This is my first Cat Royal Adventure, but not my first fanfic. As a member of the British society I believe that the tale as follows is as accurate as possible. Although Cat Royal belongs to Julia Golding, I have been entrusted with the recording of her less famous adventure in Australia.

If you like this then you should check out my other two stories: CITY OF DRAGONS, a Stravaganza fanfic and THE FANG OF SIBERIA, a Children of the Lamp fanfic.

Letter to the Reader

Dear Reader,

If in these pages you expect me to put down the kind aborigines of Australia then you are highly mistaken. They are a good race like the Creeks who have unfortunately been taken over by criminals of the worst sort. However I do believe that there is something more in Australia than criminals and natives.

You may have got wind of the criminals who return to England richer than before. I for one am intrigued, but I have found out the answer. I will thus tell you I the course of this story.

Yours Sincerely

Cat Royal

Prologue
Court of Law

I for one don't know how it happened, but Nick of the Butcher's boys was found dead outside the butcher's shop and somehow the blame was landed on Syd Fletcher. He was taken to court, but undoubtedly faced prison despite hi plea of innocence.

As much as I do not like to put any country down, one must realise that the court would not let him free unless he was able to pay or bribe them. That is the way it works nowadays.

I could hardly bring myself to listen as the judge pronounced my friends verdict. It was heart breaking. I knew Syd could never do such a thing, but I didn't have any evidence to present or any money to bribe.

Money had been extremely tight since I had returned from the Caribbean and with the winter approaching I knew expenses would definitely go up. I had left Boxton Manor and returned to London, but that meant I was living a hard life.

Frank had offered me money and I had accepted only half of it saying I would find a job, but it was a lot harder said than done. I had some money from my manuscripts, but I did not want to waste any of it.

Still.

The police led Syd away and I couldn't help crying. He had been unfairly charged with murder and now they might have him swung from the gallows.

"The sentence will be decided for tomorrow," announced the judge. "Court adjourned."

I followed Mr Sheridan out. I was trying to wipe away my tears, but it was no use, they just kept coming. Stinging my eyes and rolling down my cheeks.

They froze on my face as I stepped outside. The harsh air of the very end of autumn blew all around me. Syd was led off somewhere and I could not follow him. Mr Sheridan rubbed my hand and pulled me gently along the road.

"Cat," he said. "I think it's best if you stay with the Avons tonight."

"Right," I muttered through tears. "Of course."

I must say, the Avons were extremely nice to me, but they were shocked to see me in this state, especially Frank. He gave me a great big hug and led me up to Lizzie's room. He sat me gently on the bed.

"Are you okay Cat?" he asked.

"Mmhmm," I managed in between sobs.

Frank left and I guessed he might have a different opinion of me now that he'd seen me crying hopelessly. It was very unlike me, I must admit reader.

I was so afraid for Syd that I couldn't bring myself to stop crying and be the tough little Cat I normally was. People always said that I landed on my feet, but right now I felt as though I was still falling even though I'd already hit the ground.

I thought I would not be able to sleep, but I soon fell fast asleep.

The next day it was very difficult getting up and dragging myself to the courtrooms. As much as I didn't want to hear Syd's fate, I felt that I had to. It might also be the last time I saw him. Alive and well.

It was a terrible day, the weather was bad and all. Great big grey clouds threatened a downpour at any minute and decided to do just that as I neared the courtrooms.

I entered completely soaked to the skin and took y seat.

"Syd Fletcher," started the judge in a grand unbefitting voice. "For your crime, I sentence you to exile in Australia for the rest of your life. Any attempt to return and you will be hanged. The boat leaves in two days. Case dismissed."

The judge rose from the stands without a single sign of remorse on his thin features. This man was used to doing this. It was his job. How many times had he pronounced the same sentence on countless other people?

I was given a minute to talk to Syd before he was locked up on a ship.

"Syd," I cried, he had always been like a big brother to me.

"Cat," he said quietly as I gave him a hug. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I replied. "I promise you that the cowardly, low-life dung heap, chamber pot lover who did this to you will hang for it."

Syd siled slightly.

"Don't do anything foolish," he warned.

"But it's not fair," I moaned.

"I know," he sighed tucking a loose curl of mine behind my ear. "Stay safe."

I was swiftly moved away by the police and Syd was allowed his final moments with his family. I had been so selfish going first. They were about to lose their son. Another few minutes and Syd was gone, taken by the brutes who claimed themselves as justice servers. Liars.

So what do you think? Tell me in a review. I really think this could be something never before read in Cat Royal fanfiction.