‘Yes, that’s the amulets, the witch has complete control. They take away all survival instincts and the ability to think for themselves, and end up just a shell with no mind or feelings. And that is why we will need the assistance of the Great Wizard. Baba Yelka has cast a powerful spell on the amulets, so if you tried to free your friends with those on, they would actually fight you off and even try to kill you as she has the power over their thoughts and actions. If I was able to go with you, I would probably be able to remove the spell but I’m afraid I can’t: it is forbidden for the keeper to leave the castle, but the Great Wizard has agreed to empower you with the necessary tools.’
‘Empower,’ Shaun said, scratching his head, a puzzled expression on his face. ‘And what does that involve? Nothing painful, I hope.’
The Grey Elf had a little smirk tugging at his lips. ‘Absolute torture. I hope you can stand pain.’ He paused a moment to see Shaun’s reaction. ‘No, I’m sorry about that. I couldn’t resist. I think Louis’ mischievous ways are rubbing off on me. No, but you will need to travel to his mountain cave and go through a magic ritual that only he can perform; it is not painful or dangerous just a strange yet wonderful experience. You are indeed highly honoured to be chosen. I have never heard of this ceremony being carried out before. Details are in my grimoire, but it takes powers way beyond anything I can conjure up.’
‘What about the Dwarfs?’ said Shaun. ‘Are they ready to send in their warriors?’
‘Yes, of course they await your return. They have been forging new, powerful weapons and, only if you agree, the King has asked if you will go with them when they attack. You have all the information they require and you would join them once you have visited the Great Wizard.’
‘Of course I am willing to fight by their side, but I doubt whether I could lift one of their swords, let alone wield it in battle.’
The Grey Elf threw back his head and laughed out loud. ‘And we wouldn’t expect you to, but, like the Great Wizard, the King has great faith in you. You would once again have the use of the magic hammer. The King said you used it with great effect while on your quest and he feels it was an omen that you saved his son’s life using it, so he is trusting you to do it again. And of course the last thing Baba Yelka will want or be expecting is you leading the army of Dwarfs with the mighty weapon that nearly destroyed her last time you met.’
Shaun’s thoughts flashed back to his encounter with her. ‘Yes, I remember, it was a wonderful sight to see her cowering on the floor of her magic room completely defenceless against the hammer. Let’s hope we can do the same again. Very well, the sooner I get started, the sooner our friends will be free. Oh and something else. Herne asked if he could join the Dwarfs in battle. He has been such a friend and his use of the sword and axe is something to be seen: a frightening sight for any foe.’
The Grey Elf shrugged his shoulders and screwed up his face. ‘I doubt very much if the Dwarfs would agree to that. They fight as one and need to know exactly what the others are doing. He could upset the balance of their movement, even though I’m sure the King will know how powerful and feared Herne is, particularly in the dark side.’ He paused a moment, stroking his beard. All of a sudden his face lit up. ‘Of course he could be invaluable, as he knows the dark side so well, better than those even living there, and is familiar with all the caves, mountains, secret hideouts and all the shortcuts. When you and the Dwarfs enter the cave I will take control of the Dark Wizard’s portal, but he will know something is amiss. He will surely send his full army to discover the problem. So Herne could maybe delay them and lead them a merry dance as they try to capture him. All this would give our army that bit of extra time they need. But I’m sure he will find a way to reach the cave, so once they get closer, Herne could sound his horn, giving you enough time to get back through our portal without being seen. So we can use it again if we need to return at any time.’
‘But first of all you need to visit the goblins and they will take you to see the Great Wizard, then return here, and in the meantime I will speak to the King and discuss our next move.’ He could see by Shaun’s face that he was not exactly happy with the arrangement. ‘I know you are impatient and would like to attack today but you must understand we are facing an extremely dangerous situation from both Baba Yelka and the Dark Wizard, so we need to be well prepared as we will only have one chance. She will not harm our friends: she needs them as bait to entice you to her.’ He opened a cupboard and took out a rucksack. ‘Remember this,’ he said with a mischievous grin, ‘it’s the one you carried on your quest and I’ve filled it with all your favourite treats. I know you get peckish now and again.’
