Exile by Lady Grace Cavendish

Author:Lady Grace Cavendish [Cavendish, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-307-53648-8
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2006-10-26T04:00:00+00:00

Ellie's face lit up when she saw us. “What did the Queen say when you told her the casket was locked and I couldn't have stolen the jewel?” she asked eagerly. Poor Ellie was trusting that I had already cleared her name.

“I am sorry,” I said, trying to make myself comfortable on a rickety painted box. “But the casket had been left unlocked. So I could prove nothing.”

Ellie's face fell. “I might have known it were too good to be true,” she murmured. The candle spluttered suddenly. “Oh no,” she whispered. “That flame won't last long. And now it looks as if I'll be needing another light.”

“I will see to it,” I told her. “Don't you worry. Now, Masou and I have been up to the Banoo's chambers,” I went on, trying to sound cheerful. “We thought the thief might have used the window to enter.”

“I never thought of that!” said Ellie. Then she frowned. “Though it's too high up, surely. He would have to fly in like a bird!”

“Masou has proved that it is possible for a skilled tumbler to climb down from a window above,” I explained.

“So you only have to tell Her Majesty and I'll be free,” Ellie declared, her face lighting up again with sudden hope.

“There is just one problem,” said Masou solemnly. “The window above is not large enough for anyone to climb through. I doubt even Gypsy Pete could make himself so small.”

Ellie sighed heavily. “I got my hopes up again,” she whispered. “I truly am cursed by the ruby.”

“We have not given up, Ellie,” I told her.

There was silence. None of us seemed to know what to say next. Then Masou came to the rescue.

He leaped up and addressed the dragon's head in the corner. “Ah-ha!” he declared. “I see an old foe! I thought I had slain thee, foul worm, last St. George's day.” He picked up a wooden sword and capered about, parrying and thrusting at the beast, much to Ellie's delight.

“I remember that feast,” I said, grateful to Masou for giving Ellie back her smile. “You should have seen it, Ellie. Masou slew the dragon and everybody cheered as he carried the maiden to safety.”

“It near broke my back!” said Masou ruefully.

“That was French Louis under that veil.”

“I know,” I giggled. “I could see his beard!”

“Show me how you fought the dragon again, Masou,” pleaded Ellie.

And Masou capered around the tiny storeroom, brandishing his sword, while Ellie clapped her hands, happy for a moment.

“You are a good audience, Ellie.” Masou grinned.

“I wish you had been there when I scaled the tower just now. Grace seemed remarkably unimpressed. Rather than applause, I heard only squeaks of fear from my lady! You would have cheered me on.” He sighed. “If I could just have squeezed myself through that little window.”

We were all silent. The hopelessness of Ellie's situation seemed to hang over us again like a dark cloud.

Then Ellie suddenly threw her arms in the air.

“That's it!” she cried.

We looked at her in astonishment.

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