Alice stared open-mouthed, oblivious to the snow which was now falling more rapidly around them. She already knew it was huge, but nothing could have prepared her for the reality of this incredible monument. Standing proudly above Teutoburg Forest, it was over fifty-four metres tall. From his sandals to the tip of his sword, Hermann himself was a metal giant of twenty-seven metres. Against the backdrop of the trees he was a striking, intimidating spectacle. Alice felt a little afraid of him. Perhaps it was the lifelessness of his metal eyes.
‘Well, he’s pretty impressive!’ admitted Thomas. ‘Give me your phone, I’ll take some photos of you in front of Hermann. Then we’ll climb up inside the plinth to see the views.’
Thanks to the snow, their views across the countryside from the top of the plinth were limited.
‘That was a waste of time,’ complained Thomas. ‘I wish I hadn’t put the money in the machine just to come up here.’
‘I’m sure you could get it back if you put your mind to it! Anyway, I heard that it was possible to climb up inside the statue as well.’
‘Not today, it seems. There’s no mention of it anywhere. Shame, that would have been interesting. Look, that metal ladder goes up to a door in the roof. That must be the access point.’
‘Never mind. We should get back to the car, really. Grandma will be fed up,’ said Alice.
‘Rubbish. I bet they’ve both fallen asleep! We might as well take a look.’
‘Up there? No way! We’ll get in to trouble!’
‘How? There’s no one here. This place is deserted.’
Before Alice could reply, Thomas was at the top of the ladder, opening the door above them. He switched on a light to reveal rungs on one side of a tubular metal structure within the monument.
‘Come on! Just a short way up to see what it’s like on the inside.’
Alice hesitated. The Hermann statue sent shivers down her spine, so she had no desire to climb inside it. But she didn’t want to stay in the plinth on her own either. It was so quiet, it was eerie. Reluctantly she followed Thomas. She would just climb a few feet, then get out of there.
‘You’re lucky you’re wearing gloves,’ called Thomas. ‘My fingers are almost freezing to these rungs!’
‘Mmm. Perhaps you should abandon this idea. There’s nothing to see in here anyway.’
‘I just want to reach the end of this straight run, then there might be another light switch. I’d like see more of the internal structure. The scale of this thing is incredible.’
‘I’ve seen enough already. I don’t like it. It smells funny; old and metallic and ...’
‘Alive?’ bellowed Thomas in a spooky voice.
Alice winced as the metallic echo tormented her ears. ‘Pack it in! I’ve had enough, I’m going back down.’
Feeling carefully for the rungs with her feet, Alice began to reverse down the ladder. Oddly, the smell of metal seemed to be getting stronger. She couldn’t wait to get out of there. A shout from Thomas made her jump.
‘Hey! The sun must be out, Hermann’s warming up! My hands feel better already. Feel the ...’ He stopped as he realised what he was saying. ‘Oh, no. Do you think ...?’
‘JUST GET OUT OF HERE!’ yelled Alice. ‘You’ll never learn, will you? You just had to climb up here!’
‘It’s YOU who never learns! If I’d had my way, Isabella would be worm food by now. Hurry up!’ he shouted, his feet appearing just above Alice’s head.
‘I’m going as fast as I can! I don’t want to die inside a giant metal leg!’
‘If she melts this thing, no one will know which body part it was. Ow! These rungs are really hot now.’
As they emerged through the trapdoor and scrambled down the ladder, it became obvious that the sun was not to blame. It was snowing heavily now, and when they looked down from the viewing platform of the plinth, it was impossible to make out anything on the ground. They turned to run down the steps but an electronic metal gate slammed shut in front of them. The indicator light next to it changed from green to red.
‘Oh, great. That means Lukas is here as well,’ groaned Alice. ‘Go on, then. You might as well say ‘I told you so’.’
‘There’s no point.’
‘This is never going to end, is it? It’s like a nightmare, only I never wake up.’
‘They’re just playing games with us. Lukas could have sent an electric current through Hermann and killed us instantly. If that’s what they want, fine. I can play dirty too.’ He focused on the gate to force it open. Nothing happened. After a couple of minutes he wiped his brow then tried again. Still nothing.
