The Firebird Chronicles
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Praise for The Firebird Chronicles
Magical … never fails to evoke the child within … Every page is as compelling as the next … Through the Uncrossable Boundary strikes the perfect balance between magic and reality … A read that amazes and inspires.
Danielle McDowall, Dani Reads on Through the Uncrossable Boundary
An exciting re-enactment of the age-old conflict between good and evil … Like all the best stories, it can be read on different levels … at times there are echoes of C.S. Lewis. Young people and adults alike will be taken up by the tension of what will happen to the Apprentice Adventurers … A thoroughly absorbing read.
Rt Revd John Packer, on Rise of the Shadow Stealers
This fantasy adventure is aimed at middle grade readers to young teens, but I would say that adults would get as much enjoyment from the story too. The writing is rich with atmosphere and the quirky characters come alive with the wealth of descriptions and unusual names given to the inhabitants of the World of Mortales … I was gripped … when I got to the last page I was left bereft as I wanted to read on … Fans of the Narnia books or Inkheart will love this read.
Debbie Coupe, The State of the Arts on The Nemesis Charm
Take the first book’s magic, the second book’s adventure, and multiply them by 100 … you’ve got a book that’s bigger, bolder and even harder to put down than the last!
Charlotte Clark, Wonderfully Bookish on Through the Uncrossable Boundary
This rollicking adventure … is reminiscent in tone of the Harry Potter series and Jeanette Winterson’s Tanglewreck. Packed with literary references and cleverness, it focuses on the age-old conflict between light and dark, good and evil, and on the power of story. An engaging read for 9- to 14-year-olds.
Lucy Pearce, Juno Magazine on Rise of the Shadow Stealers
5/5 STARS I loved the book, the plot was captivating and engaging. I was hooked … from the beginning and it was a one sit read for me. The characters were well developed and the prose beautiful. The book was wonderful and I would recommend it to everyone.
Rubina Bashir, Booklove blog on The Nemesis Charm
Through the Uncrossable Boundary is the sweeping conclusion to the adventure that introduced us to Scoop and Fletcher and their story-centric world. It’s a true adventure story that will become an instant classic … No matter how old you are, you will want to revisit over and over again.
Emily, That Weird Girl Life blog on Through the Uncrossable Boundary
A well-paced, absorbing read that will appeal to many adults as much as it does to children … Both the premise and the writing are reminiscent of other fantasy authors such as Terry Pratchett and in particular, Jasper Fforde, although this is certainly unique and interesting enough to stand firmly on its own two feet. Confident pre-teen readers will enjoy it as an intriguing adventure story, while older readers will enjoy reading between the lines for a more philosophical experience.
Isobel Jokl, Dig Yorkshire on Rise of the Shadow Stealers
I love the world created for this story … The writing reminded me of that in a great picture book – the words flow, smooth and easy to read. They are nearly lyrical. The writing is some of the best I have read since becoming a book reviewer …
Suzanne Morris, Kids Lit Reviews on Rise of the Shadow Stealers
I absolutely loved this book … not since Harry Potter have I enjoyed a series this much … There’s magic and danger… . A wonderful story the reader can get completely lost in.
Judith Taylor, NetGalley on The Nemesis Charm
This thrilling quest is a wonderful read for all fantasy junkies …
Zyllah, Miss Literati on Rise of the Shadow Stealers
I loved this book! The world created by Ingram-Brown is so creative and whimsical … In all honesty, I haven’t wanted to enter another world so much since I first read Harry Potter … Fletcher and Scoop are really likeable characters … The plot is thoroughly engaging … Would I recommend The Nemesis Charm to a teen? Most definitely … Would I recommend it to an adult? Without a doubt. My rating: 5 stars.
Jo, My Little Library in the Attic on The Nemesis Charm
After both my children had devoured the book, I finally got to see what all the fuss was about, and I was instantly hooked. Fast-paced and gripping, my son compares this to his favourite, Artemis Fowl, whilst my daughter declares it ‘a book you can lose yourself in.’
