Holly stood up on the razor-edge rooftop, balancing nimbly on her toes. The trolls were swarming over the lip of the roof now. Advancing like the hounds of hell. The white roof plaster was blanketed by the black, brown and ginger of troll fur. Their howls and stink preceded them as they closed in on Holly and Artemis.
Holly waited until they were all over the lip, then she slid the power cells into the globes socket. The globe buzzed, vibrated into life, then flashed once: a blinding wall of light. For a moment, the entire exhibit glowed brilliant white, then the globe faded again with a high-pitched whine.
The trolls rolled like balls on a tilted pool table. Some tumbled over the edge of the roof, but most collected on the lip, where they lay, whining and scratching their faces.
Artemis closed his eyes to accelerate the return of his night vision. I had hoped the cell would power the sun for longer. It seems like a lot of effort for such a brief reprieve.
Holly pulled out the dead cells, tossing them aside. I suppose a globe like this needs a lot of juice.
Artemis blinked then sat comfortably on the roof, clasping his knees.
Still. We have some time. It can take nocturnal creatures up to fifteen minutes to recover their orientation following exposure to bright light.
Holly sat beside him. Fascinating. Youre very calm all of a sudden.
I have no choice, said Artemis simply. I have analysed the situation and concluded that there is no way for us to escape. We are on top of a ridiculous model of the Temple of Artemis, surrounded by temporarily blinded trolls. As soon as they recover, they will lope up here and devour us. We have perhaps a quarter of an hour to live, and I have no intention of spending it in hysterics for Opal Kobois amusement.
Holly looked up, searching the hemisphere for cameras. At least a dozen tell-tale red lights winked in the darkness. Opal would be able to watch her revenge from every angle.
Artemis was right. Opal would be tickled pink if they fell to pieces for the cameras. She would probably replay the video to cheer herself up when being princess of the world pot to be too stressful.
Holly drew back her arm, sending the spent power cells skidding across the roof. It seemed then that this was it. She felt more frustrated than scared. Juliuss final order had been to save Artemis, and she hadnt managed to accomplish even that.
Im sorry you dont remember Julius, she said. You two argued a lot, but behind it all he admired you. It was Butler he really liked, though. Those two were on the same wavelength. Two old soldiers.
Below them, the trolls were gathering themselves. Blinking away the stars in their eyes.
Artemis slapped some of the dust from his trousers.
I do remember, Holly. I remember it all. Especially you. Its a real comfort to have you here.
Holly was surprised shocked even. More by Artemiss tone than by what he had actually said, though that was surprising too. She had never heard Artemis sound so warm, so sincere. Usually emotional displays were difficult for the boy, and he stumbled through them awkwardly. This wasnt like him at all.
Thats very nice, Artemis, she said after a moments consideration. But you dont have to pretend for me.
Artemis was puzzled. How did you know? I thought I portrayed the emotions perfectly.
Holly looked down at the massing trolls. They were advancing warily up the slope, heads down in case of a second flash.
Nobodys that perfect. Thats how I knew.
The trolls were hurrying now, swinging hairy forearms forward to increase their momentum. As their confidence returned, so did their voices. Howls rose to the roof, bouncing back off the metal structure. Artemis drew his knees closer to his chin. The end. All over. Inconceivable that he should die in this way, when there was so much still to be done.
The howling made it hard to concentrate. The smell didnt help either.
Holly gripped his shoulder. Close your eyes, Artemis. You wont feel a thing.
But Artemis did not close his eyes. Instead he cast his gaze upwards. Above ground, where his parents were waiting to hear from him. Parents who never had the chance to be truly proud of him.
He opened his mouth to whisper a goodbye, but what he saw over his head choked the words in his throat.
That proves it, he said. This must be a hallucination.
Holly looked upwards. A section of the hemispheres panel had been removed, and a rope was being lowered towards the temple roof. Swinging from the rope was what appeared to be a naked and extremely hairy rear end.
I dont believe it! Holly exclaimed, jumping to her feet. You took your sweet time getting here!
She seemed to be conversing with a posterior. And then, even more amazingly, the posterior appeared to answer.
I love you too, Holly. Now close anything thats open, because Im about to overload these trolls senses.
For a moment, Hollys face was blank, then realization widened her eyes and sucked the blood from her cheeks. She grabbed Artemis by the shoulders.
Lie flat, with your hands over your ears. Shut your eyes and mouth. And whatever you do, dont breathe in.
Artemis lay on the roof. Tell me theres a creature on the other end of that posterior.