by Burt Candy
The sleigh came to a halt in the central square and they were approached by an old man dressed in the traditional Drakespear costume which consisted of a fur waistcoat over a colourful shirt, long leather trousers and fur boots, a three-quarter fur coat and, on top, a woollen cap in the country's national colours of purple and green. It was strangely spectacular. Matilda also noticed how tall and spindly the people were as others drifted out of their houses to inspect their visitors. They were completely different to the Frizlanders who were generally stockier and not as tall.
“Greetings,” said the old man. “My name is Vandar and I am the mayor of Tetra. How can we help you?”
“Hello, Vandar,” replied Maximilian. “My name is Maximilian and my friend here is Matilda. We have travelled from Frizland in search of answers to some problems we are having. We think that you and your villagers may have some information that will assist us.”
As soon as Maximilian mentioned the word “Frizland” Matilda could sense a change in Vandar's
behaviour. He appeared to tense up and frowned as he said, “We are not in the habit of helping Frizlanders.”
“Oh, no,” said Maximilian quickly. “Matilda and I are not Frizlanders. We are visitors there and are studying the history and culture with particular interest in magic spells.” Thinking quickly he added. “We intend visiting Drakespear to further our studies once we have finished our work in Frizland.”
'Very well,” agreed Vandar, relaxing. “Come with me to the community lodge. We can share some hot chocolate to warm your heart as we talk.” He smiled.
Maximilian and Matilda climbed down from the sleigh and trudged through the snow as they followed Vandar to a large log cabin at the end of the main street. Villagers stared at them as they passed and small children waved shyly.
They entered the building and were seated on wooden benches. Vandar signalled to a man who was standing over a large kettle suspended over a fire-pit. He came over and served each of them a mug of hot chocolate from the kettle. Matilda sipped hers and found it to be delicious.
“Well,” said Vandar, “how can I help you?”
“When we were studying the history of Frizland,” began Maximilian, “we came across some material about the War of Tears.”
“Yes,” said Vandar, warily, “and what did you find?”
“It wasn't so much what we found as what we didn't find,” said Maximilian. “We discovered records of your leader Dakar's surrender and the fact that your village helped him while he was hiding out in a cave in the mountains. What we're interested in doing is filling in the gaps in the records about why Dakar suddenly gave himself up.” He was purposely withholding the fact that he knew why Dakar had surrendered to test Vandar's truthfulness.
“It's quite simple, really,” stated Vandar. “Dakar had heard about the cruelty of the Ice Queen's trolls and was afraid that his people would continue to suffer as long as he stayed hidden.”
“How did he hear about that cruelty?” asked Maximilian.
“We told him,” confessed Vandar. “News of what was happening spread quickly around the land and we were in constant contact with him.”
“I see,” said Maximilian. “It was very brave of him to give himself up for the sake of his people.”
“Yes,” agreed Vandar. “What I find strange is that you are not the first people to come to our village to ask about Dakar.”
“Oh,” gasped Maximilian. “And who was that?”
“It was a long time ago; just after Dakar passed away. The visitor wasn't one of our people,” said Vandar. “He was from Frizland. He didn't give his name and I didn't dare ask as the Frizlanders were still in control of our country. He asked questions much the same as yours. He seemed sincere and even told me how much he admired Dakar which was strange coming from a Frizlander at that time. He wanted to know where the cave was that Dakar used.”
“Did you tell him?” asked Maximilian.
“I saw no reason not to,” stated Vandar. “He said he was writing up the history of the War of Tears and I took him at his word.”
“Could you describe him?” asked Maximilian.
“From memory, and mine is fading, I remember that he was a troll, short and stocky. He wore ordinary clothes and yes . . . he had a scar down the side of his nose. That's all I can remember,” said Vandar. “I hope that helps.”
“I'm sure it will,” replied Maximilian take us to the cave?” requested Maximilian. “Can you take us to Dakar's cave?
“Of course,” said Vandar.“We have nothing to hide.”
“Thank you,” Maximilian stated sincerely.
Matilda, Maximilian and Vandar returned to the sleigh and headed towards the Drakespear
Mountain Range.
Chapter 15
Dakar's Cave
They travelled up and down the hills towards the mountains. At last, when they reached the rocky slope, they had to leave the sleigh and walk the rest of the way. It was a slippery path as the track was covered in snow and they had to clamber over rocks to reach the cave. What they saw when they arrived was astounding. The cave had been set up as a shrine to Dakar with jewelled statues, paintings, golden torches hanging from the walls and animal furs covering the floor. Candles surrounded a portrait of Dakar that rested on a ledge.
“Wow!” exclaimed Matilda.
“Yes,” agreed Vandar. “He is a hero to our people even though he brought disaster to our land.”
“Was it like this when your other visitor came here?” asked Maximilian.
“No,” stated Vandar. “This was only set up more than twenty years after his death and when it was safe to speak his name. As a matter of fact it was strange that, after the visitor had been here, we found the cave in complete disarray. It was as if some monster had been here and everything had been disturbed. All of the belongings that Dakar left behind were scattered and even the rocks he had used as a table and chair had been thrown aside.”
