“Well I say,” said Hummingbird, his face lit up red from the light of the rose. “That’s quite something.”
Jasper turned to Tina. “For you.”
“You next,” said Hummingbird smiling at me.
I closed my eyes and concentrated as much as possible, trying to clear my mind. But the rose still hung in the air, Jasper thought he was so clever. I visualised as hard a possible. I envisioned fire — opening my eyes, I watched the flames erupt into being, burning the rose to ash.
“That’s certainly one way of doing it,” said Hummingbird as Jasper glared at me through the haze.
CHAPTER EIGHT
A Magical Multicolour Jumper
‘Is Malakai Back?’ — read the Headline in the Herrald. I had come to the Chamber for breakfast a little late and saw every table anxiously reading the paper.
— “Thought he was gone!”
— “I thought Ernie Partington claimed to have done him in?”
— “Not according to this, look!”
Robin at our form table, peered over the top of the paper at me and frowned. “This doesn't look too good, what do you make of it?” I took the paper and read:
Today, we bring you the startling revelation that the mass murderer and high Sorcerer known as Malakai, is back! — Hundreds of witnesses last night claimed that they saw the mysterious man, in various towns across the Seven Magical Kingdoms. This follows a spate of murders in the same areas. It seems his rise back to power has been rapid. No one knows where he was hiding all this time or what he was doing, but we are sure Ernie Partington, the teenager who claimed to have defeated Malakai will be answering a lot more questions very soon. Last April it was reported that Malakai was defeated—some commentators said even then, that you cannot suppress a force such as his. “It will take a lot more than whatever Ernie Partington, a teenager, did, to keep Malakai from returning…” said Grenville Summerville, WMP for Defence for the Magical Council. “Defeating someone is not the same as ending someone.” Witnesses have released the photo’s that they bravely took of the returned Malakai.
I glanced at the pictures. Yes, it certainly did look like Malakai. But something about it wasn't right. I mean, that could have been anyone in a long black cape and horns. Partington was sitting at the Magisteer's table, a spoon of porridge half raised to his mouth and a glazed, gormless expression on his face. I put the paper down and shrugged, Robin watching me closely.
“I bet it’s nothing,” I said. “I mean, if we could dress up and look like him. I am sure someone else can.” Robin nodded sagely and seemed buoyed as a large pit of fear swelled in my stomach.
At dinner that night, in a packed Chamber, I had the worst thing ever happen to me, and completely out of the blue…
Our table was talking about Riptide, we knew the first match was coming up very soon.
Graham spoke forcibly. “I am just saying, if we speak to Partington about tactics, because if us quick runners take the wings we will be harder to defend.”
“Well that depends on the Habitat,” said Jake pointing his fork.
Simon swallowed before butting in. “Well, I think we should copy the Centaurs tactics… we need three attackers and the rest defend. So me, Jake and Graham in attack—”
“NOO!” came a chorus from around the table.
“Goodness no!” said Joanna. “It doesn't matter now, we just need to find a system that plays to our strengths.”
From the corner of my eye I saw a girl enter the Chamber with her friends who were supporting her. She was sobbing uncontrollably, head in her hands.
“Partington doesn’t have a clue about tactics, so it would be useless asking him,” said Florence nodding at the still glazed expression of Partington. Dodaline was prodding him in the arm with a chopstick, and he didn’t notice until she wrapped him across the knuckles with it.
And then the loudest screaming wail echoed across the Chamber. Everyone stopped dead still and silent. “MY PARENTS, MY HOME, EVERYTHING… GONE!” Screamed the girl. And then, she looked up and saw me. Her brow furrowed. “AHHH!” she charged! In a flash of blue light I was lifted off my chair and slammed into the floor. “Your family! Your sick, twisted family! Have KILLED MINE!” she sobbed uncontrollably as I stood sharply, shocked by this sudden attack.
“I’m really sorry I don't know what you’re talking about,” I said softly.
“BLACKTHORNS! ROT IN HELL!” she screamed. “Your family burned my parents house down, WITH THEM IN IT!” A large sigh of disapproval rippled through the Chamber. What on earth was happening? I glanced up at the Magisteer’s, some of whom were making their way over. But then in flash she was on top of me. Twice as big and maddened, she punched me hard in the face! Some people nearby leapt across and dragged her away, as I scrambled back across the floor.
“You murdered my parents!” she cried. “MURDERERS!” she charged with murderous menace. Her hand stretched out and… clawed at my face.
“AHH!” I cried, as her nails pierced my skin. I jumped backwards as Yearlove spelled the girl away from me. The Chamber gasped. I felt my face drip hot blood.
“What do you think you’re playing at!” Robin cried at her, jumping to my side. Dodaline, Mallard and the girls friends took hold of her as she sobbed hard, escorting her out of the Chamber.
“Let’s get you to the Healers room straight away,” said Yearlove. I nodded as red blood dripped across my vision. The Chamber was stunned, no one knew what to do or think as muttering broke out.
— “She’s usually really quiet that girl, never thought she had it in her.”
— “He does have previous, remember last year?”
