Part One

Chapter One

Azel gets called

A body landed heavily on Azel Goodwill where she lay warm and dead to the world under a big flowery duvet.

‘Winston!’ she snapped grumpily. ‘What do you think you’re doing? How many times have I told you not to wake me up like that?”

Azel had overslept, and autumn sunshine was already flickering through her cottage window. She blinked in its brightness and fought free of the untidy heap of bedclothes.

Winston stared at her with big green eyes and purred. Purrr Purr. Purrr Purrr. Purrr Purrr.

“Are you telling me my wand has been ringing?” demanded Azel with even more annoyance at having missed a call. Winston, a large cat with a shining black coat, curled his tail around her wrist and luxuriously stretched out on the pillow.

She reached for the wand in its red dragon’s leather case. It glowed blue. The Queen Witch had been trying to get through. That could mean another adventure.

As a Grand Sorcerer in the Paramagic Division of the legendary coven known as QWERT (Queen Witches Executive for Removal of Trouble), Azel Goodwill had a reputation as someone not to be messed with. Empowered to exploit powers from closely guarded secrets of ancient magic, the status of Grand Sorcerer is restricted to a small number of dedicated witches who have undergone demanding initiation tests involving both mental and physical endurance. Only very few of those taking these tests pass and move on for final authorisation by the Queen herself.

Stung into action by Winston’s unwelcome wake up, Azel rolled out of bed and sprang across the bedroom to reach into her wardrobe for a solitary black robe. Its style and colour changed according to her mood. This often made people puzzle over how many outfits she really had. Hanging beside it was the Paramagic Division cloak with a large ‘’Q’’ heavily embroidered in golden thread, sumptuous in the deep sapphire blue assigned only to grand sorcerers. The hood rolled up inside its high collar enabled her to become totally invisible, and three of its seven pockets could never be filled up. Just a thought brought whatever was wanted to the top.

Eager to answer the Queen’s call she quickly dressed, contemplated her image in the mirror as a slightly plump thirty year old (her mind was really much older but this was her latest re-incarnation), and chose orange as the colour to wear today. Then she picked up her wand and waved it in the ‘return call’ pattern. It was pleasing to know the Queen had made contact as it had been sometime since the last mission and now that her wound had healed she had been getting fed up waiting to be off again.

“Hello.” drawled the voice at the other end of the wand-line. “Hello. It’s Clive speaking”

Azel groaned. Sir Clive Butterupp. The Queens Lord Chancellor who whilst being rather good at his job, made everyone feel quite sick in how he tried to make you feel important when you knew he didn’t really mean it.

“I’m returning QW’s call” said Azel. (The Queen witch was often referred to as “QW” by those authorised to work on removal of trouble missions)

“Why Azel, how nice to hear you” droned Sir Clive in his most nauseating voice “Azel my dear, how really very kind of you to take the trouble to call back. I’m sure you must be worn-out after your last mission. Are you sure you feel up to talking with QW now?”

Oh get on with it thought Azel and answered brusquely. “Yes of course I feel up to it. Put me through straightaway”

“Why yes my dear, I’ll see if she is free - and may I say I hope to see you here very soon. And Azel, do please make sure you look me up when you come. Goodbye.”

The wand clicked and made a rushing sound.

“QW speaking”

“Ah, your majesty. Azel Goodwill here”

“Goodwill!” exclaimed the Queen evidently pleased “I want you here at the palace this afternoon for a briefing on a mission. At three o’clock”

“Why, yes your majesty” replied Azel enthusiastically, “Yes. I’ll be there this afternoon”

“Fine” said QW abruptly ending the conversation. QW was sometimes like that with something big going on. Azel wondered what it would be this time and her blue eyes glinted in anticipation of a new challenge.

***

“Winston’’ called Azel to the cat “I’m taking a trip. You’ll have to look after the house - and don’t forget to check the post”

Winston sighed. He easily solved any problems of looking after himself but enjoyed being lazy and preferred Azel at home.

“Is there anything you want before I go?” asked Azel

“Prrrrrawns” purred Winston hopefully. “Prrrrawns prrrrees”

He looked up with a greeny stare and rubbed himself along her leg.

“Oh very well” said Azel. ‘’But if you want them now, you’ll have to defrost them’’

She took a packet of prawns from the freezer and tipped them into a china bowl.

Winston looked at them in disgust.

“Oh come on now” said Azel impatiently. “You know what to do. Don’t be lazy”

Winston glared at the prawns. Magically, they defrosted and he wolfed them greedily in case they refroze.

“That’s more like it“ smiled Azel. She took a last look around her low beamed sitting room with its comfy cherry patterned sofa and dozens of ornaments and gold framed pictures crowding the walls. One a bit crooked needed a snap of fingers to straighten it. Then she turned and strode purposefully out of the side door to the garage.

***

The previous QWERT mission had smashed up a complex crime network of moronic ghouls controlled by Anniolate. (She denied being part of it and claimed they only robbed graves of dead bodies for research purposes.) As a result of Azel’s critical role in the success of the operation she had been issued with one of the new two seat Warpsweepers for her personal use. Designed by QW’s Special Sorcery and Equipment Department this advanced computerised broom came packed full of technology. It was capable of speech, intelligent opinion, and warp speeds through time.

Hovering in shadows at the back of the garage the broom gleamed with a silvery brightness against the gloom of old potion cauldrons and dusty jars. Answering Azel’s beckoning, the Warpsweeper floated gently across towards her. Folding out its polished chrome handlebars and dusting the windscreen with her sleeve, she settled herself on the racing style saddle, and touched the ‘max speed’ button on its computerised control panel.

“Where to?” the broom asked in a flat, metallic kind of voice.

“QW’s palace” said Azel distantly, thinking about the forthcoming mission.

“Are you sure?” it questioned offensively “You don’t come across as being very certain”

“QW’s palace” she repeated firmly. The Warpsweeper was programmed to warn riders if they seemed unsure of where they wanted to go. If they sounded indecisive it became cantankerous.

“You’ve set me to ‘max speed’ it said. “ Are you holding on tight?”

“Yes”

“And have you fastened your seat belt?”

“Yes, yes” said Azel impatiently.

“You’ve not left a passenger behind?”

“No, I’ve not left a passenger behind”

“And it’s to QW’s palace....”

“Just go” said Azel.

