by Vance Huxley
Seeing how despondent Kelis looked settled one thing. Abel finally abandoned the kiss test, because Kelis really had moved on. “What if Claris is in his car when he arrives?” Though he could still tweak her. “You could ask your mum to come as well, as a chaperone?”
Kelis didn’t bite. From the sound of it she’d even considered the possibility because Laurence would meet her mum sooner rather than later. He’d already started pushing, gently, to meet up. In the end they decided on a Tavern meeting in Kelis’ house, a non-magical one where Kelis’ mum could get the third degree out of the way. Kelis warmed to that, because then Laurence could pick Claris up outside Castle House so nobody realised she lived in the church.
Claris’ mother, Mrs. Ellsworth, promptly accepted the first opportunity for a meeting. Unfortunately she immediately launched into an attempt to get Claris to come home. She’d try even harder at the meeting, because although Ferryl/Claris could now walk without help she still looked thin and sickly. Building her body back up so she remained healthy without magical help would take time and food. At least the junk food for the goblins came in handy, because Ferryl/Claris stuffed it down and converted it into healthy girl.
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As expected, by Rob and Abel at least, Laurence could come to a Tavern meeting with Kelis any time. He stuttered a bit over picking up Claris but Kelis just insisted he had to keep it quiet until there’d been time to explain. When Laurence and Ferryl/Claris drove up Kelis’ drive he looked unhappy but resigned, though Kelis’ mum greeting Ferryl/Claris reassured him. Most of the visit Laurence spent sat in the lounge talking to Mrs. Ventner, a prolonged, gentle interrogation. Her mum still felt very protective after all the trouble.
The meeting afterwards in Bonny’s Tavern didn’t take long. Laurence sat with Kelis and she walked him out to his car afterwards though Ferryl/Claris stayed behind, allegedly to catch a bus. She reported intense cross-questioning when Laurence picked her up, about both her condition and what happened. He seemed to buy the drug story, telling Claris she was a fool and should have phoned him for help.
Three days later Kelis waved her mum goodbye as a smiling Laurence held open the door of his second-hand but nippy hot hatch, a red Corsa. It wasn’t nippy on the way into town, because Abel’s mum led the way. Once the short, stout woman had more or less flown across the coffee shop to crush her wayward daughter in a bear hug, everyone met Mrs. Ellsworth. She wanted privacy, but conceded defeat after tearful pleas from Ferryl/Claris. Ferryl/Claris swore she’d had a terrible time, she’d been in an awful place, and she insisted on sitting with Abel, Kelis and Rob. That brought the first curious looks from Abel’s mum.
The garbled tale about getting away and wanting a place nobody would look for her poured out. Claris had chosen Brinsford because there’d be no druggies, and nobody would expect her to run to these three. She hadn’t been sure they’d help, because they hadn’t been friends, but she’d hoped the charity bit in their game was real. Now Claris daren’t tell anyone where she lived or go home in case the bad people found her.
More tears and clinging to Abel got her through not going to the police in case the criminals wanted revenge. Abel had no idea where Ferryl got some of that, probably some film she’d watched while he slept. He felt sure it only worked due to copious tears, and Ferryl/Claris clinging to him every time going home was mentioned.
Now he could see how badly Mrs. Ellsworth wanted her daughter home, Abel felt guilty because he knew Ferryl/Claris could go right now. Ferryl only refused so she could stay in Brinsford and protect him. Finally Ferryl/Claris suggested the two mothers should talk so her mum could ask embarrassing questions about Abel, Kelis and Rob. A flustered Mrs. Ellsworth hesitated but then agreed, no doubt hoping she could find out why Claris had gone to Brinsford, or where she was living now.
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The five teenagers went for a wander around the shopping centre, where a definite trend developed. Laurence kept asking what sort of place Rob, Abel or Ferryl/Claris liked to go on days out. They soon realised he wanted someone, anyone, to make up a three or foursome so he could take Kelis out. Laurence worked through a variety of places including amusement parks, concerts and a Shire Horse centre until Abel thought he’d probably settle for a funeral if that’s all there was.
