Sky Run by Alex Shearer Read Free Book Online

foul smell hit me. Old Ben Harley’s home-made private stash was disgusting. The smell soon wore off though, once the air got at it.
    I knew why she was giving it to Angus. And I knew now why the midges weren’t bothering us.
    â€˜There. That’s our toll paid.’
    Peggy put the bottle into Angus’s hand. He sniffed at it.
    â€˜It’s poison.’
    â€˜No, just smells like it. I wouldn’t drink it though. It’s got better uses. Just dab some on your beard.’
    He did. Then he re-corked the bottle and set it down.
    â€˜Well? Now what?’
    â€˜Well, look at yourself.’
    â€˜How can I look at myself,’ Angus said, ‘when there’s nae mirror? There’s been nae mirror for years.’
    â€˜Evidently …’ Peggy muttered.
    â€˜Then what’s this stuff do?’
    â€˜Haven’t you noticed?’
    It took him a few more seconds. Then a smile spread across his face.
    â€˜The midges!’ he said. ‘They’re leaving me alone! They’ve tormented me every minute of the day since I can’t remember! They’re leaving me alone!’
    â€˜And it’ll last a long time too,’ Peggy said. ‘Especially if you’re not big on washing.’
    â€˜Don’t have the water to spare,’ Angus said. ‘Not that that means I don’t maintain standards. Always been big on personal hygiene. A bath every three or four months, whether I need it or not.’
    â€˜I’m pleased to hear it,’ Peggy said. ‘Then that bottle there should last you years. You just need a dab and they’ll keep their distance and not bother you again.’
    â€˜It’s wonderful,’ Angus said. ‘It’s like someone turned the misery off.’
    â€˜Is that us quits then?’ Peggy said. ‘Have we paid the toll?’
    â€˜More than paid it,’ Angus said. ‘But I don’t have any change.’
    â€˜We’re not expecting any,’ Peggy said. ‘Just happy to help. Aren’t we?’
    â€˜Yes, Gran,’ Gemma agreed.
    â€˜Very happy,’ I said.
    â€˜Then I’ll let you get on your way,’ the Troll said – and he wasn’t really such a troll now. He was just another person, a rather large and frightening one, but essentially just like us.
    â€˜We’ll do that then,’ Peggy said. ‘Gemma, Martin –’
    â€˜Goodbye, Angus,’ Gemma said.
    â€˜What a pretty wee girl,’ Angus said to Peggy. ‘I compliment you on your granddaughter. She’s just like my Nancy. So young, and full of life – and the young man here, reminds me of my Colin …’ And then his voice trailed away.
    â€˜A pleasure to meet you, Mr Angus,’ I said.
    â€˜A pleasure to meet you all. And thank you for the … thanks.’
    â€˜Not at all. If you’re ready then –’
    Peggy led us aboard. Angus helped us untie and he stood watching from the jetty as we uncovered the solar panels and unfurled the wind sails.
    He undid the lines that held up the net blocking our way; the net sank down and we were free to leave.
    â€˜Sail safely now,’ he said. ‘Mind how you go. There’s some weird people about,’ he said. ‘You want to be careful.’
    â€˜It’s just straight on, isn’t it?’ Peggy said.
    â€˜That’s the way. Empty sky for about fifty kilometres, and then you’ll see the Isle of Ignorance.’
    â€˜We’ll see the what?’
    We were already sailing and his voice was lost on the wind.
    â€˜Ignorance. You’ll see it. But keep going.’
    And he waved, and we moved on.
    I looked back. We could just see him changing the sign by the jetty.
    It now read THE TOLL TROLL IS: OUT .
    And he was reeling the net in, and the way was now clear. And there was no longer a swarm of angry midges around his head, and he somehow looked less angry too.
    The last we saw of him, he