The scratches felt long — pain went from my forehead, down my nose and stopping before my lip. The Healers room was big with lots of beds, tall windows but most glamours of all, a big floating green sun called Jade, whose green light healed everything it came into contact with. As soon as I entered the Healer’s room, green rays of light began coursing towards my face.
After one night in the room I was free to go. I glanced at my face in the mirror before I left, the Healer smiling behind me, there was barely any sign of the scratch marks at all, thank god. I was still a little shocked after the incident, I mean, why should I take the flack for my parents wrongdoings? I didn't kill her parents. My mind was also still on the news of Malakai’s apparent return, so as soon I left the Healer, I went looking for Ernie.
I found his room on the seventh floor and knocked. It was a Sunday, so he should be indoors — hardly anyone would be outside as it was raining. “Come in,” he called. “Avis, hello how are you?” said Ernie, standing and removing his glasses. Around him on a magically increased desk was more paper and books than I had ever seen in my life. The whole room had near enough been taken up. “When the other’s leave I make it bigger,” he offered, watching me look around the room. “I heard about what happened, you ok?”
“Fine,” I said closing the door and sitting on a nearby bed. “I was just wondering about what was… in the Herrald.”
“About Malakai?” he said. “Whether it’s true what they are reporting, it’s correct that he will return at some point.”
I swallowed. “What, so even though we defeated him, he can still come back?”
“Someone as powerful as him will always find a way,” Ernie put his glasses back on and peered around his desk. “Sorry Avis, I am quite busy. You know, what with my P.W.W’s coming up.”
“Oh right, of course.” I said, standing and leaving, feeling rather deflated.
That night I struggled for sleep, we had lessons tomorrow and I was trying to decide if I should go back to Yearlove’s lessons. He was nice to me yesterday, I supposed. I was running everything through my mind: why that fourth year girl (Kelly Canon, I was later told), had decided to attack me. What were my parents up to? Kelly had been escorted to the Lily’s office and he must have sorted something out because she wasn't in school anymore. I didn't realise how much
that incident had effected me. My chest felt tight ever since the incident, and I felt jumpy — even the crackling fire had me on edge.
A tear welled up in my eye and I didn't know why. I supposed I didn't want people looking at me like I was scum, or horrible or evil. I didn't burn her house down did I? On the way back from the forest after playing Riptide with my form earlier, a gang of fourth years sat watching me — faces stormy. Then some fifth years stood in the doorway and wouldn't move out of the way as I tried to enter.
I rolled over. So, apparently Malakai had returned. Was it true? If it was, then I knew full well who he would come for first. It was only a matter of time.
As the clock finished chiming for two o’clock, there was the strangest noise. As I lay there, wide awake listening to the delicate snores, pattering rain and crackling fire, I suddenly heard this feint ticking sound. Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick… before stopping. I stood up and looked at the clock above the fireplace. It had come from somewhere far away… or did it? Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick… it went again. It was coming from somewhere close by. I leaned forwards and peered under my bed slowly. A feint gold light flickered, from the inside of my bag. The noise was coming from the incense holder I’d bought from the Carnival! It was moving ever so slightly on every tick, as if someone was tapping it softly. I reached under the bed and pulled it out. Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick. It rocked gently on the covers. I placed it back in the bag underneath my bed. It was too late to start working out what it was doing — I just hoped it wasn't cursed!
***
“How’s the face?” said a snooty voice. I turned to see Jasper standing smugly against the wall. “Didn't think you’d be back to Yearlove’s lessons so soon,” he smiled as some fourth years passed by glaring at me.
“Well, I couldn't miss out on your fountain of endless knowledge could I?” I said as sarcastically as I could.
Robin cleared his throat. “Just ignore the git,” he whispered. “Your back in lessons, that’s all that matters.”
Yearlove started the lesson by asking us what we learnt at the Happendance Carnival. “We accidentally watched a whole show about spirits, which was just for Professional Working Wizards only!” said Henry.
Yearlove prowled around the outside of the circle. “So, what did you learn from it?”
“Well,” Henry said, looking into the ceiling and grinning, before turning to Jasper for help.
“…That you can spot a spirit inside an artefact with a couple of things…” Jasper started. “If it has strange markings on it and odd things happening around it.”
“Very good,” said Yearlove. “But you forgot about the other thing — does anyone else know?” Jasper looked affronted as Yearlove glanced around the room.
“If it makes a noise?” I said, inwardly smiling to myself.
Yearlove snapped his fingers. “Correct!” he called. “Welcome back Avis. Were you in that tent too?” I shook my head. “An even bigger well done then,” he smiled and I felt warm and fuzzy at his praise. “Yes, the three things you use to distinguish a normal magical artefact with that of an artefact with a spirit inside are…” Yearlove counted on his fingers as he walked slowly. “Markings on the object, often imbued upon it when the spirit becomes fused with the object. Next would be odd things happening around the object, the spirits magic is restricted, but clever spirits will find a way of causing disturbances. And finally, noises — one of the things a spirit will do is to make a noise. The last two, it does to alert those around it of it’s existence…”
“But why would it do that Sir?” said Tina.
