“You wouldn’t believe in a millions years where we’ve been. He isn’t here and I don’t think he’ll be coming back.”
The look of horror on Clem’s face said it all.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“You must go back as soon as possible,” whispered Clem. “It’s the only way to find Aron and bring him home.”
“What about Neve?” Larna sniffed and wiped her eyes on the back of her hands.
“She thinks he’s lost in the forest. Play along with that.”
“Thanks Clem.” She whispered.
“I’ll go and contact Lee, the Forest Ranger to help search for Aron.” Neve said sharply.
Larna turned to her grandmother. “I’ll stay and look for my brother.”
Neve hurried away, quick-marching out of the circle and disappeared into the trees.
Larna turned back to Clem. “IS there a chance of getting Aron back, then?” she asked.
“I’m not sure, but Balgaire has just communicated that in order to find Aron with the utmost haste you have to return immediately.”
“Where is Aron?” Fear crept back into Larna’s voice.
“Balgaire said you are not to panic, but to tell you time is of the essence. His delaying spell wasn’t successful and Mordrog escaped. The warlock found you as you were about to leave and pulled Aron from your grasp at the last minute.”
“I’ve got to return, then.”
“Yes, I’m afraid so. You’ve still got the key?”
“I’ve been hanging on to it for dear life. But I didn’t think I was allowed to leap on my own.”
Clem rubbed his chin and thought for a few seconds. “Strictly speaking, I’m not supposed to do it, but on this occasion I’ll leap with you. Otherwise you may not make it. I’ll say the words. Ready?”
“Yeah, but hurry.”
They stepped back into the circle and Clem began to chant, “ELLA VITA, ELLA VITA, ELLA VITA… ”
The now-familiar rumble underground signalled the appearance of the door. Larna hastily placed the key in the lock and turned. As before, it opened and she was about to dash through, but Clem held her back.
“Careful, girl, you don’t know what’s waiting for you.” He grasped her elbow and escorted her through the portal.
Tiblou was on the other side, waiting for them. His worried expression showed the seriousness of the situation. “I feel I’m to blame for this, Larna. If we hadn’t found a way to bring you here, you’d still be oblivious to our problems, back in your own time, safe and happy with your brother and family.”
“If it’s any consolation, Tibs, I don’t blame anybody but myself. But now I just want to find my brother and take him home.”
“Yes, indeed! We must head back to Balgaire’s immediately. He’s waiting for us. Hopefully he’s managed to come up with a plan of action.”
Leaving Clem to return to the other side of the portal, they headed off. Larna’s feet were on autopilot whilst her head was full of ‘what ifs’, coming up with the worst possible scenarios. She felt gutted. Empty. They picked up speed until they were practically running. Balgaire’s home was dead ahead, though Larna didn’t recognise the surroundings. The Happy Blooms were shut tight and their heads drooped. Not smiling any more. It suddenly dawned on Larna that he’d also moved the house. Literally. The tiny door opened and moulded itself to their shapes before letting them in. Balgaire, Annie and Chet had returned to the first room which was expanding and contracting as the wizard paced up and down. Violet appeared and sat cross legged on the top of a chair-back.
Larna stood quietly and watched. Balgaire turned and ran both sets of fingers through his already untidy hair. He looked directly at Tiblou and asked, “Were you followed?”
“I’m not sure. Why?”
“Violet senses an evil presence again, and we fear it could be Edsel this time.”
“Who’s Edsel?” Larna enquired.
“He’s Mordrog’s assistant, his second-in-command. The closest description I can give you is a troll. He’s monstrously cruel and has no conscience which makes him a perfect foil for the warlock. He’s a nasty piece of work.”
“Is he the one spying on us?”
The wizard sighed. “I believe so. It’s the only logical explanation for certain things that have been happening to you… ”
“What, like causing me to trip up more than usual?”