“Um, oh all right then” said the Warpsweeper wanting to have the last word.

With a crackling rumble and blaze of laser navigation beams the broom crashed into launch mode. In seconds it was a barely visible flash of silver streaking across the sky. And at ‘max speed’ it would not be long before Azel Goodwill reached the palace of QW.

***

Closely monitored by security elves, the Warpsweeper slowed as it descended towards the palace’s familiar white pointed turrets, their crystal windows sparkling in the afternoon sun. Built on pinnacles of marble, granite, and quartz towering from the depths of an extinct volcano the palace made a dazzling contrast to the gloomy grey castle of Anniolate. For centuries Anniolate had claimed the right to rule over QW’s realm, declaring that all magic whether for good or evil should be hers to control. QWERT’s recent defeat of her crime network had intensified her hatred, creating a psychopathic desire to seek vengeance. Her threats of death and terrorism made Anniolate a powerful enemy and that’s why security at the palace was always so tight.

The Warpsweeper circled towards the broom landing pad on one of the higher turrets and touched down. Azel glimpsed the tubby figure and bald head of Sir Clive Butterupp scurrying out to meet her, brushing aside the security guard elf who chased after him trying to get him to sign a form stuck on a clipboard.

‘Welcome, welcome’ he prattled enthusiastically through a perfumed aura of extravagant use of aftershave. ‘So good to see you so soon after our wand conversation this morning. I did so enjoy our little chat you know. Azel you really are my favourite QWERT witch. Oh dear, what am I saying? You know that already of course.’ Sir Clive continued to gush.

‘You’ll have to sign this’ interrupted the little security guard breathlessly, finally catching up with Sir Clive.

‘What?’ said Sir Clive, irritably.

The elf rolled his eyes in self restraint and repeated patiently. “I said, you’ll have to sign this. Everybody has to sign this if they are meeting someone from outside’

‘I’ve no time now and nothing to sign it with’

The elf pushed the clipboard under Sir Clive’s nose and shoved a grotty chewed up pencil into his hand.

“Ugh” exclaimed Clive “Have you been chewing this?”

“No. Dribble the guard dog has”

“Well, you can keep your ghastly writing implement” said Sir Clive in a very off hand, disdainful way quickly dropping the pencil. Then pompously taking out his own expensive fountain pen from his silk breeches pocket, signed the form with a posh sort of flourish.

“There you are” said the elf triumphantly “I don’t know why you were making all that fuss when you had your own pen all the time”

“Oh get out of my way” snapped Sir Clive, and pushed his way past the elf towards Azel.

“Where can I park the broom?” asked Azel ignoring Clive’s welcome. Then wished she hadn’t asked as Clive came on all smarmy again.

“Don’t you worry about that my dear’ he said in a low soft voice. ‘We have V.I.P. parking for people such as you. It will be no trouble for Gordinius to see to it.”

Clive snapped his fingers at a handsome young goblin in spotless white overalls. Having heard the arrival of famous Azel Goodwill he was eager to please and rushed over. Gordinius was incredibly keen, and proud he had passed his recent technician’s exam for Warpsweeper broom maintenance. In his spare time Gordinius was lead singer with four other goblins in a boy band called ‘The Spellbreakers’ They were hoping for success at some time in the future when their talent became recognised by a recording company, but for now he had to make a living working on Warpsweepers.

“Let me see to that for you ma’am” said Gordinius, politely taking the broom from Azel.

“I hope you know what you’re doing with a Warpsweeper?“ interrupted the broom haughtily. Gordinius stepped back surprised.

“Why yes Sir. I’m a fully qualified Warpsweeper technician and can assure you that you’ll be looked after properly”

“Very well” said the broom grumpily “In that case, you can check my time navigation software as there’s a digital clock problem somewhere. I arrived five minutes before I left on the test flight before witch Azel took delivery”

“Five minutes before you left?” Gordinius stroked his chin coolly. “Come with me to the service department and we’ll get it sorted, yeah?”

Chapter Two

Briefings at QW’s palace

Sir Clive Butterupp was full of his own self importance as he lead Azel along the complex network of passages towards QW’s chambers. He spoke pompously about how he hoped she would take on this latest mission, how he was sure that only Azel was good enough to take it on and wasn’t it wonderful for her to be here in the palace again....

Azel ignored him.

When they finally arrived at the massive door to QW’s chambers Sir Clive knocked twice and mumbled a security password under his breath so Azel couldn’t hear what it was. The enormous central knob on the door morphed into a face which frowned suspiciously at them.

“Yes?” it said disparagingly.

“We are here to see QW” said Clive.

“We? Who is ‘we’?” sneered the face looking like it had just eaten a plate of dead flies.

“Azel Goodwill and myself of course” said Clive. Then turning to Azel he murmured discreetly, “This knob turns me right off. It’s about time it learned some manners”

“Did you say Azel Goodwill?” asked the knob

“I did” said Clive

The face beamed. “Well, step right in. The famous grand sorcerer Goodwill eh? Why didn’t you say so before? Come in, come in”

The huge door swung open into the vast glass anteroom of QW’s chambers. She sat busily writing at a crystal and diamond desk, elegant and graceful in lustrous white robes with a purple cloak edged in shimmering micro crystals.

“Sit down Goodwill” said QW without looking up. “I’ll be with you in a minute”

“Butterupp - wait outside, please” she added still without looking up. Sir Clive helplessly disappeared backwards through the closed door with an peeved look on his face.

Azel sank into a cream silk armchair by the window. It sighed and adjusted itself to fit her.

“Are you comfortable?” it asked

“Oops, I’d forgotten you had a voice and could speak”

“You don’t remember me?” replied the chair indignantly. “Had you forgotten I’ve got arms and legs and a back too?”

“Ssshh” hissed QW. “ I said I’ll be with you in a minute”

Unruffled, Azel gazed out of the window watching the fading silhouette of the mountains in the sunset’s red glow, and listening to the big transparent clock ticking slowly in its corner under the stairs.

“Now, Goodwill” said the Queen abruptly looking up across the wide expanse of desk. “We’ve got trouble from one of Anniolate’s minions, a certain witch called Venefica”

“Venefica?” gasped Azel. “But wasn’t she the one banished to Fargon years ago?”

QW’s almond eyes flashed momentarily. ‘You know her?’

Azel answered like a barrister reporting cold facts to a crowded courtroom.

