They had no chance when they arrived, to give their gifts to Nip’s parents, so after breakfast the next morning, Nip produced the gift and presented it to his mum. His dad stood by and watched as she unwrapped it and her face lit up and she ‘Oood and Ahhhhd’ over the beautiful carved and polished photo frame so carefully made and finished.
“I wanted to put a picture in it, Mum, but I didn’t have anything suitable. Maybe you have one that will fit.” Nip said as his mother gave him a hug, “Zia has a gift for you as well,” he added.
Zia produced the flat package and handed it across the table. Carefully it was unwrapped to reveal a picture of Nip at the side of the pool laughing and waving.
“Where did you get that?” Nip asked in surprise. He hadn’t known what Zia was going to give them, he guessed it would be a picture of some sort to go in the frame but was shocked at the photo of himself, although he had to admit it was a good one.
Before Zia could answer he was also being hugged by Nip’s mother and thanked by his dad.
The frame, with its picture, was then proudly displayed on the sideboard for all to see.
“I have to go to work now but I will see you this afternoon as I am only doing a half shift and I am off all day tomorrow so we will have time to talk later. Have a good day and enjoy yourselves.”
Nip’s dad said as he picked up his work tools and walked to the door and with a wave, he was gone.
“Well now,” said Nips mum, “What are you planning to do today? Everyone wants to see you both so I have invited most of the family to supper this evening so that you won’t feel you have to spend your time visiting everyone. If you do that there won’t be time to do anything else. No, you go and show Zia around and do just as you want for the rest of the day. You have your passes, so you can come and go as you please.”
“Thanks, Mum. That’s a great idea. I thought I would just show Zia the interesting bits in the mine and we could go for a walk over the hills. We are so restricted in Dark Cave. At the moment we never get out to just be in the fresh air because of the Searchers scare but you haven’t got that problem yet have you?” Nip replied hoping that there were no curfews and that they could have the freedom to wander as he had planned.
Zia hadn’t thought about restrictions. He just assumed that they would have a carefree few days.
“Nothing to stop you doing just as you want, Nip, not yet anyway. But do take care. Do whatever you have planned to do and try to be back by about five this afternoon. Shall I pack you some food and drink to take?” Nip’s Mother asked, already slicing bread and cutting cake.
“Thanks Mum that will be good. Zia can we put it in you back pack?”
While the food was being packed Nip took Zia to one or two places. There wasn’t the same type of things here as at Dark Cave, no Zoedledoodles, no Station, no The Others. It was all new and interesting. Everyone took time to say hello and explain what they were doing. They found the dining hall and workrooms. The main work here was breeding bats and owls for the various communities. They also trained them and made the Bat Boxes so they all kept busy. Also they grew mushrooms and toadstools of various types, deep in the mine. These were used for spell and potion making. Once ordered, picked and packed the valuable fungi were loaded onto the wagons and delivered by the Teams to all the other Communities.
Once outside with their food and Nip’s ideas for the day they felt free and excited. They went down the hill and took a barely visible track along the side of a wooded area, then around to the right and there in front of them was a tiny shack.
“Come on, this is my secret place. I built it and I don’t think anyone else comes here. It’s amazing. Come and see.” Nip was running now and speaking in gasps.
He opened the rickety door, which was only small. Zia had to duck to get through it even though he was in small size. Inside with the door shut, it was quite dark as there was only one small window.
“It’s great Nip but I thought we were going to stay outside for a change.” Zia was confused.
“Don’t worry. Follow me,” and with a candle lamp lit, he moved toward the back of the little room, pulled back a sack from against the wall to reveal what appeared to be a large stone-lined drain “Do you think you can crawl through there?” Nip asked a bewildered Zia, “You’re a bit bigger than me and I don’t know if you can but once you are through the first bit, it’s much bigger and you should be able to stand up. Try and see what happens. You go first and take the lamp.”
It didn’t look possible but Zia did as he was asked and wriggled into the opening, holding the lamp in front of him. The tunnel was beautifully made of cut stone and went on for a few feet before widening and a bit further on it got higher so that he could stand but had to watch that he didn’t bang his head.
“Isn’t it great. It’s just right for us when we are in small size, like now. Go on and once you turn the corner you will see why I brought you here.” Nip was smiling, as usual, but there was a sense of pride and expectation in his voice as he pushed Zia in the back to encourage him forward. Once around the bend they could see light ahead and increased their pace.
“Where does it come out?” Zia was getting excited now and was almost running. The light was getting closer and brighter.
“You’ll see, and I bet you will be amazed,” Nip said secretively.
As they came out of the tunnel Zia was amazed. He stood and looked about him in wonder.
“How did you find this place? It’s lovely. It’s got everything and it’s so still and bright.”
There were trees, a stream, a meadow and all surrounded by high stone walls, like a very, very large walled garden.
“Do you remember when we went to your parents and we had to duck into a badger hole? Well I found this place in much the same way. I was out on my own walking one day, when I heard the hunting horn sound. I didn’t want to be out there in the open if hounds were coming so I tried to hide in the hedge and found myself in the tunnel. The shack wasn’t there then of course, I built that later. I think this was some sort of water storage area many years ago for the mine. The tunnel was the means of emptying it. There must have been some sort of shutter on the outside to control the water flow.” Nip was stretched out on his back in the sunshine and Zia sat down on a rock.
“I cant get over it. Your own secret garden. What a hiding place. You could live here and never be found. Shall we eat now?” Zia took off his back pack and set out the food, still thinking hard.
“Doesn’t anyone know about this place? You haven’t told anyone?” he asked.
“Not a soul, I like to come here when I visit mum and dad. Its special,” Nip said with feeling.
“Well, yes, I agree. But I was just thinking that if you just told, maybe, your dad….” Zia was cut short “My dad, why tell my dad? It wouldn’t be secret or mine if I tell anyone and its only because you’re my best friend that I brought you here and if you tell……” Nip was upset.
“I won’t tell anyone, you know that but I was just thinking that it would be the perfect place to hide if the Searchers came looking here and its big enough to take all the Mine Minders in Black Mine and they are the vulnerable ones. Unless the witches and wizards made themselves small as well they would have to fly in on broomsticks but one way or another it would be a good hiding place for them all. It’s big enough and if they were to prepare it before hand they could survive here for some time. It’s a good size to be able to make it safe from the Searchers. With one or two extra spells no one would ever find them. What do you think?” Zia could see Nip understood what he meant.
“Maybe, but I’ll have to think about it. Want a sandwich?” Nip offered Zia the food.
Nothing more was said about that and the rest of their time was spent exploring, paddling in the stream which bubbled up from nowhere and disappeared the same way, straight down into the ground. They climbed trees and tried to count how many types of bird they could name until it was time to make their way back to the Black Mine and supper with all of Nip’s family. They would need a bath and tidy before then as their clothes were slightly the worse for wear!!