Abel didn’t volunteer because he couldn’t work out if either of them wanted company or not. Kelis had always shied clear of boys, so maybe she’d got cold feet about being alone with Laurence. Eventually Rob looked from one to the other and shook his head, smiling. “Ask, you daft burkes. Do you want me, Claris or Abel? We’ll all come if it makes you feel better, and even wander off and leave you alone now and then?” He watched with delight while both Kelis and Laurence floundered over the last bit.
“I can’t come along without Abel. I wouldn’t want to be on my own.” Ferryl/Claris glanced at Rob with a little smile. Abel opened his mouth to point out organising that might be impossible so Rob could chaperone.
Too late, Rob struck first. “Perfect. Abel and Claris because two couples will look better and you won’t want to take someone on their own, a gooseberry. If I come I’ll have to bring Melanie so I have someone to talk to.”
Abel didn’t have to look to know Laurence would move heaven and earth to avoid having Rob’s kid sister along. He still meant to object until he saw the happy little smile on Kelis’ face. Either she found the idea of dragging Abel and Ferryl/Claris around as a couple funny, or just felt happy for any solution, but either way Abel gave in. Laurence promptly launched into a list of places they could go.
Meanwhile Ferryl/Claris had been nudging Abel closer to the shop windows as they passed until she suddenly stopped. Since she still had an arm round him and hung onto his hand, so did Abel and the rest turned, curious. “That is beautiful. The Sprite, nymph. The silver one.” Ferryl’s mental voice spoke to Abe. “Can we buy it?”
“Crikey, Claris, that’s twenty quid.” At least Abel could use Zephyr to answer now. “Why do you want it?”
“To pay my way.” Ferryl/Claris looked wistful. “My room is so bare. I would like just one beautiful thing in there, just to remind me of home.” She sighed. “Something not expensive enough to be tempted to sell it.”
“Are you broke? Your mum would give you money.” Laurence looked puzzled, because from the meeting Mrs. Ellsworth would mortgage the house if Claris needed it. “Blimey, I’ll loan you a few quid if you need it.”
“I emptied my bank account, or rather the people I was with did. I gave them the card and PIN number to get my fixes. Now I don’t want to ask mum for more because without cash I can’t buy the shit, so I can’t be hooked again. Worse, those nasty bastards might hear about it. I’d end up back in that house, and, well, it would be worse this time.” Ferryl/Claris shuddered. “Once I’ve really recovered I can stay clean but right now I’d be tempted.” She glanced down, ashamed. “I’m still not really clear.” Once again Abel wondered if she’d got all this from a film.
“I’ll buy you the fairy.” Laurence looked at the array of ornaments and jewellery in the window. “What about that one sat on a toadstool? It’s a bit bigger, and her wings are stretched out. She’ll look better all on her own.”
Despite Abel’s mental objections, Ferryl/Claris let Laurence buy her a lovely silver fairy for sixty-three quid. Allegedly it was the least he could do to apologise for not realising she’d got in trouble. By the time they arrived back in the coffee shop Abel thought he knew at least part of the reason Laurence insisted. Kelis now wore a necklace holding another silver fairy, one with tiny diamond chips sparkling on her wings. According to Laurence he “couldn’t buy something for one lovely lady without treating the other.”
Abel tried hard, but Ferryl wouldn’t tell him what she’d got in mind. He had to banish Zephyr because his mum might see spooky-phone, so Abel gave up until he got home. There’d been some real discussion between the mothers, some of it about Ferryl/Claris’ second-hand clothes. A big bag
of Claris’ clothes and her makeup and God only knew what else would be ready tomorrow. Laurence promptly volunteered to collect it all, though Ferryl/Claris insisted it went to Brinsford rather than give up her address.
The goodbye turned into a tearjerker of course. Abel insisted on letting go to step back, allowing Mrs. Ellsworth to hug her daughter and have a few totally private words. Though before Mrs. Ellsworth left Abel also got a big hug and a tearful thank you, as did a startled Kelis and Rob.
Once again Ferryl/Claris insisted she’d get home from Brinsford by herself, but Kelis diverted any questions by walking Laurence to his car to say goodnight. Abel missed it because his mum took him straight home to answer some questions. Despite the third degree Abel felt sure she wasn’t satisfied but he couldn’t work out why. Was it because Ferryl/Claris came to him rather than friends or because she wouldn’t go home? He steadfastly refused to admit he knew where Ferryl/Claris lived, or give her phone number.
