by Rudi James
‘Thought I heard voices’
Alex turned round and looked up. ‘I must have been mumbling to myself. Lost my programme.’
‘Hmm.’ Alex’s father didn’t look overly convinced as his eyes scanned the room once more. ‘What’s wrong. Can I help?’
‘No it’s okay dad. I think I can sort it.’
‘Well, if you’re busy with your homework then.’ He left the room and retreated back down the stairs.
Alex made sure the coast was clear before allowing Drum out of the wardrobe. ‘We’ll have to be very quiet,’ he whispered.
‘Perhaps I should come back later,’ suggested Drum, ‘Or make myself invisible for now.’
Alex shook his head. ‘No need. I’m sure they’ll be off out again soon.’
Sure enough, after about fifteen minutes, Alex’s father called up the stairs. ‘Alex, we’re off out again. Catch you later.’
When the car had well and truly gone Alex heaved a sigh of relief. ‘That was close. Great to see you again Drummy. I was hoping you’d pay a visit.’
Drum smiled. ‘I came to see if you are alright after your visit to our realm.’
‘Oh I’m fine, but I’ve just had the most peculiar experience. Thought I was seeing a ghost.’
Alex told Drum all about the shadow and Drum looked very concerned after hearing Alex’s account.
‘Hmm, don’t like the sound of that.’ Drum fell silent, apparently deep in thought.
‘Why is that then?’
‘Oh I don’t know, just something at the back of my mind, it’s probably nothing.’
‘Maybe I shouldn’t have said I knew someone who might be able to help.’
‘I wouldn’t worry Alex, not until they make contact again, whoever they are, and we have more information.’
Drum looked thoughtfully at Alex. ‘Come back with me for another spell in my realm. We can talk to Shirrac about your experience and maybe he can come up with something.’
‘You mean right now?’
Drum nodded. ‘Why not? You know you can come back to this point in time and back to this very room. That’s the beauty of realm and time travel.’
Alex dearly wanted to go back with Drum but couldn’t quite shake off the feeling that he would be missed even though he knew, deep down, that would not be the case. After all, he’d had first hand experience of arriving back in his own realm on the day and time he’d left it. That, despite the fact he’d been away for two days in another time dimension.
‘I’d love to go back, but I just can’t get my head round this realm travel lark.’
Drum smiled. ‘I can understand that, but just think of all those unanswered questions buzzing around in your head. I know they’re there. And remember it will be peaceful now. Now that Droch is out of the picture. You did have a tense time of it on your first visit.’
Drum thought for a moment. ‘I’d be happy to carry on teaching you the way of the other powders and I’ll even get you going on a bit of realm travel. You might even get your realm wings. You know you’ll be safe.’
Alex didn’t think for long. Drum was very persuasive. ‘Seeing as you put it like that, how can I say no. Let’s go.’
End of chapter