‘Yes, QW. I know Venefica. Know her very well. Nasty piece of work. When she finally showed up in Fargon, she spent her time hanging about with those low-lives in Anniolate’s castle. She’s hasn’t always been nasty though. An absent minded foreign wizard named Dimvitze married her, turned himself into a spider by mistake and was trodden on. He died instantly. After that she became spiteful, eaten up with jealousy about anybody being happy. She’s let herself go big time. Doesn’t brush her teeth, has terrible smelly breath. Her hair’s matted and fusty because it’s never washed. She rarely launders her clothes either. She’s constantly picks at a pimple festering on her nose, her table manners are filthy and....’

“Thank you Goodwill, that’s quite enough” QW cut in sharply. “I didn’t ask for a life history, but I get the point. I’m sending you to a place called Lower Chantment. Most people have never heard of it, but intelligence reports indicate that The Great Book of Evil Spells is hidden somewhere in that village. We believe Anniolate has sent Venefica to look for it. I want you to stop her”

“The Great Book of Evil Spells?” Azel reacted with a sharp intake of breath. ‘It’s been lost for over two hundred years. It would be catastrophic if Anniolate found it. There’s no way we can let that happen. The sooner I get started the better”

“Good’’ said QW. “ I knew I could count on you Goodwill. Listen, I know you like to work alone but.........” QW hesitated.

Azel wondering what else was coming. She had heard enough bad news today already.

“There’s something else I want you to do Goodwill” said QW slowly. “I want you to take my nephew crown Prince Danial with you”

She paused to let the significance of what she had said sink in.

“As you may be aware, Goodwill” said QW breaking the silence “Danial has no work experience outside the palace, and I want him trained out there in the real world. I am going to rely on you to take him under your wing for this mission.”

QW continued “What’s more Goodwill, the Prince can tell you a thing or two about what I believe is called technology or something. Er, computers and that sort of thing. You need to learn about computing and Danial is pretty good at it. We all have to get to grips with this technology thing whatever our elders of magic might say. Don’t you agree?”

Azel had the impression that computers made QW uneasy, bringing back the uncomfortable memory that she herself did not really understand all the things her Warpsweeper broom could do. She’d impulsively tossed aside the instruction manual and never used half of its functions so perhaps Prince Danial might be of help. But right now, she wasn’t prepared to admit as much to QW.

Instead she said, ‘’Yes of course I’ll take the Prince with me, but I hope he realises the risks and dangers he’ll be coming up against”

QW replied cautiously “ You’ll have to talk to him and see what you think. He is certainly keen to go, but don’t forget you’ll be responsible. Once the protection of the palace is left behind it’s down to you to make sure of the Prince’s safety. I also want you to take him to the Special Sorcery and Equipment Department before you leave - they have a few new devices and spells that may be useful. By the way, Miss Wilmcurse is now head of the department. Remember her?’’

QW gave a curt nod toward Azel and, with a meaningful look in her eyes, said, “That will be all, Goodwill. Take care and good luck.”

***

Sir Clive Butterupp sprang attentively towards Azel as the door to QW’s chambers quietly closed behind her. He recognised immediately the determination in her face.

“I’ve arranged for cucumber sandwiches” he said hopefully.

“Egg and bacon and a bar of orange flavoured chocolate are what I need right now” replied Azel

“At this time of the day?” exclaimed Clive. But quickly recovering, said “Why Azel my dear, if that is what you would really like ..........”

“No, no’ interrupted Azel. ‘’Sandwiches are fine thanks.’’

Azel told Sir Clive about the brief, and for a change he knew nothing about QW’s plans or the situation in Lower Chantment. Azel felt quite pleased about that.

“Well” he said after listening intently. “We must get a move on and see Prince Danial. I’ll show you to his quarters. I think we should go now. He’ll be waiting”

‘We should go now because he’ll be waiting?’ said Azel scornfully. ‘I don’t think so. We’ll start as we mean to go on. Just because he’s crown Prince I’m not going to run around like a startled Stag doing what you think he wants.’

Recognising Sir Clive was up to his old tricks again by trying to make things seem more important than they were, she said brightly. “There’s no rush. He can’t go anywhere without me can he?’

Clive swallowed hard as if Azel had spoken treason, but he didn’t argue.

***

The twisty corridors hewn out of solid crystal leading to Prince Danial ’s quarters glowed with a kind of translucent light. It was like walking through space; especially where the bottom of the volcano thousands of meters below could be seen through the transparent floor.

”What are they?” asked Azel suddenly. “I don’t remember seeing loads of coloured wires clipped along the ceiling”

“Ah” replied Clive “That’s what Prince Danial has done with this technology stuff. They, my dear Azel, are computer wires” he said knowledgeably, trying to sound as if he knew all about it.

“Computer wires? I expect they include broadband access and hot links to the palace intranet” said Azel gleefully.

“The what net?” asked Clive perplexed and impressed at the same time. He had no idea Azel knew anything about computers.

“Oh yes” continued Azel breezily, “I expect Prince Danial and I will have lots to talk about. There’s so much to learn you know Clive. I really think you ought to get a computer and keep up with the times”

“Me! Get a computer?” I wouldn’t know where to start”

“Whatever” said Azel not admitting she didn’t know much about computers either. But at least she had got one up on Sir Clive.

***

A large notice in different styles and font sizes with special effects and shadows hung on the door of Prince Danial ’s quarters. Prince Danial seemed not to possess much sense of good design even if he knew a lot about how to work computers. The notice read:-

Crown Prince Danial

Will all visitors please log in and wait for request for password.

If you do not have password, register now. [Use keyboard on your right] When logged in, please step through door and wait for attention.

At busy times a queue system is in operation.

Thank you. Signed: Danial

Before they had time to log in or register, the door was flung open to reveal the broad shouldered figure of crown Prince Danial.

“Hi” he smiled. “Azel Goodwill? Great. I’ve heard all about you. Aunt told me I’m going with you on this little trip to Lower Chantment to sort out Venefica. Am I looking forward to making sure that old crone get what she deserves” He delivered his words fast, like a stallion at full gallop, finishing breathless with excitement.

Taken aback with the Prince’s outburst of enthusiasm, Azel felt like asking him to slow down please and everything in good time. Instead she nodded respectfully. “Of course your royal highness’ she said. ‘I’m looking forward to the mission too, and to having you work alongside as my assistant.”

