Finally Maximilian signalled to Atalai and Matilda that it was time to leave. They said their goodbyes before climbing into their sleigh and heading home.
Chapter 36
A Fond Farewell
On the trip back to the Ice Palace Maximilian had noticed that Matilda was unusually quiet and looked a little sad. He assumed that it was because the adventure was over but, to be sure, he took her aside when they arrived back at the palace and Atalai had retired to her quarters.
“You seem to be sad,” he told Matilda. “Is something wrong?”
Not wanting to be a bother, Matilda replied, “No, not really.”
“That doesn't sound very convincing,” stated Maximilian. “You know you can be honest with me, don't you?”
“Yes,” mumbled Matilda, looking even sadder, her head bowed.
“Well, come on. What is it? Have I done something to offend you?”
“Oh, no, never,” said Matilda, looking up at Maximilian. “It's just . . .”
“What?” Maximilian was obviously growing impatient.
“I don't feel that I've done very much to help you this time. I've just been a spectator. You've solved every problem on your own. I felt useless. I don't even know why I'm here. The only thing I've done is disobey you and put you in danger.” The words came out in a rush.
“Whoa, steady down,” said Maximilian, holding up his hands. “First things first. You need to know that I couldn't have done this without you. I invited you on this adventure because I wanted good company – and you've given me that. I love having you around, my little pearl. But also, you have a short memory. Who was it that first discovered the clue that began the investigation of Dakar's cave and the village of Tetra? And who was it that exposed Rashi as the stranger who visited the cave? You!”
“Well . . . yes,” agreed Matilda. “I suppose so.”
“Of course it's so,” declared Maximilian. “We wouldn't have discovered what we did without you. Certainly I have done a great deal but most of that has been because magic has been involved.
You mustn't underestimate how valuable your contribution has been just because you haven't done as much as your other adventures. Now let me see that happy face again.” He gave her a hug and Matilda smiled. “That's better. I treasure your company.”
“What do we do now?” asked Matilda.
“Well, seems to be settled. Atalai has seen the error of her ways, peace has been restored and we are no longer needed so it is time to leave. We'll say our farewells and be on our way.”
They found Atalai in the entrance chamber.
“I'm organising some additions to the history display,” she informed them. “But I need to have an artist do portraits of you before you leave.”
“What for?” asked Maximilian.
“Why, to make some models of you to go with the display, of course,” said Atalai. “That way you will always be remembered for what you have done to bring peace to our lands.” She took Dakar's diary out of her robe. “And this will be included in the display to remind us of our mistakes.”
“That's wonderful,” said Matilda.
Atalai smiled and looked at Maximilian. “I must also tell you that the energy from the geysers that started this unfortunate chapter in our history will now be equally shared between Frizland and Drakespear.”
Maximilian embraced her. “A wise and generous decision, worthy of a great leader. Your father would have been proud.”
Tears welled up in Atalai's eyes. “Thank you again . . . for everything.”
The palace artist quickly sketched portraits of Maximilian and Matilda, to be finished later.
When that was done Matilda walked over and hugged the Ice Queen. “Goodbye,” she said, “I am so happy for you and I'll miss you.”
“And I will miss you both too,” declared Atalai and kissed her on both cheeks.
“Time to go,” said Maximilian, clicking his fingers. The Story Mat appeared in the air and floated to the ground.
“I must say I prefer other modes of transport,” said The Noble Protector with a grimace as he seated himself on the mat. Matilda laughed and joined him. The Story Mat lifted into the air and zoomed away into space towards Maximilian's desert palace.
Chapter 37
Behaviour Praised and Scorned
The Story Mat landed gently on a sand dune beside the oasis. Maximilian and Matilda stepped off the mat to feel the full blast of the heat in contrast to the weather they had experienced in Frizland.
“Whew,” said Matilda. “It sure is hot.”
“Yes,” agreed Maximilian, even though he was used to the hot climate. “Let's get out of these winter clothes and visit the Ancient Library. It will be a lot cooler in there.”
Matilda followed him to a grand building behind the oasis. It was made of mud bricks and was enormous. The entrance was amazing, a portico supported by marble columns that soared up into the air. It made Matilda feel very small indeed. The walls beside the entrance were covered in gilded images that appeared to represent the countries of The Other Worlds – dragons, serpents, tigers, sun-like icons, volcanoes, sea animals and polar bears amongst others. They were arranged in a pleasing pattern around the huge door which had the title, “The Ancient Library” in gold lettering above it. Matilda followed Maximilian inside to the cool of the interior.