“Probably. Yes. I think you’re beginning to realise what an evil little devil he can be. He can send you down the wrong path until you’re lost. Make you fall. His tricks aren’t very original but it amuses his tiny mind to cause chaos and confusion. But don’t be fooled by his juvenile tricks. He is dangerous and never to be underestimated. Nothing happens that isn’t reported back to Mordrog. He is his master’s eyes and ears.”
“I see. Well, I don’t think we were being watched on the way here. I didn’t sense anything, not like before.”
“That’s good.”
“What’s happened to Aron?” demanded Larna. “Where is he?”
Balgaire took hold of her hand and led her forwards. “Come with me.”
Larna followed him into the next room, amazed to find it was completely empty except for two chairs in the middle placed back to back, each one facing a huge mirrored wall. It was several seconds before Larna realised neither of the mirrors showed a reflection. Just an empty void. It was very strange. Balgaire went and sat on one of the chairs. “This mirror depicts what has been and the other what will be.” His voice was sombre.
“Are you telling me I can see into the past?”
“That is what I have just said.” He raised his hand. “But no, Larna, you can’t change what has already happened.”
Larna started to turn the chair round so that she could sit next to Balgaire.
“DON’T TOUCH THE CHAIR!” yelled the wizard. “That one must remain facing the other way, to the future.”
“Why?”
“Because if the chairs are placed side by side, depending which way they face, there will be no future… or past.”
“And if they face each other… ?”
“There will be nothing… just oblivion. No past. No future. No anything.”
Larna snatched her hand away; an electric current had run up her arm as she touched the chair. It sent her reeling backwards with some force. Unable to stop, she fell against the mirror. On and on and on and through it. She could see Balgaire on the other side, watching and nodding. Her arms wind-milling like crazy as she tried to regain her balance.
She found herself in the clearing again and saw that she and Aron were getting ready to leap, their eyes tightly shut. She was watching everything happen for a second time, like an action replay. It was a peculiar feeling, yet she was fascinated. An agitated Tiblou and Clementine were watching helplessly as the leaves swirled round them, gathering momentum, and Larna tried to spit them out of her mouth. Then she saw them swirling round her brother, encasing him until only his outstretched hand was visible. Larna heard herself coughing and spitting. Then up came her hand to clear her mouth and nostrils of the dead leaves so she could breathe. This time, though, she knew she’d let go of Aron’s hand. She heard his cry, “Laaarna… ” Then Mordrog’s maniacal laugh as Aron’s body floated away. And, in that second, Larna leapt.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Nobody said a word as Larna relived what she’d just seen. Her legs felt like rubber and began to buckle, so she sat on the floor at Balgaire’s feet, looking helplessly up at him.
“Now you know the truth, Larna.” The wizard spoke softly and looked genuinely concerned. “But don’t blame yourself too much. Mordrog’s the real reason why this happened.”
With tears streaming down her cheeks Larna asked, “Is Aron dead?”
“No. Your brother is somewhere very close to Mordrog and I believe he is in a cryogenic state… ”
“What does that mean?” she interrupted.
“It means he’s deeply unconscious, as if f
rozen,” explained Balgaire. “But he’s unharmed… for now. What we don’t know is Mordrog’s plan for Aron. My immediate guess is that he will try moral blackmail, using your brother to entice you to him. We must avoid that at all costs, because once he’s captured you, he’ll never let either of you go free. He can’t afford to.” He paused. “The good news is, whilst Aron is in that state, he won’t be aware of anything, nor can anything hurt him.” Balgaire bent and put both hands on Larna’s shoulders. “Trust me. We will find a way to bring Aron safely back, but I need the others to help me.” He stood, drawing Larna up at the same time. “Come,” was all he said and, still numb with shock, she followed meekly as a lamb.
They went back into the first room. Annie, Tiblou and Chet were seated as they’d left them and all three looked as worried as she felt. Their sympathy almost made Larna break down again. Balgaire clapped his hands twice, startling her out of her self-pity. “It’s time, so pay attention, Larna. I need the four of you to hold hands, circling me, and to channel your thoughts on to our unfortunate young friend while I concentrate all my kinetic energy locating Mordrog.” He looked intently at each one of them. “When – or rather, if – I am successful, I’ll transport myself to that location and try to break whatever spell the warlock has placed over Aron.”
