Dino Knights

by Jeff Norton

  First published in 2019 by Awesome Reads

  Text and illustrations © Awesome Media & Entertainment Ltd., 2019.

  The moral right of Jeff Norton to be identified as the author of this

  work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and

  Patents Act 1988.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced

  or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or

  mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information

  storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from

  the publishers.

  This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters

  and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination.

  Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities

  is entirely coincidental.

  ISBN 978-1-912892-04-4

  Also available as an ebook

  ISBN 978-1-912892-05-1

  With special thanks to Dan Metcalf

  Cover and inside illustrations by George Ermos

  Edited by Karen Ball

  Art direction by Margaret Hope

  Designed & typeset by K.DESIGN, Winscombe, Somerset

  Director of Publishing for Awesome Reads: Ingrid Selberg

  Project management by whitefox

  Printed and bound by Clays Ltd, St Ives plc

  For Torin – My clever, daring

  knight who inspired this book

  Check out these other Awesome books by Jeff Norton

  Alienated: Grounded at Groom Lake

  Published by Awesome Reads

  Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie

  Published by Faber & Faber

  MetaWars

  Published by Orchard Books

  All this and more at www.jeffnorton.com

  CONTENTS

  Cover

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Dino Knights - Book One: Chivalry. Bravery. Dinosaurs.

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Acknowledgements

  DINO KNIGHTS

  BOOK ONE

  CHIVALRY. BRAVERY. DINOSAURS.

  CHAPTER ONE

  HENRY FAIRCHILD WOKE to the sound of a ginormous growl. He rubbed his tummy – he didn’t feel that hungry! Then there was a snort and another growl. The noises were coming from the stables below his bed in the loft.

  I know what they want, he thought, easing himself off the thin mattress.

  He stood up beneath the eaves, remembering just in time to duck his head. He’d hit his forehead on the loft beams too many times to count and had the bruises to prove it.

  Climbing down the rickety ladder, he held his breath against the stench of soiled straw. He jumped from the last step and landed softly on the dirt floor. Turning round, he gazed down the row of animal pens.

  “Everybody, up!”

  The dinosaurs shifted in their pens, ears twitching at the sound of his voice. They all knew what those words meant – breakfast! Ever since he was a small child, Henry had had a special relationship with the dinos of Brecklan. That’s what made him such a good stable boy. He opened the large double doors to the stables and breathed in a huge lungful of fresh morning air from the green pasture.

  Henry grabbed his satchel off its hook and looped it around his shoulder. Then he opened the door of the first pen.

  “Good morning, Tribus,” he said.

  The three-horned Triceratops grunted back at him, slowly rising from the straw. The dino bowed his head so that Henry could give each horn a quick polish with an old rag. Tribus loved to have his horns rubbed!

  “Very handsome,” Henry said, plucking a purple Brecklan Berry from his satchel. He turned it round in his hand. Brecklan Berries were like giant blueberries. Henry held it out on the flat of his palm for Tribus to eat. The dinosaur snaffled up the berry and licked Henry’s hand clean, the rough surface of his tongue tickling so that Henry squirmed and laughed.

  After Henry gave him a gentle smack on his giant bottom, Tribus lumbered out of his pen, heading towards the pasture.

  Henry looked down the row of stalls. “Who’s next?”

  The Hypsilophodon rose up on her hind legs, showing Henry her soft, white belly. Hyppy purred with contentment as Henry scratched her scales. Henry grabbed another berry and tossed it into the air. Hyppy snatched it before scurrying out to join Tribus in the pasture. Henry fondly watched her leave. Feeding time was the best time!

  One by one, Henry greeted his animals and sent them out of the stables. The dinos were about twice Henry’s height. He’d heard stories that, in ancient times, wild dinosaurs could be as tall as a castle. But over the generations, Brecklan’s dinosaurs had been bred to be smaller than their ancestors. The Brecklan Berries made them friendly and tame, so that the dinosaurs lived harmoniously with humans.