The supper was a great success. The food was plentiful and the company good fun. They chatted and told stories, just like Zia could remember his family doing. It made him a little home-sick but not enough to stop him having a really good time. Nobody worried how late it got as tomorrow was not a working day. They could all have a good lie in.
That night Zia had a very realistic dream. He was in the secret garden and outside he could hear noises and smell something. How the noises and smell got into his dream and the garden he couldn’t make out. Then he was going down a hole in the ground, not the stone lined tunnel, just a wet and muddy hole. The noises and the smell faded but every time he put his head out of the ground they were there again. It was very odd and rather worrying considering that dreams in the communities had very real meanings…..if you could figure them out.
Zia woke in a sweat. After wondering about his dream he remembered that today was Nip’s birthday and as his friend stirred in the other bed Zia started to sing ‘Happy Birthday to You’. Nip sat bolt upright in bed looked across at the early morning song bird and most unexpectedly said,
“Its only six o’clock and we’re on holiday. I had a very late night. Thanks, but do be quiet and go back to sleep.”
Zia was taken aback he had never heard his friend say anything like that. He was always so easy going, always wide awake and always smiling. All three were missing this morning.
“What’s the matter Nip. Are you ill? I only wanted to wish you happy birthday and give you your present but if you would rather sleep that’s OK.” Zia was puzzled and knew there must be a problem.
Nip turned over to face Zia and looked as though he hadn’t slept at all, he sat up,
“I’m sorry but I couldn’t sleep and I have a headache,” he said rubbing his hands through his hair.
“What’s the problem, are you worried about something. Shall I get you some aspirin? asked Zia.
“No, its all right but I could use a cup of tea. Come on and I’ll make us one.”
Zia would have offered to do it but didn’t know where things were. They made the tea and some toast and took it back to bed with them as no one else was awake. They talked about the events of yesterday while they ate but still there was no smile on Nip’s face, Zia was a little concerned,
“Come on, Nip. Tell me what’s bothering you. Maybe I can help. It’s your birthday and you should be happy. I don’t like to see you like this.”
“Its a couple of things and I don’t think they are a problem. I just have to get used to the ideas.”
Nip leaned back against the wall with his legs hanging over the side of the bed. He picked up a pillow and put it behind him,
“Until yesterday at the Secret Garden I had never thought of my parents or the rest of my family being in any danger from the Searchers. It always seemed that they were away from the trouble and it was only us and maybe other Communities in Cornwall that could be at risk but when you mentioned them having my place to hide, it seemed to hit me and after having such a fun evening I couldn’t sleep. It just played on my mind that I should have been thinking more about them. I only thought of myself and not my family, I feel as though I have let them down.” He looked very upset and just stared at his lap.
“You are the most thoughtful person I know. It has only been a relatively short time that we have known about the danger. Don’t feel bad. You haven’t done anything wrong. Its natural for you to worry about it all but you can’t carry the blame for the situation we are in. Would you like your presents now or later?” Zia tried to sound cheerful as he changed the subject.
“I’ll go and get another cup of tea for us and then I would like my presents please, I didn’t expect anything, but thanks.” He picked up their cups and went back to the kitchen.
Zia ducked under the bed and pulled out his back-pack, took out all the gifts and put them on Nips bed. When Nip returned with the tea and saw several wrapped gifts he stood and stared,
“What are all these. Are they all for me?”
“Yes and lots of friends and family have had a hand in putting it all together so I do hope you like it. Go on, open them.” Zia watched, pleased to see there was now a smile back on his friend’s face.
Nip handed Zia his tea and put his on the table beside the bed then he sat down and carefully took one of the gifts and opened it on his lap. It was a handsome leather bound book, or that’s what it looked like. It was in fact a picture album, with his name on the cover in gold. The next package had several small paintings, letters, photos and cards all signed and written on. Thirdly there was the flat packet from Grace and this contained a letter, a certificate, a card and a scarf in colours to match his hat and with his name in gold in one corner.
Zia was the first to speak to explain, about each gift.
“I didn’t know what to get you but I knew you were missing your family and friends so I wrote to as many of them as I could and asked them to send something small for you to remember them by and suggested this type of thing so that you could put them into the album that Calda made for you.
Grace didn’t show me what she had sent so I can’t explain that.”
“This is really amazing and all these drawings of people and places I know, all these cards I can keep safe in Calda’s beautiful album. You are clever to have thought of doing this for me. Thanks so much. Grace has sent a letter. Lets read it.” He opened the envelope and read some very nice things she had said about him. It said that the scarf was rather special and had the ‘extender’ spell woven into it. Then the certificate, which awarded him “Mine Minder of the Year” for his services to the Community. Her card had a picture of a broomstick on the front which disappeared in a puff of smoke when he opened it and reappeared inside with a flash. The scarf was very nice and he folded it and tied it around his neck so that his name was displayed at the front.
“What do you think the extender spell does?” Nip asked Zia but neither had a clue so they would just have to wait until they next saw Grace and ask her to explain.
They went out to breakfast in the kitchen. There were greetings, cards and even more gifts from his parents which he opened and thanked them for. They ate a good breakfast and chatted non stop through the meal which lasted for some time.
“Well now, its your birthday, so what do you want to do?” Nip’s dad asked.
“Haven’t thought too much about that. Wouldn’t mind going fishing with you and Zia. That’s if you don’t mind, Mum. Just for a couple of hours. We could be back for lunch at midday,” he replied.
“Of course I don’t mind. It will be good for you to spend some time together, I have your favourite lunch, pasties, so don’t be late back.” She smiled and ruffled his hair. Nip squirmed, smiled but said nothing!!
“Good, where shall we fish? The lake or the river?” said his father, already on his feet and reaching down his rod from the wall. “The river? Haven’t been down there for ages. It will make a nice change. I can borrow a couple more rods from your uncle. Let’s go.”
Nip’s father seemed very keen!!
Once outside and walking down the hill Nip explained to his father that he would like to take him somewhere to show him something special. His dad made nothing of it and they walked along telling of things they had done and discussing things that were happening, like the Searchers.
When they reached the tiny hut that Nip had built his father thought that was what he wanted to show him and commented on what a good job he had done but Nip stopped him and explained as he had to Zia, what he wanted him to do. When they were in the secret garden Nip and Zia explained why they had brought him there. He understood perfectly and promised that unless they were under threat that he would not mention this place to anyone. He thought it was a brilliant place and idea.
They had a really good look around, did NO fishing, and were home in time for lunch. In the afternoon a couple of Nip’s cousins came to see him. They had with them a new football which they presented to him as a birthday present. That was as good an excuse as any for going outside again for a game. They teamed up with enough men and boys to have a good five-a-side match that seemed to have very few rules and was a cross between rugby and football but it was fun and enjoyed by them all.
Tea and a birthday cake were shared afterwards and in the evening Nip brought out all the pictures and cards he had been given and with his parents and Zia they sat around the kitchen table and put them in order, safely in the album. It hadn’t been a very exciting birthday but Nip was just happy to have been with his family and friends. They all played cards later and the game ‘Cheat’ was chosen which was always good fun and rounded off the day nicely.