Once again The Keeper was found to be asleep at his desk. Maximilian coughed loudly and the startled Keeper jumped up from his chair. When he saw his Master standing there he became flustered with guilt.
“Master,” he began, “how wonderful to see you again . . . er . . . I was just closing my eyes for a moment . . . er, you see I worked until late last night and I didn't get to bed until well after midnight and . . .”
“Enough,” Maximilian interrupted, “We are not here to check up on your sleeping habits, old man; I know full well what they are. Matilda and I are here to thank you for finding the locking spell. You saved many lives with your discovery.”
“Oh,” said a shocked Keeper. “Oh, I see. Then you're not cranky with me for . . .er . . . sleeping on the job?”
“Not this time,” answered Maximilian. “You have redeemed yourself with some magnificent detective work and I am personally grateful.”
“Well, thank you Master,” said a puffed up Keeper. “And it's wonderful to see you too, young lady.”
Being kind to Matilda was not one of The Keeper's strengths so she was a little shocked to be welcomed by him so warmly and suspected that he would have some secret motive for doing it. Sure enough, his next words proved it.
He addressed Maximilian, wringing his bony hands as he did so. “Do you think, Master that I could be reinstated as Keeper of the Treasures? Just on trial, of course. As payment for the work I did in saving those lives?”
“Don't push your luck, old man,” replied Maximilian. “Your discovery of the locking spell was just enough to get you back in my good books but I haven't forgotten the attic fire you caused. You won't be returning there and you should be thankful that you haven't been put in charge of the camels.”
“Oh,” said The Keeper again, regretting his impudence. “I apologise, Master. I am quite happy here in the Ancient Library.” The thought of having to spend the rest of his life tending to the camel herd was frightening. They smelt, had shocking tempers and they spat!
“I'm glad to hear it,” said Maximilian. “Now, where is that imp, Husan? I need to speak to him as well.”
“I know exactly where he will be, Master,” said The Keeper. “I'll go and fetch him immediately. I won't be long. Make yourselves comfortable while I'm away . . .”
“Just go!” ordered Maximilian angrily.
The Keeper hurried away and, true to his word, he found Husan straight away. The cheeky elf was lying in a hammock, strung between two palm trees, playing his flute.
“Hurry up,” instructed The Keeper, “the Master has returned and wishes to speak to you.”
??
?The old crank is back,eh?” said Husan. “Is he in a good mood after we helped him?”
“I don't know,” lied The Keeper, “but he needs to see you.”
“Right, let's go,” said Husan, swinging himself out of the hammock. “It pays to keep the old man happy.”
The pair hurried into the library to find Maximilian and Matilda waiting patiently.
“Hello, governor,” the elf greeted his master with a cheeky smile.
Maximilian glowered at him.
“Firstly I want to thank you again for using your talent with telepathy to inform me of the secret to the locking spell,” he began.
“No problem, a pleasure,” responded Husan.
“However, from the conversation I've just had with The Keeper, it seems that you didn't follow all of my instructions,” added Maximilian.
“How so?” asked Husan with a puzzled look on his face.
“I distinctly asked you to thank The Keeper as well for his diligent work on my behalf,” continued Maximilian, “and yet it seems that he had no idea of my feelings when I spoke to him a few minutes ago.”
“Must have forgotten,” said the elf.
“In my experience you only forget what you want to forget.” Maximilian was angry. “You don't like giving praise to others and you are, and always have been, a selfish and sneaky individual. I've tolerated it in the past but you have now driven me to breaking point. You deserve to have your sins catch up with you.”
Husan went pale with shock. “Hold on, Sire,” he protested, “it was only a little oversight and I'm sorry.”
“Sorry?” shouted Maximilian. ”You don't know the meaning of the word. It's time for your comeuppance. From today your only job will be to look after the camel herd, day and night. And you'd better treat them like family or there will be worse in store for you. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Master,” muttered Husan meekly.
“Now get yourself down to the camel corral, immediately,” shouted Maximilian, pointing to the door. The mischievous elf scurried out of the library.
