Grace was so numb with cold that her lungs felt like two blocks of ice. Even when her feet finally touched solid ground, the feeling did not immediately register. Indeed, for one heart-stopping moment she thought the bird had dropped her. Shivering violently and gasping for breath, she staggered to her feet and looked around.
Lined with tree trunks, mud, and leaves, the courtyard of the castle resembled a gigantic bird’s nest. Grace had barely got her breath back when a sulphurous stench caught in her throat. Coughing and spluttering, she turned her head to see several birds sharpening their beaks and claws on a grindstone. (I might not have a nose, but even I feel ill!)
Jurda hopped over and swept a wing around the courtyard. “Well, what do you think of my little house? Cute isn’t it?”
Trying to sound unimpressed, which was difficult given that she was ready to throw up, Grace said casually, “It’s okay I suppose.”
Jurda was literally hopping mad. “Okay?” he screeched. “Just okay? Have you any idea how long it took me to build it?”
Grace pointed to the other birds, who were all watching her with their black beady eyes. “You mean your minions don't you?”
“Yes, yes,” he said irritably. “Now, don’t touch anything and follow me.”
“Only if we can walk,” she muttered, her stomach only now catching up with the rest of her.
*@*@* Extracts taken from, The Ghosts of Camals College *@*@*
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