The Mysteries Of Corkuparipple Creek: Corkuparipple Creek Worlds Apart

by Susan Pease

  ‘Hi guys! What are you doing?’ asked Jo happily.

  The two fellows looked up and smiled; they offered Jo a seat and then explained what they were doing.

  ‘Everybody in the toon has different wark tau dea; we collect the clover for lots of reasons. The pink-tinged flowers o the white clover make tea, and the green leaves make a delicious salad. When we have trauchie growing food, or there is a famine, dried flowers and seedpods are very handy. They allow us tau make bread. We grind them up into flour.’

  Jo was getting quite good at working out their strange language, well, sort of good. It was a challenge but Jo always seemed to get the hang of things when she got the rhythm of stuff. She gathered that “trauchie” meant trouble but wondered why they would have trouble considering how educated they were at growing all kinds of crops. And wouldn’t it be nearly impossible to have a famine when the country seemed to have heaps of rain. It was the greenest place Jo had ever seen and so far all it did was become cold, cloudy and then poured heaps of rain. Then she wondered if perhaps the rainfall wasn’t as it used to be before the earth started experiencing all the changes. Yes, earth changes were affecting the entire world not just Australia. The Mac Slurpa looked agitated; he didn’t really want to tell Jo all about their business and spoke abruptly at the Mac Gulpa.

  ‘You forgot tae tell hir about ma beekeeping. Ah keep bees and they just love the flowers. This stupid Mac Gulpa doesn’t ken how hard my bees work; he just eats all the honey and takes them for granted!’

  ‘Ah dae no eat all the honey because ye are taee tight tae hand it over ye crabbit eejit.’

  Jo laughed at the sight of the two Scottish fellows fighting; she thought it was hilarious that they acted just like the Australian Gulp-a-Waters and the Slurp-it-Downs. She worked out that “crabbit eejit” meant ill-tempered idiot. Not at all a nice thing to say but totally understandable because they were cranky creatures. They were the only two who argued, nobody else seemed unpleasant and cranky at all. Everybody else in the Scottish town was happy, content, kind and pleasant.

  At least when in the company of these two, I will not feel homesick, thought Jo smiling.

  The two creatures calmed down and just like their Australian cousins they started to pat each other on the backs.

  ‘Do ye want to hear a joke then?’ asked the Mac Gulpa to his friend.

  ‘Do ye ken a guid joke my frein?’ enquired the Mac Slurpa.

  ‘Ye ken ah dae so listen. Why was the bee’s hair sticky?’

  The Mac Slurpa looked puzzled and scratched his head.

  ‘Ye ken ah don’t ken so tell me.’

  ‘Because he used a honey-comb!’

  The two creatures laughed heartily. Jo thought it was a very good joke, one that she should remember.

  Jo was wondering about Semus and why he was so eager to help. He was obviously a kind soul and the fact that he cared enough to bring towels to them made her think he could be a new friend for Eiki. Jo got the impression that Semus seemed much taken by her. Jo noticed that he couldn’t keep his Scottish eyes off her when they first met. Wouldn’t it be funny if Eiki gets her first boyfriend all the way in a land called Scotland? Semus could become a great pen pal and it would be good for Eiki to have a friend on the other side of the world. Jo was so happy that Semus and his mother had welcomed them into their family. Semus had also lost his dad in a war between the clans many years ago. Jo knew just how he felt as she had also lost her dad in a stupid war. Once again Jo just couldn’t understand why people, and even creatures, fought wars.

  It’s ridiculous and it only causes heartache, she thought sadly.

  Maybe there should be more people like her mother protesting against wars and trying to stop countries from invading other countries. And people like her Aunt Pepper protesting to save the environment. People seem so greedy it really did Jo’s head in and she really wondered what they would do when the planet was polluted and they had no way to grow fresh vegetables and fruit. Most likely they would spend all day fighting with anybody they didn’t get along with. Absolute total chaos and stupidity, the world needed to wake up.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The Daoi-Sith

  (Dark Elves)

  Jo was about to leave the two arguing Mac creatures when the Mac Slurpa called out to her.

  ‘Don’t wander away lass because there are lots of daoi-sith about. Ye don’t want tae be caught.’

  Jo looked puzzled and asked what they were.

