Free The Amphiblets by Helen Oghenegweke Page B

was still barking and clawing at the door, Will took the opportunity to escape through an open window into the garden. This house was a labyrinth and if there were any other scary beasts inside, he would feel happier outside rather than in. Besides, he couldn’t wait to tell his brothers what he had discovered.
    He grinned as he crept quietly towards the three chairs that were facing away from him. He would give his brothers the fright of their lives. They always played pranks at home. As soon as he was behind the chairs he cried, ‘Boo!’ as loudly as he could.
    ‘What the –?’ came a deep startled voice from one of the chairs in front of him.
    Another deep voice cried in surprise, at the same time as Will screamed.
    He had made a mistake. It wasn’t his brothers sitting in the chairs. It was instead two strangers staring at him in surprise. The one who had been most startled was holding his hand over his heart, his face flustered. It was a while before he stood up, whereas the other man rose to his feet straightaway. He was tall and was wearing black sunglasses and gloves, like the man in the picture.
    ‘I’m sorry,’ said Will quickly. ‘I thought you were my brothers.’
    The face of the taller man softened. ‘Good morning, William. I presume you slept well.’
    Will nodded. ‘Who are you?’
    ‘My name is Peter,’ and, pointing to his smaller companion, ‘and this is Robert – my butler.’
    Robert stood up. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, young Sir.’
    Will shyly shook the outstretched hand but was unsure of what to say.
    ‘I was at the convention yesterday,’ Peter continued. ‘You might have seen me there. I certainly couldn’t help but notice you. You are quite the stuntman, aren’t you?’
    Will smiled bashfully and shrugged.
    ‘I told you he was a fine lad, Robert.’
    ‘That you did, Sir. He’s mighty handsome, with good manners too.’
    ‘Yes, manners are something quite rare among children nowadays,’ pondered Peter.
    ‘Are my brothers still asleep?’ asked Will, shyly.
    ‘No. I’m sorry to say you won’t find them here,’ said Peter, solemnly, watching Will’s expression.
    ‘Why? Where are they?’
    ‘Listen William, there are things I need to explain to you – but not now. We will discuss them over breakfast. Let us go back into the house and eat together.’
    ‘I don’t want to go back inside there with that strange creature wanting to eat me for breakfast.’
    Robert laughed. ‘I think young William here must have met Shanks already. I’ll go and tie him up until the lad feels more comfortable. I’ll go and make the breakfasts, while I’m there. See you in a jiffy.’
    ‘Thanks, Robert,’ said Peter, watching his butler leave towards the house.
    ‘Shanks?’ said Will.
    Peter gave a laugh. ‘Yes, my dog.’
    ‘Shanks is a dog?’ questioned Will. ‘I saw a dog once, it was nothing like yours.’
    ‘There are many kinds of dog in the world, William. Shanks is one of them.’
    ‘He’s so scary!’
    ‘He’s actually a big softy when you get to know him,’ smiled Peter and, seeing Will’s doubtful expression, added. ‘Honestly, he won’t bite you.’ Peter smiled as he conjured up an image of Shanks running around the house after William. Shanks could be overly playful at times but would never hurt anyone – unless they happened to be a burglar of course.
    ‘Why am I here?’ asked Will.
    Peter took a firm grip of Will’s shoulders. The boy immediately pulled away.
    ‘You mustn’t touch me or I’ll become ill!’ cried Will.
    ‘No. You are safe here.’
    ‘Dad told me never to touch anyone other than him, Hugo, or my brothers,’ insisted Will.
    Peter gently bit his lip as if thinking of what to say. The child appeared so vulnerable and small. ‘This may come as a surprise to you but your father told you that in order to make sure you didn’t mix with other people.’
    ‘Huh?’ asked Will, confused.
    ‘If you became too familiar with