by Sean Cullen
“I don’t believe you are lying. I think you really do believe you don’t know what we’re talking about.” Mr. Sweet let go of one of Reichard’s shoulders and tapped his gloved finger on Reichard’s forehead. “You have the knowledge but you don’t even know it’s there.”
The chocolatier squirmed, trying to escape the prodding finger. “How is that possible? How can I know something and not know it at the same time?”
“You have been made to forget it,” Mr. Candy said, smiling. “But don’t worry. I will help you remember …”
Mr. Sweet held his victim in place as Mr. Candy removed the glove from his right hand. He held the hand up. Reichard found the pallid flesh of the agent deeply disturbing. Waxy, greasy, plastic … the flesh looked almost artificial. The old man’s skin crawled at the thought of the agent touching him. As he watched, his eyes went wide. From Mr. Candy’s fingertips, tiny wriggling threads appeared like the heads of tiny worms. They strained blindly in the light. Mr. Candy lowered his hand towards Reichard’s face.
“No! No!” The old man desperately tried to turn his face away, but Mr. Sweet grabbed his head and held Reichard fast. Paralyzed by terror, he watched the wriggling worms descend. The tiny filaments wriggled sickeningly against the surface of his skin as if thousands of little tongues were tasting him. With a sensation like needles piercing his flesh, the tendrils burrowed into his face. For a sickening moment he felt them squirming like maggots, writhing up through his sinus cavities and through his skull. After that he remembered nothing more.
REICHARD WAS ON HIS KNEES in front of his burning shop when the firefighters arrived on the scene an hour later. A firefighter knelt beside the old man, wrapping a blanket around him. The flames crackled and blazed despite the drizzling cold rain. The firefighter tried to shake Reichard, but he just stared into his hands.
“Sir. Sir? What happened here?”
Reichard suddenly turned and stared into the face of the firefighter. His eyes were wild.
“It’s too late.”
“No,” she said. “We may save some of it yet.”
“No,” Reichard cried. “No. It’s too late for the King of Switzerland. The Hollow Mountain will be destroyed. The end is coming. The King of Switzerland will fall.” Having uttered these strange words, the old man fell in a heap on the wet pavement.
The firefighter called for the paramedics. While she waited she held the man’s head in her lap. His breathing was ragged and his skin grey.
“Poor old fellow,” she murmured. “Obviously, he’s delirious. Everyone knows that Switzerland is a republic.”
Chapter 19
The King of Switzerland had decreed that the wedding of Mr. Kipling and Mrs. Francis was to be the most lavish and wonderful the Hollow Mountain had ever seen. George had been very busy making preparations for the happy event. Through his raccoon surrogates he had spent the better part of a week transforming the Royal Park in Frieda’s Cavern into a wonderland.
Every tree and bush had been meticulously groomed. Every blade of grass was trimmed, all the weeds pulled, every flowerbed manicured and pruned. The result was stunning. The colourful flowers, already beautiful, had been coaxed forth until they were breathtaking to behold. Their sweet scents wafted gently over the park, adding an air of magic to the day.
Every branch of every tree had a bright silver streamer woven through it, the effect magnified when the Daniel’s Panels shone down from above, striking the streamers’ reflective surfaces and casting spots of light over the entire cavern. It seemed to be filled with water, rippling and shining.
White and silver balloons bobbed on threads all around Hakon’s Fountain. The younger children batted at the ones they could reach, laughing and calling to each other. Their laughter mingled with the sound of the orchestra that was set up on a temporary stage on the lawn. The orchestra comprised the most gifted musicians among the children of the Hollow Mountain. Dressed in beautifully tailored, identical white tuxedos sewn by the students in the clothing and fashion department, they played their instruments with studied precision. This was the first time many of them had played in public and they wanted it to be absolutely perfect. Their faces as they followed their music and their conductor, an older girl with a severe, scowling expression, were serious and concentrated. No one wanted to make a mistake.