  ‘It’s Gaelic for Dark Elves and ye better keep safe because we are always having trauchle with them.’

  ‘Dinna scare hir ye big gowk, she is a guest and always under the protection of toon council and aw the clans, ye have just scared hir for no reason.’

  Jo was startled and interrupted the creature with a question.

  ‘Why do you have trauchle, I mean trouble with them?’

  Oh goodness, now I’m speaking just like them.

  The creatures stared at her, not answering the question, and then continued fighting.

  ‘That’s the trauchle with ye, yer always jumping into drama and it’s about time ye wheesht.’

  The two creatures then began talking in strong Scottish and the sounds were so amusing that Jo had to hold her stomach she was laughing so much! This was such a cool day, and she was learning so much. Now all she needed to know about was the daoi-sith and that would give her material for her next school essay. Nobody in Australia would have that kind of first-hand information; she would be able to blitz Melissa. She was still annoyed at the way Melissa walked out of the exam with a smug look on her face, she was angry with how she rubbed her success in her face. Jo remembered how stressy the exam had been and it really was the first time she had ever had a block, and that wasn’t funny. She was a little concerned about the comment on the Dark Elves, they sounded evil and scary. Jo decided to ask them the question again as she wanted to know what they were all about and why they were trouble, hopefully this time they would answer her.

  ‘See what ye have done ye big blob of fish heads, she wants to ken, and ye will have to tell hir!’ yelled the Mac Gulpa.

  ‘Firstly, there is nothing wrong with a blob of fish heads, secondly ye tell her, ye always think you’re smarter than me, let’s see it,’ retorted the Mac Slurpa.

  ‘Is mise,’ remarked the Mac Gulpa.

  ‘What in heavens does that mean?’ asked Jo.

  ‘It’s Gaelic for ah am, isn’t that ower muckle.’

  Jo laughed and laughed; this language was too weird to cope with.

  ‘Okay, I am so confused. Could you please tell me what it all means,’ giggled Jo.

  Then she worked it out, “is mise” means “I am” and “ower muckle” means too much. So altogether it was, I am too much, how funny. Whenever the Mac Gulpa wanted to annoy the Mac Slurpa he started to talk in common Scottish Gaelic, which of course infuriated the Mac Slurpa.

  ‘Ye are just showing off in front o the lass, it’s just typical. If ye think yer sae smart, ah will stand back an listen tae yer explanation o the Dark Elves, this is going to be guid.’

  ‘The Dark Elves are wicked an’ love to cause trauchle whenever they can. They live underground an only dare to come up at night. They are wee elves and they keep themselves thrang mining and they dae metalwork. Their enn are usually red, and when they get angry they tend to turn redder.’

  Thrang must mean busy and enn must mean eyes, gosh I am getting the hang of it, thought Jo excitedly.

  The creature continued in an agitated tone.

  ‘They’re frightening, yet they are really quite bonnie-looking, slim and graceful in build, and most have white hair. We just don’t trust them; they don’t even trust each other. The elves are always suspicious and on guard with even their own kind. It’s really a sad existence not to be able to have fun with your own friends and family. A cagey lot they are, with an appetite to tak things. Especially any metal object they can get their grubby hands on. That’s why we now
use wooden barrels fur oor clover flowers. The blighters always ran aff with the copper anes. Damn shame if ye ask me, ah quite liked the look o the copper pots,’ stated the Mac Gulpa.

  Jo looked at them and decided to heed their warning, keep safe and stay in the town. She was only a visitor and had no idea about these horrid creatures. Although they did say that the elves only came out at night, surely she would be safe walking around in the day. It was still only the afternoon, she could venture into the countryside and enjoy the beautiful scenery and maybe pick some wildflowers for Semus’s mum. Then she had second thoughts, maybe not. Jo decided not to argue the point and stay close to the town.

  ‘Sl ‘an leibh,’ announced the Mac Gulpa.

  And in the blink of an eye he was gone.

  ‘I guess that means goodbye,’ said Jo to the Mac Slurpa.

  He shook his head and went on stripping the clover flowers off the stems.

