第八章：在琥珀蓄奴地寻找琥珀(15)

Stoick gave Eggingarde a tired, encouraging smile. Eggingarde pulled the hood of her bearsuit down so low she was a bit muffled. ‘I’m not scared,’ growled Eggingarde. ‘That old Monster better be scared of me though, because us Wanderers are scary. ‘Roarrr!’ roared Eggingarde, making her fingers into claws. Everybody pretended to be scared. ‘Woah!’ said Gobber, feigning falling over. ‘Careful there Eggingarde, you nearly gave me a heart attack.’ What you could see of Eggingarde under the bearhood looked pleased. ‘Has everybody got their whistles?’ Everybody nodded their heads. Around each neck was a whistle made out of an elk horn. ‘You blow that as soon as you are in any kind of danger, and we’ll all come and help you. Keep your eyes out for You-Know- What at all times and I’d say, we have, ooh,’ Stoick squinted up at the sun, ‘four hours before the tide comes in. ‘Now, remember, if anyone finds the Jewel, other members of the team must stay together to protect the winner. And keep working closely in pairs so that if anything happens to your partner you can call for help.

If we find the Jewel, our prize will be the greatest prize of all, Freedom itself!’ ‘Freedom!’ cried the Company of Amber- Hunters lifting their nets on their long poles. ‘We hunt for Freedom!’ ‘Hang on a second,’ spluttered Snotlout, as they all made ready their yachts. ‘Aren’t you even going to leave somebody with me? We all know there’s something out here.’ Snotlout’s eyes flicked nervously over those endless scarlet sands. ‘Something that takes the slaves…