Page 105 (1/2)

Percy said for the Alpha Vanara, "Tell me more?"

Then Percy said for Percy, "Oh, I say!"

The floatillah was upon them

Cannons deployed out of the base of the airships, trained on The Spotted Custard

Rue’s entire crew held its breath and stared at the brigadier No doubt all of his subordinates in the floatillah had binoculars trained on him The only reason they had not been instantly attacked was the fact that the brigadier was sitting unhar tea It wasn’t exactly a hostile situation – Vanaras or not

Beads of sweat appeared on the brigadier’s brow If he signalled his ships to fire, indicating that he was a hostage, then he risked his own demise, as well as the end of any possible treaty

Priood sir, call off the floatillah Foraristocrat and said nothing

"For all our sakes?" Pri eyelashes

Rue wondered if Priiven that there seemed to be history between them That proved unnecessary, forMrs Featherstonehaugh atop her back

Mrs Featherstonehaugh was less excited to ride a leaping lioness than Spoo had been She disile as fine china She’d lost her cane and had to limp to her husband and the tea table, one of which – the husband – rose at her arrival

"My dear!" He rushed to her "The hter"

Mrs Featherstonehaugh looked at the werecat "The major had no choice, Jammykins The lioness was most insistent"

The cat in question disappeared belowdecks, no doubt to borrow another robe If Miss Sekh form on board, Rue supposed they should stock a selection of those colourful drapes she preferred and assign her a wardrobe

The brigadier looked at Rue "Is that your cat?"

Rue considered, then used the escape she had given Sekh of their acquaintance "You know cats They don’t really belong to anyone"