69 The Nerys Balloon

Chapter 69 The Nerys Balloon Peanut!' shouted Leo from his position several metres below her on the walkway. 'Grab the balloon!' 'What balloon?' she cried. 'There!' Leo pointed. A perplexed Nerys was suspended in the centre of a huge multicolored bubble which was floating just above the small, circular platform at the top of the ladder. Attached to the bubble was a long piece of string, the end of which was dangling near Peanut's right hand. 'How did you do that?' she asked Leo. I don't know. I just thought it would be a good idea to trap her in some way, and then this jet of magical

stuff came out of Little Tail, shot towards Nerys and made this happen!' 'Ah,' Peanut said, smiling. 'The power of the pencil and the artist who wields it. 'The power of what?' asked Leo, looking very confused. 'Oh, never mind. Carefully, Peanut climbed down the ladder, towing the Nerys balloon behind her, and happily embraced everybody on the walkway.

Peanut, I think this is yours,' said Leo, offering her the pencil. 'No,' she said. 'You're Conté's true heir. It belongs to you. Peanut, I don't care about any ancient rules or inheritances. It's obvious to everybody that the pencil should stay with you. It's practically an extension of your body!' She paused for a second, then took it from her brother. ' Well, if you're sure,' she said, turning it slowly in her hands. 'I must admit, it's nice to have it back. A small shower of colourful sparkles burst from the pencil's tip. 'I think Little Tail is happy to be reunited with you too, said Rockwell, laughing.