Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of the Secret Supers
Danger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. Under pressure to succeed, Toby is trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers have less than a week to catch the crooks and salvage his reputation.
Excerpt
Outside the entrance of the mound, the hippies were debating the alignment of the Kennett Long Barrow relative to the major axis of Stonehenge. Estelle hid a smile and stepped back to gaze at the rock entrance. She climbed to the top of the barrow in search of a quieter spot, enticed by the promise of a cool breeze and extensive view. A handful of people lounged in the grass above the entrance. Further along the mound, two middle aged women sat next to four small dogs.
Estelle strolled toward the end of the mound. The two women made an incongruous couple. The thin one had a severe black dress and long black hair framing a pale face, while the other woman had short gray curls, round pink cheeks and wore a flowery frock. Two of the dogs, miniature greyhounds, scampered over and sniffed at Estelle’s knees. She bent down to pet them.
The plump woman said, “I see you like dogs.”
“I love animals,” Estelle said, smiling at the friendly woman.
The thin woman stared at Estelle, sharp black eyes contrasting with her pale complexion. Lidding her eyes, she whispered, “I see white feathers.” She opened her eyes and asked, “Do you have a pet bird?”
With a flutter of wings, the speckled white pigeon landed on the mound nearby. “I’m not a pet,” Rockette squawked indignantly.
“Hush,” Estelle sent.
“Not a pet and not a bird,” the dark haired woman said, glancing at the pigeon.
Her pink cheeked friend smiled at Estelle. “Would you like to sit down and chat for a few minutes, dearie?”
“The dogs have yappy thoughts. Better find out who they are,” Rockette advised.
If the mare could hear the dogs, Estelle guessed they must be Farleon animals. She sat on the grass and the dogs lay down and licked her bare legs. “Thanks. I’m visiting Oxenford for a summer course.”
“One of our American cousins?” the thin woman asked.
Nudging her companion with an elbow, the plump woman said, “I’m Misty Tibbit and my partner is Dot Farthingale.”
“Estelle Wright. I’m from Atalanta in the United States.” She petted the two dogs curled beside her. These women and their Farleon animals were her kindred.
The pigeon waddled closer.
“And who is the bird that isn’t?” Dot asked in her astute fashion.
“My companion is a mare called Rockette,” Estelle said, gesturing at the pigeon.
“I can talk to the dogs,” Rockette announced. “They like to hunt Zarnoths.”
Misty gestured to the small greyhounds. “Meet Wolfie, Molly, Patch and Catch.”
Sighing with relief, Estelle said, “I could use some Farleon friends. There’s trouble in Oxenford. Mysterious thefts and living stone gargoyles. I guess they might be Zarnoth creations.”
The two older women exchanged glances, and Dot mumbled, “Ill dreams troubled me two nights ago.”
“Never mind the dreams,” Misty said. “The local newspaper was brim full of the university’s losses. Along with a mite of speculation about the criminals.” Fondling the ears of the dog sitting beside her, Misty nodded at Estelle. “We’ll see what we can find out.” She rummaged in her handbag, pulled out a pen and a scrap of paper and scribbled a note. Handing the paper to Estelle, she said, “Call us if you need help. We live in Hodgecombe Cottage, Little Wickham. It’s not ten miles from Oxenford.”
“Thanks!” Trusting her new Farleon friends, Estelle offered her phone number in exchange.
Secret Supers Series
Teen superhero, Starrella, and her flying horse combat alien crooks.
Super Starrella, Book 1
Starrella Falls, Book 2
Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3
Complete List of Aurora Springer’s Books: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html
Author Bio
Aurora Springer is a scientist morphing into a novelist. She has a PhD in molecular biophysics and discovers science facts in her day job. She has invented adventures in weird worlds for as long as she can remember. In 2014, Aurora achieved her life-long ambition to publish her stories. Her works are character-driven romances set in weird worlds described with a sprinkle of humor. Some of the stories were composed thirty years ago. She was born in the UK and lives in Atlanta with her husband, a dog and two cats to sit on the keyboard. Her hobbies, besides reading and writing, include outdoor activities like gardening, watching wildlife, hiking and canoeing.
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