“No,” replied Matilda, “just a few minutes to freshen up.”
“Well, okay,” said the Reptor. “Come this way.”
He walked down a corridor and opened a door with a key attached to a silver chain on his belt.
“It opens automatically from the other side so you can slam it closed when you come back down,” he explained. “Ciao!” And he went back to the entertainment room.
“You are so clever,” said Peri with a beaming face.
“Wait until we see what’s upstairs before you compliment me,” said Matilda.
Chapter 19
A Spy In The Camp
Matilda climbed to the top of the stairway where she found another door that was unlocked. She opened it and stepped out onto the roof. Everything was dark except for the moonlight and a single spotlight above the door. She peered into the shadows.
“Anybody there?” She whispered as loudly as she could.
There was a gentle cough from the shadows. “Come over here, away from the light,” said a voice.
Matilda’s heart began to flutter. What if this was a trick? What if the Wizard had arranged this to expose them? What if . . . ? Her mind was in a panic, but then she thought of something she had read, “In for a penny, in for a pound”, and stepped away from the light.
As Matilda moved towards the shadows, a figure stepped forward. Hermalkin, the cobra! Both Matilda and Peri gasped. They had been tricked. Matilda turned around, ready to dash back to the door.
“Wait!” shouted the cobra. “I am your friend. Believe me, I am on your side. I’m a spy for the Witch of Bivia!”
Matilda stopped in her tracks. Could it be true? She turned to face the cobra.
“How can you expect us to trust you when you vaporise people for the Wizard?”
“No, no,” answered the cobra. “You don’t understand. Yes, I vaporise people but it is an illusion I learnt from the Witch. They are simply transported to Bivia where they have a much safer life. And the pigs are restored to their human form. I only wish I could vaporise the Wizard, but he is protected.”
It was so much information that Matilda felt confused. “Why is your voice different?” she asked.
“You mean the hissing? This is my real voice. I add the hissing to build up the evil image that the Wizard wants. Pardon me for saying so, but there are much more important things you need to know before our time here runs out. Somebody could come up to the roof at any time.”
“What is the Wizard up to?” asked Matilda.
“Too much to explain it all to you now. But you will understand eventually,” said the cobra. “What you need to know now is that I have other friends in Laboria. One of them is an eagle in Aquila Airlines. I’ve arranged for you to go on a flight over the island with him tomorrow morning. The Wizard actually thinks it’s a good idea. He believes it will keep you happy and occupied. What he doesn’t know is that you will be shown the forbidden eastern side of the island and much of what is going on will be explained. Enjoy your flight. I must go now. I’ll be in touch again soon. Oh, yes, you also need to know that the Reptors found your wand, little fairy. The Wizard has it stored in his workshop. But please don’t try to retrieve it yet, it will be far too dangerous and may ruin everything. We’ll do that soon.” The cobra bent down to the ground and picked up a piece of paper in his mouth. “And, my brave Matilda, here is a copy of the message you wanted decoded. It is not what the Wizard intends telling you. Now I really must disappear.”
“One more silly question before you go,” pleaded Matilda, putting the note in her pocket. “How do you type the messages?”
“I use my tail on the computer keyboard,” replied the cobra, laughing “I’m pretty good at it, even if I do say so myself. Farewell my friends.”
Matilda heard the sound of the door to the roof being opened. Two Reptors stumbled onto the roof. They had obviously been drinking alcohol. Turning back, she saw that Hermalkin had disappeared.
“What are you doing on the roof?” slurred one of the Reptors. “This place is out of bounds to visitors.”
“Sh-Sh-Sh,” said the other one, holding his finger unsteadily up to his mouth. “These are the special guests we have to keep happy.”
“We were just getting a bit of fresh air,” Matilda explained meekly. “We’re sorry if we’ve broken any rules. We really didn’t know. You won’t get us into trouble, will you?”
“Naw,” said the first Reptor, with a burp. “It’s a secret just between the three of us.” He tried to focus his eyes on Peri. “The three and a half of us,” he added and they both began laughing and rolling on the ground. Matilda stepped around them and went down the stairs.
