When they were all seated in the sitting room Tiacotl told them how Zinzabad had freed her and how they had ridden through the soldier's camp to escape. Matilda then had to explain how she had sent Zinzabad to retrieve the medallion.
“You mean that this monkey can follow instructions?” said Acalan.
“Oh he can do more than that,” stated Matilda proudly. “But that has to remain our secret for a little while longer. Now here is what we have to do in the morning. I'm afraid there won't be any sleep for us tonight.”
When Matilda had finished laying out her plan, Acalan arranged for soldiers to take posters out to the news boards throughout the city to explain to the citizens what would be happening the next day. The last thing they needed was for the population to panic when they saw Ocelotl's army.
Acalan sent for food and drink to see them through the night.
Chapter 33
Tayanna
Matilda felt terribly embarrassed about Tayanna and finally felt that she had to say something. “Tayanna, I owe you a huge apology,” she began.
“Why?” responded Tayanna with a startled look on her face.
“When you went to Itzli's room and told him that we had escaped back to the palace I thought that you were working with him to betray us. I can't tell you how sorry I am.”
“How did you know I had spoken to him?” asked Tayanna.
Matilda paused. “This is so humiliating,” she said, her face going a bright red. “When you said that you had a headache I checked with the apothecary and they told me that you hadn't been there so, when Itzli disappeared, I thought you had warned him.”
Tayanna burst out laughing.
“What a clever detective. But no, I didn't know that Itzli was a traitor at that stage. I just didn't want him pulling one of his tantrums on you again. And that brings me to my own secret.”
“What?” asked Matilda with a frown.
“Well, and nobody knows this,” said Tayanna, “but Maximilian contacted me just before you arrived and asked me to keep a special eye on you. He and I have been close friends for a very long time. I must say I didn't do a very good job and I don't think Maximilian will be happy but you did things so quickly that I couldn't keep up with you. My conversation with Itzli was my poor attempt to protect you from him and I had to pretend I had a headache so nobody would know that I was interfering. It was important that my friendship with Maximilian should remain a secret.”
“Did you suspect your sister?” inquired Matilda.
“No, never,” insisted Tayanna. “I mean I knew that she had no time for Maximilian but I didn't think she could stoop so low as to join up with Ocelotl.”
“If things go as planned she will soon learn that she has chosen poorly,” declared Matilda.
She moved across and gave Tayanna a hug.
Chapter 34
An Exchange Of Threats
As dawn broke over The City of Diamonds the sound of drums could be heard in the distance. Ocelotl's army was marching across the plain and they presented a frightening sight. Matilda watched with the others from the city wall as The Jaguar rode at the front of his army. He didn't look quite as fearsome without his black stallion beneath him.
When the army was within arrow-shot of the city Ocelotl raised his arm to halt them. A horseman bearing a white flag trotted forward and Ocelotl came up behind. Acalan hurried down to the city gates and the others followed.
“No white flag, I see,” shouted Ocelotl from the other side of the moat. “Let the bloodshed be on your head, Acalan. And as for you, Tiacotl,” he added, pointing to his daughter, “I shall deal with you when this is all over, thankless wench.”
Tiacotl cringed at the venom in his words and Matilda put her arm around her.
“You have nothing to fear,” she assured her.
And The Jaguar was to be surprised by Acalan's response.
“There will be no bloodshed of my people, Ocelotl. I am giving you one chance to save yourself and to take your soldiers away.”
The Jaguar roared with laughter. “Why, you little pipsqueak! How can you talk in such a way when you are faced with this?” And he waved his arm towards his troops. “We will wipe you and your puny friends off your island. Surrender now or die.”
“If your archers notch even one arrow I will be forced to make you pay for your arrogance,” declared Acalan in a firm voice that showed no fear.
“Very well, you fool. So it shall be,” said Ocelotl as he turned his horse.
“No,” responded Acalan. “It is you who is the fool.”
They watched as Ocelotl galloped back to his army.