The children were all dressed in their finest tunics, cleaned and pressed. The George raccoons had made them wash behind their ears58 and scrub their hands and scour their fingernails before they were allowed to come down for the ceremony. George was very strict about personal hygiene.59
Every child of the Hollow Mountain had been relieved of his or her normal duties to attend the celebration. As a result, the mood in the Royal Park was exuberantly festive. Children were streaming down the stairs from the residential level, all cleaned and pressed in their immaculate tunics. Even the Royal Swiss Guards, who were normally quite stern-looking, managed to smile once in a while. They looked spiffy in their dress grey uniforms, with their silver buttons and black boots polished to a high gloss.
A canopy had been erected beside Hakon’s Fountain. Beneath its shade stood the wedding party. Mimi looked uncomfortable in a pretty pink dress specially made for the occasion. A lacy belt cinched the dress tightly around her waist and the sleeves were puffy, edged with frilly cuffs. She fidgeted and plucked at the satin as if contact with it burned her skin. Her long face was wrinkled in a scowl. Mrs. Francis had attempted to put her hair up in a bow but Mimi flatly refused to be subjected to such indignities.
Hamish X stood beside her, barely able to stifle his laughter. She saw him snickering and drilled him hard in the shoulder with her fist.
“What?” he said, all innocence.
Mimi glowered. “I seen ya laughin’. I’m only wearin’ this get-up ’cause Mrs. Francis asked me to.” She pinched a piece of pink lace as if it were something she’d found under a rock. “I mean, pink? Are ya kiddin’ me?”
The look on her face was so pained that Hamish X was about to laugh again, but he stopped. Looking at that hawkish, hatchet nose and those green eyes, he was struck suddenly by how close they had become and how much he would miss her. He felt a weight settle around his heart.
Mimi sensed his change of mood. “What’s the matter with ya? Ya look like ya just lost yer best friend.”
The words struck so close to home that Hamish X almost broke down and told her about his plans to leave later that day. Just then Mr. Kipling stepped into the tent, ducking under the edge of the canopy. He was freshly shaven, his moustache waxed and stiff, and he wore a beautiful white dress uniform complete with gold braid at the shoulders, white gloves, and a white peaked cap tucked under his arm. He beamed at Mimi and Hamish X. “What wonderful dresses you both have on.” Hamish X was about to protest but Mr. Kipling laughed and held up a hand. “Just teasing you, Hamish X. The kilt is a noble garment.” He bent over and kissed Mimi on the top of the head. “You are a vision, my dearest Mimi. An absolute princess.”
Mimi blushed a bright pink, only a shade lighter than her dress. “Ain’t no princesses come outta Texas.”
Mr. Kipling laughed again and looked Hamish X up and down. “What a fine Highlander you would make, Hamish X. That is the Royal Stewart tartan60 if I’m not mistaken.” Something caught his eye. “Ah, and speaking of royalty, here comes his Majesty now.”
All eyes were focused on the broad doors of the elevator. A long red carpet had been laid out between the doors and the canopy. The doors whooshed open to reveal the King.
King Liam stepped out of the elevator and the crowd cheered. He was dressed in a simple green doublet of silk, trimmed with white fur. Long suede boots came up to his knees and a simple circlet of pale metal rested on his unruly red hair. He was flanked on either side by George raccoons, each carrying a corner of his long grey velvet cloak in their mouths. Aidan and Cara led the way in their dress uniforms. Cara’s hair was piled on top of her head in an elaborate network of kn
ots and braids. A detail of Guards formed a line on either side along the carpet stretching from the elevator doors to the canopy.
The Royal Party stepped out to the increasing cheers of the gathered throng. The King smiled and waved to his subjects as the orchestra let loose with a stirring fanfare. The children threw handfuls of confetti, turning the afternoon into a colourful snowstorm of paper. King Liam smiled brightly. Then he turned and held out a hand towards the open doors of the elevator. The cheering died to a murmur as the crowd waited with bated breath.
Mrs. Francis had never been what fashion magazines would call beautiful. She had always been a little on the short side and a little bit on the chubby side. Her complexion had never been peaches and cream. Her hair was mousy and brown, shot through with grey. Her hands weren’t soft after years of drudgery and toil in the kitchen at Windcity. And yet when she stepped out of the elevator, her hand resting on Parveen’s elbow for her walk down the aisle, she was beautiful. All the eyes that looked upon her that day knew. She was beautiful because love had made her so.
