by Ronald Craig
‘What happened?' Nina asks frustratingly.
Mother continues with the tale.
‘Your Grandpa had to become a Watcher, so Relck could live as a wizard before he was forced to turn. Your Grandpa found a magic way to hide from the Watchers for years. My Mother and Father vanished out to sea to hide. They thought this the best for us, a sacrifice for the family who always comes first. The same burden became Relck's choice. He had to choose to become a Watcher to protect you. We had no idea what happened to you, at the time. She raises her eyes to Auntie Paulina. ‘The mirror was blocked off after you left, and it had to be unblocked by magic'. Auntie Paulina smiled as if knowing something.
‘That is when Relck decided he could not chance you disappearing and made a deal with the Watchers. Both Relck and your Grandpa are now with the Watchers, and we will only see them for a short time, through our lives.'
Scarlet eyes show Grandma is upset. Nina notices a tear fall from her eye. Grandma gets up from the table and goes into her bedroom. Nina realises what Grandma and Grandpa have sacrificed helping their family. She now understands why Relck decided to become a Watcher, but sadness hides inside Nina ready to burst out.
‘What can we do now to help Relck?'
Mother replied,
‘I'm sorry my dear, nothing. You should speak to your Father. He needs you, and you both have a bond'.
‘Where is he?' Wait I know where he is. She smiles, a witch’s sense, the family calls it. Nina always knows where her father is.
‘Yes, he's at home sat in his spot in the garden under the oak tree, maybe trying to find knowledge, as we know oak trees have the power of knowledge.'
‘I'll go to him and see what I can do to help.'
She reaches into her witch's pouch, takes it aside and brings out the coveted telescope. Leaving Grandma's care to Mother. Placing the eyepiece to her eye, she turns the lens and whispers.
‘Home.'
Then she is gone. Arriving in the garden, she can see Father sitting under the oak tree. He looks over. A smile fills his face.
‘What have you got there my clever girl?'
‘It's my magic gift from Mr and Mrs Tinkerer. It's called the Telescope of Time, she says, smiling back at Father.'
Nina is quite pleased with her new toy.
‘What are we going to do about Relck?' There is an aching hole in her heart.
‘I've looked through all the books and spells; there's nothing on the Watchers in any of them. It's as if they don't exist. But there is a story of the witch’s eye. A gem black as black can be, and whoever possesses this magic item can see whomever they want to and speak to them as if they were in the same room. The story does say that there are limits to its powers but doesn't emphasise what.'
‘I'll speak to Grandma, she might know. After all, she was a pirate.' She's just letting her father know father she's aware.
‘Oh, you know about that, eh!' He laughs as if it's not strange that Grandma was once a pirate.
‘Be careful my dear, I'm with you,' he says, with a reassuring nod and a big hug.
Reaching for the telescope, she places the back-eyepiece to her eye and turns the front lens whispering.
‘Grandma's.' Then she's gone.
Arriving at Auntie Paulina's the living room is empty. Looking down the hall, she thinks Grandma is maybe still upset. She might be in her room. Nina walks to her bedroom. There is no noise. Knocking on the door, she hears a voice. ‘Come in my dear.'
Nina's not happy about being called dear. Edging the door open, Grandma is still upset. Nina can see this just from her posture and low head, not to mention her red eyes.
Walking over, Nina sits on the bed with Grandma.
‘Do you need anything?' Grandma smiles.
‘You are the only person who is thoughtful and straight,' she said with a smile.
‘What do you mean?'
‘Everyone tries to make me feel valued, all by good intentions; but not seeing what it is in front of them. Ruby-May is upset. Trying to say I feel like I do because of your Grandpa. Which in part is true, only your Mam's reaction is mixed with sadness and probably feeling helpless, with confused feelings about the situation. But I have lived with this for what seems an age, but it does not prepare you for the loneliness. I feel content we sacrificed our life together for the family, it is the greatest feeling, but the sadness remains inside.'
Nina understands to a point what everyone is feeling, and she has never heard Grandma Call Mother Ruby-May. It seems informal.
