Heart of the Staff - Complete Series

by Carol Marrs Phipps

  “Are you sure you couldn't do something, Lukus?” she said with a quick glance about, as if she might be overlooking someone, “You're the only one of us who has any healing abilities at all.”

  “If they're still out when we make camp, of course I'll try, Rose,” he said, his face showing no sign of hope.

  “I think we ought to try now,” said Fuzz.

  “But this doesn't seem like a safe place,” said Rose. “I mean, Demonica and Spitemorta...”

  “Oh, it probably isn't,” said Fuzz, “but, it's at least as safe as any place we've been while we were running, and you don't know how far off their guess about us is. But I'd say you're right. Every minute does count. We really need to find a cave or something that will keep them from spotting us from the sky, then Lukus can see what he can do.”

  “I guess that's as good as anything,” said Lukus, looking at Rose, “but don't count on too much.”

  “I know,” she said, but we do need to see.”

  “Good then,” said Fuzz, as if there was room for optimism. “Some of the branches of the Fairy River arise in this neck of the woods, somewhere. We ought to be seeing rock faces and bluffs before too long. That's where I'd look for a cave.”

  “I know of several small caves right near here,” said Arwr. “Shall I take you?”

  “Absolutely,” said Fuzz.

  Tors looked up suddenly to see three pairs of diatryma eyes studying him keenly at eye level as though they were expecting him to hatch at any moment. “Oh! Yes, yes!” he said, snapping to. “I'm ready. I was just waiting on everyone.”

  Without a word, Arwr, Lladdwr and Ceidwad sped away, pat, pat, patting over the leaves with Tors galloping furiously to keep up. Arwr lead them single file along the beginnings of a creek that was soon flanked with rock outcroppings which before long formed a deep hollow. Without the slightest hesitation to puzzle over landmarks, he took them directly to the foot of a huge sheer faced bluff of slate grey rocks which formed an overhang several rods long. At the back of the overhang a small cave ran in under the rock. In short order they had Razzmorten and Mary laid out on pallets of leaves.

  Lukus knelt by Razzmorten and laid his hand on the old fellow's forehead. He closed his eyes and quickly set about calming himself as he had been taught in order to ready his magical energies to flow into his grandfather. He let these drain away until he began feeling the inevitable exhaustion which signaled where he must stop. He had no choice now but to rest before going any further. He opened his eyes and studied

  Razzmorten for any sign of success. He shook his head in weary dismay as he looked up at the hopeful faces gathered 'round him. “I see no change at all,” he said. “I'll have to eat and rest a bit, before I can try again.” He stood up on wobbly legs and clenched his teeth. “I can find nothing wrong with him at all. I wish I could read his mind. Then he could tell me what's wrong.”

  “I can do that for you,” said Ceidwad, lowering her head to peer into the cave.

  “You diatrymas read minds?” he said, suddenly thinking about what she was saying.

  “Yes.”

  “But why didn't you say so long before now?” he said before realizing that he just might sound as though he were making accusations.

  “It wasn't possible with us fleeing for our lives,” she said solemnly. “Mind to mind contact with one who is unconscious is delicate business. It takes time and it's always best to see if the unconscious one will come around on his own.”

  “Why? said Lukus. “Is it dangerous?”

  “Not done right, no.”

  “So you have a certain expertise?” he said, glancing at Rose.

  “I'd not attempt such a thing without being confident. Of course, I'll only proceed if you wish.”

  Lukus looked at Rose.

  She turned aside to Fuzz and Myrtlbell who each nodded encouragingly.

  “Please do, Ceidwad,” said Lukus. “We'll never know unless you do.”

  “Then please carry him to the mouth of the cave,” she said, “we never go inside.”

  As soon as they got him moved, she slowly settled onto her keel, fluffed her feathers and gently laid her huge ebony beak across his forehead. After shifting her head a little, this way and that, she blinked a couple of times and then closed her eyes.

  Hubba Hubba leant so far forward on Rose's shoulder while watching that he tumbled off and landed on the cave floor with a feathery plop. Pebbles flew down beside him as he picked himself up and gave a shake of his feathers. Taflu snickered, but sobered at once at a look from Fuzz.