Platform Harrogate Magazine on Rise of the Shadow Stealers
First published by Our Street Books, 2018
Our Street Books is an imprint of John Hunt Publishing Ltd., No. 3 East St., Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9EE, UK
office1@jhpbooks.net
www.johnhuntpublishing.com
www.ourstreet-books.com
For distributor details and how to order please visit the ‘Ordering’ section on our website.
Text copyright: Daniel Ingram-Brown 2017
Map illustration copyright: Si Smith
ISBN: 978 1 78535 900 2
978 1 78535 901 9 (ebook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2017960371
All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publishers.
The rights of Daniel Ingram-Brown as author have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Design: Stuart Davies
Printed and bound by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon, CR0 4YY, UK
We operate a distinctive and ethical publishing philosophy in all areas of our business, from our global network of authors to production and worldwide distribution.
Other Books in the Firebird Chronicles Series
Rise of the Shadow Stealers (2013, ISBN: 978-1-78099-694-3)
The Nemesis Charm (2016, ISBN: 978-1-78535-285-0)
Short stories (visit www.danielingrambrown.co.uk for details):
The Gell (2016)
The Imp’s Possibility Bird (2016)
Contents
If you’d like to recap the story so far, or haven’t read the first two books and would like to catch up (and don’t mind a few spoilers) visit www.danielingrambrown.co.uk/story-so-far/ and enter the password F1r3b1rd
PART ONE
Chapter 1 – The Black Horizon
Chapter 2 – The Guardians Flee
Chapter 3 – The Parley
Chapter 4 – Last Song of the Fable Fish
Chapter 5 – The Time Terminator
Chapter 6 – Digging Down
Chapter 7 – Gigan Tick Attack
Chapter 8 – The Venus Flower
Chapter 9 – Towards the Basillica Isles
Chapter 10 – Cathedral City
Chapter 11 – Martha
Chapter 12 – A Dark Day
Chapter 13 – Horizon’s Broken
Chapter 14 – Curse of the Southern Ocean
Chapter 15 – The Cloud
Chapter 16 – Interlude
Chapter 17 – The Merking
Chapter 18 – Goodbye
PART TWO
Chapter 19 – Lost
Chapter 20 – Welcome to DREAM
Chapter 21 – Watching
Chapter 22 – The NIGHTMARE Army
Chapter 23 – Provisions
Chapter 24 – The First Assault
Chapter 25 – Invasion
Chapter 26 – Stories of Light
Chapter 27 – Separated
Chapter 28 – The BLACK LAKE
Chapter 29 – Source
Chapter 30 – The Night Figure
Chapter 31 – Stealing
Chapter 32 – Circles
Chapter 33 – Wisdom’s Last Treasure
Chapter 34 – Empty
Chapter 35 – The Last Day of Advent
Chapter 36 – Life
Chapter 37 – Becoming Flesh
For Mum, Dad, Vanessa and Kenny
PART ONE
Chapter 1
The Black Horizon
‘Dead Man’s Fingers!’ the Dark Pirate cried. ‘Hard to port!’
The outline of a flinty column emerged from the mist. It looked scaly, like the decaying claw of a fallen sea monster waiting to snare ships. The Boatswain swung the wheel hard to the side, sweat pouring from his bristly beard. The ship lurched, making the crew stumble. Knot, already unsteady on his feet due to his considerable bulk, grabbed a rope as the vessel tilted. He watched, wide-eyed, as the ship curved away from the wrecking rocks, sending a cloud of sea spray into the night.
* * *
At the prow of the ship, two young Apprentices, Alfa and Sparks, fought the buffeting wind. Their waterproof hoods were pulled tight, frizzy hair whipping their faces, as they pressed into the storm. Sea lanterns swung from their hands, the beams trying to pierce the night. But the mist twisted the torchlight into ghostly shapes and rain formed a curtain of jewelled light in front of them.
‘I can’t see a thing!’ Sparks called, her voice shrill above the waves.