Azel carefully used the words ‘mission’ and ‘assistant.’ If Danial regarded the mission as just a ‘little trip’ and ‘the old crone’ he simply didn’t understand the overwhelming power of Venefica’s evil magic. And if she found out that QW’s nephew was accompanying her, the situation would be even more dangerous.

“Oh, please don’t call me your royal highness” said the Prince hurriedly. “Danial’s cool, OK? It’s bad enough having to behave like a Prince on royal occasions without having to be all la-di-da every day of the week when there’s work to be done. Is Miss Azel OK for you?”

“Yes fine” replied Azel “Or plain Azel. The main thing is to work together as a team”

“Brilliant.” said Danial.

“There is one thing though” she said grimly.

“Whassat?” Danial ’s dark eyebrows rose quizzically.

“You should know before we leave that this mission could be ----”

Azel hesitated.

“No. Not could be, is highly dangerous. Theres no telling what evil forces Venefica will call up, and when the chips are down you take notice of what I say. You will do immediately what I tell you to do. Without question. I am to be in control at all times. Is that clearly understood?”

Sir Clive could hardly believe what he’d heard. Didn’t Azel Goodwill know how to speak to royalty? Didn’t she realise the Prince could have her demoted and put back on drawbridge duties just for even questioning a member of the royal family? Let alone telling them you would be in control and they must do what you say. He watched the Prince nervously.

“Azel” said Danial curtly, his expression changing to one of steely coldness.

Clive turned pale and started to quiver. He wished he were somewhere else. Like anywhere really.

Danial went on. “This, er, mission is very important to me, Miss Azel. The fact I’m on it at all is a privilege and working as your assistant is going to give me priceless experience. Of course I shall do exactly what you say without question. No probs”

“That’s exactly what I thought you would say your highness” interrupted Clive coming on all creepy when he saw the Prince wasn’t angry. “Azel is one of our most outstanding Grand Sorcerers in the Paramagic Division of QWERT. I know you will be safe with her”

***

Azel’s respect for the Prince was growing. ‘He’s remarkably good looking,’ she mused ‘but he’ll have to do something about his outfit before we leave’

Wearing a white, billowy long sleeved shirt with fancy cuffs and a braided waistcoat, Danial stood arms folded, filling the doorway to his quarters. The wide leather belt with engraved silver buckle looked far too big for an 80 cm waist, and red tights tucked in to brown calf length duelling boots were handsome in a way, but it was how Princes dressed in old fashioned fairy stories. It was not at all suitable for the mission to Lower Chantment and Azel resolved to find a polite way of telling him to change his dress sense.

“What am I thinking about?” exclaimed Danial “Keeping you talking here outside. Come on in”

Azel and Sir Clive were faced by a staggering display of computers, cables, monitors, hi tech equipment in black boxes, winking lights and a multitude of different buttons to press. They were speechless.

“Ah” said Danial pleased to see them noticeably awe-struck.” You have an interest in computing?”

“What does it all do? Azel asked, fascinated.

“What do you want it to do?” replied Danial mysteriously “You see, with technology, it’s not really what it can do but what you can do with it”

“I see” said Azel “so what can you do with it then?”

“Lots” said Danial confidently “Look, before we travel to Lower Chantment, suppose we wanted to see what the latest trouble was. There’s a good chance it’s being caused by Venefica, yeah? So we could log on to the witches realtime news website, then hyper link on to ‘browse aerial views’ and from there we could hack in to any reports she’s sending to Anniolate”

“Why Sire that’s wonderful. I’m so impressed” said Sir Clive.

“Can we see anything now?” asked Azel.

“Of course. Now let’s see. Um, press here, squiggle the mouse there...”

The monitor danced with activity. Danial didn’t need to check the instruction manual that came with the computer and Azel could see he really knew how to operate stuff.

“There we are!” he exclaimed “It shows reports about an ugly looking woman who has moved in to Lower Chantment, and there has since been all kinds of trouble. Viruses on computers, weird noises at night, people being pushed over by invisible forces and electrical things not working properly. That has to be Venefica wouldn’t you say Azel?”

“Yes. But magical powers can be just as effective. We already knew about Venefica’s trouble making in Lower Chantment. I don’t want to be rude, but you won’t be able to take this computer on the mission”

Danial hesitated. “There is of course my hand - held portable, or even my mobile. Nothing like as powerful but I can link them to hack into her messages. There is a computer in the Grey Castle where messages are logged. Would your powers be able to detect those?

“No” said Azel, grudgingly “that’s where it might help”

Danial went on “I must admit this computer’s a bit limited when it comes to dealing with magic things. It needs a software update. I’m using Megahard Doors OS10 at present but they’ve just launched an entirely new suite called View. It’s based on secret software used to develop the new Warpsweeper brooms. Have you heard of the Warpsweeper, Azel?” he added.

“Heard of it?” exclaimed Azel, her eyes gleaming and calling to mind Gordinius still had her Warpsweeper to check out its time navigation software. Whatever that was.

, “I’ve got one. Came on it today actually”

“You, you’ve got a Warpsweeper? Wow - brilliant. Are you pleased with it? Can’t wait to see it.”

“All in good time” said Azel. “We’ll visit Miss Wilmcurse first and get her ideas on the latest equipment to take with us. We’ll go tomorrow morning.’

Chapter Three

Encounters in the Special Sorcery and Equipment Department

Sir Clive had arranged for Azel’s favourite breakfast to be served on a silver tray in her room. Cereals shaped like stars and broomsticks packed in individual boxes with spell formulas printed on the back; egg and bacon; and orange flavoured chocolate washed down with a high energy drink called ‘Powerpotion’.

The computer automatically set the burglar alarm as they left Danial ’s quarters to visit the Special Sorcery and Equipment Department. He still wore his ghastly red tights, reminding Azel she needed to think of a polite way of telling him to wear something else.

It had been a long time since Azel had seen Miss Wilmcurse who at the time had been in charge of the palace canteen. Some of her recipes had been turned in to a cookery book which had sold well to elderly wizards living on their own. They found cooking made a change to simply twitching their wands and ending up with a fattening instant meal. Unfortunately, they discovered it was sometimes hard to obtain all the ingredients, and kicked up a fuss. Miss Wilmcurse became resentful, said she wasn’t prepared to run the canteen any longer and walked out. As she had proved herself brilliant at creating recipes, QW put her in charge of the Special Sorcery and Equipment Department.

