by carl ashmore
‘Fight?’ Edgar replied. ‘I don’t fight. In fact, I despise violence. My brothers, on the other hand – well, they do so enjoy a good tussle.’ Clapping his hands loudly, Edgar turned towards the jungle. ‘Lady and Gentlemen, I give you my brothers, Gergo and Gergan.’ The treetops rustled as if a mighty wind raged through them. Edgar winked 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 trees.
‘Now, I am going to release my friends, whilst my brothers keep you entertained,’ Edgar announced. ‘So, Gergo, Gergan … enjoy yourselves ...’
Gergo, the slightly larger of the two, smiled at his little brother. 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 the bullets were useless.
A breathless Becky watched as Gergo and Gergan ripped into them like a terrible whirlwind. Before long, Associates were flying everywhere.
Moving over to Uncle Percy and Will, Edgar tore off their cuffs as though ripping paper. ‘Lovely to see you both again,’ he said. ‘Did you get what you came for?’ An Associate flew past and crashed 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,’ he growled. Then, to Edgar’s astonishment, he raced into the fray - kicking, punching, butting and pounding everything in a suit and coat.
Uncle Percy noticed two dark shapes racing away. ‘Oh, no,’ he whispered flatly. Drake had grabbed the Fleece and was sprinting to a limousine parked nearby, Kruger followed close behind.
Becky spotted them too. Her smile vanished. ‘WILL!’ she screamed loudly, ‘DRAKE’S GOT THE FLEECE!’ But Will couldn’t hear - he was far too busy thumping everything in sight.
Becky’s eyes locked on the Fleece. She couldn’t let Drake have it. But what could she do? And 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 over the top of her head and oozed into her eyes. She lost her grip and Sabian fell to the floor.
Joe scooped up Sabian and looked at Becky. ‘Are you okay?’
Becky didn’t respond. In fact, the more Joe looked, the more it didn’t look like Becky anymore. He gasped as her eyes rolled white - her face seemed older, paler, devoid of emotion. She looked frightening, inhuman.
‘Becky, what’s the matter?’ he said, distressed. He turned to his left. ‘Uncle Percy, its Becky. Something’s wrong!’
Uncle Percy looked down at his niece. Speechless, he watched as her arms spread wide to embrace the air.
Drake reached the limousine. He threw open the door and tossed the kitbag on the backseat. Then he looked back at the chaos and smiled. He punched six digits into the time-pad as Otto Kruger joined him.
Suddenly, an ear-splitting crash came from the back window. Jagged shards of glass sliced the air. Drake shielded his face. Kruger did the same. Recovering, Drake wheeled round to check the Fleece. It had gone. His gaze shifted upwards through the smashed window. He felt both bewildered and incensed by what he saw.
The Fleece hurtled through the air as if suspended on an invisible wire. It bobbed, ducked and twisted past everything and everyone, before it soared into Becky’s open arms.
Drake glared at Becky. ‘NOOO!’ he screamed. He reached for the door-handle, but it was too late. The limousine was wrapped in a cyclone of dark red light, and, with a loud shattering bang, it disappeared.
Becky stared at the bag. Her eyes had returned to normal, her face tanned again, glowing even. She glanced at Joe to see he was staring wide-eyed at her, 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 whispered.
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 added weakly, ‘I didn’t do anything.’
‘Of course, you didn’t,’ Uncle Percy replied uncertainly. ‘I’d better have that.’ He took the bag.
‘It would be best if you left,’ 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 moved to the campervan.
Becky remained at the rear, her head bowed. She felt utterly confused. What had just happened? And why did Joe look at her as though guilty of something? She hadn’t done anything. For some reason, the Fleece had broken free from Drake and came to her. She couldn’t explain it. She couldn’t even remember it happening. She’d blacked out and came round to find it 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 bedlam behind her.
Glancing round, she saw Gergan hoisting a squirming Associate by his ankles. Then the great Minotaur turned on his back foot and threw the man over the trees.
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 beamed. ‘Of course, I will.’
‘Oh, and one more thing,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘When you have the time, could you take the Theseus Disk 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 gave a hearty wave. ‘Farewell, my friend.’
‘Stay safe,’ 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?’ Edgar pressed his large head against the window.
‘Yeah?’ Becky said.
The Minotaur’s kindly black eyes met hers. ‘You are a very special human child. You are at one with the Gods.’