Chapter 20
A Different Message
Matilda tossed and turned all night. So many things were racing through her mind. Who could she really trust? How much danger were they in? How could they get Peri’s wand back? What did the Wizard really plan for them? How could they escape?
The one thing she had done before she climbed into bed was make a visit to the bathroom as if she were going to the toilet. There, sitting on the toilet seat, she read the decoded message that Hermalkin, the cobra, had given her. She had been so keen to get back safely to her room that she hadn’t had a chance to read it before. In fact, she had expected a troop of Reptors to be waiting for them at their door.
The message, typed in capital letters, read –
“THE WARNING IS HERE. SEEK THE TRUTH BEFORE YOU ACCEPT WHAT YOU SEE AND ARE TOLD. ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS.”
Well Matilda was certainly learning that was true. She only wished that she had been able to break the code earlier. Still, better late than never. She flushed the toilet and put the note under her pillow before she tried to get to sleep.
They decided to go to breakfast the next morning. They had yet to officially hear about the flight that the cobra had arranged. Once again Matilda prepared herself to be confronted by Reptors and arrested, but nothing of the sort happened. The Wizard was friendlier than ever. He greeted them warmly then said, “I have a real surprise for you today. One of the eagles from our Aquila Airlines will be taking you for a flight over the island so that you can see how prosperous we are.”
Matilda pretended to be surprised. “Wow, that’s wonderful news, isn’t it, Peri?” she said looking at the fairy and avoiding looking at Hermalkin, who sat next to the Wizard.
“Yes,” agreed Peri, ‘but I hope it’s a steadier flight than our first one.” Everybody laughed, the best of friends.
“Wonderful,” said the Wizard. “Straight after breakfast Bolgobin will drive you to the airport and you can be on your way.” Matilda felt relief when she realised that Bolgobin was all right.
“We can’t wait,” enthused Matilda as she tucked into her breakfast.
“Oh, yes,” said the Wizard, reaching into his robe, “I was able to decode that message you gave me last night. A little complicated but I finally broke it. Here’s a copy of what it said.”
“Thank you, Sire,” said Matilda as she took the piece of paper from his hand. “I’ll read it after breakfast.”
“Very interesting but a little embarrassing,” added the Wizard, and Matilda wondered what on earth he meant.
As soon as she finished her breakfast and Peri had eaten a small quarter of toast with jam, Matilda went to find Bolgobin. He was back at one of the tables but he looked the worse for wear. He was as pale as a sheet and had black circles under his eyes. He managed a warm smile when he saw them.
“My dear friend,” said Matilda, giving him a cuddle, “I understand that we’ll be back together today and that makes us very happy.”
“Yes, it’s smashing isn’t it? I never thought I’d see you again.” He had a tear in his eye.
“All’s well . . . ,” said Matilda, giving him another cuddle while trying to avoid the food stains down his front. “We’ll meet you out on the forecourt again in half an hour.”
As soon as they were out of the dining room, Matilda unfolded the message the Wizard had given her. It was also typed in capitals and read –
“THE WIZARD OF LABORIA IS HERE TO HELP YOU IN ALL THINGS. A WISE AND WONDERFUL LEADER, HE CAN BE TRUSTED WITH YOUR SAFETY.”
“Talk about self-praise,” commented Matilda after she had shown Peri the message. “He’s a very dangerous man.”
“Let’s see what today brings,” said Peri. “I have a feeling that we’ll learn a lot more about the Wizard and his plans.”
Chapter 21
A Flight Over Laboria
After Matilda had showered and put on fresh clothes, she and Peri caught the lift down to the foyer. There was no sign of Bolgobin so they proceeded down the glass hallway to the forecourt. The little man was standing by another cart looking happier at last. They hopped into the vehicle, with Bolgobin at the wheel this time, and set off for the airport.
“I see you found forward gear,” joked Matilda.
“Yes, I don’t dare make another blunder,” said Bolgobin. “You were the only thing that saved me from being vaporised last time.”