  In Panterra’s other provinces, the dinosaurs were still wild, huge and dangerous. It was only in the tiny province of Brecklan that dinos lived side by side with people.

  Finally, Henry arrived at the smallest pen, housing the smallest dino – Henry’s favourite friend, Bounce.

  Bounce was covered in feathers. They trembled whenever Bounce was nervous – which meant they trembled a lot. As soon as Henry opened Bounce’s pen, the creature nuzzled his head into Henry’s chest. Bounce had a round body that wobbled on top of skinny legs. Henry thought he looked more like a chicken than a dinosaur, though he’d never tell Bounce that. Henry ruffled Bounce’s colourful feathers and the animal let out a chirp-chirp. Henry rewarded him with a berry, patting his flank and sending him out to join the others.

  He started to muck out the pens, scooping out quivering piles of fresh dino poop to load into a wooden wheelbarrow. Henry took hold of the handles and wheeled it to the bottom of the field where he tipped the manure onto a compost heap that steamed in the cool morning air. The stench made his eyes water! But waste not, want not – the dino poop would fertilise the most important crop in the province – Brecklan Berries.

  Henry returned the wheelbarrow and tidied up the stables, finally turning his mind to breakfast. He walked towards the servants’ entrance at the rear of the imposing stone mansion. His tummy rumbled. I hope Cook’s saved me some sausages! But as he passed the front of the stately home, curiosity got the better of him.

  Despite the early hour, a carriage was waiting on the gravel drive of Harding Manor. The household staff – including Cook and the steward – were lined up to see it off. Henry definitely wouldn’t be getting any sausages today. What were they all doing out here?

  Lord Harding and Lady Anwyn appeared at the grand entrance. Working in the stables, Henry hardly ever saw the lord and lady – he opened his mouth to greet them, then snapped it shut. Never speak unless spoken to. He’d better not chance it.

  Lord Harding’s silver hair shone in the morning sunlight, his tall figure stooped over a cane made from polished dinosaur bone. Beside him, Lady Anwyn wore a ruby-coloured cloak. She pulled down the hood and lifted her face to the misty morning. Her dark hair was pulled back in a bun kept in place with a long dinosaur tooth. Together, they approached their shiny, black carriage. As always, it was being pulled by two Parasaurolophuses.

  Lady Anwyn noticed Henry. “Oh, there’s Henry! Hello, young man.”

  He was allowed to speak now.

  “Good morning,” called Henry
, stooping to offer a bow.

  She and Harding had always been kind to Henry, but most of the time he lived in the care of the steward, Arthur. From his place in the row of servants, Arthur glared at Henry.

  “I hope it is,” said Lord Harding, glancing nervously towards the south.

  Despite Arthur’s glares, Henry dared to come closer. “Where are you going so early?” he asked.

  Arthur cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes at Henry to tell him to be quiet.

  “Brecklan state affairs,” replied Lord Harding.

  That could mean anything! Henry thought.

  Lady Anwyn whispered, “There’s been talk of a battle looming on the southern border. We want to negotiate before conflict breaks out.”

  “Indeed,” said Lord Harding. “But talk cannot always prevent war.”

  “War?” gasped Henry.

  He’d heard a few of the servants talking lately about other provinces battling for control over Panterra. They had been worried the conflict might spill over into Brecklan, which was a peaceful place.

  The sound of galloping filled the courtyard. Four armoured knights riding dinosaurs rounded the mansion. Dino Knights! Up till now, Henry had only ever glimpsed the Dino Knights in parades and tournaments! Brave, strong warriors. He dreamed of being just like them.

  Henry’s mouth hung open as he watched the dinos trotting towards the carriage. He recognised a teenage girl with short black hair, who rode a knobbly Ankylosaur. That was Iyla. She winked at Henry as she passed.

