Heart of the Hill (5 page)

Adam shuffled his feet. His stomach churned.

The wind freshened, and the sky grew dark. The ground trembled, and Adam and Myrddin staggered and grabbed at each other.

“What's happening?” cried Adam. “Was … was it an earthquake?”

Myrddin hushed Adam and knelt, placing his ear to the ground. “A quake indeed, but not of the earth, of Old Magic,” he said finally, levering himself upright again. “An emissary from the Dark Being has found Gaia. She is challenging Vivienne and attempting a forced entry through the portal! Come…she must not sense us.”

He threw his cloak over Adam, and they were gone.

CHAPTER THREE
W
AIT
T
ILL
T
HIS
D
AY
I
S D
ONE

Adam awoke with a sense of urgency.

He lay on his back and considered his dream, his mind racing.

He was relieved Myrddin had contacted him but fearful of facing the Spiral Labyrinth and Vivienne. What if he failed? What would happen to him? What was the worst Vivienne could do — make him Portal Keeper? Despite himself a wry grin lifted the corners of Adam's mouth. So what? Who cared? Not his parents! Considering the mess his life was in, being keeper of a magic portal almost sounded like fun. He could do magic and meet interesting beings from other worlds, plus he'd know what was happening to him for the next few hundred years. Adam laughed out loud. Yup, his dad had taken off, so why not him?

If he disappeared to be Portal Keeper it would teach his folks a lesson! What the heck, he'd risk it. He had nothing to lose! Besides, unlike his parents, Myrddin needed him.

With new resolve and a sense of purpose Adam ran down the stairs into the kitchen, startling Holly who was reading in the big rocking chair by the window.

“Whoa … What's up?” she asked.

“We need to talk. Where are Owen and Chantel?” said Adam.

Holly shrugged. “I dunno where Owen went, but Chantel's in the bedroom with Mum.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Are you okay? Did you sleep?”

Adam nodded. “Yes, yes. But I need everyone. We've gotta talk.”

“I'm here, talk away. Is it about your parents?”

Adam shook his head. “They're the least of my worries. Myrddin just visited me.” He glanced around to check that no adults were within earshot. “We've gotta do something quick. It's about the Dark Being. She's sent someone here,” he hissed.

Holly's eyes widened. She looked around the room.

“Not here in the kitchen, idiot,” said Adam. “To Gaia. I … I mean Earth. Myrddin said an emissary's come, and if she gets Myrddin's staff the Wise Ones are toast. We've got to get it first.” Adam held up his hands.

“I need help, Holly. It's terrifying. I've got to go to a place called Glastonbury Tor, face that woman from my nightmare and rescue the staff — quick! I don't even know where Glastonbury is!”

“It's a couple of hours southwest of here, in Somerset,” said Holly promptly. “We've never been, but our neighbor Mr. Smythe gave a talk about Glastonbury at the Uffington Museum. It was really interesting.” Holly became more excited. “There's a ruined abbey where King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried, and a big hill called the Tor. The Tor is where Merlin's imprisoned. He's supposed to be asleep in a Crystal Cave at its heart.”

“Those stories aren't true,” said Adam.

“Says who?” said Holly.

“Says Myrddin,” said Adam. “But that's where his staff is … in the Crystal Cave. And you'll never guess who Myrddin really is!”

Holly gave a little gasp. “Of course … He's Merlin, isn't he? Fan-bloody-tastic!”

Lynne stopped rubbing Chantel's back and eased herself off the bed. She looked down sadly at her niece.

Chantel had fallen into an exhausted sleep following the emotional storm triggered by her mother's phone call.

“Life is just not fair, child,” Lynne whispered. “You didn't deserve this.” She smoothed the bedcover and tiptoed out.

Can you hear me, child?

Chantel stirred in her sleep.

Chantel, I have news.
Gentle mindspeak from Equus slid into her dream.

Despite her sorrow, Chantel's lips curved into a smile as she smelled the musky scent of the Great White Horse King and felt strands from his silky mane brush her cheek.

Hello, Horse. I've missed you. Can we go riding? I
need some magic
. In her dream, she twisted her hand into his mane and swung herself up on his back.
Please
fix things.
Chantel leaned forward and hugged his neck.

Mom and Dad are so angry they are divorcing. They
need fixing. Please, White Horse. Please.

A feeling of comfort tinged with regret, swept over her.

I understand, Chantel. Adam told us. But you know
we cannot interfere between humans.

Chantel sighed and stilled her cheek against the neck of the horse. Tears oozed between her lashes.

Peace, child. Believe in the light.
Equus surrounded Chantel with warmth and light as he galloped through the stars.
“Comfort Chantel,”
he called to the night winds.

The night winds blew musically through Chantel's hair, tickling her ears, and despite her unhappiness, she gave a crooked smile and sat up.

