When the trio arrived back at the entertainment room the brawl was still in full swing. They stepped carefully around the bodies on the floor, dodged the tails swirling around, and caught the lift back to their room. At the open door Bolgobin said goodnight for the sake of the cameras and then left. They had arranged to meet later that night to retrieve the magic wand.
Chapter 25
The Spy Is Exposed
Once again Matilda and Peri had to sneak out of their room. At three o’clock in the morning they crept out of the door and caught the lift down to the foyer. The Reptors were snoring quietly at their posts as Bolgobin had predicted. He met them at the entrance to the glass corridor. Holding his finger to his mouth he signalled that they should follow him.
When he reached the door to the maze he put his hand on the wall and waited for the glass to dissolve. Once the wall closed behind them he quickly led them through the labyrinth. They arrived at the golden door without a problem. Bolgobin pressed his hand against the glass panel and the door swung open. Matilda placed a shoe between the door and the wall to prevent it closing completely. “Just in case we need a quick getaway,” she whispered.
Bolgobin was the first one to the cauldron. “Give me a lift so I can look inside,” he said to Matilda. She linked her hands under his foot and lifted him into the air. “I can’t see anything inside. It must be somewhere else,” he told them.
They stood together and looked around the workshop. What they didn’t notice was the eye on the cover of the Wizard’s Book of Spells. It was watching their every move.
“It has to be here somewhere,” insisted Matilda. “Can’t you sense where it is?” she asked Peri.
“Nope,” the fairy replied. “I have many abilities, but not that one, I’m afraid.”
Bolgobin moved back to the cauldron. “Hermalkin said it was near the cauldron, not in it.” He bent down to look into the dark space beneath the huge pot. He saw a box. Reaching in, he pulled it out. “I think I have something,” he said excitedly.
Matilda and Peri ran across to him. He was holding a small box. Unfortunately it was locked.
“This must be it,” declared Madelein. “Can you open it?” she asked Bolgobin.
As they tried to work out how to get it open, the door to the Wizard’s entrance flew open. Standing in the light were the Wizard, Gwodlyn the tiger, and Hermalkin.
“Well what do we have here? Thank goodness the eye triggered the silent alarm.” He turned on Matilda. “To think I trusted you. Thief, traitor, ungrateful wretch.”
Matilda didn’t bother to argue the point. She grabbed the box from Bolgobin and, with Peri clutching her neck, she shouted, “RUN!”
As they reached the door, Bolgobin scooped up Matilda’s shoe and slammed the golden door shut.
“That should slow them down a bit,” he gasped. “Follow me.”
He raced along the maze. Behind them they heard the Wizard shout, “Gwodlyn! Hermalkin! Chase them down!”
When they reached the glass corridor, Bolgobin resisted the temptation to run out onto the forecourt. Instead he put his hands on the wall and they slipped into another passageway. He handed Matilda her shoe and she put it on. Pressing their ears to the door, they heard Gwodlyn and Hermalkin enter the glass corridor.
“Where could they have gone?” roared Gwodlyn.
“Probably into another passageway,” said Hermalkin. Matilda and Bolgobin held their breath.
“You try this one,” continued Hermalkin, “and I’ll try another one. We’ll meet back here in two minutes. Shout out if you see them.”
Then, horror of horrors, Matilda felt their door opening. All was lost.
“Sh!” whispered Hermalkin when the door opened. “I sensed you behind this door when we were in the corridor. Quickly! You have two minutes start. Run for the wharf. I’ll try to delay Gwodlyn as long as I can.”
The three escapees ran into the corridor, through the dissolving door and out onto the forecourt. As they headed down the road to the city they heard a shout from behind. It was Gwodlyn. He had returned early.
“What are you doing?” they heard him scream at Hermalkin. “There they are!”
Grasping the box containing the wand for dear life, Matilda looked over her shoulder to see the tiger in hot pursuit with Hermalkin slithering along behind. Peri was holding on tightly.
