The Spy's Door

by Maidie Reeve

  “That must be Eda’s enchanted walled garden over there. I think that’s where she lives,” Aisha explained. “It’s where we arrived last time and where we found The Tenth Gateway. We never saw the rest of the world. It’s very beautiful.”

  Basil rushed off down the path. “We haven’t got time to look at the scenery. I want to look for Eda and find out what’s going on, and if she knows if Sophie and Jun are okay. I don’t want to be the one to tell Uncle Max and Aunt Laura, or Jun’s parents, that we left them in this awful place.”

  The group of children arrived at the entrance to the campsite. A number of folk had emerged from their tents, and had started to rekindle their fires ready for breakfast. Amongst the campers were forest folk, elves, gnomes, and small villagers. All of them had answered Eda’s call for help.

  “Hoy! Basil, Aisha!” a familiar voice called out.

  They paused when they saw Twig coming out of one of the tents to meet them.

  “Welcome. I’m glad to see that you have arrived safely. Eda has been waiting for you,” Twig said.

  Aisha looked at him in surprise. “Twig! How did you get here? We thought you were still imprisoned in the round tower.”

  “It’s a long story.”

  Twig looked eagerly over Basil and Aisha’s shoulders. “I can see you have rescued some other children, but where are Sophie and Jun?”

  “The last time we saw them they were trapped at The Black Feather Inn. Malefic and his henchmen were there, and we couldn’t get them out. Sophie gave me The Book and told me to reach Eda as soon as possible. She’ll have to help us,” Basil replied curtly “We’re only here because of her.”

  Twig was shocked.

  “What! That’s not good. Malefic’s got all sorts of vicious spells up his sleeve. But come with me now. Eda will know what to do.”

  The children followed Twig along the path to a large round tent set in the middle of the campsite. Its entrance flap was open, and Twig led the way inside. Despite being worried about his cousin and Jun, Basil was excited that he was at last going to meet Eda, the creator of The Game World.

  Eda was seated in a high-backed chair. Morgan, still wearing his travelling clothes, was seated on a stool nearby. They were talking softly, but stopped when they saw the children enter the tent.

  Basil, who had never seen her before, thought Eda looked beautiful, but very serious. She wore an ankle-length blue tunic over a pale yellow long-sleeved blouse and soft green leather boots. The tunic was gathered at the waist by a colourful jewelled belt. Slung around her hips was a leather belt with a long narrow scabbard which was made to hold a wand, and not a sword.

  Eda and Morgan stood up to greet the children.

  “Welcome, and thank you Twig for bringing them here. I have met all of you before, except for Basil. My thanks go to you in particular Basil, and to you Aisha. You have helped influence the moves in the game, including opening The Ninth Gateway. It now serves my purpose to leave it open, and have Malefic think it is still part of the game.”

  “Do you know if Sophie and Jun are safe?” Aisha asked Eda. “We’re really anxious about them.”

  “Morgan has told me of some of their adventures and I am aware of what happened at The Black Feather Inn,” Eda replied in her quiet voice. “Malefic has had you watched as you played the game. His main objective was to catch Sophie and make her give him The Book. He wants to learn all the secrets of the game, and gain the extra powers he needs to defeat me and get through The Tenth Gateway.”

  “Malefic missed several opportunities to catch Sophie, but now he will be gloating that she and Jun have fallen into his trap.” Morgan said.

  “Eda, you might be pleased that your plans are working, but we need to rescue Sophie and Jun. We can’t leave them at the inn,” Basil said to the magician.

  “Do not worry. They will find a way to reach you. Malefic will lose interest in them once he realizes that The Ninth Gateway is open, and that The Book is here with me. He will give chase, and I must defeat him and make sure he is again securely imprisoned in the world of The Eighth Gateway. He will be here soon, and we must be ready for him.”

  “What do you need us to do?” Aisha asked.

  “Go with Morgan. He will make sure you all remain safe while I deal with Malefic and his goblins. Keep The Book with you at all times. You will need it to get through The Tenth Gateway.”