  Jo was now feeling a little hungry and the light was starting to dim over the village. She looked around nervously; the shadows started darting amongst the trees. Creepy ones, the kind you would see in a horror movie. The Mac Slurpa creature stripping the flowers from the stems had also suddenly disappeared; she was by herself. Jo felt fear rising and knew that it was starting to get late, she was on the edge of town. She looked around anxiously in case there were elves peeping from behind any trees preparing to pounce. There were oaks and pines and she noticed that the vegetation was largely heather, ferns and soft green mosses. This was definitely a wonderful place, but way too spooky now that she knew about the elves. She raced into the town feeling jumpy.

  This is ridiculous! I just have to calm down because I’m totally safe. I must gather my composure, don’t want to make a fool of myself, thought Jo feeling breathless.

  Yes, the two friends had really spooked her out with their tales about the Dark Elves. After walking around the town centre she decided to go back to the oak house and see if Eiki had woken up. When she got to the front door, Semus’s mother was standing there with a large lump of something in an odd-looking dish.

  ‘Hello there young lass, I’m Mairi Mac Slurpa, welcome to oor hame.’

  Jo smiled and sat down at the kitchen table.

  ‘Are you preparing the haggis that Semus told me about? Lots of people in the village said it’s delicious.’

  ‘Aye lass, it’s a delicate recipe ah have been blessed with, which has been sent down the clan line right into ma own kitchen. A haggis is made out of sheep’s pluck; that being the heart, liver and lungs that is minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, mixed with stock, and ye bile it in the animal’s stomach for about three her.’

  Jo at once felt sick. The inside organs of a sheep boiled inside the sheep’s stomach for three hours!

  Yuck and double spew; get the bucket I want to be sick, she thought.

  Jo felt a tad green, the thought of eating such a disgusting combination of sheep’s insides nearly made her throw up. What was she to do, she had to eat it otherwise she may offend the Mac Slurpa and that would never do. She did, however, decide not to tell Eiki what a haggis was, she knew that Eiki wouldn’t give it a try if she found out what the yucky stuff was. Anyhow, if everybody says it’s delicious, Eiki will just gobble it up with no second thoughts.

  ‘What are neeps and tatties Mary? Semus told me he was going to the larder to fetch some.’

  ‘Aye, he did the bonnie laddie and made a guid job o the peeling ah must say. Neeps are what ye call swede or yellow turnips an tatties are potatoes.’

  ‘Oh I see I have a lot of work to do when it comes to understanding your language.’

  Jo and Mary laughed; things were so different on the other side of the world. Eiki then walked into the kitchen with a sleepy look on her face, she had heard the laughter and was wondering what was going on.

  ‘Doesn’t anybody here care if a Slurp-it-Downs child is asleep?’ grumbled a rather irritated little Eiki.

  Jo looked up and started to laugh, Eiki had managed to trail behind her the bed sheet, and it was caught in some of her long fur.

  ‘What have you done you little goose? You are dragging half the bed sheets with you.’

  Eiki turned around to see the sheet and was not amused.

  ‘That’s what happens when people wake creatures up with a start. Things go wrong and that’s a Slurp-it-Downs fact. Smelly girls are a big pain when they make too much noise.’

  Mary thought it was all a bit of a hoot but appreciated that Eiki was not only cranky but somewhat embarrassed.

  ‘Dinnae worry about the bed sheets, they are nae important.’

  Semus arrived with a large bag thing that seemed to be wrapped around his waist. Jo was fascinated as she had remembered Mr Heathmont talking about Scottish bagpipes. Could these be what he spoke of in the classroom?

  ‘Semus, are they bagpipes you are carrying? My teacher told us about the history of them at school and I have always wanted to try them one day. Mr Heathmont said you have to have good lungs and a lot of puff, is that true?’

  Eiki rolled her eyes; Jo always seemed to annoy her because she knew about lots of things. Would there ever be a time when Jo knew less than her? thought Eiki annoyed.

  ‘Ay, my faither left them to me when he died and I thought it would be grand to show ye how they wark.’

  Eiki had finally gotten over her upset and was now also curious as to what bagpipes were.

  ‘They’re not very easy to play I hear and if you don’t blow into it just right, a very unpleasant sound comes hurtling out,’ said Jo.

  ‘Well, ah dinnae think you could make too much mess if ye have a go o oor bagpipes, maybe Eiki should put her hands over her ears just in case of a loud squeak.’