Monday morning was wet and windy and not a good day for adventures. They went down deep into the mine where the mushrooms and toadstools were grown, thousands of them, all shapes, colours and sizes. They were being picked and packed, labelled and boxed, ready to go to the various Communities that had ordered them.
They went lower into the mine which was very cold and wet and they could look down further still and saw a pool. The sides of the tunnels were running with water.
“When it was mined for coal there were massive pumps to keep the water down but it runs away into a culvert when it gets to a certain height so it never reaches any further than it is now,” Nip told Zia, “My great grandfather came here to work just before the tin mines closed in Cornwall. He was lucky to get away. He knew every inch of these tunnels and Dad has maps that he left him.
They are ever so interesting and there are lots of books and ledgers with all the information about the running of this mine. It employed lots of men and when it closed they left the area all together.
That’s why it is so isolated here, the closest village is twenty three miles away.”
“I’ve really enjoyed coming here to visit but we have to be ready to leave at about eight this evening. The team will meet us outside so we are in small size. Then we will be able to get into the panniers on one of the Zoedledoodles. I wonder who will come for us? Do you think the weather will improve? It’s pretty awful at the moment and I was hoping we would be able to look out over the sides and see where we are but if its raining like this we would get soaked,” Zia commented.
Nip was as cheerful as ever and refused to look on the down side.
“It wont matter, we may be able to go in the same pannier then we can at least talk together. It will be pitch dark in there. I hope it wont be too uncomfortable. I’m sure it will be all right and its only for three and a half hours, maybe less if the wind is behind them. Come on, I’ll show you where the bats and owls are.” Nip led the way and Zia followed.
They made their way through tunnels and workrooms until they came to some steps that led up to a door with fine polished brass fittings and studs.
“In here, but don’t forget they fly everywhere and are only young and still learning their job.
Cover your head if you can, they may not be house trained yet,” Nip said, laughing as he opened the door and waited for Zia to put his handkerchief over his head. Nip had already pulled up the scarf Grace had given him.
It was almost dark inside, just light enough to see as if by moonlight and there were bats flying everywhere and owls hooting and sitting on perches, their big eyes following the two as they walked.
“There must be some one in here to look after them and see to their training but I don’t know who is on duty today. It could be Nad my uncle or Sig, another uncle on my Fathers side,” Nip told Zia and as he spoke a Mine Minder appeared from the gloom,
“Hello, and what are you two doing in here? Come to give me a hand have you? Well there’s plenty to do.”
“Hello, Uncle Nad. We don’t mind helping if you need a hand but I was just showing Zia around.
All our bats and owls at the Dark Cave are fully trained and I wanted to show how you train and look after them.”
Nad was a broad shouldered man with thick curly hair and a smile like Nip’s. He had a deep voice and big hands for a short man. He was about one and a half metres tall, taller than Nip and a little taller than Zia, in big size. He held out his hand and shook Zia’s offered hand warmly.
“Sorry I couldn’t get down to see you the day you arrived but I was working, I’m glad you have come to see me now though. You’re away again tonight aren’t you?”
Zia explained about their journey home as they sat and watched the antics of the bats and owls.
Nip was pleased that his Uncle thought he had made the visit to Bat-Owl Cave to see him when in fact he hadn’t, well in fairness, he didn’t know his uncle would be on duty. They hadn’t been able to see everybody in the family this trip.
They made their way back to see if his mother had made any of her special blackberry cake and to start getting things packed for the trip to Dark Cave. The rest of the afternoon sped by and soon it was time for supper and then the journey. They said their farewells with a promise to return whenever they got the chance and went outside to wait for the team. They couldn’t be late for takeoff.
As soon as the Team landed and had unloaded one or two small things it was time to leave.
They would have to ride in separate panniers in order to balance the load but could be on the same Zoedledoodle.
It was raining hard and the wind was worse than it had been earlier so as soon as they could they climbed into their safe travelling compartments on Zoen. The brown thick coated athlete, fit and strong, was used to carrying much heavier loads than the weight of the two friends and they were soon heading away towards home. At first it wasn’t too bad but the further they went the rougher it got and both Nip and Zia had to sit firmly in the bottom of the panniers to save being tossed out or unbalancing Zoen.
“Are you both OK in there?” Zoen shouted back to them and they shouted back that they were.
“We are staying west of the mountains on the way back. It’s too dangerous to try the short cut over the top but we should be all right down lower…if it doesn’t get any worse than this. If it does we may have to head for shelter for a while at Devils Bridge. We could call in at the Pit Bridge Community there and rest a while but that may not be necessary. Hold tight now.”
Then they were climbing high in the sky and the wind was frightening. They hung on. They kept as much as they could to the foot hills which were only low when compared to the mountains but high when compared to the farmland on the west coast but they had to climb here to avoid going over the town of Machynlleth where there had been reports that they had been spotted once before.
The newspapers had called them a UFO! They would have to skirt the town and follow the valley but the wind was very strong and the valley acted like a funnel. It was decided that it would be safer to go over the foothills. At the moment the two passengers were not at all sure about the safe bit!!
Zoen was such a strong flier that he was able to keep going at a fair speed while still keeping his direction right and staying balanced. There were two other members of the team and they flew on either side of Zoen so that they were all in touch, should there be a problem. They were as high as they needed to go and so levelled out. There was no moon now and the rain and wind were in a frenzy.
The Zoedledoodles were communicating between each other without words so the two pannier travellers had no idea where they were or what was happening. They couldn’t even talk to each other. They travelled on, dipping and rising, swerving and rocking for a good forty minutes as they flew over the hills. Altogether they had been flying for nearly two hours and they were still a long way from home.
“Hold on tight now, we’re going down to land,” shouted Zoen.
He needn’t have bothered as they had both been hanging on for dear life since they left Black Mine!! The drop down was steep and sudden and they both let out a ‘Whooooa’ as their stomachs turned over. It felt as though they were falling but seconds later they landed safely and didn’t even bother to try and stand up until they heard voices and guessed they must be at a safe place. They popped their heads out simultaneously to find they were in a clearing surrounded by a pine forest.
“Sorry for such an abrupt descent boys but this clearing is very small and we had to come down almost vertical. You had better get out now. Here step out onto this tree stump and follow us to the entrance of Pit Bridge Community. They aren’t expecting us so you may have to wait while things are checked out,” Zina told them.
She was a really kind and comforting Team member and put them at their ease.
“Once they know it is us we’ll be fine and they will look after us until the storm passes. You will like it here I’m sure……. its ummmm…. different!!”
Although it was still raining hard, it was quite sheltered in the trees. Even so, the friends were cold and unsure. The wind was howling and bending the tall trees, as if they would break in half.