  Morgan ushered the children and Twig out of Eda’s tent, and along the game path to the walled garden which lay at the far side of the campsite. A small canvas tent was pitched near the entrance to the garden and when the children entered, they were pleased to see a jug of juice, and some bread and cheese.

  “Please stay here,” Morgan said to the children. “Twig and I need to go and organize our folk, and prepare for Malefic’s arrival.”

  “Okay, okay, will do,” Basil nodded, but he had no intention of doing what he was told.

  Chapter Thirteen

  At the Black Feather Inn

  Sophie and Jun were trapped in the cellar. They sat on the steps near the door into the inn wondering what they were going to do next.

  “I hope I was right to give Basil The Book. I’m not sure he understands its powerful magic, and how important it is to winning the game,” Sophie said. She sounded very worried.

  “I’m sure he’ll be okay,” Jun replied. “The Book knows what it’s doing, and Aisha seemed impressed by the way Basil organized the escape from The Dark Tower. Our main problem is to work out how to get out of here, and re-join the game.”

  Sophie stood up and went to try the door again. She rattled the handle and kicked the door fiercely, but it didn’t budge.

  Jun pushed at the door several times with his shoulder, and he felt a slight movement. He moved back to have another go, when the door suddenly opened.

  Two armed goblin soldiers stood there. One of them was Captain Erluc, whom they had last seen leading his small troop through The Eighth Gateway. The other was his sergeant, Uglidor. Both were in battle dress, with swords drawn.

  Captain Erluc looked at the children coldly.

  “Come along you two, and no funny business. The master is waiting,” he growled.

  “At least we’re out of the cellar, which gives us a better chance to escape,” Jun whispered to Sophie, as they were marched down the passage.

  “Quiet, you miserable creatures.” Captain Erluc prodded Jun in the back with his sword.

  At the end of the passage Sophie and Jun heard muffled voices coming from behind an old wooden door. Opposite, rickety old stairs led to the sleeping chambers above.

  The captain shoved Jun aside, and knocked loudly on the door. A goblin soldier opened it from the other side.

  “In you go,” the captain snapped. He and Uglidor pushed the two friends so hard, that they stumbled as they entered the room, and fell to their knees.

  The room had grown silent, and Sophie and Jun stood up slowly. They rubbed their bruised knees, and quickly scanned the room.

  Being an old inn, the original room used for welcoming guests and for dining, was small. It had a low-beamed ceiling and wood panelled walls, and it was lit by several candle lanterns. A slow burning log fire added to the murky light.

  Malefic was seated close to the fire in a large chair, and next to him, almost hidden in the dark shadows, stood a small hooded figure. On one side of Malefic, five of the goblin captains sat at two rough wooden trestle tables. On the other side of the magician, Sophie and Jun recognized Grot, Weezle and Slithe. Captain Erluc, the sixth goblin captain, and Uglidor, remained standing near the door to the passage. Two other goblins stood guard at the front door.

  The bad-tempered old hobgoblin who looked after the inn, watched everyone from behind the bar. Behind him was the door leading to the kitchen.

  Sophie and Jun could see that there was no easy way out of their predicament.

  Malefic looked his usual evil self, and was dressed ready for battle. He wore a plain cream li
nen shirt under a long, tight fitting leather jerkin, and his dark woollen pants were tucked into knee-high boots. His long fair hair was tied back, and sat snugly into the nape of his neck.

  “Ah, my honoured guests,” Malefic said, as he glowered at the children, his black eyes glittering dangerously. “I believe we have met before, but this time I think I have the upper hand.”

  “You may have captured us, but there are others who are playing against you, and you’ll never win the game,” Sophie said boldly, determined not to show any fear.

  “Be silent girl! I have no time for you,” Malefic replied impatiently. He stared at Sophie, and then his eyes narrowed.

  “Where is The Book? The girl normally has it. Perscrutor, answer me.”

