Run To Earth (Power of Four) by S Mazhar Read Free Book Online Page A

clear voice.
    “I seek sanctuary,” Kate whispered behind him.
    The door shimmered and the symbols began to glow. Each and every symbol shone like bright stars, their light beaming out across the five of them. Then, slowly, the light began to dull, and diminished completely as the symbols melted away. Only the number four remained, burning brightly on the door for a moment longer. Then, as it faded, a circle appeared. Inside the circle was an inverted V with three wavy lines behind it, and a spiral sitting between the legs of the V. The symbol flashed brightly, and then it too faded.
    There was a loud click and the door slid open, disappearing as it did so, leaving behind a rectangular doorway. Chris and Kate dropped their hands, watching with blank expressions. Aaron and the twins stared in complete shock at what lay on the other side.
    It was dark there – nightfall, apparently, even though Aaron was standing in dazzling sunlight. Aaron’s gaze darted everywhere, trying to make sense of what was going on. It was a village, or that’s what his first impression told him. Floating lanterns lit the night sky. A cobbled path led the way to a row of cottages, complete with small fences surrounding tiny front gardens. Opposite them were three tall rectangular buildings. Far off in the distance, Aaron could make out the glistening surface of a lake.
    In the middle of the road was the longest table Aaron had ever seen. It seemed to stretch on forever, and easily be able to seat hundreds of people. Aaron felt Rose’s fingers tighten around his. He turned to look at her, but she was staring ahead, clearly in confusion. Sam didn’t look any better.
    Chris and Kate stepped through the doorway, and the others followed behind, staring all around at the calm, surreal village. They walked down the path, directly towards the cottage at the end of the row, separated from the rest by a tall fence.
    Something moved in the dark. A creak, a thud and a floating light appeared in front of them, coming out from that very house. Footsteps accompanied it. As the ball of light got closer, Aaron realised it was another lantern, but this one wasn’t floating. It was being carried by a man, illuminating only one side of his face in the glow.
    “Jus’ wait ’ere, please.” He spoke gruffly, as if he had just awoken. Judging from the serene silence and pitch-black darkness, Aaron figured that might have been the case. “A’righ, who do we hav’ ’ere?”
    The man held his lantern up high so that the light could wash over not only them but himself as well. He was haggard-looking – a scruffy, blond beard dotted with grey covered the bottom part of his face. Beady blue eyes gazed out, the skin around them wrinkled. Aaron noticed a clipboard in his other hand.
    “Come on, wha’s the name?” he asked with narrowed eyes, his wrinkly brow furrowed with impatience.
    “Adams,” Chris said quietly.
    The man went rigid. His eyes widened as he pushed the lantern closer, examining Chris’s face with sudden interest. “Bless ma soul!” he breathed. “Adams? Chris’opher Adams?”
    Chris nodded tightly. “That’s the one,” he said stiffly.
    The man smiled, revealing chipped, yellowing teeth. “Well, well, isn’ this somefin’?” He looked over at the others, his gaze leisurely scanning Kate, Rose, Sam and finally settling on Aaron. His smile got wider. “Tha’ lad looks an awfu’ lot like yeh.”
    “Why wouldn’t he?” Chris asked, his voice furious but quiet. “He’s my son.”
    The man laughed, a rough barking sound. “Aye? Well, yeh get yerselves comfor’able.” He pointed to the row of cottages. “Any of ’em last four will do yeh fine for tonight.” He held a hand to his chest. “Ma name’s Jason Burns. Yeh need anyfin’, yeh let me know.”
    Chris nodded tightly at him but didn’t indulge in any formalities. He took hold of Kate’s hand and turned, leading her to the nearest cottage. Aaron quickly followed