Zoen led the way to a massive tree that was at lease twice the size around its girth as any of the others. He took them round to the opposite side and howled into a hollow branch. A voice came back speaking in a language unknown to the boys. Zoen, answered with what must have been a pass word and a trapdoor at the base of the tree opened to reveal a set of steps going down into the ground, it seemed.
The door closed behind them and they were alone. Very soon another door was opened to admit them into a room lit with lamps. As soon as they entered Zia and Nip changed size and stood waiting with the team. Four figures entered the room in very tall black pointy hats, black capes, long black skirts and black boots. They all had bulging eyes, very hooked noses, long black hair and warts on their faces and each held a broom in one hand and a wand in the other. Great long finger nails curled around the items, it would have been almost impossible to tell them apart except that some were taller or fatter than the others but not by much. These were what Zia had always imagined real witches to look like.
When one spoke it was in a high pitched squeaky voice and made Zia jump.
“Hee Hee!. Welcome Team, and who are our other visitors? Friend or foe Hee Hee!!,” one said through wrinkled lips and with a smile that revealed three uneven and broken teeth.
“Many thanks for letting us in, Caroline. We have had a very rough flight from Black Mine where our two friends here were visiting.” He stood aside to introduce the friends, “I’d like to introduce Nip and Zia from our Community at Dark Cave. They have had a few days holiday to visit Nip’s family and have had to ride in the panniers so its been quite an experience for them. I’m sure they would welcome a rest and a hot drink if you wouldn’t mind.”
Zia and Nip tried to smile and did manage a nod but it was a very weak effort!
“Ahhh, I think we can rustle up something. Come on through and take off your packs for a while.”
The other witches stood aside while they followed Caroline inside. Zia wasn’t too sure what to make of them at all; they stared at him and looked so scary. He had never been scared by anyone at Dark Cave, not even The Others with their green skin but these just seemed to look right through him and he felt very uncomfortable. They cackled in their ‘Hee Hee, Hee’ way but said nothing.
Still Zina had said it was ‘different’ here. She should have said VERY different, thought Zia.
When Zia and Nip were sat down with drinks and food, the Zoedledoodles went to get dried, they were soaked through and dripping all over the bare stone floor. Nip explained that it was normal for the Teams to be offered every comfort wherever they went and were all considered as some of the most valuable members of the Communities.
They ate their fill and warmed themselves by the roaring coal fire, in the comfortable chairs.
“I see that they don’t like to be cold and without comfort. This is much cosier than where we live,” Zia commented, looking around at the odd assortment of furniture and fittings.
“This was a coal mine and these are the legendary Welsh witches. They always have big coal fires and traditional Welsh food. I like most of it but cant stand the stuff they make out of seaweed.
Lava-bread I think its called. Its awful but is supposed to be very good for you!!” Nip said pulling a very strange face. “Now the Welsh cakes and their stews are the best and they are very clever at making things.”
“Like what?” asked Zia, “What do they make here?”
“Well they make spells and…and lace, and shawls, they crochet shawls for other Communities, and .…I don’t know what else but I feel sure there is something ‘special’ that they make here, Oh yes! I remember they make a magic, although I am not sure what it does but I know its ‘Special’!!”
“Well if their looks and cackle are anything to go by I don’t thing its a tonic. Maybe it makes you have wrinkles and live forever,” Zia said, rather unkindly and sarcastically.
“I heard that, you nasty unkind boy. I heard that,” one of the witches screeched from the doorway.
Zia jumped and turned around, not knowing what to say to excuse himself. Nip looked horrified.
It was an unkind thing to have said but she shouldn’t have been listening. Anyway the comment was sort of true, Zia thought, trying to excuse his action. Nip just stood and stared. He couldn’t believe that what Zia had said had been overheard. There was nothing they could do about it now. He wondered what would happen. To his surprise the witch cackled and grinned her horrid grin.
“That’s just what I wanted to hear. What a compliment!! There are so many witches nowadays that are far too good looking and not at all scary. What do they think being a witch is about? We are and always have been nasty and ugly, to the outside world that is, so you have just confirmed that what we try to achieve here, is working. My name is Wilhelmina, by the way and I am in charge of the hospitality here. Is there anything else I can arrange for you? Have you had enough to eat, are you warm enough? Would you like to see my pet Hairy Lizards and Magic Monster Spiders?”
Wilhelmina asked the two dumbstruck friends.
Zia was the first to find his voice but was still shaking and feeling guilty.
“We are fine thank you and it was unkind and wrong for me to pass those comments, even if you think they were complimentary. It is just that you do look just as I always thought true Witches should look, warts and all! Oh! maybe I shouldn’t have added that,” he cringed, but it was obviously appreciated as the Witch was cackling in delight.
“Hee Hee Hee, Good Goooood Good. I was the one to recommend that warts must be worn at all times as part of our dress code and it seems to be working, Thank you, Hee Hee Hee. I even invented ‘The Once a Year Wart Potion’.” She said looking smug and rubbing her hands together.
Meanwhile the Team were now dry and had also eaten and came to joined Zia and Nip.
“Feeling better now?” Zina asked them. “It’s still blowing a gale outside and raining hard. I think we will have to stay here until it eases up, so if you would like to sleep I am sure Wilhelmina will find you a bed.”
“Yes. Yes of course. We have plenty or room and you won’t hear a sound down here, so if you want I’ll show you where you can rest. Come now. Come, come,” she said in her funny squeaky voice and beckoned them with her great long talons. They would like to have stayed up and listened to the conversation or gone to see Wilhelmina’s ‘pets’ but they were both exhausted and couldn’t keep their eyes open any longer. It was gone ten pm. and it had been a very tiring day. The mention of rest and sleep sounded so good!!
Four hours later they were awakened and told by a Mine Minder to dress quickly and he showed them to the loading bay where the Team were ready and waiting.
“Sorry to wake you like this but we have to go. There’s a bit of an emergency. We have been told we must get back as soon as we can. The wind has dropped a bit but its still raining. We will walk to the clearing, then you will be able to get into the panniers before we take off. We can talk about the problem on the way. Are you ready?” Zoen said, already walking toward the door.
Zia turned and thanked the witches for their hospitality and said he hoped he would meet them all again, perhaps when he was with the team and delivering to them.
They walked to the clearing in heavy rain but all now had waterproofs on. They climbed on a log and into their panniers, fastening them tight against the weather. The steep flight out was just as hair raising as the drop in. Once up above the trees the wind was strong, although not as bad as before. They hadn’t had time to talk about the emergency and that was a worry.
All the way back they were thinking of what it could be. It had to be something to do with the invasion of the Searchers but what? It took another three hours for them to battle their way home against the weather and they had to land just before they entered the Station so that Zia and Nip could fly in together as they couldn’t be in the panniers when they returned to big size on entering the Station.
All were very grateful to touch down after being buffeted and lashed with rain for so long.
The willing hands of the Mine Minders and Leaders were there at once to take off the harness and waterproofs and help the Team to dry.
