The Time Hunters (Book 1 of the acclaimed series for children of all ages)

by carl ashmore

  For the briefest of moments, the Hydra was distracted. Uncle Percy ploughed the dagger through the Hydra’s skin into its heart. The Hydra squealed.

  Jumping to the ground, Uncle Percy watched as the beast twisted in agonising spasms. Then, with a mighty crash, it fell. One by one, each head fell still.

  For what seemed an age, Uncle Percy stared blankly at the lifeless creature. Will limped over, clutching his arm. Uncle Percy’s gaze fell onto the Fleece. Then he heard an unexpected sound. Applause.

  ‘Bravo, Percy, Bravo.’ The words echoed through the cavern. ‘Quite the dragon-slayer. I would never have thought it possible.’

  Uncle Percy looked at the tunnel. From the shadows, a figure strode towards him. ‘Who’s that?’ he said, wiping blood from his eyes.

  ‘You don’t remember an old friend?’

  Something stirred in Uncle Percy’s memory. He knew the voice. The man walked into the light, his pale features illuminated. Uncle Percy’s face drained of colour. ‘Emerson?’ he gasped. ‘Emerson Drake?’

  ‘Ah, you do remember!’ Drake said.

  ‘B-but - you’re -’

  ‘Dead?’ Drake tutted. ‘You do like your little exaggerations, don’t you?’

  Uncle Percy watched as a stream of armed men followed Drake. Then his eyes widened with horror. At the back, held by a powerfully built man, were Becky and Joe. His heart sank further when he recognised their captor: Otto Kruger.

  ‘Uncle Percy?’ Becky shouted, Sabian squirming in her arms. She broke free from Kruger. Hardly noticing the dead Hydra, Becky raced into Uncle Percy’s arms. Joe sprinted over and embraced Will.

  ‘They captured us,’ Becky said. ‘I’m sorry. We let you down.’ Then she glanced at the unconscious Milly. Her heart sank. ‘Is Milly…?’

  Uncle Percy stared down at her. ‘Milly will be fine. And, Becky, don’t ever think you have let me down.’

  ‘How very sweet,’ Drake said flatly. ‘I do enjoy family reunions.’

  ‘So how did you do it, Emerson?’ Uncle Percy said flatly.

  ‘Do what, old friend?’

  ‘Fake your own death?’ Uncle Percy said. ‘I was at the airport. I saw you board the plane and I saw that plane explode on takeoff.’

  Then Becky remembered. Emerson Drake was a university acquaintance of Uncle Percy’s - a member of the Oxford Time Travellers Exploration and Research Society.

  Drake gave a mirthless laugh. ‘You saw precisely what I wanted you to see. I boarded the plane with all of the other passengers. I wanted you there. I wanted all of those ridiculous OTTERS there. You see - what the eyes witness, the mind does not question. However, what you wouldn’t have seen was the portable travelling device in my hand luggage. Of course, the accident had to appear to be genuine - that was the tricky part. After all, I didn’t want any unwelcome investigations. Anyway, I left the plane just before it exploded. I was already in the departure lounge watching you, when the fireworks commenced.’

  ‘FIREWORKS?’ Uncle Percy roared. ‘There were hundreds of people on that plane. Dozens of children. You killed them just to fake your own death?’

  A cruel smirk formed on Drake’s mouth. ‘It worked didn’t it. I could never have taken my intended path if that absurd organisation knew I was alive. In the end, all they could offer me was Gerathnium, and, as I have perfected a way of generating my own, I didn’t need them anymore. You see, I am on a journey you could not possibly comprehend and I certainly didn’t want the rest of you getting in my way.’

  ‘What journey?’ Uncle Percy asked. ‘I think you can tell me now, judging by your friends over there, I’m not going to live to tell a soul.’

  ‘That is true,’ Drake gloated. ‘And you have assisted me a great deal, perhaps you do have a right to know. Anyway, in many ways the journey has only just begun … with that!’ Drake pointed at the Golden Fleece.

  ‘How so?’ Uncle Percy said. ‘If it’s the Fleece you’re after, you have it.’

  ‘The Fleece is merely the beginning; the first step in something considerably more important.’ Drake revelled in Uncle Percy’s look of utter confusion. ‘Why on earth do you think it was essential that I died? What do you think I’ve been doing for the last ten years? Well, let me tell you… I’ve been constructing an empire - a legion of scholars, experts in many fields.’

  ‘Like Otto Kruger?’ Uncle Percy said.

  ‘Indeed. And Otto is an expert in mayhem. Are you not, Otto?’