  “Do all diatrymas read minds, Lladdwr?” whispered Rose.

  “Generally only the hens amongst us,” he said softly. “They listen in on the dreams of our eggs and thereafter they keep track of the chicks in dead silence in the face of danger and while they forage.”

  “Then her mind reading won't heal?”

  “I'm afraid it doesn't, at least nothing beyond the reassurance it gives. But Ceidwad will be able to tell you what ails them and find out what needs to be done.”

  At last, Ceidwad stood up and turned to face everyone, singling out Rose and Lukus. “Your grandfather will survive and will indeed wake up in due time,” she said, “but I've no idea at all how long that will be. Those bolts from the sorceresses were much like lightening. If one is struck by lightening, he either dies right then and there or he's left in a coma for who knows how long. Could be just a few hours; could be days. They got big jolts. Your Grandfather believes that they are both very lucky to have survived. They should be dead. In fact, he wonders if Demonica and Spitemorta deliberately let them live for some reason. So there's no damage, but I'd allow that he'll be asleep for some time to come.”

  “Oh thank you!” said Rose, as she hugged Ceidwad, muffling a sob in her fluffy neck feathers “You've spared us so much worry.”

  Ceidwad rattled her beak through Rose's hair as Hubba Hubba hopped onto Razzmorten's chest and walked up his beard to point one eye at his face. He stood there for a moment, then trotted back down his beard and flew to Lukus's shoulder. “He doesn't look any different at all, Lukus.”

  “I'm not worried now,” said Lukus as he scratched Hubba Hubba's head. “Two very wise birds have just told us he'll recover, so I know he will.”

  “Righty-o!” he said with a proud flap of his wings and a whistle. He shook his feathers. “Now you're catching on.”

  “Absolutely,” said Lukus.

  ***

  Devi, Oana and Mael found Arwr, Lladdwr and Ceidwad sitting side by side in front of the mouth of the cave in the dwindling light. At once they shot to the treetops.

  “The diatrymas will see us for sure,” said Devi as they hovered, looking down upon the birds.

  “All three are facing out,” said Mael. “We can drop down behind them and go in if we stay close to the rocks.”

  “Yea,” said Devi. “Real close. Their heads come within a couple of feet of touching the overhang. Someone needs to watch for Demonica and Spitemorta. You two go into the rocks up here and wait. I'll drop down and see what Myrtlebell has in her head about the Heart.”

  The moment they took their places in the rock face, Devi dropped down behind the diatrymas and ducked into the cave, next to the ceiling. “The dragon in here sure makes it a tight fit,” he thought. “Dang that bat, hanging up here! He'll notice me for sure.”

  Everyone lay on the floor talking as they shifted around trying to get comfortable enough to go to sleep. Tors was already snoring soundly.

  Devi seeped into the surface of the ceiling directly over Razzmorten, studying him. “He must have it. I've got to check.” He dropped from the ceiling and sank through Razzmorten's robe. “Splendid,” he thought as he shot back to the ceiling. “He has. And he's still out cold.”

  He would never get a better chance to take the Heart than he had this very moment. He could slip right into the head of the most powerful wizard of the age and take control without a fight. The Heart would be his. “W
hen Demonica and Spitemorta get here it will be too late,” he thought, tingling with glee. “I'll fix them easy. I'll even take the Staff. I'll not only have the Heart, but I'll also have Wizard Razzmorten's body and very power at my command to do it.” He hovered for a moment to overcome his disbelief before dropping from the ceiling to right behind Razzmorten's ear.

  He was inside in a trice, grabbing up everything. He opened Razzmorten's faded blue eyes and at once felt withered and utterly drained. This was alarming. Had Demonica injured the old boy so badly that he was dying? Was that why getting in and taking control was so easy? He closed Razzmorten's eyes and looked about for the old man's very being. “Ah!” It gave him terrible start. There it was, watching him all the while with an intent, blue-eyed gaze. “Zounds!” He almost lost control to it. Razzmorten was clever, even if he was in bad shape.

  Razzmorten's being came closer and studied Devi, quite unafraid. “Why, you're a Cia,” he said as though he'd just seen someone in his old school's football shirt.

