They both gasped out loud as the probe’s lights faded and the mirror went blank; there was a short break before the probe lit up again and the evil face of Baba Madea appeared in the mirror.
‘Baba Yelka,’ she said, ‘why have you contacted me after such a long time? It can only be because you need something from me: you obviously haven’t changed over the years.’
‘Who is she talking to?’ Shaun said, scratching his head.
‘That is not the evil witch, you know, it is her sister Baba Madea. They fell out many years ago and she fled to the dark side but she has not been heard of since.’
‘Oh I see now. So the witch I have fought with is called Baba Yelka. Ah yes, that’s her voice now.’ They could hear Baba Yelka talking to her sister, telling her of her encounter with Shaun the boy and his magic hammer and how she sought revenge. She intended to capture and imprison the boy’s friends and accomplices as he would come looking for them, but she needed somewhere safe and secure to imprison them, for their searching for them would surely visit her house, so somewhere away from there would be ideal and give her a chance to prepare for their visit.
But again Shaun gasped in frustration when there was a loud explosion and the mirror went blank and misted over. ‘That must be it,’ sighed Shaun. ‘That is when the mirror blew up so we still don’t know where she has taken them.’
The Grey Elf sat back and stroked his long, white beard. ‘Well, we do know the dark side: someone who knows the layout and their inhabitants.’
‘Then what are we waiting for?’ Shaun said impatiently. ‘I’m sure we can raise an army from all the kingdoms to attack and free our friends.’
The Grey Elf shook his head. His wrinkled face flushed with amusement. ‘If only it was that easy: the dark side is a dangerous place, more so now than ever.’
‘But we managed to enter and release Ava.’
‘Yes, I know, but since then and because of your success they have increased their security with lots more guards, and of course the Dark Wizard, their ruler, has sent a warning out to all those who live there: if anyone fails to report an intruder they are instantly arrested and suffer a long and painful death.’
‘Who is this Dark Wizard? Do you know him?’
The Grey Elf sank back in his chair, gripping his caduceus. His eyes glazed slightly as his thoughts floated back through his memories. There was a short spell of silence before he sat up fully alert, his eyes now bright and sparkling. ‘Oh yes, I knew him. He was a close friend, a wise, powerful Wizard, but when the war between the Kingdoms was going on, he was trapped, captured and tortured by an evil witch who cast a spell on him. He later escaped and took up the dark art of sorcery. He killed the witch, breaking the spell, but sadly never returned to his old ways once he tasted the mighty power he was able to wield. He lives in the mountains in the dark side, and has assembled a mighty army consisting mainly of slaves, those he has captured from all of the kingdoms. He targeted only the elite warriors and they obey him without question, totally under his spell but a fearsome foe.’
Shaun sat there, his eyes narrowed in concentration, listening to every word. If he was honest would have said he was excited by the danger of facing such an awesome enemy. His face suddenly lit up. ‘But surely our army using your portal could be in, free the prisoners and get back out again before the Wizard and his army could reach us.’
‘Sadly, no, the Wizard has the same portals and after your visit he has his own guards on constant duty, their orders to contact him about any sign of an intruder.’
Again the Grey Elf sat back, stroking his beard, deep in thought. ‘What we require is information on the whereabouts of our friends, the layout of where the prison is situated, and the number of guards in that area. Depending on that information we could send in a small army of our finest warriors to overpower the guards and release our friends. A small number would be able to move much faster than a full army, and more likely to succeed. The biggest problem would be Baba Yelka: she will probably be with her little army close to the prison, and her magic is very powerful. Our warriors could not overcome her spells.’
‘That’s easy,’ said Shaun smugly. ‘We use the army of Dwarfs, without doubt our most fearsome warriors, and if I went along with them with their magic hammer I could deal with the witch while the Dwarfs freed our friends.’
Again the Grey Elf thought long and hard. ‘Yes I can see that could work but would you put your life in danger once again?’
‘Of course, without a second thought, but with the hammer I feel indestructible, just like your shroud. And I also think I have the answer to your first problem: the information you require. Surely Herne, the hunter, would help: he is a great friend of the Guardian of the Magic Kingdom and he hates those lurking in the dark side. He is not like them: he has goodness in his heart. He helped us and I am sure if he was found out he would be welcome to live in the Magic Kingdom.’
A warm smile creased the Grey Elf’s face. ‘You seem to have all the answers: would you be willing to travel to the Magic Kingdom? Not on foot,’ he said with a chuckle. ‘Through the portal if I ask the Guardian to inform me when Herne visits.’
‘Of course I’m ready and willing to go. In fact, I could go now and wait till he visits.’
‘I don’t think that will be necessary. In any case, I have some work to do before you leave: you need some rest. We will talk again in the morning but don’t look so miserable. I will have food sent to your room just in case you are hungry,’ he said in a sarcastic voice. Shaun stood up, threw him a wry smile, placed a warm hand on his shoulder, and left the room.