When he finally got to Bonny’s Tavern Abel collapsed with a soft drink. “We’ve got to find someplace for Ferryl to live, somewhere she can take Claris’ mum.” He took a swig. “Just to stop the third degree. My throat is raw. I’ll get more when mum remembers Claris hanging onto my hand.”
“It would be better if I could get lodgings in Brinsford. Then I could walk about openly and we could meet up easier. Someone will notice me eventually.” Ferryl/Claris smiled at Kelis, with just a bit of wicked in it. “At least we will be out of Brinsford some of the time, with Laurence. I can get to see a bit of the modern world.”
“Why is Laurence so keen, Kelis?” Abel laughed at her look. “I meant to cram in so many days out, not to see you.”
“He’s only got a few weeks to enjoy the holidays, then just before we go back to school he’s off to Europe for a fortnight. It’s a big family thing. They’ve got relatives in France and Germany who all meet up at a chalet in the mountains. After that holiday Laurence has to start work so he’s making the most of these last few weeks of freedom.”
“Blimey, how the other half live.” Rob raised his drink in a salute. “Cash in Kelis.”
She looked down at the fairy necklace. “It’s not like that. I don’t want his money. I just wanted to enjoy myself a bit now I’m finally rid of dad, and Laurence is nice. I didn’t expect the trips or gifts.” Her eyes narrowed. “I wouldn’t have got jewellery if someone hadn’t been casting greedy eyes over something else.”
“Tomorrow. I have some careful glyphs to cast, and can’t be sure how well it will work. This might be a way to support myself in this modern world.” Ferryl/Claris looked decidedly smug. “If it works, Laurence will get his money back and you will all be working very hard on glyphs.”
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The following morning, as soon as Abel, Rob and Kelis had all eaten breakfast, they headed for the church. Kelis stopped Rob and Abel before they went indoors. “I know it’s short notice, Abel, but Laurence will be over just after ten to bring Claris her clothes.” Kelis looked from Abel to the church, where Ferryl/Claris would be eating or sleeping, the best ways to let Ferryl heal her.
“No problem. He doesn’t even have to meet Claris, just drop them off. That might be best because he looked a bit curious about why she didn’t go back to Stourton with him.” Rob shook his head. “We’ve got to sort that out sooner or later.”
“Ah. Well. It’s just that Laurence called last night. He wondered if I, we, wanted to go someplace today. I sort of panicked and said how about a zoo. Apparently there’s one not too far by car. Near Chapel-en-le Frith? The Chestnut Centre? There’s owls and things? Well?” Kelis stopped babbling and waited warily.
“You pulled that out of your head?” Abel couldn’t name a nearby zoo and very few anyplace. “Why a zoo?”
“Because it’s public and a zoo is the first thing I thought of? I’m a bit wary. He’s nearly eighteen and well, my only other boyfriend lived next door and never took me out of the village?” She giggled nervously. “He sounded a bit panicky. I think he looked up zoos while we were talking.” Kelis poked Abel with a finger. “Don’t you dare wander off.”
“Really? You want a gooseberry?”
“This time at least, so no smart comments. Just remember, I can see you when you use a veil.” Kelis smirked. “Gooseberries, because Claris will be going as well.”
“What! How come? She’s supposed to be in Stourton.” Abel turned to look at the church. “Ferryl wanted to work on something today.”
“Last night so it’ll be done. It’s just that, well, Rob threatened to bring Melanie.” Rob tried to look penitent but the smile kept spoiling it. “Then I thought Laurence might think it’s weird, bringing my ex along. If you’ve got Claris hung on your arm it’ll look better.” Kelis looked determined.
“And you aren’t sure how I’d react if you hinted I got lost for a few minutes.” Abel grinned at her wary expression. “Relax, I got the message. Kiss test cancelled, link broken, move on. Though we’ll still have to talk fast to cover Claris being here.”
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Though once the three of them crammed into Ferryl/Claris’ little room it wasn’t excuses for Laurence anyone wanted to talk about. Rob got over the initial shock first, reaching out cautiously. “Is that a seeming, or the colour glyph?” He picked up the fairy figurine and hefted it. “It’s heavier than I thought.”
“Gold is heavy.” Ferryl/Claris smirked. “Much heavier than silver, and worth about fifty times as much going by my rough calculations.”
