by Burt Candy
As Leader of the Guards, Fizzcrank had the freedom of the palace and could do pretty much as he pleased. Later in the day, after he had spoken to Atalai and Maximilian, he decided to travel to the Shaman's cave to inform them of what had happened. He hurried down to the stables and had the caretaker prepare a sleigh.
True to his word, the caretaker hurried into the palace, after Fizzcrank had left, and reported to Maximilian. Without bothering to tell Atalai what was happening, Maximilian hurried back to the stables with the caretaker and took a sleigh in pursuit of Fizzcrank. It was an easy task to follow the tracks in the fresh snow.
Chapter 28
Meanwhile, Back At The Ancient Library
The Keeper may have been a cranky old man but he was also very intelligent. Before he delved into the Book of Spells he took time to consider the steps that Ekon might have taken in his search for the freezing spell. It was obvious to The Keeper that the Shaman had not known of the locking spell and had come upon it by accident. The secret would be to try to copy Ekon's moves and hope to have the same 'accident'.
Once he had decided on this plan of action he opened the Spell Book to the section that outlined the freezing spell and gave directions for infusing it into a wand. It was a lengthy description that went on for several pages. After he had scrupulously read the instructions several times he found nothing that even hinted at a locking spell. He lifted his glasses from his nose, rubbed his eyes and rested his elbows on the lectern that held the Spell Book. What could Elkon have found that he had missed?
He looked at the last page of the instructions again and suddenly spotted something that seemed to have no place in the scheme of things. In the corner of the page was a small asterisk, so small that he had to fetch a magnifying glass to look at it. When he viewed the enlargement he noticed a series of numbers beside it, so small that they were almost invisible to the naked eye – 27459. He quickly copied them down on a sheet of paper. What could they mean?
The first thing he tried was to turn to page 27459 in the Spell Book but found that this page only contained a spell for turning lead to silver. He let out a deep sigh. At that moment he happened to look up at the shelves that lined the walls of the Ancient Library and contained the hundreds of thousands of volumes. The shelves were numbered according to the subject of the books they contained to make it easier to locate the volume you desired. However, he knew that there were nowhere near 27,000 categories. It seemed that he had struck another stumbling block.
He looked at the numbers again and a light bulb lit up in his brain. He picked up a pencil and put a decimal point after the number 4 – 274.59. He knew immediately that he had found the secret. Hurrying over to the shelves as fast as his creaky old legs could carry him, he followed the shelves around the walls until he came to the section marked 274 in gold letters, “History of Magic”. This section contained hundreds of books that had probably never been referred to in thousands of years. He let out another tired sigh when he discovered that no volume had a decimal number printed on its spine. Time to think logically again.
He was certain that he was on the right track. Now he only had to figure out what the number 59 meant. The first option that came to mind was to start at the beginning of the section and count each book until he reached volume 59. When he did this he found a thick, leather-bound book titled, “Advanced Spells From The Tenth Millenium Before The Establishment Of Perisus”. He knew that Perisus was the famous capital city that had lasted for thousands of years before crumbling into decay when terrible sandstorms began raging across the desert. He also knew that, during the height of its fame, the city was the centre of magic and attracted Shamans and others from around the cosmos. This had to be it. He felt certain that he had found the book with the locking spell by using the simplest method of all. It seemed that his future with Maximilian would be safe.
With his heart beating rapidly he carried the book to a reading desk and opened it to the contents page. He scanned the chapters and there it was - “How To Lock Spells”.
“Eureka!” shouted The Keeper and he began to read the instructions. The incantation to infuse a wand with the locking spell was clearly set out and also included the method for cancelling the spell. The Keeper fetched a pencil and began to copy down the incantation. He was so excited that he broke the lead in three pencils before he was finished.
He finally sat back and considered his achievement. The small asterisk had obviously been put in the Spell Book as a secret clue to link the freezing spell with more advanced magic. Just as he had noticed it and drawn conclusions, so had the Shaman, Ekon. Then it had simply been a matter of experimentation, trying various solutions until they struck gold. How wonderful. How clever.