Chapter 35
An Unpleasant Time For Ocelotl
Trumpets sounded across the plain and Ocelotl's army moved into formation. Cavalry came to the front with the charioteers. They were followed by lines of archers and then the foot-soldiers on the flanks with spears, grapnels and ladders to cross the moat and scale the city walls. Catapults were wheeled into position behind the troops. The army had been well prepared.
Another trumpet blast signalled the beginning of the attack.
Matilda was standing once again on the city wall with the others. She held the Zeus medallion in her hand. As the final trumpet sounded, she rubbed the medallion and uttered the magic words: “Bolts of Lightning, Peals of Thunder.”
Suddenly the sky turned dark as huge black clouds billowed across the heavens. Bolts of lightning flashed down on Ocelotl's army, followed by ear-splitting crashes of thunder. Chariots burst into flames and the Manyan army began to panic. Soldiers ran in all directions in an attempt to get away from the tempest. Horses reared in fright tipping their riders to the ground. And then the rains came, pouring down on the plain like a waterfall and turning the ground to mud. Ocelotl rode through it, wheeling and stamping amongst his troops, ordering them to stand firm, all to no avail. The climax came when the volcano, Catchua, burst into life, spewing red hot
lava down its sides and shooting smoke and sparks into the dark sky with a deafening roar. As the lava spread across the plain, the army, running about helter skelter, was forced towards the jungle. They had to stagger through the thick mud.
Matilda, Zanzibad, Acalan, Ati, Tayanna and Tiacotl were joined by thousands of Chuquan citizens who crowded the city wall and gate to watch as Ocelotl's army was turned into a screaming and disorganised mob.
“Unbelievable,” gasped Acalan.
“Is this because Ocelotl ignored the gods of war?” asked Ati.
“No,” replied Matilda, kissing the medallion. “This is the work of a friend.”
Just as quickly as it had started the storm stopped and the volcano settled down. However the sky above the plain remained dark as a voice boomed down from the heavens.
“LEAVE THIS PLACE AND NEVER RETURN. LET THIS BE A LESSON TO ALL THOSE WHO WOULD CHOOSE TO OPPRESS OTHERS. KNOW THAT, IF YOU SEEK TO DESTROY, YOU WILL YOURSELF BE DESTROYED.”
The dark clouds disappeared and sunlight appeared over the plain. The scene was one of devastation as men and horses struggled through the knee-deep mud and chariots and catapults smouldered. Only Ocelotl remained mounted, his horse trying desperately to stay on its feet as he tugged on the reins and pointed it towards the city.
Matilda watched The Jaguar spur his horse through the sludge, defeated but not cowered. He finally made clear ground by the moat and looked up at Acalan and his party. He was covered in mud and ash and his jaguar helmet was scorched.
“You and your lackeys have fought unfairly,” he screamed, shaking his fist at them. “Maximilian will pay dearly for today. Don't think that this is finished.”
A bolt of lightning flashed down, knocking him onto the ground.
“YOU ARE A SLOW LEARNER, OCELOTL” thundered the voice. “EVERY TIME YOU ALLOW YOUR THIRST FOR POWER TO CONTROL YOUR WORDS OR ACTIONS, KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE STRUCK DOWN.”
Ocelotl climbed groggily to his feet, cowered at last. He took the horse's reins in hand
and staggered off, head bowed. After every few steps a small bolt of lightning zapped the ground behind him to hurry him on his way. The final humiliation came when the Chuquan crowd began to laugh as they watched him jump with each zap. After a while he disappeared into the jungle to join up with what remained of his army and make the long journey back to Manya. Matilda saw the tears running down Tiacotl's face.
“He chose his own fate, Tiacotl,” she told her.
“I know . . . but it still hurts,” replied Tiacotl.
“You will always be safe with us,” declared Acalan. “We understand your grief but I promise you that your life here will be one of happiness. You are now part of our family.”
“And I will have a new sister,” added Tayanna.
Tiacotl smiled through her tears.
