Free Underworld by Cathy MacPhail Page A

then.’
    Axel called out to him, ‘You mean people actually come here for their holidays?’
    The teacher ignored that. He was too pleased with Zesh’s enthusiasm.
    â€˜It’s bigger than I thought, sir,’ Zesh said.
    â€˜Yes, isn’t it? You know, Zesh, sometimes you push through the tiniest space and it takes your breath away to find you’re in an underground cavern as big as a football field.’
    Zesh was astounded. ‘Honest? It really is an exciting world, isn’t it?’
    Zesh could see the excitement in Mr Marks’s face. He was in his element here, wanted to share with them that excitement.
    â€˜Now, when we get down, I can show you the passages which lead off from the main chamber. If you keep going down, you’ll reach the sea. As I’ve told you, a lot of the inland caves lead out to the Doon.’
    The Doon, Zesh remembered, was the breathtaking cliff on the far side of the island.
    Mr Marks went on, ‘The other tunnels are roped off for the experienced cavers. So no going off on your own.’
    â€˜Could you get lost, sir?’ Liam asked him.
    â€˜You could always get lost, Liam. That’s why you have whistles, so in case you get separated you can find your way back to each other. But head down, towards the sea and the chances are you’ll come out. And you leave signs to follow in case you have to come back. Not that we’re going very far. This is supposed to be an adventure, not a tragedy.’ He turned to Angie as she stumbled on a step. ‘Be careful, Angie. Don’t want you to fall.’
    Axel’s laugh rang out through the cave. ‘Don’t worry about her. She’d bounce.’
    Mr Marks swung round at him. ‘Did you hear anything I said, boy! You treat every member of your team with respect. Your life might depend on them.’
    Axel still couldn’t keep his mouth shut. ‘Don’t think my life’ll ever depend on her. And anyway, I don’t want to be part of a team.’ He punched his chest with pride. ‘I’m a loner.’
    Fiona chipped in. ‘Just got one letter wrong, Axel son. You’re a loser, not a loner.’
    Axel almost jumped at her, but Fiona stood her ground. ‘One day that mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble,’ he said.
    Mr Marks pulled Axel round and pushed him in front of him. Fiona waited until the teacher was between them before she spoke again. ‘I’m shaking in my wellies.’
    Angie sidled up to Zesh. ‘She’s wonderful, isn’t she Zesh?’ She beamed him a smile. He hadn’t realised she was this close to him. ‘She always sticks up for me. Just like you. With you two here, I’ll be scared of nothing. Even the Great Worm.’
    â€˜Shut up about the Worm!’ Liam snapped as he brushed past her.
    He’s afraid, Zesh thought. Doesn’t want to admit it but that legend has given him the jitters.
    Fiona brushed past them too, smirking. ‘On you go, Angie. You and your boyfriend Zesh can take up the rear.’
    Angie giggled and Zesh fumed. For once he agreed with Axel. One day, Fiona’s mouth was going to get her into trouble.
    When they reached the floor of the main chamber the tunnels spread out like tentacles, or – Liam shivered as he realised what they reminded him of – worm holes.Giant worm holes. He could imagine this Great Worm burrowing its way through its own underground kingdom. He looked at his watch: how long would they have to stay in here? His watch had stopped. Was that something about being underground, or had the battery just worn out? He gazed up the railinged stairway to the entrance. He couldn’t see it any more. Couldn’t see daylight. And he wanted to see daylight very badly.
    It seemed to him that they’d been down here too long. Mr Marks had lectured them on teamwork, on the joys of tunnelling and potholing. But he had also warned