The Secret of the Storm Cloud

by Sidney Gibson

  “Gosh, that’s really clever of you Miss Wilmcurse” gushed Sir Clive.”So simple, yet silent and effective. Azel, you must slip that in your pocket. It takes no space at all”

  “Yes I suppose so” said Azel believing it might be useful for Danial. She could communicate by thought waves and would never need it herself.

  “Anything else?” asked Azel impatiently, wanting to get on.

  ‘You know when you walk through thick fog or mist you often get the feeling that someone else is there but you can’t see them?”

  “Yes” said Sir Clive eagerly.

  “No” said Azel in a bored voice, glaring at Clive for interfering.

  “It may be“ continued Miss Wilmcurse ignoring both of them “that there really is someone else there. That someone will have used my ‘turn into fog’ grains to follow you without being seen. Here, take some with you. You never know when you could use them”

  “Thank you” said Azel reaching over and picking up the little grey box of fog grains.

  “Anything else” she repeated, getting on her feet to go. The Warpsweeper needed collecting from Gordinius, the new outfit for Danial wanted sorting and they were going to the ‘Spellbreakers’ concert. If it had not been for Danial she could already have been on her way. She decided to leave the Warpsweeper until the morning. She’d had enough for one day.

  “By the way Azel, where are you going on this mission?’ asked Miss Wilmcurse casually.

  “Lower Chantment.” answered Azel dispassionately.

  Miss Wilmcurse turned pale. “Lower Chantment?” she repeated with a sharp intake of breath and a look of horror on her face. She looked nervously over towards the books locked up with heavy chains.

  “Lower Chantment is where the Great Book of Evil Spells was last heard of. Azel do be careful. This mission is more dangerous than you think. Venefica is searching for that book under orders from the Evil Supreme Witch and will stop at nothing to find it.”

  “Hmmm, I know” replied Azel quietly. “Anniolate is always prepared to use the ultimate forces of evil magic and Venefica will obey her to the end. Danial, are you still sure you want to come with me?”

  “Yes” said Danial grimly with a determined look, his blue eyes flashing in anticipation. “Of course I ‘m coming.”

  Chapter Four

  A pop concert - with an unexpected ending

  The evening felt promising. It surprised Azel to find the Spellbreakers performed outdoors and a giant stage had been constructed in the grand courtyard of the palace. Crystals cleverly adapted with lenses were focussed to create laser like beams, and huge loudspeakers hung in the air invisibly suspended by one of Miss Wilmcurse’s levitation spells.

  They pushed their way through the gathering crowd of elves, fairies, pixies, and all kinds of young folk from the world of magic. Even a party of students from one of the nearby posh boarding schools for witchcraft and wizardry were there. They had come on uncomfortable old fashioned wooden broomsticks but seemed happy enough finding the best places to sit, or to stand if they wanted to dance later on.

  “Over here! Coo ee. Coo ee”

  It was Sonia calling from a doorway at the top of transparent steps in the corner of the courtyard.

  “Coo ee - we’re ready Princey. We’ve got some great outfits for you. Hurry up. We haven’t much time before the start”

  As she arrived at the Spellbreakers dressing rooms Miss Wilmcurse glanced at her watch and gave a self satisfied smile. It was exactly six forty three p.m.

  “Where are the ‘Spellbreakers’?” she asked “will we meet them before the concert”

  “Sorry Miss Wilmcurse” replied Sonia “I’m afraid they’ve long gone from ‘ere. They’re signing autographs, right? I expect you’ll be able to say ‘ello later cos they don’t like mixing it with the fans when they’re excited by their singin ‘an at. Ok?”

  “Oh. Er. Ok then. Right on” said Miss Wilmcurse speaking funnily trying to be part of the scene.

  They crammed into the cramped and very hot dressing room, “Sir Clive” said Danial “Pass me those clothes to try on, would you please?”

  “But of course, sir” said Clive glad to have been asked to do something useful. “And I’ll advise Sonia on what suits you sir”

  Sonia looked horrified.

