Urchin and the Heartstone Read Free Page B

swallowed hard, and took a deep breath as if breathing had suddenly become a struggle.
    “Yes, Captain Padra, sir,” he said, but his voice was low and shaky. “I think it’s just the sun, sir. I’m sorry, sir.”
    “Find a bit of shade, or a pool,” said Padra kindly. “Any sensible animal stays in the wood or the water in weather like this. I wouldn’t be on land if not for the coronation. Urchin, come with me, and we’ll welcome them. And do something about your tail tip.”
    Urchin twisted around to look over his shoulder, found a few burrs and wild raspberries that seemed to have stuck to his tail, and pulled them out with his teeth. Then he followed Padra onto the jetty and stood a pace behind him.
    “Won’t the ship have to be searched, sir?” he whispered.
    “I’ve given orders for it,” Padra whispered back, and raised his voice to greet the lordly hedgehog in the bow.
    “Captain Padra the otter greets King Silverbirch’s envoys in the name of Crispin, King of Mistmantle,” he called. “Come in peace, and be welcome.”
    With a bit of creaking and bumping, the gangplank was lowered. Down marched the hedgehog, his head held high and his silver chain flashing in the sun. Side by side behind him came another male hedgehog, who was rather short and thickset with short spines, and a stern-looking female squirrel. They both looked a little older than Urchin. And lastly followed a small squirrel, about Urchin’s age, who looked as if she weren’t enjoying this at all. Urchin thought she must have been seasick. They all carried silver-gray satchels and wore pale yellow cloaks badly stained with seawater, and their faces were strained and worn. Advancing along the jetty, the leading hedgehog looked Padra in the eyes—but there was a swift glance toward Urchin, which made him feel uncomfortable. As for the other Whitewings animals, Urchin felt that they were trying very hard not to look at him.
    “You wish to be taken to King Crispin?” said Padra.
    “With all haste,” said the hedgehog. He had a deep voice and an air of grave authority. “Our need is very great.”
    “Then I’ll escort you to the tower myself,” said Padra, and turned to the younger animals who had gathered on the shore. “Crackle, Sepia, off to the tower before you draw another breath. Give word to the king, then to the kitchens. Our visitors have taken hard weather, and need hospitality. Chambers should be prepared for them.”
    The squirrels dashed away. Padra turned back to the envoys.
    “Pardon me, but your ship must be searched. Captain Lugg will be in charge of it. I regret this, but not long ago ships arrived in Mistmantle carrying unwelcome visitors, and now we inspect all vessels. Needle will carry your satchels, and may we help you with your wet cloaks?”
    Urchin discovered what was meant by “helping with cloaks” when Padra took the four damp, salt-smelling garments from the animals and passed them to him to carry, as they escorted the visitors across the sand. They were long, heavy cloaks, so it was a struggle to hold them high enough to keep them from trailing in the sand and still see over the top. Lugg’s moles and hedgehogs were pattering down to the ship to search it, but there was no sign of Juniper until Apple’s loud and unmistakable voice carried across the sand.
    “Never mind, son, you’ll feel better for it,” she was saying. Urchin looked over his shoulder to see her bending over Juniper, who was being sick into a rock pool. “There, now, son. Better out than in, probably you’ve just had too much sun and excitement and that, that’s all it is.”
    Urchin hoped the visitors hadn’t noticed.

CHAPTER THREE
    OPE HAD PEERED SHORTSIGHTEDLY DOWN from every window in turn, and was now sniffing his way happily around Fir’s round turret. The airy little room smelled of berry cordial, fresh raspberries, pinecones, herbs, and candles, all of which he managed to find. It was a simple room with an