  Devi jerked back. “How do you know this?” he said.

  “Oh, I've known your people. I was on the council back when they were deciding to put up the Great Barrier.”

  “You helped them build it?” Devi was astonished.

  “Only as an advisor.”

  “Why are you so weak? What's happened to your powers?”

  “You saw what your mistress did. She neutralized my magic. It'll take time to recover from her attack. She's a very strong sorceress.”

  “But, you're stronger,” said Devi. “Or were.” “Maybe,” said Razzmorten, “but, as you can see, I'm not right now. When Demonica and Spitemorta come, they'll finish me.”

  “You've the Heart, old man. They're still no match for that. You'll see,” he said, and he refused to acknowledge Razzmorten any further. One slip and the old man would have him. He decided to have another go at opening his eyes.

  “Grandfather! You're awake!” cried Rose, coming over on her knees at once and hugging him. “We didn't expect you to wake up for days or even weeks.”

  “It appears, my dear, that I'm tougher than anyone thought,” he said with a feeble smile as he tried to sit up.

  Rose and Lukus smiled grandly, helping him sit.

  “Help me stand.”

  They patiently helped him to his feet, where he tottered, but finally managed to stand by himself.

  “Hey Wiz, you got nothin' to worry about,” said Hubba Hubba as he inspected Razzmorten from Lukus's shoulder. “We'll nurse you back to health. We'll have you fit as me 'fore ye know it.”

  Razzmorten hesitated, taken aback. “Well, that will be fine, then, I should think,” he said with a chuckle quite unlike his usual one.

  “Righty-o,” said Hubba Hubba. “It's an opportunity for me, since I figure I owe you for quite a few favors, don't ye know.”

  “Right,” said Razzmorten, obviously befuddled and just a bit irritated.

  Hubba Hubba looked at Razzmorten with surprise, but reckoned that he was just not himself.

  Razzmorten tottered over to the mouth of the cave to stare out at the sky before turning back to face everyone. “I assume you all have come up with a plan to retaliate against Demonica and Spitemorta while I've been out,” he said as a flicker of maniacal anticipation lit his eyes. “I still need to recuperate, but I want to assure you all that I'll be doing my part when the time comes.”

  “What are you talking about, Grandfather?” said Rose, looking astonished. “You said yourself that an encounter with Spitemorta and Demonica and the Staff was much too dangerous to consider. Have you forgotten?”

  “Forgotten?” said Razzmorten, making shifty eyed glances at no one in particular. “By no means. Certainly not, dear girl. But...that was before they surprised us. If they get away with it, she'll consider us weak. Easy prey, don't you know. They've left us with no choice but to retaliate.”

  Rose showed a horrified look to Fuzz, who bore a keenly serious look of his own.

  “Razzmorten,” said Fuzz, “since you've just come around, you must not be aware that Mary is still quite unconscious. She's not stirred in the least. You surely see at once how that puts us at a perilous disadvantage. We haven't a prayer if we fight Spitemorta, who has the Staff, and Demonica without Mary's help. I'm sure you'd be the first to agree that our recent encounter with them has amply proven that.”

  Razzmorten wagged his finger and shook his head. “We've a secret weapon, my friend,” he said, as his eyes took on a malevolent glint.

  “Secret weapon?” said Fuzz, who now had a bad feeling in his stomach to go with his astonishment. “And what might that be, if I may ask?”

  “Razzmorten fumbled within his robe. “This, my good man. This!” he said with maniacal passion as he produced the Heart of the Staff and held it up reverently.

  “Grandfather,” said Lukus. “That only works with the Great Staff...”

  “No!” thundered Razzmorten, as he thrust a wild eyed look at Lukus. “That's where you're all wrong, boy. The Heart needs no Great Staff nor any other aid. It's the most powerful artifact in existence today, and when Demonica and her vile granddaughter show up, I'll show you.”

  He tottered and gave an urgent look at Rose. She was at his side immediately as Lukus took his other arm. They helped him to his pallet of leaves at once.

  “I guess I do need more rest.”

  “You certainly do Grandfather,” said Rose. “You're not at all yourself. Try to get some sleep while Myrtlebell and I find something to eat.”

