THE ELEVEN WONDERS, TEMPLE OF ARTEMIS EXHIBIT, THE LOWER ELEMENTS
Holly and Artemis huddled together on the small island of rotting carcasses, waiting for the trolls to finish building their bridge. The creatures were frantic now, hurling rock after rock into the shallow water. Some even braved placing a toe in the currents, but quickly drew them out again with horrified howls.
Holly wiped water from her eyes.
OK, she said. I have a plan. I stay here and fight them. You go back in the river.
Artemis shook his head curtly. I appreciate it. But no. It would be suicide for both of us. The trolls would devour you in a second, then simply wait for the current to sweep me straight back here. There must be another way.
Holly threw a troll skull at the nearest creature. The brute caught it deftly in his talons, crushing it to shards. Im listening, Artemis.
Artemis rubbed a knuckle against his forehead, willing the memory blocks to dissolve. If only I could remember. Then maybe
Dont you remember anything?
Images. Something. Nothing coherent. Just nightmare pictures. This could all be a hallucination. That is the most likely explanation. Perhaps I should just relax and wait to wake up.
Think of it as a challenge. If this were a role-playing game, how would the character escape?
If this were a war game, I would need to know the other sides weaknesses. Water is one
And light, blurted Holly. Trolls hate light. It burns their retinas.
The creatures were venturing on to their makeshift bridge now, testing each step carefully. The stink of their unwashed fur and fetid breath drifted across to the little island.
Light, repeated Artemis. Thats why they like it here. Hardly any light.
Yes. The glow strips are on emergency power, and the fake sun is on minimum.
Artemis glanced upwards. Holographic clouds scudded across an imitation sky, and right in the centre, poised dramatically above the Temples roof, was a crystal sun, with barely a flicker of power in its belly.
An idea blossomed in his mind.
There is scaffolding on the nearest corner of the Temple. If we could climb up and get to the sun, could you use the power cells from our handcuffs to light up the sun?
Holly frowned. Yes, I suppose so. But how do we get past the trolls?
Artemis picked up the waterproof pod that had been playing Opals video message.
We distract them with a little television.
Holly fiddled with the tele-pods on-screen controls until she found brightness. She flicked the setting to maximum. Opals image was whited out by a block of glaring light.
Hurry, advised Artemis, tugging Hollys sleeve. The first troll was halfway across the bridge, followed by the rest of the precariously balanced bunch. The worlds shaggiest conga line.
Holly wrapped her arms around the tele-pod. This is probably not going to work, she said.
Artemis moved behind her. I know, but there is no other option.
OK. But if we dont make it, Im sorry you dont remember. Its good to be with a friend at a time like this.
Artemis squeezed her shoulder. If we make it through this, we will be friends. Bonded by trauma.
Their little island was shaking now. Skulls were dislodged from their perches and rolled into the water. The trolls were almost upon them, picking their way across the precarious walkway, squealing at every drop of water that landed on their fur. Any animals still on the shoreline were hammering the earth with their knuckles, long ropes of drool swinging from their jaws.
Holly waited until the last moment for maximum effect. The tele-pods screen was pressed into the rubbish heap, so the approaching animals would not have a clue what was coming.
Holly? said Artemis urgently.
Wait, whispered Holly. Just a few seconds more.