Read Online Warriors of the Black Shroud by Peter Howe - Free Book Online Page A

one of those in our school band?”
    â€œLook at that tightrope walker. I’d love to walk a tightrope.”
    These and many more things in the Kingdom captivated Frankie, who didn’t seem to be the least bit worried about being in a strange world from which there was no guarantee of return. As they climbed the stairs Walker could hear her continuing commentary on everything they saw.
    Luzaro met them in the hallway outside the antechamber.
    â€œWelcome back, Your Highness, my lord,” he said, nodding to both the boys, “and welcome to you, Miss Frankie, as well.”
    â€œHow does he know my name?” whispered Frankie to Walker.
    â€œThey seem to know everything,” he answered.
    â€œOooh, how spooky,” said Frankie. “Even that I’m wearing the same socks as yesterday?”
    â€œProbably,” Walker replied.
    â€œYikes,” Frankie said. “I’m not sure I could live here.”
    Then, as if to disprove all Walker had just told her, Fussingham came bursting through the curtain.
    â€œJust one moment, just one moment!” he cried. “I have no record of this young woman. What is your name, child? I need details.”
    â€œFrankie,” replied Frankie, without missing a beat. “Actually Frances Livonia Hayes, but you can call me Frankie. Put down I was born in Mass General, you must know it, it’s that huge hospital, you can’t miss it, and both my parents are lawyers, although actually my dad will probably be a judge soon, but my mom does real estate, and while she says it’s much more boring than criminal—that’s what my dad does right now—she also makes much more money, in fact heaps of it, and although she’ll never be on the Supreme Court, which my dad could be although it’s unlikely, she’s the one that paid for the house down the road from Walker, which is how I met him and how I came to be here.”
    Fussingham’s silver feather pen was scratching furiously over the pages of the book he carried wherever he went. She looked over his shoulder.
    â€œNo,” she said. “‘Judge’ is spelled j-u-D-g-e .”
    â€œMaybe, Fussingham,” said Luzaro impatiently, “you could get this down later. The king wishes to see these three young people.”
    â€œYes, quite,” replied Fussingham. “Later. Good idea.”
    For the time being he was a beaten man.
    Luzaro led them into the antechamber, which was empty of Lightkeepers or anyone else, and had a desolate look about it, as did the king. He was sprawled on his throne at the far end, and seemed distracted and tired.
    â€œCome here, come here.” He beckoned them over. “I am glad to see you return, Chosen One. I understand that we cannot yet hope for you as our future king, but the fact that you are here once more is encouragement enough at a time when there is little else to find reassuring. Luzaro said this young lady persuaded you to come back, and for that we thank her.”
    â€œI don’t know how much persuading I did, King,” she said with unusual modesty, “but I’m glad I did. You have a very cool Kingdom.”
    â€œAh, well, indeed there are chill winds blowing closer every day,” said the king, completely misunderstanding her. “It is most troubling.”
    Luzaro appeared at the curtain once more.
    â€œThe Lightkeepers have returned, Your Majesty,” he announced.
    â€œBring them in, Luzaro. Bring them in.”
    The king turned back to the three children.
    â€œOur situation gets graver by the moment, although I am the only one who seems to see it,” he said, “and I have much to decide with my counselors. Go with my page until I have finished with them. I must talk more with you, Chosen One, about whether or not you wish to be king.”
    He sat up and yelled, “Page!” at the top of his voice. From the far end of the room Astrodor pushed open