by Kate O'Hearn
When they were gone, Jupiter sealed the entrance to the Solar Stream as if it had never been there.
Frankie was standing beside Joel with a big grin still painted on his face. ‘That was totally awesome. I knew you were aliens!’
‘We’re not aliens!’ Joel cried. But then he looked into the boy’s hopeful face. ‘OK, maybe we are.’
‘What now?’ Earl said. ‘Tom is gone, now you guys are going. What am I supposed to do?’
Emily frowned. She thought it was understood. ‘What do you mean? You’re coming with us?’
‘Really?’ Earl cried, excited. ‘I can finally see Olympus for myself !’
Emily’s father, Diana and Jupiter came forward. ‘Of course you may return with us to Olympus. It is not safe to leave you here in this desert. But you may come only for a visit,’ Jupiter said. ‘After everything the CRU have done here, I must ask if you would return to Earth to keep watch for us. We will ensure your safe return and you will have more wealth than you could ever spend. I promise you, no one will ever find you. But we need you here working for us.’
‘You betcha!’ Earl said excitedly. ‘I always wanted to see Olympus, but this is still my home, I could never leave it for long. I’d be happy to keep an eye open for y’all.’ His eyes settled on little Frankie and he held out his hand. ‘How ’bout it, short stuff ? You fancy being an Olympian spy with me?’
Frankie grinned. ‘Awesome!’ and took Earl’s outstretched hand. He turned and looked back at Jupiter. ‘Can I still visit Paelen, Joel and Chrysler?’
Jupiter nodded. ‘Of course.’
The leader of Olympus mopped his brow. ‘I had forgotten how hot this world can be. I think it is time we headed back.’
Diana had removed most of her armour and stood in a light tunic. ‘Indeed, Father. I should like a nice long swim when we get back to Olympus.’
‘I’m with you,’ Emily’s father agreed.
In the distance, Pluto and Neptune were climbing into their chariots. They waved at Jupiter and then launched into the air. In moments they entered the Solar Stream and were gone.
Jupiter offered a ride in his chariot to Prince Tobin and Tirk. As the two Nirads approached him, he looked at little Frankie. ‘Would you like to ride with me?’
The boy’s eyes were huge. ‘Cool!’
Little Frankie bounced away with Jupiter and the Nirads.
‘There’s room in our chariot for you,’ Emily’s father said to Earl.
‘You don’t gotta ask me twice,’ Earl responded.
Diana and Steve stepped up to Emily, Joel and Paelen.
‘Well, you did it,’ Emily’s father said. ‘I am so proud of you!’
Emily embraced him. ‘I’m just glad it’s over.’
She clung to him and put her head against his chest, listening to the strong beating of his heart. He was alive. He was human and he was wonderful. But after everything she’d learned about herself, Emily grieved to know she was not. The Emily who had been his daughter was gone. Somehow, she was just an echo of her former self. She still felt the same, but deep inside, she knew she wasn’t. It would take time to figure out exactly what she was and to learn to accept it. But as long as she had her father, Joel, Pegasus and Paelen to help her, she knew she would be all right. Whatever she was, Emily was still Emily.
‘I’m proud of all of you.’ Steve looked over to Joel and Paelen when he released Emily. ‘C’mon, everyone, let’s go home.’
Emily stood with her best friends as her father and Diana made their way back to their chariot. She felt Joel slip his hand into hers. He smiled at her and his brown eyes sparkled. ‘I don’t know about you, but I could sure use a swim about now.’
Emily grinned up at Joel and then over to Paelen. He was wearing his winged sandals again. ‘Me too,’ she agreed. ‘Last one to Olympus is a rotten egg!’
As Joel dashed over to Chrysaor, Emily climbed up on Pegasus. Paelen launched into the air first with Joel and Chrysaor close behind.
Emily was in no hurry. She leaned forward and hugged the stallion’s neck. It terrified her to think she’d almost lost him.
‘I love you, Pegs,’ she said softly as she held him and gazed out over the beautiful new lake surrounded by tall leafy trees. There was no hint of the facility that once stood there. No runways, no buildings. Area 51 was truly gone.
Pegasus looked back at her and neighed softly, sensing the change in her. ‘It’s a long story,’ she said. ‘Just promise you’ll never leave me, no matter what.’
Pegasus nodded his head and snorted. He entered into a trot and then a full gallop as he launched himself into the sky. In the distance, they could see squadrons of jet fighters heading their way. The CRU was going to fight back.
‘It’s over,’ she said to them. She clung to Pegasus as the winged stallion gained more speed and entered the Solar Stream.
Acknowledgements
I know I always say it, but it is still true. Books are a collaborative effort – created by a bunch of people, both seen and unseen. There are my amazing agents V and Laura, and then my fabulous editors Anne and Naomi. But then there are loads of people involved with the birth of this book that I offer my heartfelt thanks to – even if I can’t name you all here.
In the case of Pegasus and the New Olympians, I would also like to offer my personal thanks to my dearest friends Debbie and Mark Obarka for introducing me to the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. Many thanks also to Janine McCullough of the Golden Eagle Farm in Ramona, California, who showed me how an ethical horse farm should be run. Then of course, there are the kind folks at the Little A’Le’Inn outside of the real Area 51 in the Nevada desert, who helped so much, even if they’ll never know how. Thank you and Nanoo, Nanoo!
Beyond my family, who are the support I need to keep Pegasus flying, I would also like to thank, Monica Percy and Laura O’Brian for writing such great riddles for this book. You guys are the best!
And finally, I would like to thank you, my dearest reader, for taking Pegasus into your hearts and for showing me that you love him as much as I do. I am putting all my hopes on you to create a better future for horses and animals than my generation has done. Please show them you care.
hodderchildrensbooks.co.uk/pegasus
Q&A with Kate O’Hearn
Q) When did you first get the idea to write about Pegasus?
A) The idea came to me a couple of years ago, and all by accident. A friend asked me if I would ever write a book about horses. I responded, ‘No, not unless it was Pegasus, as he’s my favourite stallion in the world.’ After that, the idea just spread like wildfire until it became Pegasus and the Flame. I think I owe that friend a big Thank You! (And maybe a huge box of chocolates.)
Q) In this book, Emily and Joel are very normal teens, who become heroes. Do you believe that ordinary people can make a difference?
A) Absolutely! I have always believed that it is the ordinary people who make all the difference in the world! They are the best heroes. How often have we heard stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things? Most of the time they don’t even want thanks. They are just everyday, generous and wonderful people. So I believe that each and every person – you, me, anyone – can make a phenomenal difference to this world if we try.
Q) Was it a challenge to mix mythology and the modern world?
A) It was amazing and so much fun. I grew up with the myths and have always loved them. Even before I started writing the book, I felt I already knew the characters so well – it was like revisiting old friends. But what really excited me was to put those great Olympians in our modern world and imagine how hard it would be for them to fit in. I mean, hiding Pegasus in the middle of New York City? It doesn’t get better than that!
Q) Pegasus and the Flame was compared to the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan. Have you ever met Rick Riordan and has he influenced you?
A) I haven’t met Rick Riordan, but I really want to! I have read the Percy Jackson books
and love how he mixes the myths with reality. We are so different in our approach to our stories, but I can tell he cares for the myths just as much as I do! I’m such a big fan of his. I can just imagine the fun we would have debating the difference between the Greek and Roman myths! I hope that one day I may have the opportunity to meet him and personally thank him for writing such fantastic books and for being so generous in writing his great review of my book.
www.kateohearn.com
www.hodderchildrens.co.uk/pegasus
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