by carl ashmore
‘Fight?’ Edgar replied calmly. ‘I don’t fight. In fact, I despise violence of any kind.’ A twinkle formed in his eye. ‘My brothers, on the other hand – well, they do so enjoy a good tussle.’ Clapping his hands twice, Edgar rotated toward the jungle as if introducing a stage act. ‘Lady and gentlemen, I give you my brothers, Gergo and Gergan.’
At once, the treetops rustled wildly as if a powerful wind raged through them. Edgar winked mischievously at Becky. ‘I never mentioned this, but I’m actually the runt of the family.’
Becky’s mouth fell open. Emerging from the undergrowth were two colossal Minotaurs, each about six feet taller than Edgar, and considerably wider. Unlike Edgar, however, they wore very fierce expressions and carried enormous clubs, the size of lampposts.
Edgar turned back to the Associates. Now, I am going to release my friends, whilst my brothers keep you entertained. So, Gergo, Gergan … enjoy yourselves...’
Gergo, the slightly taller of the two, smiled at Edgar and grunted his accord. Then he slammed his club into the two closest Associates, who were hurled into the air as if struck by a giant flyswatter. The other Associates opened fire, but, once again, the bullets proved useless.
A breathless Becky watched as Gergo and Gergan ripped into them like a terrible whirlwind. Before long, Associates were flying everywhere.
Walking over to Uncle Percy and Will, Edgar tore off their cuffs like ripping paper. ‘Lovely to see you both again,’ he said. ‘Did you find what you came for?’ An Associate flew past them and hurtled headfirst into a tree.
‘We did,’ Uncle Percy said.
‘Goody,’ Edgar replied. ‘Then I beg you leave this dreadful place.’
Will gulped a lungful of air. ‘Soon.’ Then, to Edgar’s astonishment, he raced into the fray - kicking, punching, butting and pounding everything in a suit and coat.
Through the bedlam, Becky noticed two dark shapes, one of them carrying a large leather kitbag, racing to a limousine parked nearby. ‘Uncle Percy, Drake’s got the Fleece,’ she said frantically. ‘He’s getting away.’
‘Oh, no,’ Uncle Percy breathed.
Joe didn’t hesitate. ‘I’ll get it.’ He launched himself forward, fists clenched, when Uncle Percy’s arm held him back.
‘No, Joe,’ Uncle Percy insisted. ‘It’s too dangerous. Let him have the Fleece for now. We’ll track it down again. I promise.’
Becky watched Drake scramble into the limousine and hurl the kitbag onto the back seat, Kruger following close behind. Hope deserted her. It was over.
Drake had the Golden Fleece.
But then it happened again. The top of her head felt like it had been doused with water. The same strange feeling she’d had in the throne room at King Minos’ Palace, a moment before she saw the mysterious stranger. But stronger this time. Much stronger. The watery sensation spread from the top of her head and oozed into her eyes. She lost her grip on Sabian and he tumbled to the floor.
Confused, Joe scooped up the tiger cub and looked at Becky. He gasped with dismay at what he saw.
Becky’s eyes had rolled white; her face seemed older, paler, devoid of emotion. She looked frightening, inhuman.
‘Becky, what’s the matter?’ Joe asked, distressed. He turned to his left. ‘Uncle Percy, it’s Becky. Something’s wrong!’
Uncle Percy looked at Becky. Speechless, he watched as Becky extended her arms before her.
Drake peered back at the chaos behind and smirked. He punched six digits onto the time-pad. ‘Time to depart, Otto,’ he said, when - CRASHHHH –the back window shattered. Shards of glass sliced the air. He shielded his face. Kruger did the same.
Recovering, Drake wheeled round to check on the Fleece. It wasn’t there. Bewildered, his gaze shifted upwards through the glassless window.
The Fleece was hurtling through the air as if suspended on an invisible wire. It bobbed, ducked and twisted past everything and everyone, before soaring into Becky’s open arms.
Drake glared at Becky. ‘NOOO!’ he shrieked, reaching for the door-handle, but it was too late. The limousine was wrapped in a cyclone of dark red light, and, with a thunderous BOOM, it disappeared.
Becky stared at the bag. Her eyes had returned to normal, her face its usual color. She glanced over at Joe to see he was staring at her wide-eyed, confused and frightened.
Even Edgar’s massive jaws had fallen wide open.