‘Me neither,’ Alfa replied, ‘but we have to try. Dead Man’s Fingers are notorious wrecking rocks. A little light could make all the difference.’
Sparks’s hands were trembling. ‘Do you think they’ll come after us?’ She glanced to her side, looking for the flicker of lights in the ocean. Moments ago, the crew of the Black Horizon had been captive, surrounded by an army of Red Hawk soldiers. But then, as their leader, Falk, had met his end, the soldiers had retreated. Sparks had barely had time to take in what had happened.
‘I don’t know,’ Alfa replied. ‘They’ll probably regroup and come after us. Red Hawks aren’t known for their mercy. That’s why we must get out of here now, even though it’s dangerous to sail these waters at night. I heard the Boatswain say we had to make it past Turnpoint Island by dawn.’
‘We better had,’ Sparks said, ‘because you know who else is out there.’
Alfa knew exactly whom Sparks was talking about – Grizelda. The old woman was their deadliest enemy.
‘She’s not going to leave us alone, is she?’
Alfa shook her head. The old woman would probably be even more dangerous now Falk had been defeated.
‘Watch out!’ Spark shouted. ‘Look!’
Alfa swung her lantern to reveal a second jagged needle puncturing the sea.
‘Hard starboard!’ the Dark Pirate called. Sparks felt the ship adjust its course. She gripped her lantern tightly, holding her breath as they narrowly cleared the rock.
* * *
At the other end of the galleon, Mr Snooze watched the coastline of Fullstop Island disappear into the darkness. The skin of his face was paper thin, his silver hair pale in the night. Tears stung his cheeks. He closed his eyes for a moment and imagined the calming candlelight of his little Bedtime Story Slumber Shop in the village of Bardbridge. This was the first time Mr Snooze had been away from home and he was scared. It felt as though a chasm had already opened between him and everything he was familiar with.
I wonder when I’ll see my home again, he thought. If I’ll ever see it again.
He opened his eyes and blinked back a tear.
You mustn’t think in that way, he told himself. Stay strong.
Mr Snooze squinted, trying to make out the cliffs, but he couldn’t see them anymore. There was nothing but inky blackness, smudged by cloud.
His home was in terrible danger.
That’s why I’m here, he reminded himself. That’s why we must leave.
Fullstop Island was under the curse of a strange sickness – a living death that had swallowed many of his friends. He pictured them: Mr Bumbler, the Quill sisters and Isaiah Scriven. Mr Snooze took a sharp intake of breath and wiped his eyes.
Be strong, he told himself again. Be strong for them.
* * *
Above Mr Snooze, Fletcher looked down at the ship from the topmast. From there he could see the whole crew: the Dark Pirate on the quarterdeck, his black cape flying out behind him; the Boatswain pressed against the ship’s wheel; and Alfa and Sparks on the forecastle, the beams of their lanterns crisscrossing the ocean. His friend Nib was battening down the hatches. Fletcher watched as Rufina passed. She stumbled. With lightning speed, Nib reached out to break her fall. He always seemed to have peripheral vision where his girlfriend was concerned. Fletcher watched Rufina grin, her hair fiery under the ship’s lanterns. Then she crossed the deck to join Knot, who was straining to tighten the mainsail. These were Fletcher’s friends. They were like family to him. Fletcher felt sick to his stomach. He believed it was his fault their lives were now in such deadly peril. And he believed it was his job to keep them safe.
He scanned the ship looking for his Academy partner, Scoop. She wasn’t on deck.
She must be below, he thought.
Ever since he’d discovered Scoop was his sister, he’d felt protective of her, although he wouldn’t have admitted it to anyone. The little things she did – how she brushed her thick, black hair from her eyes, or tried to straighten her spectacles – had become as familiar to him as his own sharp features. It was they, Fletcher and Scoop, Apprentice Adventurers from the Department of Quests, who’d been given the task that had led to this flight from Fullstop Island. They had been charged to bring an end to the sickness that now plagued their world.
