Free Hamish X and the Hollow Mountain by Sean Cullen Page A

their tunics.
    â€œMajesty,” Aidan said.
    The King made his way out of the elevator car. Though he moved on crutches he was surprisingly agile, weaving his way through the children, patting each on the shoulder and greeting them as he came.
    â€œStand up straight, Simon. No need to bow … Sarah! You’ve grown an inch or two … Akelia, so nice to see you again!” Each child brightened as he made his little comments, glowing with delight that he remembered each of their names. Mimi and Parveen were impressed with his memory skills.
    â€œSo young to be a king,” Mrs. Francis whispered. “Just a boy …”
    As they drew nearer they were able to study him in detail. He was a boy, a little older than Mimi, but he appeared frail and unhealthy. His eyes were bright blue, but dark circles beneath them spoke of sleepless nights. His skin was pale as if he rarely saw the sun. He was thin and his hands shook slightly. A shock of straight, carrot-orange hair fell over his right eye and his mouth turned up at the corner in a sad half smile.

    His forehead was beaded with sweat after his walk through the crowd, and presently he pulled a white silk handkerchief from his pocket. Embroidered in one corner was the silver cross. The handkerchief, like all his clothing, looked rich and soft. He was dressed in a simple tunic and trousers cut from deep green velvet. The tunic was fastened up the front with shiny silver buttons. One of the buttons midway up was open, as though he had dressed in a hurry. Embroidered over his right breast was the silver cross.
    At last he arrived in front of the little group of newcomers. He was flushed and breathing hard. “Whew, hello there. I am Liam, the Seventy-Sixth King of Switzerland. A moment, please.” He held up the handkerchief and grinned. “I should get more exercise.” After wiping the sweat from his forehead, he raised his eyes to take in Mimi and Parveen. “It’s nice to finally meet you. When we heard you were coming, I did my best to collect as much information about you as possible.” He smiled at Mimi. “Mimi Catastrophe Jones, born in Cross Plains, Texas, to William and Marguerita Jones. Mother a schoolteacher. Father played for several minor league baseball teams. In his best year, he hit forty homeruns for the Sweetwater Mudsquirrels 29 of the West Texas baseball league. Mother and father sadly deceased.”

    Mimi stood open-mouthed as the King turned to Parveen. “Parveen Paravati, youngest of thirteen children to Raj and Maraha Paravati. Father a labourer in a ballpoint pen factory. Mother a singer in Bollywood films. I hear you have a knack with machines. I think you will enjoy our technical labs. I also have a surprise for you, but it can wait until later.”
    King Liam winked at Parveen and turned his attention to Mr. Kipling and Mrs. Francis. “Welcome, Mrs. Francis. Your kindness and generosity are legendary among orphans. We thank you for the good works you attempted under Viggo Schmatz’s difficult tenure in Windcity.” Mrs. Francis couldn’t restrain herself any longer. She reached out for the King. His Guards leaned in to protect him, but Liam raised a restraining hand. Mrs. Francis deftly fastened the loose button and tugged the King’s tunic down gently, smoothing out the fabric with her rough, red hands.
    â€œForgive me.” Mrs. Francis blushed as she stepped back. “I couldn’t help it.”
    The King merely smiled. “There’s nothing to forgive. And Mr. Kipling, you have helped bring Hamish X and allthese children here to the Hollow Mountain. For that, you have our eternal gratitude.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “I have to say, adults are forbidden in my realm, but for you two I will make an exception. These are special times. We must be flexible.”
    The King clapped his hands. “Let’s get the other children assigned to quarters