Charlie in the Underworld

by Charlie Small

  With that the pernicious pair swept out of the room and locked the door behind them.

  Back With Jakeman

  I can’t believe it – I’m a prisoner again. And as if that’s not bad enough, I’m a prisoner of two of my oldest and deadliest enemies – Craik and Bobo!

  At least I’ve found my pal Jakeman, though. It was great to see him again, and as soon as our two adversaries left, Jakeman patted me on the head and tousled my hair.

  ‘How on earth did you manage to get here, Charlie?’ he said. ‘Don’t tell me you’ve been having more of your incredible adventures, m’ boy?’

  ‘You bet,’ I said, and gave him a quick summing up of all my escapades since we’d been separated in the desert.

  He looked astonished. He sat down on his inventor’s stool and wiped his brow with an oily handkerchief. ‘Amazing!’ he said. ‘Utterly amazing!’

  Then I told him what Craik had been up to as the sinister Shadow. I told him about Tom, Eliza and Ma, and our plan.

  ‘Dear, oh dear, I didn’t know things were so serious,’ said Jakeman. ‘I had worked out that Craik was a nasty piece of work, but I didn’t know about the Trog slaves; I didn’t know about the King and Queen and the poor townspeople. You’re right: we must help them. Oh, what a fool I’ve been!’

  ‘What do you mean?’ I asked.

  ‘When I was dragged down into the Underworld, I was brought straight to this wonderful laboratory. Craik apologized for kidnapping me, but said it was a matter of life and death for the poor people of Subterranea.

  ‘He knew I was a famous inventor, and he asked me to build him a special machine; a machine that could do the work of a thousand miners. He said his poor Trogs were exhausted and he wanted to give them a rest. He was full of flattery, and I fell for every lie. But not any more, Charlie; I want to help too, and I reckon this machine is just what we need!’

  ‘What good would that be?’ I asked.

  ‘Think about it, Charlie,’ he said, starting to fiddle with the wires on his machine again. ‘If you and your friends are going to start a battle, just imagine what this beast could do. It’s as powerful as an army tank!’

  ‘You’re right!’ I cried. ‘It will scare the pants off the guards. Brilliant! I knew you’d come up with the answer.’

  ‘Hold your horses,’ said Jakeman. ‘We’ve got to know that your plan is in place first. We can’t fight a mutiny on our own. And I must get this bloomin’ mechanical mole to work. Now, is this a red wire, or a brown one?’

  ‘Oh!’ I said, searching through my rucksack. ‘I think these might be yours!’

  ‘My specs!’ Jakeman smiled. ‘Charlie, you are a wonder. Maybe now I can see what I’m doing and get this machine working!’

  Thinking …

  While Jakeman works on his mechanical mole, I’ve been writing my journal and trying to figure things out.

  Is there a way out of this laboratory so I can help Tom and Eliza carry on with our plan? I’ve had a look and there aren’t any air vents or secret passages down here. Could I use my hunting knife to dig through the laboratory wall? Will I end up dangling from the end of Craik’s noose, or at the bottom of a fiery pit?

  ‘Of course, when the time comes, the mole can also get us out of the Underworld and back into the sunshine,’ Jakeman continued, proudly patting the side of his great machine. A fountain of sparks shot from the end of the wires he was holding, sending him leaping into the air.

  ‘Ooh! Blast – got a shock!’ he said, and I couldn’t help grinning, because his hair was standing up on end like a peacock’s tail feathers!

  ‘How is that going to help us?’ I chuckled.

  The Mole ← Brilliant

  ‘The mole is a mining machine and can slice through rock like a knife through butter,’ Jakeman told me. ‘All we need to do is turn it on and burrow our way up to the surface. Look …’ He unpinned one of his plans from the wall and passed it over. This is the piece of paper he gave me:

  The mole looked impressive from the outside – as large and forbidding as an army tank – but when I looked at Jakeman’s diagram and saw the internal workings, I realized just how much of a genius he is. Not only can the mole dig tunnels, it can also collect, filter, analyse and sort the minerals in the rock.

  The nose-cone, armed with its vicious-looking blades, bristled with electronic sensors; it had chambers to take away explosive gases and computers for reading chemical compounds. It was an absolute marvel … or would be if it worked!

