The Winter Letter

by D. E. Stanley

  “I don’t feel any different.”

  “You will,” Gatnom replied. “I have something else to show you. I’m not positive, but this may be the first time this has ever happened.”

  “What?” Will asked.

  “Even Master Jared didn’t seem to understand, but I think it is a great day for us. It is surely the will of the King of All for you to be here! With this, we may even win the games!”

  “What?”

  “It’s incredible Will...”

  “WHAT?!”

  Gatnom snapped back from wherever he had traveled to in his mind. He laughed. “Sorry. Your pendant is you carrier Will, but it seems it was not only your pendant that was awakened.” Gatnom leaned over and patted the bag hanging at Will’s side. “Your bag has joined itself to you as well. Wohie told me that when they carried us back they forgot it on the mountain. The next morning it was here, beside you, but no one knows how it got here. It seems you are one of the first, if not the first to have two carriers.”

  Will lifted the leather cover and a small thread of blue light danced inside. In the bottom of the bag there was a few inches of sand.

  Gatnom continued. “Not only that, but I can see the magic inside it too. It’s almost like it joined to both of us. I hope you will not mind, but I did a few tests. I have never seen a magic bag before, so I decided to put a few things inside and see what would happen.”

  “So, you put sand in my bag? Okay. What happened?”

  “Nothing yet. I would not use your carrier without your permission, but the possibilities are endless. I may not have used the magic, but I can tell the sand has changed. It seems regular things become magical when put inside.”

  “Gatnom, what does all this mean? I mean, why me?”

  “I don’t know, but I can tell you this,” Gatnom put his hand on Will’s shoulder, “There is more to you than meets the eye.”

  Gatnom smiled and turned to his destroyed home. “Look at this mess. We must clean,” he said.

  Will didn’t feel at all like cleaning, but he bent down anyway and grabbed a few books to put on the shelf.

  Gatnom stopped him with a hand on the shoulder. “Not like that,” he said as he patted Will’s bag.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Reach in and take a hand full of sand.”

  As soon as Will reached in the strange tingling returned to his fingers. He grabbed a hand full of the sand and gave half of it to Gatnom. It was cold and blue.

  “Now what?” he asked.

  “On three, throw it in the air and say, ‘Organize and Order.’ Okay? I’ll take care of the rest.”

  “Okay.”

  “1-2-3!”

  “Organize and Order!” they said together as they tossed the sand into the air, and just like that books were swirling about (happy to be off of the floor) and the table rocked back and forth and flipped itself right side up. Every grain of the blue sand took on a life of its on, swirling, zig zagging, and swooping here, there, and everywhere. The books and papers flapped and flew until they were all safely back in the case or stacked neatly on the table.

  “Selemat!” Gatnom said smiling.

  “Sla what?’ Will asked.

  “Selemat! It means good, great!”

  “Ah, kinda like cool?”

  “Yes, like cool. What do you think? Is this cool?’” asked Gatnom, trying out the new word.

  “Very cool. Selemat!” Will answered.

  And he was right, because if anything was ever truly cool it would definitely have something to do with magic bags and lockets, flying sand and books, and never having to clean his room by hand again.

  Fourteen

  Training

  Part One

  “Okay Willy—”

  “It’s Will.”

  “—We’ve ain’t got long to whip you into shape, so Gatnom and I are gonna team up to train ya!” Wohie stood in her normal pose, with one hand propped on her hip. “First, we’re gonna to teach you some basic stuff, everyday safe magic. Ya gotta learn this first or you’ll make a big mess of everything. After that we get to the good part, where you’ll learn to protect yourself. Should be fun... for us!” Wohie stopped and laughed hard before she continued. “Then we’ll show you how to kick butt!”

  “Where’s Gatnom?”

  “Right here,” Gatnom said from behind. Will jumped.

  “Dude, geez, where’d you come from?”