  Another dinosaur sped past her. This one was famous for his speed and ability to mimic bird calls. The Ornithomimus was ridden by Galliard, a tall lad with long locks of golden hair. Brightly coloured silks peeked out from beneath his polished silver armour. He pulled his dino up to Lord Harding and gave a theatrical bow. Gally took no notice of Henry, but Henry didn’t take offence. Everyone knew that Gally never took notice of anyone other than himself.

  By his side rode Elspeth. She sat high in the saddle on her spiky Styracosaurus. Elspeth – Ellie for short – had curly red hair.

  Pulling up at the rear was Torin. Their leader. He had a handsome, chiselled jaw and a warm smile that he flashed at Henry. He rode a well-groomed Nothronychus that trotted on two legs.

  “Dino Knights at your service, my lord, my lady,” Torin said, steering his dino to the front of the group. He turned to gaze down at Henry. “My squire.”

  Squire? Henry had never been called that before.

  Gally gave a snort. “Hardly! A mere poop-scooper.”

  Henry felt his cheeks burn with shame.

  “We all do our bit for Brecklan,” interrupted Lord Harding. “You on the field of battle, and Henry in the stables. Maybe a stint of mucking out would build your character, Galliard.”

  Ellie laughed. “I’d give up a week of puddings to see that!”

  Gally glared at Henry. Had he just made an enemy?

  The four knights surrounded the carriage as Lord Harding climbed up and took the reins. A servant helped his wife up after him.

  Lord Harding looked around at the knights and raised his voice. “We ride…”

  The knights responded in unison, “For Brecklan!”

  This was the Dino Knights’ famous call to action – everyone in the province knew it off by heart.

  The two Parasaurolophuses leapt forward, and the Dino Knights took their positions: two in front and two behind. Henry watched the carriage move down the long drive as the servants waved and cheered. They rode over the moat bridge and onto the main road south, disappearing as quickly as they’d arrived.

  As always, Henry was left behind in his little corner of Brecklan. He felt his tummy tighten with longing. Will I ever see more of the province? Was it all too much to hope for?

  “That’s enough loafing about!” called Arthur.

  With a sinking heart, Henry pushed his dream aside. He turned to face the steward, who was holding out a shovel as if to remind Henry of his place in the realm.

  “Don’t be too envious, lad,” he said. “I hear there’s a wild T-Rex on the rampage in the forests to the south.”

  Henry’s jaw dropped as he looked down the south road where the carriage had gone. “Why didn’t you warn them?”

  “Not my business,” said the steward. “They only employ me to keep the grounds clean.”

  Henry took the shovel as Arthur and the rest of the servants disappeared back inside the mansion.

  Henry looked at the distant silhouette of the carriage. A rampaging T-Rex? Lord Harding and Lady Anwyn could be hurt or – worse – killed!

  He thought quickly, calculating the distance. If he could just… He glanced at Bounce, who was grazing on a patch of rhododendron. Yes, he might be quick enough.

  Henry waited for Arthur to disappear round the side of the manor. The moment he was out of sight, Henry raced back to the stables. He gazed around wildly.

  Think, Henry, think! What do you need?

  His eyes lit on a spare set of tack hanging from a nail driven into a wall. That might come in useful. He plucked the glossy leather reins and saddle off the nail and ran out into the pasture. Henry put his fingers to his lips and let out a long, high whistle – his familiar call to his favourite dino. In response, Bounce cantered across the pasture, his flanks heaving.

  Henry saw the top of the carriage moving behind a hedge before it disappeared out of sight. “Come on!”

  Bounce stood patiently as Henry clambered up onto a set of stone steps hewn especially for short humans wanting to ride dinosaurs. Bounce’s feathers felt soft beneath his hands, but they seemed to glow with an energy as though Henry’s friend understood the urgency of their mission.

  He raised his fist in the air, just like he’d seen the Dino Knights do, and Bounce gave a roar of approval. It was now or never. “We ride for Brecklan!”