“Do you think your visitor was looking for something in particular?” enquired Maximilian.
“It would seem so,” agreed Vandar. “It took us many hours to clean up the cave.”
“Was anything missing?” asked Matilda.
“We wouldn't know,” explained Vandar. “Although we visited the cave often when Draga was hiding here we only saw how he was living and, when he was gone, we respected his memory by not touching anything. We had no way of knowing if he had anything valuable that was worth stealing.”
“Did you see your visitor again after he had been to the cave?” asked Maximilian.
“No,” said Vandar. “It was as if he simply disappeared. Nobody saw him leave.”
“Very interesting,” stated Maximilian, stroking his chin.
After inspecting Dakar's shrine the party returned to the village. Maximilian thanked Vandar for his help and then he and Matilda climbed aboard their sleigh for the trip back to the Ice Palace.
Chapter 16
The Visitor?
Atalai greeted them as they entered the Ice Palace on their return.
“How did your visit go?” she asked, then added churlishly, “Any amazing discoveries?”
“As a matter of fact we learnt quite a bit,” replied Maximilian. “And some of it may help us solve our problem.” He went on to recount their visit to the village of Tetra and to Dakar's cave.
When he had finished, Atalai exploded. “A shrine to that monster? The hide of them. He killed my father. That shrine will be destroyed.”
“Now, now,” counselled Maximilian, “that is all in the past. You have to learn to forgive. After all it wasn't the people of Drakespear who were responsible for the death of your father; and you had your revenge when Dakar was captured and died in your prison. There has been too much pain; let the past stay where it is and let the people of Drakespear have their small comfort.”
Remarkably, Atalai listened to Maximilian's words in silence. Without bothering to reply she swished her cape and left the r
oom.
As the Ice Queen slammed the door behind her, Matilda let out a sigh. “Atalai will never forgive the Drakespearians for the death of her father – and to think it was all over some hot water.”
“Given time she may consider my words and see the error of her ways,” stated Maximilian.
“I hope so,” said Matilda, “although I doubt it. She should remember that you recently saved her life and she wouldn't be here shouting for more revenge if it hadn't been for you.”
“M-m-m, yes my little petal,” agreed Maximilian. “Perhaps she will recall that after she cools down. Now I need to go for a walk to think about what we have learnt so far.”
“I need to study the scrolls a bit more to see if there is another clue as to why this is all happening,” added Matilda. “I'll meet you for dinner.”
And so they parted ways in the entrance chamber, Maximilian heading outside while Matilda went over to the scrolls that recorded events from the War of Tears. Just as she began reading about Dakar's capture a figure appeared in the chamber, hurrying towards the front door. It was a troll and he wore black clothes, a white cape and a white beret on his head. As he passed Matilda she caught a glimpse of his face and saw something that shocked her; the troll had a scar down the side of his nose, just as Vandar had described. Had she discovered the identity of the visitor to Dakar's cave?
As the stranger disappeared outside, Matilda approached one of the troll guards.
“Can you tell me who that was that just went outside?” she enquired.
“That was Rashi, the Queen's Shaman, Miss,” replied the guard
“Thank you,” said Matilda and rushed to the front of the palace in an attempt to find Maximilian
and tell him of her discovery.
When she reached the front steps she saw Rashi, the Troll Shaman, climbing into a sleigh and shaking the reins to drive the mountain ponies forward. She watched him as the sleigh headed towards the distant forest, following a trail of footsteps in the snow. Were they Maximilian's footsteps? And why did Rashi seem to be following them?
Matilda was about to set off on foot through the snow in pursuit of the Troll Shaman when she heard a commotion behind her. She turned around to see a troll guard talking excitedly to the other guards and heard him say something about Bladefoot. Instead of following Rashi she hurried back inside the castle to find out what all the excitement was all about.
Chapter 17
Gone Missing
Matilda immediately saw that something was seriously wrong. The guards were obviously disturbed as they stood in a group chattering noisily amongst themselves.
“What's wrong?” she asked one of the guards.
“Bladefoot,” came the reply. “He's gone missing. Disappeared.”
“When did this happen?” enquired Matilda.
“It must have been some time last night,” stated the guard. “He didn't come to breakfast so I went looking for him and I couldn't find him anywhere.”
“The same time as the intruder broke into the palace,” thought Matilda. “Keep looking,” she told the guards. “You never know, he may just have gone out for a long walk.” But she didn't believe that herself. She had to speak to Maximilian. When would he be back? She decided that it was no
use waiting; she would have to go out and find him.
Hurrying back out to the front of the castle, she raced down the steps and followed the footsteps in the snow and the sleigh marks left by Rashi. At last she reached the edge of the forest just in time to see Maximilian hurrying back towards the palace. She was so relieved to see him that she rushed forward and gave him a big hug, her arms just reaching his waist.
“Whoa, whoa,” exclaimed Maximilian. “What's the matter my little one?”
“Bladefoot,” explained Matilda. “He's gone missing.”
“Yes,” said Maximilian sadly, “I know. That's why I'm hurrying back to the palace. I found him while I was out walking . . . and I'm afraid that it's not good news.”
