The Last Scarecrow

16 | Bavorski Beetlestone

Cairo emerged from the water at the base of Clifftop where a narrow inlet led beneath a hood of rock. Twelve stopped Lazarus in the shadowy waters, slinging a rope round a boulder.

Above them, birds circled the gigantic rock, landing and blasting off in thousands of chaotic patterns. Erin continued to watch them, amazed by the lack of collisions and accidents. The noise was incredible— a squawking, scraping, beating, hungry din echoed around inside the small cave.

"Now what?" asked Twelve.

"Now," Cairo said. "We climb."

Erin lent backwards, staring up at the spiralling heights.

She stumbled, unbalanced.

Twelve put out a long arm to steady her.

"But it's so high."

"Yes," Twelve added. "How are we supposed to—?"

Cairo looked appalled.

"Do you really expect Bavorski Beetlestone, Governor of this fair isle and one true ruler of the Endless Blue, to fly down and treat with you here, on the docks of Clifftop, like some common pirate?"

"That would be most beneficial," Twelve said.

Erin wondered just what sort of bird Bavorski Beetlestone could be. A giant eagle? A mighty sea hawk? A wise old owl? Perhaps he wasn't a bird at all.

Cairo snapped his beak. "Follow me, scarecrow."

Erin turned to Twelve. Could Bavorski Beetlestone be one of Twelve's sisters? One of her scarecrows from Coldharbour Farm?

The penguin hopped expertly from one rock to the next, slowly ascending. He shimmied along a thin escarpment that ran around the belly of Clifftop, disappearing from sight.

"I can't go that way," Jack said, holding out his frayed hands. "Send down a basket or a rope and I'll happily meet you up there."

"Don't worry, Jack," said Erin. "You stay here. Twelve and I have got this."

Twelve didn't look convinced.

Erin bounded after the penguin, clutching the wet rocks as she rose above Twelve's head, working her way along the tiny ledge. Twelve made short work of the first few metres, her long limbs lifting her quickly until she caught up with Erin.

Ahead, Cairo hoisted himself up onto a second level filled with nesting birds.

Twelve and Erin peered over the edge.

An albatross screeched at the top of her voice making Erin's foot slip. She hung for a moment by one hand, her skin rippling with fright. Twelve grabbed her by the waist and launched her up.

The albatross retreated to her nest, snapping angrily, her wings spread wide.

"Don't mind her," Cairo insisted, waving the albatross away. "Noisy so-and-so."

Erin picked herself up and looked out to sea.

They were about fifty metres up now. A small clutch of wind had gathered, something that was barely noticeable at sea level.

Twelve joined her, towering over the nesting birds who tightened themselves over their precious eggs.

"How much further?" Twelve asked.

"Are you tired?" Cairo asked, mockingly. "We're only a fraction of the way up. You can sleep when you're dead. That's what my mother used to tell me!"

"I don't sleep," Twelve told him.

"Well, that's nice," Cairo said indifferently. "Perhaps you're dead already."