by Burt Candy
Suddenly cheering broke out and Matilda saw a carriage appear with Li Peng standing in it to wave to the people. The old enemy was now a welcome friend and the smile on Li Peng's face said it all. Tiger soldiers ran beside the carriage in their bright orange uniforms. When his carriage reached the palace steps, Li Peng stepped down and proceeded up to Choy Ziang who greeted him warmly. The two emperors waved to the crowd and then, while the others continued to watch the festivities, they went back into the palace. They both carried their treasured Pearl of Wisdom with them.
The merry-making lasted well into the night. Matilda, Peri and Jia went down into the streets to join in. Peri, in particular, created a great deal of interest. People commented on how small and perfect she was and the little fairy lapped up the attention. After all, she didn't get out in public that often.
Finally they headed back to the palace for a special party that had been planned for that evening by the Emperor. They supposed that it was a gathering to recognise the guest of honour, Li Peng.
They were in for a surprise.
Everybody assembled in the Greeting Room where the servants had laid out food and drink. A group of musicians played happy tunes while the guests mingled and talked. All at once a gong sounded and the room went quiet as Choy Ziang and Li Peng entered. Everybody gasped as they saw what they were both wearing. Instead of the traditional colours, blue for the Dragon Province and orange for the Tiger Province, the two men wore silk robes that showed both colours in an appealing mixture. They smiled at the guests and Li Peng held up his hand to hush the whispering that had broken out.
“My friends, Choy Ziang and I have been discussing the future of our provinces. As you can see from our robes, we have agreed to bring the two provinces together again, as it should be.” There was instant applause. “However, both Choy Ziang and I are getting old . . . not too old please,” everybody laughed, “but old enough to need a rest. So, we wish to take this opportunity to announce that we will both be giving up our roles as emperors and handing the future of the two provinces to Choy Ziang's Number One Grand Daughter, Jia, who will become the first Empress of the Pearl Dynasty.”
Everybody turned towards Jia who was standing beside Matilda at the back of the room. As the importance of what Li Peng had said sank in she struggled for breath. Matilda was overjoyed and embraced Jia. Choy Ziang and Li Peng signalled for her to join them.
When Jia was beside them the ex-Dragon Emperor spoke.
“The people of the Dragon and Tiger Provinces will be building a new palace and city across the wall that has divided us. It will be called the City of Peace and will be the home of the new Pearl Empress.”
Everybody cheered.
Choy Ziang and Li Peng next called on Matilda to come forward.
Li Peng declared, “In memory of the extraordinary victory over the Vandals, this day will be celebrated as a public holiday each year and will be officially called 'Matilda Day'.”
Once again the audience burst out with applause as Matilda and Jia hugged each other and were joined by Choy Bo who was bursting with pride.
“To guide our new Empress,” continued Li Peng, “we wish to present her with the Pearls of Wisdom.” Both ex-emperors stepped forward and handed the precious pearls to Jia, who held them aloft, one in each hand and shouted, “To peace and prosperity for all of our people.”
The assembly went mad with delight and, on a signal from Choy Ziang, the musicians began playing a merry tune. People started dancing around the room as the real party began.
Peri leaned over to whisper in Matilda's ear, “Shouldn't that be 'Matilda and Peri Day'?”
Matilda saw the little fairy smiling cheekily. “We'll call it that between ourselves,” she said.
Chapter 37
Goodbye
The next day Empress Jia was able to perform her first official duty. A messenger arrived from the Vandals to say that the terms for Dragar's release would be met. He reported that a large working party would travel to the site of the silk factory as soon as they could be assured that they wouldn't be attacked by the Dragon Defenders again. Jia couldn't help smiling.
When the messenger had departed, soldiers fetched Dragar from the cells below the palace. Jia informed him of the decision by his warriors to support him and stated that he was free to go.
However, before the Vandal leader left, Jia warned him, “Never forget that my father gave you back your life. Now is your chance to repay him, not simply by rebuilding the silk factory, or working with your people to establish your own silk trade, but by showing that your previous behaviour has changed and you can lead an honourable life where your word is your bond.”
“You have my promise that this is the beginning of a friendship that will benefit both our nations,” replied Dragar.
“You will be given a horse and escorted through the mountain pass by Pearl soldiers,” said Jia. “May your journey be a safe one.”
“Thank you Empress, your generosity will be repaid,” said Dragar. He bowed low and backed out of the room.
Watching from the sidelines, Matilda whispered to Peri, “Those Pearls of Wisdom really work.”
Jia looked over at her friends and signalled for them to join her.
“I cannot believe that this is all happening; the defeat of the Vandals, the two Emperors joining forces after decades of hatred and anger, the return of the Yin and Yang to our lives, and finally this,” she threw out both her arms, “me, Empress of a new Dynasty. And I have you two to thank for it all.”
“My dear Jia,” began Matilda, “while we would like to accept the praise for everything that has happened, I'm afraid the one who should be thanked has just left the palace.”
“Dragar?” asked a surprised Jia.
