The Mysteries Of Corkuparipple Creek: Corkuparipple Creek Worlds Apart

by Susan Pease

  ‘Look at the spider! She seems to be able to travel so fast, one minute she’s flying, the next she’s running.’

  It dawned on Eiki; maybe Jo flew through the air so fast that she managed to travel back home. That would make good Slurp-it-Downs sense. She urgently wanted to see Aunt Pepper and travelling was a very sensitive thing to do.

  ‘Maybe Jo’s mind tricked the travelling spell into going home instead of travelling to me. It may have remembered the first spell of wanting to go to the village in the Australian bush. Yes! That would have to be the explanation. It would definitely be okay so I’m not going to worry,’ said Eiki.

  As far as Eiki knew, Jo was at home tucked in bed resting and Aunt Pepper would be trying to work out how to travel Eiki home very soon. She was relieved that it had finally come to her; she was, after all, a very clever little Slurp-it-Downs. All it took was a few minutes to think it out. Then she woke up to another fact, that while everybody was working out how to get her back to Australia, she could now relax and have fun all by herself. There was no annoying smelly girl to have to answer to. She would now have plenty of time to get to know her new friend Semus. Of course Eiki was right, the mind is a very powerful thing and Jo had managed to travel back home because she was desperate to see her Aunt Pepper and to get some help to save Eiki. The subconscious mind took over; it’s a pity it had landed her in the wrong time.

  Maybe sometimes things happen and we can only think it’s because there is a good reason. I just need to relax and let the play of life divulge the true meaning, thought Eiki seriously. It all made sense, the person who always helped when things got tough was Aunt Pepper. It was obvious that Jo was with her sorting out the mess; Eiki felt she would be travelled home soon. The Scottish creatures were none the wiser and couldn’t understand the Slurp-it-Downs talking about the “subconscious mind”, “things happening for a reason”. It was all tripe to them. They started talking in their Scottish language; Eiki was becoming more confused as their conversation went on. Semus just thought that enough was enough and asked them all to shut up and think of a plan to retrieve Jo.

  He shook his head at Eiki’s deep explanation of the situation; it was all airy-fairy to him. He needed to know where she really was. The Scottish creatures didn’t travel; it wasn’t in their nature. Australian travelling and chanting was all fiddlesticks and nonsense to them and a sissy way of moving. The Australian creatures were more advanced and could of course travel anywhere they wanted. The Scottish creatures prided themselves with being fierce marchers. They were used to scaring the enemy with war cries and all that angry type of stuff. But then, the creatures had a change of heart about travelling and turned to Eiki and asked, ‘Can ye teach us how to travel? Then we can all try to find Jo lass,’ asked Semus.

  Eiki looked at him. Didn’t anybody listen to what she had just said? Nobody could find Jo because she would now be in Australia. She was getting crankier and crankier by the Slurp-it-Downs minute. Why had they asked to learn to travel considering they all thought it was “nonsense”? Could a higher power have made them change their minds?

  Gosh, I’m thinking like Pepi now, all the stress has obviously got to me. Hmm, yes it might be fun and a challenge to teach the Scottish creatures how to travel, thought Eiki. In fact, it was extremely appealing for a little Slurp-it-Downs. And best of all, she would be the Slurp-it-Downs boss of them all!

  I guess they would all look up to me as if I am grown up. I can actually do something these stupid Scottish grown-ups can’t do, thought Eiki proudly.

  It was a Slurp-it-Downs dream come true, respect and admiration for her alone. Only problem was, she still remembered the panic she felt when Jo and her had experienced the mishap.

  What would happen if I travelled them all to Timbuktu? Who cares? It would be a hoot; they would have to start a new village somewhere else. At least they would be all together, thought Eiki. The naughty Slurp-it-Downs was not concerned at all.

  I will help them but it will be their fault if things go wrong, after all, they asked me to teach them. It’s their responsibility not mine.