The tiger was gaining on them. Matilda could almost feel his hot breath on her neck. Then she felt a thump on her back. Gwodlyn had caught her. She tumbled forward and rolled down the road, clutching the box to her chest. Peri was thrown to the ground and lay there, stunned. When Matilda looked back, the tiger had his powerful legs over the little fairy and was looking down at her with a terrible smirk on his face. He seemed to have forgotten the others. He roared and lifted his head back, ready to take her in his jaws.
Then a surprising thing happened. Hermalkin had caught up with Gwodlyn. Just as the tiger was about to bite Peri, Hermalkin swayed forward and sprayed a stream of venom into Gwodlyn’s face. With a hiss of steam, the tiger disappeared.
Hermalkin nudged Peri to her feet. “Hurry and join your friends,” he said. “Tell them to waste no time. The Reptors could be all over the place at any moment.”
“But what about you?” asked Peri. “What will the Wizard do to you when he finds out you helped us?”
“Don’t worry about me,’ smiled Hermalkin. “I have a story to tell the Wizard. Now, hurry.”
Peri flew to Matilda’s shoulder. They paused to wave to Hermalkin, and Matilda blew him a kiss. Bolgobin grabbed her by the arm and they raced towards the wharf.
A few minutes later the Wizard arrived, puffing and panting. “Where are they?” he demanded.
“I’m afraid we’ve los-s-st them,” answered Hermalkin. “But I found your s-s-spy.”
“What?” said the Wizard, shaking his head. “Who is it?”
“Gwodlyn,” answered Hermalkin. “I never would have s-s-sus-s-spected it but, just as-s-s we were about to catch the traitors-s-s, he took them onto his-s-s back and ran off with them. They’re well gone by now.”
“I can’t believe it,” said the Wizard in a shocked voice. “Gwodlyn? Are you sure?”
“I can only tell you what happened, S-S-Sire,” said Hermalkin. “He helped them es-s-scape and they sh-sh-showed no fear of him. He has-s-s always-s-s been a bit too quiet, I thought.”
“Yes, now you come to mention it. He was never one to offer much advice. Thank goodness I have you, my loyal pet,” said the Wizard. “But this changes everything. Now they have the wand we’ll have to move our plan ahead. Come, we must get back to the cave immediately. There isn’t a second to waste.”
Chapter 26
A Boat Ride To Bivia
Matilda had never been happier than when she saw the wharf at the end of their race through the city. Now she had another problem. There were several boats moored to the wharf. Which one was theirs? That was when she heard a loud whistle and saw a sleek speedboat flashing its lights. They rushed over to it and were absolutely flabbergasted when it spoke to them in a mechanical voice.
“I am expecting two humans and a fairy. My sensors tell me that you fit that description. Please come aboard. I have been programmed to take you to Bivia. Make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the ride.”
As soon as they were on board, powerful engines roared into life and the speedboat took off with a jerk that threw them all back into their seats.
“One word of warning. I am solar-powered so please do not touch the panels at the rear of the boat.” Bolgobin quickly lifted his hand away.
They sped out of the harbour and into the open sea. Matilda noted that there was no steering wheel in the boat and it seemed to have a mind of its own. As soon as the boat steadied itself, with its nose in the air and a rooster-tail shooting out the back, Matilda looked at the box again.
“How can we get this open?” she asked.
Bolgobin said, “Give it to me.” Tak
ing a safety pin from a tear in his robe, he twisted it around in the keyhole and Presto! the box opened to reveal Peri’s wand.
“Another hidden talent,” said Matilda.
“Can Peri use it now?” asked Bolgobin.
Peri took the wand out of the box and inspected it. She waved it in the air. “I'm afraid nor, for the moment anyway. It looks like the Wizard has been playing with it even though it can't work for him, and he's used up most of its power. We'll just have to wait until it recharges.” She handed the wand to Matilda.
“Will you hold onto this until we get to the island, please Matilda?”
“It would be a pleasure,” replied Matilda.
As the little boat sped on its way, Matilda moved to the front of the boat. She held onto the windscreen with one hand and felt the wind blowing through her hair. The other hand hand grasped the treasured wand.