  CHAPTER TWO

  HENRY GRIPPED THE reins tightly in his fists as Bounce whipped through the woods, down a short cut that led to the Swamp States. Left, right, left! They swerved between the trees. The two of them moved fluidly together, as though they’d been born to do this.

  As they moved further south, a roar filled the forest and Henry gave a shudder. Bounce sensed Henry’s fear and slowed down.

  “No, come on. We have to keep going!” Henry dug his heels into the dino’s flanks. The words had barely left his mouth when—

  Roar!

  Bounce slowed down again as Henry felt prickles travel over his skin. ‘What was that?’ he whispered. Almost in answer came an even louder…

  ROAR!

  It sounded like a dinosaur. A very angry dinosaur. Bounce broke into a canter and burst through the trees.

  Ahead of them, a dirt highway carved through the forest. In the distance, Henry spotted the carriage – with a Tyrannosaurus Rex blocking its path.

  The beast was about three times Henry’s height. He roared with fury at the four Dino Knights protecting the carriage. Torin and Iyla stood up on their stirrups, swords held aloft. Ellie and Gally had come round to flank them on either side. Henry couldn’t make out even the tiniest glimpse of fear. The Dino Knights were unstoppable! Weren’t they…?

  The beast bellowed again and nudged the carriage with its nose. The carriage wobbled, then tipped onto two wheels. Henry had to do something!

  But what?

  Torin and Iyla thrust their swords out to warn off the beast, but the T-Rex swiped his tail, knocking them off their feet. He looked ready to pounce when Ellie and Gally rushed forwards, slicing their swords through the air. But the Rex gave another furious roar, eyes wild. They were making things worse!

  Henry leapt off Bounce and ran straight for the T-Rex. He tore open his satchel. If swords didn’t work, maybe berries could! He dug out a handful and scattered Brecklan Berries on the ground, hoping to tempt the dinosaur away from the carriage. But as the T-Rex turned to roar at Henry, he slammed a terrible, giant foot into the berries, squishing them to pulp.

  �
�Poop-scooper!” cried Gally, as he spotted Henry. “What are you doing here?”

  “Get out of here, lad!” shouted Torin, waving to him to get away. “It’s not safe.”

  “You’ll get yourself killed!” Ellie’s face was pale.

  Bounce retreated behind the other dinosaurs. Henry didn’t blame his dino for being scared. Neither of them had ever seen a T-Rex up close. His fangs dripped with saliva and Henry could see ancient scars on his hide that looked like war wounds. From sword blades? Henry wondered if the creature had fought with humans before. But no matter how the T-Rex had got those scars, he had survived – and he was furious.

  “Get out of the way, Henry!” came a shout. Lord Harding kicked open the carriage door and leapt out, a gleaming silver sword in his hand. He braced himself, the varnished oak of his wooden leg glistening in the sunshine. “I’ll settle this in the only way a beast understands!”

  “My lord!” Henry called over the T-Rex’s outraged roar. “Put down your sword.” He swallowed, remembering this was the lord of the manor. “Please.”

  “I’ll do no such thing,” Harding barked, his hand tightening around the hilt. “I lost my leg to one of these monsters. Now I shall even the score.”

  “NO!” Henry ran to stop him. Lord Harding’s eyes widened in shock. Clearly, he hadn’t heard the word “No” in a long time. “With respect, Sir, I don’t think you are in danger. Look at the dino’s side.”

  Lord Harding glanced at the creature’s wounds. “What of it?”

  “I think those are sword scars. This Rex feels threatened.”

  The beast roared again, his rancid breath sweeping over Henry.

  “All of you,” Henry said. “Lay down your weapons.” He didn’t care who he was issuing orders to now – he wouldn’t see a living thing harmed. Not when they didn’t deserve it.

  “Are you crazy?” called Torin.

  “We’ll be eaten alive!” said Gally.

  “I could blind it with a smoke bomb,” offered Iyla. She scrambled around in her satchel and pulled out what looked like a ball of dirt. “Then, Torin, you strike with your sword!”