‘But you have a strange knack for seeing it for what it is. You must take after me,' Grandma cackles. Nina smiles, happy to have spent this time getting to know Grandma.
‘Here you are.' Grandma hands Nina a book.
‘What is it?'
‘Nasharie visited and told me what you need. She has been looking out for you.'
‘I haven't seen her'?
‘You won't see her my dear; unless she wants you to, or if there's danger around, she will remain hidden.'
‘What's in the book?'
‘A story of the sunken grotto, the cave, me and your Grandpa spent years searching for clues. We found a wooden staff and in it is the witches eye. It is an old piece of twisted wood from a red oak tree.'
‘Red oak trees?'
Nina frowns, confused, not hearing of this tree before.
‘Yes, it is said that they and the wrecked grotto are in the same place. We happened on the wooden shaft by chance. We would sail upon any un-expecting ships, freeze everyone on board with magic, then take half of what they had. We knew the stories of the witch’s eye, and the shaft fits the description, so we took it. I loved being a pirate, the open sea, and being free of the daily tasks. You must get sick of it sometimes Nina?'
Pondering over what she is saying, Nina loves the stories and the excitement of being a pirate. But she is unsure about taking peoples belongings.
‘No, I don't think I could take what's not mine, Grandma. I would love to be a pirate, but I like helping people more. Every morning when I wake I can't wait to see what the day will bring, danger, excitement and making new friends is all I want.'
Grandma smiles.
‘We are so proud of you; I wonder what kind of witch you are going to become.'
‘Are there different kinds, Grandma?'
‘Oh yes, you will meet them on your adventures. They will get to know you, and you will make new friends, especially on All Hallows Eve. You have new friends to meet; you are old enough now.'
‘That is months away!'
‘Yes, but it's something to look forward to, my dear.' She smiles with a cheeky grin.
‘Right let's look at where you need to go. I reckon your new magic gift can take you there. I wonder what you'll find, but in the book, it does say the hull is full of curiosity to the person worthy. Here's a drawing of the ship and island. Just be careful. I don't think this will be straightforward. I recommend it best to get in and out as swiftly as you can. The gem is black, and the size of a hand so should be easy to find. Best be off my dear. Remember, I'm with you, all you have to do is look for me in anything that reflects.'
Getting up from the bed, Grandma hugs and kisses Nina on her head. Nina has the feeling that Grandma wants to experience her freedom again.
Grandma has never indeed shown much affection to her before. And this seems odd to Nina. Giving Nina something in a closed fist, Grandma says, ‘Here use this, the magic item will shine brightly when you're near it, shush,' she winks. It must be a secret magic ring, and Grandma doesn't want anyone to know that this is true.
‘Be safe my dear.'
Nina reaches into her witch's pouch pulling out the telescope. She places her eye to the rear lens and whispers the words, 'the sunken grotto,' and turning the front lens; she leaves. Without help from Toots and Relck, this prompts negative thoughts of what she may find.
Chapter Five
The Sunken Grotto
NINA ARRIVES ON A SMALL isla
nd covered in sand. Curiously only a few red oaks trees stand. Taking in her surroundings, she sees that tree stumps scatter the island leaving it exposed to mother nature’s elements. Someone must have cultivated the power in these trees. Magic folk understand the story that the trees tell, they know of their location. The Red Witch is aware, Nina thinks. Nina walks to the top of the hill and sees the shipwrecked on the other side, half in water and the other half on land. A warm breeze touches her skin and hair, the sky is blue, and not a single cloud is in the air. The sea is calm; oddly there are no sounds of seagulls. Their calling is something Nina associates with the ocean and beach. A turquoise-blue sea reaches as far as the eye can see. Nina falls and stumbles down the sandbanks. Her shoes fill with fine sand with every step. She enjoys the sensation, and she decides to slide down reaching the bottom she stands scrutinising the ship.
There stood before her is the nameless ship. It must be the correct ship otherwise why would she be here? She ponders her task ahead and concludes that it looks easy. 'I'll get in, get the jewel and go back to auntie's house,' she thinks.