Her hair was done up in ringlets interlaced with tiny white flowers. Her dress was the colour of ivory, made from the softest silk. She held a bouquet of delicate blossoms clutched in her chubby little hands.
The King led Parveen and Mrs. Francis down the red carpet towards the canopy where Mr. Kipling waited. Mrs. Francis beamed, her cheeks dimpling and her eyes shining as she gazed at her betrothed. Hamish X glanced up at Mr. Kipling’s face and saw the same glow in his eyes. The smile on the man’s face was warm and sure. He looked younger and stronger than he had ever seemed before. All the time the children had known him there had been a trace of sadness about the old sailor. The loss of his daughter years ago had left a hole in his heart. Now, watching his bride approach, it was as if that hole might finally be filled with a new love and a new purpose in life.
Mrs. Francis arrived under the canopy and the King turned to face the crowd. Parveen offered Mrs. Francis’s hand to Mr. Kipling. The man took it in his own and bowed. “Thank you, Parveen.” Parveen smiled one of his rare smiles and went to stand at Hamish X’s side. He had dressed in a simple black tunic for the ceremony, but the stub of pencil remained behind his ear.
Mrs. Francis and Mr. Kipling stood before the King. Suddenly, Mrs. Francis handed her bouquet to Mimi. Her hands thus freed, she reached out and straightened Liam’s tunic and rearranged a stray lock of his red hair that had fallen over his forehead. King Liam rolled his eyes and smiled. “Thanks, Mrs. Francis.”
Mrs. Francis blushed and curtseyed. “I can’t help myself, your Majesty.”
The gathered children laughed and the King laughed with them. He then placed his hands over theirs.
“Dear friends. You were strangers only a few weeks ago, but since you arrived to live among us all have come to know your sweetness of spirit, kindness, selflessness, and sacrifice.
“Mrs. Francis … You were the one bright light in a dark place for so many children. Without you, Hamish X, Parveen, and Mimi would have been lost to us, not to mention all the other children who escaped Windcity, pirates, and more to be with us today. Thank you, sweet lady.”
He smiled at Mrs. Francis, who immediately blushed crimson and curtseyed again. The King looked into the weathered face of Mr. Kipling.
“You, sir, are an inspiration to us all. You have proven that no one is beyond redemption and that love can be found in the darkest of places. It is an honour to have you among us and no surprise that you should win the heart of such a gentle and wonderful woman.”
Mr. Kipling smiled and bowed his head.
“I am the King of this realm and so I am the law. I have never had the pleasure to perform a marriage. There is a first time for everything, I suppose. These are troubled times. Darkness waits to bring us down.” His brow furrowed. “Let us make this union a symbol of hope that one day we will be able to live without fear, free and happy forever. Mimi?”
The King beckoned Mimi forward. Looking around, suspicious of laughter at her attire, she held out her hand to the King. Resting in her palm were two simple bands of gold. The King smiled at her and picked up the smaller of the two. He gave it to Mr. Kipling.
Mr. Kipling took the ring carefully between his thumb and index finger. Holding Mrs. Francis’s hand in his own and looking into her eyes, he said, “Dearest Isobel. I was lost. The world was a cold and empty place. With you at my side, I’ll never be lost again.”
Tears filled the little woman’s eyes. She answered, “Rupert, I was waiting for you all those years to come for me. I just didn’t know it.”
There were sniffles from the children gathered near and Mimi’s eyes looked suspiciously shiny. Hamish X reached out and took Parveen and Mimi by the hand, squeezing tight.
The King spoke. “Repeat after me. I, Rupert Milne Pendergast Kipling …”
“Milne?” Mimi murmured.
“Pendergast?” Hamish X whispered.
“Shhh.” This from Parveen.
