The Ark of Dun Ruah, Book 1 (4 page)

‘Well, if you don't mind Simon coming along …?'

‘I'll be delighted to have Simon! Don't give it another thought. Oh and Frederick, will you please make sure that my two new friends and their dear little birds are on board the ship bound for the Land of Fire on Monday night? It leaves from Corkscrew Harbour at midnight.'

‘Certainly, my dear,' said the Mayor. ‘I'll do everything in my power to get them there. They'll have a wonderful voyage on board the legendary ship, the Ark of Dun Ruah.'

CHAPTER 3

Fireworks and Explosives

On the outskirts of Kilbeggin, in the foothills of the Purple Mountains, Macken Cottage nestled. The Swishtree Forest skirted the cottage garden and wrapped itself like a giant green scarf all the way around the town of Kilbeggin.

Every now and again a loud bang rattled the garden shed where Simon was working on his latest invention. He was in a hurry to get it finished before they set out for the Land of Fire. Timmy and Dot flew back and forth, helping Kerry to sort and pack their things for the journey. Another loud explosion from the shed sent Kerry running to the back door.'

‘Simon,' she called. ‘What are you doing out there? Please don't make me call the fire brigade again.'

‘Everything's under control,' Simon's voice replied from the depths of the shed. ‘And I'm nearly finished. This is my best invention yet. Wait 'til you see my ‘Handy Matches,' Kerry. I think I've got the formula right at last.'

Kerry shook her head. ‘I hope they cure him of his obsession with lighting matches in the Land of Fire. He can't get much worse.'

‘Speaking of obsessions, has anybody seen Pod?' asked Timmy.

‘Hiding in the forest, no doubt,' said Dot.

‘But we still haven't told him about our trip to the Land of Fire,' said Timmy, ‘and we can't leave him behind.'

‘He was right about those eagles though,' said Kerry. ‘Everyone in Kilbeggin is talking about them. They've been raiding people's gardens and sheds and causing so much trouble.'

‘Trouble,' hooted a deep voice from the window.

There, perched high on a ledge, stood Pod with his thick crop of blue feathers gleaming in the moonlight and his amber eyes flashing.

‘I told you they were trouble. But you didn't believe me. This Fire Fair is the worst thing that's ever happened to Kilbeggin. All sorts of peculiar folk coming in here, poking their noses in our business! If it wasn't for the Fire Fair those eagles would never have come here in the first place.'

‘Oh, Pod, we're glad you're home,' said Timmy. ‘Have you heard the news? We're all going to the Land of Fire.'

‘The Land of Fire!' screeched Pod. ‘Is this some kind of a joke?'

‘Kerry has been invited there by President Lumina,' said Dot, ‘to be her personal fashion designer.'

‘You're out of your minds,' said Pod. ‘What business have you going on a dangerous journey like that?'

‘It's a great opportunity for Kerry to get her business started.'

‘But now is a terrible time to travel,' said Pod. ‘There are dark and evil forces at work out there in the world. The swishtrees are moaning. I haven't heard them moan like that since I was a boy. The signs are clear. Wicked things are stirring. Things I wouldn't dare speak of.'

‘But it's all arranged, and we were hoping you'd come with us,' said Kerry.

Pod's eyes began to twitch. ‘Then cancel it! This is not the time for foolish and risky adventures. You have no idea of the evil that is lurking out there.'

‘But we're going on a ship,' said Timmy. ‘You've always said that ships are the safest way to travel.'

‘Not in these troubled times,' warned Pod. ‘Nothing and nobody is safe. And a ship is no place for an elderly owl like me. Ships are full of hungry rats and cats all vying to get their teeth into a tasty bird. No this is a terrible idea. Stop all this nonsense and stay at home in Kilbeggin.'

‘Our passage is booked,' said Kerry. ‘President Lumina of the Land of Fire paid for everything. She has invited me there to design a new wardrobe for her. I have to earn a living, Pod. Simon needs to be fed and sent to school and I've had a lot of bills since Mom died last year. I'm barely able to make ends meet as it is. Without this trip we can't afford to keep our home here in Macken Cottage. And I don't want to sell it. It's the only thing we have left!'

‘Go without me then,' said Pod. ‘All of you. I'll stay here where I belong.'

‘Please come with us, Pod,' pleaded Kerry. ‘The Land of Fire is a beautiful place. It's a land of opportunity.'

‘Opportunity,' Pod snorted.

‘But we badly need a wise old head like yours to help us on our journey,' pleaded Kerry. ‘We'd be lost without you, Pod, you know that.'

