Read Online A Tail of Camelot by Julie Leung - Free Book Online

news?”
    â€œWe’re all preparing for another war against the Darklings,” Calib said gravely.
    â€œWar, you say?” Howell paced back and forth, more agitated than before.
    â€œYes.” Calib twisted the drawstrings of his cloak tightly in his paws. “Any day now, Leftie the lynx and his hordes could ambush us again, like they did when they killed my father,” Calib continued. “That’s what everyone’s saying, anyway.”
    A loud growl from Howell made everything shimmer in the cave. The cave light also grew brighter, glowing a vibrant blue. Calib knew then that Howell had spoken truth: he was no ordinary wolf. But what was he? Calib was too afraid to ask.
    â€œListen to me closely, young master,” Howell said. “Your father’s death had nothing to do with an ambush by the Darklings. You must know your father’s legacy is much greater than what even your legends have told. The world may not see the likes of him for many an age.”
    â€œThat’s the problem,” Calib said bitterly. “Everyone expects me to follow in my father’s pawsteps. But they’re simply too . . .” Calib trailed off. The realization hit him all at once.
    â€œWhat is it?” Howell asked.
    â€œToo big,” Calib whispered. “His pawsteps were too big .” He looked up at Howell. “I saw those bloody pawprints on the floor the night of the Harvest Tournament. They were massive and . . . and clawed! There’s no way those prints belonged to Two-Bits. It couldn’t have been a squirrel at all. . . .” Calib’s heart pounded. He needed to tell Sir Kensington immediately!
    â€œThanks for your shelter, Master Howell. And thanks for, erm, not eating me, and everything. But I have to find a way back to Camelot. I’m in big trouble already!”
    â€œThen I’ll take you back the fastest way possible.” Howell dipped his nose to the ground so that Calib could climb on top of his head.
    â€œAre you sure this is a good idea?” Calib hated to be so blunt, especially when the wolf had shown him such kindness. But he didn’t think his arrival in the night, unannounced and on a giant white wolf, would be well-received by the mice of Camelot.
    Howell must have known what he was thinking. “I know a shortcut that will allow me to remain unseen,” Howell said.
    â€œAnd I won’t fall off?”
    â€œNot while you are in my care, Master Calib.”
    Only half convinced, Calib reluctantly climbed onto Howell’s snout and made a seat for himself between the wolf’s ears. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself.
    Please, Merlin, let this not be as stupid as it looks, he prayed silently. He wiped the sweat off his paws and strapped therucksack to his back.
    â€œNow, hang on tight,” Howell instructed.
    As soon as Calib gripped Howell’s ears, the wolf shot out of the cave like an arrow, bounding at a breathtaking speed. Calib clutched Howell’s ears for dear life, shutting his eyes tightly as the wolf leaped from rock to rock. He heard the crashing of the waves and felt sea spray gather in his fur. The air was soaked with the smell of salt and seaweed.
    Eventually, Howell’s movements smoothed into long, loping gallops. As soon as Calib realized he wasn’t about to slip off, he dared to open his eyes. The waves crested right at Howell’s paws, and he splashed through them. The night sky above was cloudless and speckled with stars.
    Howell tilted his head back slightly and howled at the waning moon.
    â€œAroooooooo!”
    Calib felt as if the moon was howling back. A sense of triumph flooded him. He felt more alive than ever. For once, he felt invincible. If only Warren could see him now. Or better yet, if only his father and grandfather could see him riding on Howell. Feeling braver than ever, Calib joined Howell in a triumphant holler into the night.
    â€œA