  Wohie stepped up as if to teach Will a lesson. “Willy, now that you’re part of the team you should really learn Gatnom’s name. It’s Gat-nom, not Dude. Who’s Dude anyway? You’re always talking about this guy.”

  Gatnom handed Will another large book. “This is a collaboration of some safe magic words to help young magi get started.”

  “Is this another one of those talking books?” asked Will. He opened the cover slowly, but nothing happened.

  “I’m afraid not. This is a reference book, much more boring. Everything is covered, from taking out the trash to tying your shoes. There’s even a spell for waking yourself up in the morning at a certain time: Awake Aware at the 6th, 7th, 8th hour.’” Gatnom made funny movements with his hands for each magic word as he explained. “There are even a few advanced spells in the back. Make sure to look at those. Take this book and skim through it until lunch.”

  By lunch Will’s head was swaying back and forth because of all the new magic words splashing around inside. Words like liberate the light, eliminate this illumination, seeker see shadows, and shadows shroud the sought danced and tripped through his brain. He also learned there were not only magic words and actions, but also magic objects and herbs. Some were to make you invisible, some to make a person see in the dark, breathe underwater, hear the most quiet whisper, stay dry in the rain, melt into a puddle, speak another languages, and even become a statue.

  Before the chapter on herbs there was a warning in bold type.

  :WARNING:

  Only specially trained and responsible magi should attempt Herbology, as dealing with the wrong herbs can be deadly. Some, mixed by evil Magi, can create pleasurable illusions and hallucinations while all-the-while poisoning the partaker. Others can make one feel invincible or invisible, but the after effects can cause an uncontrollable hunger for the herb, causing him to do even the most disgusting and dangerous things to obtain it.

  The wrong use of magic herbs has killed many magi, and many others have lost their minds completely as they became possessed by the evil magi who created the herb.

  All things considered, Will felt it best not to even touch these herbs.

  According to the book magic could be understood with a simple formula.

  Magic = Belief + Words + Action

  Belief refers to the inner thoughts and feelings of the magi. One must believe he can throw magic before he can, and the stronger the belief is the stronger the magic will be.

  Words are the birthing place of magic. Although the original magical language (from which extremely powerful magic comes) has been mostly lost, a weaker form of magic is still possible. Although magic words are required, they do not have to be copied exactly, but can be altered to the magi’s taste and language. The spoken word actually becomes the magic once activated by the third part of the formula: action.

  Action: Each word and belief has a corresponding action. This action brings the magic into manifestation, and without the action the words would simply fall lifeless to the ground. These actions are to be learned and practiced often, because gracefulness and timing determine the control and accuracy of the magic.

  Gatnom’s strange hand movements made more sense now, as did the little diagrams drawn by each magic word in the book. Will practiced a few simple things like tying your shoelaces and fixing his hair. It looked easy enough. He flipped to the back of the book. There was another warning just before the index of modern magic words.

  Warning: A young magi should not attempt powerful magic until he is sure he can produce it. Somet
imes the power of such attempts has been so draining the magi required weeks of rest to recover. Magic is draining on the body of the magi, and therefore it is strongly suggested all magi get a day of rest each week. This is a guideline all honorable magi keep.

  Will skipped to the index and read until he was called to lunch.

  Inside of Gatnom’s tent, where lunch was prepared, the boys were huddled around the table (which was stretched long again) and were reaching and stretching over each other to a pile of colorful fruit. Will hadn’t felt hungry since Ms. Lani’s, but now his stomach was grumbling, so he joined the group as they ate, belched, and guzzled homemade minum manis. By the end of the meal Will was fully satisfied and ready to get back to training. Gatnom led him a few miles north to an open area near the base of Mount Highness. Above, all three peaks disappeared into the clouds. Will had to lean his head back as far as he could to see. He looked like he was trying to catch rain in his mouth.

  “It’s huge!”

  “On a clear day you can see the peaks of the two side mountains,” Gatnom said, “but the middle peak is so tall that it is never visible from down here.”

