The hallway was all glass but it was dull and didn’t reflect anything. It was like walking in an ice house. At the end of the hallway they entered a huge foyer shaped like the inside of a cave. It was stunning in its beauty. Giant crystal chandeliers hung high above their heads. Coloured jewels were scattered across the ceiling. The walls were clear glass and were filled with a multitude of tropical fish and exquisite coral so that Matilda felt that she was beneath the ocean. White lounges and small tables were scattered around and, in the centre of the room, there was a large glass globe standing on a golden pedestal. Inside, resting on a velvet cushion, was what looked like a lump of amber about the size of a tennis ball. It was a rich ruby-red colour and seemed to produce its own light. There were guards standing motionless around it. Obviously it was something very valuable.
Their guard walked straight through the foyer as Matilda tried to keep up, turning her head to take in the sights. At the opposite end there was another series of stairs that led through an archway, all glass. More of the half-human, half-crocodile guards were lined along the walls.
At last they reached two large silver doors. The guard reached out and swung them open. He led Matilda and Peri into a chamber that was pure white. Thick white carpet covered the floor, white walls towered above them and, at the end, sitting on a white throne was a Wizard dressed in white robes and holding a white rod. Positioned beside him was a great white tiger on one side and an enormous white cobra, with its hood expanded, on the other side. The whiteness of everything made Matilda’s eyes ache. As they approached the throne the Wizard stood and held out his arms.
“Welcome, welcome, welcome, my little friends. Welcome to Laboria, Empire of the Supreme Wizard,” he said in a booming voice. “That’s me,” he whispered with a smile.
Chapter 7
The Wizard’s Familiars
The Wizard dismissed the guard with a wave of his hand.
“We have been looking forward to meeting you at last,” he said.
“You knew we were coming? How?” asked Matilda.
“The Supreme Wizard knows everything,” replied the Wizard as if he were talking about somebody else. He continued. “I trust that your flight here was comfortable. We are extremely proud of our Aquila Airline.”
Matilda was becoming confused. “Aquila Airline? What’s that?” she enquired.
“The giant white eagle that carried you here,” explained the Wizard. “We have several of them. They look after our air travel when it is required.”
“I don’t think ‘comfortable’ is the best word to describe it . . . ,” Matilda paused and, thinking of her manners, asked, “What may I call you?”
“Oh, ‘Sire’ will do,” the Wizard answered with a smile.
“Well, Sire, I think ‘surprising’ is a better word to describe our flight,” said Matilda. “Very surprising.”
“And I believe you lost something during the flight,” said the Wizard.
“Er, yes,” said Matilda, amazed again by the Wizard’s knowledge. “My friend Peri dropped her magic wand into a forest.”
“Tut-tut,” muttered the Wizard. “How unfortunate. But you mustn’t worry. I’ll send a party of guards out immediately to find the wand and return it to you.”
“Thank you, Sire,” said Matilda. “It’s very valuable.” Just then she noticed the cobra swaying backwards and forwards, its piercing green eyes fixed on Peri.
“Are those your pets?” asked Matilda, nodding at the animals.
“Oh, dear,” said the Wizard in a surprised voice, “how rude of me not to introduce my animals. No, they are not my pets. They are called ‘Familiars’. Every Wizard or Witch has them to help with their magic.” The Wizard indicated with his hands. “My tiger is called Gwodlyn. And my cobra is Hermalkin.” The tiger gave a huge yawn and the cobra hissed. “They are as valuable to me as your little fairy’s wand is to her. Say hello to our visitors my dears.”
“Pleas-s-sed to s-s-see you,” said Hermalkin the cobra, swaying its hooded head.
“Happy to meet you,” growled the tiger.
Matilda nodded to them politely. “And your guards,” she ventured. “What are they?”
“Ah, my Reptors. My own creation. Interesting aren’t they? Half human, half crocodile. But they are simply for show. We have nothing to fear in Laboria except for . . . but that’s another matter. No, everybody in Laboria is happy and contented. As our name suggests, we believe in hard work and production and we have wonderful lives as a result. I’m sure you’ll see this during your stay with us. Now that’s enough information for the moment. I have arranged for a guide to show you around my cave and, later, our island.”