“Real gold?” Kelis took the fairy from Rob, inspecting it. “Crikey, why haven’t you been making gold bars? Was the glyph for this on your wits?” She passed the ornament to Abel.
“No, Ferryl could always make gold.” Abel remembered now, he’d thought the same when Ferryl made a diamond out of rock. “Remember you had to give that big shiny stone back to me for a while, so it didn’t turn to dust overnight?”
“You weren’t just being silly, it’s a real magical gem? I know it’s not diamond, because I can see a blurry bit in the middle.” Kelis grinned, pretending to swing something from one hand. “I really did consider putting it on a chain, either as bling or to brain Henry with, but it’s too big to be anything but glass or plastic.”
Abel grinned back. “Wrong, it’s a real diamond, but only as long as there’s enough magic in that blur to keep it that way. Ferryl can make gold bricks from ordinary ones, but they’ve got a glyph right inside and if they are melted down, hammered into another shape or run out of magic, ping. Back to a clay brick. I asked, because it seemed a terrific way to make money, but goldsmiths will have a magic detector.”
“No they don’t, though most of them used to have one when I went in the hole.” Ferryl/Claris took the ornament. “The shop this came from hasn’t got any magical anything, nor had most of the other shops. If gold sovereigns were still used as money I could make dozens of them. They take longer because of the shaping and stamping, but are worth a lot of money now.” She handed the ornament to Kelis. “Sell that as gold. The money will pay for my food and Jenny’s petrol money to get it. Better yet, I can rent a proper room in Brinsford.”
“If someone will rent you one.” Rob looked round the room. “Anything has to be better than this.”
“Not really, this is pure luxury for a rich man if you go back far enough back.” Ferryl/Claris gestured at the fairy. “Well? We can buy more silver, in ornaments so nobody will melt or reshape them, then sell them as gold at fifty times the price. I can make the ornaments from clay but it takes much longer.”
“But what about when the glyph runs down?” Rob took the alleged gold and inspected it. “Someone is going to be really, really pissed off.” He turned to Kelis, sniggering. “So your diamond will turn to dust? It’s a good job you dumped the cheapskate.”
“The diamond will last several normal lifetimes, or forever if you keep putting magic into it now and then. At the time I thought Abel might be trying to attract you, or buy your
favours, so I put plenty of his magic in there.” Ferryl/Claris continued, oblivious to Kelis’ silently mouthed ‘buy my favours’ or Abel’s scarlet face. “I have put a similar amount in here. The purchaser and their heirs will be long dead before it crumbles.”
“Good enough for me.” Rob seemed convinced. “Make it their great-great grandkids, because you can get plenty of magic from the trees in the garden. Then nobody is being swindled, not really.” He shrugged. “They’ll still have the silver, and just think it was never real.”
“Unless it gets stolen. Then the thief melts it down and gets a lump of silver. I can live with that.” Kelis touched her necklace. “Though I’ll keep this one as silver. It would be mean to change a gift.” She looked at the rest in turn. “It can’t really be that easy?”
“We only make gold to get Claris sorted out, to get lodgings and maybe a few quid towards the game development. Then once we get an income, any income, we stop. I know it’s one or two hundred years in the future but we’re still cheating someone eventually.” Abel knew it felt wrong, but the hundred quid or so profit would be the price of a packet of crisps by then. Though it still niggled. “How much will it fetch?”
“Over three thousand pounds, just by weight. I told you, I looked in those windows and worked it out.” Ferryl/Claris looked triumphant. “You never asked for riches, Abel Conroy, but now you can have them as well.”
“Three…” That stumped Abel.
“So how do you do it? Is it the same as the colour glyph? I could get dad a gold watch for his birthday.” Rob looked around the room. “How big a thing can you change? How about a gold desk?”
“The size depends on the supply of magic and concentration, and control of course. It isn’t so much a glyph, more a rearranging of the inside of the metal.” The three teenagers sat on chairs or the bed as Ferryl/Claris went into teacher mode. Though once they began to realise just what transformation involved, none of them expected to learn it soon. According to Ferryl they had to let magic penetrate the metal just a little, and read the way the parts were arranged. Once they had that memorised, then the students must look into a rock and re-arrange the structure to match that of gold. Shedding parts or taking some from earth or air might be necessary depending on the transformation. A locking glyph kept the result in place.