“I, Rupert Milne Pendergast Kipling …”
“Take you, Isobel Annabelle Francis …”
“Take you, Isobel Annabelle Francis …”
“To be my wife and partner …”
“To be my wife and partner …”
“In sickness and in health, through good times and bad …”
“In sickness and in health, through good times and bad …”
“As long as you both shall live …”
“As long as we both shall live … even longer if at all possible. Indeed, I do.” Mr. Kipling slipped the ring onto Mrs. Francis’s finger. The fit was tight but he managed with a minimum of effort. The King smiled and turned to Mrs. Francis.
“Now it’s your turn,” he began.
Before he could start the vows Mrs. Francis blurted, “Yes! Yes I do! I will and yes … forever!” She placed the ring on Mr. Kipling’s finger and planted a huge kiss on his lips, flinging her arms around his neck and pulling him down to her level. All the children laughed. When she finally broke free of the kiss, Mrs. Francis blushed and said, “I don’t like long ceremonies.”
The King raised his arms. “Excellent, then let’s jump to the end. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride. Again.” Mr. Kipling was only too happy to oblige.
Mr. Candy and Mr. Sweet
Standing on the mountainside in the driving rain, Mr. Candy and Mr. Sweet gazed through their goggles at the seemingly solid rock of the cliff face.
“Interesting, Mr. Candy.”
“Very, Mr. Sweet.”
“Switch to infrared.”
The goggles on their faces hummed softly and the view of the mountainside shifted. Displayed in their goggles was the rock face outlined in luminous red heat patterns. Where the cliff had seemed solid, a glowing cavity now appeared.
“Incredible,” Mr. Sweet shouted over the wind. “A false rock face. It’s very realistic.”
“Very clever,” Mr. Candy agreed. “The way into the Hollow Mountain.”
“At last.”
“At last.”
Mr. Sweet pressed the side of his head and spoke into the air. “All units advance on these coordinates. We begin the assault in ten minutes from my mark. Mark.” He lowered his hand. “A great day, Mr. Candy.”
“A great day, indeed, Mr. Sweet.”
Chapter 20
The reception was in full swing. A long table had been brought out for the wedding party, and there Mr. Kipling and Mrs. Francis (she had decided to remain Mrs. Francis rather than confuse the children) sat together holding hands as they watched the spectacle on the lawn before them. Mimi, Parveen, and Hamish X sat on one side. The King sat on the other.
A feast had been prepared and served. Everyone had their fill of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and steamed carrots. (Mrs. Francis had demanded that the wedding dinner be something nutritious for the children.) After the feast had been cleared away, there were plenty of rich desserts for everyone.
Th
e kitchens, under Mrs. Francis’s careful direction, had outdone themselves creating a variety of delicious treats. There were cakes, candies, tarts, and cookies, and even a chocolate fountain designed by Noor and Parveen. Children gathered around the spouting geyser of sweet liquid, dipping in pieces of fruit or marshmallows on long wooden skewers. The younger children were practically caked with chocolate up to the elbows, but no one scolded them. Everyone was having too much fun. George raccoons wandered about carrying trays of little sandwiches, bonbons, tiny savoury pies, and glasses of fruit punch.
There were entertainments of every kind imaginable. The children had been practising, and now they displayed their incredible skills. The gymnastics class tumbled and contorted, performing acrobatic feats to the great delight of the crowd.
The highlight, however, was the Royal Swiss Guards, who put on a demonstration of tactics set to the orchestra’s musical accompaniment. Marching smartly in formation out into the centre of the green, they went on to form intricate shapes through shockingly precise patterns. They created circles that collapsed into diamond shapes then exploded into stars that rotated on their axes. The crowd shouted with pleasure at each new and amazingly executed manoeuvre.
Hamish X watched the proceedings with a heavy heart. Everyone seemed so happy. He looked over at Mimi as she sat leaning forward in her chair, gazing enviously as Cara and Aidan marched by in perfect rhythm. He looked at the light in Mimi’s eyes and he had to smile in spite of his sadness. She’ll be happy here, he thought to himself.
He looked past Mimi at Parveen and saw the little boy fiddling with something in his hands. It looked like a hand-held video game console. Parveen sensed Hamish X’s gaze and looked up. He pushed his glasses up onto his nose. “It’s a surprise,” he said with a shrug and returned his attention to the device.
