by Burt Candy
The War of Tears would not end there with one battle. Atalai intended inflicting the greatest pain she could on the population of Darkspear and their leader for her loss of Eldrik. She sent bands of Snow Trolls across the border to raid villages and to seek out Dakar who had gone into hiding. She was determined that her enemies would never again consider attacking Frizland. The leader of one of these raiding parties was Bladefoot's grandfather, Frostwolf. Although the villagers tried to resist or simply fled, their homes were burnt to the ground after they had been looted. The invasions continued for six months but no trace of Dakar could be found.
Chapter 6
Dakar's Diary
Dakar knew what his fate would be if he was caught so he had escaped to the far south of Drakespear where loyal friends hid him in a cave and supplied him with food and drink. They also brought news of what was happening across the land and Dakar kept a record of these events in a secret diary.
The pages were filled with details of the atrocities that the Darkspear villagers had been subjected to by Atalai's raiding parties but one particular report brought tears to his eyes.
“I have been told that Atalai's Snow Trolls have used all kinds of brutality to break the hearts of my people and to have them disclose my hiding place. My friends have just informed me that a raiding party, led by the Snow Troll called Frostwolf, raided the village of my own family. My mother, wife and children were taken to the centre of the village during a snowstorm and forced to watch as my old father was stripped of his protective clothing and tied to a pole. He was left there to freeze until my family told Frostwolf where I was hiding. Of course they had no knowledge of where I was and could not give him the information he demanded. Despite their pleas and tears they were compelled to stand there and watch my father die. I realise that my actions in having Eldrik assassinated and attacking Frizland have led to this terrible act and, if I could turn back time, I would not have been so rash. However, I believe that my people had nothing to do with my foolish decision and should not be made to suffer such savagery. No matter what happens to me in the months ahead I swear that my father's death will be avenged, however long it takes.”
The diary was hidden at the back of the cave.
After six months of recording the suffering of his people, and particularly the distress of his own family, Dakar determined that enough was enough. He was old and tired and decided to sacrifice what was left of his life for the good of his people. And so he walked away from his cave to surrender to the first raiding party he came across.
There was jubilation as crowds gathered around to watch Dakar being pulled behind a war horse to face the Ice Queen. When Atalai saw the old man, dishevelled and broken, she decided that a quick death was too good for him and decided that he would rot away in the palace dungeons. He was dragged down to a cell and locked away for the rest of his life. He passed away, miserably, fifty five years later.
Maximilian watched all of this unfold from afar and was saddened by what he saw.
Chapter 7
Back To The Future
Matilda was awoken by a low buzzing sound. When she finally turned her head on the pillow and squeezed open one eye, she saw a green, pulsating light filling the room. It seemed to be coming from the crystal ball that Maximilian had given her. She climbed out of bed, quickly changed into her day clothes, and walked over to look into the ball. There was a miniature Maximilian looking up at her.
“I didn't want to appear suddenly in your room,” said the small Max. “I thought I might scare you so I decided to wake you gently. I hope that's all right.” He looked a little sheepish.
Matilda realised that Maximilian knew how angry she felt when he had disappointed her the last time and he was now being diplomatic. True, she was still a little upset with him for deceiving her but, as is often said, 'Time heals all wounds', and her anger had diminished enough for her to forgive him. Still, what he didn't know . . .
“Very thoughtful of you,” replied Matilda coldly, then added, “and a welcome change.”
“Oh,” was all Maximilian could say as he blushed. Things did not look good.
Matilda couldn't keep it up. She smiled and said, “Kidding!”
Maximilian slumped and sighed loudly. “Whew! You had me worried for a moment. I've felt so terrible about what happened with the Vandals . . .”
Matilda held up a hand to halt him in mid-sentence. “Stop! That's all in the past now. I know it will never happen again and I trust you absolutely. So let's get on with the future.”
Maximilian smiled. He treasured his friendship with Matilda and could not bear to think that he might lose her.
