History Keepers: Circus Maximus Page 5

  Rose put up her hand. ‘Does anyone know what follow the shadow’s hand means?’

  It was clear from the blank faces that no one had a clue.

  ‘And, more to the point,’ said Jupitus, ‘how do we know it has actually come from Topaz? Perhaps Agata sent it herself—’

  The double doors flew open. ‘Sorry – I came as soon as I heard!’ Nathan strode into the room. The sight of him brought an amazed smile to Jake’s face: his clothes and hair were dripping wet, a rope and a harpoon hung from his shoulder and he carried a dead swordfish in one hand and a conger eel in the other, the latter trailing across the floor behind him. ‘I hope I haven’t missed too much; the conger was particularly tricky to land.’

  ‘He has no shame,’ Charlie muttered in horror, looking at the dead fish. ‘No shame at all.’

  ‘These may look grisly,’ Nathan announced, chuckling at all the squeamish faces, ‘but they’ll make a change from roast chicken.’

  Galliana groaned wearily. ‘Thank you, Agent Wylder. Most thoughtful . . . Now, if you would put them down and take a seat . . .’

  Nathan deposited his catch on a side table. ‘By the way,’ he said, ignoring the invitation and going over to the window, ‘is there any reason why there’s an elephant wandering around on the pier? For a while I thought I was imagining things, that it couldn’t possibly be real, until it – how can I put this politely? – until it dispensed a particularly noxious parcel, which I can assure you was very real – way too real for early Tuesday morning.’

  ‘It belongs to Oceane Noire,’ Galliana snapped. ‘If you had read the daily communiqué, you would know. Now sit down!’

  Nathan looked shame-faced and took a seat next to Jupitus. ‘So, news from Topaz, I hear.’ He flashed his smile as he looked at the list of numbers, understanding their relevance immediately. ‘Good gracious, she is a long way away. Are we sure it came from her?’

  Galliana took a calming deep breath and addressed everyone. ‘The fact of the matter is, though the use of the Hypoteca code would suggest that it is authentic, we have no absolute guarantee that this was written by Topaz. But that said, given that she would contact us only when she had absolutely vital information concerning the enemy – that was her original brief – I have decided to send a team to these coordinates to investigate. It goes without saying that travelling back one thousand, seven hundred and ninety-three years to AD 27 is an extremely gruelling undertaking so I can send only those of first-rate valour.’ Galliana took a deep breath. ‘I assign Nathan Wylder—’

  ‘Qui est le champion?!’ Nathan punched the air. His French accent was truly appalling.

  ‘– and Charlie Chieverley.’ Charlie just nodded soberly. ‘Group leader—’

  ‘I assume will be myself?’ Nathan interrupted. ‘– will be Jupitus Cole,’ Galliana finished her sentence.

  There was another round of murmurs. Jupitus coolly took a sip of coffee. Some of the older agents around the table – Dr Chatterju, and Signor Gondolfino, the head costumier, in particular – glanced at him with a hint of envy: once a keeper’s valour had matured, he or she was rarely invited on the type of exciting mission they had taken part in when they were young.

  Nathan put his hand up. ‘Commander . . . is it not somewhat unusual to send an agent of Mr Cole’s’ – he chose the word carefully – ‘experience on a mission so far back in time?’

  ‘If you’re referring to his age,’ Galliana replied, ‘Mr Cole tested his valour only yesterday and his scores were off the chart – even better than yours.’

  At this point Jupitus couldn’t hide his sly smile. Try as she might, Rose was unable to conceal her admiration. Nathan was silenced: even he wouldn’t dare put up a fight against the venerable keeper.

  ‘You will sail tonight on the Hippocampus, a Roman merchant ship—’

  ‘The Hippocampus . . .’ Jake repeated the name to himself; it sounded intriguing, familiar.

  ‘Tonight?’ Nathan interrupted. ‘Any reason we can’t get going immediately?’

  ‘A compelling reason, yes,’ Galliana answered drily. ‘The Hippocampus will not be delivered from the Calais workshop until late afternoon.’

  ‘I get you,’ Nathan said. ‘They’re souping it up – good to hear!’