Chapter 36
Revenge And Celebration
As for Erendira, no sooner had Ocelotl vanished than another rider appeared out of the jungle. Erendira rode her horse down to the city wall and looked up at Acalan as Ocelotl had done. Word had spread through the crowd that she had betrayed them and the people began to hiss and boo. Acalan held up a hand to silence them.
“Brother,” Erendira began, “I beg your forgiveness. I have been stupid and will accept any punishment as long as I know you accept that I am sorry for what I have done. I ask for your mercy.” Tears streamed down her face.
Acalan did not reply for several seconds, then said, “I do not believe that you are truly sorry and I do believe that the only reason you are here is because you have nowhere else to go. I am a merciful man but what you have done is unforgivable and so you will suffer the same fate as your cousin, Itzli. You are hereby banished from the city and its people for life. You now have no home because you betrayed the home you had. Go into the wilderness and spend your lonely hours considering your treacherous deeds.”
The crowd was hushed as they watched Erendira turn her horse and ride back into the jungle. As she disappeared, a chariot came out of the city gates. Itzli stood in the back, held by two guards. The crowd began heckling him as the ramp was run out over the moat. The guards escorted Itzli off the chariot and put him on his donkey. One of the guards slapped the donkey's rear and it trotted across the ramp, carrying Itzli, too, out into the wilderness.
Acalan turned to Matilda.
“How can we ever repay you? You have achieved a miracle. The Chuquan people can now resume their peaceful lives without fear. Thank you.” He gave her a hug to the cheers of the citizens.
“Don't forget the real hero,” said Matilda, pointing to Zinzabad.
“Of course,” agreed Acalan picking up the little monkey and patting him on the head. In truth, Zinzabad was becoming a little fed up with all of this patting.
“Now, let's return to the palace for some celebration,” declared Acalan.
“Sounds good to me,” said Matilda, taking Zinzabad into her arms. “What do you think, Zinzabad?”
“I could do with something to eat,” stated the monkey. “I'm starving.”
Everybody stopped in their tracks, mouths dropping open in shock. A talking monkey?
“I'll explain later,” said Matilda and she walked down the steps to a waiting chariot.
The ride through the streets to the palace was like a victory parade. People lined the streets in their national dress and cheered loudly while waving Chuquan flags.
“News travels fast,” said a smiling Acalan. “This is for you alone. They know what you have done for them. You should be proud.”
“We are,” said Matilda, hugging Zinzabad.
Chapter 37
Farewell
Matilda and Zinzabad went straight to their room to freshen up when they reached the palace. By the time they arrived in the sitting room it had been set up for a party. Extra tables had been moved in and they were covered with untold plates of exotic foods. A group of musicians sat on cushions in a corner, playing traditional Chuquan music. Dignitaries stood around talking in small groups. They all turned and clapped when Matilda and Zinzabad entered the room.
Tayanna came out of the crowd to greet them. She kissed Matilda on the cheek and gave Zinzabad a pat - again.
“Come over and get something to eat and drink,” she said, taking Matilda's hand. “There's so much great food it'll last us for days.”
“I know that Zinzabad is keen to have something to eat but I'm afraid we don't have days,” stated Matilda. “We should be getting home to Maximilian as soon as we can.”
“How soon?” asked Tayanna, as they walked towards the food tables.
“As soon as Zinzabad has had his fill,” replied Matilda, watching the monkey eyeing off the delicacies. “I left Maximilian with an important job to do and I can't relax until I've seen that it's done.”
“But you can't leave until Acalan has given a short speech,” said Tayanna. “Here, try some of these baklavas, they're delicious. And you must taste the spiced honey drink.”
She handed Matilda and Zinzabad cups and plates. They tucked into the food until Acalan rang a bell to quieten everybody.
“This celebration is in honour of our special guests and saviours, Matilda and Zinzabad. Maximilian chose them to help us avoid war with the Manyans and he chose wisely. Their bravery has delivered us from the terror of Ocelotl and now all Chuquans can live without fear. I wish to propose a toast . . . to Matilda and Zinzabad who will always be remembered as the protectors of Chuqua.”
