‘Griffin.’ Fly barely managed to say the words. ‘They’ve found them. And they want to see me!’
‘Of course they do,’ Griffin’s voice trembled. ‘Why wouldn’t they?’
The relief made her crumble into tears in Griffin’s arms.
Bea handed Fly a hanky. ‘You better use this before you make Griffin all soggy.’
Fly laughed and wiped her eyes.
‘I have asked Mrs Gooding to plan a special afternoon tea for their arrival,’ the Major General said. ‘We’ll make sure your reunion is a celebration to remember.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
‘Seeing the smile on your face is pleasure enough for me.’ He leant on his cane and stood with a small grunt. ‘Come, Cleopatra.’
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Learning to Fly
The golden eagle spread its wings and soared above the Garrison’s main stadium. Spotting a red jacket on the ground, it plunged and snatched it up with its talons before rising easily and returning to its trainer, Byron.
The bird settled on his long leather glove and was rewarded with a morsel of meat. ‘Good boy, Charlie.’
‘He knew exactly what to do.’ Bea was impressed.
‘Charlie’s our best rescue eagle. He and I have been training together since he was a fledging. At first I used morsels of meat to encourage him to fly from small distances and land on my arm. Then I showed him items of clothing that he needed to retrieve, and when he did he got the meat as a reward.’
‘Has he rescued many people?’ Raffy asked.
‘Hundreds, I’d say – he’s our best – but as with any eagle you have to gain his trust, and that takes time. Fly, hold out your arm.’
Fly lifted her gloved arm.
‘This may take some time, but if we’re patient we –’
Before he could finish, Charlie had hopped from his arm to Fly’s and lowered his head for a pat.
Byron laughed. ‘Seems he likes you already. Let’s see if you can get him to collect that shoe.’ Byron nodded at the far edge of the yard.
Fly patted the eagle’s head and pointed at the shoe. She lowered her arm and, with a firm upward movement, helped him launch into the air. His wings flapped in wide, majestic arcs, easily climbing through the air until he swooped down, grasped the shoe and made a sharp turn. Charlie dropped the shoe before them, landed on Fly’s arm, and nuzzled her cheek.
‘I’ve never known an eagle take to someone this fast,’ Byron said. ‘Let’s try something harder.’
Griffin and Isabella watched from the stands as the trainer prepared the next lesson.
‘I don’t think I’ve seen Fly so happy,’ Griffin said. ‘We all hoped we’d find our parents, but I never thought …’
‘I’m going to do it,’ Isabella decided.
‘Do what?’
‘Go to the camp.’
‘Why?’
‘Sergeant Brown called me a moocher, like I was a bug he wanted to crush, but Vijay says they’re just kids like us who’ve lost their parents. I have to find out what’s going on.’
‘Even if you risk getting hurt?’
‘There could be kids living in prison through no fault of their own.’
‘But we’ve seen what the Garrison do to people who don’t follow their rules.’
‘Are you two lovebirds having a tiff?’ Xavier jumped across the bench seats and muscled in between them.
‘No,’ Griffin snapped. ‘And we’re not … what you said … We’re just talking.’
‘Looked like a lovers’ tiff to me,’ Xavier teased.
‘Did you come here to be annoying? Because so far it’s working.’
‘No, I’ve come because I have news that will make Isabella Charm love me even more than she already does.’
Isabella smirked. ‘Is that possible?’
‘It will be when you hear I can get you to the camp.’
‘We haven’t decided that’s a good idea yet,’ Griffin said.
Isabella kept her voice low. ‘How?’
‘I’ve spent the morning in the Transport Division, and guess who is the proud owner of an Ornithopter?’
Xavier opened his backpack and revealed the shiny winged device tucked inside.
‘You want Isabella to fly out of here for everyone to see?’
‘Ah, but that’s the exciting part, Griffman, the Ornithopter produces a vibration that refracts light particles, making the wearer and device invisible.’
‘That’s why the soldiers in the square seemed to appear from nowhere,’ Isabella said.