Now he had to get the information to his Master, Maximilian. Where could that mischievous elf, Husan, be? He hurried out of the Ancient Library, spell in hand, to track down the little imp.
Husan was out of favour and restricted to the palace since he had been rescued from the giant squid by Maximilian during Matilda's Neptune adventure. His job was to clean the Ancient Library and dust the books and shelves. However, The Keeper found him out in the courtyard enjoying a game of Seega, an ancient Arabic game like checkers, with another elf.
“What are you doing out here?” demanded The Keeper. “You should be inside dusting the books.”
“Oh,” replied Husan, stifling a yawn, “I got bored with that and then I thought to myself, 'You've earned a break'. So here I am.”
“You've earned nothing, that's what you've done,” shouted The Keeper. “And you've learnt nothing as well. After what you did with Neptune you're lucky to even be here.”
But chastising the little imp was a waste of breath. He only saw what he wanted to see and that was mostly what would benefit him. He quickly changed the subject.
“Anyway, why are you chasing me?” he asked.
“I have an important message that I must get to Maximilian,” said The Keeper, “and, as he's in Frizland at the moment, the only way to reach him is by using your telepathy.”
“Aha,” laughed Husan cheekily, “so now you need me. Well isn't that interesting since I'm involved in this game of Seega at the moment and it looks like I'm winning so I'm afraid you're going to have to wait.” He crossed his arms in defiance.
“Why, you little whippet-snippet,” blustered The Keeper, utterly shocked by the impudence of the elf. “You cheeky little pest. Wait 'til I tell Maximilian.”
The mention of his Master brought Husan back to earth. He was in enough trouble with Maximilian already without adding to his record.
“Hmm-ph, very well,” he snorted, “if Maximilian needs my help, how could I refuse? What do you need me to do?”
“That's better,” said The Keeper. “I want you to send our Master a message by telepathy. I'll write it down for you and you have to make sure you send it exactly as it's written. Do you understand?”
“Of course,” said the elf cockily. “You know you can trust me.”
The Keeper took out a pencil, opened his copy of the two spells, and wrote the message to Maximilian. He handed it to Husan who studied it for several minutes, closed his eyes and sent the instructions to his Master.
Chapter 29
The Shamans' Cave
Maximilian wasn't far behind Fizzcrank as he sped across the snow and into the forest. He just knew that the troll was somehow involved in the disappearance of Matilda and he intended finding out what had happened to her. As he entered the forest he saw Fizzcrank's sleigh in the distance. He was heading towards the mountains. Maximilian slowed down and dropped back so as not to be seen.
Fizzcrank finally arrived at the grove of fir trees that concealed the entrance to the Shamans' cave. He climbed the final slope on foot and disappeared from view just as Maximilian pulled up below the mountain. He decided to pull back into the cover of the forest and see what happened as he had no idea what was behind the fir trees. When he had positioned the sleigh so that
he could see the grove of trees, he settled down to watch.
It was only a matter of minutes before figures appeared from behind the fir trees. Four of the figures were dressed in robes but had their hoods down so that Maximilian could identify Rashi. He didn't recognise the others, the tallest of whom was poking his finger at Fizzcrank's chest but the troll didn't seem offended. The confrontation came to an end as Fizzcrank jogged down the slope, hopped into his sleigh and headed back towards the forest.
Maximilian quickly took up the reins and turned his sleigh around. He moved off the track that Fizzcrank would use and waited. When the troll's sleigh reached his hiding place, Maximilian spurred his horses forward so that they blocked the path. Fizzcrank's progress was brought to a sudden halt. Maximilian could see the fear in the troll's eyes as he recognised who had stopped him. He jumped down and tried to sprint into the trees but Maximilian simply lifted a wand from his robes and froze the troll in his tracks. He climbed down from his sleigh and walked over to the frozen figure. Within two minutes the spell wore off and Fizzcrank slumped to the ground, shaking his head.
