Once Zia was safely upright on the floor they walked to a large door at one end of the cave-like room. Zoe did not enter but tapped the door with her paw. After a few seconds the door was opened and she spoke to the wizard who stood there. He looked past her to Zia and with a nod of his head he stepped back to allow them to enter. The room was only lit by a few candles that shed shadows which danced with the flickering flames and made Zia shudder. On one side of the room was a high deep fire place with a fire burning in it and the obligatory cauldron hanging above the flames. On the opposite wall were long shelves filled with books and bottles, small boxes and a number of other items. There was also a small round table with four chairs, not ornate like the ones around the big table in the other room but chunky and plain in black wood to match the table.
In one of the chairs, facing them as they entered the room, was a wizard in a red and black robe and a red floppy hat with a wide brim. His face was not easy to see in the dim light but as he beckoned them closer he rose from his chair. Zia stood closer to Zoe and looked up, and up at this very tall wizard of well over two metres in height. He could see the face of the wizard now and he too had yellow eyes like Calda, the wizard he had met much earlier. This one though, was older and his skin was darker and more wrinkled and his nose was wide and long, quite the biggest nose Zia had ever seen!! His authority was obvious and he stood very straight but for all that, he had a kindly look about him, not at all frightening, just very big!!
“Hello Faldarek,” Zoe greeted him. “I have brought Zia to see you as requested. Would you like me to leave you alone with him for a while or do you want me to stay?”
Zia didn’t want Zoe to leave. That did not sound like a good idea at all but he said nothing. He just looked at her with pleading eyes. This look was not missed by Faldarek.
“I think it would be nice if you were here to tell me what you think of this young man.” Faldarek sat down in his chair and Zoe helped Zia into the chair opposite then she removed the chair inbetween them and sat down on the floor in its place.
“Well now,” began Faldarek, “What are we going to do about you Zia? Do you understand why you are being held there?”
“Yes sir, I do, and I am very sorry to have caused so much trouble. What do you think The Others will decide for my punishment, and when? I really would like to know what is going to happen to me. I know I’m safe but I miss my family and its just not knowing what……,” replied Zia, looking up at Faldarek, who answered before Zia had time to finish his sentence.
“That will be decided quite soon now, I believe. I have heard that there may be a meeting of The Others within a few days so you are very lucky there. I have known them take weeks before they will allow proceedings to get started. I think you have Grace to thank for that. She must have talked to them.”
Zoe was looking at Zia and could see that he was going to ask questions which she thought best he didn’t as it might seem a little forward. She added quickly,
“I think Zia is trying hard to fit in and has had a very busy day with me today. We have visited many of the areas that deliveries are made to and also the recreation centre He has taken to riding quite well!”
“Well I don’t think I need keep you any longer. It will take you a while to get back to the Station and I understand Zia will then be going back to stay with Nip and Calda,” remarked Faldarek. “You will learn a lot very quickly if you have a mind to. Come and see me again in a couple of weeks. By then you will know the outcome of the decision and I want to see what you feel about it. Will you put that in your work sheet, Zoe. Two weeks today bring Zia back here, OK?”
Zoe looked a little surprised but just said,
“Of course that will be my pleasure. At the same time?”
“That will be fine,” replied Faldarek “Look forward to seeing you both then.”
“Goodbye Sir. Its been nice meeting you and I too will look forward to our next meeting”.
Zia looked across at Zoe to see if he had said and done the right thing and guessed he had as she was smiling and held out her paw to Faldarek who took it and shook it warmly,
“Goodbye and thank you, Sir,” she said.
The same wizard who opened the door to admit them, now walked to the door, which he opened to let them out and closed again after them. Once back in the big hall, Zoe again helped Zia up onto a chair and stood while he climbed up and made himself comfortable on her back. Zoe took off at a great pace once they were on the other side of the thick curtain. Down the hilly part, over the bridge and back along the tunnels following the signs to “The Station.”