‘H-how did you do that?’ Joe said, alarmed.
Becky looked down at the Fleece again. She had no answer. ‘I – I didn’t do anything,’ she stammered.
‘The Fleece has chosen its new guardian,’ Edgar said softly.
Joe ignored him and rounded on Becky. ‘You did. Your face went weird and -’
Becky turned to Uncle Percy. ‘I didn’t do anything. I was just standing there when...’ She paused for a moment, and then repeated in a weak voice, ‘I didn’t do anything.’
‘Of course, you didn’t, my dear’ Uncle Percy replied hesitantly. ‘I’d better have that.’ He took the bag.
‘It would be best if you left now,’ Edgar said to Uncle Percy.
Uncle Percy nodded. ‘I couldn’t agree more…’
Will floored two Associates with a single punch as Uncle Percy tapped him on the shoulder. ‘I’m afraid I have to stop your fun, William. We have to go…’
Moments later, they were negotiating the mounting heap of unconscious Associates as they advanced to the campervan.
Becky remained at the rear, head bowed. She felt confused, confounded. What had just happened? And why did Joe look at her as though she were guilty of something? She hadn’t done a thing. For some reason, the Fleece had broken free from Drake and come to her. She couldn’t explain it. She couldn’t even remember it happening. She’d blacked out and came round to find it there, in her arms. Perhaps Edgar was right - perhaps the Fleece had chosen its guardian. Besides, what did it matter? They had the Golden Fleece.
At once, she felt considerably better. They could return to Bowen Hall and concentrate on what was really important: finding her dad. However, as she approached Bertha, she couldn’t resist one last look at the mayhem behind.
Glancing round, she saw Gergan hoist a squirming Associate by his ankles. Then the giant Minotaur turned on his back foot and threw the man over the trees like a hammer throw. She gave a satisfied grin.
As everyone clambered into the van, Uncle Percy rolled down the driver’s window and called to Edgar. ‘Would you thank your brothers for me, please, Edgar? They’re jolly good sports.’
Edgar beamed. ‘Of course, I will.’
‘Oh, and one more thing,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘When you have the time, could you take the Theseus Disc back and throw it in your lagoon on Crete. A gentleman named Arthur Evans has to discover it in a few thousand years.’
‘It would be my pleasure,’ Edgar said.
‘Thank you,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘And goodbye.’
‘Farewell,’ Edgar replied. ‘May good fortune track your every path.’
‘Bye, Edgar,’ Becky and Joe shouted.
Will waved. ‘Farewell, my friend.’
‘Stay safe and sheltered,’ Edgar said, his voice quivering.
‘Oh, and Edgar,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘I hope you don’t mind but we’d love to pop back sometime for a visit.’
A wide grin curled onto Edgar’s snout. ‘Please do. I miss you all already.’
‘Until next time then,’ Uncle Percy said.
‘Absolutely! Oh, and Miss Becky…’
‘Yes, Edgar?’ Becky said.
‘You are a very special human child,’ Edgar said sincerely. ‘You are at one with the Gods.’
- Chapter 33 -
Harold’s Lair
A moment later, Bertha appeared on the front lawn of Bowen Hall. For a moment, relief flooded Becky and made her forget all the amazing things she’d seen, the good and the bad. Even Joe seemed to have stopped looking at her as though she’d grown a second head.
&n
bsp; Nevertheless, she couldn’t help wonder what happened outside the Red Caves. She’d never blacked out before. And besides, it wasn’t as simple as that – the more she thought about it, the more fragmented but distinct images entered her head. She remembered seeing the limousine’s window smash; the Fleece flying toward her; the kitbag landing in her arms. In fact, she hadn’t blacked out at all.
She could remember everything.
Her gaze fell onto the Golden Fleece. So this was what the fuss was all about? She wanted to tear the bag open - to touch it - to feel what sent Drake into such a wild frenzy. Just then, she was distracted by a quiet, playful growl. Sabian was curled on Joe’s lap, clawing at his tunic. A harsh reality struck her and she felt a raw, burning ache inside. Sabian would never see his mother again.
He was an orphan.
‘I can’t believe Milly’s dead,’ Becky said quietly, ruffling Sabian’s ears. Joe nodded gloomily. Then an idea sprang into her mind. ‘Uncle Percy - about Milly - couldn’t we - ’
‘Let’s worry about Milly later, shall we?’ Uncle Percy said, rather too abruptly for Becky’s liking. ‘We have more pressing matters to deal with.’ He leapt purposefully onto the grass.