Fletcher felt small as he clung to the mast. The task was huge. He knew the odds of success were tiny. For a moment, he was acutely aware of his thin, awkward frame. He stared into the swirling cloud that obscured his vision, and replayed the task they had been set: to sail to the island with a cliff shaped like a skull and to enter the cave they found there. They had been told it was a doorway between worlds, a Threshold leading beyond the Uncrossable Boundary. He recalled the words he and Scoop had heard before accepting the quest:
Once such a doorway is crossed, there is no going back. There is no returning from a Threshold. It is like entering the mouth of death itself.
Fletcher shivered.
He looked down to where the crew of the Black Horizon scurried and scuttled, working with all their might to master the vessel and bring it safely to open waters. He was glad to have his friends with him, but he still couldn’t shake the guilt. It was his fault they were in this situation. His quest had plunged them into this chaos. He carried the responsibility for putting their lives at risk.
* * *
Below deck, in the captain’s cabin, Scoop knelt across a narrow bunk. She pulled the final strap across the body in the bed and fixed it in place.
Now, that should keep you safe, she thought, as the ship tossed and plunged. She watched the body rock with the motion, but the straps held it firm. Two other bodies had also been secured to their bunks. Scoop studied them. They looked so still, almost peaceful as the ship creaked with the rhythm of the petulant sea.
This is wrong, so wrong. You’re the ones who should be looking after me. You’re my rocks, my lights.
She stared at the three bodies. They lay unconscious, victims of the sleeping sickness. How was it the most powerful people in her world had been reduced to this? She, Fletcher and the crew of the Black Horizon might have rescued them, bringing them to the ship, but they hadn’t saved them. She looked at each of their faces in turn, trying to recall moments she and Fletcher had shared with each of them, remembering how safe she felt in their presence. She looked at the Storyteller’s face. It was pale. He looked like a statue on a tomb. Scoop remembered him showing her and Fletcher around his castle, Alethea. His eyes had sparkled as he’d revealed the mysteries of the castle. She remembered how proud she’
d felt that she and Fletcher were able to call him father. Next to him, her mother lay – the Storyteller’s Princess. Scoop studied her fingers, so long, so elegant. She remembered her mother holding the Golden Feather, teaching her how to use it as a quill to reveal the truth. Her mother’s fingers were now limp and lifeless.
She turned to the third body.
‘Yarnbard,’ she whispered. She struggled to see the old man so frail. His grey beard was barely rising and falling as he breathed. How she loved him. How she hated seeing him like this. The Yarnbard was their mentor at the Academy. She didn’t know another person who carried the same energy, whimsical and wise in the same moment; she didn’t know anybody who had the same impish sense of humour. She smiled, remembering the Yarnbard leaping out from a tree and spurting Fletcher with Inspiration Ice. How furious he’d been, and yet, how much he’d droned on about the sonnet he’d penned afterwards.
She looked back. The three bodies lay unconscious – the three people she trusted most in the world, the three people she relied upon for everything.
Not just me, she thought, glancing at the Storyteller again. The whole of this world depends on you. You’re its life, its guide. We must get to the Threshold. We must wake you from this sleep, even if it costs our lives.
As Scoop left the captain’s cabin, the wind sweeping her into the battle to reach safer waters, the three bodies were left alone to be rocked by the restless sea.
* * *
On the other side of the Uncrossable Boundary, two women stared at different tracks of water. They were mother and daughter, but separated by hundreds of miles, and by having spent many months apart. The younger of the two, Libby Joyner, watched a river flow past and disappear over a weir. The older, Ms Speller, sat and stared at the grey, flecked sea. Although they were separated by time and distance, they shared the same state of mind: their hearts ached with loss.
It’s strange how an object, something ordinary, can be imbued with emotion, linked to memory. Libby and her mother pictured such an object. For both, it was the same – it was a pen. Two pens that had been thrown into those different tracks of water, one in anger, the other in despair. The pens reminded each woman of the other. Both imagined them sinking through the water to be covered by layer upon layer of silt, and as they did, both buried their grief and allowed their hearts to harden.