‘And what if those eagles keep tormenting you here?' added Dot. ‘You'll be stuck inside all alone every day, terrified out of your wits.'

Pod let out a huge hiccup and before he had a chance to recover himself Simon burst through the back door.

‘I've done it,' he cried. ‘My matches are ready. In fact they're perfect. And now for the demonstration you've all been waiting for—'

‘No Simon!' cried Kerry. ‘The last time you did a demonstration in the house, you nearly took the roof off. It took us a whole week to clean up the mess.'

‘Don't worry,' said Simon digging into the rubbish bin and pulling out fistfuls of old food scraps and wrappers. He quickly packed them into the fire grate and took a large box of matches from his pocket. Flicking it open, he picked out a long, bright green match and struck it.

A mighty crack rocked the floorboards and a dazzling plume of green smoke burst from the match. Sending blinding flashes darting across the room, it swirled into the fireplace and hovered over the rubbish. A rapid series of sparks and flames shot out of the fireplace causing Pod to flee with a shriek into the rafters. A quick succession of bangs and snaps followed and an exploding stream of flashing emerald fireworks cascaded into the room.

‘Simon, I said no fireworks in the house,' screamed Kerry.

‘Sorry. I couldn't resist it,' said Simon, calling their attention back to the fire.

‘Now here's the important bit. Watch this!'

The kitchen rubbish popped and hissed. It then started to swirl in the grate. Plastic bottles shrivelled, newspapers fizzled and lumps of food shrunk into small nuggets that looked like dark green coal. Then a circle of yellow flames sprang from the coals and flared up into a glittering blaze. But, to Kerry's relief, within a few moments the whole thing quietly settled down into a warm, steady and well-behaved fire.

‘That fire will last for hours,' said Simon, clapping his hands. ‘And it runs on every kind of rubbish. No need to buy any more wood or coal. It costs nothing and burns up all the old waste in the house.'

‘This must be magic or trickery!' proclaimed Pod from the rafters. ‘Open the window or we'll all be poisoned to death.'

‘Don't worry,' said Simon, ‘it's science! I've been experimenting with gases for months and this one is perfectly safe. It's a harmless eco-friendly gas that accelerates waste decomposition and transforms old rubbish into solid fuel. The result is a great long-lasting fire. It's simple and cheap.'

‘It is a nice fire,' said Dot, ‘but what about the other matches in the box here? They're all different colours.'

‘See this white one,' said Simon, pulling a tall, thin match with a long stem from the box. He struck the match and raised it over their heads. The match produced a white flame that crystallised into a solid beam of light that shone like a laser, projecting a powerful ray onto the rafters above them. ‘This one lasts for a few hours. It's very handy if you can't find a torch.'

‘It might be useful in a power cut,' said Kerry. ‘You know, Simon, people might be interested in your inventions if you only got rid of the nasty fireworks that go with them. What sane person would allow a box of exploding matches into their house?'

‘You'd be surprised,' said Dot. ‘That fuel-saving idea is a good one,'

‘They'll love it over in the Land of Fire,' said Timmy. ‘I think you'll be fam ous. But show us what the other matches do Simon. What about these orange and blue ones.'

Timmy had perched himself precariously on the edge of the matchbox and was gazing closely in at the contents.

‘Hey, be careful Timmy,' said Simon, waving him away. ‘Some of them are dangerous. They do all sorts of useful things. But they're not ready. I need to do more work on them. There's not much time left before we leave for the Land of Fire. And I want to bring my best inventions with me.'

Simon snatched up his box of matches and exited through the back door.

‘Don't wait up for me,' he called.

‘I worry about that boy,' said Pod, now perched on Kerry's shoulder, his head tilting to one side. ‘If it wasn't for me that shed would be burned down long ago. I don't know how many times I've found it on fire and raised the alarm. If I wasn't around to watch over him we'd all be dead …'

‘Then come with us,' challenged Kerry. ‘If you want to keep him alive, come with us to the Land of Fire.'

CHAPTER 4

The Ark of Dun Ruah

Corkscrew Harbour was situated in a narrow, winding creek. It was close to midnight when Kerry, Simon, Pod and the swiftails followed the coastal path from Kilbeggin to the harbour. Kerry marvelled at the endless twists and turns the brightly lit estuary took on its way to the sea. A large ship was docked at the quayside with the name ‘Ark of Dun Ruah' painted on its side. A queue of passengers waited to board. Kerry looked around at her travelling companions.