Miss Wilmcurse, a thin and upright straight sort of person, was very strict about good behaviour. She dressed in a sensible tweed suit, thick stockings, and heavy brown leather shoes. Sometimes she wore a white shirt requiring a collar and tie which she felt looked exceptionally smart. To protect her clothes against spell mixture stains she invented a special apron in mauve which immediately cleaned itself to good as new the instant anything spilt on it.

It was quiet in the Special Sorcery and Equipment Department that morning and Miss Wilmcurse sat alone in her glass windowed office. She looked out over the work room inspecting it for tidiness in anticipation of her visitors’ arrival. A number of girls sat working at benches down the centre of the large room, its walls full of shelves packed with books, jars, bottles and boxes containing essential elements for making spells and constructing the special equipment used by QWERT operatives.

Most of the spells were written down and recorded in old leather bound books. More recent formulas, and working drawings of equipment prototypes, had been slid into modern album type plastic folders. Miss Wilmcurse hoped that one day all her new ideas could be bound into leather books and at the same time she would ask Prince Danial to put them on a CD ROM. She had heard that CD ROM was very good for archiving reference material but wasn’t quite sure what it meant.

Hidden in a dusty corner, secured with heavy chains and brass combination locks were the dangerous books. Dehydrated and shabby, they chronicled the evil procedures of malevolent power captured from corrupt witches and wizards at different times throughout history. The cache was complete except for The Great Book of Evil Spells which had been cleverly hidden out of harms way by the ancients long ago. If this hiding place was somewhere in Lower Chantment and the Book fell into Anniolate’s clutches, she would not hesitate to exploit its knowledge and inflict widespread wickedness.

***

The elfin receptionist rang through and whispered excitedly “They’re here, Miss Wilmcurse. Prince Danial, Azel Goodwill and another gentleman - er, Sir something I think he said”

“Send them in” said Miss Wilmcurse “Don’t keep them waiting - quickly now”

The tall double doors swung open and Prince Danial strode through, looking straight ahead to avoid eye contact with the girls working at the benches.

“WOOOOOOOOO.” they all chorused, grinning and surreptitiously nudging each other.

“It’s Prince Danial” shrieked Cynthia, rather too loudly.

“Yeah, looks really great don’t he” joined in Maggie “As ‘e gorra girlfriend do y’ think?”

“‘E must ave. Ere, look at them muscles in ‘is legs - I bet ‘e carn arf run quick”

“E would if you were after ‘im” giggled Sonia from the back.

“That is enough, thank you” thundered Miss Wilmcurse angrily. “Remember to whom you are talking and show respect, or you’ll all get an extra evening shift”

‘The Spellbreakers’ boy band were performing on stage in the palace that night and the last thing the girls wanted was not to be there in time to hear Gordinius sing his latest song.

“Sorry Miss Wilmcurse” they chanted and turned to get on with their work.

Danial felt glad Miss Wilmcurse had interrupted, but in fact he was well pleased his leg muscles had been noticed and he gently flexed them as he felt sure Cynthia was still looking.

Sir Clive meanwhile, turned pale with shock, and had to grope at a nearby chair for support. ‘Really’ he muttered, ‘the young people of today have no idea whatsoever how to speak to royalty. Why, in my day.......’

His reflections were brought to an abrupt end when Sonia shouted loudly “Oy, grand dad. Why aren’t you wearing tights - what’s wrong with your legs, ‘eh?’

They all began to giggle again.

“I said that is enough!” thundered Miss Wilmcurse. “This is your final warning.”

“Sorry Miss Wilmcurse” they chorused.

“Thank you” said Clive gratefully “I really don’t know how you put up with this lot every day”

“Oh they’re not as bad as you might think. There’s no harm meant” said Miss Wilmcurse “They work hard and one must forgive an occasional display of high spirits now and then. Especially when important visitors like yourselves come to see us”

Sir Clive visibly preened himself. He had always hoped someone would think of him as being important but nobody in all his life had said so until now. Miss Wilmcurse was obviously someone with taste and an appreciation of class. Maybe he should get to know her a little better.

“Azel! Azel Goodwill” Miss Wilmcurse said. “How nice to see you again after all this time. How are you? And Prince Danial. Your royal highness, I am honoured” she went on, giving a little curtsey.

“It’s good to see you too Army. You haven’t changed a bit” exclaimed Azel.

“SSSHH. Please SSSHH!” hissed Miss Wilmcurse with a look of horror. “Nobody knows my name is Army. If my girls knew that, they’d start calling me barmy or smarmy or worse. They’d show no respect. I’d have no authority at all. I am Miss Wilmcurse. Do you understand Azel? Miss Wilmcurse and no other name.”

Army’s mum had really wanted to call her Amy, but the Vicar at the christening was no good at spelling and wrote Army by mistake so Miss Wilmcurse got stuck with the wrong name. Which unluckily, she did not like.

“Oh dear, sorry” said Azel “Of course I’ll call you Miss Wilmcurse. I’m really sorry”

They were interrupted by a polite knock on the office door followed by a shuffling of carpet slippers. A bent old lady edged her way through carrying a tray rattling with fine bone china plates, cups, saucers, a tin of biscuits, bowl of sugar, steaming tea pot, jugs of hot water and milk, four teaspoons, and a coffee pot. It was Violet, a long standing servant at the palace assigned to Miss Wilmcurse to take care of cleaning and refreshments. Amazingly nothing spilt or fell off and Violet carefully placed it on the edge of Miss Wilmcurse’s desk.

“Cor, that were ‘eavy’’ she said ‘’Will that be all Miss?”

“Yes thank you, Violet. That will be all” said Miss Wilmcurse briskly.

“So now” she continued quickly “before we start can I offer you something to drink and would anyone like a suggestive biscuit to go with it?”

“Suggestive biscuit?” queried Danial “Don’t you mean digestive?”

“Eau noo.” said Miss Wilmcurse primly “Eau noo, noo noo. I mean suggestive most definitely. One of my best recipes. They might look like ordinary biscuits but all you have to do is suggest to them what they should taste like and they take on the flavour you want. Like to try one?”

