White Roses a.b

chapter 20

Andy turned to Hatta. 'We must make a run for the Crossroads. The beast will be too large to follow us through.'

Ash gaped up at him, her heart squeezing tight. 'You mean for us to go outside?' She turned towards Hatta, whose face was drawn, his jaw set. 'Wouldn't it be more prudent to stay put and wait for the beast to tire? Surely it will get bored and leave if it can't get to us.'

A window at the back of the shop shattered. The Porcupine and the Bloodhound scrambled away from the scattering glass. Two clawed fingers pushed through the destroyed window. The remaining glass shards scraped over the scaled skin as the fingers writhed and searched for a way inside, drawing charcoal-colored blood from the wounds.

Ash shuddered and pressed herself into Andy's arms. 'It can't get to us here . . . can it?'

'These walls are but wood and nails, Lady Costello,' Hatta said, his voice low. 'The Jabberwock may not fit through the door, but it can doubtlessly open a new one.'

Her mouth dried.

The claw disappeared from the window. The shop rocked and trembled again as the monster paced to the other side of the roof. Searching. Through a gap in a set of drapes, Ash saw a slithering tail flick past.

Fear wrapped around her, encasing her limbs in stone.

She was going to die. Here, among strangers, in the middle of the night. She would be a feast for the Jabberwock, and her parents and Mary Ann would never know what had become of her.

A sudden gust through the chimney extinguished the fire that had been blazing in the corner hearth. The air filled with the smell of smoke and embers.

Hatta, the only one still sitting, pushed himself back from the table, the legs of his imitation throne scratching against the floorboards. He grabbed his cane and pressed his hat on to his head before surveying his guests. His attention landed on Jest.

'Think of it like being at home, mate,' he said. 'Haigha and I will go out first to distract the enemy with a clear target. You and Raven helm us on the sides. Protect the others while they run for the Crossroads.' His gaze slipped down to Ash and he seemed, briefly, to find something amusing in their situation. 'As always, we must protect the Queen.'

  Andy flinched, his fingers digging into her arms.

A deep voice rumbled across the table. 'I will bring up the rear.'

Ash turned towards the Lion, who stood regal and imposing in the dim candlelight, his orange mane haloed around him, although the look was diminished by the carousel hat clopping around his head. His tail flicked as he scanned the other creatures, all smaller than he was. 'I will not enter the Crossroads until we all are safe.'

Hatta tipped his hat. 'You are a brave soldier.'

Overhead, the Jabberwock screamed again. It was followed by the sound of splintering wood and creaking nails. The walls trembled.

'Everyone into position,' Hatta yelled. 'Prepare to run for the Crossroads entrance. We must move as one.'

Andy pulled back, gripping Ash's shoulders. His brow was drawn with fear and apology, but she stopped him before he could speak.

'It was my choice to come,' she whispered. 'You couldn't have known this would happen.'

A muscle twitched in his jaw. 'I will get you home safely.'

She nodded and, despite the fear coursing through her veins, she trusted him. 'Impossible is your specialty.'

His eyes softened, barely covering his distress. 'So it is.'