“Of course,” he agreed. “Well, that's why I'm here. I have been contacted by a very surprising source seeking my help and I thought you might like to join me.”
“Go with you?” Matilda was amazed. Maximilian had never gone on an adventure with her. He had always sent along Peri, the Persian Fairy, or Zanzibad, the intelligent monkey or, heaven forbid, Husan the mischievous elf; but never himself.
“Yes,” answered Maximilian, looking a little miffed. “Is there anything wrong with that?”
“No, no,” said Matilda quickly. “It's just such a surprise. I would love to go with you – wherever it is.”
“I have to tell you that this adventure will be very different . . . and could be unpleasant,” Maximilian informed her.
“How different will it be?” asked Matilda, fascinated by the idea.
“Well, for a start you will have to join me in my homeland. We leave from here,” stated Maximilian.
“Your homeland? What do you mean? Where is your homeland?” enquired Matilda somewhat nervously.
“In Rashiva, the most beautiful of the desert countries in The Other World,” answered Maximilian proudly. “You will love it.”
“How do I get to Rashiva from here?” Matilda asked.
“Come closer,” ordered Maximilian, “and you will see.”
Matilda moved closer to the crystal ball. Suddenly she felt herself being pulled towards it and, the next moment, she found herself standing next to Maximilian. She could see her room outside the crystal ball. It looked huge.
“There you are,” said Maximilian. “Easily done. Welcome my little jewel.”
“Thanks,” replied Matilda, “but will we always be this small?”
“Small?” Maximilian was baffled.
“Yes,” stated Matilda, waving her hand at the gigantic room outside.
Maximilian laughed. “No, no, no. Look around you. Everything you see here is the correct size
. . . and so are you. I have only bent reality to suit the occasion. It's very simple really – I needed to fit inside the crystal ball to contact you so I shrank my image, just as I shrank your image. It has nothing to do with your real size, or mine. It's a convenience. The room outside appears to be large because I haven't changed its image. I don't think your parents would appreciate it if I did that. Now, is that clear?”
“I think I'm getting a headache,” replied Matilda.
Maximilian laughed again. “You don't have to understand it; just enjoy it. Now for the unpleasant part. You need to know that I have an unfortunate history with our destination, which is why I was amazed when I received the request to go there. You should be prepared for a cool reception when we travel to Frizland and meet the Ice Queen, if you’ll forgive the pun.”
“Why will the reception be cool?” Matilda asked.
“Let's say simply that the Ice Queen, Atalai, and I had a difference of opinion. She was involved in a war that I didn't think was necessary and she accused me of interfering where I wasn't wanted; so we parted company in less than friendly circumstances. Now it seems that she requires my help.
It must be something serious for her to sink her pride enough to want to see me again.”
“Do you have any idea what it is?”
“Not really,” admitted Maximilian. “I was contacted by her Shaman, Rashi. He
only told me that
there had been an incident involving strong magic and Atalai needed my assistance. That's as much as I know . . . but I still have fond feelings for her so I couldn't refuse.”
Matilda wanted more information. “Why do you need me?”
“I just thought you may have been interested and I wanted some company,” stated Maximilian. “Besides that I would appreciate your opinion when we find out what it's all about; and to be honest, I wanted to see you again, since we also parted on such bad terms.”
Matilda was touched by Maximilian's honesty and his obvious affection for her. She reached over and squeezed his hand.
“Harumph,” He cleared his throat and blushed. “Well . . . now we'd better think about getting prepared. Atalai's country, Frizland, is extremely cold which is very different from here.”
Maximilian gestured with his hand to their surroundings. Matilda looked around again and saw that they were standing in an area of sand dunes and, behind them, was an oasis with palm trees dotted throughout and a clear blue lake in its centre. It was quite a large oasis and on its edge there was a mansion made out of mud bricks in the Arabic style.
“My home,” Maximilian informed her. “We'll get what we need from there.”