It did not seem as long a journey on the way back but Zia had to hang on tight around some of the corners. When they arrived the teams were already there and the Leaders were unhitching the wagons and taking off the harness. Zoe went to the steps where Zia climbed down and her Leader took off the saddle without being asked. He took it away and returned with a basket full of brushes.
Zia could now see that all the Zoedledoodles were being brushed once their harnesses were off and each stood, in turn by the several sets of steps while this was done.
“That’s been a good day, Teams. Well done. Are we all ready to return to the Little Caves? I’m sure supper will be ready and its pasties tonight so lets hurry. Don’t want them to get cold,” Zoe said. They walked back to their quarters and Nip was waiting for them, along with Calda.
“Hi! how have you got on, Zia, have you had a good day?” asked Nip, running up to him, his face beaming.
“Its been very exciting and Zoe has taken me to so many places to meet so many people and do so many things that I am quite exhausted and very hungry. Those pasties smell soooo good!! Will we have them when we get back to Calda’s cave?” Zia asked hungrily.
“They’re there already and waiting. Come on, lets go and you can tell me all about your adventures,” Nip replied impatiently.
They said their goodbyes and Calda picked up both Zia and Nip and carried them out and up the stairs back to his cave and sure enough there was their supper waiting for them, smelling delicious!!
Calda floated back to his table and took the covers off several dishes and started eating but Zia couldn’t see what there was in any of the containers as it was too high up and anyway he was busy concentrating on eating the delicious food in front of him on the floor. They sat cross legged on the thick mat and Zia went right through every happening of the day. Nip was most surprised to hear that he had been to see Faldarek.
“He must be really interested in you if he asked to see you AND to want to see you again. That’s most impressive. He is the most important wizard here. Calda is very high ranking but not as high as Foldarek. Well he is much younger of course but all his ancestors and family were and are nobility among wizards,” Nip informed Zia.
Zia whispered back, “But he doesn’t have much to say does he? Is it because he would rather I was not here?”
“I don’t think it’s that. He’s a very busy wizard and takes all his work very seriously and you are part of his work, so he just gets on with it. He may talk more when he knows you better and also when the outcome of the meeting with The Others is known.” informed Nip, adding, “I will show you where to sleep and then you can get ready for bed as soon as you like and I will see you in the morning.”
“Aren’t you staying here with me at night? I thought you were to be with me all the time when I wasn’t with Zoe, ” Zia said rather sulkily.
“I have my own place to live and you will be asleep in no time. Calda will be in the adjoining cave all through the night and don’t be afraid to ask him if you want anything. Like I said, you have been entrusted to him and he will do whatever it takes to keep you happy and safe. If you need anything he will ask the Mine Minder to see its provided. Don’t worry you will be fine.”
He led Zia into a Little Cave that was in one of the walls and in it was everything Zia could have wanted, all in his size. Even the furniture and bed were Little Folk size. The friends said their good nights and Nip left, waving his hand in farewell. Zia came out of the Little Cave and said goodnight to Calda and thanked him. In return Calda said it was a pleasure and he hoped Zia would sleep well. Zia went back to his cave and washed, cleaned his teeth, got ready for bed and climbed in between the sheets. He was soon fast asleep and did not dream or wake up until Nip woke him in the morning. Feeling better, he realised just how tired he must have been.
As usual, Nip was smiling and happy and made Zia feel that everything was going to be perfect today. Just as he had done the day before, Zia dressed in his uniform, made his bed and then they ate breakfast. Calda took Zia to The Station to meet Zoe and a new day full of adventure started.
Riding on Zoe, Zia was taken to even more places and also, and most exciting, they delivered the express post which was carried in saddle bags behind the saddle he rode on. It was fast and there was no stopping to talk. The only stop was for lunch which was eaten in the canteen area. Usually the job of express delivery was not done by Zoe but by Zeth or Zuzi. Now, in order that Zia should see all that was possible to show him, the routine had been changed.
Zoe didn’t seem to mind at all and said to Zia during the lunch break,
“I haven’t enjoyed myself so much for a long time. It’s been ages since I’ve done this run. You wouldn’t want to be riding the normal deliverers. They are much faster than I am. You would have a job to hang on, the way they run. Every day they race to see if they can do it quicker than the time before.”