Zoe was there when they arrived as she had long since finished her shift and had been anxiously waiting for them to come home. It was now seven a.m. and there was a real danger that the Team could have been spotted as they flew in, although they tried to avoid flying over any villages, plus it was a very dark morning, even for late autumn It was a relief to everyone that they were home safely and as soon as they could, the Team, Zia and Nip went for a well earned rest.
It was mid day before Zia woke and realised that he still didn’t know what the emergency was.
He washed and dressed and went to see if there was anyone in the eating area that could explain to him but before he could sit down Zoe was at his side and Nip was with her. Both looked very serious, in fact, looking around Zia could see that every one there had long faces and not a smile anywhere. Not a good sign.
“Grace has asked that as soon as we have eaten, you and I go to the Great Hall for a meeting with the Council Committee. There has been a big development while you were away and decisions have to be made. Its what we expected but now we have to know just how, what and when we are going to act to repel the Searchers.”
They ate quickly and talked a little but Nip had to work so he left as they went to the meeting.
There was lots of activity everywhere, everyone rushing here and there and even in the Great Hall the Mumbling was loud. There were dozens of witches, wizards and The Others, along with three Viddy Cats, all waiting.
Grace banged her Knobbly Stick on the table and there was silence. She spoke seriously,
“Will you all please pay very close attention. You know why we are here and the situation we are in but I will ask Talik to go through the basics once again to make sure we are all up to date.”
Talik told, in his clear smooth voice, about the latest happenings.
“The Wanderers and Squitons have found signs of Searchers within a mile of here and there are at least twenty of them that we know of. With their ability to destroy, that is a significant number but more worrying is the fact that they may have sent word back to the Enemy Headquarters, to all those that wish us harm, collectively -The Enemy, and attack could be imminent. We now have to put all our defences into place, so be watchful. You will notice a number of changes have already been made within the caves and tunnels. Also there is the moat, already in place outside and the Wanderers and Squitons have intensified their patrols. We must remember that should our defences prove good and the Enemy cannot get through, then it is almost certain that other Communities will be targeted until they find a chink in their armour and attack with the intention of holding them as hostages in order to force us to comply with their wishes. Notice has been sent to every Community in Cornwall to put into action all the defences that The Others have provided for them.
Similar weapons as we have here. The Searchers we know to be totally ruthless and relentless. They have no feelings and so no mercy. They will do just as they are told by the Enemy and will not give up until we chase them back, destroy them all and the Enemy. But for now we must defend ourselves as it looks as though Dark Cave is to be their first target.”
Lord Tupol spoke, “We have put in place water barriers and flame hoops along all tunnels. These will come into action automatically when any stranger entering without authorization is detected by the new improved Extra Sensitive Sensor Spell the Witches have developed. These will hold the Searchers within an area or keep them out altogether but we don’t know, for sure, just what strength their powers are and whether or not they have been given any new ones since there was last an encounter with them many years ago. We will have to dispose of them if they are found and that is another problem but I will ask Calda to tell you about that.” He nodded at the tall wizard and Calda glided to the head of the table near Grace.
“They are sensitive to our Liquidizer Spell that turns them into a gooey substance. Rather messy, but deadly and very effective. We have to get close enough to use it and if they are behind a wall of water or flame, stone or earth it can’t work. So another couple of spells have been developed. One is The Electrifier which works in conjunction with the water barriers and literally shock-fries them to a crisp. The danger with this is that it is not very selective, as yet. If any one is trapped with them they too would ….ummmm…..have their chips, and be fried. The witches are working to find a solution to that problem. The other ingenious spell is the Fartifungerspinpooper Spell. This one does exactly as it says. It will cover the Searchers in a stinky, slimy, sticky fungus which stops their movement then spins them around at such a speed that they disintegrate and slither to the floor like a load of ...ummmm….Poop!! This is the one that we are extremely pleased with as it is selective and can work on several Enemy or Searchers at one spell casting. It will not touch any of the Community members as it works in conjunction with the Selector Spell. So if they are hit by one then they are automatically zapped by the other. The Wanderers will be able to use it on the outside.”
Grace thanked him and continued. She did not stand but sat clutching her beloved stick.
“Of course our other great defenders are the Wanderers and the Squitons, they are doing such an incredible job for us and I am sure we all feel most grateful to them. It is hard for us all, to be in the position we are and if the Searchers did not have the remarkable powers we would not have a problem, but trying to fight an enemy that you can’t see until it comes through the wall or floor is very vexing. As the Squitons can sense their presence far more easily then any of us, we have some advantage. Still, with only four of these valuable allies, we can only defend one Community at a time. It is vitally important that we, somehow, manage to stop them as soon as possible. The only other way that they can outwit us is if somehow the Enemy find out what our defences are and forewarn and program the Searchers. We would not be able to defend more than one Community at a time, to the standard that will be needed to render the Searchers useless. We are working on still more spells and defences so we must not give up. We must defeat them. We must. If anyone has an idea, no matter how small, please come forward and let us all try and work on it together. It maybe the key we need to win the fight.” Grace looked tired and worried. The situation was desperate.
Talik put his hand on her shoulder and addressed the gathering. Everyone looked shocked,
“The only ones allowed outside Dark Cave will be the Teams when they are flying. The Squitons and the Wanderers are doubling up on the frequency of their patrols and are far more effective than Mine Minders at spotting trouble. There is plenty of work for us all in here, so lets keep working and try not to get depressed. The situation is bad but we have not even encountered the Enemy yet and if and when we do there is every chance we will be able to control the situation and destroy the Searchers. We are strong and effective. Let’s not forget that.”
“Wow,” said Zia to Zoe as they walked back to the Station, “so much has happened in the few days I’ve been away. If it keeps developing at that speed we could encounter the Searchers very soon. Do you think they know where we are yet?”
“Can’t tell. They may know and be waiting for re-enforcements so that they can overpower us, even if they take a few losses. We just have to wait and do all we can to prepare ourselves. I think the biggest worry would be if they did attack more than one Community at a time, I hadn’t thought about that, until Grace mentioned it. Lets just hope that the defences put in place at all the Communities are good enough to destroy the invaders.” Zoe looked thoughtful. “I must speak to Pog at once, and you should be there. Come on.”
By now the day shift had finished and the night shift hadn’t started yet, so it was fairly quiet.
Several Leaders and Mine Minders were cleaning harness and checking wagons. They found Pog in his office looking at the schedule for the night flights. He hadn’t been at the meeting that’s why Zoe wanted to inform him of everything that had been said. When they had finished telling him, in detail, what all the plans were, he leaned back in his chair and sighed.
