Chapter 15: The Race to the Marble Gates
The Sky-Skipper screamed through the air as Rohan pushed the engine to its limit. Behind them, the sky was thick with the Shadow King's army—creatures that looked like iron-clad hawks with wings of black fire.
"They're gaining on us!" Pip yelled, his blue eyes darting toward the encroaching darkness. "Rohan, look at the palace gates! They're closing!"
The massive marble gates of the Palace of Dawn were slowly sliding shut to protect the Queen. If they didn't make it in time, they would be trapped outside, completely defenseless.
"I'm not going to let them win!" Rohan shouted. He pulled the silver key from his pocket. "Key, if you can hear me, I need more speed! For Pip, for my grandfather, for Aetheria!"
The silver key didn't just glow; it melted into the wood of the Sky-Skipper's steering wheel. Suddenly, the boat's wings of light turned into a brilliant gold. The boat jerked forward with such force that Rohan was nearly thrown off the deck.
They became a streak of golden light, weaving through the black fire of the enemy's arrows. Just as the marble gates were an inch from closing, the Sky-Skipper tilted sideways and zipped through the tiny gap.
CLANG!
The gates slammed shut, cutting off the screeches of the shadow army. Rohan and Pip tumbled onto the polished palace floor, gasping for breath. The silence inside the palace was heavy and sweet. Then, a pair of golden boots appeared in Rohan's blurry vision.
"You have come at last, Guardian," a voice like a silver bell echoed through the hall.