by Andy Coffey
Chapter 23 – Do you think people will sing songs about us in the future?
It was not long past dawn when guests and party revellers of the night before returned to Ophelia Palace, in a more sombre mood. Cliff, Oriana and Charles had arrived first. Charles had insisted on coming and wished to help in any way he could. Cracky and the cats arrived last, with Cracky and Theo looking very weary from the night’s investigations. Naturally, Half-blind Ron had asked if there was any chicken for breakfast, whereas Theo headed straight for Roisin. He was acutely aware of how important the information he may be able to obtain from her mind would prove to be.
‘Just be still, Roisin, it won’t hurt, I promise you,’ he said, his eyes closed tight as he started to enter her mind. ‘I can see two men in top hats.’
‘That’s them!’ Roisin cried, ‘That’s Mr Ping and Mr Pong.’
Theo concentrated harder, trying to focus on the faces in Roisin’s memory. He had once described this skill as akin to flicking through a photograph album; once at the desired location, you ceased turning the pages and simply looked at the photo in greater detail. After a protracted silence he turned back to the anxious faces in the palace drawing room. ‘It’s them alright. It’s Hob and Nob.’
‘So it is Blacktie’s work after all,’ Olaf said, smashing his fist on the table containing Vindy and Tikky, causing the plates to jump in the air. ‘Sorry, Your Majesties,’ he said.
‘Yes,’ said Cracky. ‘We expected as much. Our studies last night threw up some surprising results.’
Cracky told them all what he and Theo had discovered last night; the challenge for the four mighty warriors, the kidnapping of the faerie queen, and the saga of the trip ‘down the great river in a boat with a mighty dragon at the helm.’
‘And it would appear that Aiden is involved.’
‘Me?’ said Aiden. ‘What do you mean, Cracky?’
Cracky had both books with him and he turned to the relevant section in The Prophecy. ‘This is what it says. “One day a stranger will arrive from a land beyond distance and beyond time. He will bring with him strange gadgets and strange ideas. He will tell tales of his home and people will gain strength from his words and his strange ways, although no-one will copy his hairstyle. He will join a group of heroes and set off on a quest that will deliver the people from fear and suppression. Evil will be vanquished and peace among the lands will follow.”
‘Well part of that is definitely true,’ Smid said. ‘No-one will ever copy your hairstyle.’
Olaf looked at him sternly. ‘Now is not the time for jokes, Smid.’
‘Forgive me, Olaf. I was just trying to lighten a mood which grows increasingly heavy.’
‘You are forgiven, old friend,’ Olaf said, clutching Smid’s shoulder.
‘But it says he will come “from a land beyond distance and beyond time”,’ Tikky observed. ‘Is there something young Aiden should perhaps be telling us?’
Cracky looked over at Aiden and raised an eyebrow, so Aiden told them. Unsurprisingly, Mr Kneepatcher fainted.
‘It seems that momentous times are upon us,’ Grundi said. ‘Well, all I can say is that for someone who has come from beyond distance and time to assist in vanquishing evil from the land, you’re a bloody good mixing engineer.’
‘One thing we’re not sure of, though, is if all the events outlined in this section of The Prophecy are actually in the same time line,’ Theo said. ‘This “quest” may not even be related to the other events, such as the Queen’s kidnap and the great tournament.’
‘Agreed,’ Vindy noted, ‘but you’d have to say that the propinquity would suggest this is likely to be the case.’
‘That’s a very big word, dear,’ Tikky said. ‘Don’t be overstretching yourself or your meat will get tough.’
‘Vindy’s got a good point,’ Cliff Corriedale said. ‘There does appear to be a strong link.’
‘So what on earth are we to do?’ said Mr Kneepatcher, wiping his brow with his hanky. ‘We’ve got to save Ophelia and give her back her comb.’
‘And we have to get to the tournament,’ Oldfart said.