Over the following days the Grey Elf spent most of his time in the magic room while Shaun tried to keep himself amused. Although he was well fed with a constant supply from the two assistant elves, he was bored out of his mind and so frustrated as the time seemed to go so slowly. Although he knew the Grey Elf was working on something really special and secretive, Shaun felt left out and they hardly had time to speak to each other. A few words over breakfast before the Grey Elf would simply shake his head when asked if there was any news, but head off back to the magic room, leaving Shaun to his own devices.
Finally after several weeks, which seemed like years to the frustrated Shaun, the Grey Elf broke out into a broad smile and nodded his head. ‘The Guardian has just contacted me. Herne is with him now and they are expecting you: are you ready to leave?’
Shaun gave out a huge sigh of relief. ‘Thank goodness. I was beginning to give up hope. Ready? I’ve been ready for weeks,’ he said, jumping to his feet. He was filled with excitement and optimism for the first time since he arrived as he followed the Grey Elf to the magic room. Inside they sat on the stone bench and the Grey Elf lifted up a case and opened it up. ‘This is what I have been working on all these weeks,’ he said as he lifted out two shimmering silk pieces of fabric, each one set in a strange, ornate frame.
Shaun shook his head, obviously unimpressed. ‘You have been working all this time on these! What are they?’
‘You remember I told you the Dark Wizard had set up a portal so he could stay in contact with his guards. ‘Well, if you and the Dwarfs enter their hideout, then you need a way of stopping them informing the wizard, otherwise our plan will fail. As I have said the Wizard’s magic is so powerful it has taken me so long to search through my grimoire to find a way to nullify his control over the portal. These frames are created from metal that has been forged from a dragon’s breath, and the silk fabric spun from the mythical rainbow spider. Once you find the portal in their hideout you must attach one of the frames to the front of it, which will allow me to take over control. The other frame you must give to Herne and he must find a hiding place for it in, or close to, the entrance to the underground hideout of Baba Yelka. We will use this as our portal for you and the Dwarf army to enter and hopefully escape through with our freed friends. But I must warn you: once I take control of the Wizard’s portal he will know something is wrong, and,
although he won’t be able to pass through with his army, I’m sure he will find a way to reach you, so this will not prevent him, but only delay his arrival. Time will be so important so it imperative Herne finds out as much information as possible: how many guards in the set-up of Baba Yelka’s hideout and if possible where our friends are being held, but he must not risk being caught.’
Shaun gazed at the Grey Elf thoughtfully, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. All of a sudden he threw back his head and laughed out loud. ‘Of course, the shroud! I could go with Herne and use the shroud to gain the information you require. Think about how Herne is going to be able to enter Baba Yelka’s hideout without being seen: her army will be on guard and I’m sure our friends will be under close watch.’
The Grey Elf frowned deeply, putting his head in one hand and the other tapping his caduceus on the floor. He sat there for several silent moments deep in thought before talking a deep breath. ‘I see what you’re saying and I can’t deny it makes sense, but it is too dangerous for you to go in there alone, and if you were discovered the sacred shroud would be such an asset to the Dark Wizard or Baba Yelka, and more importantly, the only thing keeping our friends alive is that she desperately wants to capture you. Once you are her prisoner she will have no further use for them. But on the other hand, and on second thoughts, it probably is impossible for Herne to bring enough information to make sure our rescue plan is successful. I did agree that you must promise me you won’t attempt to rescue your friends by yourself: once you have found them I know it would be tempting, especially for you, but we will only get one chance, and if you come back with all the details our plan will have a much better chance of succeeding.’
Shaun’s face lit up. ‘Of course,’ he said joyfully. ‘I promise. I know I will be tempted, but you are right with the information. Our Dwarf army will surely have every advantage.’
‘Very well, I agree, but remember all of the prisoners are under Baba Yelka’s control so, if you even speak to any of them, Baba Yelka will know and all your efforts and those of Herne will be wasted.’ He turned and ambled over to his mirror to make contact with the Guardian. They spoke for several minutes before waving Shaun over to join him. He checked he had the shroud and the case with the two ornate frames; they said their goodbyes before Shaun stepped through the mirror. His face creased into a joyful smile as he was greeted by the huge, muscular arms of Herne, very nearly squeezing the life out of him. ‘Sorry about that,’ boomed his deep, thunderous voice as he put Shaun down. ‘It’s so good to see you.’
‘And you,’ gasped Shaun as he tried to catch his breath. ‘Thank you so much for agreeing to help save our friends.’
‘It will be difficult. I have scouted the area and discovered the underground hideout. It’s so well protected by the Dark Wizard’s guards, and the cunning witch Baba Yelka is said to have set up her fortress in the same underground network of caves and chambers, away from the guards yet still protected by them. To get to her, you have to get past those guards first, which will be mighty difficult.’
Shaun was just standing, eyes wide open, rooted to the spot. He knew Herne was a fearsome sight, but he had forgotten how terrifying he was standing up close: his huge torso clad in amour, with his mighty arms bulging with rippling muscles, his long, flowing hair and bushy beard cascading down from his helmet which had stags’ antlers sprouting from it. Hanging from his wide, leather belt was a long, curved, black sword at one side, and an enormous axe at the other: such a formidable sight that would send shivers down the bravest of foes’ spines.
‘Are you all right, Shaun?’ bellowed Herne. ‘You seem transfixed.’