Glasses were raised as everybody repeated, “To Matilda and Zinzabad.”
Matilda was embarrassed by all of the attention but felt that she should say something in reply so she walked over, with Zinzabad, to stand beside Acalan.
“It has been an honour to be able to help the wonderfully unselfish culture that you have here. But I must recognise that most of the dangerous work was done by Zinzabad,” she held up the monkey's arm and everybody clapped, “and the defeat of Ocelotl was down to this Zeus medallion,” she lifted up the medallion from around her neck, “so I didn't do a great deal except follow Maximilian's orders. But thank you Acalan for your praise and, Tayanna, Tiacotl and Ati, for your friendship. We will miss you. Now we must leave and return to Maximilian.”
“Goodbye and good luck,” added Zinzabad to the surprise of the guests.
Tiacotl came over to give them both a hug.
“You both are very special to me,” she said. “I will never forget you.”
Everybody cheered and clapped as they left the room. Once they were in the foyer Matilda whispered, “Maximilian, Maximilian, Maximilian”, and the Story Mat appeared above them before gliding gently to the floor. When they were seated on the mat Matilda said, “Home, please”, and the Story Mat took off.
Chapter 38
Back To The Attic
The Story Mat landed exactly at the point from which it had departed in Matilda's bedroom. When they had stepped off the mat Matilda rolled it up and, holding it under her arm, took Zinzabad by the hand to climb up the rickety stairs to the attic.
She was pleased to notice that the smell of smoke that had spread through the house from the attic fire had disappeared and, when she crawled through the small attic door, she was happy to see that Maximilian had been true to his word. Nobody would believe that there had been a fire inside. The hole in the wall beside the speaker had been repaired and the singe marks on the valuable chests had been painted over. Even the hats on the hooks had been replaced. It looked just the same as it had when she had first visited . . . except for the cobwebs.
“Welcome back Matilda,” came the cheery voice from the speaker on the wall. “And to you Zinzabad. I am filled with joy to see you both.”
“What a change,” thought Matilda but said, “Thank you my wise old friend. It is good to be back safely. Is Maximilian around?”
Before The Keeper of the Attic could respond there was a flash of light followed by a cloud of smoke and Maximilian appeared.
“Hello, my little jewel,” he said with a b
road and gentle smile. “And what do you think of my handiwork while you were away?”
“Wonderful,” exclaimed Matilda.
“Yes,” stated Maximilian proudly, “my sprites did an excellent job and have been rewarded accordingly. Now I must congratulate you on an excellent job. I have been following your adventure and Tayanna has just told me the satisfactory end to your story. Well done!”
“Tayanna told me she kept in contact with you but we only left her a short time ago. How does she get in touch so quickly?” asked Matilda.
“We have our ways in the mystic world,” replied Maximilian with a wink, then addressed Zinzabad. “My clever friend, you have outdone yourself. My thanks have no bounds for what you have done to protect my brave little pearl. You shall also be rewarded.”
“Thank you, Maximilian,” said the monkey, “but I have no need of reward. My new friendship with Matilda is reward enough.”
“Well spoken,” said Maximilian. “Nevertheless I will see that you are honoured for your courage. Taking on and defeating a monster like Ocelotl was no mean feat. And, as for you, Matilda, I hope that this latest adventure has satisfied your enthusiasm for the unexpected in a story.”
“You can say that again, Max,” said Matilda, “and I'll need a long rest after this one.”
“Not too long I hope,” stated Maximilian. “I will miss you greatly if you choose not to return.”
“Oh, I'll be back,” Matilda assured him as she handed him the Story Mat. Then she turned to Zinzabad. “I can't believe we are saying goodbye, my dear friend. You saved my life and I will never forget you.” She leaned down and gave the monkey a kiss on his furry cheek.“’Til we meet again.”
Zinzabad reached up and gave her a hug. “’Til we meet again,” he repeated, then walked over and jumped onto Maximilian's shoulder.
“Goodbye for the present,” said Maximilian and, with a wave of his hand, they faded away.