  Galliana looked down, indicating points on the map. ‘You will take the Brest horizon point, vault to Sardinia East, and from there make your way to the Aeolian Islands. Your final destination is the islet of Vulcano. Is that clear?’

  ‘Crystal,’ Nathan replied.

  Everyone else murmured their agreement – everyone except Jake, who stared solemnly at the floor. The first time he had attended a meeting, he had put up his hand and volunteered to join the mission to Venice. His offer had been flatly rejected, humiliatingly so. He knew that if he suggested joining this expedition, the rebuff – given the importance of the mission, the huge time span to be crossed, not to mention his failure in Stockholm – would be more resounding still. Despite this, his thirst for adventure, his need to be – at the very least – part of the mission to save Topaz was too strong. He tentatively raised his arm and spoke in the deepest voice he could muster. ‘May I say something, Commander?’

  There was an uncomfortable shifting amongst the History Keepers. Miriam looked at her son apprehensively. Charlie occupied himself by reaching for another brioche. Jupitus went so far as to roll his eyes heavenward.

  ‘Commander, I am aware that I have brought dishonour to this service.’ Jake turned to the rest of the room. ‘I should tell you all now that it was I, and no one else, who was responsible for losing the atomium in Stockholm.’

  There were more murmurs.

  ‘I disobeyed orders and made a mistake for which I will never forgive myself – not until I have somehow, someday, put the situation right again.’ He took a deep breath and saw that his mother was becoming increasingly anxious. ‘I am aware also that this is a very hazardous and crucial assignment for which I am sure you consider me unworthy, but I beg you to offer me one last chance to prove myself. If you send me on this mission, I promise I will not let you down—’

  ‘This is ridiculous!’ interjected Jupitus, getting to his feet to make his point. ‘Not just ridiculous – insulting! It shows a total lack of respect for the work that we do here.’

  ‘Calm down, Jupitus – don’t get your knickers in a twist,’ Rose retorted, protective of her nephew.

  ‘I am perfectly calm!’ Jupitus hissed, then carried on, ‘This secret service has operated for decades, for centuries, with strict tried-and-tested systems. No agent ever goes out in the field until he has had the most intense and thorough training. Then this boy appears and thinks he can do everything by his own rules. He already contravened orders by stowing away on the Venetian mission—’

  ‘And as a result’ – Alan was now ready to join the fray – ‘did more to stop Zeldt than anyone else!’

  ‘He then pushes his way onto the Stockholm operation’ – Jupitus continued his diatribe – ‘turns it into a farce, threatens our very existence, and now has the gall to stand here and volunteer again. If he was working for Zeldt himself, he couldn’t make a better job of destroying us.’

  Now nearly everyone in the room got caught up in the argument, all voicing their opinions loudly. Galliana did not interrupt, but listened judiciously.

  Nathan leaned over towards her. ‘Commander, would you allow me to say something? I may be able to resolve this.’ Galliana nodded her consent.

  ‘Listen . . .’ He stood up. ‘Listen to me, everyone.’ When he wanted to be serious, Nathan – with a charm and authority beyond his years – was able to command respect. The keepers quietened down. ‘Maybe Mr Cole is right, maybe Jake has disobeyed orders in the past, but I can tell you that he acted impeccably in Italy and Germany – even in Sweden. As I have already informed the commander, he warned us of an impending threat, and tragically I paid no heed. I envy his natural flair for what we do.’

  ‘Hear, h
ear,’ Charlie added.

  ‘And maybe this is the wrong mission for Jake – in truth, I do think it is too far back for him – but it is still incredibly brave of him to volunteer.’

  ‘Hear, hear.’ Alan and Rose now joined Charlie in their agreement.

  ‘And let’s not forget, Mr Cole . . .’ said Nathan, drawing to his conclusion. ‘You yourself brought Jake into this dangerous world of ours, and I believe you owe him a little more guidance.’

  It was clear from the silence that now descended that everyone agreed with Nathan. Even Jupitus looked remorseful. He sat down and sighed deeply.

  Jake looked over at Nathan with a warm smile. Nathan winked back.