  “It just goes straight up!”

  “Yeah, and just as far down as well.”

  “Huh?”

  “It goes just as far down into the underground world as it goes up into the sky.”

  “Underground world? Really?”

  Gatnom chuckled quietly. “Yes. Now, let’s get started. You said you got the simple magic down with no problem?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Show me.”

  Will flipped his hand towards Gatnom’s hat. “Brim, bow!” he said, and the brim of the hat fell over Gatnom’s eyes.

  “Selemat!” Gatnom said as he lifted the brim back up. “Okay, let’s see… I think the first thing we should do is show you how to conjure a small fire, like a candle. It’s easy. First, think about fire and picture yourself holding it in your hand. The key is to imagine it’s there before it actually is. Second, say Light Be Lit or something like that, and third move your hand like this.” Gatnom slid the back of his fingers across the palm of his other hand, like he was lighting a match. There were a few sparks, then a small flame appeared, floating above his thumb and forefinger.

  “Cool!”

  “Now, you try.”

  Will imagined a burning candle in his hand. “Candle be lit!” he said as he slid his palm and fingers together. There was a small spark, and a tiny flame appeared, flickering weakly over his thumb.

  “First try! Great job!” Gatnom exclaimed. “That’s really good.” Will smiled. “Now, let’s try something more challenging. Do this.” Gatnom closed his eyes. “Fire Ball Be!” he said as he brought his hands together (as if catching a basketball). Out of nowhere a ball of orange fire appeared. It twisted and moved in between his palms like a whirlwind of flame trapped inside a crystal ball.

  “Whoa!” Will stepped back, then forward again.

  Gatnom dropped the fireball. It splashed onto the ground and disappeared with a sizzle. “Your turn.”

  Will closed his eyes and pictured the fireball. “Fire Ball Be!” he yelled as he slammed his hands together. A bright yellow fireball appeared, but then it shot wildly from his hands. The next moment Gatnom was dancing around, stomping and slapping, trying to extinguish the flame consuming the tail of his coat. Will looked for water, but finding none, he tried patting out the flame with his hands. Finally, Gatnom fell to the ground and rolled around until the fire was out. When Gatnom looked up he was laughing. From then on he stood back a few extra feet.

  During the rest of the first few weeks Will learned tons of new magic. He learned how to make his pendant glow for light and how to make himself appear invisible. He was warned to be careful with this kind of magic because the magic didn’t really make you invisible. Actually, the magic was on the eyes of the seeker. If a magi found out what was happening they could dispel the enchantment and find you.

  Every day after training Will would return to camp and hang out with the boys. They were all young, under twelve, but it is wise to know that sometimes those who seem to be the least can add the most to your life. First, there was Jubal who loved sad sounding music. He had only been at the camp for a few years and still dreamt of his parents almost every night. He played a muargi (something similar to a Guitar, but small enough to fit into a backpack). One night while sitting in the low fork of a fat sleeping tree he told Will all about the music of Baru.

  “My Dad told me that music is magic for everyone,” Jubal said. “Sure if you, being a magi, play this muargi amazing things will happen, but I’m talking about a different kind of magic.” Jubal held out his muargi like it was a breakable jewel. “My father gave it to me years ago, before he died.”

  “It’s nice,” Will replied.

  “Would you like to learn how to play a song?” Jubal asked.

  “Nah, I don’t think so. I don’t know how—.”

  “Come on Will, don’t be scared.”

  “I’m not scared, I just don’t want to—”

  Will stopped speaking when he saw Jubal holding out the muargi, smiling. “Okay,” he said as he took the instrument carefully from Jubal’s hands.

  “Here, hold it like this. Now, put your right hand here. Good. Put this finger here and this one here. Now count; One... Two... Three... Four... Five… One... Two… Three…”

  Will strummed to the count and was soon clumsily switching his fingers from one chord to the next.