“Us?” frowned Matilda.
“Yes, you,” he answered. “The Wizard said that it was only because you liked me that I was saved.”
“That's good news,” ststed Matilda. “Did anything else happen?”
Bolgobin pulled the cart over to the side of the road and began sobbing. “The Wizard warned me not to tell you about this but, after what you've done to help me, I need to let you know. Last night the Wizard came to my room before dinner with four Reptors. He said I needed more than a warning after I disobeyed his order to bring you back to the cave in time. He told the Reptors to teach me a lesson but not to hurt me where it showed.” He loosened the top of his robe and showed them his chest. It was covered in bruises and small cuts. “They punched me and poked me with their spears. I know I shouldn’t say it, but I don’t think the Wizard is a very nice man.”
“You don’t know the half of it,” said Matilda with a wry smile. She hugged the little man again and Peri gave him a peck on the cheek. “Anyway, you’re safe with us now and we’ll look after you.”
“How can I ever thank you. You have no idea how it feels not to be treated like a fool,” said the little man and began sobbing again.
“I know exactly how you can thank us,” replied Matilda. “But let’s take this flight first.”
Bolgobin put his foot down on the accelerator and the cart headed for the airport.
When they arrived at a grassy field with a sign saying “AQUILA AIRLINES” a huge white eagle greeted them. “You’re not the same one that took us to the Wizard are you?” asked Matilda.
“No,” replied the eagle, “That was Aquila Zeus, he’s the Wizard’s favourite. We’re all named after ancient gods. My name is Aquila Thor. You can call me Thor. I think you’ll find me a little different. But we’ll say no more until we’re in the air. You never know who’s listening. Come this way.”
Thor led them over to a cane basket with ropes attached. “Not the most comfortable way to travel,” he apologised, “but it suits us. You sit inside and I carry you around by grasping the ropes with my talons. A bit like a balloon ride without the balloon. I can talk to you during the flight. Okay?”
“Sounds great,” said Matilda excitedly. “And you promise not to do any sudden rolls?”
“Heh, heh,” laughed Thor. “I heard about that.” Then he whispered, “It was done under instructions I can assure you. No such thrills today.”
A light shone in Matilda’s head. “Of course,” she thought, “Zeus did the roll on purpose to make Peri drop her wand. It had all been planned.” She didn’t speak up as she believed Thor’s warning about others listening in.
Bolgobin was confused by what he was hearing but remained silent. If his new friends were happy with what was going on, then he was too.
“All aboard!” said Thor and the little party climbed into the cane basket. The eagle placed his talons around the ropes and lifted off into the sky. The cane basket tilted so that everybody was thrown together, then steadied itself and they were away. The beat of the eagle’s wings caused their hair to be blown all over the place.
“It’ll get better when I can get some height and start to soar,” explained Thor. “I had to put in a flight plan so we’ll follow that and then make our own arrangements later on. We’ll fly over the city first. It looks great from the air.”
While they were flying, Matilda explained to Bolgobin how Hermalkin had arranged their flight and told him about their meeting on the roof.
Bolgobin was amazed. “You’re full of surprises. I would never have suspected Hermalkin. In fact I have always feared him as the Wizard’s favourite. I can only wonder what this flight has in store for us if he is behind it.”
Thor began to soar and the wind eased so the passengers could look over the edge of the basket comfortably. They saw the city laid out below, its white buildings shimmering in the sunlight and contrasting with the blue of the sea. The Amusement Park was visible outside the city and they could see all of the rides, including the Waterfall Adventure. Matilda shivered at the memory.
“Now we head to the north side of the island where all of the factories are situated,” Thor informed them. “They make everything the island needs – furniture, household goods, building materials, machinery – the lot. They also use most of the Zithium that is mined on the islands to the north.”
It was easy to see that they had arrived at the industrial area. Thick plumes of dark smoke filled the sky as it poured out of chimneys. The three passengers began to cough.
“Sorry about that,” Thor apologised. “I won’t stay long. We’ll fly across to the south now.” He made a swooping turn.