He led Matilda through the oasis to the mansion. She had to squint because the sun, in a clear blue sky, reflected off the sand and into her eyes. She also felt the heat of the day and had an urge to jump into the cooling waters of the lake. However, all in all, it was a beautiful setting for a home.
Chapter 8
Preparations
Matilda followed Maximilian up the wide steps to the entrance of the building and inside through a set of large copper doors. They entered a huge chamber that had a floor of cream-coloured marble and ochre walls which were draped in tapestries with elaborate designs that appeared to be based on the cosmos. The roof, at least two storeys up, was also painted beautifully as a replica of the heavens. Windows had thick opaque glass that let in the light but kept out the heat. In fact the room was pleasantly cool.
Maximilian moved to the left and opened another door. Matilda was in for a pleasant surprise as there, standing in the middle of the room, was her friend Peri, the little Persian fairy, who jumped into the air and flew across to give Matilda a kiss on the cheek.
Tears of happiness came to Matilda's eyes. “It's so wonderful to see you again,” she sniffled. “I've missed you so much.”
“Me too,” replied the fairy of few words, with a smile. She brushed away Matilda's tears.
Maximilian happily watched the exchange. “You've both certainly been through some exciting adventures together,” he commented. “Unfortunately, you won't be able to share the next one.”
Matilda looked at him in dismay. “Why not?”
“As I told you, Frizland is extremely cold,” he reminded her. “Peri would not survive in that climate. Persian fairies can be very fragile in extreme temperatures. I am not willing to take the risk. Besides, you'll have me to protect you.” He laughed.
Matilda looked at Peri who was sitting on her shoulder as she had done so many times before.
The little fairy shrugged. “Win some, lose some.”
“I'm sure that you'll have other times together,” stated Maximilian. “Now, let's get down to business.”
“'Bye, Matilda,” said Peri as she flew out of the room. “See you again soon.”
Matilda waved to her then turned to see Maximilian searching through a huge metal chest.
“Aha!” he exclaimed as he pulled a fur-lined coat out of the chest. “For once my mischievous elves have done as they were asked. This coat looks like it will fit you, my dear.” He handed the coat to Matilda. “Let's see what they found for me.” Another, larger, fur coat appeared out of the chest. By the time Maximilian had finished, both he and Matilda had complete sets of winter gear.
“M-m-m, that's problem number one out of the way,” he declared, “now for number two.”
“And what may that be?” asked Matilda. “Perhaps fetching my Zeus medallion in case we run into trouble?”
“No, no, no,” insisted Maximilian, waving his hands about. “We don't want to impose on the generosity of Zeus too often.” He appeared to be annoyed at the suggestion. “I would have told you to fetch it before you joined me if I thought it was necessary. Being with me will be enough protection this time.”
“Sorry,” offered Matilda softly, sensing that in some way she had bruised Maximilian's ego. “Well, what is the second problem?”
“How do we travel to Frizland?” stated Maximilian, having regained his composure. “Normally I would simply 'magic' myself there but I can't take passengers that way – and I believe that we should arrive together. So . . . it appears that we will have to use the trusty Story Mat again.”
“Both of us?” Matilda was gobsmacked. She had an instant mental picture of Maximilian sitting on the Story Mat as it groaned its way through the air.
“Yes,” murmured Maximilian, turning a shade of red. “The Story Mat is quite big enough for two. You've had two bodies on it before – you and Zinzabad.”
“Yes,” thought Matilda, “but the monkey was no match for you in size and weight.” She hid her smile as she didn't want to offend Maximilian again.
“Besides,” Maximilian continued, “ it is capable of carrying a reasonable weight . . . and, together, we will be reasonable.”
Matilda couldn't wait to see how this would be achieved – particularly with both of them dressed in bulky winter gear.
As if he had read her mind, Maximilian said, “We'd better get into these winter clothes and be on our way. You can use the room through that door to change.” He indicated a door off to the side. “I'll change here and fetch a map of Frizland to guide the Story Mat on its way. Okay?”