  ‘That’s great,’ I said. ‘As soon as we’ve helped smash Craik and his cronies, we can dig our way up to the surface. Then I can get on with my journey!’

  ‘Exactly!’ said Jakeman.

  Just then, there was a knock at the door!

  Tom Returns

  Jakeman and I spun round, worried that we’d been overheard by Craik or Bobo; but it was the smiling, muddy face of Tom Baldwin that stared through the barred window!

  ‘You all right, Charlie?’ he called. ‘Sorry I’ve been so long – I ’ad to nip off and hide in our secret passage while Craik was in ’ere. When I saw ’im leave with that manky monkey, I followed ’im, ’opin’ to pick up some useful information.’

  ‘Did you hear anything important?’ asked Jakeman.

  ‘I sure did. I followed them to Craik’s own room, and overheard them plottin’. The Shad – sorry, I mean Craik is desperate to have your machine up and working, sir. ’E can sense the slaves are gettin’ restless and wants ’is job finished before it all goes wrong.’

  ‘Good,’ said Jakeman. ‘They’re getting nervous. Let’s see if we can make things go wrong for them sooner than they expect! Anything else?’

  ‘Oh yes,’ said Tom, looking pleased with himself. ‘Craik told Bobo to look out for some scraps, for when they go to feed the Queen first thing in the mornin’!’

  ‘Now that is interesting news,’ said Jakeman.

  ‘It sure is! First thing tomorrow, I’m gonna follow Craik and find out where the Queen is bein’ kept,’ said Tom.

  ‘Good idea. If the King knows where she is, he might be able to organize a rescue plan.’

  ‘ ’Ow’s ’e goin’ to do that?’ Tom sighed. ‘Everyone in the castle is workin’ for Craik, and there’s two massive Trogs standin’ guard outside ’is room.’

  ‘Oh dear,’ said Jakeman.

  ‘Don’t worry.’ Tom grinned. ‘I’m goin’ to rescue the Queen myself!’

  Some News For Me

  ‘Good for you, Tom,’ said Jakeman. ‘Do you think you can do it?’

  ‘I’ll give it a go,’ Tom said confidently. ‘Oh, and there’s one other bit of news,’ and he looked at me seriously. ‘I heard Craik tell that big baboon Bobo to take you to the mines tomorrow, and to work you extra hard. ’E said it would keep you out of trouble! She looked as if all ’er birthdays ’ad come at once.’

  ‘Oh, flippin’ marvellous!’ I groaned.

  ‘No, this could be good, Charlie,’ said Jakeman, getting excited. ‘If the Trogs are ready to fight, and if Tom can free the Queen and I can get the mole working, we might have our mutiny tomorrow! You’ll be working alongside the Trogs, Charlie; perhaps you could give the battle-cry! I’ll bring the mole, and aim it straight at the enemy. They won’t know what’s hit them!’

  ‘The mole will be working in time, won’t it?’ I asked, looking at the mess of wires still hanging from the machine.

  ‘Of course,’ said Jakeman, looking none too sure. ‘But to be on the safe side, best not wait for me. I won’t let you down, though. I’ll be there, even if I have to push the thing myself!’

  ‘What did you mean about me giving a battle-cry?’ I asked.

  ‘You give the signal, Charlie! When the time is right, you give the signal to start the battle!’

  ‘How will I know when the time is right?’

  ‘Keep a lookout for me,’ said Tom. ‘Eliza ’n’ me’ll lead the townsfolk to the mine and wait inside one of the tunnels. As soon
as we’re ready, I’ll give you the nod. Keep your eyes on the tunnels.’

  ‘OK,’ I said. That didn’t seem too difficult. ‘But what will my battle-cry be?’

  ‘What about “Smash the Shadow!”?’ suggested Tom.

  ‘Brilliant!’ said Jakeman. ‘Get Eliza to tell the Trogs that the signal will be a small pink boy shouting “Smash the Shadow!” They can’t miss that.’

  ‘Too right!’ said Tom. ‘Look, I’ve got to go now, it’s nearly curfew time. Wish me luck!’

  ‘Take this, Tom,’ I said, pushing my rucksack through the bars in the door. ‘It’s full of useful stuff and I don’t suppose for one minute I’ll be allowed to take it down the mines with me. Good luck, mate.’