‘Sorry,’ Shaun replied, shaking his head. ‘I had forgotten how big you are: a little more than intimidating. I’m just pleased you’re on our side.’ Herne roared with laughter, his voice reverberating around the cave. Shaun’s face creased into a grimace and he covered his ears. ‘Even your voice would see off most enemies.’
Again he burst into laughter. ‘If only that were true. We will have to rely on something more than my voice if we are to gain the information you need.’
‘Oh well,’ said Shaun smugly, ‘the Grey Elf has helped us here. He has given me the use of this magic shroud which makes me invisible and undetectable, so if you can show me the entrance to their hideout I will be able to glean all the information. And these two frames: one is for you to find a safe, concealed spot in, or near to, the entrance. We will use this as the portal for our army to enter and attack the guards. The other one we will need to attach to the Dark Wizard’s portal just before our army tackles the guards. We will sort out the best time to do that later.’
‘Are you ready to ride?’ said Herne. ‘My hounds are outside waiting impatiently.’
Shaun nodded and followed Herne out of the cave into the bright, warm sunshine. He stopped for a brief moment, closing his eyes and soaking up the warm rays, as well as taking in deep breaths of its pure fresh air. His face broke out into a huge, satisfied smile as memories of his first visit came flooding back. He could hear Ava’s voice gasping in awe at the sight of this magical place. His thoughts were interrupted by Herne’s rasping voice.
‘Come on, lad. Let’s be off or we’ll never get there.’
Shaun opened his eyes just as Herne’s huge arm reached down and hauled him up onto the back of his majestic black steed. They stood for a few moments before the Guardian’s wrinkled face appeared on the craggy rock face above the caves. He nodded his head and raised his hand towards Shaun, a rare sign of respect from the protector of the Magic Kingdom, and as Herne rode forward his face slowly faded, and the cinder maintain opened up, allowing Herne to ride through with his hounds close behind.
They were soon soaring through the air at breakneck speed with their hounds effortlessly keeping up the sound of their continuous howling, and Herne blasting away on his bugle reverberated for miles all around, sending out a warning to would-be predators. Shaun was still mystified that they could fly. He had ridden on the mighty steed Star when on their quest, but he had wings unlike this magnificent beast he was sitting on, and indeed the hounds… Were they real? he wondered. Or phantoms? The horse and Herne felt real enough but it was a mystery. He decided he better forget about such things and just enjoy the ride. After all, most things in Colgilor were mysterious. The sun was warm, and with a gentle breeze caressing his face he closed his eyes and held on tightly to Herne: phantom or not, he felt very safe with him there.
They travelled through the morning and afternoon, finally stopping for refreshments and a short break. Shaun’s stomach was rumbling and must have thought his throat was cut. Oh, what he would give for the magic rucksack he had on their quest, containing an endless supply of goodies. With Herne it was a quick bite of whatever he could forage from their surroundings washed down with a mouthful of water, then on their way again. The one good thing was that at this rate they would reach their destination that much sooner. They even journeyed through the night, Shaun’s arms wrapped around Herne and his head nuzzled into his back: not very comfortable but when you were as tired as he was, comfort was the last thing to worry about. He felt he could sleep on a clothes line. He was so weary and only woke up when they stopped for refreshments, sometimes in the intense heat of the midday sun with fluffy, white clouds floating across the sky; at other times the huge moon shone down and a canopy of stars twinkling in the evening sky above them. But whenever he woke, Herne was wide awake, adding to Shaun’s suspicion that he was some sort of phantom or superhuman spirit.
Finally they landed on the very ridgetop at the end of a deep valley that Star, the winged steed, had stood on while on their quest; in the distance loomed the eerie sight of the dark side just as, like before, shivers ran up and down Shaun’s spine.
‘There it is in all its glory, or not,’ Herne said with a roar of laughter. ‘It’s only when I visited the beauty of the magical kingdom that I realise how black and miserable the dark side is. Thank goodness I a
m one of the few who can escape from its depressing atmosphere from time to time. If I didn’t, I think I would go mad!’ Again he roared with laughter. He turned to Shaun. ‘We will ride on until we are close to the entrance, then you will have to follow me through the gates in your shroud. Once inside, just stay behind me and I will lead you to the entrance of the hideout and I will wait until you have gathered the information you require. We will have to stay in the dark side until morning, as it would make the sentries suspicious if I left again the same day. We can stay in my cave: you will be safe there and maybe you can have a peaceful sleep ready for your journey back.’
‘Sounds good to me,’ sighed Shaun, ‘very good in fact. A sound night’s sleep: how wonderful, and maybe a decent meal,’ he muttered under his breath. Herne shook the reins and they were off, heading towards the strange, dangerous dark side: not a pleasant thought for Shaun but he managed to put that to one side. He must think positively: his friends’ lives depended on him. As they got nearer the landscape was much worse than he remembered, with its cold, towering crags and vertical walls of granite rock rising up through a swirling sea of dark grey mist and the sight of the forbidding, black storm clouds permanently hanging above sending flashes of static electricity bursting across the sky and forking down with such power, exploding with thunderous surges: truly an evil, frightening place.
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