He was still kneeling before the Queen, with his head bowed, and he expected at any moment to feel the cool steel blade at his neck. It would be quick, he hoped, swallowing over the lump in his throat, tears pricking his eyes. ‘The court minstrel is insisting on seeing you, ma’am.’ What? Alistair spun around to see a harried-looking guard, his sword still in its scabbard. The Queen seemed equally surprised. ‘Court minstrel? What gibberish are you spouting now, Winklepicker? There’s no minstrel at the palace. What would I want with another warbling fool around the place when I have you?’ ‘Your Majesty, I –’ ‘There, there, Winklepicker,’ said an amused voice, and a midnight blue mouse strolled into the room, carrying a fiddle. Alistair could barely restrain himself from shouting with joy. It was Timmy the Winns! Alistair darted a look at the Queen, expecting her to explode with rage at the intrusion. Instead, her mouth had creased in a wintry smile. Alistair remembered the first time he had seen Timmy the Winns, how the sight of the midnight blue mouse and his equally colourful companions had made him smile too.
What do You think about The Secret Of Zanzibar (2012)?