“Er, thank you but if you wouldn’t mind I’ll just have coffee please” said Danial wondering if the biscuit might change flavour if someone spoke and suggested it changed to something not very nice just as he popped it into his mouth.

“Just coffee for me too, thank you” said Azel.

“And me” chipped in Sir Clive.

“Oh. Are you quite sure?” asked Miss Wilmcurse obviously disappointed “Are you quite sure, your royal highness? She repeated looking appealingly at Danial.

“Well, alright then. I will try one”

Danial helped himself to a suggestive biscuit from the tin and gently put it down on the delicate bone china plate decorated with flower pattern and a gold rim. The biscuit looked up at him expectantly.

“Um, what shall I suggest?” he asked

“When it comes to the crunch, you can suggest anything you like” said Sir Clive pleased to be making such a good joke in front of Miss Wilmcurse.

“I suggest, er, um, er. Oh I don’t know. What about beans on toast? Yeh, beans on toast that’s what I suggest.” He popped the biscuit in to his mouth. Whole, in one go.

Anyone who has had beans on toast will know how very hard it must be for a single biscuit to taste anything like as good. It did.

“Mmm’’ he mumbled. “It’s fantastic. How do you do it?

“Ah, your highness” she replied “Years of practice and experience created those biscuits. And of course a little magic” she added modestly. “Would you like to try another flavour?”

“Ahem!” interrupted Azel “We should be getting on with the job in hand Danial. You don’t want another biscuit do you’’ she told him curtly.

“Oops, sorry Azel. No thanks” said Danial, his mouth full of biscuit crumbs. He thought it wacky the biscuit hadn’t turned into a runny mess of tomato sauce and munched up baked beans.

Fumbling inside the top right hand drawer of her desk, Miss Wilmcurse hastily pulled out a tangled assortment of coloured string “Here they are. Seven league shoe laces”

“Seven league shoe laces?” exclaimed Danial, doubtful how a jumble of string could be of any use whatsoever.

Miss Wilmcurse continued “With these laces you can stride seven leagues in one step. Anybody can slip a pair of laces in their own shoes and be on their way in no time at all”

“What’s ‘leagues’?” asked Danial not having a clue what she was going on about.

“A league is, well, a league is er, about three miles actually” said Miss Wilmcurse proudly “You can simply travel miles in minutes whatever the terrain. You can chase people and catch them up. You can escape from enemies. You can jump rivers and step over houses. You can......’

“Miss Wilmcurse” interrupted the Prince “You’re saying seven leagues are twenty one miles, but who knows what a mile is? It’s another of those old measurements isn’t it? Before we used metric? What does a league work out to in metric?”

Now Miss Wilmcurse took a turn to look blank. She had invented the seven league shoe laces to cover twenty one miles and knew nothing about metric. She supposed it must be something to do with that technology thing and looked helplessly at Azel.

Azel smiled and held up her hand. Out of nowhere a cluster of 3D numerals emerged and tumbled aimlessly about, twisting and turning around her fingers.

“Now, my clever little numbers” whispered Azel “Tell us the answer please. How many kilometres are there in seven leagues?”

The numerals danced around happily for a moment and then suddenly, all except two disappeared. These arranged themselves so that everybody could read the answer. It was thirty five. Then the numbers vanished as quickly as they had appeared.

“Thirty five?” said Danial in disbelief. “Thirty five kilometres in one stride? That’s awesome.”

“You can take one pair each and one pair spare for emergencies if you think they might be useful” said Miss Wilmcurse

“Certainly” said Azel “Thank you. What else have you got?”

Miss Wilmcurse stood up and picked up a small package from the shelf behind her.

“This” she said with some importance “this is a compact, multifunctional, levitational skate board. You use it normally on smooth surfaces but in multifunction mode it will travel quickly over ground too rough to skate on. As you can see, it is entirely collapsible down to a very small size for carrying in your pocket. Allow me to demonstrate”

The package was beautifully made. Square cut oblong metal panels fitted tightly together and as Miss Wilmcurse touched the first panel it made a satisfying click and snapped open. Click! Click! Click! In a moment the whole skate board had unfolded itself and sat on the ground shining in bright red paint with chunky wheels, and tough moulded rubber foot plates. How it had all been packed in such a tiny package was incredible.

“Oh that’s wonderful!” shouted Sir Clive enthusiastically and rather more loudly than he had intended “Do please let me have a go on it”

The others looked at him. Then they looked at each other, and then at Miss Wilmcurse for an answer.

“But Sir Clive of course you can have a go” she said. “It’s designed to be very simple to operate and is self balancing. Just stand on it with both feet, here, yes, that’s right. Now move one foot forward. Yes, yes, that’s right - now go!”

After an initial wobble, Sir Clive skated confidently down the middle of the work room to the cheers of the girls. Suddenly he shot off out of control at great speed through the door and hammered down the corridor like a racing motorbike gone wrong. The girls screamed with delight.

“Oh dear” gasped Miss Wilmcurse “Have I done the right thing letting Sir Clive Butterupp off on his own like that?’

“Don’t worry ‘said Danial smiling broadly “he’ll be fine, you’ll see. Listen, here he comes now”

Red faced and flustered, Sir Clive crashed back through the door and screeched to a stop, his normal composure obviously shaken up quite a bit.

“My oh my oh my” he blurted breathlessly, trying to keep his balance whilst staying in one place without moving “Dearie me I’m sure I don’t know. Some speed, some speed indeed. How do I get off this thing?” he panted desperately.

Miss Wilmcurse leaned across and pressed a switch on one edge of the skate board and instantly Clive fell off.

“Phew. What an alarming perambulation.” said Sir Clive staggering clumsily to his feet.(He often used big words when something shocked him)”That thing’s not safe” he puffed.

Azel could hardly keep a straight face and stifled an impulse to laugh. Clive had tried to show off in front of Miss Wilmcurse but his efforts had gone so wrong he’d had enough embarrassment without being laughed at.

“Poor Clive” she said “What a horrible experience - do sit down. It’s perfectly safe - if you know how to work it that is” she giggled “We’ll take the skate board as part of our equipment.”

“Ah” Miss Wilmcurse smiled, “skating is not all it can do. Watch”

She stepped on to the skate board and touched another switch on its edge. Gently, it moved silently upwards.

