City in the Clouds Read Online Free Page B

Hers is a dangerous journey, filled with many trials.”
    Keeah wiped away a tear. “I will help her.”
    “So will we,” said Eric, smiling at the princess.
    Vasa turned to Eric, “And what did you discover?”
    Eric gulped as he handed the paper to Vasa. “Sparr saw me, but he just… walked away.”
    Bodo glanced at Vasa, then peered through his spectacles at Eric. “And you have a question?”
    Eric nodded. “Does what Quill writes have to happen? I mean, can the future be changed?”
    “We won’t know that until the future becomes the present,” said Bodo.
    Eric frowned. “But...”
    Suddenly Julie and Neal rushed into the chamber.
    “The diamonds are being loaded into Sparr’s airship!” Julie said breathlessly “He looks like he’s leaving the city.”
    “And look at me,” Neal said. “I’m getting way worse!” He held up his hands. They were both claws now.
    “Quickly Neal, stand here,” said Vasa, holding Eric’s writing up to the light. Together with Keeah, the Guardians began to mumble strange words. “Timbo… limbo… koo-kimbo!”
    Poomff! A huge ball of smoke appeared in the chamber. A moment later, Neal walked out.
    He looked normal. He held up two normal hands. His sneakers were still ripped, but human toes were sticking out. He broke into a smile.
    “Yes!” he cried, “I am back!”
    “Me, too!” cried another voice.
    Everyone turned to see a second Neal emerge from the smoke.
    “Uh-oh,” said Keeah.
    Two Neals walked around the room.
    Twins!
    “Ah, yes,” Vasa said. “This is a normal side effect of the spell. Only temporary. Don’t worry.”
    The first Neal smiled. “I always thought two Neals were better than one!”
    “Slap me five, brother!” said the second.
    Rrrrr! The walls began to shake.
    “Ro is turning invisible again,” Bodo said. “Go. This way is quickest!” He pointed to a secret door in the chamber.
    “It leads to the square outside,” Vasa added. “Good luck to you all! May you find your mother, Princess. And farewell to you, Neal.”
    “Thanks!” said Neal.
    “Same here!” said the other.
    Eric, Keeah, Julie, and the two Neals rushed through the door and outside the palace.
    Clomp! Clomp! The square was crawling with Ninns. They were loading the diamonds into the cargo area of Sparr’s silver ship.
    “We’ve got to get those back!” Keeah said.
    “And I’ve got to find out why Sparr let me go,” Eric whispered.
    “Does anybody have a plan?” Julie asked.
    “I’ve got a plan!” boomed a strange, loud voice from the shadows nearby “How about we form a human wall and blast our way in!”
    “Wh-wh-who is that?” Keeah whispered.
    The shadows stirred and out stepped a large man with bright green armor. He had a helmet with horns on it. He carried two wooden clubs.
    “Whoa!” one Neal mumbled.
    “A Viking!” said the other.
    “No, that’s my daddy!” Keeah exclaimed, running to the man and giving him a hug. She twirled around. “Meet my father — King Zello!”

    The king smiled a huge grin. “Khan found me. Galen and Max are here, too.”
    The old wizard stepped from the shadows. He was dressed in long blue robes. “I am pleased that you children are safe.” He looked at the Neals. “All of you!”
    Galen’s spidery helper. Max, clambered along the wall to them. “The magic stairs have appeared in the Kalahar Valley. We must hurry.”
    Just then, the air around them became all wavy. The stones in the square seemed to wiggle and turn clear.
    Max scrambled in a circle around the children. “It’s happening!” he chittered nervously. “The flying city of Ro — is disappearing!”
    King Zello hoisted his wooden clubs, one in each hand. “You kids get to the ship. Galen and I will distract the Ninns. Yeehaw!”
    The Ninns turned from the ship. They grunted. They charged across the square.
    Eric looked at his friends. “Everyone to Sparr’s ship! Now!”
    The four friends ran for the cargo door.
    They leaped