The Silver Door by Emily Rodda Read Free Book Online Page B

columns.’
    Tallus goggled at him. ‘But—obviously—the best people for the task would be the Wall workers! They would raise the columns in a matter of—’
    â€˜Out of the question!’ the Warden exclaimed. ‘We cannot spare men from the Wall! The work is behind as it is!’
    â€˜But—’ Tallus snatched off his hat in frustration, releasing his floss of wild, white hair. ‘But Warden, what is the point in using most of our workforce to strengthen the Wall when our attackers are flying
over
it?’
    The Warden’s face became almost pitying. ‘The Wall has been Weld’s defence for a thousand years, since the time of its founder, the sorcerer Dann, Master Tallus,’ he murmured, as if instructing a small and rather stupid child. ‘It is my sacred trust, as it was my father’s trust, and my grandfather’s, and that of all of my family who came before them. Whatever else happens, our labours on the Wall must not be halted—not for a single working day.’
    â€˜Then use the Keep soldiers to build the columns!’ roared Tallus, tearing at his hair. ‘Bless the Wall, what else do they have to do but prance about practising their marching and putting up signs?’
    The Warden drew himself up. ‘You go too far, Master Tallus!’ he said coldly. ‘This interview is at an end. Good morning!’
    Picking up the skirts of his robe, he whisked huffily from the room without a backward glance.
    Tallus dashed his hat to the floor and stamped on it.
    â€˜So now you know, spies!’ he raged. ‘Now you know what a buffoon your Warden is! Well, if he will not listen to me, others will! Tell him that or not, as you like!’
    He snatched up his crumpled hat, grabbed the paper from the polished table and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
    â€˜Well!’ Rye said shakily.
    â€˜Make haste!’ Sonia urged, hurrying towards the fireplace. ‘Before anyone else comes!’
    In moments they had wriggled up the chimney branch to the wider main stack, where Sonia’s knotted rope still dangled from the blackness above. Rye pushed back the magic hood and tucked it beneath his collar to protect it from the soot.
    â€˜Was the old man right, do you think?’ Sonia asked, her voice muffled by the scarf she had pulled over her mouth and nose.
‘Would
bright light scare off the skimmers?’
    â€˜It makes sense,’ Dirk said.
    â€˜If only the Warden had agreed to try it,’ Rye sighed. ‘Just in a small part of Weld at first, perhaps, and then—’
    Sonia snorted. ‘He was never going to agree. For one thing, it would mean admitting he has been wrong for all these years.’
    â€˜And for another, he is terrified of anything new,’ Dirk added bitterly.
    Rye shook his head in the gloom. He knew that Tallus was not going to abandon his idea just because the Warden would not cooperate with him. Tallus would try to act alone. And the Warden, angry and frightened, would see that as rebellion.
    â€˜There is going to be trouble,’ Dirk said, echoing his thoughts.
    â€˜Perhaps there is,’ Sonia answered grimly. ‘But we cannot be worried about that now. Come on.’
    Gripping the rope firmly, they began their downward journey.
    Sonia moved quickly, with the ease of long practice. Dirk did almost as well. Rye gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the ache in his hands. When he heard dim clattering he realised he was moving past the kitchen, but this time he did not even think of stopping to catch a glimpse of his mother. And as he sank lower, a sense of ancient mystery enfolded him, making it hard to breathe or even to think.
    Sonia and Dirk were waiting impatiently when at last he crawled out of the fireplace into the dim, echoing space that was the Chamber of the Doors. Sonia’s face was taut with excitement as she grabbed his hand and turned him to face the three