When the work was done and they returned to the Station, the teams had decided that they would all go to the swimming pool before supper. The kitchen had been informed earlier in the day, so the meal was going to be kept for them until they returned.
“Would you like to come with us?” Zeal asked Zia.
“I would love to but Nip and Calda will be waiting for me so I had better not, but next time, if I know earlier, I would like to go, I enjoy swimming and am considered to be quite good at it.” Zia was disappointed but knew he had to do what had already been arranged.
“We can get a message to Calda. I’m sure he would want you to have some fun and I expect Nip will join us. He enjoys the pool. I will go and ask Calda if its OK for you to come with us. By the time Zoe has had her saddle removed and has been brushed I should be back. Is that all-right with you, Zoe?” said Zeal.
“Good idea. Be as quick as you can. They may be already on their way down here to collect Zia.
Try to get up to Calda’s cave before they leave. We’ll all wait for you. Hurry now. Don’t forget to bring Nip.” Zoe replied.
She was standing by the steps. Zia was already on the ground and her Leader was taking off Zoe’s saddle. By the time she was ready, Zeal was back and not long after Nip came in puffing and blowing but still smiling!! Under his arm was a rolled up towel.
“Yahoo!! I love the pool,” he yelled running up to Zia. “Have you had a good day? I’ve been out in the woods today and I saw your father chopping logs. He sends his love and hopes you are OK, I told him you were fine and keeping busy and out of trouble,” Nip Laughed.
Zia couldn’t help laughing as well and was very pleased to hear that his father had been told how he was. He knew his family would be worried about him. Now he felt ready to have fun!!!
While all this had been going on Zues had been harnessed to a little wagon with seats and he shouted to the two boys to climb aboard. What a day this was turning out to be. All the way to the recreation and pool area Nip and Zia chatted and laughed, telling what they had been doing all day.
The pool was the best thing ever! Big, warm, clean and all with his new friends around, Zia could not have been happier. They swam and dived, played water tag and polo, riding the Zoedledoodles and hanging on to their tails as they swam, racing each other. After an hour or so they were all thoroughly exhausted. After drying themselves they made their way back to the Zoedledoodle cave and supper. Calda was there waiting for them, his yellow eyes shining and he was smiling again!!
“Hi! Calda” shouted Nip, very excited and happy to have the lift home on Calda’s arm instead of in his pocket
“Hello, have you enjoyed yourselves?” he asked the friends.
“Its been brilliant,” said Zia, feeling suddenly very happy to be with Calda.
He didn’t feel at least intimidated by the wizard and chatted with him all the way back to his cave where more delicious smells and an appetising meal waited for them. After they had eaten and exchanged all their news they said goodnight and once again Zia crawled very sleepily and very happily into his bed where he slept soundly but this time he did dream!!
He was dreaming about riding Zoe as she flew up through the opening above the pool and they flew over the woods and his home. What an idea! What a dream! When he woke Nip was there staring at him.
“Do you know you were smiling while you were asleep?” he told Zia.
Zia immediately remembered Calda telling him about dreams and that here they all had a meaning. What could his dream possibly have meant?
“I was having a strange dream,” Zia said sleepily, yawning and rubbing his eyes. “If it’s true that dreams here sort of come true or at least have a meaning, then I could be in for some excitement!”
Zia raised his eyebrows as he spoke and looked at Nip.
“Well go on then, tell me about it. You can’t just say that and not tell me what it was you were dreaming about,” said Nip.
Zia reached for his clothes and as he was pulling on his trousers he turned and questioned Nip,
“You and Calder said that I should just accept the dreams and not question them, didn’t you?”
Nip looked side ways at Zia with a grin saying,
“Well….. by telling me, you wont be questioning it and I might be able to help you with the meaning!!” Nip said, winking.
“Is that all right? I mean, am I allowed to discuss it with you or is that another ruling I would be breaking?” Zia said, a little sarcastically.
