Free The Last Phoenix by Linda Chapman Page B

Skribble blustered. “Why…the only thing that’s the matter around here is the four of you and your attitude!”
    Jess frowned. “Pardon?”
    â€œYou have all accepted a most vital quest to help that dear phoenix, and time is very short,” said Skribble imperiously. “I know how easily distracted you all are. Heads full of straw, the lot of you!” He glanced at Michael. “I particularly know the effect phoenix gold can exert on the human soul.”
    â€œAre you spying on us?” asked Michael indignantly.
    â€œNo, but…” Skribble paused, his face contorted as if in pain. “I must warn you that you must proceed with your good work with all possible speed. There is no time to waste.”
    â€œAre you sure you’re all right, Skribble?” Milly frowned.
    Skribble looked at her closely. “You should know by now that where magic is concerned, great danger may be lurking.”
    â€œDanger?” Jason echoed nervously.
    â€œThat map, the one I gave Fenella.” Skribble nodded hishead toward Jason. “Do you have it?”
    Jason pulled it out of his pocket and unrolled it. “It’s here.”
    â€œStudy it well,” said Skribble. “Look at the map closely. Make sure that you—and Fenella—read and digest every…single…syllable!” With each word he spoke he bobbed up and down. He looked fiercely at Michael and then back pointedly to the map. Michael followed the direction of the genie’s tiny eyes to the words at the bottom: KNOW YOURSELF, TRUST YOURSELF, BELIEVE IN YOURSELF . “Think clearly!” Skribble exclaimed, looking back at him. “Remember what you learned while following The Genie Handbook , and heed those lessons well.”
    â€œOkay, keep your mustache on, Worm,” said Michael.
    â€œAre you sure nothing’s wrong, Skribble?” asked Milly.
    â€œWrong? Goodness, no. What could be wrong?” Skribble shook his head. “Simply remember that there…there is always one who watches…Watches closely …”
    Jess looked uneasy. “Who?”
    â€œMy time has run out. I must leave you!” Skribble gabbled. “Delay no longer, but be careful, dear children— please be careful!”
    â€œBut Skribble, we know we’re all right,” Michael pointed out. “We’ve seen ourselves in the future.”
    Skribble shook his head. “Nothing is set in stone where magic is involved.”
    â€œPlease, Skribble,” Milly urged him. “Can’t you just tell us who is watching us and—”
    â€œFarewell, my brave friends,” said Skribble. He started to swirl around and around on his cloud, faster and faster. “Remember what I have told you…” With a faint pop, Skribble and his cloud disappeared.
    For a moment the four Worthingtons just stood there staring at the empty air where Skribble had been.
    â€œWhat has he told us?” Milly felt utterly baffled. “Where’s he gone?”
    â€œAnd where did he come from?” said Jason.
    Jess frowned. “It was like he was trying to encourage us and warn us at the same time.”
    â€œâ€˜There is one who watches closely,’” Milly quoted with a little shiver.
    â€œMaybe it’s Mr. Milton,” Michael suggested. “Spying on us from his rosebushes!”
    Jason frowned. “I wonder what Skribble did mean?”
    â€œYou know the worm,” said Michael, shrugging. “He’s worse than Milly for making a drama out of nothing.”
    â€œHey!” Milly protested.
    â€œAnyway, right now we’ve got other things to think about,” Michael went on, pulling his three gold cards out of his pocket. “Like how to cash in these! The shops are only open for another hour or so. I’m going to go into town right now and see who’ll swap this for some real money.”
    Milly stared at him.