Matilda could see the shock on Maximilian's face. “What's wrong?” she asked, dreading what she was about to hear.
“He's been another victim of the freezing spell,” replied Maximilian. “I found him in the forest. How he got there I have no idea, but there he is . . . frozen. We have to get back to the palace and arrange for him to be retrieved.”
As they turned and began the return journey, Madeline told Maximilian about Rashi, Atalai's Shaman.
“As he passed me I caught a glimpse of his face and he has a scar down the side of his nose, just as Vandar described. I was about to follow him but the news of Bladefoot's disappearance distracted me. I saw him heading in the same direction as you walked. Surely you saw him.”
“No, I didn't,” stated Maximilian, “although I did see some sleigh marks in the snow as I came back.”
“I thought he must have been following you,” said Matilda.
“He was probably heading somewhere else,” guessed Maximilian. “But we will certainly be talking to him when he returns. Brilliant observation, my little one.”
They trudged through the snow, back to the Ice Palace.
Chapter 18
Rashi
As soon as they arrived back at the palace Matilda and Maximilian went in search of Atalai. They found her in a sitting room talking with her Grand Vizier as they studied reams of official documents. Sensing their eagerness, Atalai dismissed the Grand Vizier and signalled for them to sit on a lounge nearby.
“The boring side of my job,” she said, indicating the pile of documents. “Now, what have you discovered that brings you here in such an impatient way?”
Maximilian proceeded to inform her of Bladefoot's fate and she immediately rang a small bell. When a troll guard appeared she arranged for a party of guards to bring the frozen Snow Troll back to the palace. Maximilian told the guard where Bladefoot was to be found. As the guard ran out to arrange for the retrieval, Maximilian turned to Matilda.
“Tell the Queen what you discovered about the strange visitor to Dakar's cave,” he said.
Matilda then informed Atalai of Vandar's description of the visitor and how she had managed to identify Rashi from the scar down the side of his nose. Atalai was shocked.
“I can't believe it,” she gasped. “He has been a loyal and trusted servant for over a hundred years. He was Shaman to my father before his death. How could he possibly side with our enemies? It is impossible.”
“Nevertheless,” stated Maximilian, “he fits the bill. I don't think there are many people around here with a scar down the side of their nose, do you?”
“No,” murmured Atalai. “It just seems unbelievable. There must be another explanation.”
“Well, the only way we'll discover that is by talking to Rashi,” said Maximilian.
Atalai reached for the bell again. When a guard appeared she ordered him to escort Rashi to her immediately on his return. The threesome then sat quietly staring out into space with nothing to say to each other until Maximilian broke the silence.
“During my walk I was thinking about this freezing spell. I can't see how anybody else could get hold of that particular spell. I mean, it's my spell; I found it in an age-old book in the library section of my family treasures and infused it into Peri's wand.” He turned to Matilda. “You know about the treasures; some were kept in your attic.” Matilda nodded. “But, you see, I am the only one with permission to go into the library. And besides, I can't remember any reference to a lock for the spell. It's very confusing . . . but the fact remains that somebody out there gained access to the spell and found out how to lock it.”
Matilda had a thought and turned to Maximilian. “Do you think you had better have a talk with The Keeper. After all, he has been in charge of the treasures and the library?” she asked.
“Of course,” exclaimed Maximilian. “How clever of you my little petal. If anybody should know who has been to the library without permission, it is The Keeper.”
; Any further conversation on the topic was interrupted by the arrival of Rashi in the hands of two guards. They bustled him in to the room.
“Get your hands off me,” Rashi protested. “Don't you know who I am? I can't be treated this way.” And he looked at Atalai with pleading eyes. “What have I done, my Mistress, to deserve this?”
“That's what we need to find out, my friend,” said Atalai. “We have certain information that requires an explanation.”
“What?” asked Rashi, looking quite terrified. Matilda once again noticed the scar along his nose.
“I believe that you visited Dakar's cave shortly after his death, is that right?” said Atalai.
Rashi nodded, his head bowed.
“Why?” asked Atalai.
Rashi looked up. “When Dakar was dying, you allowed two of his relatives to visit him in his cell. I was there and overheard what was said. Dakar told his relatives that there was a diary hidden in the cave and it contained details of the War of Tears that were important. He asked them to find the diary and keep it safe as part of Drakespearian history but also because it was a record of what the Frizland troops had done to his people. I planned to get to the diary first and keep it a secret. I didn't want our enemy to have information that they may use to embarrass us.”
Atalai looked thoughtful. “Why didn't you tell me about this?”
“Before I went to the cave you were out of the palace visiting villages; and, when I found nothing, what was the point of telling you that?”
“You found nothing?” interrupted Maximilian.
“That's right,” agreed Rashi. “When I arrived at the cave I found it in a mess. Somebody else had obviously beaten me there. I searched through the shambles even though I knew I wouldn't find anything; and that's what happened – nothing”
Atalai looked at him severely. “You have been very foolish. You should have waited until my return and informed me before you rushed off chasing your own glory.”