“Not as permanent as your spell,” said Maximilian, looking down at the sad figure lying in the snow, “but nonetheless useful for rogues like you.”
“It's not my spell,” protested Fizzcrank. “The Shaman's used it. I had nothing to do with the spells.”
“Perhaps not,” said Maximilian, “ but you have been helping them in their cause.”
“Only because they threatened me,” the troll lied. “They said they would freeze me for good if I didn't do what they asked. I had no choice.”
“Rubbish!” shouted Maximilian. “The only fear I've seen from you was when you saw me. Even when the Shaman was poking you in the chest you didn't seem afraid. Who is he and why was he angry with you?”
“His name is Ekon and he said I shouldn't have come to the cave,” said Fizzcrank.
“What cave?” interrupted Maximilian.
“The Shamans' cave is behind the trees. It's their base,” Fizzcrank informed him. “It's where they have the little girl.”
“Matilda?”
“Yes,” said the troll. “They forced me to bring her here so that they could stop you from interfering.”
“How can I get to her?” asked Maximilian.
“Impossible,” stated the troll. “There are servants everywhere and you would be seen straight away. And Ekon has strong magic, even stronger than yours.”
“I doubt that,” said Maximilian grimly, “but I'll have to confine you while we find out.” He took the rope belt out of his robe and tied Fizzcrank securely to a nearby tree. He also tied the troll's sleigh to a branch with the horse's reins. Having done that he climbed back into his own sleigh and headed for the Shamans' cave.
Chapter 30
Checkmate
Maximilian had been seen.
One of the troll servants was out for a stroll in the forest and watched from behind a tree as Maximilian stopped Fizzcrank's sleigh. He hurried back to the Shamans' cave to report what he had observed. He stumbled breathlessly into the room where Ekon was sitting with Rashi and told them that Maximilian was in the forest below. Ekon simply smiled.
“Come to rescue his little friend, has he? Well he's in for the surprise of his life. It couldn't have been more perfect.” He pulled his wand from the pocket of his robe and waved it in the air. “We needn't worry about his interference any more; we have the power to destroy him. And we'll do it in front of the girl. Bring her to the front of the cave.” A servant troll hurried off to follow Ekon's order.
Matilda was being kept in a cell in the furthermost part of the cave. Apart from the fact that the cell was quite small, she was comfortable. There was a bed, a wash-basin and a toilet and the steel door ensured her privacy. A collection of books on the bedside table gave her something to pass the time and she was fed regularly with tasty meals. The thing that worried her was the effect her disappearance would have on Maximilian when he discovered that she was missing. He would be devastated, and all because of her disobeying his wishes.
Matilda was surprised when the door to her cell suddenly opened and a troll servant motioned her outside. She stepped into the corridor and followed the troll to the front of the cave where the Shamans were waiting. Two trolls stood either side of her when the party moved out of the cave, through the grove of fir trees and out into the open as a sleigh appeared from the forest below.
Maximilian had paused on his journey back to the Shamans' cave to consider his options. He knew that Ekon had the power to freeze him permanently and that he had to avoid being exposed. On the other hand, he had to get past the Shamans to rescue Matilda. He finally decided to take his chances, confront the Shamans and, using his spell shield, hope for the best. Perhaps if he were to use his own short-term freezing spell to stun them for a brief time he would be able to rescue Matilda. He saw that as his only chance.
As his sleigh cleared the forest Maximilian looked up to see the Shamans and Matilda standing in front of the grove of fir trees at the top of the slope. They walked down towards him as he halted his sleigh below. He climbed out of the sleigh, took his wand from beneath his robe then waved his hands down his sides to invoke the spell shield. His back was protected by a large boulder and there were hillocks of snow on either side. His disadvantage now was that, with the spell shield in front of him, he couldn't use his wand. He watched as Ekon came forward from the group.
