swam into focus.

“Can’t you leave me to die in peace?” Gorm said.

“If you die the kingdom’s doomed. We need you.”

“So make me an offer.”

Juno glanced up. She could see shadows moving around the edges of the lake. A shiver ran through her but it was too late now.

“Enough villagers to revive you,” Juno said.

“And my freedom.”

“No, I told you, we need you.”

“What if there were an alternative?”

Juno eyed him suspiciously. “Talk.”