Read Online Jonah and the Last Great Dragon by M E. Holley - Free Book Online

as Jonah groaned.

CHAPTER 11
THE MEETING
    It was half past seven. Emlyn Morgan beckoned Erin and Jonah to come over, and introduced them to a tall, balding man with a kind face, who was talking quietly with some other clergymen.
    â€˜This is my daughter, Mr Vaughan,’ Emlyn said, putting a hand on Erin’s shoulder, ‘and this is Claire and Bryn Parry’s nephew, Jonah Drake. Jonah’s the one who got bitten by the wolf yesterday. This is the Vicar of Knighton, you two.’
    He introduced Jonah and Erin to the other ministers, who shook their heads, appalled by the thought of a wolf attack.
    â€˜Exactly what happened, Jonah?’ The vicar looked at him keenly, as Mike came up to the group.
    â€˜I think we should start the meeting, if you don’t mind,’ he said quietly. ‘It’s after half past seven now and everyone else will want to hear what happened to the children.’
    â€˜Of course.’ The vicar walked forward with Mike until they were at the highest point of the churchyard. Then he raised his arms to get everyone’s attention.
    Someone called out, ‘I think we’re ready to start, everybody.’
    The crowd moved forward expectantly. Fingers of early sunlight crept across the churchyard, giving an unreal atmosphere to the almost silent gathering. Jonah felt as if he might be dreaming. The beautiful little building, with its quaint bell tower, looked so timeless and peaceful in the early light, that it was hard to believe in the weird things he and Erin had just been talking about.
    â€˜I want to thank you all for spreading the news of this meeting,’ said the vicar. ‘I’m impressed that so many of you have managed to come here at this time of the morning.’ He looked gravely around the throng of people. ‘I am James Vaughan, the Vicar of Knighton, and this gentleman is Mike Golding. By now, you have all realised that since yesterday we have been cut off from the world outside. There have been no phones working in this area, no radio and no television. I know how very difficult this is in a farming community. But the main reason for asking you to come here is because most of you have heard about the worrying incidents in this valley yesterday. I’ll hand over now to Mike, who can tell us more.’
    The crowd muttered and stirred, but quickly settled to listen again, all their eyes glued to Mike’s face.
    â€˜Good morning, everyone. Thank you very much for making the effort to come. I know you all need to get to work but I wanted as many people as possible to find out what is going on here. I have been sent to Wales to assess what could become a serious situation. Something is happening which you will find very hard to believe.’ He grinned ruefully. ‘In fact, when you have heard what I have to say, you may well think I’m mad, but I promise you I am not.’
    People exchanged puzzled glances.
    Erin nudged Jonah. ‘Bet they won’t believe there are wolves about,’ she muttered.
    â€˜Those of you who live anywhere near here may have heard a terrible howling noise in the valley yesterday afternoon.’ There was a buzz of talking and several people nodded. Mike beckoned to Jonah, who went to stand self-consciously beside him. ‘Lots of you know Bryn Parry from Maesglas Farm. Well, this is his wife’s nephew. Yesterday Jonah was with Erin Morgan from Gilfach Farm, just down the lane here, when he was bitten by one of the animals you heard.’ He looked around for a moment at the tense faces and then said quietly: ‘The children were attacked by a pack of wolves.’
    There was an immediate hubbub and cries of ‘Rubbish’ and ‘Come off it!’
    Jonah looked towards Erin, who rolled her eyes.
    Mike raised a hand for silence. ‘I know, I know. But I was there when Jonah was bitten. I was lucky to be able to drive them off. And, no, they weren’t German Shepherd