The Ice Gate of Spyre by Allan Jones

Author:Allan Jones
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins

“Making way, here!” shouted Wingnut, catching hold of Esmeralda’s arm and towing her through the clamoring crowd of meerkats. “These pilgrims very much spoken for! Lay off! Party of four coming through!”

Trundle and Jack darted after them, Jack taking a firm grip on Ishmael to make sure he stayed with their party. You never could tell what Ishmael would do next, and if the old hare went wandering off in this crush of people, they might never find him again.

Wingnut led them away from Boardwall and up through the narrow, teeming streets of Downtown. Trundle wished they had time to take in the sights as they rushed past an endless array of colorful pilgrim gift stores and restaurants and boardinghouses and tea shops, not to mention all the stands that littered the streets, selling every kind of bric-a-brac imaginable.

Wingnut slowed down as they reached the foot of a wide stone stairway that zigzagged its way through the commotion and confusion of Downtown. Masses of people were trekking up and down the broad staircase, many of them led by meerkats bearing a remarkable resemblance to Wingnut.

“This is One Thousand Steps of Radiant Wisdom,” he said, coming to a halt under a high wooden arch hung with bells and silken streamers. He raised an eyebrow and held out a paw. “You pay now, please, and Wingnut will guide you good.”

Esmeralda counted out a handful of sunders that instantly vanished into the deep pockets of Wingnut’s oversized shorts.

“You’re fine folk!” he said. “I give you best tour ever!”

“We’re on a bit of a deadline, Wingnut,” said Esmeralda.

“That’s fine, too!”

“We must make hay while the shoe shines,” added Ishmael. “Don’t put all your legs in one trouser.”

Wingnut blinked at him. “Oooohh,” he breathed at last. “That’s one wise fella!”

Trundle did his best to suppress an explosion of laughter.

“He certainly has a unique perspective on things,” said Jack, chuckling.

“He’s crazy,” said Esmeralda. “Lead on, Wingnut! Sharp’s the word.”

The meerkat pointed to a skinny side street that led off from the foot of the One Thousand Steps of Radiant Wisdom. “Before we begin the climb, we partake of nice cup of tea and optional bun.” He grinned, nodding rapidly. “It is tradition. All pilgrims do it.”

“We can’t waste time, you know,” said Esmeralda. “We need to get right up to the top before sunset.”

“No problem. Plenty of time,” insisted Wingnut. “Very bad luck for pilgrims to travel steps without first taking tea.” He nodded enthusiastically. “Would fall and break a leg, for sure!”

“I suppose we’d better keep to the traditions,” said Trundle.

“I’m sure we can spare a few minutes,” added Jack. “After all, how long can it take to drink a cup of tea?”

“Hard a-port!” declared Ishmael. “Run out the buns!”

Wingnut pointed at Ishmael. “He’s totally correct. You are my friends. I lead you plenty good, no fooling.”

“Oh, come on then,” Esmeralda said reluctantly. “Let’s get it over with.”

They trailed after Wingnut along the little side street until they came to a rickety gangplank that led to a dilapidated old windship.

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