  “Now listen ‘ere, Grand dad.” she said “You might be QW’s Lord Chancellor but I knows best when it comes to sortin out Prince Danial. Anyway, me an the girls ‘ave taken a lorra trouble this afternoon choosin what’s gonna be right. Right?”

  . “Sonia’s right” said Danial “Just pass me what she’s chosen. Yeah?”

  “Very well sir. But I shall be very surprised if they are what I would select for you”

  “So would everybody else” said Sonia.

  Danial emerged from behind the screen in a new outfit chosen from the collection.

  “Wow” exclaimed Sonia “That’s cool. What d’ya think about that then, eh everybody?”

  The Prince looked slightly embarrassed but Azel could tell he was pleased. No more daft tights and billowy blouses. He looked great - jeans, trainers, open neck white shirt, black tee, and black leather jacket.

  “There’s a load more gear y’know” said Sonia “And you’re going to take it all with you?”

  “Of course he is” replied Azel “I’ll pack for him”

  “You pack ‘em? ‘ Ow ya gonna ‘ave time do that Miss Azel?

  “Just bring the clothes here, please’’

  Sonia hurried behind the screen and reappeared with an armful of tee shirts, denims, chinos, and so on, all skilfully co-ordinated.

  “Really Sonia’’ said Sir Clive.‘’How are they’re going to carry that lot on a Warpsweeper? Do wake up girl. Just think about what you’re doing will you”

  Sonia looked crestfallen. She and the other girls had taken a lot of trouble choosing Danial s new oufits, and Sir Clive was quite correct in his assumption that none of them had thought about the Warpsweeper’s lack of luggage space.

  “Don’t worry” said Azel with a reassuring smile. “Just put the clothes on the table and keep clear”

  Sonia laid them down and stepped back. Azel had become all serious and taken out her magic wand. It glowed brightly, generating a swirl of translucent dust around its tip. Only Miss Wilmcurse knew what was going to happen.

  Nonchalantly Azel pointed the wand at the pile of clothes, stirring it in an ever decreasing spiral pattern. Then she murmured, all-together-now-pack-in-tight-and-be-friends-and-no-creases-and-be-very-very-very-small. So may it be done!’

  The pile of clothes suddenly separated, rose up in a flowing circular motion matching the movement of the wand, shirt sleeves and trouser legs making elegant swirls before apparently disappearing in to a tiny package the size of a matchbox.

  “There we are” said Azel “All packed and ready to go. Any questions anybody?”

  Stunned by Azel’s effortless display of magic they all stared open mouthed, saying nothing.

  Prince Danial found his voice.“Wow, Azel’ he said ‘I heard you were good but that was super. Am-zing in fact. You’ll be able to get them back to my size?”

  “Of course” replied Azel, pleased her little spell had stopped them talking. “Let’s take our seats for the concert - there’s only ten minutes before it starts.”

  ***

  “This way” said Sonia “ I gorra a special place for you on the balcony. You’ll ‘ave a smashin view ‘an you can still get the full on sound. Right? Come on then, this way”

  Azel followed Sonia and Prince Danial along the twisting crystal corridor connecting the dressing room with the stage. Miss Wilmcurse and Sir Clive scurried along behind, Clive out of breath with both excitement at going out with Miss Wilmcurse and the speed at which t
hey were walking. The low, white marble door opened out on to the balcony with its four comfortable chairs in a row.

  Sonia hustled them into a position where Danial, Azel, Miss Wilmcurse, and Sir Clive could each get a good view of the stage. It also was a good vantage point to see how the audience had packed in tightly together filling the entire courtyard. The sense of excitement and anticipation was running high.

  “I’ll leave you ‘ere then” said Sonia. “The rest of the girls from work want me to sit with ‘em so I shall ‘ave to ‘urry. See ya”

  Sonia disappeared through the door and it slammed shut with a heavy bang, making Clive jump.

  Miss Wilmcurse looked at her watch with disapproval. It said seven thirty seven.

  “Wasn’t this supposed to start at seven thirty?” she asked grumpily.

  “These things often start late” said Danial “I’ve no idea why, but they do seem to”

  Without warning, all the lights went out with a roll of drums, and a fanfare type of jingle blasted through the loudspeaker system. Sir Clive jumped again. What with Sonia banging doors and sudden blasts of music he would be a nervous wreck by the end of the evening. Little did he know what was coming.