‘What’s wrong with you?’ yelled Alice.
‘There’s nothing wrong with me. Look at the gate! It’s beginning to spark. Lukas is causing a massive power surge. He must have located the mains cable. I don’t think I can do it.’
‘Yes, you can. You must!’ Again Alice looked down at the ground, searching through the blizzard for Isabella or Lukas. Where were they?
‘I’m sorry, Alice. I really can’t open it. I’ll have to phone Grandma and ask her to send someone up. He took out his phone and growled in temper. ‘My battery’s dead. Lend me yours.’
‘Um, I left it in the car.’
‘Unbelievable! Listen, you’ll have to release your wings and fly down. I can’t go anywhere.’
‘You could hang on to me. I’m not leaving you up here.’
‘Don’t be daft! You’re wings aren’t strong enough to carry both of us. GO! Send someone to open this stupid gate!’
‘Yes, do as you’re told,’ said a voice behind her.
Alice jumped and spun round to see Ralph hovering outside.
‘What the ... ? What are you doing here?’ she stuttered.
‘Never mind that, this snow is not doing my wings any good!’ he replied. ‘Now, release your wings and we’ll carry Thomas down between us.’
‘I appreciate your concern,’ said Thomas curtly. ‘But you needn’t bother. Just go and tell someone that I’m trapped up here.’
‘No time,’ insisted Ralph. ‘Hermann is so hot now, there’s steam rising high in to the air. I think your friend Isabella is trying to melt him. If she succeeds, you will be engulfed by molten copper.’
‘And iron, actually. I’ve just been inside the structure.’
‘Congratulations. Now you must swallow your pride and let us give you a lift down.’
Alice’s wings had erupted as soon as Ralph mentioned the statue melting. She and Ralph linked arms with Thomas, and with a far-from-dignified jump, the three of them took off from the top of the plinth.
Their wings aching with cold, Alice and Ralph flew as well as they could, gripping Thomas so tightly, he yelped with pain.
‘Well, that was embarrassing,’ he complained when they landed. ‘But thanks.’
Ralph didn’t hear him. With his running ability, he was already at a safe distance from Hermann, waiting impatiently for Alice to join him. But she didn’t.
‘There’s Lukas!’ she shouted, flapping her wings above Thomas’s head. ‘I’m going after him!’
‘To do what?’ yelled Thomas. ‘Just come with me!’
‘No. He might lead me to Isabella. Maybe I can distract her.’
‘Leave it, Alice. Put yourself first, for once. Please!’ begged Thomas. ‘Just let the wretched statue melt!’
But it was too late. Alice was already following Lukas, shaking the snow from her wings as she swooped after her prey.
‘Stubborn, isn’t she?’ remarked Ralph as Thomas ran towards him.
‘Shut it! What would you know?’
Ralph paused. ‘Well, I know Alice will not find Isabella by chasing that man.’
‘How?’
‘Because Isabella is over there, laughing at us.’ He pointed behind Thomas, back towards the monument. Isabella had just appeared from behind some bushes, sniggering and flapping her arms in a wing-like motion.
‘Well done, Thomas!’ she called. ‘Such
a graceful flight!’
‘Ugh, I really wish I’d killed her yesterday,’ snarled Thomas.
Ralph raised an eyebrow. ‘What is wrong with today?’ He glanced up at Hermann. ‘He could step on her like an ant – if you wanted him to.’
Thomas’s face lit up. ‘I’d like nothing more! But that statue is too big for me. There’s no way I can make it move.’
‘Yes, there is. I am Kat, remember? Just do whatever you normally do, and I will help you.’
Somewhat taken aback by Ralph’s offer, Thomas nodded. He began to concentrate on Hermann, though it wasn’t easy with snow falling in to his eyes. He willed every bolt and metal plate to move, remembering in detail what he had seen inside. But the great Hermann was just as stubborn as Alice.
Strangely, instead of focussing on the statue, Ralph’s attention was directed at Thomas. Holding his fingers to his temples, Ralph stared at Thomas’s head, as if trying to penetrate his mind. Whatever he was doing, it was starting to work.