  Galliana took charge again. ‘Jake, Nathan Wylder is right: you have shown great courage. However, I must also agree that this assignment is not right for you.’ Jake reddened as she looked at him before turning to the others. ‘Agents Cole, Wylder and Chieverley – Signor Gondolfino will take you up for your fittings in the costumiery.’

  ‘There’s the rub.’ Nathan turned to his neighbour. ‘Roman fashion – it’s a minefield.’

  ‘Usually this would go without saying,’ Galliana concluded, ‘but I must ask you to treat your atomium consignment with the utmost care. We have only enough stock for a handful of journeys. You set sail at seven tonight.’ And she stood to indicate that the meeting was over.

  Just as everyone was bustling out, Oceane Noire swanned in, the vast panniers of her dress sticking out on either side, her hair in a towering beehive. ‘Qu’est-ce que s’est passé? What’s happened? Have I missed anything?’ she asked the tide of chattering people coming the other way.

  Rose, upset by recent matters, couldn’t resist a dig at her old adversary. ‘Yes, Jupitus is off to a beautiful island in the Tyrrhenian Sea – without you!’

  She smiled curtly and exited as Oceane’s expression turned to vinegar.

  Jake went back to his room and threw himself down on his bed. Felson nestled in close, propped his head on the boy’s knee and licked his hand.

  When Jake was allocated this room after his return from Cologne, he had been told it was the one his brother had used whenever he visited Point Zero. Jake had searched through the drawers and cupboards for any sign of Philip. Of course, after three years, all his things had been removed or sent back to London, but Jake did find one item: wedged under the drawer of the little desk below the window was a photograph of the whole family at Christmas time – Jake, Philip, their mum and dad all smiling happily in the Djones kitchen in Greenwich.

  Jake had not shown the photograph to his parents for fear of reviving sad memories, and kept it under his mattress. Now he pulled it out and examined it once again.

  Philip was taller and broader than his brother. He was only fourteen in the photo, but already looked handsome and confident, with an adventurer’s spark in his eye. He had his arm protectively round Jake, while Jake looked proudly up at him.

  There was a soft knock on the door. ‘It’s Mum,’ Miriam announced quietly. ‘Can I come in?’

  Jake slipped the photograph under the blanket as the door creaked open and she came in.

  ‘How are you feeling, darling?’

  Jake smiled and nodded. His mum came and sat on the bed. ‘You’re not too upset about Jupitus Cole, are you?’

  Jake shrugged. ‘He’s entitled to an opinion.’

  ‘Well, he’s got a lot of those,’ agreed Miriam. ‘Dad and I never paid too much attention.’ She took a deep breath. ‘Listen, darling, I have some more bad news – we’re going to have to go back to London.’

  ‘What?’ Jake felt his stomach flip again.

  ‘We can stay a couple more days, then we need to pack up – the three of us and Rose too. Captain Macintyre has agreed to take us on the Escape.’

  ‘Wh-why?’ Jake stammered.

  ‘Why? Because you need to get back to school, to your friends. We need to get back to work. People are waiting for their bathrooms. Dolores Devises’ overflow pipes were supposed to be fitted three weeks ago.’

  Jake’s face was thunderous. ‘When I first met Jupitus Cole, he said that school was pointless, that the world was the place to learn.’

  ‘Well, you see, just another of his opinions—’

  ‘And your bathroom shop’s a disaster. Only your friends order things there – out of pity – and most of them have to get it all fixed again after you’ve installed it.’ Jake bit his tongue, immediately feeling awful, but unable to take back the words.

  Miriam sighed. She reached out and took his hand. ‘I know all this seems very exciting to you. And it is exciting, it’s a roller coaster, but it’s also dangerous – so very, very dangerous. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you.’

  ‘All because of what happened in Stockholm?’

  ‘No! We decided this before you even went there. We wanted to tell you last night, but it didn’t seem the right time. Jake, you can’t stay here. None of us can.’

  He looked steadfastly down at his hands, his face crimson. ‘It’s not fair – you had your chance, you travelled all round history, you went everywhere . . .’

