The Wings of Ruksh Read Online Free PDF Page B

ripple, disappeared before his eyes — with Sir James and the MacLeans still inside!
    Totally devastated, he shivered at the enormity of it all. The MacArthur was most certainly going to tear strips off him for this!

6. The Sultan’s Palace
    The wall-to-wall heat hit Mrs MacLean in a comfortable wave as she stepped through the mirror and opened her eyes to a magical scene of blue skies, blazing sun, green palm trees and the sweeping curve of white marble pillars that encircled the high terrace of the Sultan’s palace.
    â€œMum!” Neil and Clara, who had turned at the sudden arrival of the Sultan, were amazed to see their mother step through the magic mirror after him, still clutching Lord Rothlan’s hand. Sir James and the Ranger, who had been lounging idly on gaudily -covered silk divans, jumped to their feet and advanced on Rothlan and Mrs MacLean in some relief. Amgarad, however, flew immediately to Clara and perched on her shoulder making delighted shrieking noises.
    â€œAmgarad!” exclaimed Clara happily, “it’s so nice to see you again. I’ve really missed you!”
    â€œI’ve missed you, too, Clara,” the bird said in his deep, croaky voice, rubbing his head against her cheek. “It’s a long time since you last visited Jarishan.”
    Although they had tried, neither Neil nor Clara had ever been able to work out how they managed to understand Amgarad, for he certainly wasn’t speaking English as such, but somehow his eagle noises seemed to form words that they could hear in their heads.
    With the eagle still on her shoulder, Clara ran to her mother and took her hand. Words tumbled out of her. “Mum, I’m so happy you’re here! This is a fabulous place and the Sultan has been so kind to us. And this,” she said excitedly, “
this
is Amgarad!”
    She broke off as the Sultan clapped his hands and usheredthem all, politely but firmly, towards the divans. At his signal, servants dressed in flowing white robes appeared from arched doorways, carrying trays of sliced fruit, cakes and pastries and jugs of fruit juice, tinkling with ice. Mrs MacLean sat bemused as they passed the food around and watched in horror as her husband piled his plate with a selection of sticky pastries.
    â€œHow can you, John?” she questioned. “You’ve just eaten the most enormous meal!”
    â€œI’ve what?” he looked startled.
    â€œThe meal at the restaurant. Aren’t you still full?”
    â€œBut,” the Ranger looked at her oddly, “that was last week …”
    â€œLast week!” she repeated incredulously. “But … you only finished eating about ten minutes ago!”
    â€œI think,” interrupted Lord Rothlan soothingly, “you will find that time is different here. I wouldn’t worry about it; just relax and enjoy yourselves. The Sultan is a wonderful host.”
    â€œDo you know him, Lord Rothlan?” whispered Mrs MacLean. “He seemed to know you.”
    â€œI’ve known him for a long time,” Rothlan said seriously, “although this is the first time I’ve seen him in years. In the old days, you know, Turkey made the best magic carpets in the world. Everyone came here to buy them.”
    â€œBefore Prince Kalman’s father stole the crown,” Neil observed quietly.
    Rothlan nodded. “Prince Casimir! Yes, the Sultan was so furious at losing the crown, and most of his power with it, that he hasn’t spoken to anyone in Scotland since!”
    â€œHow did Kalman’s father, this Prince Casimir, manage to steal the crown?” Mrs MacLean asked curiously.
    Rothlan pursed his lips and frowned. “Casimir,” he sighed, “was always proud and could be a bit arrogant, but underneath it all he was a pleasant enough chap really. Perhaps some strange magic influenced him, I don’t know — but the fact remains that while he was visiting