“There. It makes a platform for when you need to look over walls, climb up to high windows or reach anything you want really. And don’t forget it packs down to hardly anything at all”

“Cool’ said Danial. ‘ Fold it up. I’ll put it in my pocket. Oh no! Can’t do that - I have no pockets in this costume”

Azel seized on the chance to get him out of those ghastly tights and into something more suitable for the mission’

“You do have a point there Danial. No pockets are quite a disadvantage out in the field. Perhaps Miss Wilmcurse could make a few suggestions on what you could wear?”

“Well” replied Miss Wilmcurse “I think many young people these days wear ‘designer gear.’ Jeans and trainers and that sort of thing. That’s what I think anyway”

“What are jeans?” asked Danial.

“You had better ask the girls” said Miss Wilmcurse. “Even better, Sonia actually does the ‘Spellbreakers’ wardrobe. They dress in that designer gear stuff. Sonia” she called out, “can you pop in a moment, please. There’s something Prince Danial wants you to do”

Danial abruptly went quiet. He didn‘t want Sonia to tell him what to wear but on the other hand, she would know what would look right out there on the mission. She came in looking pleased about being called to the meeting.

“Yes, your highness?”

“Ah, er, um, yes Sonia, er, thank you” bumbled Prince Danial “we, er, that is, er well it’s me actually. You see I need to consider wearing different sort of clothes. Y’know, bit of an image make-over sort of thing. What do you think?” he ended hurriedly.

Sonia slowly looked Prince Danial up and down. Then said “No problem. Come with me and I’ll get you fitted out from the ‘Spellbreakers’ wardrobe, yeah?”

Azel cut in quickly. She didn’t need Sonia to chat up the Prince and distract him from the mission.

“No Sonia, Prince Danial has to stay here. We still have a lot to do. If you would be so kind as to collect the gear you think would be right I’ll use magic to make it fit”

“Are you sure?” questioned Sonia

“Quite sure, thank you. Let me know when Prince Danial is able see your selection”

“I know” said Sonia “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t you all come to the ‘Spellbreakers’ performance tonight? The Prince could try on his new outfit in the dressing room and at the same time you can meet the boys in the band and get their opinion. What do you think?”

Azel looked at Danial with quizzically raised eyebrows.

“Yes” he said. “I think that’s a very good idea. We can find time before we leave can’t we Azel.”

Azel nodded her head in thoughtful agreement.

“Ahem” coughed Sir Clive, now recovered from his alarming experience on the skate board, “you will naturally of course be making appropriate arrangements to seat Prince Danial in a place where he is able to see the show without having to risk danger mixing with a bunch of yobs?

‘Bunch of yobs?’ said Sonia indignantly ‘They’re all very nice people, thank-you-very-much Grand dad. It’s not dangerous wherever he sits.’

“Young woman” retorted Sir Clive “I’ll have you speak with a little more respect in the company of his royal highness. Let me remind you he is the crown Prince you know”

“Thank you! Thank you!” shouted Miss Wilmcurse firmly “We don’t want any arguments now do we? Sonia, off you go and we shall be at the theatre by - what time did you say the band started?”

“Seven thirty, Miss Wilmcurse”

“Very well then, we will be there at six forty three p.m.”

Miss Wilmcurse was always precise about time and Sonia knew she would not be late. Or early.

“And make sure Prince Danial has a good seat” called out Sir Clive as Sonia hurried away “And me too.” he shouted irritably.

“Keep cool Grand dad” sang out Sonia thinking she wouldn’t be heard. But she was.

“Now” said Azel briskly “Are there any other items of equipment to show us? I have get down to the workshops to pick up my Warpsweeper broom”

“Now let me see” mused Miss Wilmcurse “Oh yes. What about the paperless pencil. That might be useful”

“Paperless pencil? What good is a pencil without paper?”

“Ah” went on Miss Wilmcurse lifting the lid of a box on her desk. “Here we are. The paperless pencil”

“It looks like an everyday pencil to me” said Danial.

“So it might” said Miss Wilmcurse “Until you start to write in the air with it”

She waved the pencil in the air as if writing something and there, flowing across the room like wispy smoke was a message in Miss Wilmcurse’s hand writing. It said:

‘This is written by a paperless pencil. You jot down notes in the air or send someone a message wherever they are just by huffing on the words you’ve written. It is a magic version of the Red Indian smoke signal but nobody else can read it unless you say the words: huff’an puff’an readum message. Then say the name of the person you are writing to’.

“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 they 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.

“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.

The wind faded instantly. No longer under the influence of Anniolate, the bats hostility melted away and they dispersed gently to rest in nooks and crannies of the courtyard walls,

Sir Clive slumped in his chair breathing heavily. “If that’s what you call a pop concert I do not, repeat do not, ever, ever want to go to another as long as I live”

“There, there” said Miss Wilmcurse gently helping to straighten his bow tie “It’s all over now. There’s no need for you to worry about a thing”

Clive promptly looked delighted. Miss Wilmcurse was taking an interest in him and he smirked pathetically.

Burt Wanderfall appeared briefly from the back of the stage, a bottle of cream sherry in his hand, looking decidedly bedraggled with shirt hanging out of his trousers and an unsightly black smudge down his pink jacket. His hair seemed to have slipped to one side of his head.

“What a wunnerful time I shall have telling this story to all my wunnerful friends” he slurred still trying to smile, and stumbled off to find his chauffeur to drive him home.

Meanwhile, Danial had joined Gordinius helping the audience find their way out. Some of them had lost bags and woollies blown away by the wind and Chips, Lee, Rhino, and Arusco were helping to find the missing things.

Azel had an idea. What about a cup of tea for all those that felt like one? Easy. She scanned the courtyard to make sure there was a space and said. ‘cuppateacuppateacupateanda fairycakeortwo. So may it be done”

There was a soft ‘pouffe’ and a cloud of starry smoke. As the smoke cleared, a small blue and green caravan with a serving hatch appeared in the corner of the courtyard.

“Ello me dears” said the cheery and rather plump lady in the serving hatch “Now then, don’t you worry about a thing. Would anyone like to come and have a nice cuppa tea and a fairy cake or two?”

The cheery lady in the caravan, known as Auntie Gladys, was always available at a moments notice to deal with incidents like this. Nobody knew where she lived or what she did when she wasn’t serving tea and cakes (which she made herself, she said) but whenever QWERT needed her in times of crisis she would be there to answer the call.