“I'm afraid so,” said Matilda with a smile. “If he hadn't attacked the Dragon Province none of this would have happened and we'd still have two cranky old men making everybody miserable. I have to be honest and say we had no idea how to solve the problem until Dragar's actions forced the two Emperors together.”
“Yes, you're right of course,” agreed Jia with a laugh, “but we really couldn't openly thank somebody who caused so much trouble. We'll just have to do it silently.”
Matilda looked fondly at her new friend. “Now that everything here is in order it's time for us to leave. We have to report back to Maximilian and trust that the Vandals live up to their promise.”
“But you must say goodbye to my mother and father before you leave,” insisted Jia.
She sent a message to Choy Ziang and Choy Bo to join them in the Greeting Room. They arrived shortly afterwards and the farewells were warm and sincere.
“Please pass on my apologies to Maximilian for my unnecessary remarks about him earlier,” requested Choy Ziang. “Without your intervention on his behalf the provinces would have been in serious trouble. We owe you and him a great deal.” He moved forward and, surprisingly for the former old tyrant, embraced Matilda. “Not to forget our magic fairy,” he added as he patted Peri on the head. She grimaced and raised an eyebrow.
“Have a safe journey home,” said Choy Bo, also embracing Matilda, “and know that you are always welcome here . . . and will be remembered each year on “Matilda Day'.”
“Well . . .” said Matilda, a little embarrassed by all the attention, “we'll go and pack up our things. Goodbye, Empress Jia.” She smiled and gave Jia a hug.
Jia whispered in her ear, “I'll never forget you.”
“Goodbye everybody,” Matilda said again, “and please don't forget to say goodbye to Li Peng for us.” She and Peri went back to their room.
“If anybody pats me on the head again I'll scream,” complained Peri and the comment brought back memories of Zinzabad, the monkey, for Matilda. It seemed to be the penalty for being small.
She laughed as she picked up her backpack and removed Maximilian's map.
“When you're over your little temper tantrum would you call up the Story Mat, pleas
e?”
“Humph,” muttered Peri and waved her wand.
The Story Mat appeared and floated to the floor. Peri flew over to Matilda's shoulder, waved the wand again and disappeared. Matilda placed the map on the golden sun then sat down. When she crossed her arms and closed her eyes, the Story Mat took off and carried them back home.
Chapter 38
Another Report For Maximilian And An Unpleasant Surprise
Matilda opened her eyes as the Story Mat slowed down and drifted gently to the floor of her bedroom. She climbed to her feet and whispered, “Peri”, to have the fairy appear again. They both looked at the crystal ball on her bedside table. It was glowing with its emerald green light but, as Matilda gently tapped it, Maximilian appeared inside.
“Welcome home,” he began. “What a wonderful story you've been involved in this time. And, once again, you've both managed to solve a sticky problem and come back safely. Bravo!”
Matilda took her notebook out of her backpack.
“I'm afraid I didn't manage to write down much about the culture of the provinces but I have a lot of information in my head.”
“I can imagine,” said Maximilian with a chuckle. “But that is by the way. What you both did for the Dragon and Tiger Provinces was remarkable.”
“I have to admit, though, that the cards fell our way,” admitted Matilda. “Without Dragar the Dreadful we couldn't have hoped to get those two old bullies together.”
Then Maximilian made an amazing admission. “Yes, it took a bit of manipulating on my part to get the Vandals involved.”
“You arranged that?” exclaimed Matilda.
“Er . . . yes,” admitted Maximilian, going a shade of red. “I have my own spy in his camp.”
“Who?” asked Matilda.
“Dragar's Treasurer,” said Maximilian. “He painted a slightly worse picture of the situation with the Vandals than was really the case. Of course things in the cotton trade weren't good but . . .”
“You cunning old thing,” said Matilda feeling quite annoyed.
“It still needed both of you to make the plan work,” continued Maximilian hurriedly. “Without you Dragar would have succeeded in conquering the Dragon Province and that would have ruined everything. You were both very brave.”
“And in danger,” added Matilda.
“Not much, with Peri and her magic wand, and your Zeus medallion,” countered Maximilian.
“But I didn't have the Zeus medallion,” Matilda stated angrily. “I forgot to fetch it before we left.”
“Oh,” mumbled Maximilian, startled by the news. “How unfortunate.”
“So we were in real danger,” insisted Matilda.
“Yes, I suppose there was a certain amount of danger without the medallion,” admitted Maximilian. “I told you I felt guilty about putting you in these dangerous situations yet you always manage to come through.”
Matilda felt deceived. “Can I ever trust what you say again?” she asked.
“Of course you can,” replied Maximilian. “I'm sorry if you feel let down but the circumstances needed something to break the stalemate with the two Emperors.”
“That's true, but you should have told us,” insisted Matilda.
“I thought of that,” said Maximilian. “However, if I'd told you it wouldn't have worked. You'd have known that the Vandals were going to attack and tried to prevent it. See, I thought you had the Zeus medallion. The Emperors needed to be forced to help each other and that's what happened. Please don't be angry with me.”
“I'm angry, too,” added Peri.
“It all turned out well,” said Maximilian in an attempt to change the tone of the discussion, “and I'll make it up to both of you.”
“How?” exclaimed Matilda and Peri in unison.