  The spy threw off his hood and stepped forward, and the children could at last see his face. They were surprised to see that he wasn’t a goblin. He looked more like an elf from one of the game worlds. His face was pale, with a long nose and thin lips. Like Malefic’s, his thin dark hair was tied back out of the way and his short pointed ears could be seen quite clearly. The right side of the spy’s face was slightly twisted by a deep scar which ran from under his right eye to the corner of his mouth. He looked at Sophie and Jun with dislike.

  “It was with her when they entered the cellar Master.”

  “Erluc. Take your man and search the cellar. Now! Be quick about it!” Malefic ordered the captain.

  “Yes, Master.” Captain Erluc and his offsider hastily left the room.

  Suddenly, there was a loud noise at the main entrance to the inn. The front door flew open, and a goblin soldier staggered in. It was Rotz, one of the guards from the fortress. He was breathing heavily, and he looked very anxious. He clumped across the room, and, trembling with fear, he knelt in front of Malefic with his head bowed.

  “You had better have a very good reason for this behaviour,” Malefic said softly, his voice full of menace.

  “Master, a terrible thing has happened. The prisoners in The Snout’s Hole have escaped. The Snout was attacked, but soon managed to raise the alarm. Two of us followed their trail to the path leading to The Ninth Gateway. We were about to catch up with them when we saw two more of the creatures come from the direction of the inn. We stayed hidden, and watched as they looked at something, and then the gate opened.” The guard gulped, not daring to raise his head and look at his angry master.

  “How dare you come and tell me this. What fool let this happen?”

  Before any of the captains or the guard could reply, Captain Erluc and Uglidor returned from searching the cellar. The captain approached Malefic with dread.

  “Master, The Book is not there.”

  “More incompetence. Obviously these two found a way to give the other ones The Book. I blame you for this Perscrutor.” Malefic was furious, and the spy shrank back into the shadows.

  Malefic glared at Sophie and Jun who had remained silent whilst the magician received the bad news. They hid their relief that Basil and Aisha had got safely through The Ninth Gateway.

  Malefic turned his angry gaze back to Rotz, who still knelt, shaking before him.

  “So, why are you here without the escaped prisoners?”

  “They went through the gate Master. We dared not follow.”

  Malefic’s eyes glowed, and he pointed a long finger at Rotz. He was about to punish the frightened goblin with a painful spell, when he paused. Eda had managed to keep The Ninth Gateway locked against him, but now he saw that there could be an opportunity to break through the portal.

  “Did the gate close behind them?” Malefic asked the guard.

  “No, Master. When I left to come here and report, it was still open. Sznagg stayed behind to guard the gate, and await your orders.”

  “Ah ha! This new player in the game has made a mistake.” Malefic rubbed his hands together and turned to his captains.

  “Get ready. We leave immediately for the gateway. It’s time to give Eda a nice surprise.”

  Five of the goblin captains rushed out of the inn. They were in a great hurry to organize the troops, and avoid Malefic’s anger. Captain Erluc, Uglidor and Rotz, remained behind to guard the two prisoners.

  Not sounding as confident as before, Perscrutor bowed to Malefic.

  “Will I return these creatures to the cellar Master?”

  Malefic stroked his chin and looked thoughtful.

  “No. Bind their hands and bring them with the army. They will give me something else to bargain with in my fight against Eda. But this time, make sure Erluc guards them well, or you will all be very sorry.”

  “Did you hear that? We’re going with them,” Jun murmured into Sophie’s ear.

  “Yes. Once we’re back on the path and near Eda, we stand a good chance to get away.”

  Perscrutor spoke quietly to the captain.

  “Erluc, there is no time to waste. Tie these two prisoners up, and have your men guard them closely. I don’t think the Master will treat either of us kindly if we let them escape.”

  Captain Erluc and the two other goblins dragged their prisoners away to the other end of the room. Perscrutor remained with Malefic to receive his final instructions.

  Uglidor and Rotz bound Sophie and Jun’s hands behind their backs. Captain Erluc checked all was in order, and nodded at the soldiers.

  “Good. Follow me. The troops are waiting. Stay close to the creatures. Do not let them out of your sight,” he grunted, as he led the way out of the inn.

