As they started descending the hill, a dozen riders appeared, “I bet that’s ol’ Alister,” Lancewood heard the King cheerfully mutter.

“Your highness!” yelled a plump man galloping towards them.

“Alister!” exclaimed the King as he mounted a steed and moved to meet him.

“Welcome travellers!” greeted the mayor. Pointing at Lance he added, “And I have heard of you boy.”

Lance lowered his head respectfully, “As I of you.”

The mayor laughed, “Come, come the city has a surprise for you,” his excitement was infectious and soon everyone was moving as fast as he had changed the topic of conversation.

The gates opened to a celebration of the likes Lancewood had never seen before. Thousands of people lined the streets throwing flowers and petals toward the guests. The crowd cheered for the King, Queen and Amber. Lance heard something he never thought he would ever hear; A crowd ten thousand strong cheer, “Long Live the King! Long Live the Queen! Bless the Princess! Hail Lancewood and company!” Goose and Little Fellow pointed at Lancewood and laughed. They knew he hated being the centre of attention. Little Fellow pointed to a group of girls cheering for him. He turned and blushed as he caught Amber’s eye.

“I have competition,” he thought she taunted but the cheering drowned out her words.

The feast in their honour was the most magnificent occasion he had ever experienced in his life, every taste was heavenly, every scent exquisite and every sight spectacular.

“Ay!” exclaimed Goose Goon, “What did ya Pell tell ya! Huh?”

Lancewood nodded. “My pal told me the truth!” Lance shouted over the large crowd.

“Incoming!” bellowed a watchman unexpected, “Look to the skies!”

The people started to panic blindly. Lance, whilst being pushed around, gawped up at the night sky. Huge bird-like figures dived bombed the people.

“Lancewood!” yelled Little Fellow, “We have to evacuate!” The little boy grabbed Lance’s arm and tugged him towards an old, ruined house.

“Get inside!” ordered Lancewood. “I will be there in a second!” Lance ran towards the chaos.

A bird dive bombed and clutched a man next to him. “Help!” But it was too late. Before Lance could react the bird was gone. Everywhere he looked, all he could see, were dark shapes swooping and clutching some poor villager or animal. “Duck!” Lancewood didn’t recognise the voice. He turned to see a huge bird careening towards him. Three arrows whizzed past his head. Each one hitting the beast. The bird, disoriented, gave up its prey.

Lance turned to see Little Fellow reloading his bow. “Good shot Little Fellow!” yelled Lance.

Little Fellow offered a little bow.

An eerie silence filled the air. The people started to drift aimlessly through the town, eyes fastened to the sky.

“Lads!” called Goose Goon. Lance and Little Fellow looked around for the source, “Up here!” yelled Goose Goon.

The lads gazed up at the tall church spire. “How did you get up there?” yelled Lancewood in awe. Goose Goon shrugged.

“What do you want to tell us?” inquired Little Fellow.

“I found their base!” hollered Goose Goon.

Lance and Little Fellow glanced at each other. “Where is it?” asked Lance.

Goose Goon pointed to the huge mountain.

Tell us: Do you think that Lancewood and his friends will be able to save the people?