Beyond the Knock Knock Door by Scott Monk Page B

onlookers.
    Captain Cavalli raised his hand, and, simultaneously, his young soldiers stopped and pounded their pikes on the flagstones. Following a second command, they split and took up posts along the bridge as the captain led the triplets forward.
    Halfway to the palace, two shadows passed over them. Aurelio waved as he, Exmouth and Ningaloo returned to the western skies. ‘Farewell, my friends,’ he called out. ‘Find me again if you ever need a guide.’ They returned the wave then climbed the massive stone staircase.
    Reaching the top, they almost toppled over in exhaustion. But there was no time to catch their breath. Politicians, courtiers and nobles swarmed around them, eager to shake hands and ask questions.
    Short, sharp claps soon brought everyone back under control.
    â€˜Countrymen, return to your duties,’ a portly man said, tunnelling through the crowd and throwing a robe around his chunky shoulders. ‘This is not the civilised way to greet such distinguished guests. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet our heroes later. Now, please. Everyone!’
    The crowd dispersed, albeit not too far away. Finally alone, the man struggled to kneel before pecking Michael’s gauntlet. Samantha and Luke burst out laughing.
    â€˜Welcome to Pacifico, my liege. Prime Minister Pasquale at your service. What an absolute honour it is to finally meet the Gold Knight himself. I’ve been hoping for this day for many a year. And if I may be so bold, it is also a privilege to welcome not one, but three , champions from the Hall of Heroes.’
    â€˜Er, thanks,’ Michael answered. ‘I think.’
    Wearing an odd-shaped orange cap that curled at the back, Prime Minister Pasquale differed from the other Pacificans. He was in his early-fifties and fat. Short red hair was greying above his ear chains, and he stood with an arched spine to balance the extra weight. He had a jovial face, fading blue eyes, big lips, thick brows, a prominent nose, twin moles on his forehead and four rubies set in each cheek. A double chin sagged around the collar of his white woollen robe, which was worn over another orange velvet one. Gold bells the size of lemons jingled down his middle, and jewelled rings choked each thick finger.
    â€˜I’m Michael,’ he answered, helping the Prime Minister to his feet. Wearing his armour in this sun was bad enough, but he hated to think how hot it was under all those regal clothes. ‘This is Samant –’
    â€˜ Sam, ’ she corrected.
    â€˜And I’m Luke. You’ve heard of me too, right? The famous star ranger?’
    The Prime Minister’s gaze lingered on the cobra twisting about their sister’s neck before he turned to Luke and smiled. ‘Sorry, good sir, but no. News from the Great Hall is less frequent to our parts. In fact, wehaven’t heard from it for many a season. No need to worry, though. Your ilk must be busy travelling the Seven Worlds and restoring peace, am I correct?’
    â€˜Um, yeah, I guess so,’ Luke shrugged, looking at his siblings for help.
    â€˜Come. You must be exhausted. Let us enjoy some refreshments while your rooms are being prepared.’
    He led the way.
    Samantha pulled Michael aside before they reached the entrance. ‘Remember what I said: my name is Sam . Pretend we’re friends from this Hall place and get us home, okay?’
    â€˜Okay, I’ve got it.’
    Two brown-skinned servants bowed then pushed open enormous double doors carved with shells, dolphins and seahorses. Stepping inside, the triplets discovered an enormous palace furnished with marble and gold. It was spread across five floors with high ceilings and private balconies all overlooking the ninety islands. Libraries, throne rooms, map rooms, music halls, galleries, parliament chambers and kitchens formed the central hub, while guests’ quarters and powder rooms filled the upper levels. Pasquale gave