  ‘I hope so, sir.’ Kruger replied. He pulled a handgun and aimed it at Will.

  ‘Now, now, Otto,’ Drake said. ‘There’ll be plenty of time for that.’

  Will’s face remained impassive; he stared Kruger down. Kruger cocked the pistol and smiled. Terrified, Joe launched at Will, to block him from sight, but was pushed away. Kruger grinned wildly. Then he fired.

  ‘NO!’ Joe shouted as Becky screamed.

  Will didn’t even flinch as the bullet scraped his ear and punctured the wall behind.

  Otto Kruger laughed cruelly. ‘I see you have no fear of death, groundsman.’

  ‘That’s enough, Otto,’ Drake said, turning back to Uncle Percy. ‘As you can see, Percy, I have many supporters, in many times. I call them my Associates.’

  Struggling to compose himself after the shooting, Uncle Percy turned to Drake. ‘What are you doing, Emerson? What don’t I know?’

  ‘As always, there are countless things you don’t know. The question is … should I tell you?’ He drew an excited breath. ‘I don’t think I will.’

  ‘You’ll fail, Emerson,’ Uncle Percy said calmly. ‘Whatever it is you’re trying to do, you will fail. And I’ll tell you for why, shall I?’

  ‘Please do.’

  Uncle Percy smiled. ‘Because you’re not quite as clever as you think you are. Even at Oxford you were a poor excuse for a scientist. The rest of us knew it, but we let you survive on our coat tails. No, let’s be honest, Emerson, you were never quite as brilliant as you liked to believe. You’re quite thick, really.’

  For the first time, Drake looked shaken. He marched over and struck Uncle Percy in the face.

  Unfazed, Uncle Percy maintained eye-contact and continued, ‘You see, that’s what sets you apart from a man like Bernard Preston. He was an intelligent man and an excellent scientist. And that’s why you had him killed - jealousy, pure jealousy.’

  ‘I didn’t have him killed,’ Drake spat. ‘I did it myself. And I rather enjoyed it.’

  ‘And I’m sure you’ll enjoy killing us, too,’ Uncle Percy said.

  ‘Oh, I don’t want all of you killed. Just you and this idiot friend of yours.’ He stared pointedly at Will.

  Uncle Percy’s brow furrowed. ‘And the children?’

  ‘They are more useful to me alive.’

  ‘How?’ Uncle Percy said urgently.

  ‘I’m sure you’d love to know that, wouldn’t you. Let’s just say these delightful brats are going to help me retrieve information.’

  ‘How?’ Uncle Percy said urgently. ‘From where?’

  ‘From someone who would rather die than give me what I want,’ Drake said coldly. ‘Someone I’ve tortured to within an inch of his miserable life, and he still wouldn’t talk. Someone who will now tell me everything I need to know …’

  Uncle Percy fell silent. ‘John’s alive, isn’t he?’ he breathed with astonishment.

  The words struck Becky with the force of a sledgehammer. She turned slowly to her brother, a wondrous smile curved on her face. Joe couldn’t believe it either.

  Together, and for what seemed like an eternity, Becky and Joe stood there as if time had stopped, tears of joy filling their eyes. John Mellor was alive.

  Their father was alive.

  Chapter 19

  Brothers in Arms

  ‘Of course he’s alive,’ Drake sneered. ‘He’s been my guest for some time now. To be honest with you, I couldn’t believe you fell for my little charade in the first place.’

  Uncle Per
cy’s fists clenched. Becky placed her hand on his to prevent him doing something foolish. ‘Uncle Percy, don’t!’

  Drake watched his reaction with glee. ‘Would you like to hear about it?’ I’m sure the children would …’

  ‘DROP DEAD!’ Joe shouted.

  ‘Let me tell you anyway,’ Drake continued. ‘I was already hidden on his boat when Mellor set to sea, along with Otto, a short-range travelling device and a life-like replica of him, a creation of mine I call a Hyperclone - a perfect copy of him, even down to the teeth and hair. When we were into the open water, Otto overpowered him and I threw the Hyperclone overboard. Two days later, that’s what the authorities found. My little creation even had a lovely funeral, from what I hear.’

  ‘Where is he?’ Uncle Percy said.

  ‘He’s quite safe, I assure you,’ Drake said. ‘Rather uncomfortable, I imagine, but it’s his fault. He simply refuses to talk, and the sad thing is he does have a vast amount of knowledge that I desperately need. He’s a courageous man, no question about it. He’s proven resistant to truth serums, to all manner of torture, but he still won’t talk. Of course, with the assistance of these two -’ he waved his hand at Becky and Joe, ‘- I believe matters will be very different.’

