by carl ashmore
Preston was clearly disappointed. ‘But - but I’m sure that the younger you would love to hear that you’re still travelling at your age. Surely -’
Uncle Percy’s expression turned grave. ‘Especially not the younger me. That would be very bad. Please, Bernard, you must respect my wishes on this. Besides, I know you do as I ask, and I thank you for it.’
‘How do you know?’ Preston asked.
‘Because if you had told me, I would have known that we were to meet here, in this very dungeon, for twenty odd years, and, as I’m as surprised by this as you are, then you can’t have mentioned it.’
Bernard Preston laughed heartily. ‘That is a very good point, old chap. Well, if you’re sure, then we’ll make this our little secret.’
‘Thank you, Bernard,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘It’s more important to me than I could ever begin to explain.’
A mischievous twinkle appeared in Bernard Preston’s eyes. ‘Well, if I’m to do that for you, then perhaps you should do something for me.’
Uncle Percy sighed.
‘How do I turn out?’ Preston asked. ‘Do I get married? Do we stay friends? What happens to me?’
Uncle Percy’s mouth creased into a wide smile, careful not to display a trace of sadness. ‘You turn out just fine, Bernard. In fact, you prove yourself to be one of the noblest men to have ever walked the earth. We are, and always remain, the best of friends. And that is all I’m prepared to say on the matter. It’s never good to know too much about one’s future.’
Bernard Preston exhaled. ‘You’re right. I don’t want to know any more. That’s the beauty of the future. Let it unfold as it may. But, I do thank you for those words.’
Becky saw Uncle Percy’s bottom lip tremble slightly.
‘That’s perfectly all right, my dear friend,’ Uncle Percy said quietly.
‘Now are you sure you don’t want me to get you out of here?’
‘No. We’ll be fine. Now you - you go get back to your time safely.’ He smiled. ‘I know for certain that you will.’
Bernard Preston extended his open hand through the iron bars and the two men shook. ‘Goodbye, my friend.’
‘Goodbye, Bernard.’
Then Preston turned to Becky and Joe and grinned. ‘See you in twenty something years, kids. I’ll know you before you ever know me. Good luck, everyone.’ After giving a final bow, Bernard Preston left the dungeon.
When Uncle Percy arched round he was shaking like a leaf. He staggered to the far corner of the cell and slumped to the floor, his head cradled in his hands.
Becky wanted to reach out to him, to help. But what could she do? She couldn’t begin to understand the grief he must be feeling. After all, it had only been a matter of weeks since Uncle Percy had watched that young man die in his arms.
- Chapter 22 -
All the King’s Horses
The stale air hung heavy as the minutes crawled by. Everyone tried not to stare at Uncle Percy, who remained as still as a statue. Becky turned to guidance from Will, but even he looked uncertain as to what to do. Deciding she had to at least try and help, she took the initiative and walked over to him, sat down and placed her hand gently on his arm. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine,’ Uncle Percy said, raising his head. ‘Good fellow, Bernard. Thoroughly decent. And handsome too, don’t you think?’
Becky shrugged. ‘Not really my type.’
Uncle Percy smiled weakly. ‘Perhaps not. Nevertheless, he was a virtuous, warm-hearted chap.’
Becky felt close to tears. It was the first time she’d seen her uncle so vulnerable. She decided to change the subject. ‘What’s Lockets Syndrome?’
Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Uncle Percy whispered, ‘Well, it’s a very, very rare occurrence. You see, the world is an enormous place. And time - time as you are doubtless aware, is infinite. Therefore, the chances of two travellers casually bumping into each other, unplanned, at a specific place at a specific time are - well, the odds are astronomical. Of course, there are certain events throughout history where it is common for travellers to gather at the same time and place, but that’s not genuine Lockets syndrome. Not like what we’ve witnessed today.’
Becky looked puzzled. ‘Uncle Percy, can I ask you something? You cared about Bernard Preston, didn’t you?’
‘Very much.’
‘Well, couldn’t you -’ Becky paused for a moment, unsure whether to continue or not, ‘- couldn’t you travel back and stop his murder?’
