The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

Author:Cornelia Funke
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: Social Issues, Action & Adventure, Family, Robbers and outlaws, Juvenile Fiction, Orphans & Foster Homes, Fiction, Runaways, Fantasy & Magic, Siblings, General, Brothers
ISBN: 9780606146869
Publisher: Turtleback Books
Published: 2010-05-01T10:00:00+00:00

28 Scipio, the Liar

Another gray morning was already dawning when the children left Ida Spavento's house. Scipio joined the others, not saying a word, although it wasn't as if Riccio and Mosca even tried to talk to him on the way back to the hideout. From time to time Riccio gave Scipio such a threatening look that Prosper decided to walk between the two of them. They had left the wing with Ida Spavento. She wanted to bring it with her when they met the Conte.

Bo was so sleepy that Prosper had to carry him on his back half the way home. Of course as soon as they reached the movie theater, he was wide-awake again, so they let him capture the Conte's messenger pigeon.

Happily, he stood underneath the basket and filled one hand with seeds. Then he held it up in the air, just like Victor had shown him in St. Mark's Square. The pigeon jerked its head around and peered down at the boy, and finally flew onto his hand. Bo giggled and hunched up his shoulders as the bird walked down his arm. Then, while the pigeon pecked eagerly at the seeds in his hand, Bo carefully carried it to the emergency exit.

"Take her to the canal before you let her go, Bo!" Mosca whispered, holding the door open for him.

It was now light and very cold. When Bo stepped outside, the pigeon ruffled up its feathers and blinked, bewildered in the light. She kept her wings folded as long as Bo was still in the narrow alley. As soon as they reached the canal and the wind uncurled her wings, she pushed herself off from Bo's hand and took to the air. She rose high into the morning sky and flew faster and faster until she disappeared behind the chimneys.

"When were we supposed to collect the Conte's reply from Barbarossa?" Prosper asked as they hurried back into the movie theater, shivering. "The day after we sent our message? She can't be flying far then."

"Pigeons can fly hundreds of miles in one day," Scipio answered. "This evening she could easily be in Paris or London." When he noticed Hornet looking at him with irritation, he quickly added, "I read that somewhere." This wasn't his usual arrogant tone. Today he sounded timid and almost apologetic.

"The Conte's not very likely to live in Paris," Riccio said scornfully. "But who cares? The pigeon is on its way and you'd better go home now."

Scipio gave a start. He cast a pleading look at Prosper, who avoided his eyes. Prosper had not forgotten how Scipio acted when the others had been waiting in front of his grand house. Maybe Scipio guessed his thoughts because he turned away again. He didn't seem sure where else he could look for help. Bo pretended he hadn't noticed the tense atmosphere and carried on feeding his kittens.

Hornet bowed her head. "Riccio is right, Scip," she said. "You have to go back. We can't afford to have your father turning the whole city upside down because his son has run away.

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