The ring is in the pouch. She takes it out and wears it. It's not glamorous. It's silver with a small red stone in the centre. Walking towards the broken hull, she hesitates to look inside. Light from the sun shines through the cracks and brakes of the wooden ship. A shaded corner at the rear hides what looks like shelves. Slowly stepping on the ship, it creaks and groans at the extra weight. Suddenly a bright light comes from the shelf, ‘this must be the jewel,' she thinks. Rushing forward not looking where she's going, she slips and lands with a thud on her back. It hurts. A few moments pass, and she is sitting up. She has fallen into a trap. Her witch's pouch has gone, but her telescope lies on the floor. Quickly picking it up she hides it in her jumper. The ground is frozen, ice and snow cover the walls. Above her, the sun shines lighting up another frozen cave. A fence imprisons her. In despair, she wonders how she will get the jewel, and she sighs. Rubbing her head from the fall, a movement in the corner fixes her eyes. Focusing, it is a man and woman huddled together in this cold prison. Nina chastises herself for being too brave for her own good at times, seeing no fear in the situation. She gets up and walks towards them.
‘Hello,' she said, ‘who are you?'
‘We are Mr and Mrs Foster.'
‘Oh wow,' Nina replies excitedly.
‘I'm Nina, I helped Dillwyn, he's at the order, and he is so sad and misses you so.'
Mr and Mrs Foster look at each other, worried. Mr Foster speaks.
‘I think this is a trap set for you, not us. The Black Cat has asked a lot of questions about magic items and a little witch. I'm guessing; this is you.'
Suddenly the ice crunches behind her. Nina turns to see what has sneaked up. There stands the largest cat she had ever seen. It has eyes bright green, and a scar on his face is showing signs of battle.
‘Don't vex him, he's called Mr Stupple, and if he scratches you, you will turn to ice.'
Nina doesn't feel afraid; maybe the fence will keep him from getting to them. Then walks around the side of him. A small ice goblin stands, holding an icy spear and her witch's pouch.
‘That is mine,' she demands.
With a loud hiss, Mr Stupple retorts.
‘You are brave for a young witch, but never mind, you will see who's in charge here, little girl.' He scoffs.
Mr Foster stands firm.
‘Leave her be; she's only a small child.'
‘You're brave as well; I guess you want to be turned to ice again,' he hisses.
The ugly ice goblin opens the gate, spear pointing towards them. The ice goblin is taller than the under-bed trolls, but a face so twisted it repulses Nina.
Mr Foster grabs Nina as the goblin comes through the gate followed by Mr Stupple. As they crouch on the floor, she huddles into Mr and Mrs Foster for protection. The goblin lifts his spear and points it at Nina as if to cast a spell. Nothing happens.
‘That's strange,' Mr Foster said.
But there on the floor, a message in ice forms in front of them.
‘I'm with you,' Nina reads out.
A look from Nina at the witch's pouch gives away her desire for it back. The goblin smirks as if taunting her to try and take it. Then, reaching into her jumper, she pulls out her telescope. The cat and goblin stand mystified at what is happening.
‘Grab hold of me,' Nina says to her new friends.
They do as she requests, unsure of the outcome. Lifting the telescope to her eye, she whispers.
‘The order.'
The cat and goblin run towards them, teeth and aggression showing intent. With just a few feet away Nina turns the eyepiece, and they are gone. Cat and goblin go tumbling through the thin air.
Nina and friends arrive at the order with a crash; the ice covers the ground where they land, freezing it and the grand mirror. Welcoming her there stands Dillwyn with Toots on his shoulder. Something distracts Nina from greeting her friends. It is Toots; his feathers have deteriorated; the white has taken hold of his beautiful fiery colours.
Dillwyn can't hold his emotions, breaking into joyful tears as his parents embrace him in their arms.
Toots flies to Nina. He spreads his wings and hugs her. Tears fall from his eyes on her shoulder.
Mr and Mrs Foster thank Nina and offer their never-ending support to bear with her anything she suffers.
Nina looks to Toots, picking him up to examine his feathers.
‘What is happening to my best friend?' Nina looks despondent and doesn't know what to do.