  Out of the darkness of the stage a booming, Veep voice echoed around the courtyard, drowning out the enraptured cheering of the audience.

  “LaVeez and gennellmen, wizards, witches, students of magic and all assembled servants and loyal subjects of her majesty the Queen of all witches her Royal Highness QW by whose grace we are all assembled here this night...”

  The voice hesitated for a moment and then continued enthusiastically.

  “...please welcome your host for this evening’s concert. Erm...”

  The voice hesitated again as if someone had lost their notes and forgotten the name of the host. Sounds of rustling paper also came over the loudspeakers. After a long pause it boomed out.

  “... laVeeeez an’ gennellmen, please welcome Mistaaaaaaaaaaa Buuuuuuuurt Wanderfall!”

  The voice bellowed out the name in an up and down, drum-rolly kind of way. Sir Clive decided it sounded most improper. He couldn’t imagine who would ever want to make so much noise over a simple announcement. It must be the modern way of doing things but he still didn’t know the host’s name as he had been unable make out what the booming voice had said.

  The lights came back on with another loud blast of music, the stage having been transformed into a raised platform invisibly suspended by magic. Smoking white crystals with coloured spot lights and brilliant spears of lasers cut across the audience at different angles.

  It was actually Burt Wanderfall who came running on from the side of the stage wearing a beautifully fitted suit in pale pink and white pointed shoes. Very tall and thin, Burt stood bowing in the middle of a spot-lit area grinning from ear to ear with large white teeth, thanking everybody. His carefully dyed blonde hair was fixed solid not moving an inch as he cavorted about. Miss Wilmcurse wondered why he was thanking everybody as no one had done anything yet except cheer and shout.

  “Thank you, thank you” beamed Burt. “And welcome, welcome to this wunnerful, wunnerful concert” Burt ran a spindly hand over his smooth, wave formed hair and gave another cheesy smile.

  Miss Wilmcurse became more irritated by the second. Why was this silly man repeating every other word? Who was Burt Wanderfall anyway?

  “Who is Burt Wanderfall, anyway?” she shouted at Azel above the din of the cheering audience and the beating music.

  “You don’t know? The ‘Spellbreakers’ are lucky to get someone as famous as Burt Wanderfall to host their concert. He presents that game show ‘Name that spell’ on PBCTV (Palace Broadcasting Corporation Television). You must have heard of him”

  “Oh him!” exclaimed Miss Wilmcurse taking interest because he was someone famous.

  Burt went on “Now, my wunnerful young people, I have some wunnerful news for you”

  Miss Wilmcurse remembered now who Burt was because he kept saying ‘wunnerful’ whenever he could so no one forgot his name. It was his favourite catch-phrase even if it did annoy some people, but Burt wouldn’t want those people as fans anyway.

  “This wunnerful, wunnerful news is that your ‘Spellbreakers’, your very own wunnerful ‘Spellbreakers’ have been signed up by IME. That is to say folks, your actual Interstellar Magical Enterprises plc. Sorry the concert’s late but they’ve been signing the contract this very night. You’re the first to know. And you know what else? Tonight they’re performing their very first single to be released on the IME label. Yes folks, they’ll be singing, for you, tonight...”

  Burt paused for some considerable time to give emphasis to his announcement.

  “They’ll be singing ‘The magic of your spell on me’. And right now folks, here they are. Give a wunnerful welcome to your own wunnerful Spellbreakers’

  Burt had been getting increasingly excited, shouting louder and louder as he made his announcement. When he finished, his voice had gone really high and he ran off stage clutching at his throat spluttering that he must have another drink.

  A hush fell over the audience. The ‘Spellbreakers’ were about to make their entrance.

  The lights went out and then immediately back on with a blast of music and special effects from flying bolts of light and explosive flames. The five boys in ‘The Spellbreakers’ ran energetically on stage. First was lead singer Gordinius in a luminous white version of his working overalls studded in sparkly star shaped crystals. Then Chips, Lee, Rhino and Arusco bounded over to join Gordinius for the first number, ‘The wizards of swing are out to getcha, baby’. This fast, lively beat made a terrific start to the concert, and had the boys rocking with the audience joining in, clapping, waving arms, and having a great time. Even Miss Wilmcurse and Sir Clive were stamping their feet in time to the incessant beat of the song.