“Oooooo, listen to you,” remarked Nip. “Of course you can talk about it to me. You shouldn’t tell anyone outside what your dreams have been while you are here. That is against the rules because everything that happens in this mine and cave must stay within these walls, dreams or anything else for that matter.”
Zia was now fully dressed and tying his boots, but stopped mid bow and looked at Nip,
“That must be why my Father never mentioned being here or knowing about the cave and mine. I thought it was a bit odd that if he had been here he never mentioned it at the ‘meetings’. It would have made a great story!!”
Over breakfast Zia did tell Nip about his dream and was more than a little surprised when Nip made no comment at all.
“Well, is there a meaning to it or not?” Zia questioned.
“Maybe, maybe not,” replied Nip.
“What does that mean? You said you might be able to tell me the meaning.” Zia said rather puzzled.
“Maybe and might, doesn’t mean I can or will. Tell your dream to Zoe and she may be able to throw some light on it,” Nip answered in a matter of fact way.
“Will you be coming to the station with me today?” Zia asked, changing the subject
“I don’t expect so and you might not be there long either, The Others are holding their meeting about you this morning so you may be called or you may just be told, maybe at the mid day meal,”
Nip informed him. “That’s all I know, so don’t go asking questions and don’t get all excited. You may be surprised at the outcome. They have a way of surprising people.”
Zia did not reply, he just sat and looked at the rug. He might be going home or he might be staying. He might be with his family tonight or he might not see them again for….for how long? He realised just how little he knew about what was going on in his life. Everything seemed to be happening and he had no say in it. He decided he would not mention the dream to Zoe until he had heard the outcome of the meeting. He would just try to act as if nothing had changed from yesterday, which had been a very good day and one he had enjoyed very much.
“Umm, where will you be working today then, Nip. Somewhere exciting?” Zia said as he brushed his hair and put his cap on.
“I’m not sure yet. I will have to report to Grace. If you were going to need me then I would come down to the Station but I would just be waiting around if you are out with Zoe and that could mean me hanging about for hours…..depending on the outcome of the decision….. Oh sorry you were trying to steer away from that subject,” Nip answered.
Just then Calder came and popped Zia in his pocket to take him down to the Station. He just had time to shout his goodbye to Nip and they were on there way down the steps, along the cold damp tunnels. It didn’t seem to take so long to get there now that they had done the journey a few times.
Zia didn’t even bother to peek out of the pocket but just sat at the bottom thinking what the day would bring. Zoe, Pog, Talik and Grace were there talking together when they arrived and Calda took him from his pocket and put him on the ground.
“Ahh, there you are Zia,” Grace said turning to them, “Thank you Calda, he will be fine with us now. We need to talk about the meeting and unless you would like to join us, and we would be pleased to have your opinion, you can get back to your spells and experiments.”
“No, no, I don’t need to stay and I do have a very exciting spell brewing so I will go back to my cave. See you later, Zia. Will you let me know if I will need to come and collect him at the end of his shift, Zoe?” Calda asked, as he made his way toward the door.
“Yes of course I will. We should know enough to make plans by mid day,” Zoe replied as she walked toward Zia, who was feeling very much alone. He had caused a great deal of upset and he felt rather guilty.
“Right now we have work to do, Zia but you will stay here with Pog this morning. I will travel faster on my own and we want to be back in good time. Pog will show you what you have to do and you will be safe with him. Don’t worry, I will see you later this morning,” Zoe said.
She was trying to make Zia feel relaxed and at ease but it didn’t work. He felt worse than ever.
Pog came over to him and put his arm on his shoulder and said,
“Now then, young Zia, you will be too busy to worry about anything else. You are going to be cleaning the harness of the Zoedledoodles this morning. Come with me. I’ll get you started.”
