فصل 45

CHAPTER 45

DOOMED

IT TOOK THE CHILDREN HOURS to reach Maknar—hot, thirsty hours, with the city beckoning in the distance, a mosaic of sunbaked huts, hunchbacked palms, and the glinting spires of Zarboff’s palace. The sea of sand played tricks on their eyes: sometimes, as they trudged forward, the city seemed to move farther away, like a desert mirage of shimmering blue water.

But finally they were standing in a bustling marketplace, doing their best to look inconspicuous in their newly acquired robes. Around them swirled the sounds of people bargaining, and a hundred scents—acrid sweat, sweet incense, coconut, spices. The camel, which had carried Tubby Ted, Prentiss, and Molly most of the way, let out a strange humming noise. Thomas led it to a water trough, from which it drank thirstily.

“What now?” James said. He intended the question for Peter, but it was Molly who answered.

“We must go to the palace,” she said, “and free Father.”

And be caught immediately, like a big stupid fish, observed Tink, who was hiding under Peter’s robe.

“What’d she say?” asked Molly.

“She said the palace is heavily guarded,” said Peter. “We can’t just go barging in there, Molly.”

“Well, we can’t just stand here, either,” said Molly. “People are starting to notice us.”

This was true: even in the colorful chaos of the market, their group was drawing curious looks.

“All right,” said Peter. He gestured for the group to gather, whistling to Tubby Ted, who was wandering toward the food stalls. When they had all huddled together, Peter spoke, his voice low.

“As I see it,” he said, “we need to do two things. We need to free Lord Aster and Bakari. Then we need to get all of us out of here. We need a ship.”

“We came by ship to Ashmar,” said Molly. “But that’s another long trip across the desert. I doubt we’d make it if we were being chased.”

Peter nodded. “There are ships here,” he said. “There’s a harbor below the city. That’s where Ombra brought us in his underwater ship. There were sailing ships there.”

“Then perhaps we need to borrow one,” said George, giving Molly a look.

“Do you think you could be in charge of that, George?” said Peter. He was reluctant to admit it, but George was quite good at things like getting ships.

“My pleasure,” said George.

“Good,” said Peter. “So you, Molly, and the boys will get a ship and have it ready to sail. Tink and I will go to the palace and—”

“I’m going with you,” said Molly.

No she’s not, said Tink.

“No, you’re not,” said Peter. “Molly, think about it. Tink and I can fly. And we’ve been inside the dungeon. We know where we’re going.”

“He’s my father,” said Molly. She pulled out her locket. “And I have starstuff left. I can fly if I need to.” Peter started to object, but she cut him off. “I’m going with you,” she said, “like it or not.”

Not, said Tink.

“All right,” said Peter.

“Thank you,” said Molly.

We’re doomed, said Tink.

A few minutes later, with the plan settled, they left the market in two groups. George and the other boys headed toward the harbor, with George leading the camel. Molly and Peter, with Tink still tucked away, headed toward Zarboff’s palace.

Peter eyed the looming spires, recalling how close Kundalini had come to making a meal of him and his mates. He glanced at Molly, glad she was with him. But at the moment he had no idea how the two of them, and Tink, could possibly free Leonard Aster from Zarboff’s dungeon. He also had grave doubts that George, capable as he was, would be able to procure a ship.

We’re doomed, Tink said again.

“What did she say?” asked Molly.

“She says,” replied Peter, “that this should be exciting.”