They positioned themselves round the wizard and clasped their hands, looking to him for further instructions. “Retribution is long overdue for all the death and destruction this warlock has caused,” Balgaire said grimly. “Mordrog’s reign of terror must be brought to an end. And, to relieve him of his obscene wealth will be an added bonus.” He looked knowingly at Tibs, “Should I fail, you have your instructions.”
Larna shot an involuntary look at Balgaire. “What do you mean, should you fail?”
“You must have realised by now that there can only be one outcome to this conflict. If I am victorious, there will be a happy outcome, but if that greedy criminal wins the battle… I will lose… everything… ”
Larna was appalled and dropped her hands, breaking the circle. “What will happen then?” she asked in a horrified whisper.
“Tiblou has been my pupil since he was very young and knows what to do, should I not return.” Balgaire’s voice hardened, “And, as time is of the essence, my girl, I suggest you focus on your brother with the others to break Mordrog’s concentration. I must get into his head and see where they are. Once that happens the element of surprise will be gone and he will take evasive action. So you must all be vigilant and expect the unexpected. And do not break the circle until I know where Aron is being held. Only then can you join me. I cannot stress enough, Tiblou, that you must take charge… should I fail.”
Larna’s mind was in turmoil. How could Tibs take over when he wasn’t a wizard? She had forgotten Balgaire could read her mind. “These matters are not your concern, Larna,” he said. “Now please concentrate.” Angry that her thoughts were no longer her own, Larna tried to hide the swearing in her mind, but knew it wouldn’t have gone unnoticed too. Nevertheless, she held out her hands to the others again. Balgaire raised his eyes skywards and gently rocked back and forth. The wizard lowered his arms to his sides. Larna noticed a wand appear in his right hand. She looked at it curiously, wondering what it would feel like to hold it in her hand and maybe use it to cast a spell…
“Larna! Stop daydreaming.” The sharp words in her mind brought her back to the task in hand and she realised one of them had mentally told her off. The others had their heads bowed, eyes shut, and she was about to follow suit when out of the corner of her eye she noticed something move. Quite naturally, she whipped her head round and was just in time to see an ugly face peering in through the window. Larna jumped, breaking the circle. She was sure it was Edsel. His eyes were still bright greeny/yellow and the look on his face was pure evil. He had a long pointed hook-shaped nose, his skin was dull and lifeless with a tinge of green in it. She could only see his clothing from the waist up. It looked dirty and ill-fitting. Larna had the impression that underneath the robes he was very scrawny.
The others opened their eyes and turned towards the window, but the creature had scurried away the instant his eyes met Larna’s. Balgaire ran to close some wooden shutters that suddenly appeared out of thin air. The same happened to the other three windows, plunging the room into complete darkness. A rush of air beside Larna’s ear turned out to be Balgaire waving his wand, flooding the room with warm amber light.
“That was Edsel, wasn’t it? The creature in the woods, watching us all the time.”
“Correct.”
“He gives me the creeps.”
“Come now. We have to hurry. At this very minute Edsel is rushing to tell his master what he has learned. I only hope we aren’t too late.” Balgaire ushered them back into a circle. “This will have to be a one and only attempt. Agreed?” Then, without waiting for a reply, “Are you ready?”
They nodded. Then Violet materialised and flew round the room sprinkling some glowing dust on them, then settled on the back of a chair, legs dangling. She gave Larna a beautiful smile which lit up her face and the teenager couldn’t help smiling back before closing her eyes. Instantly, a picture of Aron floated into her mind and she felt a jolt in her chest. She missed him so much. Another image crept in, of her brother aged five, on a bike ride. She remembered the injuries he’d sustained when he forgot to use his brakes downhill and ploughed head-first into a farmer’s gate. His five-year-old classmates thought he’d been in a punch-up and wanted to be best friends. “I got respect!” had been his proud boast. Then she experienced a sudden rush of fear as someone else’s jumbled thoughts crowded into her head and ousted her own. With a shake of her head they eventually cleared, leaving an image of Aron fast asleep. Realisation dawned. Her friends had helped channel Larna’s thoughts in the right direction, until they’d found him.
