The Fire Cats of London by Anna Fargher

Author:Anna Fargher
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

NOW OR NEVER

Asta and Tilia spent the final hours before the baiting matches commenced tucked up neatly beside the doors of their cages with their paws secretly weighted upon them to ensure they remained closed. Both animals did their best to rest, knowing they would need all the courage and cunning they possessed for the day to come. But Asta felt sick with nerves, and every time she drifted off to sleep she woke with a start, worrying the doors to their cages were ajar. More than once, Asta witnessed Tilia do the same and, when the bear realized she had nothing to fear, she drew her slumbering cub more tightly into her chest. Asta listened to Tilia whisper gentle, loving words to him that Asta wished she could hear from her mother one last time.

Little by little, the tent brightened with sunshine. As usual, Osborne’s men entered the backstage area in the middle of the morning to inspect the baiting ring for repairs and prepare the auditorium for the expected crowds. Asta’s green eyes trailed every footstep that trod backstage, and her ears pricked vigilantly whenever a laugh or shout was uttered.

All too soon, the sounds of people muttering and mingling around the fair added to the brouhaha inside the arena that signified the baiting matches were due to begin. The other animals trapped inside their cages jittered uneasily, and Asta steadied her breath as Tilia turned to her, knowing the time to act was almost upon them.

‘I’ve told Lipa what’s going to happen,’ Tilia whispered. ‘And he’s promised to do everything you tell him.’ The bear looked at her cub, staring up at her devotedly. ‘Haven’t you, my love?’

Lipa nodded. ‘But only until you join us again,’ he added, his big, brown eyes twinkling with mischief.

‘That’s right.’ Tilia embraced him. ‘I shall not be far behind, and remember that Asta is in charge until I find you.’

Asta’s heart tugged, understanding why Tilia was lying to him. He would never leave her side if he realized she could not follow them. Tilia and Asta’s eyes met through the bars of their cages, and they smiled softly at one another. Asta was going to miss her, and she swore to herself she would find a way to reunite the bears.

At that moment, Osborne strode into the backstage area dressed in his fine clothes and swinging his sliver-topped cane theatrically by his side. He sauntered into the arena, followed by the two men that delivered the animals in and out of the baiting ring, and the auditorium roared with wild cheers and whoops as the sense of anticipation mounted in the air.

‘This is it,’ Tilia said urgently, giving Lipa one final kiss on the head. ‘Be a good boy, my darling. Follow Asta, and promise me that you won’t look back.’ He nuzzled into her chest, and Asta looked on, wishing they didn’t have to say goodbye. ‘It’s all right, Asta,’ Tilia whispered firmly, reading her expression and smiling kindly. ‘Now go – go!’

Asta and the bears flung open the doors of their cages and leaped forward.

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