Uncle Percy sighed. The glow from the nearby torches accentuated the deep sorrow on his face. ‘I tried,’ he said. ‘I travelled back to London on the afternoon he was killed. But I couldn’t get close to him or the events that transpired. I’m sure you can probably guess why.’
‘The Omega Effect.’
‘Correct,’ Uncle Percy said sourly. ‘It was exactly like when I tried to help your father. It nearly always happens if you try and prevent a human death, for some reason.’
Then something occurred to Becky. ‘Did you see him get shot? Or who shot him?’
Uncle Percy bowed his head. ‘I’m afraid not. I returned time and time again, but the Omega Effect prevented me getting close enough to see anything. After the seventh attempt failed, I had to accept the painful truth…’
‘And what was that?’ Becky asked.
‘That, for whatever reason, fate had determined that he should die that day and that the killer should escape.’
Becky shuddered. ‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘Many lives may have been saved because of his sacrifice. I’m sure he would’ve wanted that.’
A sudden CRASH shook the dungeon walls as Helladius threw open the door, an ugly expression fixed on his face. ‘Right, filth... The King wishes to see you!’
‘Oh, goody,’ Uncle Percy muttered.
Helladius stepped aside and Galdeus shuffled in. Unlocking the wooden padlock, he slid the grille open. They all trudged out of the cell, the Argonauts leading the way.
‘Farewell, my tasty friends,’ Galdeus growled.
Uncle Percy winked back. ‘And farewell to you, Galdeus. You have been a most charming host.’
‘I hope your death is a brutal one, white hair,’ Galdeus rasped, shoving Uncle Percy roughly through the doorway.
As he straightened the creases from his cloak, Uncle Percy muttered, ‘It seems like everyone wants me dead lately...’
*
The prisoners surfaced into daylight. Becky felt nervous as the blast of light stung her eyes. What were they walking into?
They were marched through the courtyard to an open-planned corridor with brilliant, multi-coloured murals lining the walls.
‘The Corridor of Processions,’ Uncle Percy said, his eyes glazing over. ‘Look at the detail in those frescoes - wonderful.’
Finding it impossible to share his enthusiasm, Becky shrugged. The last thing she cared about were stupid paintings.
Making a sharp right at the far end of the corridor, they passed a shaded propylaeum, and found themselves in a grand hall at the end of which stood a large staircase, patrolled by the Palace Guard.
As they followed Helladius up the staircase, Becky couldn’t help but wonder why Uncle Percy did not take Bernard Preston’s offer of a jailbreak? She understood he wanted to enter the Labyrinth, but surely there must be a safer way … a way that didn’t involve pleading before a possibly merciless King.
Helladius led them through a series of magnificent rooms until his giant frame wobbled to a standstill. ‘Wait here!’ He disappeared through a doorway, only to reappear a few seconds later. ‘The King will see you now. Move!’
‘Don’t be afraid,’ Uncle Percy said to Becky, before stepping into the Throne Room. ‘I’ve got a good feeling about this.’
‘Of course you have,’ Becky mumbled and Becky followed him inside, head bowed. When she looked up, she gulped noisily. Sitting on an enormous gold throne was a well-groomed man wit
h a bearded face that resembled a hairy sprout. He wore a shining ruby necklace and a snow-white tunic that just about concealed his gigantic tummy. A crown of lilies sat upon his unruly raven black hair.
Helladius took a pace forward. ‘King Minos, my lord.’ He bowed. ‘I give you the prisoners...’
For a few moments, King Minos sat there in silence, studying the group with a fierce expression. Then broke into a grin. ‘Welcome, my prisoners, to The Great Palace of Knossos.’
Helladius frowned.
Uncle Percy stepped forward. ‘Thank you very much King Minos. I’m - ’
‘SILENCE, PRISONER!’ Helladius bellowed, striding up to Uncle Percy and grabbing him by the hood. ‘You will only address the King, if, and when, you are addressed.’
Uncle Percy nodded dutifully. ‘My apologies.’
‘Now, now, Helladius,’ King Minos said cheerily. ‘Today we forgo all formalities. Today is a happy day. A momentous day!’ The King’s eyes gleamed. ‘Please, stranger, speak, you have nothing to fear.’
Helladius scowled again.
‘We thank you, King Minos. My name is Percy Halifax, and these are my friends. We are strangers to your kingdom, and have come here to do you a service.’
