Heart of the Hill Read Online Free PDF Page B

ponies stilled and cocked their ears. Owen did the same.
    The scratching came again.
    Owen crawled over to the shuttered window at the far end of the loft. The sound came from the other side.
    He eased the bolts free, cracked opened the shutter and peered through.
    A hawk was perched on the ledge.
    â€œAva!” Owen flung open the shutter and thrust out his arm. The hawk stepped onto his wrist, and he drew her inside.
    Shhhh, no need to shout. Ava’s reproof filled his head. Mindspeak’s easier and no one overhears.
    Owen grinned and held his arm against a hay bale.
    Ava stepped off and smoothed her ruffled feathers with her beak. Her hawk eyes looked piercingly at Owen. Greetings, Magic Child. You are none the worse for your experiences in my sanctuary?
    Owen shook his head. No…though I was really scared when I thought you were dead. He looked at her with loving eyes. I was so relieved when you came to life again.
    You showed great courage and quick wit, Owen. You are indeed a young warrior. You lived up to the old meaning of your name. A dark cloud passed the window and cut off the sun.
    Young warrior … that’s what my name means? No one ever told me that. Owen looked pleased.
    Owen, you must use your courage and quick wit to help Adam and Myrddin. You must all work together as a team, for the Dark Being is now aware of Gaia and has sent an emissary here. This means Adam’s task will be dangerous.
    Equus and I must leave you, for the Place Beyond Morning needs repair. We will use the renewed power of the talisman and circlet to rebuild the Silver Citadel and the Great Gates of Sunrise. Once they stand tall they will act as defenses. The Dark Being will find it harder to put out the light.
    Owen caressed Ava’s feathers. I’ll miss you.
    The hawk bowed her head, and Owen caught a glimpse of something glinting among her feathers.
    â€œOh!” Owen gasped, forgetting to mindspeak. “You’re wearing your circlet!”
    It is a permanent part of me, thanks to you and the other Magic Children. Ava spread her wings and grew, shape changing. For an instant Owen saw her towering above him, a shimmering, strangely beautiful hawk-woman, whose brow was crowned by a glowing twist of silver bands holding a white moonstone in the center.
    The image faded away, and Ava shrank back to a small hawk once more. I must go and rebuild. You will not hear from me until I return, she continued. Promise you will give Myrddin and Adam your aid.
    I’ll help them, promised Owen. So will Holly and Chantel.
    Ava’s eyes bore deep into his heart. Joining forces may not be easy. The Dark Being and her followers will sow discord and dissent. Alliances may be uneasy.
    With this remark the hawk spread her wings and soared from the hay bale, through the open shutters and toward the clouds. Farewell, Owen. May light be always in your heart.
    Owen hung out of the window. “Good luck, Ava,” he called and watched until she vanished.

    â€œYou mean all of you have been visited by a Wise One?” said Holly crossly. “What about me? Don’t I count?”
    Adam and Owen shifted on their seats and dropped their eyes.
    â€œIt … it’s not that.” Owen spread his hands wide. “It’s just … well … There are only three Wise Ones,” he finished with a rush.
    Holly gave a snort of frustration.
    â€œThere’s the Lady.” Chantel’s quiet voice caught everyone’s attention.
    Chantel flushed but held her ground. “You keep forgetting: there are four Wise Ones, the Lady’s sleeping. She’ll wake up soon. That’s why Equus and Ava are going to the Place Beyond Morning. To get it ready for her.”
    â€œRight, Holly. You’ll help the Lady,” said Owen, relieved. “So let’s get on with helping Adam. How are we going to get to Glastonbury?”
    â€œHolly thought Mr. Smythe might know. He visits