  ‘WE’D NEVER HELP YOU!’ Becky yelled.

  ‘Believe me, your presence is all that’s necessary. I doubt he’ll want to see his own flesh and blood executed before his very eyes. Believe it or not, he seems to love you both a remarkable amount.’

  ‘Where is he?’ Uncle Percy repeated.

  ‘Let’s just say, he’s a part of history,’ Drake replied.

  ‘Then I’ll find him.’

  ‘Find him?’ Drake snorted. ‘Find a man hidden in time and space? Now, that is like finding a very small needle in a very large haystack.’

  ‘Nevertheless, I will find him.’

  ‘Really?’ Drake said. ‘That may be somewhat difficult, as I intend to leave your dead carcass outside for the vultures to pick at.’

  Otto Kruger smiled.

  ‘One more question,’ Uncle Percy said, ignoring the threat. ‘How did you know Becky had the Suman Stone?’

  ‘Actually, that was the most remarkable piece of fortune. For many years I had known of the Great Gate, and of the two pieces of the key. And I knew Mellor was obsessed with the legend of Stonehenge. He even started his own investigations into the whereabouts of the Fleece. However, although he knew of the Great Gate’s existence, and of the Disk, he had yet to learn of the Suman Stone. Anyway, when I captured him I discovered he had unwittingly found it in the course of his research. Needless to say, he wasn’t about to tell me where it was. It was only recently, when I revisited his belongings, that I found a photograph in his wallet - a photograph of you, my dear.’ His steely gaze fixed on Becky. ‘You were wearing the stone.’ He turned back to Uncle Percy. ‘Now, agreeable though this has been, I think it’s time we proceeded with the small matter of your execution, don’t you?

  Drake gave a curt nod and four Associates rushed over and stood behind Uncle Percy and Will. Becky made to cry out in protest. With a sharp shake of his head, Uncle Percy gestured her to stay silent.

  Drake approached the Golden Fleece. Anticipation coursed through him, He knelt as if in prayer and unfurled the bundle. He threw the discarded cloak at Uncle Percy, who caught it and slipped it on. He stared down at the Golden Fleece. Its reflection cast a golden shadow on his colourless face. ‘It’s beautiful.’ His eager fingers stroked its bristly exterior. ‘It’s magnificent.’ Suddenly his back jerked straight. His chest swelled as the awesome power of the Fleece swept through him. His eyes rolled back, whirling in ecstasy. ‘I CAN FINALLY SEE!’

  Otto Kruger tilted his head to one side, a hungry glint in his eyes.

  Reluctantly tearing himself away from the Fleece, Drake wheeled round to the nearby Associate. ‘Bring the bag.’

  The Associate ran over, clutching a black leather kitbag. Drake raised the Fleece and placed it carefully into the bag. Then he turned to the mob, his arms outstretched. ‘WE HAVE WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS!’ The Associates cheered.

  Becky’s heart sunk. Then she spied a curious thing. In the midst of the jubilant faces, one Associate wasn’t smiling.

  Drake had noticed it too and walked over to him. The young red-haired man looked strangely dishevelled as though woken from a deep sleep. ‘YOU!’ Drake hollered. ‘What’s the matter?’

  ‘N-nothing, sir,’ the Associate mumbled, swaying slightly.

  ‘Are you not delighted?’ Drake snapped.

  ‘Y-yes, sir,’ the Associate said. ‘But I - I don’t think I’m well, sir.’

  Uncle Percy watched, suddenly fascinated.

  ‘Pull yourself together or I’ll have you shot.’ He snatched the Associate’s rifle and moved to the far wall. Then he turned abruptly to Uncle Percy. He was standing over Milly.

  ‘I take it this is your pet, Percy?’

  Will made to move, but felt the barrel of a gun against his head.

  ‘No, Emerson,’ Uncle Percy shouted over. ‘I beg you.’

  ‘Begging?’ Drake was enjoying this. ‘The great Percy Halifax begging?’ He fired three shots into Milly’s chest.

  Becky screamed and smothered Sabian’s head. Even Will turned away.

  Pushing his guard aside, Uncle Percy raced to Milly. Falling to his knees, his hand edged through her fur until his fingers traced the holes. For a moment his face became impossible to read. Then it cracked with grief. ‘Sleep well, girl,’ he whispered, as an Associate dragged him away.