  ‘And good luck to you,’ said Tom, slipping his arms through the straps. ‘I’ll be back as soon as I’ve got some news about the Queen.’

  The Adventures Of Tom Baldwin

  ’Scuse my writing. I’m not very good at it. I never went to school for long. And excuse all the mud. My hands are filthy, but what do you expect when you spend all your time down the drains?

  Anyway, I found this book in Charlie’s bag and he’s written up all his adventures in it, so I thought I’d add my own. Phew! This writing lark is tiring. I’m going to have my tea now. Got a nice bit of pastry from the castle kitchens tonight. Lovely!

  My Meeting With Eliza

  Well, I got back safe after leaving Charlie and his mate with their weird-looking machine. When I got indoors, Eliza was already waiting as arranged.

  ‘Where’s Charlie?’ she asked.

  ‘ ’E’s been taken by the Shadow,’ I said. ‘But don’t worry – Charlie’s friend ’as got this huge machine, and ’e’s gonna help us. Now, listen careful …’ And I told Ma and Eliza about the Queen being a prisoner, and the Shadow being Charlie’s old enemy, and how Charlie was going to give the battle-cry.

  ‘I’d better go and tell the Trog slaves then,’ said Eliza.

  ‘Be careful, dear,’ said Ma. ‘I hate to think of you out after curfew.’

  ‘I’ll be all right,’ said Eliza.

  ‘You’ll come with me tomorrow, won’t you, Lize?’ I asked. ‘You know, to rescue the Queen an’ that.’

  ‘Of course I will, silly.’ She beamed. ‘You don’t think I’m gonna let you ’ave all the fun, do you? I’ll meet you at the mudflats, six o’clock sharp.’ And she slipped out the back door and disappeared into the shadows of the alley.

  Back In The Castle

  I got to the mudflats bright and early the next morning, and Eliza was already waiting.

  ‘Ready?’ I said.

  ‘You bet.’

  ‘Let’s get goin’ then,’ I said, and we ducked into the entrance of the main drain. ‘Did you get to see the Trog slaves last night?’ I asked.

  ‘Yeah, and they’re really excited,’ said Eliza with a wicked chuckle. ‘As soon as they hear Charlie’s battle-cry, they’ll go ballistic! And I told ’em about Jakeman’s mole, and not to be afraid of it.’

  Soon Eliza and I were inside the castle, creeping along the corridor to Craik’s bedroom. As we got near, the doorknob started to turn! Bloomin’ heck! I thought we’d had it, but Lize pulled me into the doorway of the room next door!

  ‘Are you ready, Bobo?’ we heard Craik say.

  ‘Good! Let’s go and feed the Queen. And be ready for another fiery encounter; she’s got more guts than her pathetic King, that’s for sure.’

  Brilliant – we were just in time!

  ‘Come on, Lize,’ I whispered.

  ‘Let’s take a look in here first,’ said Eliza, pushing open the door to Craik’s room and disappearing inside. I followed her quickly. The room was quite bare, except for a bed and a big chest of drawers – and a horrible hangman’s noose, standing in the corner!

  ‘Hurry up, Lize,’ I said, ‘or we’ll lose ’em.’

  ‘Won’t be a sec,’ said Eliza, and darted round the room, opening the drawers and looking under the bed.

  ‘What are you doin’?’ I whispered loudly. I was getting fidgety with waiting.

  ‘Searchin’ for somethin’ useful,’ she said, feeling under the pillows. ‘Aha – what’s this?’ She pulled out a large ring of rusty keys. ‘These must be important if ’e keeps ’em under ’ere,’ she said, and dropped them in her pocket. ‘Come on, let’s go, or we’ll lose ’em!’

  ‘That’s what I –’ I started to say, but Eliza was already out of the room.

  I dashed after her and we bolted down the corridor after the gruesome twosome, keeping an eye out for guards. Soon we had caught them up, and we crept behind, quiet as mice: down staircases; through deserted halls; across empty courtyards; then out through a door and along a stony track that climbed high above the city and finally led us to a hidden crack in the great cavern wall.

  The Lock-Up

  We followed them inside for about a hundred metres, to where a set of heavy bars divided off the end. In the small space beyond the bars stood the Queen. We crouched behind a rock and watched.