Shaun’s face broke into a warm smile as he hugged it close to his chest. His thoughts floated back to all the pleasure he had gained from its contents, sharing meals with Louis and Ava. They all had one and would have probably starved without them. He sighed out loud as he remembered the times they had saved their lives, and even used them as pillows at night: they were much more than bags full of food.
While Shaun was daydreaming, the Grey Elf had contacted the goblin leader and he had opened his portal. He gave Shaun a warm hug before he stepped through.
The goblins were all prepared and Shaun and the leader were soon on their way riding in the leader’s carriage with the driver and two guards on top. It was an uncomfortable ride as the road was rough and undulating through the forest, making it impossible to sleep. They journeyed on through the day and into the night with very little conversation. Shaun was staring out of the window across the chasm of open sky as though watching a film. The sun was slowly slipping down towards the horizon before fading away into a thin ribbon of red, and finally disappearing before the moon peeped up above the mountain tops, casting eerie shadows down the slopes, the lakes and streams shimmering like silver fairy dust dancing across the surface. The stars appeared, twinkling brightly above, forming a magical, sparkling canopy – truly mesmerising. The road through the forest seemed to be climbing steadily upward through the rugged landscape, and Shaun smiled at the sound of the wind whistling through the trees and the strange, sinister shadows flashing by. He remembered Ava squeezing his hand as she was feeling unnerved by the experience.
After travelling through the night they finally emerged from the forest just as the first rays of the morning sun were fringing the floating clouds with an orange tinge and the landscape that unfolded before them was truly magical, huge mountains rising majestically from the wooded hills, their peaks shrouded in the mist and clouds. As they approached the base of one of the mountains the coach came to a halt.
‘This is it,’ said the leader. ‘This is where the Great Wizard lives. Do you remember?’
Shaun just smiled and nodded. He could remember it well and his thoughts flooded back. He could see Ava sitting next to him, squeezing his hand and biting her lip as they started up the mountain, passing strange vegetation and funny-shaped trees sprouting from every nook and crevice. They slowed down as they approached the mysterious shroud of mist masking their view forward, and as they passed inside, even though Shaun had seen it before, he gasped in awe at the sight of the huge, stone arch spanning the track they were travelling on which was covered in thick vegetation and a bright golden sunbeam bursting through the thinning clouds above and cascading down, dancing onto the beautiful, varicoloured leaves and giving off a glittering array of light like fairy lights on a Christmas tree at the entrance to Santa’s grotto.
But he was suddenly brought back to reality as they came to a halt in front of a dense wall of mist, but before he could ask the question as to what lay ahead, the driver cracked his whip and they moved on through.
‘Let’s hope the Great Wizard is expecting us,’ said Shaun. ‘You said last time the wizard was in control: let’s pray he is again.’ He closed his eyes for a moment before sighing out loud with relief as he felt the carriage lift up from the track and rise steadily and gently upward.
Shaun sank bac
k in his seat and looked out of the window as if in a trance. He could feel Ava’s presence and experienced strange flashes of her sitting by his side as they floated through the limestone pillars on top of the mountain, towering skyward like a stone forest with a maze of pathways and caves created over centuries by the elements. And as the sun rose high in the sky and the mist began to thin; dozens of rainbows began to form, some arching across the deep blue tarns and across meandering streams like fairy tale bridges; others danced across the snow-covered pillar tops – truly a magical vista.
They circled around the pillars before gliding down gently towards the two tall, impressive columns of limestone either side of the entrance and floated through. Shaun held onto the carriage side as they travelled through a maze of limestone formations manoeuvring between the stalagmite and stalactites, skimming over the underground streams in the eerie shadows of strange, crystal-shaped structures.
