Knight Quest (Time Hunters, Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

lair
full of dragons!”
    She jumped up and down on the spot with such excitement that she trod on poor Cleo’s tail. “Sorry, Fluffpot,” she said. Snatching up the yowling cat, Isis smothered her in kisses.
    â€œWe’re close now!” Tom said. “If good old Al finds King Arthur’s sword,
we
can get the amulet!”

“What’s Percival playing at?” Isis asked, looking towards the horses, who were drinking thirstily from a stone trough.
    Tom glanced over and saw Percival crouching by the side of Acorn. Percival looked over his shoulder with darting eyes. Al was standing on the other side of Acorn, stroking his nose and feeding him a handful of hay. He was so busy tending to the horse, he didn’t notice his opponent’s shifty behaviour.
    â€œI don’t know,” Tom said. “Maybe he’s adjusting his pants under his armour or something.”
    â€œI think he’s up to no good,” said Isis, heading over to warn Al. But there was no time.
    Toot ta toot too TOOOOT!
    King Arthur’s servants sounded their horns and suddenly all eyes were on the king. He beamed at the villagers and then turned to Al and Percival.
    â€œStand by your horses,” he said. “It is time for the race to begin!”
    Tom waved at Al and gave him the thumbs up. “Good luck!” he shouted.
    â€œTake your marks,” King Arthur bellowed.
    Al picked up Acorn’s reins.
    â€œSet…”
    Percival smirked at Al in a way that made Tom’s skin feel itchy.
    â€œGo!”
    Tom watched as Al wedged his muddy boot into Acorn’s stirrup and started to heave himself up. But then the entire saddle slipped from the horse’s back. Arms and legs flailing in the air, Al fell and landed in the mud with a
splat!
    The saddle landed on his head.

    â€œOuch! That’s got to have hurt,” said one of the villagers.
    The wealthy villagers sniggered with delight, but the poorer ones shouted encouraging words to him.
    â€œCome on, Al! Get back on your horse, lad!” someone called.
    Tom and Isis rushed over to him.
    â€œAre you OK?” Tom asked, pulling Al up out of the mud.
    Al picked up his saddle and examined the girth.
    â€œThe saddle must have come loose,” he said, shaking his head.
    Tom and Isis exchanged a knowing glance.
    â€œSo
that’s
what Percival was playing at,” Tom said, helping Al fasten his saddle back on. “What a cheat.”
    The squire’s son had already streaked off towards the cave in a cloud of kicked-up dust.
    Al hauled himself back into the saddle.
    â€œMove up,” Isis said, vaulting on behind him.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” Al asked.
    â€œYou didn’t think we’d let you face this last trial alone?” she asked. “Plenty of room for three,” she said, extending a hand to Tom. “Up you come,” she said.
    Tom looked nervous.
    â€œI’ve only ever been on a donkey at the beach,” he said.
    Cleo, who had been twining herself around Acorn’s legs, mewed loudly and pawed at Tom.
    â€œFluffpot thinks you’re a scaredy cat.”
    Tom snorted half-heartedly, swallowed hard and pulled himself up into the saddle behind them both.
    â€œYour friends are going to be with you every step of the way, Al,” he said. “We’ll make sure Percival doesn’t cheat again. Let’s get going!”
    â€œFriends! I got myself friends!” Al cried. “Good Lord, I’m a lucky lad.”
    They thundered away, with Cleo running alongside. Peering into the distance, Tom could barely see Percival now, he was so far ahead.
    â€œHow can we possibly catch up?” Tom shouted as the wind gusted in his face, almost taking his breath away.
    Al glanced back at him. “He’s on the road to the caves,” he shouted. “But there’s a shortcut.”
    â€œWhere?” Isis asked.
    Al pointed to their left. “The