‘Exactly.’
‘How does it work?’ Griffin asked.
‘It’s complicated – and I’m not sure I understand it – but it has something to do with bending light waves and nanotechnology and a whole bunch of other things I stopped listening to because I was waiting for the part where I got to try it.’
‘And it worked?’ Isabella asked.
There was a glint in Xavier’s eyes. ‘Like a dream.’
‘How come they gave it to you?’ Griffin frowned.
‘They didn’t exactly give it to me – I sort of borrowed it.’
‘You stole it?’
‘I prefer the word “borrowed”.’
‘And what happens when they find it gone?’
‘They won’t because I’ll get it back before they even notice.’
‘How does it fly?’ Isabella asked.
‘The harness and wings are lined with a super-light carbon-fibre frame that acts like the skeleton of a bird. A slim computer panel oscillates the wings and sends out the vibrations that make you and the Ornithopter invisible seconds after take-off.’
Charlie rose high above the stadium, then tumbled backwards in a somersault before landing on Fly’s arm. Raffy and Bea clapped and cheered.
‘It’s one of the reasons the Garrison has the golden eagles,’ Xavier said. ‘They’re one of the world’s most powerful birds of prey, and they’ve been studying them as the basis for the Ornithopter.’
‘So it’s ready to use?’ Isabella asked.
‘I don’t see why not.’
‘Except for the fact that she may not come back alive,’ Griffin argued.
‘That’s a little dramatic, isn’t it, Griffboy?’
‘I’d rather be dramatic than risk my friend’s life.’
Xavier held his gaze. ‘I’d say that’s Isabella’s decision, wouldn’t you?’
Isabella turned to Griffin. ‘If I leave now I’ll be back well before dinner.’
‘We’re not supposed to go anywhere on our own.’
‘Yes – and why is that?’
‘Because it’s too dangerous,’ Griffin said. ‘You saw that ice twister.’
‘But what if it’s because they want to control us like those eagles, like the camp, like everyone in New City.’
‘What if they’re just trying to protect us?’
‘Maybe you’re right,’ Isabella said, ‘but I have to know the truth.’
Griffin wore a crooked smile. ‘Which is one of the many things I like about you … and that drives me crazy.’
Xavier nudged Griffin. ‘Looks like the lovebirds are making up.’
‘I’ll be careful,’ Isabella said. ‘I promise.’
Griffin had known Isabella his whole life. He’d seen that determined look many times before and knew it was useless arguing against it.
He sighed. ‘All right, but if you don’t come back I’ll never speak to you again.’
Isabella kissed him on the cheek. ‘Lucky for me then I’ll be coming back.’
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
A Sneaky Visit
In the main room of their apartment, Isabella slipped on the Ornithopter and pulled the straps to secure it firmly in place. ‘What do I do now?’
Xavier buckled a watch-like device around her wrist. ‘This is a voice-operated remote. Simply say start. The device will begin to oscillate and within seconds you will become invisible. Say fly to ta
ke off, and to adjust your speed say slower or faster. Like the golden eagle, you don’t need a run-up – you can take-off from standing still.’
‘How does it land again?’ Griffin was hanging off every word.
‘Just say land. It’s really very easy. Remember to lean slowly in the direction you want to fly. If you move too fast you might become unbalanced.’
‘Is there anything else Isabella should know?’
‘Not to be as worried as you are.’
Griffin frowned and turned towards Isabella. ‘Do you have your Weather Detector?’
Isabella patted her top pocket. ‘Right here.’
‘Do you know where you’re going?’
‘I’ve studied Vijay’s map.’
‘Griff,’ Xavier said. ‘She needs to go.’
‘Be careful,’ he breathed.
‘I will.’
‘And don’t fly too high.’
‘Okay.’
Isabella lifted her wrist to her mouth. ‘Start.’
‘And watch out for –’
But she had begun to disappear.
Griffin stared at the empty space.
