Behind the Sorcerer's Cloak Read Online Free Page A

into oblivion.

CHAPTER TWO
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S TIRRINGS OF E ARTH M AGIC
    In the hallway of Mr. Green’s house in Glastonbury, the phone rang.
    Mr. Smythe pounded downstairs as Holly and Owen leapt up and rushed in from the patio. The three collided in the hall.
    Holly reached the receiver first. “Hello.”
    â€œGood morning, Love. Having fun at the Glastonbury festival? Sorry to phone so early, but we thought you might be out if we left it much later.”
    Holly lowered the receiver, clamped her hand over the mouthpiece and hissed, “It’s Mum. For us!” A wave of longing for the family farm at Uffington and a dose of her mother’s good sense swept over her. If only she could confide in her mother.
    Holly pushed the thoughts aside, lifted the receiver to her ear again and beckoned Owen.
    Owen held his head close so he could hear.
    â€œGlad you answered, Holly,” said her mother. “I thought you should know that Chantel and Adam’s mother will be phoning from Canada. She called here earlier. I tried to talk her out of contacting you while you were on holiday, but she insists on speaking to Chantel and Adam. I asked her to wait until nine o’clock our time. Then you were all likely to be awake. She’s still up, though it’s nearly one in the morning in Canada. She’s in a state and can’t sleep.”
    Owen lifted his watch and showed it to Holly. It was a quarter to nine.
    â€œI thought Adam and Chantel should be prepared,” Lynne, Holly’s mother continued. “They were so upset after their mother’s last phone call. And with you being away…I’m concerned…” Lynne’s voice trailed off.
    Holly’s brain was working overtime. She mustn’t let slip what was happening. “It’s okay, Mum. Thanks for the warning. I’ll tell Chantel and Adam.”
    â€œMaybe I should talk to them?” Lynne said, her voice worried.
    â€œEr…It’s okay, Mum. We’ll phone you back if there’s a problem,” said Holly, thinking fast. “Chantel’s still up in her bedroom, and…and Adam…Adam has…er…just gone out with Myr…with Mr. Green.”
    Mr. Smythe gestured at Holly. He mimed using the phone.
    Holly nodded at him. “Mr. Smythe’s here, Mum. He’d like a word.” She handed over the receiver with a sigh of relief.
    â€œThat was awful. I was lying to Mum,” she whispered to Owen.
    â€œWhat choice did you have?” Owen whispered back.
    â€œGreetings, Lynne,” Mr. Smythe’s voice was hearty. “I hope you’re not worried about us.”
    Holly and Owen watched with fascination. They had not realized Mr. Smythe was such a good actor. No one would guess from the tone of his voice that they were in a gigantic mess.
    Mr. Smythe listened to Lynne, agreeing now and then. “Thanks for filling me in. Rest assured I will comfort Chantel and Adam if they need it. But I suspect even if they are upset, there will be distractions. There is so much going on here.”
    Holly and Owen grinned in spite of themselves.
    â€œActually, I was going to phone you today,” Mr. Smythe continued.
    Holly and Owen’s eyes widened.
    â€œMy friend Mr. Green has invited us to stay for a couple of extra days. Would that be possible? I think the children would enjoy more time here.”
    Owen recovered first. He grabbed the phone. “Could we, Mum? Please say yes.”
    They could hear Lynne chuckle. “It’s the summer holidays, so why not? Are you finding lots of exciting things to do?”
    Owen rolled his eyes. “Loads and loads.”
    â€œThen you can stay. I’m glad you are having a good time. Let me know how Chantel and Adam get on and when to expect you back.” She rang off.
    â€œMr. Smythe, that was brilliant! Now we have more time to rescue Adam and the staff,” gabbled Owen.
    Holly