“Well ones things for sure,” he said, “we all have to be on our guard and prepared for any situation. I know you are always very observant Zoe but could you get all those on night flights to keep a special look out for any thing unusual. These Searchers could try and follow your routes find the Communities you visit. They can’t fly but with enough of them on the ground they could plot your direction and although they are nowhere near bright enough to work it out for themselves the Enemy could gradually work on their reports and position them near your landing point. Try to fly above the cloud, if there is any, and do a zig-zag route to confuse then. If the destination of your flight is remote enough, you could try landing away from the Community you’re heading to and going in on foot or waiting for a while and taking of again to let them think there is a Community where there isn’t. That could at least get them wasting time, be careful, this could be very dangerous. If they come upon you unexpectedly while you are on the ground you will be at a disadvantage.”
“What if all of us go out with panniers where ever possible rather than the wagons? We could spread out and all take different routes and land in different places at different times, the Searchers would have a job to figure out that many movements. I don’t think they can count past five!!”
“That sounds like the best idea. Time consuming. We can take some of the day shift Zoedledoodles off the inside deliveries and add them to the night flights. That would help don’t you think?” Pog looked pleased and a little relieved. Having a wagon and four Zoedledoodles on the ground with the possibility of attack was not a good idea, they would all be harnessed together, so if one was caught they would all be in trouble. Singly they stood a much better chance and the supplies had to go out one way or another.
“Where are we heading tonight, Pog?” Zia asked, “I will have to fly with them, won’t I?”
“No you won’t be going out on any more flights until the danger is over. Singly the Teams can manage without you. They will have to. Orders are orders and the order is that no one is allowed outside except the Zoedledoodles and then only when flying. That could cause a problem. If the Team land and go in on foot you are breaking the order,” replied Pog, looking at Zoe.
The sudden realisation about the teams not being allowed to land and go in on foot disappointed Zia.
“Well,” Zoe chipped in, looking quite pleased at her new idea, “We could fly JUST above the ground and out of sight of the Searchers. That wouldn’t be breaking the rules would it?”
That was decided. Now that there was a plan of action for the Teams everyone felt better.
Somehow the threat from the Enemy didn’t seem so bad. Zia knew he couldn’t argue at not being allowed to fly with the Teams but he did feel a bit left out. Zoe guessed what he was thinking,
“Don’t worry Zia. There will be plenty of important work for you to do here. When are you due to go back to the lowest level again? There is so much going on down there now. You may find it very interesting.”
“Its always interesting down there but I like flying with you. Besides no one has mentioned going back down there until now. If you have thought about it then for sure, Grace will have as well. I think I had better go and see Calda and find out what he knows.”
Zia felt a bit dejected but in another way, with so much going on he felt excited. After all, if there was an attack on the Dark Cave he would want to be there to help. Wouldn’t he?
He made his way slowly to Calda’s cave. He didn’t have to rush as he wouldn’t be going with the Team, although he would have to help them get ready. He had an hour before he was needed.
Calda was pleased to see him but guessed from the look on his face that there was something bothering him. It seemed that everyone was going around with that sort of look on their face.
“Ah, there you are Zia. Come on in and tell me what’s bothering you, although I expect I can guess. This whole business of the Searchers has got us all worried but it could be worse. Just imagine what it would have been like if we hadn’t been forewarned by the Wanderers. We could have been attacked without defences and would have stood no chance. As it is we are very well prepared. I think that we have the upper hand. So what exactly is on your mind?”
“I know what you’re saying but its thrown everything upside down. I’m not allowed to go with the Teams at night so I will either have to do day shift with them, go back to my studies with you or go back down to The Others and I haven’t been told which. It just seems as though our lives are all jumbled up. Then there is the fact of pending attack sometime, but we don’t know how, when, or where. Everything was going so well before and now it’s all in a muddle.” Zia pulled out his stool from under the table, one that Calda had produced for him to use for lessons, and sat down as Calda floated in front of him.
“Well, well. You are down in the dumps. I know you must be disappointed but stop, and think….The reason you are here and all the various different trainings you have undergone in your apprenticeship so far, have all been to prepare you for an event such as this. You have many powers and have proved that you are able to use them to full advantage. You are extremely important to us, more than you realise I think.”
As Calda finished Grace walked in and stood for a moment, leaning on her stick, before she was offered Zia’s seat. She must have overheard. When she was seated she held her Knobbly Stick in front of her and leaned forward on it looking at Zia,
“You have done an incredible job so far, Zia.” She spoke directly to him.
Her voice was strong and her gnarled hands were tightly gripped, one over the other on her stick.
“I think you must have guessed that you will be called on to help many times and in many different ways but until we know more about the way the Searchers are working we can’t risk you being caught or hurt in any way. When the time comes you will be at the front, with the Zoedledoodles, to defend us and you will be flying out with them very soon but for now we want to keep as low a profile as possible. Surprise will be the best form of attack or defence for us and they don’t know about you. We want to keep it that way for the time being. You will continue your lessons with Calda and Lord Tupol. You must be kept up to date with any and every new form of defence. We may even have to give you more powers. For now we will leave things as they are.”
She adjusted her hat and and pulled her shawl around her shoulders more tightly.
Zia felt as though a great deal was expected of him and didn’t know whether or not he would be able to cope. Everyone seemed to have such faith in him which seemed odd when he wasn’t at all sure what he was supposed to do in the event of an attack. He wished Zoe was here right now.
“What is it that I will be expected to do? I don’t see that I can do any more than anyone else, in fact you are far more powerful than me and have magic and spells to use where I don’t. What possible new powers could you give me. Would I have time to learn how to use them? There are so many questions and not so many answers.”
Calda explained as much as he could, that he would be able to absorb the new powers and manage the tasks he would be given. Zoe would be with him at all times and he woould be able to communicate far better than he can now. Zia had done quite well with mastering the Mumbling Tongue but he was slow compared to the witches and wizards so what other way of communicating was there? Grace was about to tell him when a bat flew into Calda’s Bat Box. He retrieved the message and opened it carefully. He read it through, then handed it to Grace to read. They looked at each other and then at Zia.
“Well it looks as though you may be getting some of those answers you were looking for sooner that you thought.” Calda said, “This is a note from the Wanderers saying that they have counted more than a hundred Searchers and that they are split into four groups. So it looks as though our fears have been realised…they are going to attack in several places at once IF they can locate the exact sites. They are near to us and two other communities further west but there is still no evidence that they are ready to do battle.”
“You must be given your extra powers right away. Come to the Great Hall in an hour and we will get that worked out,” Grace instructed Zia, “The Others will have to be told of what we intend to do. They have got something for you that they have been working on. It’s something we have all contributed to and should be a help.”
“But I am supposed to be on duty at the Station in fifteen minutes, to harness the night Team.”
Zia was more confused than ever and sounded as if he did not want to go to the Great Hall for any reason.
“That will be cancelled. There are plenty of Mine Minders to help there. Pog and Zoe are very capable of handling things.” Grace stood and wobbled her way to the door. “One hour, the Great Hall.” she ordered, turned and was gone.
“Well it looks as though things are on the move. Don’t know if its a good or bad thing but I would like to get it over and done with so that we can get back to normal,” Calda said, staring at the empty doorway before turning to talk to Zia. “The meeting in the Hall won’t take long, then you can come back here with me and I’ll go through your new powers with you. Also you will need help with what The Others have made for you. OK? Now, stop worrying and cheer up. It’s going to be all right.”