*
Lukas had been leading Alice on a pointless chase, running around in circles amongst the trees as though stalling for time. Furious, Alice had grabbed a loose branch to sweep him out of the wood, thwacking him repeatedly from above. He had no time to pause and use his ability to fight back. As they emerged from the forest, Lukas gasping for breath, there was a haunting metallic groan in the distance. Hermann was on the move.
Alice’s heart nearly stopped. No! Surely Thomas wouldn’t! He couldn’t. Not on this scale. With an ear-splitting creak that reverberated around the forest, Herman waved his sword and leaped down from his plinth. When he landed the ground shook so violently, Lukas fell to his knees. Alice was glad to be in the air – not least because she could fly away from those enormous metal feet. Terrified, she watched as Hermann appeared to survey the landscape. Those dead, copper plate eyes were now very much alive – aware of everything around him. A true warrior, he identified his target quickly and with a menacing frown began his pursuit. With every thunderous step this giant soldier took, the earth trembled beneath his metal sandal. Alice was trembling too. Since her metamorphosis she’d had some disturbing, experiences. But this was the most frightening thing she had ever seen. She flew higher, determined to keep her distance from the enraged Hermann. At least Thomas would be safe; he must be controlling him somehow.
From her vantage point high above the forest she caught sight of Isabella. It was a gratifying feeling, watching her enemy being terrorized, cowering on the ground in the snow. For the first time, here was an opponent she could not fight with threats or lies. Isabella was a pathetic sight. Each time she attempted to stand up and run, Hermann’s next step threw her to the ground. Lukas had already given up trying to walk and was crawling away on his hands and knees. Alice felt no pity for either of them this time. Enough was enough. For the past few months, constant worry and being on the defensive must have changed her, made her stronger. Or was it harder and crueller? Either way, Alice didn’t care any more. She spotted Thomas and Ralph crouching a short distance away from Isabella, transfixed by this monstrous and yet awe-inspiring sight.
Although his arms and legs were bare, Hermann paid no attention to the snow. With determination in his eyes, he stormed across the clearing until he reached Isabella and stared down at her. Paralysed by fear, she was on her knees. She glanced at Ralph in desperation but he didn’t respond.
Alice held her breath as she waited for Hermann to raise his seven-metre-long sword. But instead of impaling his victim, he cast his weapon aside and raised his left foot. He was going to step on her! Alice let out a gasp and turned away. Her stomach wasn’t as strong as she had thought. She anticipated a scream followed by a forceful thud. But what followed were shouts of terror from Thomas and Ralph.
In a last-minute attempt to save herself, Isabella had turned her attention to Hermann’s right leg. Alice could see that his metal knee was glowing red and could give way at any second. Hermann roared in agony and lost his balance. As his iron joints grated and screeched, fear was plain to see in his face. Mortified at his undignified demise, he began to topple over in the direction of Thomas and Ralph.
Chapter 12
Nightmare Awakening
Alice screamed and swooped down towards them. She had to save Thomas – he couldn’t move as swiftly as Ralph. But her efforts were in vain. As Hermann fell, the draft created by his plummeting body blasted Alice backwards through the icy air. She crashed through the branches of a fir tree and fell to the ground in the forest. Her torn and battered wings retracted instantly.
When she regained consciousness Alice was lying exactly where she had fallen. Without opening her eyes she knew where she was; the smell of the damp earth and the conifers around her was unmistakable. She could feel warm blood trickling down her forehead. In spite of her aching body and pounding head, she felt strangely relaxed. Someone was stroking her hair gently. The same someone who had just wiped her face and covered her with a coat to keep her warm. Ralph! With a feeble smile, Alice decided to keep her eyes closed and just enjoy the moment. Then she remembered Thomas. She opened her eyes instantly and turned rigid with shock.
Those concerned green eyes just inches away from her face did not belong to Ralph – yet they were strangely familiar. Hugh! Repulsed, Alice pushed him away and struggled to sit up, clasping her head in pain.
‘YOU!’ she croaked. ‘What the ... ?’ Overcome with dizziness, she closed her eyes again. Hugh held her up, his arm around her shoulders.