Bolgobin stayed in his seat, gradually turning a shade of green. “I’ve never been to sea before,” he groaned. “But I’ve heard about sea-sickness.” He put his head between his knees.
The trip to Bivia took an hour and a half. By the time the island came into sight, the sun was creeping over the horizon. Matilda saw hundreds of lights from the main city and, as they drew closer, she made out thousands of people crowded along the shoreline. The boat sped towards a wharf.
Matilda could hardly believe her eyes as they pulled up beside the jetty. There, with a broad smile on his face, was Thor. When they climbed onto land he wrapped his huge wings around them and lowered his head to nuzzle each of them with his cheek. Bolgobin was still holding his upset stomach but his face was regaining its natural colour.
“It’s wonderful to see you again,” said the giant eagle.
“And we’re happy to see you looking so well. What happened to your wounds?” said Matilda as she saw no bandages on the big bird.
“I have a very good doctor,” said Thor. “Come and meet her.” He led them through the cheering crowd to a stage that had been set up above the dock. The Witch of Bivia sat on a throne but, as they approached, she stood and walked down to them.
“You have no idea what a pleasure it is to see you here safely,” she said. “Welcome to Bivia. Will you walk with me?”
She set off towards the city, walking among her citizens who cheered as they passed. Matilda, Peri and Bolgobin followed behind.
“I have had a message from Hermalkin,” she informed them as they strolled along. “The Wizard has advanced his plan for war. We should expect an attack in two days. If I were on my own I would surrender now but, with you here and Peri’s wand, we may be able to turn the tables on him. It still won’t be easy, but we have a chance.”
“At least we have some time to develop a plan,” commented Matilda.
“Yes,” agreed the Witch as they reached a simple house. “Here we are at my residence. I like to live amongst the people.”
“What a change from the Wizard,” thought Matilda. She was already admiring this humble woman. Her feeling was strengthened when she asked the witch what they should call her.
“Why, by my name of course,” she replied. “Clementine.” They entered the house.
When they were seated in an ordinary lounge room, the witch addressed them. “I suppose you have many questions that you would like answered. I want you to understand exactly what you are supporting.”
“We know that the Wizard is after your supply of Zithium,” began Matilda, “but why do you still have so much of it?”
“I have been told that you were shown the dreadful pollution caused by the used-up Zithium when Thor flew you over the island. We have chosen not to use the poisonous fuel so that our beautiful environment is protected. If you look at the houses as you walk around our city you will notice that they all have solar panels on them. Our factories are the same. We use nature as the source of our power. We also have wind farms all around the top of our volcano. So our supply of Zithium remains untouched.”
“That sounds marvellous,” enthused Matilda, “but why did you choose to use natural power?”
“To understand that you must first appreciate why our island is called ‘Bivia’. It means ‘Two Ways’. A wise old man of Bivia once said, ‘Everything is two. We have two hands, the right for caressing, the left for striking; two eyes, one for recognising beauty, the other to view the ugly; two ears to hear exquisite music or wicked gossip; and two legs to choose at the fork in the road, following the right leg to pursue good, the left on the path to evil. Everything is a choice between two’. This is our belief. We have chosen the good path. I don’t have to tell you which path the Wizard chose.”
“That’s fantastic,” said Matilda, mesmerised by this wonderful lady. “Why don’t you explain it to the Wizard and try to change his mind?”
“I already have, many times,” said Clementine with a sigh. “I’m afraid that his mind is closed. He is determined to go to war. Most bad leaders who go to war do so for one of two reasons – a clash of beliefs or greed. And sometimes they use the first as an excuse for the second. That is the case with the Wizard. He has convinced his people that I am a threat to them when he really only wants what I have. They say ‘Truth is the first casualty of war’ and that is very true. You have to convince your followers to hate the enemy – make them less than human. Lies and deceit are used with abandon and the Wizard is very good at that.”
Matilda, Peri and Bolgobin sat very still, taking in everything that Clementine had said. Each was determined that they would do whatever they could to help this wonderful lady.