In the Great Hall there were ten people with Zia and Calda. Zia walked in a little sheepishly, he had been given powers before. After the first time there was no fuss they were just ‘given’ but this time sounded far more high-tech “Please everyone take a seat. We have things to talk about,” Talik ordered.
Opening a book, he placed it on the table in front of Grace. She looked around the table and then announced,
“We all know why we are here so let’s get straight down to business. We are going to give Zia more powers and they are….the Power of Mumble Tongue, the Power of Distance Communication, for emergency use only and the Power of Spell Reception. These are essential for his safety and only to be used in the defence of himself and the Communities. The other thing is something that has been developed on the Lowest Level, is a one off and only for Zia to use. Will you do the presentation Lord Tupol?”
“My pleasure Grace. Zia, we have developed this. It’s a Wobble Wand Whip or Woandip for short,” Lord Tupol announced proudly.
Having removed the leather pouch which it was in, Lord Tupol held a short Knobbly flexible stick very gently in his hands and looked extremely pleased,
“We have all worked on this incredible item for you, Zia. Just for you. It will respond only to you.
It is very complex and has many uses and ummm….talents…Yes, talents is the right word, I think.
First, just as with the Knobbly Sticks the witches have, this one will communicate with you, tell you things, advise you. Then it has many wand characteristics but you can’t cast spells. This Woandip, can receive the spells via. your new power of Spell Reception which will enable you to direct the spells that are sent to you from any witch in any Community. Finally, it is a whip to be used only in defence. It is very accurate. It can inflict serious wounds and will extend to four metres in length, should you need it. Calda will instruct you on how to use this and your new powers. These are all designed to give you protection in what you will be doing, very important and possibly dangerous work. When you are outside and in small-size you are far less likely to be spotted than a witch on a broom and with your powers and the Woandip you will have access to an incredible number of spells and magic through the new power of Distance Communication which will allow you to be in touch with any of us at any time in an emergency and through the Spell Reception, which will allow us to send you a spell to use with the Woandip. Together with all the other powers you have, you will be well protected but you will need several days, even weeks of practice to perfect their use. Calda has helped in the design of this superb invention and will give you all the help with it that you will need to become proficient.”
All eyes were on Zia and he knew he was meant to comment, to say some thing profound, interesting, intelligent but his mind was spinning and his thoughts were turning somersaults as was his stomach!!
This was a great gift that would enable him to do many things but what things? Was he to be the champion for all the Communities? That would be a very tall order and one he was not sure he was ready to undertake but all those around the table seemed to think he could do whatever it was they expected of him, against who and whatever the challenges were, wherever he was and no matter what the odds were. They said the Zoedledoodles would be with him, his constant companions and protectors …..against what? That was something he had very little knowledge of. The Wanderers, yes he knew they were out there somewhere and what their capabilities were, sort of, but what else? The Enemy…….would they come as well and what could they do and how many and where and when? Was his whole life now going to be one long battle against unknown aliens with goodness knows what powers, determined to achieve their aim, which was to capture The Others or failing that, any other members of any of the Communities anywhere?
The odds against success seemed pretty much in the favour of the attackers. If that was the case what could he say to these people who had become like a family to him over the months he had been with them. Was it only months? It seemed he had been here much longer, and now they were relying so much on him. Zoe nudged him with her nose and he realised that he had been sitting staring at the table but he didn’t quite know for how long. He had to say something now,
“Um…Well….Um….thank you its a lovely gift. I do appreciate the fact that you have so much confidence in me, as some one who can help to protect all the Communities but the realisation of so much responsibility is quite a shock and I .…Um…don’t know what to say except that I will do my best not to let you down.”
Zia tried to smile but it looked as though he was in pain with toothache.
Grace cleared her throat and looked directly at Zia. She spoke sincerely and with kindness,
“We do understand how you must feel and all we ask is for your help and not that you should tackle all or anything single handed and no responsibility for the success or failure of any challenge is laid on you. You are in no way the cause of any of OUR problems. Any help you are able to give us will be very much appreciated. When you came to join our Community we had no idea about any attack from the Enemy nor did we have any idea that you would turn out to be so talented with your flying and powers. Those are gifts you have given US when you agreed to help in our fight so we ask only for your help, not for you to feel that you are responsible for anything that has or may happen in the future. You should not feel under any pressure to do any more than assist in any way you can with as much help as we can give you.”
Grace continued to look at him and he felt suddenly relaxed. He stood up, managed a real smile and took a deep breath before he spoke,
“I will do all I can, with the help of you all…..I don’t feel that I can achieve much on my own, I just don’t know enough. That’s what is bothering me. When, if, the crunch comes, I don’t want to let you down. The Woandip is a great gift and I know it is a great honour that you even thought to trust me with it. I really am looking forward to learning how to communicate with my new companion and to mastering my new powers. Thank you for them.” Zia nodded to all around the table and sat down.
“Well done,” said Zoe, putting her paw in his arm. “I am really proud of you.”
There was a polite ripple of applause and smiles all round. With his new powers installed and his Woandip held tightly in his hand he left with Calda and Zoe to go back to his tutor’s cave. Once inside, seated on a stool and looking at the little Woandip in front of him on the table Zia felt better.
“Could I have a drink please?” he asked Calda.
“I will send for some refreshments, then we can talk,” said Calda.
At once his Mine Minder appeared and left with a request for something ‘special’ in the way of a snack. His didn’t take long, they were soon tucking into pumpkin pie with raspberry sauce and elderberry cordial. It was delicious and just what was needed to relax them and give them time to think clearly.
Calda didn’t intend to start lessons with the Woandip right away. First he wanted to explain a few things about it. It was only six inches long, so that in a pouch, that had been made, it could always be with him and safe, either attached to his belt, in big size or slung over his shoulder when he was small. It couldn’t get lost or misplaced as it was tuned in to Zia and would always be able to find him……providing nothing prevented it from doing so. With all the training in the world, there was still a great deal resting on his very small shoulders. It was all rather daunting for him. Calda understood. He would teach Zia how to communicate with his Woandip and once the basics were understood the it would do the rest. No one but Zia must know the secrets of how to decipher the signs and signals of the wonderful stick. The Powers were easier to master, they were there, he just had to learn to use them to the best of his ability. Grace would help with the spells, by sending them to test his power of Spell Reception and his ability to pass it on to the Woandip successfully.
Distance Communication sounded as though it would be very useful.
After they had finished their snack Zoe left. She had to get back to her work she couldn’t help him with the learning he had to do. Calda was there to guide him through that.
It proved to be harder than Zia thought to master his new powers. The Woandip seemed to have a mind of it’s own and a sense of humour to which Zia did not always see the funny side. Yes, thought Zia, this little helper was going to prove to be quite a challenge!!
