From the book...

They bought bread and cheese and walked into a packed square. The buzz of conversation suggested excitement, anticipation. Sophie stood on tip toes. ‘A festival?’

Hugo gripped her elbow. ‘Not a festival. Someone’s tied to a stake and the wood at the base is burning.’

‘I can’t watch,’ said Freddy.

Sophie gulped, consumed with revulsion. Maybe this was a ‘choices’ moment? Doing the right thing could help them call the lift. ‘Freddy, we’re mega-strong and these people think I’m a goddess. We can stop this. Please Freddy.’

‘You said not to do anything stupid.’ Freddy tightened his grip on the sword.

‘You said you’d have enlisted in the Great War, fought for your country,’ said Sophie. ‘Saving this person is what a … gentleman would do.’

Freddy nodded. ‘An awfully big adventure.’

Sophie searched her brain. Peter Pan. To die will be an awfully big adventure. ‘A rescue. Not a suicide mission. Give me the sword.’

‘No. I should have it.’

Sophie sighed. ‘I’m the goddess, remember? Me having the sword will be more awesome.’

Freddy hesitated but handed it over.

‘This is a bad idea.’ Hugo grabbed Sophie’s arm.

She shrugged him off. ‘Stay close and keep your hoods up.’ She shoved the towels and the leather scabbard into her holdall, peeled off her cloak, reversed the jacket to red, and secured the bag over her shoulders. She gave Hugo her cloak.

‘Will you listen.’ Hugo thrust the cloak back at her. ‘Do Not Do This. If the crowd turn on us, we’ll end up on that pyre.’

‘It’s a risk,’ said Sophie, ‘but I can do this. Well, the “goddess” can.’

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