  All Eiki really wanted was to see her friend Jo sitting at the table having a Scottish breakfast. She was going to keep that to herself, didn’t want them to think their new teacher was soft. She had to show strength and intelligence. The kitchen smelled of fish and the table was laden with a feast for all to enjoy. The bread was piping hot and wrapped in tartan tea towels, the milk was warm and sweet. This holiday was becoming complicated and Eiki was starting to feel homesick. She wondered what everybody was getting up to at home and she was a little jealous that Jo was probably fishing in the Corkuparipple Creek, catching black fish with bread and butter. Conflicted that she was eager to have a holiday by herself and missing Jo, she actually lost her Slurp-it-Downs appetite.

  Meanwhile, the captured elf was determined to get free and cause some trouble. His feet were dangling a foot from the floor but he was undaunted by his predicament. The Dark Elves had amazing powers and he sniggered, as he knew that all he needed to do was use some dark magic. He could leave and cause lots of trouble but he had to get his hands free. That of course was easier said than done; the creatures weren’t stupid and knew he needed his hands to start his magic. They were tied up very tight with double knots and strong rope. The elf thought about it for a minute. The room was dark, just the way he liked it and he was ready to strike the moment anybody walked into the room. The first creature to walk into the room was going to get it. He just had to work out a plan of action, a sneaky little elf indeed. The elf was determined to steal something before he escaped, just to annoy the creatures even more. If he stole Semus’s mother and took her home that would cause uproar. Semus had grabbed him by the throat and caused him much pain and suffering; it was only right that he received what he deserved. Staring at the floor he noticed lots of mice running in and out of the room. Yes, this would be the way out, if he could get the mice to eat the rope he would be free. As he was about to call on the mice he heard a familiar sound coming from outside the door.

  ‘Is that you Lachlann, it’s me Domhal, where are you?’

  ‘Of course it’s me you idiot, come and get me out of here!’

  The little elf managed to open the huge door with his magic; he laughed at the sight of his friend tied to a chair.

  ‘Not so brave and smart now, are we?’ said the elf chuckling.

  ‘Just get me loose, I have a plan to get back at the creatures.’

  ‘What plan, don’t you think we should just magic out of here?’

  ‘No! I want to teach them a lesson; I think we should capture the mother of the creature that grabbed me.’

  The other elf shook his head and rolled his eyes.

  ‘I don’t know where you get these crazy ideas from but don’t even think about it, let’s go.’

  Angry that his idea had been laughed at, he clenched his fists and was off. The other elf sighed. What could be done with his friend? He never seemed to be out of trouble. All of a sudden the elf could hear angry voices growing louder and closer. The creatures must be returning to deal with his friend; he sprinted out of the room. No time to work his magic, the best thing was to hide and listen to what they were planning. If he could learn when they were going to attack the underground elf village they could all be ready for the fight. The creatures had been persuaded not to fight, there would be no more attacking or searching for the underground village. They had more important things on their minds, like finding Jo. The focus was now on learning to travel like their Australian cousins.

  The women in the village were fed up with the antics of the men and because they were pre-occupied with fighting and travelling; they now had to take over the business of the clover tea. Not happy little campers were they, having to deal with the village business and look after the young creatures at the same time. The creatures may not go away to battle, but if things didn’t get back to normal there would be a fight of bigger proportions between
the men and women creatures.

  The elf had run into the broom cupboard to hide and could watch through the crack in the door. He was waiting to spy on the creatures as they walked into the room.

  ‘I don’t like them anymore than ye do,’ said the large Mac Gulpa.

  ‘Unfortunately we better just let the blighter go and tend to new matters at hand.’ Opening the door they were startled to see the elf had disappeared.

  ‘Oh great! We forgot about the elf magic; well, that’s one problem sorted out. Now we can learn the ins and outs of travelling. Oor village will be safe as long as we keep oor enn open.’

  With that the elf used his magic and disappeared without being seen. He knew that the creatures had decided to focus on something else; it was time to find out what his mischievous friend was cooking up. Lachlan arrived back underground into his elf world, annoyed with his friend. He decided to meet with the King of Dark Elves, maybe then he could seek his revenge. He felt sure that all the elves in the underground kingdom would be on his side. Walking up to the tower of the King, he wondered what to say.