King Minos studied Uncle Percy, bemused. ‘A service you say, prisoner? What possible service could you perform that others already do not?’
‘We are here to slay the Minotaur,’ Uncle Percy replied simply.
There was silence. Then, with a crashing thud, Hercules fainted.
King Minos hesitated. He smiled, then chuckled, then began to laugh. His crown fell off as it turned into an uncontrollable fit. After a few seconds, in which time Will had helped Hercules to his feet, King Minos spoke., ‘You, grey hair?’ His face swelled to the size and shade of a basketball. ‘You believe you can kill the Minotaur?’
‘Yes, sir, I do.’
Becky stared at Uncle Percy with disbelief. This was his plan?
‘Oh, what a joyous day,’ King Minos gushed. ‘First, Pasiphae has agreed to be my wife, then the King of Athens has presented me with a wonderful new pet, and now this … Tell me, stranger, what makes you think you can succeed where so many others have failed?’
‘We have means,’ Uncle Percy replied mysteriously. ‘All I ask is that should we succeed, you give us our freedom. That these men -’ He gestured toward the Argonauts, ‘- will be given safe passage throughout your lands, and that, if necessary, you give us a ship, the fastest in your fleet.’
King Minos waved flippantly. ‘Of course.’ He leant forward. ‘You are aware that I have sent many of my finest warriors into the Maze of Kyros to complete that very task, that scores of men and women have been sent as sacrifice to prevent the beast leaving its lair - that none have returned!’
‘I am now,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘Do we have a deal?’
‘Certainly, stranger.’ King Minos slapped his thigh joyfully. ‘Certainly we do. And as you have continued my excellent mood, you may see my new pet, a creature of such beauty as to rival Aphrodite herself. Castor … bring me the beast!’
Everyone looked to the rear doorway as a young boy entered carrying a loop of rope. With a firm jerk, he pulled a snow-white foal into view. Becky felt her heart skip a beat.
Murmurs of wonder filled the room as everyone caught sight of the most astonishing thing. Tucked snugly beneath the foal’s shoulder blades were a small but well-defined set of wings.
King Minos rolled off his throne. ‘Prisoners, this is Pegasus - The Horse of the Gods. Of course, she can’t fly yet, but when she’s older she will take to the skies like an eagle. That’s if I allow it, of course.’ He snatched the rope from the boy and yanked the horse closer to him. ‘I may just have her wings clipped.’
It was then Becky noticed the tiny horse was trembling with fear. She couldn’t stop herself. ‘HOW DARE YOU!’ Her angry voice filled the room.
‘What?’ King Minos replied with a mixture of surprise and amusement.
Uncle Percy held up his hand, gesturing her to stay silent. ‘No, Becky.’
Becky ignored him. ‘How dare you talk of clipping her wings. And don’t drag her like that, you’re scaring her.’
King Minos looked bewildered. ‘Are you really addressing me in such a manner, child?’
‘Yes, I am,’ Becky said boldly. ‘Shame on you! Some King you are.’
King Minos glared at her. ‘SILENCE!’
‘Quiet, Becky,’ Uncle Percy said.
Becky looked desperately at her uncle. ‘But -’
And for the first time, Uncle Percy raised his voice to her. ‘Becky, that’s enough!’
Becky was about to object, but his angry tone and a sharp shake of his head made her think otherwise.
‘Muzzle the child,’ King Minos roared at Uncle Percy. ‘If she speaks again, I will have your heads where you stand.’ With an incensed breath, he returned to his throne. ‘Castor. Take the beast to the Hall of the Colonnades. Flog her if she whimpers.’
The boy nodded dutifully. He dragged Pegasus through the rear door and into the far room. The small horse arched its head sadly toward Becky and then disappeared.
Becky boiled with anger. Then, as she stared at the spot where Pegasus had stood, something very strange happened. She experienced a very strange sensation, as if a droplet of water had trickled onto the top of her head, then she saw something move in the opposite room - a cloaked man, his back pressed against the wall, his hooded face twisted left and right as if watchful of an unseen enemy. She blinked to double-check, but the man had gone. The strange sensation had gone too. She turned to Joe, then Will, and finally Uncle Percy, but their faces were expressionless, as if they hadn’t seen a thing.