“I know where they are!” Tiblou sounded excited.
Being last to open her eyes, Larna was last to realise Balgaire and Violet had already vanished. Tiblou beckoned the others to follow him to the front door, but as they reached it they noticed the large key slowly turning in the lock, then heard bolts shooting into place. Grossly annoyed with himself, Tibs kicked the door, “I should’ve seen that coming. Edsel has locked us in! ” He tried turning the key but couldn’t budge it. Crossing to the door, Larna had a go, with all her strength. Nothing happened, so she put her foot against the wall and pulled on the door handle. That didn’t work either. Chet charged at it with his shoulder, bounced back and fell onto the floor. Larna, indignant, decided to have another go. All of a sudden, the door blew inwards with some force sending her flying backwards against the opposite wall. Tibs pulled Annie and Chet out of the way just in time to prevent them being flattened.
As fast as the door blew in, it shut tight again. Larna staggered to her feet and even though she knew it wouldn’t do any good, she yelled and charged at the door, more out of frustration than bravado. The same thing happened again, only this time the door almost knocked her out and she only just managed to avoid injury by leaping backwards out of the way. Clearly, this was a battle Larna wasn’t going to win, so she tried opening one of the shutters instead. Chet had the same idea, but they were all stuck fast. The room was a prison.
“Tiblou… get me out of here! I’ve got to find my brother and take him home.” Larna was almost in hysterics, her anger and frustration turning to panic as the light in the room also started to dim. “Tiblou! Do something!”
“Calm down, Larna, you aren’t helping the situation any.” The sharpness of Tibs’s voice pulled her up sharply, making her see reason. “I need absolute silence so that I can focus.” He pressed his fingers to his temples and closed his eyes as the light went out leaving them in complete darkness.
Within a few seconds, there was a gentle pat on Larna’s back as Tiblou said, “There is a way out. I’ve just seen it. Everybody hold hands. Larna, you hold on to me. Okay? Now walk, quick as you can, without fall
ing. Ready, then?” She nodded vigorously and obeyed. A glowing speck of light appeared which began to pulsate rapidly, getting larger and larger, closer and closer, until it shimmered into focus. It was a bright red door. Tiblou easily turned the handle and the door swung open. Larna squinted, trying to see what was on the other side. It was a cupboard. A very small one. Bewildered, she whispered, “This is just another… dead-end.” Her heart did a somersault and landed in the pit of her stomach. Optimism turned to despair in the blink of an eye.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“There’s no way out of here!” Larna leaned against the wall and looked challengingly at Tibs. “You said this was the way out!”
“Ssssh, Larna! Don’t be such a defeatist, have a bit more faith.” He walked into the cupboard, turned and beckoned the rest of them in. “Hurry up, we haven’t much time.”
“I really don’t think… ”
Tibs and Chet grabbed Larna’s arms and yanked her inside, whilst Annie pushed her unceremoniously from behind. They had to inhale and hold as the door closed, locking them in. The cupboard began to shake, then it dropped like a stone. This felt terrifying and Annie squeezed Larna’s hand reassuringly. As the contraption thudded to a full stop, like a lift, her knees would have buckled if the four of them hadn’t been so tightly jammed in.
“That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” Annie said, more to herself than anyone else, regaining her composure by patting down her hair.
The door swung open and they fell out into what looked like a corridor. The glow from inside the cupboard only lit a short distance before fading into darkness. On wobbly legs, Annie took the first steps along the narrow passage, leaning heavily on Chet’s arm for support. Larna and Tibs followed. Every so often the lights came on in front and went out behind, but Larna still couldn’t see the end of the tunnel. Sticking closely to Tiblou, she wasn’t going to let him out of her sight.
“What happens next? Where do we go from here?” she asked.
Spellbound Chronicles – Blood Line Page 8