  Running behind him was his friend, freshly arrived from the world above, Domhal was worried that his friend would dob them in. There were certain procedures that every elf had to follow; they had broken many of their world’s rules. Number one; never manage to be seen. Number two; never lead your enemy into the opening to their world. Number three; never ever get caught by the enemy. He noticed where his friend was heading and screamed with fright.

  ‘Lachlan stop, think about what you are about to do! You could get us into terrible trouble,’ begged Domhal.

  Lachlan stopped and dropped to the ground, he hadn’t thought about it and now fear rolled in. What if the King knew how stupid and careless he had been? The punishment could be dark and evil. Shaking in his boots he looked at his friend and tears began to fall down his cheeks.

  ‘Guess I’ve gone off without thinking; it’s just not fair. Those creatures got the better of me.’

  Domhal felt sorry for the little elf; he always managed to do the wrong thing.

  ‘Don’t worry, we still have all their stuff and I suppose they will never be able to find the entrance again. That’s unless you’re stupid enough to lead them back here again.’

  Domhal was right, the entrance to the underground world changed position every four hours, and its magic shifted the wooden door from place to place. It was the best security device the Dark Elves had.

  In the upper world, the creatures gathered around Eiki, thrilled to be learning a new skill. To master the Australian way of travelling would bring more freedom to them. And they could even disappear when their wives wanted them to do work! Just as well Eiki didn’t know they were feeling that way otherwise she would have changed her mind right on the spot. The thought of travelling wherever they wanted tickled their fancy.

  Eiki was getting a bit nervous; she was wondering how she was going to teach them successfully. She was a bit shaky at travelling, so this was going to be good. Semus sat down close to her as he was dying to be the first to try. This was liberating for the young Mac Slurpa, he felt like a Scottish soldier learning new battle skills. To wander far from home and to experience the world made his eyes sparkle.

  ‘Right, the first thing you need to remember is patience, a quiet mind that is full of relaxation and an understanding of spiritual awareness. Everything is possible. We as creatures put restrictions on ourselves, halting spiritual growth and possibilities that we can achieve. You can be whatever type of person you choose to be. Your habits, your behaviour, your responses, are all your choice.’

  The Mac Gulpas and Mac Slurpas looked puzzled. What kind of mumbo jumbo was she talking about? For a Scottish creature to be calm and silent, it would take a miracle. The thought of meditation and clear thinking was unheard of. This looked like it wasn’t going to work out the way they wanted it to. They just wanted to travel, not become Buddhist monks.

  ‘Dae ye mean we aw tae be quiet, dinne think that’s possible,’ announced the leader.

  ‘Well, if you’re not prepared to try I won’t bother to teach you,’ snarled Eiki.

  ‘Dinnae be crabbit ye ken that we au want to learn, trauchie is ye’ll to ca patient.’

  Eiki took a deep breath, she had just told all of her students to be patient and she had lost it before any of them. She settled herself down and instructed her students to sit on the floor, cross their legs and close their eyes.

  ‘There are many travelling chants you will all have to master. Each one of you will have to be quiet, listen and then follow everything I say. If you don’t, goodness knows what will happen to you. Do you all understand?’

  Everybody nodded and to Eiki’s surprise, was silent and obeyed her request.

  ‘Windows of light, spirits of all, open the doorway to travel us all. The power within and colours of life, gently grant us the gift of flight. Transportation is what we desire today; help us on our merry way.’

  None of the creatures had settled into a meditative state; they were all peeking through their half-closed eyes. Eiki was getting more frustrated by the minute and started jumping up and down cursing at the creatures. She was being the noisy one; they all sat and peeked in silence. Then all of a sudden one, two five, nine disappeared. Eiki started to panic, what on earth happened, had they really travelled? She hadn’t told them the next stage; in their heads they had to request a destination. The day was getting worse every minute and she was wondering if it was all worth the trouble.

