9 Chapter 9

Matty looked at Rob. Rob looked back. As one, they moved toward the open door. Rob grabbed the tilly-lamp off the kitchen table in passing. It was full dark outside now, not simply the dimpsy-dark of the end of a drizzly late-summer day. Lin was rounding the end of the barn.

They could hear the sound again. To Matty, it seemed more of a screeching wail than a song, now. The light was leeching a cold blue around the corner and they slowed as they ran up to it. Lin had drawn his swords and stood in a fighting stance in front of the light, which was brightening as they watched. They could see a shadow in the centre of it. They both jammed their heels in as they came up behind Lin, one on either side. The sound was ear-splitting and there was a hot, harsh breeze coming from the centre of the light. It smelled of the desert.

“What is it?” Matty had to raise his voice to be heard.