More pressing matters? Becky could have thumped him. She knew very well what had to be done. But she also knew what it was like to grow up without a parent. Before she had a chance to dwell on this, however, Joe slid open the door and leapt out.
Becky followed him. For the briefest of moments, she forgot about Sabian and took a deep, satisfying breath. They were home. What an adventure! They had found the Golden Fleece, befriended a vegetarian Minotaur, met the legendary Argonauts, defeated a Hydra and discovered the identity of the traveller. And even more incredible than that: her dad was alive.
As Becky stood there, an earsplitting shriek echoed from the Hall. She jumped, startled. Turning quickly, she feared the worst. Instead, she saw a beaming Maria waddle toward them, apron flapping, her chubby hands waving madly. ‘Angels! Angels! You are back.’ Jacob followed close behind, an equally broad smile on his face.
‘My little darlings, you are back and you are safe,’ Maria blubbered. ‘I told him.’ She wagged her finger at Uncle Percy. ‘I told him you should be coming back when he came for that cat. Oh, I have been so worried.’
‘We’re fine, Maria,’ Becky said, forcing a smile.
Maria released her and faced Joe. ‘And the young master?’ She grabbed his head forcefully and pulled him to her chest. ‘Ooh, I missed you so much.’
‘Hi, Maria,’ Joe said, turning bubblegum-pink as she squeezed the life out of him.
Finally, Maria let go. She marched past Uncle Percy, cast him a very nasty scowl, and embraced Will tenderly.
‘Our dad’s alive,’ Joe said excitedly.
‘What?’ Maria took a moment to absorb the information. ‘Alive?’
Joe nodded.
‘He’s alive?’ Maria repeated. Then her face exploded with delight. ‘D-did you hear that Jacob?’ Her eyes started to water. ‘Master John is alive. B-but how?’
‘That, Maria, is a very long story,’ Uncle Percy said.
‘Is he here?’ Maria glanced at Bertha expecting him to jump out at any moment.
‘No,’ Becky said. ‘But he is alive … somewhere.’
‘Uncle Percy’s going to find him,’ Joe said.
‘Of course he is,’ Maria replied, her voice quivering. ‘Oh, it is a wonderful day. I am so happy for you. Now, where is that big cat? I have fresh sirloin for her.’
‘She’s dead,’ Becky stared at the ground.
Maria’s head jolted up. ‘She’s what?’
‘A man called Drake shot her,’ Becky replied. ‘The traveller. The man who sent Otto Kruger here.’
Maria glowered at Uncle Percy. ‘Is this true?’
‘We haven’t time to think about that now,’ Uncle Percy said urgently. ‘Will, might I ask you to get me the Molivator and the Bio-rifle, please, we haven’t much time.’
Will ran off in the direction of the Time Room.
Maria noticed Uncle Percy’s injured arm. ‘And you - you are bleeding,’
‘It’s nothing,’ Uncle Percy said, entering a new set of coordinates on the time-pad.
‘What are you doing?’ Becky asked.
‘I have to get the Fleece as far away from here as possible.’
‘We’re leaving again?’ Becky said.
‘We’re not,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘I am.’
‘I want to come,’ Joe said quickly.
‘And me,’ Becky added.
‘Absolutely not!’ Maria said sharply. ‘Come inside, I have made crumpets.’
‘Not this time,’ Uncle Percy replied.
‘We want to come,’ Becky pressed, ignoring Maria’s scowl.
‘It’s not safe,’ Uncle Percy said.
‘Neither was Ancient Greece, but we’re still in one piece.’
‘You have to take us,’ Joe pleaded.
Becky flashed her sweetest smile. ‘Besides, the Fleece came to me. I’m its guardian. Apparently, I’m at one with the Gods.’
Uncle Percy couldn’t help but laugh. ‘Okay then, but you’re to do exactly what I say. No questions asked.’
‘We will,’ Becky said eagerly.
Will appeared pulling a shiny contraption that resembled an old fashioned vacuum cleaner; a gigantic silver rifle hung from his shoulder.
‘Thanks, Will,’ Uncle Percy said, lifting the Molivator into the campervan.
‘That’s a gun!’ Joe said, his eyes wide with surprise.
