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

wwwooooooooo!”

CHAPTER
13
    T he pair arrived at the mouth of another beach cave, this one hidden underneath a large flat rock. The opening was much smaller than Howell’s—just large enough for the wolf to pass through.
    â€œMind your ears, young master,” Howell said as they traveled up the gently inclined tunnel.
    â€œWhere are we?” Calib asked, sliding down to Howell’s shoulders to avoid bumping his head against the ceiling.
    â€œThese caves extend farther inland than you would expect. And this particular tunnel will lead you right beneath the castle,” the wolf replied. “You know yourway around the cellars, I suspect.”
    â€œYes,” Calib said, “but I’ve never seen a way to get in or out of them except for the stairs.”
    â€œAh, and I doubt anyone has ever looked,” Howell said. “This path was laid by someone who took great pains to keep it hidden. Unless you know what you are looking for, its entrance will remain concealed.”
    â€œWho was this person?” Calib asked.
    â€œA foolish old man who can no longer walk the earth,” Howell said. He seemed eager to change the subject. “But tell me, how was the harvest this year?”
    The wolf asked many more questions about Camelot. Calib answered as best as he could. After some time, they arrived at what looked like a solid stone wall.
    Howell listened intently for a few seconds before pushing the flagstone loose with his front paws. As they squeezed through to the other side, Calib saw that they were in the wine cellar.
    â€œHow can I ever thank you?” Calib whispered as he slid off Howell’s nose and onto the dirt-packed ground.
    â€œBy seeking the truth behind your grandfather’s death,” Howell said. “Somebody is weaving lies, for another war with the Darklings will bring only pain, death, and no justice.” His extraordinary eyes seemed to be flooded with secret meaning. “It will take much courage to ask the right questions.”
    Calib looked down at his paws.
    â€œI’m wrong for this quest. I’m not very courageous at all.”
    â€œI would think differently of a mouse who has just ridden a wolf,” Howell said, smiling. “There can be great power even in the smallest warriors.”
    Calib looked up to protest, but the wolf had disappeared, slipping away silently into the darkness. No ordinary wolf indeed.
    Calib scampered along the base of the cellar wall to the nearest set of stairs that would lead back into the Two-Legger kitchen. By now, the mice would have finished their suppers, and everyone would have known he was missing. But Calib wasn’t concerned. Once he told them where he had been, and what he had discovered, they would understand. He picked up his pace.
    The kitchen looked empty. Calib sniffed the air, stepping cautiously inside. Suddenly, a paw reached out of the shadows and grabbed the back of Calib’s hood.
    â€œWell, well, if it isn’t the deserter,” Warren drawled. “I pegged you as a turncoat, but I guess you’re just dumber than you look.”
    He set Calib down and gave him a little shove. “We better report to the council room this instant. Macie sent scouts out looking for you. Thought you were kidnapped by Darklings. Sir Kensington is going to flay you alive with your own tail!”
    But Calib stood his ground. He crossed his arms, wishing he were at least a half inch taller.
    â€œFunny you mention being a traitor when you’re the one who’s been lying to everyone,” Calib said.
    Warren gaped at him. For a second, he said nothing.
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” he finally asked.
    â€œThe assassin’s tail couldn’t have brushed by you. You were in the champions’ circle on the other side of the arena.”
    For once, Warren didn’t have a good comeback. His face pinched with a shadow of worry.
    â€œOh yeah?” Warren