Want to know more about The Stolen Child? Here’s a little taste of what’s to come...

Below the body of the ship she saw a rope ladder dangling. A blonde haired woman in dark clothes was hanging by one hand, her foot resting on the very last run, black cloak rippling in the wind as they neared. Glass panes rattled and broken shards fell loose in a glittering rain as the ship roared overhead. At the last second the woman let go, plunging towards the rooftop. Her cloak billowed out like wings.

Rachael watched the woman fall. She was astonished that anyone would even try to drop from that height. A flash of blonde hair showed amidst the tangle of dark clothes as the woman rolled and came to her feet, breathing hard, eyes alert.

Then Rakesh was on her, snatching hold of Rachael's arm with a grip like iron. As she was hauled to her feet, Rachael saw the second of the small white ships had returned. She could hear the buzz of the propellers as it drew close to the tower. Looking up, Rakesh gestured at the ship to come closer. As it neared the rooftop he moved towards the edge, dragging her with him. She twisted in his grasp, but she couldn't break free.

“Hands off the girl,” Rachael heard the strange woman say, her voice sharp like a knife. Rakesh threw a glance back across his shoulder and his expression turned to one of faint amusement.

“Ilona? Fates, I'd heard the rumours, but... You know I just couldn't believe it really. That the little Karvonen girl was shacking up with a crew of explorers. With Chandra, of all people. Amazing.”

“Tell me, Rakesh, did your father teach you to be an obnoxious little shit, or is it just breeding?” the woman growled.

Sneering, he turned to face her.

“You know, I think I still don't believe it. I don't think you ever had it in you to run away. I think your parents finally kicked you out. It wasn't like they ever had a hope of finding a respectable man to take you. A little too much wear on the goods, don't you think?”

Eyes flashing with rage, Ilona took a step forward. Then they all heard the rippling in the air, the sound coming from somewhere below the edge of the rooftop. Rachael looked down and saw the dark shape skimming the surface of the tower, rushing up towards them, and towards the approaching ship.