by Anh Do
‘You undid the painting!’ Stanley said to Kelly, his eyes bright. He laughed, overjoyed, and looked up at the Collector. ‘Your paintings can be reversed!’
A dark expression took over the Collector’s face. ‘This does not end here, Kelly Swift,’ he said. ‘Don’t forget your dear mother! One click of my fingers and she’s gone forever.’ He slipped a comstick from the folds of his jacket and held it to his mouth. ‘This is the Collector – all KG close in immediately!’
Kelly felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped, but it was just Stanley.
‘Now we really have to run,’ he said.
Through broken tiles in the pond’s floor, the last of the water suddenly cascaded inwards, revealing a drainage tunnel beneath.
They stepped into the hole and splashed down into the shadows.
The Collector circled above them. ‘There’s nowhere to run where I cannot find you!’
Another fireball blazed down and Kelly fell backwards, pulling Stanley with her further into the hole. Flames exploded and tiles rained in, blocking the entrance.
Stanley spluttered as Kelly stood up.
‘I can hear what you’re thinking,’ she told him, ‘and we are not doomed. We will be all right. Now, let’s go.’
Together they descended into the dark.
14
Ancient Greek
William James sat on one of his many thrones in one of his many castles, scowling at his own reflection in the Holy Grail. His arm twinged painfully again, and as he drank, his broken bones began to knit together.
‘Read me that last part again,’ he said.
Captain Aiken had found Professor Crickshaw locked up in the Capital Prison. He was in there for some crime or other that William cared far less about than his ability to translate Ancient Greek.
‘Of course, sire,’ said Crickshaw, with a nod. ‘“The Golden Unicorn, the Minotaur and the Griffin will be born again as children of humanity. Only these three united in common purpose can fell him who seeks to triumph over all.”’
‘Hear that, Captain?’ shouted William.
Captain Aiken baulked a little. ‘Yes, sire.’
‘The Northern Kingdom is to be scoured, do you hear me, scoured! And double the guards on all borders! You will find these freaks of legend and you will bring them to me!’
‘Yes, sire. And what do you want done with this one?’ Aiken shoved forward a woman in handcuffs.
William stared for a moment, then smiled. ‘Ah yes,’ he said. ‘Kelly Swift’s mother – you may be quite useful.’
Hannah stifled a sob.
‘Don’t be upset!’ said William. ‘You just need to tell me everything you can about this Golden Unicorn of yours.’
To be continued …