  Bang, crash! Outside the racket was deafening. Eiki ran out of the building to find a sight that shocked her. She looked around her and felt the laughter coming on. The creatures had managed to transport themselves outside into trees, the bottom of a well, on top of the tree houses; one was even stuck on top of the town’s flagpole with his kilt flapping in the wind!

  ‘You are supposed to clear your mind, thank goodness you landed in the town.’

  It was going to take a long time to train them into travelling.

  Maybe if I teach them yoga to loosen up the Scottish joints. And if we have gentle music instead of bagpipes and plenty of luck, it might transform them into gentle, quiet spiritual beings, she thought hopefully.

  What was she thinking, it probably wasn’t possible and she wished Jo was there to give her moral support.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Way Down Under

  Jo had settled herself back into the routine of the Gulp-a-Waters and the Slurp-it-Downs. Life had certainly changed and the bush seemed unusually sad-looking. Jo thought Aunt Pepper was still very trendy for her age; her attitude to life was still vibrant.

  Hope I am as energetic when I reach her age, thought Jo.

  It was now morning and Jo was tucked up in her aunt’s spare room. She could smell the aroma of bacon and eggs, and thought to herself how good it was to be home. Then she remembered that in Scotland they would be having kippers for breakfast with warm milk and piping hot, freshly baked bread. The trees swayed and the sweet smell of the eucalypt drifted through the window. Australia really was the country of many colours and unique vegetation. Still, the fragrant wildflowers of the Scottish Highlands danced in her memory.

  ‘Oh dear my poor Eiki, I hope she is alright.’

  The reason she needed to get back to Scotland returned and tortured her into a state of despair. The wind all of a sudden took up and it looked like they were in for a huge storm. Climbing out of bed she shivered, as the morning was chilly.

  Don’t ever remember it being so cold. We usually have quite warm weather, I wonder what season we are in, and maybe it’s winter. She dressed herself into the Scottish clothes. Aunt Pepper knocked on the door; she had a handful of borrowed clothes for her niece.

  ‘What are you doing with those dirty clothes on; they need a good wash. You don’t want to smell do you? Here, look what I have managed to acquire from all the village creatures. Jolly good of them to think of you and to arrange a collection.’<
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  Jo looked at the array of strange clothes; there were odd socks, short tops, and baggy torn jeans, not to mention oversized boots. Not exactly what Jo had in mind, how embarrassing! She looked at the pile of clothes that had been thrown on her bed.

  How on earth do they expect me to go around looking like a ragbag, she thought.

  ‘Ragbag indeed girl, don’t you appreciate that everybody collected them with love, just for you.’

  Jo was taken aback; she didn’t want to insult them all. Then she remembered that whatever she thought, they could hear.

  I’m in trouble already and I haven’t even had breakfast.

  ‘You’re not in trouble dear, just get dressed and come into the kitchen for a delicious breakfast.’

  As Jo sat down she asked what had happened to her mother. Aunt Pepper’s face changed, she was disturbed by the question.

  ‘Throat cancer my dear, I tried to tell her not to smoke but she wouldn’t give it up. Filthy habit if you ask me, full of toxic chemicals that turn your insides green and full of puss.’

  ‘Mum never smoked, why did she start?’

  ‘It was after you disappeared; she used it as a crutch because of her emotional state. Said it calmed her nerves, she would sit on the front verandah waiting for you to come home. That is why we need to work out a way to get you back in time and reverse what has happened over the last twenty-odd years. I believe that if we do, your mother will be sitting with me today drinking green tea.’

  ‘Do you mean it’s all my fault that my mother died? All I wanted to do was get Eiki to travel me here so I could warn you that Melissa had seen one of the green bottles and your apron. I was worried that she might be able to talk me into the truth. If that happened, I don’t know what else she would do. Your secret probably would be exposed; she loves to blab to everyone.’

  Aunt Pepper’s face changed yet again. She was calm; the news hadn’t even put another wrinkle on her forehead.