Chapter 20
Harold’s Lair
A moment later, Bertha appeared on the front lawn of Bowen Hall. For a moment, it made Becky 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. 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 towards 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. She was, however, distracted by a 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, 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 must 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 side door and jumped out. She followed. For a brief moment, she forgot about Sabian and took a satisfying breath. They were home. What an adventure! They had found the 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, a shriek echoed from the Hall. She jumped, startled. Turning quickly, she feared the worst. Instead, she saw Maria waddling towards them, her white apron flapping, her chubby hands waving. ‘Children! Children! You are back.’ Jacob followed close behind, an equally broad smile on his face.
‘My little darlings, you are back and you are safe,’ she 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 turned to 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 pink as she attempted to kiss every patch of skin on his face.
Finally, Maria let go. She marched past Uncle Percy, casting him a very nasty scowl, and embraced Will.
‘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 round face exploded with delight. ‘D-did you hear that Jacob?’ Her eyes began to water. ‘Master John is alive. B-but how?’
‘That, Maria, is a very long story,’ Uncle Percy said quietly.
‘Is he here?’ Maria glanced at Bertha expecting him to jump out at any second.
‘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 shaking. ‘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 glared 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 dashed 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 onto 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 simply. ‘I am.’
‘I want to come,’ Joe said at once.
‘And me,’ Becky added.
‘Absolutely not!’ Maria said sharply. ‘Come inside, I have made crumpets.’
‘Not this time,’ Uncle Percy said firmly.
‘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 now. Apparently, I’m at one with the Gods.’
Uncle Percy couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘Okay then, but you’re to do exactly what I say. No questions asked.’
‘We will,’ Becky said eagerly.
Will appeared pulling a strange looking metal contraption, a huge silver rifle slung over his shoulder. ‘Thanks.’ Uncle Percy said, wheeling the Molivator into Bertha.
‘That’s a gun!’ Joe said, his eyes widening.
‘A bio-rifle,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘A tranquillizer gun.’
Becky stared at it with disbelief. ‘What’re you going to tranquillize - King Kong?’
‘Something like that,’ Uncle Percy muttered under his breath.
‘Where are we going?’ Joe said eagerly. ‘The North Pole? The Himalayas?’
‘Somewhere far more tropical,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘London …’
Becky threw Joe a disappointed look. London was the least tropical place she could imagine.
‘Now, there’s just one more thing I need to do,’ Uncle Percy said, bounding onto the driver’s seat. He 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 fat shaft of sapphire light onto the van. The light probed and jabbed every inch of 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 said to himself. ‘Very clever, indeed.’
He moved to the campervan, his hand rummaging 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. And an old one, to boot.’ Becky looked puzzled. ‘A device for tracking time machines through time and space,’ he 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 how did he put it there in the first place?’ Becky asked.
‘Well it was Emerson and some others who helped me construct her twelve 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. ‘Unfortunately 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. 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 in the slot beside the terminal.
‘And what about dad?’ Becky asked. ‘How will we ever find him?’
Uncle Percy smiled. ‘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 kno
w this, if Emerson has kept him alive for seven years, 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 leapt eagerly into Bertha and settled themselves onto 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 looked at Joe and winked. ‘One hundred and sixty two million years…’
*
A moment later, they appeared on a beach. However, Becky had never seen an English beach 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 exiting the time machine.
‘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 felt nervous. ‘What will we see?’
‘Who knows? Joe, would you carry the Fleece for me, please?’ Uncle Percy lowered the Molivator onto the sand.
‘Course.’ Joe heaved the kitbag over his shoulder.
‘What exactly does it do?’ Becky said, nodding at the Molivator.
‘It’s a digging tool.’ Uncle Percy disappeared into the palm trees. ‘Follow me.’
Becky and Joe trailed close behind. As the soft sand merged into hard topsoil, they found themselves in a dense forest surrounded by ferns and conifer trees. After a few minutes of walking, Joe spoke, ‘Where we going?’
‘We’re visiting an old friend of mine, Uncle Percy replied. ‘I call him Harold.’
‘A time traveller?’ Becky asked, although somehow she knew she wasn’t going to be that lucky.
Uncle Percy smiled. ‘A Megalosaurus.’
Becky’s stomach sank. She had no idea what a Megalosaurus was, but judging by the size of the gun in her uncle’s hands, she guessed it wouldn’t be particularly cuddly. Then she saw something that made her feel physically sick. Propped between two trees, like the leftovers of a huge Christmas dinner, were the bloody remains of a giant dinosaur; small remnants of flesh hung from its bones and thousands of flies buzzed around it. Becky stifled a wretch.