  Razzmorten gave a weary nod.

  Rose patted his arm and stood with a sigh of relief. She caught Fuzz's eye across the cave and went to join him, as he talked quietly with Myrtlebell and the diatrymas.

  “Don't worry, Grandfather,” said Lukus as he got to his feet, “we'll get through this just fine.”

  “You will let me know if Demonica and Spitemorta show up, won't you, my boy?” said Razzmorten with a fanatical look as he grabbed Lukus by the arm.

  “You can count on it, Grandfather,” said Lukus, as he coolly removed Razzmorten's hand. “Now, get some rest. You'll want all your strength if they do find us.”

  Razzmorten was asleep at once.

  Lukus joined the others bearing a sober look. “I think that blast of sorceress fire cooked his head. He's like some entirely different person.”

  Rose nodded, but before she could say anything Myrtlebell spoke up.

  “Does it seem odd to any of you that Mary's not awake?” said Myrtlebell. “She's not stirred at all.”

  “Actually, I was starting to wonder,” said Fuzz. “Ceidwad, perhaps if you read her mind as you did Razzmorten's, we'd get a better idea of what is going on.”

  “Yea,” said Lukus. “Maybe Grandfather is acting weird because he came to before he'd recovered. If that's so, then all we have to do is use a few of the herbs he taught me about to keep him sleeping for awhile.”

  “That's a thought, Lukus,” said Rose.

  “I'd be happy to read Mary's mind, in fact I was about to suggest it,” said Ceidwad. “However, if the most pressing question is about Razzmorten, why don't I read his mind again, first? He made perfect sense to me when I read him before, but when he was on his feet I also found his behavior strange.”

  Everyone emphatically agreed with this idea. Rose, Lukus and Fuzz set about at once, carefully moving Razzmorten back to the mouth of the cave and again

  Ceidwad gently laid her beak across his forehead and closed her eyes. In short order her eyes came open and she raised her head, swallowed a couple of times as she stared off into the distance and then once more laid her beak across his head and closed her eyes. After a longer spell, she raised her head again. “I've not seen this before,” she said after a very long and thoughtful pause. “I got nothing. Not a thing. I suggest you try waking him to make sure nothing has happened to him.”

  “Grandfather,” said Rose. “Are you all right? I know you need your sleep, but could you wake up
and let us know that you are all right?”

  “Yea?” he woofed as he switched from snoring. “Maybe I'd be all right if you'd get out of my face and let me sleep...”

  Everyone drew wide eyed breaths at this.

  “...So please!” he barked, before giving a couple of grunts and closing his eyes.”

  Ceidwad looked thunderstricken. “I've never ever seen anything like this,” she said. “He's not in danger, but he has to be deliberately keeping me out.”

  No one knew what to say.

  “So...shall I go ahead with Mary?” she said as she opened, paused and then closed her feathers. “She may even have some ideas. She's a healer, don't you know. Why don't you bring her out next to Razzmorten?”

  In short order they had Mary laid out before Ceidwad. She rattled her beak along a few strands of her hair, carefully putting them in place before laying her beak gently across her forehead and closing her eyes. There she remained for quite some time. At last she raised her head and gave her feathers a thorough shake. “Mary is well,” she declared before pausing to squeeze shut her eyes. “Excuse me. She is my best friend after Lladdwr, and I was frantic. She is indeed well and sends you all her greetings and her wish to be amongst you all again soon. She's had far less shock than he, due to the obvious fact that she took a less direct bolt of fire.”

  “Did you find out what she makes of his strange behavior?” said Rose.

  “She thought at first that he might have been damaged, but when she found out that he was perfectly reasonable and quite himself when I read his mind, she insisted that he must be fine. She thinks he's in the throes of a part of the trauma which he miraculously managed to not let in at first. His shutting me out may just have been him protecting himself from undue activity. If he keeps up his strange behavior, she thinks

  Lukus should give him a sleeping potion. When she's up and around she'll watch over him. She's a powerful healer.” After quietly seeing how all of this was being taken, she rose and bedded down with Lladdwr and Arwr outside the cave.

  “Well,” said Fuzz. “Here we are at least for the night.”