A Raucous Time

  Chapter Thirty-Two

   

  Crombie crumpled against Wren, clutching his shoulder, blood seeping through his fingers. Through gritted teeth he let go a low moan of pain. Wren pushed him to one side and began rifling through the battered text. Joan’s own words. Spinning round Wren thrust it towards the man holding the gun.

  ‘Don’t shoot! Don’t shoot him again. Look! Read for yourself – Oh thank god – they’ve made an English translation!’ Holding the book open he read aloud. ‘But the treasure is guarded by Caliburn. He who wishes to enter the secret room must first ensure he knows of the Celtic rites. Another may enter, provided he is accompanied by one who has been initiated into the Celtic mysteries. No other hand is permitted to touch Caliburn, sacred sword of the Celtic nations.’ He raised his head. ‘Do you understand – it’s almost certain death to touch the sword. You need me.’ He stopped, breathing heavily.

  The gunman beckoned for Wren to pass the book. From his vantage point seated at the top of the cell, he read, while keeping the pistol trained on the room below him.

  Wren bent over the prone detective and shouted. ‘Detective Crombie – do you understand?’ His voice travelled clearly, carrying into the tunnel. ‘For some reason Caliburn can only be plainly seen and handled by a Celt. Only a true Celt can pull Caliburn from the stone. If only Rhyllann were here. We need Rhyllann. Rhyllann stopped that train crashing. Rhyllann saved me from drowning.’ He called at the top of his voice. ‘Annie where are you? I need you!’

  ‘Will you shut up or I will shoot! I’m trying to read.’ The gunman buried his face in the book again, while Wren sobbed quietly.