Three very small men were conversing loudly at the quayside. They had red faces with long noses and very large ears. They were dressed in faded lumber shirts and trousers that barely reached down to the top of their boots. The discussion was growing louder and Kerry could see angry fists raised in the air. One of them made several rude exclamations and snorts. The others shook their fists at him and stamped their feet.

‘What an odd-looking bunch,' whispered Kerry.

‘They're the Frumpets,' said Pod. ‘They're tribal folk from the Swishtree Forest. They mainly live on wild mushrooms and berries and I sometimes see them in Kilbeggin scrounging around looking for food.'

‘I wish they'd stop fighting,' said Kerry.

‘Oh they never stop fighting,' said Pod. ‘They fight every day. Except, of course, at the weekends when they spend all day in bed.'

A tall, hooded man in a dark cloak arrived and slipped into the line of people behind them. Kerry looked at him closely. She wondered if it was the same man who had been attacked by the eagle at the cathedral door. It was difficult to see his face under the deep, grey hood. His movements made him seem almost like a shadow. She wondered what kind of power he held over the eagle that attacked him that night on St John's Square.

But it was difficult to see in the deepening darkness. The passengers ahead of them had started to board and the queue was moving. Kerry was so tired that it was a struggle trying to keep her eyes open.

Simon tugged her arm. ‘Come on. Let's board.'

They moved towards the huge hulking shadow of the tall passenger ship that loomed above them. A man dressed in a monk's habit took Kerry's ticket and helped her on board.

‘Enjoy your voyage,' he said. ‘Tomorrow we'll be sailing across the Sea of Sorrows.'

‘Sea of Sorrows,' said Kerry. ‘I hope it's not anything like its name.'

‘They say it's bewitched,' said the ticket man, assisting her onto the deck. ‘So keep your wits about you.'

‘Keep my wits about me. What do you mean?' Kerry asked.

But the ticket man had already turned his back on her. He was attending to the next passenger. A sudden sea breeze blew up and Kerry pulled up the collar of her jacket. She looked around and saw Simon and the birds ahead of her. They had crossed the gangway onto the ship. Again she caught a glimpse of the man with the grey, hooded robe. Somehow he had overtaken them and was moving quickly to the top of the crowd.

‘Hey! Isn't that the man who was attacked by the eagle with the red eyes?' exclaimed Simon. ‘And look up. What's that on the mast?'

Two red beams of light were scanning the length of the deck. Up on the mast, the dark silhouette of a huge bird was peering down at the passengers with intense red eyes. Kerry shivered.

‘I'm going to check it out,' said Simon.

‘No. Let's get inside Simon,' pleaded Kerry. ‘That eagle is up to no good. And I don't want you getting mixed up in trouble at this hour of the night.'

‘Well, I suppose it could wait till the morning,' said Simon, reluctantly eyeing the bird on the mast.

‘Of course it can wait,' said Kerry. ‘And you promised you wouldn't run off on another wild goose chase.'

Simon acquiesced and they followed the passengers into a small atrium. From here they climbed a staircase to the top deck where they entered a large cabin. There they said good-night to Pod and the swiftails who took off in search of their own nesting places on board the ship. Inside the cabin there was a long, carpeted lounge. All around the floor, comfortable mattresses were scattered with cosy quilts and cushions thrown over them.

‘Just grab one,' said Simon.

And Kerry did. She was so warm and snug under her quilt that the sound of the sea breeze and the lapping of the waves soothed away the memory of the giant bird with the red eyes.

Kerry awoke to the sound of voices coming from the sea. It was still dark and she couldn't see Simon. His mattress was empty. The voices outside called, ‘Kerry … Kerry.' She crept out of her bed and followed them onto the deck.

A large swell rose in the sea and the ship began to toss. She thought she heard Simon's voice calling her from the water. Leaning over the ship's side and clinging to the railings she searched the dark blue seas with her eyes. The ship dipped sharply and caused her to lose her grip. As she tumbled, down towards the water a flock of Giant Eagles appeared above her. The largest eagle seized her with his long razor-like talons.

‘Come with me,' he cawed.

Kerry tried to struggle but the eagle carried her over the waves far out over the Sea of Sorrows and onto a rocky island. He dragged her into a dark cave and there sitting on a huge throne sat an Eagle King wearing a golden crown. His red laser-like eyes bored into her head causing her face to burn. A loud ringing pierced her ears. She screamed with pain.

‘Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding …' Kerry suddenly woke from her dream. Sunlight was streaming over her face from an overhead porthole. There was the sound of a bell ringing in the distance.

