Read Online Pan's Realm by Christopher Pike - Free Book Online Page A

again. “You were always good with words, but let’s see how good you are with a sword. Right now, in front of all these traitors you call loyal subjects, I challenge you to one-on-one combat. If truth is on your side, you will surely defeat me. But if you refuse to fight, then all will know the reason why. Because you are not only a cheat and a liar, but a coward as well!”
    Sally looked at Adam. “He’s worse than both of us.”
    â€œShh,” Adam cautioned.
    Klandor chuckled long and wickedly. “You come here swearing challenges of honor and bravery. You, who have not even a place to hang your horns. You’re not a king anymore, Pan. You have no right to challengea true king, like myself. But because I am a king I know the meaning of mercy. My loyal servants are going to once again escort you from my land. Should you try to return, though, should we see your face ever again, you will be slaughtered and eaten by those who strike you down. Goat meat is a delicacy in these parts. As to your insolent human friends, they are to remain here with me, where I will do with them what I wish. And as to the crystal necklace you won from me, I will let you keep it. Let it be a reminder to you of how far you have fallen.”
    Sally looked at Adam again. “I told you how evil he was.”
    Adam sighed. “I’m afraid you were right.”

11
    C indy, Watch, and Sarshi ran into Pan about midway between the castle and the interdimensional portal. Cindy and Watch were concerned that Adam and Sally weren’t with Pan. But when they questioned Pan about their friends’ whereabouts, Pan merely hung his head low and acted depressed. It was then they noticed that he wore a crystal necklace. Both Cindy and Watch wondered if it was the one that was responsible for all the trouble. But it was difficult to get any information out of Pan.
    â€œAt least tell us if they’re still alive,” Cindy said, exasperated.
    Pan finally looked up at that. “I’m sorry, Cindy. Thelast time I saw them they were alive, but I don’t know what Klandor has done to them by now. The wizard has absolutely no honor. In front of everyone I explained exactly how he had cheated me, and he had the nerve to deny it. Then, when I challenged him to combat, he refused to cross swords with me. He is not only evil, he is unethical.”
    â€œLike all this is a big surprise to us,” Watch said.
    Cindy was anxious. “We have to get back to the castle. We have to rescue Adam and Sally before he does something horrible to them.”
    Pan shook his head. “It is impossible. If I go back there, I will be killed and eaten. And you’ll never get into the castle without me to lead you.”
    â€œExcuse me,” Cindy said angrily, “Adam and Sally risked their lives to help you. Now you had better risk your life to save them. We are going back to the castle and you are going with us. That is a fact you’d better accept right now.”
    Pan appeared crushed. “Fine. But we will be walking to our deaths.” He sighed and gazed up at the sky. “Not that I would mind leaving this world right now.”
    Watch nodded to the crystal necklace. “Is that the piece that we’ve heard so much about?”
    Pan glanced down. “Yes. I was just about to throw it away again.”
    Watch held out his hand. “May I see it?”
    Pan gave it to him. “You may keep it. I would rather not have to see it again in this life.”
    â€œHello, Pan,” Sarshi said.
    Pan frowned in her direction. “Who are you?”
    â€œA fairy. A loyal subject. I am here to help save your kingdom.”
    â€œHow old are you?” Pan asked.
    Sarshi fidgeted. “Almost ten. But I’m very powerful. Just ask Watch. I healed his leg.”
    â€œShe fixed it up better than you had,” Watch admitted as he studied the crystal necklace. “I don’t even have a