‘Have you seen Relck?' She hopes to see her brother again.
‘No. I fear we will not see Relck again, at least not like he used to be, maybe as a Watcher though,' he hoped.
‘Who's helping you with this curse?' She changes the subject abruptly.
‘Everyone has tried to find a way to help me; the confounded owls don't have an answer. Raspy is not taking it well; he is constantly with the inventor. He hasn't rested, and you know how he is when he gets under stress.' Toots smiles as much as an owl can with a beak.
‘I have lost my witch's pouch to the cat and goblin.'
‘You have faced a goblin and escaped, how?' He asks.
‘My gift from Mr and Mrs Tinkerer, the Telescope of Time.'
‘Wow,’ hoots appeared impressed. ‘What are we going to do?'
‘Go to Grandma's. We need help, and it is not working you being here. I can't lose you to this curse. I've lost my brother. I would be alone without you. I will face all danger to save you.'
Toots wraps his wings around Nina, tears falling from his eyes marking Nina's clothes with a red stain. Nina notices the stain.
‘Why are your tears red?' She looks confused.
‘They're not; they turned red when they hit you. What does this mean?'
‘I don't know; we must see Grandma.'
Lifting her telescope from her pocket, Toots is nervous.
‘Does it turn you inside out?'
Nina laughs. ‘You are a funny bird.' Then it's goodbye to her new friends. She lifts the back lens to her eye, pausing to look at Toots.
‘Yes, I'm afraid it does turn you inside out?'
Toots pauses, daunted, beak and eyes wide open. Nina smiles, and whispering turns the front lens.
‘Auntie Paulina's.'
And they are gone, arriving at Auntie Paulina's. Mother sits at the dining room table. She greets them with a hug and a warm smile.
‘How's Dad?' Nina asks.
‘He's working hard to find a way to bring Relck back. But we're unsure whether it's possible after your Grandpa tricked them with spells and wizardry. They won't fall for that again. Grandma's making spells if you want to see her,' said Mother, winking as if to keep the secret.
Noticing the red marks on Nina's top, Mother looks bewildered.
‘What's this,' she asks?' ‘and where's your witch's pouch?'
Nina sits down and explains everything. She tells her mother what's happening a
nd how Relck helped her escape by stopping the goblins magic and just allowing her enough time to use her magic to get out of harm's way.
‘I also met Mr Stupple, the black cat.'
‘Yes, we know him, he's the one that gave the Watcher the scare on his face. I should have guessed him to be involved with this. He must be helping the goblins to try and arise from the other world, after all, that's where he is most familiar with.' He has a story all of his own, but that is for another time, my dear.'
Nina voices her intentions.
‘I will speak to Grandma; you wait here Toots will you.'
‘Good,' Toots chirps, ‘at least the old dear will not try and eat me.'
Nina giggles, raising her eyebrows as she walks to the front door. She heads to the lift and presses the button; when it arrives, a strange feeling comes over her, a sense that someone is there or watching her. Is it the Red Witch or Relck maybe? She reasons it must be the Red Witch because she has an uncomfortable feeling about it. But her Grandma and the Red Witch can't be the same person, can they? She presses the top floor button three times. The lift jolts to its end journey. Stopping at the roof the doors open, the sixth sense that someone is there remains. It's dark out, and a small glow comes from the secret door. Nina walks towards it and knocks three times. Surely Grandma knows that this clue, the rhythmic pounding, is Nina. A creak of grinding metal as the doorknob turns and then the light from within shines bright, Dazzling Nina as she raises her arms to protect her eyes. Without warning a gust of wind rushes overhead. Nina is startled and looks above to see what's attacking her. A loud cackle echoes through the night sky, the moon lights up a silhouette of a witch flying on a broomstick.
Grandma drags Nina in.
‘Come on my dear; there are spells to be made.'
‘But that witch has just tried to attack me.' Nina protests.
Grandma looks at Nina, unimpressed. ‘If you say so dear.'
Nina is angry and taken aback.
‘Don't you believe me, Grandma?'
‘Ah, ignore her she's just showing off.'