‘Breakfast is ready. Come and get it before it's too late,' chanted a voice from below.

Kerry sat up and saw Simon standing before her.

‘Come on,' he said. ‘I've just been down to the breakfast cabin to check it out. Those Frumpets are trying to gobble up all the food on this ship. I've never seen such a pack of greedy men in all my life. Are you OK Kerry? You look kind of green.'

Kerry rubbed her eyes and crawled out from under her quilt.

‘I've just had a horrible nightmare, Simon. I thought I'd lost you.'

‘It was only a dream,' said Simon. ‘Come on. I'm hungry.'

Kerry followed him across the lounge, through the exit and down a flight of metal stairs to the atrium. Here they saw the entrance to a large dining cabin. Beside the dining cabin there was a door leading out to the open air deck. They went out to the deck, hoping see the birds. Pod swooped and landed on the ships railing. Then he spotted Simon and flew onto his shoulder. He didn't look happy.

‘The nesting accommodation on board this ship is a disgrace,' he said. ‘It's draughty and noisy. All those moaning voices coming from the sea kept me awake all night. Now I'll have to find a more comfortable hole before nightfall.'

‘I heard voices too,' commented Kerry, ‘but I thought it was in a dream.'

‘Cheer up you two,' said Simon. ‘It's a beautiful day. Look, there's the swiftails. At least they seem to be having a good time.'

Timmy and Dot were circling the deck, soaring, swooping and diving for fish.

‘Let's go in and get our breakfast,' said Simon.

Inside the dining cabin a breakfast counter was laid out. The three Frumpets sat with their plates piled high with bacon, sausages, eggs, jam doughnuts and heaps of other goodies. They were stuffing it into their large red mouths at a tremendous rate. Two cooks were serving the food behind the counter. They wore white aprons over brown robes that looked very like monks' habits. The older and fatter-looking cook shook his head when Simon and Kerry approached the counter.

‘Not much left here,' he said. ‘We can't serve up the food fast enough for those Frumpets. Hurry up. If you don't move fast everything will be gone.'

‘Are we the last to arrive?' asked Kerry.

‘Yes. And we don't serve owls in here.'

‘I beg your pardon,' said Pod, digging his claws into Simon's shoulders.

‘Pod, get off my shoulder, you daft old owl,' said Simon. ‘Go and get your own breakfast.' He pointed at a porthole. ‘Look, Timmy and Dot are out there catching fish. Go after them and get some of your own.'

Timmy and Dot were following the ship, playfully swooping into the choppy sea and then soaring off into the clear blue sky.

‘I'm too old to go out there catching fish. I'll have to stay and find myself a rat for my breakfast,' said Pod with a grumble. ‘There must be one around here somewhere.' He flew off muttering to himself.

After her breakfast, Kerry sat back and looked around the dining cabin studying her fellow passengers. One of the Frum-pets had started to eat the remaining leftovers on the food counter. Another was going around from table to table collecting bacon rinds and scraps. The third was licking his plate.

Kerry thought she saw the hooded man in the darkest corner of the dining cabin. He was so deep in the shadows that she could barely see him. Still wearing the grey cloak with the hood shading his face, she watched him stand up and leave his table.

‘Hey, there's that man,' said Simon. ‘I'm going to find out what's the story with him and the Giant Eagle.'

Just as Simon rose to leave the table one of the Frumpets ran headlong into him. The Frumpet toppled over on to the floor and rolled around howling and screeching with rage. Simon tried to help the little man to his feet.

‘You'd better look where you're going, boy!' said the Frumpet crossly, pushing Simon away. ‘If you're not careful my brothers and I will give you a good thrashing.'

‘Hey, steady up a bit!' said Simon. ‘It wasn't my fault. It was you who crashed into me.'

‘Don't you get smart with me, boy!' challenged the Frumpet, raising his fists in the air. ‘I'll give you a piece of my—'

‘Take it easy,' said Simon, removing a slice of toast from Kerry's plate and waving it in the Frumpet's face. ‘Hungry, are we?'

‘I'll let you off this time,' said the Frumpet, grabbing the toast. ‘That's if you let me lick your plate.'

‘What?' Simon cried.

But the Frumpet stood his ground, blocking Simon's path.

‘Alright, go on then you can lick my plate. Just move out of my way you little savage.'

‘I'm not a savage!' said the Frumpet. ‘You watch your mouth.'

But Simon was already past him and scanning the dining area for the hooded man. He spotted him at the far side of the room exiting through the cabin door. This time Simon was determined to catch him.