Can you talk with me now, little one?

Guess so. What's up, Horse? Is Myrddin going to ask
Adam for help?

He is, for help is sorely needed. An emissary from the
Dark Being has entered your galaxy. Adam's task will be
difficult. He and Myrddin need assistance from you all.

We'll help. You know that, Horse. Besides, you and
Ava will be with us …won't you?”

There was a long pause.

Won't you?
Chantel pulled on the horse king's mane.

You will … won't you?

I fear not. Ava and I must return to the Place Beyond
Morning. With the power from our talisman and circlet
we can repair much of the devastation caused by the
Dark Being and ready the Silver Citadel for the waking
of the Lady.

The Lady?
Chantel said.

The Lady,
repeated Equus, his mindspeak full of love and respect.
The fourth and greatest of the Wise Ones.
We must wake her so the power of her necklace will be
rekindled.
He laughed.
You think I am magical? The
Lady holds the magic of all worlds linked around her
neck.
His mindspeak grew more serious.
Do you under
stand why I must leave you, child?

Chantel's hand convulsed. She clutched Equus's mane even tighter.
Don't go. Don't leave me,
she cried. A tear ran down her cheek.
Everyone's leaving me. You
mustn't go too!

Be strong, Chantel. If all goes as planned, Ava and
I will swiftly return. Nourish the light in your heart.
Help Adam by sharing it with others, and it will grow.
Come … I will show you.

With great strides that spanned the heavens, Equus bore Chantel beyond the Milky Way and across galaxies, galloping through clouds of stardust and along beams of sunlight from alien suns.

Despite her sadness, Chantel felt her heart lift as the music of the universe sang in her ears. She started to hum along.

That's it, child. Sing,
urged Equus.
Sing with me.

Chantel chuckled.
Horses can't sing.

To her surprise Equus threw back his head, and a strangely beautiful song poured forth. The deep notes echoed and thrilled as they mixed with the wordless song around her. The joyous sound touched her heart so intensely she joined in.

Chantel's voice was true and sweet, not as high as the notes flowing around her, nor as low as Equus's voice; she sang the middle notes of a magical trio.

As she sang, her sadness lifted.

Your gift reflects your name, for Chantel means
singer,
said Equus, as their song died away.
Always
remember this moment. Use your voice on Gaia to
strengthen the light. When darkness lies heavy, songs
bring comfort. Your voice is your tool. Use it.

Chantel flushed with embarrassment and pride.
I didn't know I could sing, and now I have a tool.

Wow!

Keep this moment always in your heart
, counseled Equus.
When I am gone, remember your tool.

I will,
Chantel promised. She rode back through the stars and slipped off Equus's back into a deep healing sleep.

Owen spent the afternoon on his own. He lay on a pile of hay in the stable loft listening to the rain drumming on the roof and the ponies' feet shifting occasionally in the stalls below. He ate a handful of grapes one by one and passed the time spitting the seeds at a knot in the beam above him. He'd scored a bull's-eye twice in succession.

Thoughts buzzed around in his head: frustration at not being allowed to sail on the floodwaters, sympathy for Adam and Chantel, dislike for their parents and a rush of love for his own. Thank goodness they weren't going to divorce. He stirred uneasily. What would happen to Adam and Chantel? Would they come to live at White Horse Farm forever? “Oh, no. Not forever!” he groaned and sat up, coughing frantically as he inhaled a seed.

A scratching sound interrupted him. The ponies stilled and cocked their ears. Owen did the same.

The scratching came again.

Owen crawled over to the shuttered window at the far end of the loft. The sound came from the other side.

He eased the bolts free, cracked opened the shutter and peered through.

A hawk was perched on the ledge.

“Ava!”
Owen flung open the shutter and thrust out his arm. The hawk stepped onto his wrist, and he drew her inside.

Shhhh, no need to shout.
Ava's reproof filled his head.
Mindspeak's easier and no one overhears.

Owen grinned and held his arm against a hay bale.

Ava stepped off and smoothed her ruffled feathers with her beak. Her hawk eyes looked piercingly at Owen.
Greetings, Magic Child. You are none the worse
for your experiences in my sanctuary?

Owen shook his head.
No…though I was really scared
when I thought you were dead.
He looked at her with loving eyes.
I was so relieved when you came to life again.

You showed great courage and quick wit, Owen.
You are indeed a young warrior. You lived up to the
old meaning of your name.
A dark cloud passed the window and cut off the sun.

Young warrior … that's what my name means? No
one ever told me that.
Owen looked pleased.

Owen, you must use your courage and quick wit to
help Adam and Myrddin. You must all work together
as a team, for the Dark Being is now aware of Gaia
and has sent an emissary here. This means Adam's task
will be dangerous.