Zia sat on a stool and Pog explained how and what he had to do. The harness was laid out on a low table that Zia could reach and in a basket there were oils and polishes, cloths and sponges, and saddle soap. There was also a bucket of water. Each piece of harness had to be sponged off with warm water, then lathered with saddle soap and allowed to dry before being buffed with the cloths. All the buckles and rings had to be polished till they shone like gold. When that was all done he was to wash the wagons that were not in use, polish the paint work and oil the wheels.
“Don’t worry. What you can’t finish today you can work on tomorrow, if you are still a member of staff, that is!!” Pog said stifling a laugh.
Zia did not think that was at all funny. There was enough work here to keep him busy for a week.
He felt very miserable. No Zoe, no Nip, it was going to be a long and lonely half day. He did wish that he knew what was going to happen to him. Zia worked away at his task and was very surprised when Pog brought him in a steaming cup of raspberry tea and an iced bun. That made him feel a little better and it tasted very good. It wasn’t so bad here really but he didn’t like this job very much.
Just before mid day Zoe came into the station at a run, spoke with Pog and then made her way to the place where Zia was still working.
“How’s it going? You are doing a good job. Well done. Now, do you want to come with me to the dining area for something to eat? We will meet Talik there and he will tell us how the meeting is going. Grace will not leave until the final decision is made. So IF she is there we will know that its all decided. I will get a Leader to put my saddle on so you can ride there. Is that OK?” asked Zoe.
. “Oh! Yes. That will be brilliant. This isn’t much fun and I’ll be pleased to take a break. Besides I’m starving and bursting to know if there is any news. I’ll wash my hands and join you by the steps as soon as I can,” Zia replied eagerly.
They were soon on their way and Zoe didn’t waste any time. It didn’t take long to get to the dining area, Zoe went straight there. She knew the quickest way. In no time at all they were with the Teams and Talik. Zia wondered if he would be given any news first or if he would have to wait until after they had eaten. He needed to know or he would not be able to eat but then if he was told first he would have no appetite. If he was going home he would be too excited to sit still…..and if he was staying…..there would be so many questions to ask and things to think and worry about that he wouldn’t be able swallow!!.
Zia sat with the Teams and Zoe went to talk to Talik. There was a lot of mumbling and nodding and shaking of heads, nobody in the Teams spoke to Zia. They knew this was a very important and distressing time for him and that he was unlikely to answer or make any sense if he did. At last Zoe came back toward them, then indicated for Zia to follow her. She took him to an alcove and there Talik joined them.
“Well, what’s happened, what news is there? Please I need to know.” Zia asked.
Talik was the one that spoke. Zoe stood close beside Zia trying to be reassuring.
“It is settled, well almost. You will have to stay here within the cave and mine for ten years, but you will have privileges, thanks to Grace’s generosity and kindness.”
Zia was dumbstruck. After looking from one to the other and swallowing hard he managed to say,
“Ten years, but WHY? What about my family and home, won’t I see them for ten years? I cant understand. This doesn’t make sense. I need to talk to my father.” Zia was almost in tears, he had not expected anything like this. It was the scariest thing he could have ever imagined.
Talik continued, “You are not in prison, you will be allowed out to see and stay with your family but you will have to return to learn your trade and perform your duties. Your family is aware of the decision, in fact your father is here. You can see him soon but for now you must understand that you are in a very privileged position, and that has been negotiated for you by Grace, at great cost to herself.”
“My father is here? When can I see him? I don’t think I could eat anything so can I go to him now.?Please?” pleaded Zia.
Talik waved his pleas aside and said, “Your father is talking with Grace and when they are finished you can go to him but you should eat something now. It could be a long wait.”
Zoe tried to encourage Zia to sit with the Team and eventually, when he realised that he was just going to have to comply, he sat and ate soup with bread and cheese. He didn’t talk and the conversation went on around him as the Teams prepared for their return to work. There were so many questions he had to ask. He had to have some answers. He deserved that at least.
When the Teams had left, Zoe sat with him and tried to explain that it was far from a bad outcome and once he knew all the facts she was sure he would be happy about what had been decided. Talik came to them after what seemed an age and said in his silky smooth voice,
“Zoe, you may continue with your work and I will now take Zia to see his father and Grace,
Thank you for all you have done, you must have a lot to catch up on, I hope it wont make you late finishing your shift.”