  “That’s really good! Better than me I think,” Jubal said, clearly lying. “Now play these chords in this order to this count. Here, let me show you.”

  Jubal took the muargi and played a dancing tune. At first it was simple strumming, but towards the end single notes bent and swayed together like two married hummingbirds. Will watched at first, but as Jubal got lost in the music and the magic took its effect, he leaned back, closed his eyes, and began to imagine wonderful things he had never seen before. It really was magic. After Jubal finished Will took the instrument and began to learn the song a note at a time. When he was finally playing the first stanza somewhat right, Jubal reached in his back pocket and pulled out a small flute. A ballet of airy notes followed, swaying on top of Will’s clumsy strumming. As the music mixed with a light passing breeze, hundreds of colorful flying insects floated out of the bushes and swayed back and forth with the melody.

  “See what I mean Will!” said Jubal. “When you play, real magic happens. Look at all of these butterbugs!”

  One of the butterbugs, who was out of breath, flew up to Will and saluted with three of his six tiny arms. He was small enough to fit into Will’s hand, with bright orange and blue wings, like a butterfly with personality.

  “What are your orders, Sir Magi?” the Butterbug asked.“

  “Orders?”

  “Yes, you summoned us for service with your tune. It is such an honor to serve the good magi of Baru!” The Butterbug who was talking was trying to keep his breath and looked very serious, but his little face betrayed his act. He was young and excited. Will didn’t know what to say so he made up something. “Um... well, keep a watch out. If any suspicious characters are seen let us know immediately.”

  “Yes sir, Mr... forgive me Sir Magi, what is your name?” The Butterbug asked, looking a bit embarrassed.

  “I’m Will. What’s your name?”

  The little butterbug’s eyes lit. “My name Mr. Will, if I understand and you have asked me for it, is Jabber.”

  “Nice to meet you Jabber,” Will said.

  “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Will!” Jabber poked out his little butterbug chest and looked around at his friends. They were clearly impressed a magi had asked his name. “Thank you for this honor, sir! We shall get started right away!” Jabber saluted with three right arms, and all the color flew away.

  “That was fun!” Jubal said once the butterbugs were gone. “Try this one!”

  Jubal showed Will another tune and
when Will played it all the trees fell asleep. Jubal hopped out of the low branch, and after tiptoeing over he drew a white mustache above one of the tree’s big wooden lips. When he was finished he hurried back to his seat and whistled. All the trees woke, and there was the rustle of tree laughter, even by the mustached one, who didn’t know what everyone was laughing at but laughed along anyway.

  Later, on a particular clear evening, Will met Randiby, who spent his time naming the stars and making up stories to go along with the names. He had even named two after his parents, whom he couldn’t remember at all (not even their real names). Randiby led Will to a field a few miles south of the camp where they climbed into the tallest branches of the only tree. As they lay there staring into the crowded sky Randiby went on and on about the good stars and the bad ones and all the battles fought between them.

  “Did you know that stars sing?” Randiby asked after both of Baru’s moons had wobbled below the horizon.

  “They sing? What do you mean?”

  “They sing, like la la la. You have to listen just right and sometimes with your eyes since they are so far away. They even say that on the right nights, if you listen close, you can hear the King of All’s oldest creation songs echoing off the walls of time.”

  “The walls of time? What does that mean?”

  “I don’t know. Sounds good though doesn’t it?”

  “Yeah.”

  Suddenly all the stars twirled around in a huge circle, blurring the heavens into lines of streaming light, like the top of the world was being unscrewed at a million miles per hour.

  Will jumped. “Dude! What was that?!”

  “It happens every once in awhile. You’re suppose to make a wish.”

  “Really? Like a shooting star?”

  “Shooting star? What do they shoot?”

  “No, they don’t shoot. It’s only one at a time, and it kinda like falls.”

  Randiby looked at Will funny. “None of our stars have ever fallen. Once they’re there, they’re are always there.”