Azel caught up with Gordinius who was having a cup of tea with Danial.

“Ah, Gordinius.” she said. “Is my Warpsweeper ready for tomorrow morning as promised? We have to be on our way urgently”

“But of course, maam” he replied as polite as ever. “I managed to solve the clock problem it mentioned”

“Oh good. We’ll see you at seven o’clock in the morning then?”

“Yeah, right” said Gordinius looking pensively down at the ground. That was a bit early for him.

Chapter Five

The mission begins

Gordinius looked a bit pale and wobbly as if suffering from a late night when Azel and Prince Danial arrived at the Warpsweeper service department at seven o’clock. It was a cold, grey morning and the sun had still to rise over the mountains, but at least it was dry for the journey to Lower Chantment.

‘Hey, man’ said Danial ‘you look rough - last night a bit much for you?’

‘Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t have gone clubbin’ after all what happened at the concert but with celebratin’ the new contract an’ everything, like y’know sir....’

Gordinius mumbled his words and stumbled over a spanner lying on the floor. Seven o’clock really was definitely too early for him today.

‘Mmm’ said Azel, ‘I’m not surprised. Right now. Let’s load up and be off. Danial , have you brought your luggage and everything?’

‘All here Miss Azel’ replied Danial brightly, following her through the service department roller doors.

‘Wow. Is that something or is that something else!’ exclaimed Danial as he caught his first sight of a Warpsweeper.

Danial ‘s enthusiastic outburst so early in the morning startled Azel and Gordinius, but the Warpsweeper did look impressive quietly hovering just above the polished tiled floor of its parking bay.

‘I never expected it to look as good as this’ said Danial ‘ I mean, all this chrome, pipes and illuminated switches are am-zing. No bristles or anything for sweeping. It doesn’t look anything like a broom, does it?’

‘Harrumph’ retorted the Warpsweeper. A typically bad tempered voice came from an upgraded synthesised speaker housed in a metal ball with mirror finish. ‘And just what did you expect your royal highness? Mind you,’ it added smugly, ‘I’ve been customised by witch Goodwill so my appearance is somewhat superior to others of my class’

It was true that this one did look pretty flash with all its bolt on customised bits and Danial had overlooked the fact that the latest Warpsweeper computers recognised individuals if their names, such as his own, had been programmed in.

‘Oh come now’ interrupted Azel ‘when set in travel mode no Warpsweeper looks like an ordinary broom. That would be most impractical and uncomfortable.’ She patted one of the two contoured racing seats positioned midway along a large central tube of gleaming stainless steel. Its faceted, hyper-thrust engine covered in pipes, fins, and shining bolt heads promised colossal power. At the rear, four polished luggage panniers were formed to fit aerodynamically around the triple exhausts.

‘Of course’ continued Azel, ‘when the Warpsweeper is returned to normal stand-by and hibernate mode it looks exactly like an old fashioned broom. I could use it just like the witches of old if I wanted to. Now then, Gordinius. We’ve no time to stand about talking, what did you find out about the clock problem, please?’

‘Ah yea, Miss Goodwill. I’m afraid your Warpsweeper was incorrect when it diagnosed a clock problem. Like, I mean, well y’know there wasn’t a problem at all really. You see when it registered that it arrived five minutes before it left on it’s test flight it was supposed to, see? It gives time to check out if any thing’s wrong where it’s going before it comes back in to real time. See?’

‘No I don’t see at all’ said Azel perplexed.

‘ Ah, I understand’ said Danial ‘What he means is that if it hadn’t got back five minutes before it left it would be in the future and no one would know.......’

‘For goodness sake’ interrupted Azel ‘is it working OK now, Gordinius?’

‘Perfectly OK, Miss Goodwill. It’s all ready to go’

‘About time’ said the Warpsweeper sourly ‘don’t take any notice of me will you. I’m only hanging about waiting for you to make up your minds where you want to go. You’re supposed to be in a hurry so why you are all wasting time talking when you could be flying?’

‘Harrumph - pathetic anthropoids’ it added disdainfully hovering gently in a superior way exactly half a meter above the floor.

The Warpsweeper had no face but listening to it, Danial could just imagine the expression if it had.

A breathless, hurried jogging noise heralded the arrival of Sir Clive Butterupp.

‘Whew!’ he managed to gasp ‘Thought I was going to miss seeing you off. Overslept. Last night. Took it out of me a bit. Never mind. Here now. Everything ready Azel my dear?’

‘Yes thank you, Clive. It’s good of you to make the effort’ said Azel sarcastically as she climbed on to the Warpsweeper. ‘Come on Danial.’

The Warpsweeper gently bobbed down and up again with the weight of the extra passenger. There was no visible means of support, only magic and advanced computer power suspending it in the air.

‘Sure you’ve stowed all your things, Danial?’ checked Azel.

‘Yes, all packed.You have all the stuff from Miss Wilmcurse?’

‘Yes. Let’s go!’

‘Go where?’ asked the broom moodily.

‘Haven’t I told you?’ said Azel. ‘It’s Lower Chantment’

‘Where?’ said the Warpsweeper with incredulity. ‘Where on earth is that? Never heard of it. Obviously, it’s nowhere of importance or I would know, wouldn’t I?’

Azel gritted her teeth.

‘Danial ’ she said ‘programme the computer on this thing to take us to Lower Chantment, please’

‘Thing? Thing?’ repeated the Warpsweeper ‘don’t bother about programming me. Of course I know the way. In any case I expect by the time you’ve done this mission it will be well known by everybody so it’s just as well I know where it is now, isn’t it’

Always twenty words for one thought Azel. ‘Just go will you’

‘What time vault do you require” asked the Warpsweeper sounding pleased it had again caught out Azel.

“Time vault?’

“It means when do we want to get to Lower Chantment” said Danial ‘future, past or present. Shall I tell it present time Azel?’

‘Yes, yes - tell it anything you like’ said Azel crossly ‘I want to get cracking now, not in half a day’s time’

‘Present time it is then’ said the Warpsweeper smugly, and gently moved out of the service bay into the daylight for take-off.

‘Good luck’ called out Sir Clive waving his pink silk handkerchief in the air. He was thinking that they would jolly well need all the good luck they could get. QW had told him it was a likely to be highly dangerous mission.

‘Good luck’ he cried again as the Warpsweeper disappeared into the grey, early morning sky.