“No, No,” answered Zoe, “I have managed to arrange things so that I can finish on time.” turning to Zia she continued, “I hope everything works out OK Zia, I will see you tomorrow.”
Zia just nodded. He didn’t know how he felt right now, - pleased, sad, guilty, frightened or very lonely.
“Follow me. I have arranged for a Team to take us by wagon to the meeting place. It will be quicker. Come, come,” said Talik and Zia followed him out of the dining area and down a tunnel where a Team was, as promised, waiting to take them to….Where?? The journey was further than Zia had expected and they arrived in the room with the long table and carved chairs where his father and Grace were waiting. Zia ran to his father and hugged him and received a big hug and a huge smile in return. His father didn’t seem at all angry with him, quite the opposite.
Zia spoke, “I’m sorry for all this trouble I have caused Dad, I just never thought .…it was only an adventure to tell about at the evening gathering and look what has happened.”
Grace sat down at the head of the table. Zia’s father didn’t speak but kept smiling and hugging him. Talik went and stood beside Grace but did not sit down. Grace took her broom stick in her left hand and with the stick in her right, she banged on the floor. It did not make much noise but it brought about the attention she required.
“Now we are all here we must discuss what is to be done. Sit, everyone.”
Talik pulled out three chairs and helped Zia and his Father on to two of them and sat himself in the other.
“I think we all agree that it has been a good outcome in the end. Not without sacrifice but at least Zia is safe and his future is arranged satisfactorily. Are we all agreed on that?” Grace said with great authority.
Zia felt that he was the only one that had no idea about his ‘satisfactory future’, whatever it was, but felt he should, for the moment, keep quiet.
After looking at each of them in turn and clearing her throat Grace continued,
“This has cost me dearly, as you know, in more than one way and now Zia, you will have the benefit of knowing what is to happen to you.”
She looked straight at him and without letting go of her stick, she pointed her bony hand in his direction and wiggled her fingers at him.
“Your father has been in a similar position to you, only his case was not so severe and he was able to get off more lightly than you.”
There were so many things to ask and so much he wanted to defend but Zia didn’t feel able to say anything at all, with all eyes on him and that finger wagging and wriggling at him. Why was what he had done so much more severe than what his father had done? He didn’t feel he had done anything wrong at all, not really, just went out of bounds a little bit!! This was soon explained to him by Talik.
“Your father strayed into the entrance of the cave without intending to, whereas you planned to enter the Dark Cave to pry and endeavour to find out what went on here, is that not the case?”
There was no softness in Talik’s voice now, just a smooth coldness.
“Well, it is partly correct. I wanted to find out about the cave but not by prying. I tried to find someone to talk to, to show me around, Nip heard me shouting ‘hello!’ and came to find me.”
“That was because the door had closed behind you and there was no way for you to get out. I wonder if the door had not shut what you would have done,” Grace asked accusingly. “Ummm?–-Well what do you say, Boy?”.
If she was trying to frighten him she was doing a good job. His mouth felt dry and his hands sweaty. Zia looked at his dad hoping he would come to his rescue, or try to.
“With your permission, Grace, I would like to say, I feel that although Zia has done wrong I am sure he knows that, don’t you Son? His punishment and future have reflected the error and he will learn from his mistakes. Would it be possible for us to now tell him just what is going to happen and see if in the fullness of time he can earn your forgiveness and make up for all the trouble and upset he has caused.?”
Zia was not sure that helped him clear things in his mind at all. Punishment, future, mistakes. His father was supposed to be on his side and defending him but it didn’t seem like it.
Grace straightened, as much of her body as would straighten, and agreed, “Very well, I will tell you, Zia, just what IS going to happen, not what might happen but what you will agree to. Is that clear?”
Zia nodded but said nothing,
“You will stay here within the Dark Cave and the mine and you will be a full time apprentice as a Master Leader, that will be explained to you by Pog and Zoe. They will be your tutors. Clear?”