  Semus handed the bagpipes to Jo and then stood with his hands over his ears. Jo was not impressed! She thought he could at least have given her the benefit of the doubt. Eiki fell to the floor laughing at the sight of another Slurp-it-Downs pulling funny faces at Jo with his fingers in his ears. Semus was dancing back and forth doing a Scottish jig.

  ‘You two are a good pair, I haven’t even started playing and you make fun of me.’

  ‘Don’t get cranky, that’s the trouble with smelly girls Semus, they get grumpy very quickly and that’s a Slurp-it-Downs fact.’

  ‘Get cranky! That’s rich coming from a Slurp-it-Downs, after all, you are the master of crankiness and I’m not smelly at all. And that is a human-person type of fact.’

  Mary winked at Semus and with that Jo attempted her bagpipe playing. Everybody stood in shock. Jo was not at all bad.

  ‘Ye must have known how to do it and ye didn’t tell us,’ said Semus in surprise.

  Frustrated with the reaction she had just received from Semus, she put the bagpipes down and announced that it’s about time everybody recognised how brilliant she was. This set everybody laughing hysterically as they then proceeded to set the table for their Scottish dinner. Eiki shook her head and said that she always knew the smelly girl was full of wind!

  Everything was going to be fine. The holiday had just begun and many adventures were waiting to be experienced. They all sat down at a beautifully crafted wooden table. The chairs were large with high backs. Carved into each chair were the initials M and S. The placemats were tartan and salt and peppershakers were carved out of elder branches. Mary piled the food onto their plates and Jo wondered how they would be able to tackle the amount. Eiki just dug in, the food looked delicious and it didn’t even touch the sides of her mouth. It was as if she hadn’t eaten in a year. The vegetables were colourful, crisp and tasty. The gravy was piping hot, thick and moreish, a culinary delight. The haggis was surprisingly tasty and cooked to perfection. Jo never did tell Eiki what she was eating and that was just as well, considering she asked for two more helpings.

  A warm glow from the fire made dancing shadows display themselves along the dining room walls. The wood crackled and the amber light gave the little house a warm welcoming greet
ing; what a peaceful, loving environment. Jo and Eiki were miles away from home. Just as well the Mac Slurpa-it-Downs were caring creatures.

  In the back of Jo’s mind, “travelling” was still scary. Will Eiki get over the shock and manage to travel them home? Would they manage to go to Australia, or would they end up in Timbuktu?

  The dishes were washed and the table cleared, now it was time for slouching in the comfortable lounge chairs and enjoying each other’s company until bedtime. Jo stared into the dancing flames, watching them change shape. Were the flames performing a play just for her? Her imagination was trying to read something from them, an idea, and a story, anything to encourage the author in her.

  Bedtime came all too soon and the pair said goodnight to their new friends and waddled off to their room. Semus had made sure the fire in their room was lit and the room was as warm as toast. The clover soap was soft and smelt sweet. As Jo washed herself, she felt herself being lulled into a sleepy state. She was the first to jump into the beautiful four-poster bed. Eiki found the clover soap a challenge; it kept jumping out of her hands. Every time she picked it up it squirted between her fingers and jumped across the floor like a little frog. Eiki was becoming agitated and red in the face. Jo laughed as she watched the little Slurp-it-Downs throw yet another temper tantrum.

  ‘Pick the silly thing up Eiki and hurry up and get into bed.’

  Eiki snarled at the soap and glared at Jo.

  ‘I’ve been asleep all day so leave me alone and get your smelly self to sleep.’

  Jo didn’t need Eiki’s instructions; she had already fallen into a deep trance. Bedtime was the best time of all to recover from the day’s trials. Eiki was wide-awake and decided to sit by the window and stare out at the dark night. There didn’t seem to be many stars, but then again it was cloudy and rainy outside. She also realised that the sky would look totally different on the other side of the world.

  The wind whistled through the oaks and a few late-night owls hooted their songs. There were no kookaburras laughing and no possums banging on the roof or kangaroos hopping amongst the grass. All that could be heard was the sound of the nearby creek, rippling across mossy rocks and swirling with urgent intent down the watercourse. Frogs seemed to be having a wonderful time orchestrating their tunes. Pipes could be heard playing ballads of the past and an eerie feeling came across Eiki. It was as if the place was haunted with the souls of Scotland’s past.