Heart of the Hill Read Online Free PDF Page A

He could do magic and meet interesting beings from other worlds, plus he’d know what was happening to him for the next few hundred years. Adam laughed out loud. Yup, his dad had taken off, so why not him?
    If he disappeared to be Portal Keeper it would teach his folks a lesson! What the heck, he’d risk it. He had nothing to lose! Besides, unlike his parents, Myrddin needed him.
    With new resolve and a sense of purpose Adam ran down the stairs into the kitchen, startling Holly who was reading in the big rocking chair by the window.
    â€œWhoa … What’s up?” she asked.
    â€œWe need to talk. Where are Owen and Chantel?” said Adam.
    Holly shrugged. “I dunno where Owen went, but Chantel’s in the bedroom with Mum.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Are you okay? Did you sleep?”
    Adam nodded. “Yes, yes. But I need everyone. We’ve gotta talk.”
    â€œI’m here, talk away. Is it about your parents?”
    Adam shook his head. “They’re the least of my worries. Myrddin just visited me.” He glanced around to check that no adults were within earshot. “We’ve gotta do something quick. It’s about the Dark Being. She’s sent someone here,” he hissed.
    Holly’s eyes widened. She looked around the room.
    â€œNot here in the kitchen, idiot,” said Adam. “To Gaia. I … I mean Earth. Myrddin said an emissary’s come, and if she gets Myrddin’s staff the Wise Ones are toast. We’ve got to get it first.” Adam held up his hands.
    â€œI need help, Holly. It’s terrifying. I’ve got to go to a place called Glastonbury Tor, face that woman from my nightmare and rescue the staff — quick! I don’t even know where Glastonbury is!”
    â€œIt’s a couple of hours southwest of here, in Somerset,” said Holly promptly. “We’ve never been, but our neighbor Mr. Smythe gave a talk about Glastonbury at the Uffington Museum. It was really interesting.” Holly became more excited. “There’s a ruined abbey where King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried, and a big hill called the Tor. The Tor is where Merlin’s imprisoned. He’s supposed to be asleep in a Crystal Cave at its heart.”
    â€œThose stories aren’t true,” said Adam.
    â€œSays who?” said Holly.
    â€œSays Myrddin,” said Adam. “But that’s where his staff is … in the Crystal Cave. And you’ll never guess who Myrddin really is!”
    Holly gave a little gasp. “Of course … He’s Merlin, isn’t he? Fan-bloody-tastic!”

    Lynne stopped rubbing Chantel’s back and eased herself off the bed. She looked down sadly at her niece.
    Chantel had fallen into an exhausted sleep following the emotional storm triggered by her mother’s phone call.
    â€œLife is just not fair, child,” Lynne whispered. “You didn’t deserve this.” She smoothed the bedcover and tiptoed out.
    Can you hear me, child?
    Chantel stirred in her sleep.
    Chantel, I have news. Gentle mindspeak from Equus slid into her dream.
    Despite her sorrow, Chantel’s lips curved into a smile as she smelled the musky scent of the Great White Horse King and felt strands from his silky mane brush her cheek.
    Hello, Horse. I’ve missed you. Can we go riding? I need some magic . In her dream, she twisted her hand into his mane and swung herself up on his back. Please fix things. Chantel leaned forward and hugged his neck.
    Mom and Dad are so angry they are divorcing. They need fixing. Please, White Horse. Please.
    A feeling of comfort tinged with regret, swept over her.
    I understand, Chantel. Adam told us. But you know we cannot interfere between humans.
    Chantel sighed and stilled her cheek against the neck of the horse. Tears oozed between her lashes.
    Peace, child. Believe in the light. Equus surrounded Chantel with warmth and light as he galloped through the