A patchwork pattern of fields appeared below them. The soil was a dark chocolate colour and looked almost good enough to eat. Where crops had been planted, the land was a rich green. Thousands of people could be seen working in the paddocks and tractors were going back and forth.
“We’re very lucky to have the rich volcanic soil,” Thor informed them. “We can grow anything in it and it grows quickly. Here is where we forget our flight plan and break a few rules. We should be safe unless there is another Aquila in the sky but there were no other flights planned when I checked this morning. Here we go!”
The eagle climbed higher into the sky, making another turn and heading east towards the home of the Nature Spirits.
When Bolgobin realised where they were going he shouted, “The home of the Nature Spirits! We can’t go there! We’ll upset everything!”
“Never fear, my friend,” replied Thor. “There are no Nature Spirits. The Wizard lies. Wait till you see for yourself.” And he zoomed around the volcano peak.
They looked down to see a vast area without trees of any kind. It looked like a brown, barren desert. In the sea, a dark stain was spreading out from the coastline.
“That is where they bury the used-up Zithium,” said Thor. “It is extremely poisonous and dangerous to all forms of life. When it rains, the Zithium leaks into the sea and kills everything it contacts. That’s why the Wizard doesn’t want anybody to know about the eastern side of the island.”
“And that’s why there is no seafood to eat,” added Matilda. “It’s got nothing to do with preserving the oceans – exactly the opposite. How could any sane person allow such destruction?”
“Exactly,” agreed Thor. “The Wizard is mad. The only things he believes in are power and wealth, and he’ll do absolutely anything to get them.”
“Oh dear, oh dear,” sobbed Bolgobin. “I can’t believe all I’m hearing. If this is true then our island is in great danger.”
“It certainly is,” stated Thor, “but there is worse to come. Hold on while I make another sharp turn and head out to sea. I have to avoid the city in case I’m spotted heading towards Bivia.” The giant eagle dropped one wing and the basket rocked as he ve
ered back towards the west.
Thor travelled far out to sea and, when they were about twenty kilometres off the western coat of Laboria, he swooped around in a circle.
“There it is, directly below us,” he said.
Matilda, Bolgobin and Peri leaned over the side of the basket and looked down at the sea. “I can’t see anything except the sea,” shouted Matilda.
“I’ll take you down lower,” said Thor. “It’s not easy to see unless you know it’s there.” He plunged towards the water. “Now look to your right.”
They turned and, amazingly, saw themselves reflected in what looked like a gigantic sheet of clear glass. It rose out of the sea for hundreds of metres.
“Wow!” exclaimed Matilda. “What is it?”
“It’s the Wizard’s reflection shield,” said Thor. “He can cast his spells out to sea and they bounce back to Laboria when they strike this shield. He is the one that creates those spells that turn our citizens into pigs – not the Witch of Bivia as he keeps telling us.”
“But why would he do that? What does he gain by turning his own people into pigs?” asked Bolgobin, obviously upset by what he was hearing.
“It’s an important part of his scheme to discredit the Witch. He needs to have the Laborians hate the Witch so he can go to war and take over her empire. And this is the way he does it. He is willing to sacrifice a few hundred of his citizens for the bigger plan of having the rest support him in attacking Bivia. ‘A few must suffer for the greater good’. Bad leaders use those words all the time to justify their policies – as long as they aren’t the ones suffering.”
“But why does he want to attack Bivia?” asked Matilda. “His own empire is wealthy enough already.”
Thor lifted the basket into the sky again. “Yes, but it’s running out of Zithium. The mines on the islands to the north are not producing enough and his reserves are running low. If he runs out of the fuel, the empire collapses. And guess where there are huge stores of Zithium?”
“Bivia!” the three passengers shouted together.
“Exactly,” said Thor. “And the Witch of Bivia does not believe in using anything that pollutes the environment. So the real reason for war with Bivia is Zithium, not to avenge the spells that he created himself. The Witch has done nothing wrong but the Wizard had to create a monster to make the people want to go to war . . . and for him to keep his power and wealth.”