He clicked his fingers and a short, tubby man with a bald head trotted into the chamber. He had a bright red face and wore a white robe that trailed out behind him. He bowed and looked up at the Wizard.
“At your service, Sire,” he said in a squeaky voice.
“This is Bolgobin,” the Wizard said to Matilda. “He shall be your guide while you are with us and he’ll show you to your quarters after a tour of the cave. We want you to have a wonderful time in Laboria so don’t hesitate to ask for anything you desire. We have it all.” With that the Wizard disappeared behind the throne, followed by the tiger and cobra.
Chapter 8
The Wizard’s Cave
“Well,” squeaked Bolgobin, rubbing his tiny hands together, “Isn’t this exciting. Where shall we begin?”
Matilda and Peri looked at each other and raised their eyebrows. Bolgobin was an odd little man.
“Er, you just lead the way,” said Matilda. “We’ll ask questions as we go.”
“Yes, yes,” agreed Bolgobin. “Let’s walk this way.” With that he turned and, tripping over the hem of his robe, fell flat on his face on the carpet. Matilda quickly turned and fell to the ground as well. Peri dropped off her shoulder and rolled onto the carpet.
“You did say walk this way,” said Matilda from the floor and they all began laughing. Bolgobin had the funniest laugh she had ever heard. It was like a donkey braying. Matilda and Peri started giggling all over again. They were beginning to like Bolgobin.
“I’m a bit clumsy, I’m afraid,” he laughed as he stood and smoothed out his clothes. “I don’t know why the Wizard bothers with me. Really I don’t.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Anyway,” he continued with a smile, “We’d better move on – carefully.”
With Peri restored on her shoulder, Matilda followed Bolgobin out through the silver doors.
“We’ll visit the foyer first,” said Bolgobin, lifting the hem of his robe as he hopped down the stairs.
As soon as they entered the foyer, several Reptor guards rushed to surround the pedestal holding the ruby red ball. “They know my reputation,” said Bolgobin with an embarrassed smile.
“What is that red stuff?” asked Matilda.
“Zithium,” Bolgobin informed them. “Without it our civilisation would not exist. It powers everything in Laboria. A small piece of it, the size of a plum, will drive an engine for several months. It is extremely valuable, which is why the Reptors are so nervous when I’m around. If it dropped to the ground it would shatter into a million worthless pieces.”
“Where does it come from?” asked Matilda.
“From the two small islands to the north of us,” explained Bolgobin. “The Zithium mines are there. Unfortunately, supplies are getting low so we have to be careful with what we have. Now we’ll let the Reptors relax and move on to the Inner Cave and the Master’s workshop.”
They walked into the entrance hall and Bolgobin paused near the glass wall. He raised his arms and slapped the wall with both hands. A door appeared and they walked through. To the amazement of Matilda and Peri there were hallways leading off in all directions.
“It’s a maze,” said Bolgobin. “Only those with permission to enter the workshop know the correct path. Others who enter will perish. But don’t worry,” he grinned, “I have per
mission.” And he proceeded down one of the hallways.
They seemed to twist and turn every way through the maze until they arrived at a golden door. Bolgobin pressed the palm of his hand against a glass panel and the door swung open. Matilda was fascinated by what she saw. A large crystal ball sat on a stand in the middle of the room and a cauldron hung on a chain over a fireplace to the side. A huge silver-covered book was on a lectern near the cauldron and a large toad looked out at them from its cage on a table. Next to the toad were a number of sticks. The walls were covered in shelves containing thousands of bottles.
“The crystal ball is used to see the past, present and future,” explained Bolgobin, pointing to each item as he went. “The bottles on the shelves contain all of the ingredients needed for spells. The cauldron is used to mix the ingredients over a hot fire. The toad is used in spells dealing with Nature and those sticks are the Master’s magical wands. Each has a special power. And, finally, the silver book is his Book of Spells. It contains all of the knowledge he has gathered over many years. Of course I’m not allowed to touch anything – just in case . . .”