Finally they entered the huge, open cavern where Shaun had first met the Great Wizard and they came to a halt in front of the arched stone bridge that spanned the fast-flowing stream which ran through the centre. Shaun looked around and shook his head in disbelief at the sheer size of the place: it was much bigger than he remembered with the stone walls towering upwards from the floor to the mountain top, the sunrays filtered down through an opening, bathing the soft folds of ice curtains that lined the walls with a magical array of dazzling colours. They stood in silence absorbing their surroundings and patiently awaiting his arrival.
All of a sudden from a turn at the far side of the bridge the Wizard appeared, a tall, noble figure, his long, white hair flowing behind him and his long, distinguished beard nestling on his chest, but it was his bright green eyes that grabbed your attention: they gave him an air of mystery yet fully demanded respect. He never spoke as he raised his caduceus and beckoned Shaun to him.
‘Are you coming with me?’ said Shaun, glancing towards the leader.
‘Afraid not: no one is allowed to cross the bridge. You will be the first and probably the last. You are indeed honoured.’
He didn’t feel honoured; he felt apprehensive and nervous if he was honest. What he would give for his two companions Louis and Ava to be with him as he slowly and cautiously stepped on the bridge? He glanced back and got a reassuring nod from the leader before walking across. Just as he reached the other side the Wizard disappeared into the tunnel. Again Shaun tenderly looked back before following him inside.
Although he didn’t appear to be walking fast the Wizard was so tall, his long strides were making it difficult for Shaun to keep up close in the dimly lit tunnels. He was tempted to hang onto the Wizard’s velvet cloak: it flapped constantly in his face. And he was so relieved when he spotted a light in the distance growing larger as they moved closer. Finally they entered a huge, cathedral-like chamber with a large opening at the top allowing the light to flood through. On the ground directly below was a strange, floating floor mirroring the light above, shimmering and swirling across its surface. The chamber’s towering stone walls were embedded with crystals in a multitude of shapes and sizes, reflecting the light like a ballroom’s glitterball.
As Shaun looked closer he could see higher up. Directly below the opening there hung a strange, folded curtain of crystals arched on a semicircle like a huge chandelier, pulsating vigorously and emitting an array of vibrant light and colour.
The Wizard slipped off a gold ring from his finger and took Shaun’s hand in his; for the first time his face changed expression, cracking into a warm smile before he placed the ring on Shaun’s finger. And without saying a word he led Shaun over to the mirrored floor, glancing back to again reassure him before stepping onto its swirling surface. Shaun was sure he was about to disappear and probably drown as he closed his eyes and stepped forward, but to his surprise it was solid and safe.
They stood in silence facing one another for several minutes, Shaun’s eyes were focused on the opening above and were somewhat mesmerised by the clouds passing over, sending shadows and shades of light cascading down through the chandelier, forever changing. Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by a loud outburst from the Wizard. His eyes were dark and hollow, his caduceus raised up high as he chanted some kind of ancient ritual. Shaun held his breath. His stomach was doing somersaults, wondering what would happen next. The Wizard shook his caduceus violently and the clouds above the opening disappeared, allowing the sun to send a bright shaft of golden light flooding down and engulfing Shaun and the Wizard before sinking slowly into the swirling surface of the floor. Again the wizard raised his caduceus, shaking it constantly, and to Shaun’s amazement the sun faded gradually to a thin ribbon of light before disappearing, Shaun gasped out loud as the moon burst forth and shone down through the opening, sending a bright, silvery beam descending slowly towards them before melting into the floor. Shaun watched transfixed as the golden sunlight and the silvery moonbeam swirled and shimmered separately for a while before merging. The Wizard had summoned the forces of night and day, harnessing their power and, as he turned his caduceus over the surface of the swirling floor, the merged light rose up, wrapping itself around Shaun’s body and bathing him in the warmth and power of the sun and the tranquillity of the moon – a potent combination. After continuing to cover his body for several minutes it encircled his hand before disappearing into the ring on his finger.