The words seemed to come from inside, but Aiden wasn’t sure where. In the same way he’d felt compelled to say certain things at certain times for no apparent reason since he’d been here, now it seemed that someone, or something, was feeding him an entire passage. He said it in his voice, and with full cognizance, but a part of him felt like he was being used as a vessel for communication from elsewhere.
‘We’ve got to do both. From what I’ve seen so far we can’t let Blacktie win. Even though we don’t know what his endgame is, we can virtually guarantee he’ll be seeking to increase his power and control. Nobody wants that. In the short time I’ve been here I’ve witnessed nobility of heart, empathy, kindness and friendship, and that is worth fighting for. So, if that means confronting Blacktie to allow these qualities to blossom, then I say we have to confront him. People’s minds have been suppressed and controlled for too long. I’m sure there are many, many others that would support us if they see our courage, our conviction and our desire for true freedom.’
Mr Kneepatcher started a round of applause and was quickly joined by everyone else in the room. ‘Where did that come from?’ an admiring Cracky whispered in his ear.
‘I’ve absolutely no idea,’ Aiden said. ‘But I actually meant every word.’
‘Fine words from a fine fellow,’ said Olaf, smacking Aiden on the back and nearly forcing his lungs through his rib cage. ‘And he’s absolutely right.’
‘Fine words indeed, Aiden,’ Theo said in his mind. ‘And you’ve convinced me that your place in this is of supreme importance, although I don’t think you realise it yet. Well done.’
A mood of hope now replaced despondency and despair. Eyes were brighter, hearts were lifted, and determination was etched on the faces of all… and steam rose from Vindy and Tikky with renewed purpose.
‘So, how do we locate Ophy?’ Mara said, linking Aiden’s arm.
‘We need to find Hob and Nob. If we can do that, I would say there’s a strong possibility they’ll lead us to her,’ Cracky said.
‘That makes a lot of sense, Cracky,’ Oriana Oftsheared agreed. ‘But given their penchant for disguise it could be like looking for a needle in a haystack.’
‘It could be,’ Theo said. ‘But there may be a way that I can provide us with some direction, although I’ve never tried it before.’
Theo walked over to Roisin and rubbed himself affectionately against her legs. ‘There’s a possibility that I may be able to reach inside the minds of Hob and Nob through Roisin.’
‘How does that work?’ Agnar said. ‘It’s not dangerous, is it?’
‘Not for Roisin,’ Theo answered. ‘But I’ll have to be careful.’
Theo sat down and all eyes turned to him as he explained the technique he was about to attempt. ‘Everything in the universe is connected. Without going into too much detail, these connections aren’t always apparent in our conscious state, but our subconscious is aware of them and our unconscious mind actually has complete access to all information. It’s a bit complicated, but within our subconscious minds connections are magnified by our emotions and experiences, and they can weaken and strengthen over time depending upon the circumstances. Is this making any sense?’
‘I think so,’ Roisin said.
‘Anyway,’ Theo continued, ‘it may be possible for me to “jump” into the mind of either Hob or Nob via the connections that Roisin now has in her subconscious. This may only be for a few seconds, I simply don’t know. But if I can, and if by doing so we can locate them, or manage to ascertain the whereabouts of the Queen, then I think we should give it a shot.’
‘Are you putting yourself at risk?’ Cracky asked him.
‘I doubt it,’ Theo lied. ‘It may take a bit out of me, but that’s about it.’
Theo asked Roisin to lie down on a couch, close her eyes and continue to think of Mr Ping and
Mr Pong. He sat on her chest and closed his eyes, looking like a regular cat simply enjoying a sleep with its owner.
‘It may be better if you left us alone for a few minutes,’ Theo said. ‘It would be easier for me if there’s no-one here apart from Roisin.’
Everyone dutifully obeyed and left the room. ‘Are you ready?’ Theo asked.
‘I am, and good luck, Your Highness.’