Yearlove tipped his head. “Well, for one very good reason. To increase it’s chances of being freed, usually on the precursor that the one who frees them gets a wish…”
“A wish?” said Hunter, his eyes lighting up. “What, so it’s literally like the myth of the genie and the lamp?”
“Yes,” Yearlove smiled devilishly. “In exchange for its freedom.”
Muttering broke out around the room about this exciting news — but inside me was a tumultuous rip-roaring kaleidoscope of happy emotions… butterflies whizzed around my stomach at the speed of light because… I was in possession of one of those items! I was sure of it.
“What can you wish for?” said Hunter. I sat back trying to hide the elation that was flooding into me.
“I don't know,” said Yearlove. “But please, even though they are extremely rare and it’s unlikely you will ever come across one in your lifetime, do NOT go searching for them. The spirits inside are immensely dangerous, and if they can cause you damage for any reason, they will. Often the wish you request will come back to bite you. Now… what else did we learn?”
I didn't really listen to much else, my mind was whizzing ahead. I had a spirit and a wish. What could I wish for?
I saw Tina, her hand resting softly on top of Jasper’s who sat glumly — annoyed that I got that answer right earlier most probably. I could wish for him to vanish, or to get expelled?
No, I knew what I would wish for. Visions of people staring at me like I was a criminal, even though I’d done nothing wrong just because I was a Blackthorn influencing my decision. But I couldn't actually do it, could I? Not after what Yearlove just said — it was dangerous.
***
“No way!” said Robin. “You can’t, I mean… are you sure?”
I nodded. “Look…” I handed him the incense holder which immediately began to make the knocking noise. Robin held it at arms length away from him with wide, terrified eyes.
“Avis, you’re not seriously considering raising the spirit are you?”
I went over and poked the fire. The rest of our form had gone to dinner, I wasn't hungry. “Pass me a log,” I said.
“Avis, seriously? You want to get into all that trouble for what? A wish?” he said dropping it on my bed.
I made my mind up earlier and had to tell Robin out of pure excitement. “I am going to do it yes, once I find out how.”
“Your mad,” Robin sat on his bed and rubbed his eyes. “I don't want anything to do with it,” he said standing and leaving me in the room with a hard silence.
I was still going to do it, this was a perfect opportunity, it’s not often something like this falls in your lap. I needed to make that wish, and I knew the perfect place to do it.
After dinner I lay in bed and waited as patiently as I could. Excitement poured through me. I had a plan, an excellent plan to make everything better again. When everyone was in bed and quietly snoring away, I pulled out my Seven League Shoes and put them on, lacing them tightly. Stepping out as quietly as I could into the dark corridor, I tapped them twice. At breakneck speed I whizzed along in a haze of golden light, fixing the Library in my mind.
I slipped inside the Library doors alcove away from the Occulus’ stares as quickly as I could. I put my hand gently on the door handle and whispered: “Partimo-Sesamea…”
The door clicked open — I had been very, might I say, clever. At dinner, just as pudding was being served, I wandered over towards the Swillow’s form table. They all glared at me as I passed. But then, I turned to Jasper. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Yearlove told me to tell everyone that he wants us to do homework, five paragraphs on spells and charms that unlock things. Don’t look so worried, I am sure I can spare some time to help you out.”
“Don’t need any help from you,” he spluttered, buying my lie, hook line and sinker.
“Oh yeah,” I smiled sweetly. “Name one of the door unlocking spell then?”
He snorted as if it was obvious. “What, you mean the door unlocking spell, Partimo-Sesamea?” he said fluttering his hand as he said it. “There’s only one?”
“Yes, I know…” I said noting down mentally what he’d just said. “Anyway, good luck,” I smiled before sauntering away out of the Chamber and writing it down as soon as possible on a napkin. I had to do that because Robin refused point blank to tell me.
***
The Lily’s bald head shined like a flounder under the fire bracket. “Riptide match schedules have now gone on the great wall for you to all peruse and note down. Lessons will be accommodated throughout the matches as best we can,” announced the Lily standing tall at the front of a packed Chamber. “We have a great tradition in this school of nurturing the finest Riptide talent, many of whom go on to become professionals. This is not to say you should abandon your studies. Everyone, even I, must have a plan b. This year we will give you all personalised Riptide schedules which will appear on your tables right about… now.” Pop! Went the papers onto our tables, making me jump. “There has been some confusion in the past with the schedules only being on the great wall, and people writing in their diary the wrong days,” the Lily’s eyes rested on several people in the room who he perhaps thought were serial offenders. “I need not remind you all of the rules, but if you need another quick brush up, then Magisteer Underwood will only be too happy.” Magisteer Underwood raised her eyebrows. “We will be using the old format of Riptide to make the league fairer and the cup competition more exciting. You will see this on your schedule. And we will have no more than two matches a day. The marathons of last year were not fair on anyone.” I was wondering when he would mention the bit about the entire Stadium being rebuilt by us? And perhaps some thanks?
Avis Blackthorn and the Magical Multicolour Jumper (The Wizard Magic School Series, Book 2) Page 17