“Fine,” replied Matilda, still anticipating seeing Maximilian on the Story Mat. She went into the other room and changed. By the time she returned, Maximilian was also in winter gear and was holding a scroll with a map on it.
“Those furs suit you,” he commented. “And, by the way, they are all man-made. My finest fur tailors have used artificial furs.”
“Well, that's good news,” said Matilda. “I was wondering about them.”
Maximilian held up the map. “The time has come.”
“Yes,” thought Matilda. “I can't wait to see this.”
As Maximilian clicked his fingers, the Story mat appeared and floated to the floor. He placed the map on the sun in the centre of the mat.
“How do you want to do this?” he asked Matilda. “Facing to the front or back?”
“Front, please,” she answered, “otherwise I might get travel sick.”
“Very well,” said Maximilian. “Take your place and I'll sit facing you. “
When Matilda was in position, Maximilian eased himself down onto the Story Mat. He took up most of the space and, when he folded his legs, they were over the map of Frizland. Matilda couldn't help herself and burst out laughing. He looked so uncomfortable. Talk about a pimple on a pumpkin; this was a pumpkin on a pimple!
“Harumph!” Maximilian coughed in embarrassment. “That'll be quite enough of that young lady. It's uncomfortable enough without you adding to it.”
“Sorry,” muttered Matilda, hiding her smile with a smirk.
“Now that we're all settled, we can take off,” declared Maximilian. “Fold arms, close eyes, and away we go.”
The Story Mat flew away with its weighty cargo.
Chapter 9
That Cool Welcome
The Story Mat came to rest below the steps leading up to the Ice Palace. Maximilian and Matilda hopped off into the snow and looked up to see Atalai standing alone at the top of the steps. She showed no sign of recognising them and simply maintained a steely gaze down upon them.
“You can see what I meant,” whispered Maximilian as the Story Mat disappeared. “A welcome to match the climate. I'm already having doubts ab
out staying here very long.”
Matilda could only agree as she looked up at the beautiful yet frightening figure above. As they walked up the steps she wondered why Atalai had even called upon Maximilian's help if she thought so lowly of him.
“Thank you for coming,” the Ice Queen said. “As you are probably aware, I would not normally have requested your help if our problem were less serious. However, circumstances are such that we cannot solve our mystery alone.”
“I will do all I can to assist you,” said Maximilian humbly, “and do it with pleasure. But first I think we should put our differences behind us if we are to succeed.”
“We can discuss that later,” Atalai declared. “For the moment you need to understand what has happened and truly judge whether you have the ability to help. Follow me.”
Matilda was shocked at the Ice Queen's rudeness to Maximilian and glanced at him to see if he was upset. He put a finger to his lips and winked at her as they followed Atalai into the palace. They entered a small meeting room set out with lounges and small tables. Matilda was amazed to see Troll guards everywhere as they moved through the palace. They looked fearsome and it was as if they were on guard against some threat.
When they were seated, Atalai signalled to a guard and ordered him to fetch Bladefoot who had been given a room in the guards' quarters. There was stony silence as they waited for the Snow Troll to arrive. When Bladefoot came through the door Matilda was shocked by his appearance. He looked fearsome and the atmosphere in the room was dreadful.
The Ice Queen introduced the troll to her visitors and asked him to retell his story. Bladefoot stood before them and explained how he had been away from his village and had returned to find everybody frozen. He said that he could recall no reason for somebody to attack the villagers as they were peaceful. Tears came to his eyes as he also mentioned the fact that everybody in the village was related. He had lost everybody in his family.
“Hm-m-m,” muttered Maximilian. “My sympathies go out to you for your suffering, Bladefoot, but all is not lost. Firstly you must take me to your village. I believe I will be able to reverse the spell that has been used to freeze everybody. And then we have to find out who the villain is that cast the spell and why.”
