Jack Shian and the Mapa Mundi Read Free Page B

to life again after the winter brought him hope; and this year, it was the hope that he would find his father. The warming air and the lengthening days gave Jack a sense of optimism. Fenrig being back was a drag, but for now he was determined to relish the prospect of the festival at Rangie.
    When Jack heard that the Kildashie would be present, he was in two minds. He knew that many different groups had been invited along in recognition of the return of the King’s Chalice. The McCools from the west of Ireland had arrived, and the Inari, who had brought rare foods from Japan. But Unseelie? Did the Congress know what it was doing?
    Grandpa wouldn’t be easily fooled, only …
    Something gnawed away at Jack’s insides, something nameless and troubling.
    “How was work today?” asked Aunt Katie brightly as Jack slouched back from his day at Gilmore’s.
    “Not bad.” Jack reached for the jug of tayberry juice.
    “Come on, there must be more to it than that,” pressed his aunt.
    “Fenrig started back. He doesn’t look like he wants to be here at all.”
    “Did you speak to him?” asked Aunt Katie anxiously.
    “Not much. He doesn’t bother answering.”
    “Did he tell you about Iceland, then? What were the Elle-folk like?”
    Aunt Katie’s persistence irritated Jack.
    “I don’t know,” he snapped. “I told you, Fenrig doesn’t say much. I don’t know why the Congress said he could come back here.”
    “That’s a bit harsh, Jack. You know he has no family left, not since his father was … put away.”
    “His father got off lightly. Three years, it’s a joke.”
    “Jack, I just meant …”
    But Aunt Katie’s words were left to trail in the air, as Jack picked up his satchel and stormed out. He had just determined to go out to the High Street when he saw Petros and his sisters on the other side of the square.
    “Hiya Jack,” called Rana. “We’re just going to get some things for the festival. Want to come?”
    Grateful that he had received his apprentice’s allowance the day before, Jack joined his cousins as they went to the shop at the top of the square. With the Chalice attracting even more Shian to Edinburgh, the shop had expanded hugely. Jack reached up and grabbed a firework wheel.
    “We’ll spin it down the hill after the Blue Hag’s started spring – to mark the turning of the year.”
    Petros smiled broadly as he pocketed some forget-me-aye powder.
    “It’s brilliant,” he explained. “It works on Shian and humans: you just put some in their drink and they forget who they are. Boyce told me about it.”
    “That’s dangerous,” pouted Lizzie. “People do silly things if they don’t know who they are. ’Specially humans. Grandpa said you must only pick someone who really deserves it.”
    “I’ll find someone,” smirked Petros. “I can’t wait for the festival.”
    “You’ve only just come back from Rangie,” pointed out Jack.
    “Yes, and they’re really pulling out all the stops for this one,” said Rana. “You won’t believe how much it’s changed. It’s been charmed so it looks a lot bigger; they’re expecting hundreds.”

    The youngsters’ expectation and excitement carried them through the necessary chores of the next three days. When the time came to leave Edinburgh, they all met up in the front room with Aunt Katie and Grandpa Sandy.
    “Have you got everything you need?”
    Aunt Katie, as ever, flustered around. Petros smiled back as Jack rolled his eyes.
    “Come along, you lot.” Grandpa Sandy took control. “All ready? Right, off to the low road. Uncle Doonya’s gone ahead with the Congress.”
    As he led them down towards the low road mound, Jack asked, “Grandpa, how come we can use the low road? I thought we had to walk, like we always do.”
    “More low roads are opening up. The Chalice and the Stone are having some effect, I can tell you.”
    When they reached the house down by the foot of the square, Jack saw to his surprise that it was