Free The Wings of Ruksh by Anne Forbes

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,” growled Archie. “And isn’t Amgarad a wee bit noticeable? I mean, he’s an eagle, for goodness sake.”
    “Well, he could be a parrot .. or … or a canary, I suppose …” Jaikie looked hopefully at Amgarad who looked so black affronted at the suggestion that the idea was promptly dropped.
    “We could mention it to Rothlan,” Hamish said hurriedly, “and maybe, Sir James, you could question the count at this shooting party that you were talking about?”
    Sir James nodded. “I only hope he doesn’t cry off. De Charillon doesn’t have many friends at the moment!”
    “Where is this shoot taking place?” asked Archie interestedly .
    “At Gleneagles,” answered Sir James, naming one of Scotland’s most prestigious hotels. “I’m really looking forward to it. I just hope that the rain holds off for long enough to give us a good day. The forecast isn’t promising.”

12. Magic Words
    Lady Ellan turned and smiled a welcome as Lord Rothlan, Sir James and the MacLeans walked into a small cavern that had been hurriedly decorated in the Turkish style in honour of the Sultan’s visit. Arthur, curled beside her chair, reared up and hissed softly in pleasure as he saw the children.
    “It’s just like being in Turkey again, isn’t it?” Sir James remarked as they entered; for the walls had been lined with low divans, Turkish carpets lay deep on the floor and several of the ornate brass coffee tables scattered round the room were piled high with large dishes of fruit.
    “Bags I sit beside Arthur,” Neil said quickly, as he ran to sit beside Lady Ellan. Clara, however, just grinned and moved towards Lord Rothlan so that she could be beside Amgarad.
    As the Sultan entered, deep in conversation with the MacArthur, they all stood in respect and, following Lord Rothlan’s lead, bowed low.
    “The Sultan and I have been discussing the crown,” the MacArthur said, settling himself on a divan while Arthur curled himself carefully by his side. “You will all be pleased to hear that Lord Rothlan has agreed to lead a party in a quest to get it back. Ellan will go with him and possibly Jaikie and Hamish.” The MacArthur looked doubtfully at Sir James and the Ranger as though hesitant to involve them in danger. “How do you feel about going, James?”
    “I’d love to but I really don’t see how I can,” Sir James said with a frown. “Not only from the work point of view but I think I’d actually be of more use here in Edinburgh. From what Archie tells me, it seems that Prince Kalman is calling himself Edward Stuart. As he’s a Member of the Scottish Parliament I want tofind out what devilment he’s up to. Especially if the French are involved! You know that their trawlers have been fishing illegally in our waters and attacking our boats?”
    The MacArthur nodded. “It wouldn’t surprise me if Kalman’s behind it all — and the very fact that he’s had himself made a Member of the Scottish Parliament is a bad sign. Quite frankly,” he sighed, “the sooner we get the crown back, the happier I’ll be!”
    The MacArthur’s eyes then turned from Sir James to the Ranger.
    John MacLean didn’t wait to be asked but nodded immediately . “I’m quite prepared to go, if you think I’d be of any use.”
    “And us, Dad!” interrupted Neil. “Don’t leave us out! We want to go! Don’t we, Clara?” said Neil imploringly. “It would be such an adventure and Lord Rothlan and Lady Ellan are going as well!”
    There was a hushed silence as everyone looked at the Ranger and his wife. John MacLean heaved a sigh but knew he had to refuse. “I’m really sorry,” he said, looking guiltily at the MacArthur, “but it might be quite dangerous.”
    As the Sultan and the MacArthur exchanged dismayed glances, Sir James spoke hastily. “Maybe we should talk a bit about the risks first,” he said. “For instance, where is the crown? Does anyone actually know?”
    “If Kalman has magic