Shaun stayed rooted to the spot trying to fathom out what had happened. He did feel different inside a warm, confident glow which was hard to understand. He looked up to see if the Wizard could explain, but he was still in some sort of a trance. Shaun stared down at the ring: it was gently pulsating, giving off a strange, powerful aura which seemed to fill him with total positive thought, and he felt now he was confident he could help free his friends.
Just then, the Wizard groaned out loud before his eyes returned to normal and a smile crossed his face. ‘That would be a strange experience for you, but you have come through it without any adverse effects. I didn’t tell you before but I was a little concerned, as I have never carried out such a powerful ritual.’
Shaun nodded nervously and forced a smile but he was a little upset by the fact that he could have ended up with long-term problems or worse, and felt he should have been informed so he had a choice. But then again he might have decided it was too risky and thrown away the chance to help his friends, so maybe the Wizard was right after all.
The Wizard looked into Shaun’s eyes as though he were reading his thoughts. ‘Yes, I can read your thoughts,’ he said with a smile, ‘but I was confident there would be no lasting damage and what you have shown me and the leaders in Colgilor is that, although so very young, you have the heart of a lion and unlimited depths of courage. But you must be warned: this power I have given you can be dangerous. You will need to control it or you could create death and destruction which we don’t want. Use it wisely to free your friends from the witches’ control and the ring will also protect you from the evil forces while on your journey to the dark side.’
‘How will I know how to control such a force?’ said Shaun, looking down at the ring.
‘Don’t worry, you must now return to the Grey Elf’s castle and he will advise you, so be careful and follow your heart: it will, I’m sure, lead you in the right direction.’
He embraced Shaun before leading him out of the chamber and back along the tunnel to join the leader, who was waiting patiently at the far side of the bridge. ‘Farewell, my little friend, we will meet again once you have completed your task, and remember, good will always defeat evil, and I will be following your journey.’
‘Thank you so much for your help and trust I will not let you down,’ said Shaun before turning and crossing over the bridge. He and the leader waved back at the Wizard and climbed back into the carriage. They rode back out of the mountain and returned to the grotto. After enjoying refreshments with the leader, Shaun thanked him for his help before slipping back through the portal to join the Grey Elf. Shaun�
��s face lit up as his eyes fell on the table in the corner of the room covered with plates of food.
‘I thought you might be a little hungry after your adventure, but don’t worry if your appetite has disappeared, you can leave it till morning for breakfast,’ said the Grey Elf, struggling to contain his laughter.
But Shaun didn’t even notice the Grey Elf was teasing: he was already halfway across the room and soon tucking in as though he hadn’t eaten all year. After virtually clearing the table he joined the Grey Elf who had been seated at the other side of the room, enjoying watching Shaun demolish the plates one by one.
‘I take it Herne didn’t feed you very well.’
‘Very well,’ Shaun said, totally exasperated by the thought. ‘I don’t believe he is real: for such a big man he can go days on virtually no food at all.’
‘Yes, I don’t think anyone really knows the answer to that. Some say he and his hounds are phantoms; others say he is some kind of god. Perhaps we will never know, but just let us be thankful he is on the side of good, rather than evil. Now then, have you been able to gather all the information you require to lead the Dwarf’s army safely into battle?’
‘Yes, I think so. Everything is in place, and with the help of your magic shroud I was able to explore all the secret tunnels and the chamber, but I will have nightmares for years to come through what I saw down there. The dark side is much, much more than dark, it is downright evil, and the sooner we release our poor, tortured friends, the better. There is of course one good thing about the dark side so far as our friends, the Dwarfs, are concerned: there are always forbidding, black storm clouds hanging overhead, and on the ground a permanent swirling sea of dark grey mist, so they need not worry about being turned to stone, as there is never any sunlight.’
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