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

and find a place to stow this ship. Hamish X must be taken to the medical lab immediately. There’s no time to waste.”
    The raccoons moved forward to enter the ship.
    Mimi blocked the way. Hands on her hips, she scowled. “Just hold yer … raccoons, mister. We ain’t gonna jest hand ar friend over jest like that. Hamish X and the kids and nobody else ain’t goin’ anywhere until you tell us what’s goin’ on and why. We’ve come all the way from Windcity Orphanage and Cheese Factory ’cause our friend needs some help.”
    â€œMimi!” Mrs. Francis was about to scold her, but the King held up a pale hand.
    â€œOf course, you are correct, Mimi. You are being asked to trust me and take everything on faith. I know that’s hard because your life up to this point has been filled with mistrust, disappointment, and heartbreak. What can I tell you that will soothe your fears?”
    â€œWhere exactly are we at?” Mimi said. “If it ain’t too much trouble.”
    â€œAh,” King Liam smiled. “Let me explain. You are in my kingdom: the Hollow Mountain. The Hollow City. You are safe here for as long as you wish to stay. Come with me, please. I have food and drink and a place for you to rest. You’ve come a long way.”
    Mimi and Parveen wanted nothing more than to eat and rest. They hadn’t been able to let down their guardsince Mr. Candy and Mr. Sweet had come to take Hamish X away. Still though, Mimi crossed her arms over her chest and defiantly set her jaw.
    â€œYou listen here, yer worship, highness or whatever,” she said sternly. “We’ve been brought all the way here and we ain’t goin’ a step further until we gets some kinda explanation. Yer Guards here”—she jabbed a thumb at Aidan and Cara—“they wouldn’t tell us nuthin’. What is this place? Who are you? Why did you give Hamish X that knife and what’s goin’ on with ar friend? He ain’t been the sanest fellar I ever met from day one but things just took a turn fer the worse and I want to make shore he’s gonna be all right.”
    Liam looked at her for a moment and he smiled. He winked at her and chuckled softly. “You were right in your report, Aidan. She is a force to be reckoned with. Mimi and Parveen, I understand your reluctance and your fears. I’m pleased Hamish X fell in with such good souls. He has such a weight on his shoulders and he couldn’t have better people to share his load. All will be explained, I promise you.” He gestured towards the crutches in his hands. “I am not in the best of health, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. Standing for a long time can be a chore. There is another reason we’ve got to hurry. Hamish X is in a perilous state. Each hour that passes is dangerous for him. I wish to restore him to his proper self. My technicians and I have developed a process that may be able to waken him and heal him. I ask only that you give me the benefit of the doubt.”
    Mimi frowned. She looked to Parveen, who shrugged. “I don’t know what else to do,” he said. “I suppose we have to trust someone.”
    â€œIn your shoes I’d be suspicious, too,” the King said.“Can we compromise? Hamish X must be prepared for the process. While my people are doing that, we’ll eat and I’ll tell you what I know. If you still feel the same fears, you can take Hamish X and go on your way. Deal?” The King held out his hand.
    Mimi narrowed her eyes and hesitated. Finally, she said, “Here’s the conditions: Mr. Kipling and Mrs. Francis go with Hamish X and he don’t leave their sight fer even a second. We hear yer tale and if we think yer on the up-and-up, we’ll let ya do yer process er whatever.” Mimi held out her hand.
    The King beamed and shook Mimi’s hand. “Follow me.”
    He carefully wheeled around