“Wait and see,” replied Maximilian. “Now, let's finish on a happy note. The final result is that the two provinces are united, Empress Jia will begin a new era with the Pearl Dynasty, the Yin and Yang balance has been restored to the people of her empire and the Vandals have been rescued from the brink of disaster. Not a bad story for everybody and all because of your cleverness and bravery.”
“And your interference,” added Matilda.
Maximilian appeared shamefaced. “I think the time has come to finish this discussion. But before we do I must say this; I knew you would succeed my little gem and I am pained to see you upset with me. Please think about what I have said and find it in your heart to forgive me.” He spoke to the fairy, “Peri, it's time to leave”, and, with a wave to Matilda, she flew into the crystal ball. “I'll speak to you again soon, my princess,” he said to Matilda, and they disappeared.
“Maybe,” stated Matilda, still feeling annoyed.
At that moment there was a knock on her bedroom door.
Chapter 39
A Few Questions To Answer
Matilda quickly kicked her backpack and Maximilian's map under the bed then shouted, “Come in.”
Her father entered the room. “Hello, sweetheart,” he said. “I thought I'd come up and get you out of bed for breakfast but I see you're already up.”
Once again Matilda suddenly remembered that time had stood still while she was away on her adventure and it was still morning at home.
“I was a bit bored in bed so I thought I'd get up and do a bit of reading before breakfast,” said Matilda. Mentioning reading to her book-mad parents was always a sure bet to satisfy their curiosity.
Her father noticed the Story Mat on the floor. “I see you've got your reading mat out again,” he observed.
“Yes,” said Matilda. “It's pretty isn't it?”
“It certainly is,” agreed her father. “This house has some wonderful treasures sprinkled around it.
It was very kind of Professor Stark to leave them behind for us to enjoy.” He caught sight of the crystal ball on the bedside table. As Maximilian had stated, it appeared as a snow dome.
“What's this?” he enquired. “That's new isn't it?”
“Yes,” stated Matilda, thinking, “Here we go. Another stretch of the truth required.”
“Where did it come from?” asked her father.
“A friend gave it to me as a gift,” said Matilda.
“Who?” her father wanted to know.
“Max,” replied Matilda hoping the inquiry wouldn't go any further.
“That's very thoughtful of him,” said her father then added protectively. “Not a boyfriend, I hope?”
“Daaad!” groaned Matilda. “He's just a kind person who likes me.”
“Okay, okay” he said, holding up his hands as if to ward her off. “Let's join mum and Heironymus for breakfast.”
“Whew,” thought Matilda as she followed her father downstairs. Everything seemed to be getting more complicated.
Chapter 40
Maximilian's Gift
When Matilda awoke the next morning she looked over at the crystal ball again and spied something beside it. It looked like a dark blue velvet jewellery bag. She sat up in bed and reached over to her bedside table. It was a jewellery bag tied at the top with a golden chain. Loosening the chain, she reached inside to find a large pearl. It was one of the Pearls of Wisdom!
There was also a note inside. It read:
“My own little pearl, this is to remind you of how much I treasure you. Please forgive an old man for interfering but consider the facts wisely before you condemn me. Forever your friend, Maximilian.”
Tears welled up in Matilda's eyes. She still felt annoyed with him but knew that the Pearl of Wisdom would help her forgive Maximilian. She walked over to her bookshelf and hid the jewellery bag, with its pearl, in the hollowed-out book, “The Arabian Nights”, together with the Zeus medallion. Her treasures were slowly accumulating.
STORY 3
MATILDA, MAXIMILIAN AND THE ICE QUEEN
Chapter 1
The Snow Trolls
Bladefoot, a Snow Troll, bowed his head into the wind as he fought against the b
lizzard that had enveloped Frizland for almost a week. He was returning home after taking his turn tending the village's sheep and living with them in their barn for a month. Even though he was swathed in fur clothing, wore sheepskin boots and had his large head covered with a cosy hood, the minus 20 degrees Celsius temperature, together with the wind-chill, pierced every piece of protection and froze him to the bone. Still he trudged on, lifting his racquet-like snow shoes step by step, driven on by the thought of sitting in front of a roaring fire with a mug of ale in one hand and a slab of mutton in the other when he reached his village.
He was typical of all Snow Trolls, about the size of a ten year old child, even though he was in fact 238 years old, almost half of his expected life span. Despite his small size, his stocky build made him very strong and a powerful fighter. His ugly, flattened face, with its pig-like eyes, protruding brow and numerous warts, lumps and moles, was enough to frighten off any potential enemy. His fingers ended in claws that could tear an animal apart in seconds. Snow Trolls were respected for their fighting prowess and were known for their bravery in defending their homeland.
Bladefoot pushed through a final snowdrift and arrived on the crest of a mountain. He looked down on the valley below where his village nestled at its centre beside a frozen river – and then his brow creased in confusion. Despite the howling blizzard, the chimneys showed no smoke. Where there should have been chimney stacks puffing out clouds of smoke like locomotives there was not a wisp. His heart fluttered and he quickened his pace down the path to the bottom of the mountain. What could be wrong?