From the balcony they heard her voice one last time: ‘Fly.’
Griffin stepped forward. ‘Isabella?’
Silence. She was gone.
‘Don’t worry, Griffy.’ Xavier patted his back. ‘She’s Isabella. She’ll be back.’
Griffin slapped his hand away. ‘Why do you always have to play the hero?’
‘And why do you always have to worry?’
‘Because I don’t want anything to happen to her. Why is that so hard for you to understand?’ Griffin glared at Xavier. ‘I’m late for the lab.’
He turned away and slammed the door, his mind filling with images of Isabella floating high above them – then disappearing without a trace.
The air caught easily under the Ornithopter’s wings. The machine purred and the wind whistled in Isabella’s ears. She could feel the power of each downward stroke propelling her forward. She’d had dreams of flying, but this was even better.
She remembered her first time in Xavier’s Aerotrope and how peaceful that felt. From high above, the world had a charm to it that was missing up close.
The Garrison passed underneath. Soldiers bustled in formation or stood at the main gate, keeping watch. She saw Bea, Fly and Raffy in the stadium with the eagles and gave them a small invisible wave as she flew overhead.
Beyond a small cluster of streets she was soon soaring over open country. She flew on currents of air that gently buoyed her up and down, took a deep breath and smiled – she was flying!
It all felt so perfect … until she saw the camp. It was nestled in the distance, beyond a dense forest, closed in behind a fence topped with coils of razor wire and strung between unwelcoming towers.
She searched for the signs Vijay had mentioned of where they should meet.
‘There you are,’ she said, spotting the quiet country road that turned off into a tree-lined drive. At the end of that would be Mr Finch’s house and shed that Vijay had told her about.
She’d made it! But she was flying too fast.
She was about to say slow into the remote, but a gust of wind pushed her sideways. She lost her balance and tumbled through the air. Her legs were thrown around like a rag doll. She quickly twisted her body the other way to recover, but she overcorrected and unbalanced herself even further.
She hurtled downwards, spinning and turning, and only in the last seconds of her flight was she able to lift the remote to her lips.
‘Land! Land!’
The Ornithopter instantly reacted and the wings drew back, slowing her fall just enough so that she hit the ground with a heavy thud.
She slid across the ground, scraping her hands and knees, and slowly became visible again. The wings folded back into place, snugly fitting against her back.
She sat up, wincing in pain as she brushed dirt from her hands and inspected her torn pants and bleeding knees. ‘I’ll have to work on that.’
With a quick glance to either side, she hurried into the corridor of trees until she came across Mr Finch’s house and shed. She ran without a sound and opened the door to find Vijay’s wide-toothed grin beaming from the darkness. ‘I thought you’d never get here.’
‘I’ve been busy.’ It felt good to share Vijay’s smile as Isabella closed the door behind her.
‘Did you use my map?’
‘Only at the end.’ She half-turned. ‘I flew here with this Ornithopter.’
‘From the Garrison? I’ve always wanted to try one of those.’
‘I can recommend it, just be careful of the landings. I can’t stay away too long. What do we do now?’
‘A fashion makeover.’ He handed her a pile of grey clothes and a pair of boots. ‘You’ll need to wear these to blend in.’
He turned his back while she dressed.
‘Does everyone wear these?’
‘Yep. When we first arrived they took away everything we had and gave us these uniforms. Our heads were shaved to protect us from lice.’ He lifted his cap to show his bald head. ‘But it’s so we all look the same and are easier to spot if we escape. Don’t forget the cap, and make sure all your hair is tucked away.’
‘How do I look?’ Isabella asked.
Vijay turned to see the uniform hanging from her like a ragged sack.
‘Fit for a royal ball, but there’s just one more detail.’ He took a handful of damp earth and held it up to her face. ‘You’ll need to look like you’ve been working in the vegetable domes. Do you mind?’
Isabella shook her head and closed her eyes while Vijay rubbed it into her cheeks and forehead.
‘Now you look perfect.’