At first, all Theo could see were various images of Mr Ping and Mr Pong. He delved deeper, trying to draw out the sounds of their voices, their smells, the way they walked and their mannerisms from Roisin’s mind. He knew that if he delved too deep there was a possibility that he could suffer from a temporary ‘unbalancing.’ His mother had taught him the technique and had explained the dangers. ‘You won’t lose your mind, but you’ll need some time to regain your own mind-balance. It’s risky, so only use it when absolutely necessary.’
Theo soon had complete recollection of every second that Roisin had spent with Mr Ping and Mr Pong, but he still hadn’t made the ‘jump’. He started to feel himself losing concentration; the effort of maintaining the connection was putting a strain on him like never before. Then, all of a sudden…
‘So, we head to the mine today and get the sample?’ Nob said.
‘Yes. No messing about, no disguises. We simply get in, get the cheese and get out. And then we can rendezvous with the Baron,’ Hob replied.
‘What do you think he’ll do with the Queen?’
‘I’m not at all concerned,’ Hob said. ‘That’s his business. I doubt it will be pleasant though.’
‘It’s all coming together nicely, isn’t it,’ said Nob.
‘It is indeed, my good Nob. Our artistry and intellectual efficacy is once again ensuring that we will be successful.’
‘Do you think people will sing songs about us in the future?’
‘How could they not, my dear Nob. How could they not.’
And then it was gone.
Theo jumped wearily onto the floor and lay down in a half slumber. ‘Your Highness, are you alright?’ Roisin said, as she sat up.
‘I’ll be fine, Roisin, thanks. Just give me a minute.’
The sound of voices was taken as a signal that the operation had ended, so everyone made their way back into the drawing room. Captain Marmaduke ran over to Theo, who was now motionless on the carpet.
‘He asked me to give him a minute, Captain,’ Roisin said. ‘I think we should do as he wishes.’
‘Very well, Roisin. But you can understand my concern.’
Mara went to the kitchen, filled a saucer with milk and placed it on the floor near Theo. He gingerly got to his feet and began to drink, much to the relief of everyone, but especially Captain Marmaduke.
‘You had me worried there, Your Highness,’ the Captain said.
‘Me too, Your Highness, Princeness, Majesty,’ agreed Half-blind Ron.
‘Thanks, but my head’s starting to clear now. Remind me not to attempt that too often.’
‘I’m guessing that there was more danger involved in that little exercise than you led us to believe?’ Cracky said, with a knowing look. ‘I just hope that the effort was worth it.’
‘It was,’ said Theo, and then he told them all he had seen and heard.
‘Then the plan is plain to see,’ Olaf said. ‘We make our way to the mine and accost them when they arrive. A few well-aimed blows with the flat of this,’ he said, brandishing his sword, ‘and they’ll be squawking like hens.’
‘I’m not sure that’s the best approach, you know,’ Aiden opined. ‘Remember what Theo said about The Prophecy. You need to make sure that you reach Chester in time for the tournament.’
‘Aiden’s right, Olaf,’ Tikky said. ‘A more subtle approach may ultimately prove to be the right course of action.’
Olaf shook his head, but Smid and Grundi came over to his side and laid their hands on his shoulders. ‘Her Majesty speaks sense,’ Grundi said. ‘If our role in all of this is to make sure we take our music and wind to Chester, then perhaps an alternative plan to ensnare these two sorry excuses for men should be looked at.’
‘I suggest we form ourselves into two teams,’ Theo said. ‘One team will hide out and wait for Hob and Nob to reach the mine. Then we can follow them to their liaison with the Baron –’
‘Then that’s the team I’ll be on,’ Olaf interrupted.
‘– while the other team travels to Chester in Ethel.’
‘And that’s the team you must be on, Olaf,’ Agnar said, joining his band mates at Olaf’s side. ‘We have to stick together, you know.’
‘Agnar’s right, Olaf,’ Oldfart said. ‘We must put our faith and trust in others. I’m sure they won’t let us down. They’ll ensure that Ophelia’s safe… and that she can comb her hair again.’