  The audience screamed their approval as the pace of music changed to a slower melody introducing ‘The magic of your spell on me’. Gordinius had real talent with the perfect voice for a soft song. The whole place went very quiet hanging on every note and word.

  As he started to sing, Azel felt a cool draught blow uncomfortably across the courtyard. A sense of foreboding swept over her. No one else appeared to notice and were totally absorbed by Gordinius. Azel had experienced this ominous feeling before. Instinctively the hairs on the back of her neck rose in anticipation of danger.

  In a moment or two the cool draught had developed in to a sharp, cold breeze. Azel glanced at Miss Wilmcurse who had also realised something was amiss. Still no one else noticed anything. The breeze was quickly becoming an icy wind.

  “What is it, Azel?” whispered Miss Wilmcurse from the edge of her mouth so as not to disturb any one.

  “I don’t know yet, but something’s wrong” muttered Azel scanning the growing blackness of sky behind the mountains. In the distance she could make out what looked to be a mass of flying things approaching at great speed. By now the wind had strengthened to gale force, almost drowning out the performance. Some in the audience looked frightened.

  The wind was screaming around the castle turrets like a tornado when the first of the bats arrived. The whole courtyard darkened as a huge colony swooped unpredictably over the audience, angrily looking for trouble. The backing band scrambled off stage in panic as fast as they could, leaving the ‘Spellbreakers’ madly lashing about trying desperately to ward off the flapping little monsters clawing and glaring furiously as if they had no idea of why they were there or what they were supposed to be doing.

  “It’s Anniolate” hissed Azel “She’s behind this. She knows about the mission and is trying to put me off.”

  “What do you want me to do, Azel?” shouted Danial over the din, sweeping a huge bat off Sir Clive’s shoulder who sat petrified on the edge of his chair unable to move.

&
nbsp; “Do what you can to keep everyone calm. Use the microphones on the stage. They’ll listen to you Danial.”

  The whole courtyard had collapsed in a state of uncontrolled havoc. The howling wind overturned chairs, smashing them against the suspended stage which already swayed dangerously. Bats were everywhere and the audience were falling over themselves frantically trying to get away.

  A hard edged voice whispered at deafening volume like an ocean liner’s fog horn. It even drowned out the sound of the wind and the uproar of the audience.

  “Goodwill” boomed the voice. “Behold my dreadful presence. You will do well to heed this warning. Do not dare venture to that snivelling village of Lower Chantment. My powers in that place will be enriched a thousand times through my appointed servant the loyal witch Venefica. Together our force is invincible and it will be easy, so very easy, to annihilate your puny attempts to defeat us.”

  The voice was unmistakably that of the Evil Supreme Witch, the rolling storm clouds reflecting a huge distorted close up of Anniolate’s deathly face, her eyes glimmering with wickedness. Her magic was undeniably powerful to have penetrated the palace security system so unexpectedly, leaving Azel in no doubt of her desperation to terminate the mission. Questions flashed through her mind. Why had Anniolate chosen Venefica? Why had she given her extra evil powers? Did she already know where The Great Book of Evil Spells was hidden in the village?

  Amidst all the noise and mayhem, someone shouted.

  “Look! Look up there. It’s QW. Up there on the tower”

  On the battlements, her cloak billowing crazily in the wind stood QW. Motionless, upright, arms out stretched, elegant fingers pointing defiantly at the arrogant image of Anniolate. Suddenly a ball of brilliant, crystal white light shot from her hands, enveloping the evil face in the sky. It moved with incredible speed, glowing bright and dissolving the face into sprinkles of jagged grit which were whipped away towards the mountains as if by an invisible fist.

  ‘Be still. Be gone. So may it be done’ were the only words QW called out, her voice slicing through the wind and noise of the bats like a razor edged scalpel. A stunning demonstration of good magic calmly conquering evil forces.