Free Quest for the Sun by V M Jones

dawn, and the Mauler had woken.
    It seemed twice as big as it was the day before. Pearl-coloured light reflected from the computer screen onto its glistening green-black hide. As I gawked at it, still half-asleep, it pumped itself up like a gigantic bellows and roared again, its mouth gaping like a cavern, its eyes fixed on us.
    It lunged forward in a clumsy leap, its shackled leg dragging it sideways; righted itself, and leapt again. The ribbon of its tongue flickered, tasting the air; then slowly, crab-wise, it dragged itself as close as it could to our cage and crouched there, panting.
    For once even Richard didn’t have anything to say. He was huddled with the others at the back of the cage, eyes huge in white faces. I stumbled over to them, horribly conscious of the toad following every movement, terrified of setting it off into another leap. Squeezed between Rich and Jamie, hunkered down between the two girls and put an arm round each of them. ‘Listen up, guys,’ I whispered. ‘Here’s the plan …’
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    The elevator door sighed open. First to emerge was Evor, cracking his knuckles and leering. Next came Karazeel, his face smooth and composed. Newly drugged-up with potion, I guessed. His eyes flicked from Rich to Jamie; from Gen to Kenta … then to me. He gave a low, ironic bow.
    Last came Kai in his Keeper’s regalia. He avoided my eyes, crossing to the throne and taking up his position. The Mauler gave a series of coughing burps and shambled round to face him. It was clear it knew its master, and equally clear from the strings of drool dangling from its jaws that it was expecting to be fed.
    â€˜Good morning, children. I trust you slept well.’ No answer. ‘Not afraid, are we? No need, I assure you — the Mauler maynot be a tidy feeder, but it is invariably a rapid one. Now, who will be first? You would do well to remember the process will become slower as the edge is taken off his hunger …’
    â€˜Me.’ I’d hoped to sound grimly determined, but the word came out in a pathetic croak. I tried again. ‘I will.’ My hand crept to my pocket, feeling for my knife — the Swiss army knife Q had given me. The blade was open and ready, cold under my fingers. Behind me, I heard Gen’s breath catch in a sob.
    â€˜Well, children? Do you not wish to bid farewell to your little friend? I beg your pardon: to his lordship Prince Zephyr, Lost Prince of the Wind, briefly found and soon to be lost once more … this time forever.’
    â€˜My lord King.’ It was Kai, his face expressionless. ‘I pray your gracious permission to speak.’
    â€˜Later. After. Unleash the Mauler. Evor, the key.’
    Evor hobbled forward, silver key at the ready.
    â€˜But my lord, after will be too late.’
    â€˜Do not presume upon my favour, Keeper. Now, Evor —’
    â€˜Wait, your majesty! Last night I came to check upon the Mauler. The boy who calls himself Zephyr was awake. I tricked him into telling me things — things that will bring your lordship powers beyond your wildest dreams.’
    Evor paused, the key halfway into the lock; glanced at the King for the signal to continue. Time stopped.
    Zeel raised one hand the merest fraction, but enough. He inclined his head towards Kai, his voice menacing and satin-smooth. ‘Well?’
    Kai was looking anywhere but at me. ‘He spoke of a great wizard, a lord of creation named Q, by whose power the world of Karazan was made. He told of a magical globe which resides in the other world — the source of skyfire itself.’
    There was a strangled gasp behind me. Turning, I saw Kenta’s face, chalk-white and blank with shock. Beside me, Richard growled, ‘Adam, you fool! I told you not to trust him!’ His eyes were blazing with disbelief.
    Karazeel took one look at the stunned denial on the others’ faces and was on his feet in a flash and over at the cage.