  Perscrutor had already disappeared. He had activated his magic door, and instantly transported himself to The Ninth Gateway. The spy wanted to regain his master’s confidence by ensuring all was in order when he arrived at the gate.

  Malefic watched them all leave before standing up to make his own preparations.

  “At last,” he murmured. “Eda tricked me into entering The Game World, but her powers have weakened. This time, victory will be mine.”

  Malefic snapped his fingers. His three servants knew what was required. Slithe rushed over with a belt which held a pouch of magic black powder. Malefic tied it around his waist. Next, Grot handed the magician his black cloak. Malefic flung it around his shoulders, and then held out his right hand. Weezle, who had been standing behind Grot, placed the magician’s wand in the outstretched hand. Malefic was now ready to confront Eda.

  Slithe opened the inn door for his master, and Malefic strode out of the room, followed by his three servants.

  Outside, the sky was beginning to lighten into a dark grey dawn. The goblin troops were ready to march, and Sophie and Jun were thrust into the middle of Captain Erluc’s soldiers.

  Malefic spoke to his captains.

  “I will see you at the gate. I want to see for myself that it remains open, and then I will make my final plans to destroy Eda’s game, and the world beyond, which she is so determined to protect.”

  Malefic floated above the ground, and then, accompanied by his three servants, he flew off towards The Ninth Gateway.

  In less than a minute Malefic arrived at the opening in the cliff face. Perscrutor and Sznagg were there, awaiting his arrival.

  “All is well Master,” the spy reported. “The new players have left the gate open, and I easily entered the world of The Ninth Gateway. The entrance on the other side is unguarded, and all is quiet at Eda’s camp.”

  “Ah ha! Just as I thought. Eda thinks she is safe, but she is in for a shock. I will soon be in control of the game, not her, and she will be my prisoner,” Malefic curled his lips in an evil smile.

  “Weezle, Slithe,” he called out to his servants who were hovering nearby, waiting for their orders. “When Erluc and the other captains arrive with their troops, tell them to stay quiet, and to join me on the other side of the tunnel.”

  “What about the two prisoners Master?” Perscrutor enquired.

  “Leave them under guard in the tunnel. You can come back and get them if I think they can be useful. Now, to more important things. Grot, I want yo
u and Perscrutor to come with me.”

  With a swirl of his black cloak Malefic flew through the tunnel, with Grot and Perscrutor trailing behind him.

  In no time at all, the three of them stood on the hill overlooking Eda’s camp.

  Malefic was pleased at what he saw. It was still early morning, and only a few forest folk were cooking their breakfasts. Most of the tent flaps were closed, indicating that the other folk had not yet risen for the day. There was no sign of the children who now had the magic book, and Malefic thought that they must be with Eda.

  “All the better,” he muttered to himself. “I’ll attack Eda first, and frighten them into giving me The Book. And if I need to, I can threaten their friends if they don’t hand it over.”

  The goblin troops were filing out of the tunnel, and stood with their captains on the hillside, waiting for Malefic to give the signal to attack.

  “Now, remember what I said,” Malefic barked his orders. “Take as many prisoners as possible. I want them under my control, and part of my invading army when I get through The Tenth Gateway.”

  “Yes, Master. We are ready,” his captains grunted.

  Malefic lifted himself off the ground, and spread his arms wide. Like a huge bird, he swooped down the grassy slope heading straight for Eda’s tent. His servants flew after him.

  The goblin army clambered down the hill, weapons raised, yelling their war cries.

  "Ahhhhh! Grrrr! Waaaa! Yaaah!

  The folk cooking breakfast looked up as if alarmed, and grabbed weapons that had been lying near their camp-fires. As the first soldiers in the goblin army reached the campsite, the tent flaps opened, and Eda’s folk poured out, fully armed. The fight was on.

  The goblins were well-armed with short swords and spears, and wore tough leather jerkins to protect their thick bodies. But they wore heavy boots, which made them clumsy, and they had also lost the element of surprise.