Impossible, Becky thought. How could they not see him? The man was right in front of them. She was baffled now.
Meanwhile, King Minos continued his rant. ‘Now, look what you’ve done. You have vanquished my fine humour.’ He huffed loudly. ‘Very well, face the Minotaur … Helladius, make an announcement in the marketplace, Daedalus’ Gate is to be opened. Now … Get them out of my sight!’
‘Weapons,’ Uncle Percy said. ‘We’ll need weapons.’
The King hesitated. ‘Very well, Helladius, arm them. I will join you at the Gate in one hour. Now … leave me.’
‘I trust you know what you’re doing?’ Will said to Uncle Percy as they exited the Throne room.
‘Haven’t the foggiest,’ Uncle Percy whispered back.
All the while, as a much cheerier Helladius led them through the Corridor of Processions, Becky’s eyes remained fixed on Uncle Percy. Eventually he noticed and said, ‘Is something the matter, Becky?’
‘It’s nothing,’ she said, looking away.
‘Something happened in there, didn’t it?’ Uncle Percy probed, lowering his voice so the Argonauts were out of earshot. ‘Something you can’t explain?’
‘Why’d you say that?’ Becky said. ‘Did you see something?’
‘No,’ Uncle Percy replied. ‘But I saw your face.’
Becky sighed. ‘I thought I saw something in the far room.’
‘What?’
Becky’s face creased. She knew her suspicions were unbelievable, but then the unbelievable had become quite commonplace lately.
‘Well, at first, I thought I saw … well – you.’
‘I think he was with us,’ Joe mocked.
‘I know he was, dimpling,’ Becky snapped at him.
‘Let your sister speak, Joe.’
Becky turned back to Uncle Percy and whispered, ‘I mean - another you! ’
‘Another me?’ Uncle Percy replied.
‘Yes, or -’ Becky said, ‘- or someone looked like you. I mean, whoever it was wore a hood, I didn’t see their face, but - well, it was either you - or -’ she paused, ‘- can I ask you something?’
‘Of course,’ Uncle Percy replied.
‘Your brother,’ Becky whispered. ‘Was he a time traveller, too?’
‘Yes.�
� An unusual expression crossed Uncle Percy’s face. ‘But he’s dead.’
‘But so was Bernard Preston, yet he was here an hour ago.’
‘True. Perhaps your mysterious stranger was Bernard, then?’
‘I don’t think so,’ Becky said assuredly. ‘No, the more I think about it, the more I’m certain it was you.’
‘Or maybe you’re just seeing things?’ Joe said.
Becky shot him an angry look. ‘Why don’t you just go and eat your own bum!’
Uncle Percy frowned. ‘What a delightful image,’ he said with distaste. ‘Anyway, Becky, why do you think it was me?’
‘The same thing that made her think she saw George Clooney in Kebabland last year,’ Joe sneered.
‘Will you … shut up!’ Becky turned to Uncle Percy. ‘I don’t know, it just felt like you. It was actually the strangest feeling I’ve ever had, like - ’
‘Like the one you had when you saw George?’ Joe interrupted. A moment later, he nursed a very sore arm.
Becky never did finish the sentence.
- Chapter 23 -
Edgar
Thirty minutes later, Becky stood before a huge iron gate in the Central Court. The gate merged into solid rock behind them. Will stood to her right, fully armed with a sword, bow, and a quiver of arrows. Thousands of eager eyes watched them as if lined in a bizarre beauty pageant. Word had travelled fast that Daedalus’ Gate would be opened.
Uncle Percy had obviously decided to not go quietly either. Waving madly at the crowd, he acted like a very desperate, aged rock star, trying unsuccessfully to start a Mexican wave and, every now and again, launching into a dance routine that looked suspiciously like the hokey cokey.
‘What’s he got to be in such a good mood about? Joe asked Becky. ‘If this Minotaur is as nasty as everyone tells us then what chance do we have?’ He looked at the Argonauts and sighed. Phineus’ looked deathly white; Theseus stared blankly at the ground; Jason looked as though he’d wet himself, and Hercules had just vomited for the fourth time in as many minutes. ‘Let’s face it … they’re a waste of space.’