‘I’d like to make a suggestion,’ Cracky said. ‘I think it makes sense if the team that travels to the mine is Theo, Captain Marmaduke, Half-blind Ron and me. A man and three cats aren’t likely to raise any suspicion wherever we travel. We may also be able to utilise the talents of his highness along the way.’
‘I’d like to go with you too,’ Oriana said, which surprised everyone, not least Cliff.
‘Oriana, I can’t let you,’ he said. ‘It could be far too dangerous.’
‘My dear Cliff,’ she said, stroking his face with her hoof, ‘there is danger everywhere right now from what I can see. But my intuition tells me that my part in this lies with Cracky and the cats, if they’ll have me.’
‘We’d be delighted,’ Theo said, brushing himself against her leg.
‘Well you can’t go without me,’ Roisin said. ‘The Queen will need me.’
‘That’s very true, Roisin,’ said Theo. ‘But you are known to Hob and Nob. If you were spotted then our cover could be blown, and that’s a risk I’m afraid we can’t take.’
Roisin’s head dropped and Mara put a friendly arm around her shoulders. ‘He’s right. We’ve got to think of what’s best, you know.’
‘Well, that’s settled that, then.’ Oldfart said. ‘Olaf, Grundi, Agnar, Smid and I will travel in Ethel.’
‘What about Aiden?’ Smid said.
Oldfart looked over at Aiden, his gaze alive with anticipation. ‘I’d be honoured,’ Aiden said, as Cracky looked over at Theo and winked.
‘Well there’s no way that Mara and I aren’t coming with you,’ Roisin said.
‘And that goes for me too!’ shouted Charles Corriedale.
‘Uncle, you cannot. We need to travel with Henry and the rest of the OSO; he’s already bought the train tickets. And anyway you’re far too delicate these days to be embarking on an escapade like this.’
‘Now look,’ Charles said, ‘I know that you think I’m just an old sheep with clacky hooves and a fleece that needs shearing, but my heart is telling me to go. I’ve not had an adventure like this for more years than I care to remember. And anyway I can lift everyone’s spirits with my trumpet.’
‘Well, I’ll have to come along as well,’ Cliff said, ‘You’ll just get yourself into trouble otherwise.’
‘Good!’ Charles chuckled.
‘And if you think we’re going to let you confront Blacktie without us you’d be sadly mistaken,’ said Vindy, puffing up his rice.
‘My husband is right,’ Tikky agreed. ‘Saffy will probably have a fit when he finds out, but I feel we’ve got a part to play in this too. Harold and Greta can look after us, and there’s plenty of room in that big boat of yours.’
Olaf’s eyes were filled with tears as he spoke. ‘You would all put yourselves at risk to help us? We cannot ask this of you.’
‘You’re not asking us, we’re telling you we’re coming with you!’ exclaimed Vindy.
‘Er, aren’t we forgetting someone,’ Mr Kneepatcher said, waving his hanky. ‘You never know when you may need your clothes repairing.’
‘You would also put yourself in danger?’ Olaf said to him.
‘Danger! I laug
h in the face of it, darling,’ replied Mr Kneepatcher, straightening his cravat.
‘Well, then, Gilbert Kneepatcher, we would be proud if you would fart with us,’ Olaf said, smiling.
‘Ooh, dear, what an honour, and bless my cravat. I don’t think I’ve ever been so dithered!’
‘It looks like the “Companionship of Wind” is complete,’ Cracky observed to Theo.
‘Right,’ said Oldfart, returning to business. ‘I’d better get the press conference sorted out. I’ve already reserved some rooms at “The Pig’s Trotters” pub, near the Iron Bridge at Alford. We’ll be stopping there tonight.’
And so the mood of optimism gained momentum and the air was light with hope, but no-one was under any illusion that there wouldn’t be perilous times ahead. It was unlikely the Baron would afford them safe passage on their journey down the river, but nobody could guess as yet how eventful that journey was to be.