He and Calda worked hard every day, going over and over the practice until it started to make sense and results were beginning to come. Zia could now ‘listen ‘to those wishing to communicate with him from many metres away and could send his thoughts back to them but this had to increase substantially until the distance was no barrier and it was the same with Spell Reception. He could now receive a spell from Grace and just by holding the Woandip the spell would pass through him and allow the wand part of his magic stick to perform whatever spell was being sent.
Once or twice this had proved to be a bit of a disaster when he wasn’t concentrating sufficiently on the spell being sent and had been thrown off his feet by the force of it. On one occasion the spell ended up turning the table upside down instead of the stool because the Woandip was pointing the wrong way but on the whole things were going forward in leaps and bounds. As for talking in Mumble Tongue…Well!! it was as if it were his first language, which really it was, only up to ten times faster than normal speech.
Alternating with these lessons were the ones with Lord Tupol down at the Lower and Lowest Level. Any new thing or idea that was being worked on Zia had to study. He had even suggested one or two things himself that he thought may be of help. Lord Tupol was a little taken aback by his idea that they could consider moving to another vacant unused mine as soon as they knew the Searchers were about to attack. That way at least they would stay one step ahead of The Enemy and would be safe for a while. Zia was thinking of Nip’s special place when he said this.
Even if The Others, witches and wizards wouldn’t or couldn’t go to a safe place, at least the Mine Minders could be out of harm’s way while any fighting was going on. Mine Minders had no defence against attack, where as everyone else had some means of defending themselves.
Lord Tupol stated that The Others could not leave because their work was too important and running away would just allow The Enemy to move in and take over all their workshops and experiments. No, they had to stay and fight with the defences and weapons they had. He did, however, agree to think about removing the Mine Minders to a safe place and would mention it to Grace that very day to see what could be worked out or arranged.
When the time came Zia would suggest a move to the Black Mine in Wales. It was far enough away not to be attacked for some considerable time…if ever!! It made him feel better to know that some of his many friends would be safer in the event of an attack.
Halloween was just a few days away and as with every witch group the Dark Cave Community was planning a celebration. There was to be a big party in the recreation hall and around the pool.
Fancy dress was optional for the witches and wizards and The Others but the Mine Minders and Zoedledoodles HAD to wear something in the theme of a stormy night!! It seemed an easy thing but when Zia and his friend tried to think of what to wear their minds would go blank.
“I think I will go as a big dark cloud,” Said Nip. “You could go as a rain drop, Zia and Zoe could go as the north wind. All we need to do is think of the costumes .….. and make them!!”
“There good ideas but there is so little time left and we have to get the materials. We are allowed to get things from the stores or use any costume that is already made from previous years, so it is more than possible to do it ...if we had nothing else to think about,” remarked Zia.
Zoe did not really like the dressing up part of the celebrations, but as she had the day off until her night shift she said she would see what she could manage to find for them all. They were to meet again the following afternoon after work at Zia’s cave. That would be Wednesday and the party was on Saturday…just three days away.
Whenever they had a meal or relaxed together the topic was ‘what are you wearing to the celebrations?’ but as everyone wanted their outfit to be a surprise, it was all very cagey and nobody quite knew what anyone else was doing.
Work had to go on just the same during their shifts. Still, the Halloween celebrations brought a great sense of fun for a few days and helped them forget the trouble they were all in with the Searchers. A well deserved relaxation time for all the hard working Community in Dark Cave.
Zoe had done a great job in finding suitable things for the three of them. They had to work at fitting the items and adding extras but when they were done they looked splendid and the costumes were put safely away so no one else could see them.
Grace and her witches had organised many events for the fun side of the day which was to start at four in the afternoon with a parade of costume and the choosing of the best one. The winner would receive a prize of a pair of velvet slippers and also six silver buttons with their initials inscribed on them. These would go very smartly on their uniform. A good prize that everyone wanted to win [except the Zoedledoodles! Although the buttons would identify their harness very well].
On Saturday morning, with a holiday given for everybody, there was even more excitement and rushing around for last minute bits and pieces to add to their costumes. At half past three everybody started to make their way to the pool-side with cloaks covering their costumes.
All the Mine Minders and Zoedledoodles stood in line ...a very long line that went all around the room and then on command from Grace they took off their cloaks to reveal their costumes. There was great laughter and guessing as to what each person was meant to be, which wasn’t always very clear but it didn’t matter. It was enough that everyone had made the effort and had fun doing it.
Nip was dressed in a flouncy grey net material, held out by wire, with a yellow face and rays around his head which was meant to represent the sun poking up from behind a dark cloud. Zia was a rain drop… and had tear shaped cut-outs back and front with a blue tear shaped hat that covered his head and neck with just an opening for his face. His arms, when he lifted them where like dark blue bat wings with waves painted on them to represent a rough sea. Zoe was wearing a ruff around her neck with streamers that flowed along her body, a jacket that also had net ruffles all over it that shook and moved as she walked and her tail was carried high, sporting a flag attached, in the shape of an arrow with NORTH WIND written on it. There were many ingenious costumes, many better than theirs but it didn’t matter as there could only be one winner and Grace was to pick which one should receive the coveted prize.
She chose the Mine Minder called Tim who worked at the Lower Level and who Zia had become friends with during the time he had worked there. He was dressed as a flooded house and had a door at his front and a window at the back that could be opened and when they were, a tide of water, in the form of a picture attached to the opening frame, seemed to pour out. It must have taken a lot of work and was a worthy winner.
Then there was a display by the witches and wizards of spells and potions that did strange things.
Next came a game of netball by the witches…flying on broomsticks, which was great, but a bit dangerous as the witches became very competitive and swooped high and dived low at great speed.
It was a terrific match which everyone enjoyed. This display was followed by a broom stick show in which the witches showed off the ‘special’ things their brooms could do, after which there was a Knobbly Stick Show, that was the highlight of the evening as far as Zia was concerned. The witches showed just how versatile and clever their beloved sticks were and explained how they used the powers, which was a great help to Zia and gave him ideas to try with his own little Woandip.
The food was, as always, delicious but tonight was a special night and flying plates with the individual order of everyone present were delivered with a flourish. The drinks were poured from jugs that floated above the tables. There were magical fireworks that exploded with music, snow, sweets and rabbits cascading from them, all disappeared in mid air. Rockets were fired that performed aerobatics and wrote in the sky above the pool. There was an endless supply of entertainment that lasted well into the night, a night that everyone would remember.
It had been a wonderful time and had relaxed everybody outwardly, although there was the thought of the pending attack at the back of everyone’s mind. For now all was well and tomorrow was another day.
The Wanderers had not reported any further advance by the Searchers. The Squitons were working tirelessly, enjoying their work, work which they had not had to do for many, many decades but was inbred and incredibly accurate. They were able to track over rock, through fog and mist and could hear things underground or many miles away. They could pin point exactly what was there and where, in the blink of an eye. They were brilliant allies to have.