There was a tiny flicker. They all stared in amazement as the eyes slowly opened. It was like watching someone slowly awake from a confusing dream. The lion stared at it’s mirror reflection, it’s eyes growing wider.

“Edwin, is that you?” said Master White.

The lion’s mouth parted a little. “He … hello,” he said. “I feel … strange.”

There was no denying that it was the voice of a young boy.

“Edwin, it’s us; can you see?”

He looked at them and blinked. A frown on his brow.

“Can he remember?” Agapantha said quietly.

Prue rushed to him and peered into his eyes. “It’s Prue, you remember, don’t you? And Agapantha and Master White.” Her voice rose with her heartbeat.

“My body feels so different,” he said.

“But can you remember us?”

Then the start of a smile formed. “Hello, Frances.” He winked.

“Hello, Jack Swift!” she said and threw her arms around him.

“Jack Swift? Why is everyone changing names?” said Master White.

“I’ll explain that later too,” said Agapantha.

“Do you think you can stand up yet?” Master White said.

“I’ll give it a try.”

The huge winged lion rolled from its side. He sprang up on his forepaws to sitting, then powerful back legs bought him to standing. He swayed and stumbled for a moment. “It’s all right, I’m just getting a feel for it. Gosh, I’m huge!” Edwin said. He looked at his stoat body on the table nearby. “Wow, was I really that small? And look at the three of you down there all teeny too!”

There was a sudden whoosh of air as the lion’s two great wings extended and a great clatter as books and equipment were knocked to the floor.

“Careful!” Master White said.

“Sorry! I’m not used to wings!”

Prue thought it was strange having a huge beast before you and feeling no fear. It was so beautiful – golden white shimmering fur and great feathered wings, and even more unexpected that it spoke with the voice of a boy.

“How do you feel about flying?” Prue said.

Edwin the winged lion smiled. “I can’t wait.”

Chapter 32: Flight of a Lion

FLIGHT OF A LION

They opened the great window and cold air rushed into the room, fluttering loose paper. There was a small iron-work platform outside the window.

“Edwin, I’ll need to get on your back,” said Master White.

“There’s only room for one,” said Prue. “It’s best if I go; you don’t know the way to the farm, and you and Agapantha would be best explaining everything to Master Woolstenbury.”

Master White sighed and nodded. “I suppose it would be best if it was the smallest of us – who knows how much added weight he can bear and still stay in flight?”

Edwin fully extended his wings and beat them once. His body rose easily from the floor before landing again.