‘A bio-rifle,’ Uncle Percy replied, wedging the rifle onto the passenger seat. ‘A tranquillizer gun.’
Becky stared at it with disbelief. It was the biggest gun she had ever seen. ‘What’re you going to tranquillize: King Kong?’
‘Something like that,’ Uncle Percy muttered.
‘Where are we going?’ Joe asked. ‘The North Pole? The Himalayas?’
‘Somewhere far more tropical,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘London …’
Becky and Joe exchanged disappointed looks.
‘London’s about as tropical as Joe’s feet,’ Becky said.
‘You’d be surprised,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘Now, there’s just one more thing I need to do.’ He bounded onto the driver’s seat, started the engine and drove Bertha into the Time Room.
Becky and Joe followed, intrigued. They watched as Uncle Percy hopped out and sat at a workstation. There was a loud click and a steel partition dropped from the ceiling. With a faint buzz, it launched a broad shaft of sapphire light onto the van. The light probed and prodded and skimmed every inch of Bertha’s bodywork.
‘What’s happening?’ Joe whispered.
Becky shrugged. ‘Dunno.’
Uncle Percy watched the monitor closely; his face flickered white as a stream of data crossed the screen. Then the words ‘Unknown device detected’ appeared.
‘Very clever, Emerson,’ Uncle Percy muttered to himself. ‘Very clever, indeed.’ His hand rummaged beneath the front wheel trim. When he withdrew it, he was holding a shiny metal disc that resembled a milk bottle top.
Becky approached him. ‘What is it?’
‘It’s a chrono-tracer,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘And an old one, to boot.’
Becky looked puzzled.
‘A device for tracking time machines through time and space,’ Uncle Percy explained. ‘I was wondering how Emerson was always one step ahead of us, how he knew precisely when to send Otto Kruger to Bowen Hall. This is how he’s been able to do it.’ He crushed it in his fingers.
‘But when did he put it there in the first place?’ Becky asked.
‘Well it was Emerson and some others who helped me construct her fourteen years ago. He could’ve installed it then.’
A shiver ran down Becky’s spine. Emerson Drake had been tracking Uncle Percy all that time. ‘Is it true what you said in the caves… is he thick?’
Uncle Percy gave a heavy sigh. ‘Unfortunat
ely not, I only said that because I know how arrogant he can be, attacking his intellectual vanity was the only weapon I had at the time. Make no mistakes about it … Emerson Drake is a brilliant man, a genius. And if he possesses his own Gerathnium, the world as we know it is in great danger.’
He hit another key and two enormous blocks of Gerathnium landed with a flump in the slot beside the terminal.
‘And what about dad?’ Becky asked. ‘How will we ever find him?’
Uncle Percy gave her a kindly smile. ‘The wonderful thing is he’s alive, and, from the sounds of it, Emerson will make sure he stays alive, at all costs. He needs him. I don’t know why … I don’t know what your father knows … but I know this, if Emerson has kept him alive for all this time, then it must be something significant. Now, I swear to you, that I will do everything in my power to find him. I will devote the rest of my life to finding him, if need be.’ He inserted the Gerathnium into the rear slot. ‘Fancy sitting up front with me?’
Becky and Joe jumped eagerly into Bertha and settled themselves on the front seat. Uncle Percy joined them.
‘So how far back are we going?’ Joe said.
The campervan shuddered as a power surge swelled from below. Uncle Percy winked at Joe. ‘One hundred and sixty two million years…’
*
A moment later, they materialised on a beach.
However, Becky had never seen an English beach quite like it. Stretching plains of white sand faded into a shallow crystal blue sea and soaring palm trees lined the coastline. It looked like a desert island. ‘Exactly what part of London are we in?’
‘Piccadilly Circus, I believe,’ Uncle Percy replied, opening the door and climbing out.
‘Will we see a T Rex?’ Joe asked hopefully.
‘I’m afraid not, Joe. They won’t exist for millions of years.’ He hoisted the Bio-rifle onto his shoulder.
Becky suddenly felt nervous. ‘What will we see?’
Uncle Percy grinned. ‘Who knows? Joe, would you carry the Fleece for me, please?’ Uncle Percy wheeled the Molivator onto the sand.
‘Course.’ Joe heaved the kitbag over his shoulder.
‘What exactly does it do?’ Becky said, nodding at the Molivator.