“You can put that little stick away, Maximilian,” said Ekon, pointing to Maximilian's wand with his own. “It won't help you when I freeze you for good.” He was unaware of the spell shield as he pointed his own wand at Maximilian and muttered the incantation for the permanent freezing spell. A look of shock came across his face when the spell didn't work.
“What the . . . ?” he exclaimed and repeated the incantation. Nothing.
Maximilian smiled. “Having a problem, my friend?” He wanted to upset Ekon and distract him until he could remove the spell shield and use his own wand.
Ekon went red in the face. “What have you done?” he screamed. “You can't escape the spell!” This time he shouted the incantation, thrusting his wand forward in anger. Still nothing.
The other Shamans were watching Ekon's failure in amazement and Matilda's heart was thumping as she saw her hero doing the impossible. However, just when it seemed that neither Ekon nor Maximilian could achieve what they wanted, the stalemate was broken from an unlikely source.
Ekon's screams had awoken a polar bear, dozing behind one of the snow banks that were beside Maximilian. The large animal suddenly appeared at the top of the snow bank, saw Ekon screaming and charged towards him. It hit the Shaman before he could react, knocking him to the ground. His wand flew into the air and landed in the snow. The other Shamans had quickly retreated along with Matilda when they saw the bear attack.
Maximilian had his chance; he reversed the spell shield and pointed his wand, not at Ekon, but at the bear which stood with gaping jaws over the Shaman. The animal was instantly frozen but Ekon could not escape from beneath it. Maximilian calmly walked over to the Shaman's wand and retrieved it from the snow.
“How quickly things change,” said Maximilian, looking down on Ekon.
“Get this monster off me,” shouted Ekon.
“All in good time,” replied Maximilian, delighting in the Shaman's discomfort. At that moment the polar bear came out of the spell and dropped dizzily to the ground beside Ekon.
“Thank goodness for that,” stated Ekon as he attempted to stand up.
“Uh, uh,” said Maximilian, shaking his head. “Now it's your turn.” He pointed his own wand at Ekon and the Shaman was frozen to the spot. The bear slowly climbed to its feet and wandered off groggily over the snow bank.
Maximilian then turned his attention to the other Shamans who had been watching with horror as events unfolded. They couldn't believe that their leader could be so easily defeated. As for Matilda, she began clappin
g excitedly when she saw Ekon frozen. Before the three Shamans could get their thoughts in order, Maximilian froze each of them as well. The troll servants had run off as soon as they saw their master frozen, leaving Matilda free. She rushed down the slope and hugged Maximilian.
“My little pearl, I am so happy to see you,” said Maximilian with a tear in his eye. “I was so worried when I couldn't find you.”
“It was my own fault,” confessed Matilda. “I ignored your advice and ended up being tricked.”
“Well, everything has turned out satisfactorily, thank goodness,” said Maximilian. “Now, what shall we do with this band of rogue Shamans?” He pointed to the frozen figures. “We have to take them back to the Ice Palace which may present some difficulties. I'll need to tie them up for the trip so I wonder if you wouldn't mind running up to the cave and fetching rope from the trolls? I'm sure they won't cause you any trouble after they hear what has happened.”
“No problem,” said Matilda and ran off up the slope while Maximilian kept an eye on the Shamans who were in various stages of recovering from the spell.
When Matilda returned with lengths of rope they tied up the dazed Shamans and ushered them aboard the sleigh.
“Just one more call,” said Maximilian, “to pick up another wayfarer, and then we'll be on our way home.”
They found Fizzcrank still tied to the tree. Maximilian put the troll back in his own sleigh and asked Matilda to take the reins and follow him back to the Ice Palace. So, the parade began, two sleighs with their unhappy cargoes but happy drivers, ploughing through the snow on their way home. The Shamans, Rashi, Malak and Alwan, looked downcast and didn't say a word during the trip, while Ekon simply scowled at Maximilian's back. Matilda, in her sleigh, ignored the protests of innocence coming from Fizzcrank until, at last, the Ice Palace came into view.