  ‘Let me out, you despicable little man!’ she yelled.

  ‘Calm down, madam,’ said Craik, smiling. ‘There’s no need to get your knickers in a twist.’

  ‘How dare you speak to me like that – I’m the Queen. Let me out, I say!’

  ‘As soon as we have finished our work, Your Majesty,’ said Craik. ‘But there won’t be much to go home to, I’m afraid. A quivering husband, a city of half-starved ragamuffins and a land left in permanent darkness. Still, there’s no place like home, is there, Your Majesty? In the meantime, here’s your grub. Bobo, do the honours.’

  With that Bobo opened the lid of the pail she’d been carrying, took out some stale crusts of bread and flung them through the bars.

  ‘Until feeding time tomorrow, ma’am,’ laughed Craik. ‘Ha-ha, ha-ha!’

  He turned on his heel and, with his devil monkey screaming in delight at his side, marched straight past our hiding place and out into the great cavern. As soon as they had gone, the Queen collapsed in a heap and started to cry, and it was all so bloomin’ sad that I started to cry as well!

  ‘Oh blimey!’ whispered Eliza.

  The Queen

  ‘Who’s that snivelling?’ snapped the Queen. ‘Come out, wherever you are. Come on, show yourself.’ We stepped out from behind the rock.

  ‘And who might you be?’ she asked.

  ‘ ’Scuse us, Your Majesty. I’m Tom and this is Eliza. We’ve come to rescue you.’

  ‘Oh, you gorgeous grubby boy and dear delightful girl, how wonderful!’

  I looked at the large padlock that fastened the door. Flippin’ heck, it looked really strong! ‘Trouble is, Y’ Majesty,’ I said, ‘I’m not sure how we’re goin’ to do it.’ I looked at Eliza. ‘Any ideas?’

  ‘How about tryin’ one of these?’ she said with a grin, pulling the ring of rusty keys from her pocket.

  She forced the keys into the lock, one after the other, and tried to turn them. Nothing happened – but then, with a loud squeal, the very last key started to turn and the barred door swung open.

  ‘Said they’d be important,’ said Eliza, all puffed up and proud of herself.

  ‘You splendid children,’ said the Queen. ‘You’re heroes, both of you, and–’

  ‘Quick, Your Majesty,’ I interrupted her, starting towards the great cavern. ‘Follow us!’

  Back To The Castle

  As we led the Queen down the stony track towards the castle, I told her about our plans for the mutiny against Craik the Shadow and his band of guards. She was well chuffed, and promised to do all she could to help.

  ‘I must talk to my husband about it,’ she said. ‘Don’t worry if you can get me back to the throne room, I know the perfect place to hide from Craik.’

  Twice we had to dodge out of the way when a group of guards passed us, leading a team of Trog slaves off to the mines, but we managed to get safely back to the castle.

  Once inside, we padded qu
ietly down the corridors, listening out for sounds of approaching danger. As soon as I could, I yanked out a loose air vent (I’d used this one before!) and Eliza and I led the Queen into the secret passages.

  ‘Well I never,’ said the Queen. ‘You clever things! I had no idea about these!’

  Soon we were at the grille that looked out onto the throne room, and it was all I could do to stop the Queen yelling out in delight!

  Royals Reunited

  ‘Please try and talk quietly, Y’ Majesty, or the guards will ’ear,’ I whispered.

  ‘Herbert!’ called the Queen in a loud whisper. ‘Herbert, I’m in here!’

  The King jumped out of his throne, looking around the room. ‘Hermione, is that you?’

  ‘Don’t worry, sir,’ I said. ‘If you wouldn’t mind keepin’ yer noise down, I’ll ’ave ’er with you in a tick!’

  With the dagger from Charlie’s rucksack, I started scraping at the plaster around the air vent, listening out all the time for the guards. With the King pulling on the other side, it soon started to come loose, and with a final kick from Eliza, it sprang from the wall with a clatter.

  We held our breath, and my heart was pounding fit to bust, but nobody came bursting through the door.

  ‘Thank you, children,’ said the Queen as she climbed into the throne room. ‘I’ll never forget what you’ve done.’

  ‘Yes, thank you, thank you. Whoever you are!’ whispered the King.