“Enough serious talk,” said Clementine, standing up. “You must be very hungry after your long journey. My cook has prepared a delicious breakfast for us.”
“I really don’t think my stomach is ready for food,” moaned Bolgobin.
“Well, that’s a first,” said Matilda, laughing. “I’ll eat your share,” she offered
They followed Clementine down a hallway to the dining room. Seated on a cushion near the table was a Meerkat while, hanging from the chandelier, was a bat. “My Familiars,” said the Witch. “The bat is called Fiddles and the Meerkat is Christopher. I try to keep everything simple.”
A short plump lady wearing a chef’s cap bustled into the room with a large tray heaped with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes and toast. She was followed by a young girl carrying a jug of orange juice.
Seeing the food and, more importantly, smelling it, Bolgobin said, “I might be able to try some food after all.” Everybody smothered a giggle.
“That’s what I like to hear,” said the chef.
There was a soft buzzing sound. Clementine excused herself and walked towards the rear of the house. When she returned she looked tense.
“That was a message from Hermalkin,” she informed them. “The Wizard has made his first move. He has put a spell shield right around Laboria. That means we won’t be able to use your wand, Peri, until he comes out into the open. And Hermalkin says that the attack should come the day after tomorrow, led by the Reptors.”
Chapter 27
The Wizard Prepares For War
In his workshop, the Wizard looked up from his spell book and spoke to Hermalkin.
“That’s the first job done. The fairy’s magic has been neutralised. As long as the shield remains they can do nothing. Now I must visit my Reptor Generals to prepare our troops for the attack on Bivia. You stay here, my trusted one, in case there are any developments.”
“Very well, S-S-Sire,” replied the cobra.
As soon as the Wizard had left the cave, Hermalkin slithered up to his bedroom. In the centre of the room was a large, golden basket containing fluffy cushions. This was his bed. He went over to it, nudged the cushions aside, and looked down at a small crystal ball. He stared at it with his bright emerald eyes and muttered the magic words, “Simbal, Contram, Benedas”. The crystal ball glowed and, as soon as it showed Clementine in her workshop, he reported the Wizard’s plan to her.
Meanwhil
e the Wizard had been driven by a Reptor to another cave several kilometres along the coastline from the city. Nobody except the Wizard knew of its existence. It had been excavated into the cliff and could only be entered from the sea.
In fact, the cave contained a city beneath the island. Over the years the Wizard had built up a fleet of over two hundred longboats and, late at night in his workshop, he had used his magic to create a thousand Reptors to man the fleet. They lived in the cave, and nobody knew they were there.
The Wizard climbed down to the shoreline, where a small boat was waiting. It took him around a rock stack that hid the entrance, and into the cave itself. The Wizard could not help marvelling at the beauty of the boats, all lined up against their floating docks, ready to deal the final blow to the Witch’s empire.
The thousand Reptors were on parade, awaiting his arrival. His Generals greeted him warmly as he stepped out of the boat and onto a stage that had been set up in front of the troops. He smiled as he addressed them.
“My loyal soldiers, the time has arrived. You have the future of Laboria and its people in your hands. Your bravery in this battle will be spoken about for generations. I ask you to remember this as you face the enemy. The evil empire of Bivia and its wicked witch must be destroyed. Your Generals will tell you exactly what you have to do for success. Listen to them carefully and give of your best. I wish you a speedy victory.”
The Reptors cheered, raising their spears and bows in salute. The Wizard motioned to the Generals and they moved to a nearby room where a map of the islands had been pinned to a table. The Generals stood around the table as the Wizard explained his plan.
“I have put up a spell shield right around Laboria,” he said, drawing a line around the island. “This will prevent the fairy from using her magic wand against us in the early stages. However, she still poses a real problem for us – and that is where your task is so important. I will allow your fleet to pass through the spell shield and provide cover for you. They won’t know that you are coming until the last moment. Now, here is the most important part. You must engage the fairy with your troops so that she has to use her wand to hold you back. Her wand only has a certain reserve of power. You have to force her to use it up.”