‘Shh,’ he said softly. ‘Stay still. Your brother will come and heal you in a minute.’
‘He’s OK?’
‘Of course. Can’t you hear him calling you? He’s worried sick. He can’t find you.’
‘Show him where I am, then! You’re just being cruel as usual.’
‘I am not. Just give me a moment, please. I need to think. He’ll have a fit when he sees me here.’
‘Can’t say I’m delighted. What are you doing here? And what ON EARTH did you think you were doing, touching my hair? Ugh!’
‘Sorry,’ mumbled Hugh. ‘I just ...’
‘Anyway,’ continued Alice, ‘tell me why you’re here. How did you know where we were?’
‘Your friend Ralph told me. We borrowed his mother’s campervan to get here.’
‘WHAT?! I don’t understand. How do you know him?’
‘I don’t really. It’s not important. You’re OK, that’s all that matters.’ He turned his face away in embarrassment, as if he regretted what he had said.
Alice was thoroughly confused. Her thumping headache wasn’t helping matters. ‘But ... Lucinda told me you’d gone to New Zealand.’
Hugh shook his head. ‘When she phoned me to ask for help I was at the airport. The poor girl was hysterical because she knew Isabella had followed you to an apartment in Berlin. When she told me what was going on, I had to change my plans. So I bought another ticket and boarded the next flight to Berlin.’
‘You mean ... you abandoned your holiday to come here? You just threw away a month in New Zealand? Why would you do that for me? I’m not worth it to you!’
‘Oh, I’m afraid you are, Alice. You just don’t know it yet,’ said Hugh quietly.
After a moment’s pause, Alice realised what he was hinting at. ‘This is about the problem in my future, isn’t it? The reason Isabella wants me dead?’
Hugh nodded. ‘I wouldn’t call it a problem. Only Isabella sees it that way.’
‘Just tell me! I’ve decided it’s time I knew. I’m going to look it up anyway when I get home. What did she learn about the future that made her so angry?’
Hugh hung his head. ‘OK, fine, if you insist. Here goes. In many, many years’ time, I shall inherit Aylesford Castle from my uncle Brian.’
‘Eh? Why would he leave it to you? You don’t even speak these days, do you?’ asked Alice, astounded.
‘Brian leaves Isabella nothing. I assume she falls out with him permanently in the future.
Hardly surprising, given her behaviour. I get the castle and Lucinda gets everything else – which amounts to one heck of a lot, apparently.’
‘Wow! Lucky you. But what does that have to do with me?’
‘Ah! That is the big question!’ Hugh laughed nervously. ‘What’s mine will be yours, Alice. By the time Brian takes his last breath, we’ll have been happily married for many years.’
Alice’s response was rapid. Suddenly and violently she threw up all over Hugh’s coat.
‘I hope that’s a delayed reaction to your head injury,’ remarked Hugh, patting her on the back. ‘And not a comment about your future husband.’
‘Don’t touch me!’ yelled Alice, waving her arms frantically. ‘Just leave me alone!’
At that moment Thomas pounced on Hugh and grabbed him around the throat. Ralph helped Alice to her feet and led her out of the way while Hugh attempted to fight off his attacker.
‘Well, this is the strangest day I have ever had,’ declared Ralph. ‘First a giant came to life, now I am watching two posh English boys fighting in the snow!’
‘That’s enough!’ screamed Alice, noticing that Hugh’s nose was bleeding. ‘Stop it, both of you!’
‘Why? He’s a sick liar and needs to be taught a lesson!’ shouted Thomas, swinging another punch, which Hugh managed to dodge.
‘You heard what he said?’
‘Every twisted word.’
Alice was horrified to notice some specks of vomit in her hair. Ralph was bound to have noticed. How could the day get any worse? ‘Listen, Hugh must be lying,’ she said firmly. ‘We’ll find out for sure as soon as we get home – I’m going to read my books about the future. I need answers.’
Thomas let go of Hugh momentarily. ‘You’re really going to believe whatever they tell you?’
‘They haven’t been wrong yet.’ Silent tears streamed down Alice’s face.
Alice Parker & the Curse of Fate Page 9