Zia nodded again, he felt deflated, he had not expected this.
“Good. You will have schooling as is needed for the job you are to do. You were soon to join your Father in his work and leave school I understand, so this will just be an alternative occupation for you. I have spent a great deal of time and resources to secure this outcome and you WILL do your very best to repay me, do you hear?”
All eyes were on him as Zia nodded yet again!
“Speak up. SPEAK up, Boy. SPEAK up. Do you hear me?” Grace raged.
“Ye-e-es Mam. Yes I hear and I will try hard, I promise.” spluttered Zia, eyes bulging with shock and horror.
“Good. Good. That’s better and my name is Grace not Mam. There are one or two nicer things your father can tell you now. Go on Mr Crickletam, tell him,” Grace instructed.
“Yes, well,… Zia. You will be allowed home one day a week OR you can save your days and come for a week. You can decide on that as you wish. You will have your own ‘small cave’, fully furnished and a Mine Minder to help you look after things. Also…. you will spend one day a week…..with The Others. Now don’t worry. Since this is now all decided you will find them very, very, ummm, helpful. Truly you will and you will learn a great deal from them, things you wont be able to learn anywhere else. I would not have agreed, and neither would Grace, if that were not the case. They will take very good care of you, believe me, and you will be treated well and kindly.”
“Will Zoe or Nip be able to come with me when I go down to the Lowest Level? I don’t think I will like it on my own, I don’t know them and it will be very scary. The rest of the plan seems fine and I think I will enjoy learning and being in my own cave and if I can come home and see you all I think I will be quite happy. I will have stories to tell at the gatherings….”
“NO, YOU WILL NOT!!! Nothing that you do here must ever be mentioned outside. That is most important and breaking that rule is punishable by ...well never you mind, but the punishment does fit the crime, believe me,” bellowed Grace.
Talik left the cave and a few moments later two mine minders came in with trays of tea and biscuits.
“Talik and I will leave you here for a while to talk. Enjoy the refreshments and we will come back shortly,” Grace said standing up from her chair and making her way from the room accompanied by Talik.
Father and son stared after her and then at each other.
“Well son, you really have landed on your feet. You are very fortunate that Nip found you and took you to Grace. It could have been so much worse,” said Mr Crickletam.
“That’s what everyone keeps telling me but I can’t figure any of this out. It’s all happened so fast.
Are you happy for me to be here, Dad? It seems very harsh treatment for a minor mistake,” Zia reflected sadly
“You have a great deal to learn and you will learn it well here. It will be rather like being at boarding school. If you think of it like that it wont seem half as bad. Grace has, for some reason, taken a liking to you otherwise she would not have paid the price she has to secure you such a good deal,” explained his father.
“What exactly HAS Grace done, except talk and keep me from The Others. It must be something very big. Everyone keeps telling me she has paid a high price to save me, but what is it?” asked Zia.
“She had to allow The Others to take twigs from her broom and that is the highest price she could pay. It’s the one thing that would allow you the freedom you have now. It’s the one thing The Others crave and can’t get.” His Father bowed his head and shook it as he answered.
“Twigs from her broom? What on earth do they want twigs from her broom for?” Zia said in surprise. This was getting more and more weird and he really had no idea what dead twigs were to do with anything.
“You, my boy, will find out when you go to work with The Others. All will be revealed and then you will understand the sacrifice that has been made for you by Grace.”
They chatted for a while about home and the family, what had been happening, who was doing what and so on, happy to be together and not talking about Zia’s wrongdoing. He had heard enough about that to last a life time!
When Talik came back Grace was not with him but he told them he would see Mr Crickletam out and take Zia back to Calda’s cave where Nip had been asked to wait for Zia’s return.
Back in Calda’s cave, having said goodbye to his father, Zia was really pleased to see the happy smiling face of Nip. The two boys were extremely busy with conversation until supper.
Nip seemed very pleased that Zia was going to stay, and have his own ‘small cave’. It meant that he could go and visit him there.