Matilda walked over to look at the Book of Spells – and quickly jumped back. In the centre of the cover there was an eye, and it was looking at her.
“Oh, don’t worry about that,” said Bolgobin. “That’s just the Master’s security. The eye checks out who is trying to open the book and sets off an alarm if it’s somebody without permission. Then the Reptors move in. As long as you don’t try to open it, there’s nothing to worry about. Now, we’d better move on.”
The tiny group retraced its steps to the entrance hall.
“Next I’ll show you to your room,” Bolgobin informed them, “and tomorrow I’ll take you on a tour of our beautiful city.” He walked a little farther down the hall and slapped his hands on the wall again. Another door opened and they moved inside.
“No need for a maze here,” said Bolgobin. “We don’t want anybody getting lost on their way to bed.” He laughed his donkey laugh and Matilda smiled.
At the end of this hall they walked into a circular room with numbered doors all around its walls. “You’ll both be in Room 13. I hope you’re not superstitious.” And he laughed again as he opened the door for them.
The room was luxurious. It had an enormous bed with plump pillows scattered over it. There was a large television screen on the wall and the bathroom was nearly as big as the bedroom. A little fridge contained soft drinks and chocolates. “WOW!” said Matilda and Peri together.
“They’re just for snacks,” Bolgobin informed them. “If you go to the door marked ‘LIFT’ at 6pm, it will take you down to the main dining room where dinner is served. And if you need anything else at all you can call me any time just by pressing the red button beside your bed.. Well, I’ll let you freshen up now and see you again at dinner.”
With a wave, Bolgobin turned to leave the room – and walked straight into the door. He fell backwards onto the floor. Matilda rushed over to him.
“Are you all right?” she asked in a worried voice as she helped him to stand up.
“Yes, yes. I’m okay thank you,” replied Bolgobin sheepishly. “I was certain I’d left the door open.” With that he left the room, rubbing his nose. Matilda and Peri were alone at last – or so they thought.
Chapter 9
A Question Of Power
In his private chambers the Wizard was relaxing in a lounge chair with his two Familiars beside him. They were watching a large television screen on the wall that showed the bedroom with Matilda and Peri. They had just seen Bolgobin bump into the door.
“That clumsy fool,” snarled the Wizard. “I don’t know why I bother with him.”
“Be patient mas-s-ster,” hissed the cobra. “They s-s-seem to be fond of him. He may be
us-s-seful later on.”
“Wise as usual, my friend,” said the Wizard, stroking the snake’s hood.
They watched as Matilda bounced up and down on the bed, observed by Peri from the bedside table. Then Matilda went to the fridge and took out a chocolate bar. She broke off a small piece and handed it to the little fairy.
“Well, everybody seems friendly enough,” said Matilda. “And the place is very interesting.”
Peri continued to nibble on the piece of chocolate.
“You’ve been very quiet since we got here,” said Matilda. “Is there anything wrong?”
“I’ve just been watching,” replied the fairy.
“AND….?” ventured Matilda.
“Something doesn’t feel right,” said Peri.
“Like what?” asked Matilda.
“I don’t really know,” said the fairy. “I sense that things are too good. We’ll wait and see.”
The Wizard turned down the sound.
“We’ll have to do something about that fairy,” he snarled.
“Thank goodness sh-sh-she can’t dis-s-s-appear without her wand,” hissed the cobra. “Imagine how it would be if we couldn’t s-s-see where sh-sh-she was-s-s.”
“We were fortunate that Aquila was able to force her to drop her magic wand,” rumbled Gwodlyn the tiger. “With it she would be more powerful than the three of us combined.”
“Yes, things have gone quite well so far. That meddling Maximilian is under control now that his messengers have lost their power and we should be able to proceed with our plan without interference.” They all smiled as the Wizard turned off the television. “Let’s get ready to meet them for dinner.”
Chapter 10
Dinner With The Wizard
“I wish I’d brought some extra clothes,” said Matilda. “I feel really grubby in these old jeans.”