  Becky couldn’t breathe. She stared at Milly, tears steaming down her cheeks. Then she glowered at Drake. She felt something she had never felt before. It was hatred. Pure hatred! This was the man who had kidnapped her father - had murdered hundreds of people in a sabotaged plane - had executed Milly. She wanted revenge.

  Drake’s mocking voice punctured the air. ‘Now, Percy, what say we relocate outside? Surely you would relish the sun on your face one last time?’

  Uncle Percy and Will exchanged helpless looks. Two Associates cuffed them before leading them at gunpoint out of the cavern.

  *

  Some time later, the group emerged from the Red Caves. Becky watched as the Associates who had remained to guard the time machines joined their comrades to celebrate. Loud, ugly cheers echoed all around. Then she saw something that completely bewildered her. Uncle Percy was smiling again. She didn’t get it? Even Will looked confused.

  Drake was baffled, too. Glaring at Uncle Percy, he spat, ‘Why do you smile?’

  ‘What’s not to smile about?’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘The sun is shining, the birds are - ’

  Kruger grabbed Will by the neck and pressed a pistol against his temple. ‘Are you smiling now?’

  Uncle Percy’s expression turned sober. ‘No.’

  Drake smirked. ‘Now, Otto, let’s not rush this. I cannot begin to tell you how long I have waited for this.’ Reluctantly, Kruger lowered the gun.

  ‘We have had a long and complex history together, haven’t we, Percy? I’m glad Jason failed to kill you. For now the moment belongs to me.’ He whispered in Uncle Percy’s ear, ‘And when I have no need for them, I will make sure your nephew and niece share your fate.’ Drake gestured to four Associates. ‘Chain them to the trees.’

  Becky watched horrified as Uncle Percy and Will were dragged away.

  ‘I have failed you, Percy,’ Will said, his hands bound to a tree trunk. ‘I never did repay my debt.’

  ‘If there ever was a debt, Will,’ Uncle Percy said, ‘you have repaid it a thousand times. Besides, we’re not dead yet …’

  Becky felt powerless. Six Associates had filed into line before Uncle Percy and Will. She wheeled round to Drake. ‘Please don’t,’ she begged. ‘I’ll make dad give you anything you want, just don’t kill them.’

  Drake grinned. ‘Your father will already tell me what I need to know. Now, be quiet, before I lash your brother to a tree and do the
same to him. After all, I only need one of you.’ He approached Uncle Percy. ‘Your time is up, Percy Halifax.’ Whirling round, he stepped away from the trees. ‘FIRING SQUAD! READY.’

  Becky heard the clack of raised rifles.

  ‘TAKE AIM …’ Drake shouted. The rifles were cocked. ‘READY!’

  Becky clamped her eyes shut.

  Suddenly a booming voice echoed through the jungle. ‘DEARY, DEARY ME…WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?’ Instead of gunshots there were loud gasps of shock and astonishment.

  Edgar stood there, smiling.

  ‘Hello, Becky, Joe,’ the Minotaur said cheerily. He gave them a little wave. ‘Surprise…’

  ‘Edgar?’ Becky panted.

  ‘At your service.’ His eyes gleamed.

  Hesitantly, Drake stepped forward. He sounded alarmed. ‘Beast. We have no quarrel with you. Be on your way.’

  Edgar folded his arms. ‘Beast? How very rude. I don’t think I like you too much. No, I don’t think I like you at all.’

  ‘What are you doing here, Edgar?’ Uncle Percy breathed.

  ‘Hello, Perce, my most excellent friend… How are you?’

  ‘I’ve been better,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘Edgar, you really must go. These men will kill you.’

  Edgar gave a hearty chortle. ‘I doubt that. They can’t kill me. I told you. Not with these weapons, whatever they are. These are mortal weapons. And I’m a Minotaur. I told you, only a weapon forged by the Gods can - ’

  Drake bloated with fury. ‘SHOOT IT.’

  ‘NO, EMERSON, PLEASE!’ Uncle Percy shouted.

  There was the thunder of machine gun fire. Hundreds of bullets pierced Edgar’s skin. Dust filled the air, shell casings clattered to the ground. Seconds later, the onslaught had stopped. Silence.

  Becky inhaled sharply, terrified of what she would see. Her panic was soon replaced with shock. Edgar was unscathed. There wasn’t a mark on him. The Associates were stunned, too.

  ‘Ooh, that tickled,’ Edgar chuckled. ‘I believe I have made my point. Anyway, my friends, William and Perce, look uncomfortable. And I don’t like that. So, if you would kindly - ’

  ‘LEAVE, MINOTAUR,’ Drake screamed. ‘THIS IS NOT YOUR FIGHT.’