Maximilian addressed The Keeper. “Once again, well done in finding the locking spell and thank you. You may get back to sleep.”
The Keeper's face reddened. “Yes Master.”
Maximilian signalled to Matilda and they walked out into the sunshine.
“I'm sorry you had to see that but it was necessary,” he said. “Husan has been getting away with too much and he still hasn't been punished enough for what he did to you in Neptune's kingdom.”
“Neptune's realm,” Matilda reminded him. “Neptune isn't a king.”
“Yes, of course,” mumbled Maximilian.
“As for Husan,” said Matilda, and smiled, “it's true that he is naughty but he can be charming.”
“Harumph,” snorted Maximilian. “If you say so. Now, we'd better get you home.”
Chapter 38
It's Wonderful To Be Loved
Maximilian and Matilda walked through the oasis. When they had passed the fresh-water lake and reached the other side, Matilda saw something amazing. There appeared to be a wall of green glass and through it she could see her room. It was just as it had been when Maximilian had 'shrunk' her so that she could pass into the crystal ball.
“This time we reverse the spell,” said Maximilian. “In a moment you will pass back through the glass wall and things will be back to normal.”
“Will I see you again?” asked Matilda.
“Of course,” Maximilian assured her. “Just keep an eye on the crystal ball.”
He waved his hand and Matilda felt herself lifted into the air and pushed through the glass wall.
She was back in her bedroom and, when she looked into the crystal ball, she saw Maximilian waving at her.
“I have to go now,” he said. “Natural time has returned and your family is waiting for you downstairs. Goodbye for the moment, my little friend.”
He disappeared and was replaced in the crystal ball by a snow scene. Matilda hurried downstairs.
When she reached the first floor she could hear her family in the kitchen. As she entered she saw that her father was busy cooking pancakes and her mother, as usual, had her nose in a book. Her little brother Hieronymus lurched over to her on his little, pudgy legs and gave her a hug around her legs. She picked him up and walked over to the kitchen table. Her mother looked up at her.
“Ah,” she said, “the princess has finally awoken. Good morning sweetheart.” And then she returned to her book.
Her father turned from the stove. “Hello darling,” he said. “Right on time for the world’s best pancakes topped with the sweetest maple syrup and the most delicious blueberries . . . just for you, to show how much you’re loved.”
Matilda was taken aback by all this affection but it felt so good.
“There is nothing better than a family that loves you,” she thought and then made an unexpected error when she said aloud, “It’s wonderful to be back.”
Both her parents looked at her in surprise. Even Hieronymus stopped gurgling.
“What do you mean ‘back’,” asked her mother with a frown.
“Uh, oh,” thought Matilda but quickly said, “I had this dream last night that I had gone away to another land, a cold land, where I met trolls and Shamans and a beautiful queen. It was so real that, when I woke up, it seemed to have really happened. I guess that’s what I meant when I said I’d come back.”
“That imagination of yours,” said her father with a laugh. “I think it must come from all the books you read.”
“Perhaps you’ll be an author when you’re older,” suggested her mother before continuing with her reading.
Hieronymus leaned over and planted a wet kiss on Matilda’s cheek.
“Yes, it is wonderful to be loved,” thought Matilda, “but you also have to be careful what you say.”
She put her baby brother in the high chair and then sat down next to her mother while her father served up the warm pancakes. She felt that breakfast with your family was a wonderful way to start each day.
Matilda was in for another surprise a week later. When she awoke she saw that a photograph had been placed on her bedside table. She picked it up and saw that it was a picture of the historical display in the entrance chamber of the Ice Palace. There, behind the glass were life-like statues of both her and Maximilian. Beside them was a beautifully scripted sign that said, “The End Of The War Of Tears” with a scroll that obviously recorded everything that had happened while they were in Frizland.
With a feeling of pride, Matilda took down her copy of “Arabian Nights” from her bookshelf and stored the photograph in the hollowed-out space with her other treasures, the Zeus medallion and the Pearl of Wisdom.
###
About the Author
Burt Candy lives with his wife on board a houseboat at Lemon Tree Passage on the east coast of Australia. He has been writing children's books for over 20 years. The "Matilda and the Story Mat" trilogies are the first to be published as E-books.
Burt can be contacted at
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