‘Thanks, I think. Which way?’
Vijay slipped on a backpack. ‘Down.’ He lifted a hessian sack off the ground and grabbed the handle of a trapdoor. ‘Welcome to our tunnel.’
‘Is it safe?’ Isabella heard Griffin’s words echo in her head.
‘These days, being underground is safer than anywhere I know.’ He flashed his smile.
Isabella stared into the dark, gaping hole. ‘How far is it?’
‘About sixty metres, which is long enough to get us beneath the forest and inside the camp.’
Vijay handed her a torch. ‘Trust me. I’ve read lots of books about tunnel construction in the library. I’m practically an expert.’
She followed him down a rope ladder. The air smelt thick and damp.
Vijay lit up the narrow chamber with his torch. ‘There are loads of famous tunnels in the world. The Cu Chi tunnels built during the Vietnam War are thousands of miles long. There are tunnels under the Great Pyramid of Giza, and in Turkey whole underground cities were built in tunnels.’
‘You are an expert.’
He pulled a medal from beneath his shirt. ‘I was the youngest kid in my college to win the School Medal. You have to be very smart to win it.’
‘I thought they took everything you had.’
His grin widened. ‘They were never going to take this.’
Their torches scanned the damp walls.
‘How often do you come down here?’ Isabella asked.
‘Once a week, sometimes less. It depends if I can get away.’
‘Have you ever tried to escape?’
‘Not me.’ He shook his head. ‘Some tried at the beginning, but they never made it.’
‘How do you know?’
‘The Major General visited the camp and told us. He said he was concerned that others might try to escape. He seemed upset, even wiped away a tear, but we knew it was a warning.’
‘So why haven’t you been caught?’
‘Because I only ever visit. I also wear different clothes each time, so anyone watching would think I was just another city kid.’
‘Where do you get the clothes?’
‘Mr Finch brings them to the shed. He leaves hats and even wigs.’
Their boots s
quelched through a puddle.
‘Does it make you angry that you can’t leave for good?’ Isabella asked.
‘When we finished the tunnel and I left the camp for the first time, I saw a young girl and her brother playing in the yard with their mum. I looked at them with their nice clothes and clean faces and wondered what was different about us? What had we done wrong? At that moment I hated them, but then I thought, they probably don’t even know I exist or that I can be funny and smart or that I can climb a tree faster than either of them.’
Vijay stopped and turned to Isabella. ‘I’d give anything be in my own home, with its cubbyhouse and peach trees, exploring the creek until Mum calls us for dinner.’
‘Us?’ Isabella asked.
‘My little brother. We were separated in the Chaos.’ He perked up. ‘But I’ll leave this place one day and I’ll find him again, I know it.’
They came to another rope ladder. Vijay climbed up and knocked at a wooden floor above. There was a scramble of footsteps and the scraping of furniture. The trapdoor opened to a circle of grubby, smiling faces.
‘Welcome, Isabella.’ A young boy with deep brown eyes poked his head through. ‘I’m Latif.’
‘Give her some room,’ Vijay said, ‘or she won’t be able to come up.’
Latif took charge and ordered everyone back as Vijay hoisted himself out.
Isabella climbed into a long, cold room stacked end to end with triple-layered bunks and swarming with children. Vijay closed the trapdoor and three young kids quickly swooped in and slid a blanket box over the top.
‘Isabella, this is Nadia, Harry, Latif … Actually, there are a lot of us to try and remember.’
‘It’s nice to finally meet you.’ Latif held out his hand.
‘And I’m Silvie.’ A small girl shoved her way forward. ‘Vijay told us about you.’ She nudged into Latif and giggled. ‘And how pretty you are.’
‘She is,’ Latif whispered.
‘And he told us about Xavier and Griffin.’ Harry pushed his glasses along his nose. ‘And how you all met in the library.’
‘And how you didn’t dob him in to the Garrison.’ Latif shook his head.
‘Vijay said it was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done.’ Nadia nodded.
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