Circles of Seven Read Online Free Page B

time to smash his heels into the hooded goon’s shoulder blades, crumpling the man’s body into a heap. Bending his knees to cushion the impact, Billy pushed off to the side, his momentum propelling him into a barrel roll. The professor lay on his back next to his rental car, while the second goon sprawled over the edge of the gravel driveway, his face half-buried in the mud. Billy’s victim writhed on his belly, clutching handfuls of pebbles and trying to push to his knees.
    Billy jumped to his feet, planted his foot on the man’s back, and slammed him down. Grabbing his sword from its scabbard, he lifted his victim’s hood and pricked his neck. “Play dead, and I’ll let you live.”
    The man cursed, then growled, “I don’t take orders from dragon mongrels.”
    Billy lifted his foot high and thrust his heel into the man’s head, driving his face into the gravel. When his victim’s arms and legs fell limp, he stepped aside. “Then have a nice nap.” He sprang toward the passenger’s side of the car, threw open the door, then sprinted back to the professor. Letting out a low grunt, he lugged his teacher to the vehicle, half-lifting, half-carrying his body.
    The professor’s head wobbled. “Do you smell gardenias?” he asked groggily.
    “It’s all right, Prof. I’ll get you out of here.” Billy tucked the professor’s legs inside, fished for the keys from his cloak pocket, and quietly closed the door. He dashed around to the driver’s side, unhitched the scabbard from his belt, and tossed both the sword and scabbard into the backseat. He slid behind the steering wheel, hurriedly surveying the controls. Fumbling with the keys, he finally thrust one into the ignition and started the engine. Leaving the headlights off, he shifted into gear. As the car crept down the driveway, he glanced from side to side, watchful for moving shadows.
    A cloaked figure jumped down from the mansion’s elevated front deck and sprinted ahead to intercept them.
    Billy slammed the gas pedal down. The car lurched forward, fishtailing as it surged past the man, its wheels spinning in the gravel and slinging a hailstorm of pebbles into his face. The tires finally gripped the surface and catapulted toward the estate’s entrance, a closed, metal-framed gate.
    Billy ducked his head. The front bumper smashed through the barrier, launching the gate’s frame over the windshield and sending it tumbling behind them. He spun the steering wheel to the right and careened onto a deserted road, tires squealing as he jerked into the lane.
    Billy turned on the headlights, then nudged the professor. “Prof! You okay?”
    The professor pushed himself upright, slowly shaking his head. “Is it time for tea?”
    Billy let up on the accelerator, settling the car into a comfortable cruising speed. “No, not exactly teatime.” He adjusted the rearview mirror, relieved that no headlights glared at him from behind. “How do we get to the meeting place?”
    The professor blinked his eyes. “William? You’re driving?”
    “Yeah. I got my permit when I turned fifteen. Mom’s been teaching me.” He tapped the steering wheel with his hand. “It feels weird driving on the right side of the car though.”
    The professor laid his head back against his seat and exhaled slowly. “I believe an emergency flight from savage murderers will trump the law in this case. As long as you’re comfortable driving, it’s for the best.” He dabbed his scalp wound with the tips of his fingers. “My head is killing me.”
    “Well, I hope I don’t meet too many cars on the road.” Billy nodded toward the windshield. “But I see some headlights up ahead.”
    The professor’s eyes shot open. “William! You’re not on the right side of the road!”
    “What do you mean? Of course I’m on the right side of the road!”
    “No!” the professor shouted. “Left is right! Right is wrong!”
    Billy shook his head. “Professor that kick must’ve really—”
    The