“You look fine,” said Peri. “It’s not as if we’re going to dine with a king.”
“I suppose you’re right,” smiled Matilda. “A good wash should be enough. Let’s go.”
They went out into the foyer and found the door marked “LIFT”. When the door opened they stepped into a glass cube.
“Where do you wish to go?” asked a soft voice.
“Er, the dining room please,” answered Matilda nervously.
“Very well,” said the voice. “Dining room coming up.”
With a ‘Ding!’ the door opened and they saw a row of tables set up in front of a stage. They were loaded with all kinds of food – hot and cold dishes, pastries, fruit, and all sorts of delicious desserts. The Wizard was seated at a table on the stage with his Familiars and signalled Matilda and Peri to join them. The other tables were occupied by Reptors and the Wizard’s helpers. Bolgobin waved to them as they entered. He had food stains all down the front of his robe.
Matilda made her way to the stage with Peri on her shoulder. The Wizard smiled and showed her a seat beside him.
“And how did you enjoy your tour of the cave this morning?” he asked.
“Excellent, thank you. Bolgobin was very helpful,” replied Matilda.
“Good. He’s one of my favourite servants,” said the Wizard. “We want you to have a wonderful time while you’re with us, and there’s so much more to see.”
“We’re looking forward to our tour of the city tomorrow,” said Matilda.
“Make sure Bolgobin takes you to the Amusement Park,” suggested the Wizard. “It is truly remarkable and you’ll see how happy my citizens are. Now, come along, eat up before the food goes cold.” A servant handed her two plates.
“I don’t need food. That chocolate was enough for me,” said Peri.
“Yes, I’ve heard that Maximilian’s fairies don’t require much food,” the Wizard informed them.
“You know Maximilian?” said Matilda in a surprised voice.
“Oh, yes. We’re old friends,” confessed the Wizard. “A wonderful man – and so kind of him to send the two of you to visit me. But of course I haven’t had the chance to meet any of his fairies. You’re the first one,” he addressed Peri. “I hope you’re pleased with what you’ve seen.”
“I haven
’t seen enough to form an opinion,” replied the fairy, as honest and straightforward as ever.
“M-m-m,” muttered the Wizard. “Well I’m sure you’ll soon be impressed.”
Matilda noticed that the cobra was staring at Peri with its piercing green eyes.
Nothing more was said until the meal was finished. Matilda was full. “I’m exhausted,” she said. “If you’ll excuse me, Sire, I think I’ll have an early night so I’ll be fit for tomorrow.”
“Certainly.” answered the Wizard. “I hope you both sleep well.”
Matilda walked down to Bolgobin who looked like a take-away meal with the mess he’d made of his clothes. “What time do we start in the morning?” she asked him.
“Nine o’clock, straight after breakfast, if that suits you,” suggested the little man.
“That sounds great,” said Matilda enthusiastically. “We’ll see you then.” And she headed back to the lift.
When the Wizard returned to his chamber he had a pleasant surprise. As soon as he entered the room, a buzzer sounded and one of the television screens lit up to show a Reptor.
“Good news, Sire,” he said. “We've found the fairy’s wand.”
“Wonderful!” shouted the Wizard. “Bring it to me immediately.”
Chapter 11
Saving Bolgobin’s Skin
Matilda was so excited about seeing the city that she didn’t bother going down to the dining room for breakfast the next morning. She simply jumped out of bed and raided the fridge for a chocolate bar and a soft drink. She thought about what her mother would have said if she knew.
“Well,” she justified to herself as she munched on the chocolate and took a swig of cola, “when you’re in a new place you have to do things differently.”
The next surprise came when she noticed that the wardrobe door was ajar. Somebody must have made a visit to the room while she were at dinner last night for there, arranged neatly on the rack, were new jeans, dresses and tops. Underneath were several pairs of new sneakers. There was even fresh underwear on the shelves. When Matilda looked at them she saw that they were all her size.
“Whoopee!” she exclaimed. “This is getting better all the time.”