Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5 The journey back to the Tower of London via the sewers passed without incident. Soon, Toto, Silver and Socks found themselves on the bank of the south side of the Thames, looking over the water to the Tower. Socks had run off for ten minutes or so, saying he had to go and get something important, but had just returned. THE TOWER WAS A FOREBODING SIGHT.

THE RAVENS CIRCLED around one of the turrets with intimidating, awesome prowess. 'That turret there must be where they are holding Larry and Cyril, said Socks as he described the scene to Toto, before lowering a pair of binoculars and passing them over to his brother. 'Where did you find these?' asked Silver. 'MY MATE DAVE. He's a crow who runs a store not far from here. Anything you need, Dave can get it for you, no questions asked, if you know what I mean. 'I don't want to know what you mean! But never mind that for now. This isn't going to be a walk in the park; those ravens are impressive, and we're used to arresting criminals, not breaking them out, said Toto. 'Chill, sis! When I went to borrow these binoculars, I had a chat with Dave about our Barney Rubble—' 'That means 'trouble' in London code, Toto, remember?' Silver whispered.

'—and he sorted us out with this!' Socks smiled triumphantly as he produced a sleek black drone from behind his back. 'It's the latest technology; Dave says it can fly anywhere. So, here's my plan: Silver, you take the controls. I jump on, you fly me over to the Tower, I break into the cell, Cyril flies out, Larry gets on board the drone, then we whisk him back here before the ravens are any the wiser. AND WE ARE BACK IN THE GAME! EASY! HIGH FIVE!' He produced his paw and while his brother and sister indulged him, Toto was certain this would be anything but easy. 'I'VE GOT A GREAT FEELING ABOUT THIS!' the little kitten shouted over the noise as he mounted the drone and put on some flying goggles. 'Aim for that window at the top of the nearest turret. I reckon there's a gap of about fifteen seconds between raven patrols- that's the time to get me in and out. Roger?'

'Roger,' replied Silver as he took control of the drone and started to pilot it across the Thames. 'Piece of cake, this, sis. Genius idea from the little fella. Silver beamed. The drone was now well over halfway to the Tower. Silver was steering it just above the water of the

Thames and out of sight of the ravens. As it got closer, Silver slowed down and waited for Socks to give him the signal... then, Just as predicted, a squadron of ravens swooped by the turret and flew out of sight. Socks waved his paw, and Silver powered up the drone, so it shot high into the air to hover just outside the window where Larry and Cyril were being held. 'TAXI FOR MR LARRY?' Socks said with a grin as he got to the window. Before Larry even had a chance to get to his feet and ask what young Socks was doing thirty metres above ground, he and the drone disappeared from view. 'Uh-oh,' said Silver on the other side of the river. 'THE RAVENS ARE BACK.' Although Toto couldn't see them, she could certainly hear the noise they were making, and it didn't bode well.

The flock of ravens, led by Cyril's assistant Edgar, all look turns attacking the drone and poor Socks, who could do nothing but hang on for dear life as they pecked and swung their razor-sharp beaks and talons in his direction. 'GIVE OVER! HEY, I WAS JUST TAKING A JOY RIDE AND GOT LOST!'