“Early tomorrow. Probably around seven o’clock. The doctor said the poison in her system is starting to leave so Grandpa won’t have any problem watching her.”

Benjamin felt happy. “See ya in the morning, then. Love you!”

“Love you, too. Bye, sweetheart.”

Benjamin sighed with relief, then remembered Malcolm. He saw him approach the slanted peak of the barn roof. Malcolm waited until the buzzard was within a few yards of the edge, then slammed the rock on his bald head. Whack! He leaped through the air in a soft somersault and landed on the roof. The bird crashed to the ground.

Paco’s jaw dropped. “Oh, he’s good!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

A Plan In Pandemonium

ALONG, SOFT HISS rose from the darkness inside the barn–followed by more and more, producing a hypnotic chorus. When Farangis spoke, the sound diminished.

“My friendsss, it isss time to leave. We must move quickly and attack before the sssun risesss. Thisss will be the lasst night of their pitiful kingdom. Then I will rule over all the land.” The hissing increased. “Where is Sssebassstian, to lead the way?”

Benjamin looked at the roof. Malcolm checked over the grounds and waved with one arm. “Well, this is it. All clear.”

Paco tensely cleared his throat. “Alright, then let’s split up. Clementine and Roscoe, you take the left side of the barn. King Benjamin and I will take the right.”

“When will Malcolm join us?” the pig asked, hoping sooner rather than later.

“Once one of us finds a way in, he’ll come down and tell the others. But until then he’ll be on top watching out for us. Are your weapons ready, Sire?”

The boy pulled out the lighter and a roman candle with trembling hands. “They’re ready.” But am I?

“Move quickly, guys. It’ll be dark soon. See you inside.” Malcolm rubbed his hands together as he watched them set off in opposite directions. “Okay, so far, so good.”

Roscoe followed Clementine closely through the tall grass. “That was one great performance you gave back there. I actually believed for a second you were dead.”

The pig blushed. “Oh, that? It was nothing.”

Benjamin and Paco reached the edge of the meadow on the right side of the barn. All they had to do now was run across. Malcolm crept to that side of the roof and looked over the edge. It was all clear. He signaled the dog and boy.

“Let’s go!” Paco whispered. They didn’t stop running until they reached the faded-red walls with ivy vines. Then they inched along the edge, glancing back to check on the other team.

Roscoe and Clementine reached the edge of the field to the left of the barn. “Look!” Roscoe said with relief. “King Benjamin and Paco made it safely to the barn!” Malcolm ran across the roof to the other side, causing little pieces of wood to fall.