Darkmoor by Victoria Barry Page B

the mud. The wolf-lizard then turned to its pack, and back once more to Matthew.
    Suddenly, a high pitched whistling noise pierced through the clean still air. Matthew closed his eyes tightly. A fizzling sound shattered the air, followed by a sudden shuddering of the earth below.
    Cautiously he opened his eyes. Matthew looked on astonished as the wolf-lizard’s motionless body sprawled out across the mud. Its once deadly tongue was now hanging powerless from its mouth. Its flames were well and truly extinguished.
    Now standing over Matthew, was Sam. Her eyes were as black as the night itself, searching through the dark, without speaking she ordered the wolf-lizards to retreat. Her face was narrow and washed free of colour. Continuing to guard Matthew, she quickly prepared another arrow ready to fire. However, like whimpering dogs, the wolf-lizards scurried back through the dam. Darkmoor’s monsters at last, were gone.
    Catherine rushed over to Matthew, and placing her hands under his arms, she tried to haul him to his feet.
    Looking up at her he asked, “Did you see, Catherine? Sam’s eyes they were black.”
    “Never mind that we need to get you up,” she said and with one almighty pull, Matthew stood observing Sam.
    “You ok?” Sam looked at him, her eyes back to their usual state.
    “Yeah I think so, what happened to your eyes, Sam? They were black.”
    “Black!” Sam said shocked, “No I think that’s the shock making you confused.”
    “No I’m not confused, I know what I saw!” Matthew said raising his voice.
    “Matthew it’s ok, we’re safe, that’s all that matters,” Catherine said softly.
    “Catherine’s right, and anyway, you should be thanking me, I just saved your life!” Sam said sarcastically with a small smirk across her face.
    Walking over to the dead wolf-lizard, Sam pulled out her blood stained arrow, wiped it clean across her jeans, then looked back towards Catherine and Matthew, “Well, at least we have dinner!” she grinned.

    Dear Diary,

    Me, Matthew and Sam are sat round a camp fire which Sam has made. Dinner was good, roast wolf-lizard! I’m getting use to the fatty taste of it, actually it taste a bit like beef, only hairier!
    Matthew was quiet over dinner. I think something’s bothering him, but he won’t say!
    This forest is so creepy. Bugs are always crawling over me.
    Anyway, Sam says we’re going to rest here for tonight then move on tomorrow. She said something about a graveyard which leads us to Darkmoor’s Castle. I just want to be home and safe in my own bed. I would give anything to hear my Mum and Dad again, warning me to stay away from that flipping vicarage. I wish I had now!
    I really hope this plan of his works. For some stupid reason, Matthew thinks he will be able to talk to Darkmoor and somehow reason with him. Still, I suppose it’s worth a shot, I’m just really praying it works.
    Right well I’d better try and get some rest, Goodnight xxx

Chapter Twelve
    Darkmoor’s Graveyard
    “The holiday just continues! You sure know how to treat a girl, Matthew!” Catherine signed sarcastically, as they made their way through the graveyard.
    A pebbled path weaved around the grave stones, an old rotten railing barricaded the graveyard and the ever present fog circled slowly around the outer wall.
    Bowing his head, Matthew’s eyes were drawn to a name chiselled onto one of the solid headstones. He began to read them aloud, “Robert Peterson, Annabel Barrie, Sophie Mason-”
    Sam abruptly interrupted, “Matthew, stop it, we don’t need a running commentary!”
    “No, no of course not, sorry” Matthew replied apologetically.
    Visible across the graveyard was a metal rusty gate, which was swinging loosely on its hinges. This (as Sam had informed them) was the gateway to Darkmoor’s castle, and although a huge volume of thick fog was keeping the castle from view, Matthew and Catherine trustingly followed her. Trudging along the path, Matthew couldn’t