  Miriam saw something sticking out from under the blanket. She picked up the photograph. The moment she set eyes on it, her face froze with both joy and unbearable pain. She stared down at her elder son, who was arm in arm with Jake, smiling so happily. It was a while before she said anything.

  ‘Look at the state of that Christmas tree,’ she murmured finally, deliberately making light of the situation. ‘Your dad’s tinsel obsession is verging on the criminal.’

  At length she gave the photo back to Jake and wiped the tears from her eyes. She kissed him on the cheek and stood up. ‘I’m sorry, darling, we have to leave by Friday,’ she said, then left the room and closed the door behind her.

  5 THE HIPPOCAMPUS

  AS THE SUN was setting over the mount, a bell rang to announce the departure of the agents. Jake was in the stables, where he had spent most of the afternoon with Oceane’s elephant – now christened Dora – and the other circus animals. In return for apple treats, Dora had shown Jake some of her tricks – in particular, balancing a ball on her trunk and standing on her hind legs. They had developed an immediate rapport.

  Before that, Jake had spent most of the day alone, shunning company. He felt desperately sad, as if he didn’t belong there any more. Earlier that morning, after their fitting in the costumiery, Charlie and Nathan had come to find him, asking whether he wanted to join them for sword practice in the armoury. Jake had told them that he wasn’t really up to it – he had to take Felson for a walk anyway.

  As the bell tolled, he wondered if he even had the courage to go down and say goodbye to the others. ‘You have no choice in the matter,’ he finally told himself, and set off along the path that led to the quayside.

  As he came down the steps, he saw that a small group of people had already gathered there. Some were carrying lanterns and there was an atmosphere of excitement. The ship they were looking at was very simple – quite different from the rest of the keepers’ fleet. Her hull was fashioned from light, sun-bleached timbers; her prow was steep, like that of a Viking longship, and she had two square sails in cream and blue stripes. One was very large and attached to the mainmast (along with the triangular topsail); the other was much smaller and hung over the prow. A neat, square timber structure stood at the stern.

  As Jake stared at her, a peculiar feeling came over him: his mind was filled with curious images – brilliant sunlight shining down on a palm-fringed bay, stacks of old amphorae, a cloud of sweet incense wafting on the warm wind. ‘Incense?’ he said to himself. ‘When have I ever smelled incense?’ The ship seemed familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere in a dream.

  ‘There he is,’ Rose exclaimed, holding out her arms to him. ‘We were about to come and find you.’ She was standing with Miriam, Alan, Galliana and Signor Gondolfino – who was wrapped in an elegant cape against the chilly evening air. Oceane
Noire stood haughtily apart from the rest, her lion cub at her side in its new diamond collar.

  ‘All right, darling?’ Miriam asked Jake hopefully.

  He nodded and continued to study the ship. Her name was inscribed in faded letters on the stern. ‘Hippocampus?’ he said softly to himself. She still seemed familiar to him. ‘What is a hippocampus?’ he asked his dad.

  ‘Interesting fact.’ Alan clapped his hands. ‘Hippocampus is Latin for seahorse, but also the name of the part of the brain to do with memory.’

  Jake started to work his way along to the prow; as he did so, vivid images came into his head – scales carved in wood and shining rubies. No sooner had this vision formed than he saw the figurehead curving up from the front of the ship – a creature with a long scaly neck and glinting red eyes. It was uncanny: he had imagined it precisely.

  ‘Why do I recognize this ship?’ he asked his parents.

  Out of sight, behind his back, Miriam clutched her husband’s hand. ‘What’s that, darling?’ she trilled.

  ‘This ship wasn’t here when I came to Point Zero the first time – Galliana said it was in the workshop in Calais – so why does it seem familiar?’

  Three faces – Rose’s, Alan’s and Miriam’s – had frozen in perplexed smiles. ‘I know!’ Miriam said finally. ‘The maritime museum in Greenwich – remember we went last year? They’ve got a model of one just like this.’

  ‘That’s right,’ Alan agreed, nodding enthusiastically.

  Jake could usually tell when his parents were lying. This, he felt instinctively, was one of those occasions. However, there was no time to pursue the matter as the three departing agents were now coming down the steps.