Charlie had not given it any thought, but his actions had affected the present.
Because the coachman’s whip had been destroyed in the past, it no longer existed in the present. Therefore, it was no longer restraining Neve.
“Thank you, Charlie,” the snow fairy said.
“Wh…where did my whip go? What kind of magic is this?” Jollysnaps barked out in frustration, as he looked down upon his empty whip hand.
“The kind that’s no good for you, my golden goose,” Neve said. She flipped her wand hand, turning the coachman into a large golden goose. “There, now you know what it feels like to be turned to gold.”
“Give me the crystal or your little friends die,” Senkrad called out from atop the stairway. The Dark Thorn was confident he had the upper hand for two reasons: One, Flamario was ready to pounce on the restrained frog. And two, Michael had been quietly captured by Captain Fibs while Charlie was admiring the golden goose.
“That’s right, give us the crystal and we’ll let your friends go,” Fibs demanded, holding a small dagger to Michael’s throat.
Charlie, Oteza, Frank and Neve looked at each with silent confidence in their eyes.
Frank raised his head towards the chamber’s arched ceiling. He noticed it was constructed of large golden blocks. Large enough in fact, to crush even the strongest of men. He turned and looked at Captain Fibs. “When will you ever learn, Patrons never give up.”
On Frank’s words, Charlie took action, diving towards Fibs into a summersault roll, which he leaped out of, then sprung into the air—flying over the heads of Fibs and his brother, he reached back and thunked the captain on the head with his walking stick. Fibs was out cold, and his brother was free once more.
“I told you I was a whomping stick, Charlie,” Oteza said with a smirk.
Frank turned towards the fire breather, who was preparing to leap off the balcony. The mighty Patron reached out with his hands aglow, then pulled down. Three of the large, golden blocks from the ceiling came crashing down upon Flamario. He did not move.
Senkrad quickly began to conjure up a spell to make Frank pay for his actions, but the Dark Thorn was too slow.
Neve pulled back her arms, then thrust forward, sending an enormous wave of wintery magic, which engulfed Senkrad like a giant snow globe—rendering him powerless against the Patrons, and freeing their good friend Featherwink from the spell which had held him pinned to the floor.
Thank you, friend,” the frog said to the snow fairy.
With the FOTO army defeated and the crystal in safe keeping, Frank gathered everyone together, and with the wave of his hand, the light charm flashed and the group vanished.
Back at the watchmaker’s workshop, everyone had gathered to say their congratulations, thank you’s and goodbyes for now. Alexios had given the second Kingdom Crystal to Frank for safe keeping, while Midnight, Ticky and Tocky agreed they would see each other again. Neve and Featherwink rejoiced with their good friend the watchmaker, as Charlie, Michael, Ben and Frank shared hugs, catching up on all they had done over the past week, and what what the boys had planned for the remainder of their Disney World vacation.
Charlie paused for a moment. Something was missing.
“What about Sassyfran and Provo?” Charlie asked. “They should be here to celebrate with us.”
“Of course, Charlie. I could not agree more,” Frank replied.
“You know what do,” Oteza added.
“Right,” Charlie said with a smile. He activated, then spoke to, the watch—vanishing with his magic stick in hand.
Mere seconds later, the boy returned with the cute, little wood maiden, and a mouse on her shoulder.
“Thank you, Charlie, Sassyfran said, kissing him on the cheek.
The boy’s cheeks blushed. “You’re welcome.”
“Yes, thank you lad. Why, that’s more than once you’ve saved my furry little hide this week. Let’s not forget about that hawk you protected me from when we first met.”
Charlie gave Provo a curious look.
“Ohhhh, the hawk. That’s right,” Charlie replied with a chuckle. “Well, now we can celebr…wait, there is one more thing,” Charlie said. The boy looked over at Oteza, who was leaning against a chair. “What about her?”
“I will hold onto Oteza for safe keeping,” Frank replied.
“Yes, the real world is no place for a walking stick like me,” Oteza said jokingly.
Everyone joined in for a good laugh.
“Thank you Frank,” Charlie said. “And you as well, Oteza,” Charlie said , picking her up one last time before they parted. “I’ll miss you.” The boy sighed, then handed her to Frank.
“It’s OK, Charlie. Somehow, I don’t think this will be the last time we see each other,” the ostrich stick said, trying to lift the boy’s spirits up.
Charlie’s eyes welled up. Goodbyes were never easy for him. “You…you are one of the best gifts anyone has ever given to me.”
“Ohhh, please don’t cry Charlie. It made me VERY happy to make this gift for a special person like you. As long as you hold her in your heart, you will never be apart. You are a good boy,” Raphael said, placing a hand on Charlie’s shoulder.
“And a good brother as well,” Frank added, as he and Oteza glanced over at Michael—both smiling.
Michael returned the smile with much appreciation. Now, more than ever, he knew just how much his brother truly loved him. As did everyone else in the room.
Elontra, having freed herself from the shackles, was extremely frustrated. She helped Senkrad escape Neve’s snow globe, then the two Dark Thorns looked around the chamber, assessing the results of their defeat.
“Should we help the others?” Senkrad asked, regarding Flamario, Mr. Jollysnaps, Captain Fibs, and his toady trolls.
“Leave them,” Elontra said. “Consider it punishment for their failures. Besides, they are all plenty capable of finding a way out.”
“This is only the beginning,” Senkrad said.
“Yes, there will be more opportunities,” Elontra replied. “We must inform the Shadow Queen immediately of our defeat.”
“She will not be happy,” Senkrad said.
The Dark Thorns blended into a dark, wicked funnel cloud, filled with lighting. CRACK, CRACK-CRACK, BOOM! They vanished from the coachman’s chamber—leaving the others sealed in by the wall that had collapsed during the battle.
Charlie and Michael had returned to the real world, joining their parents back on the monorail. It was like they had never left. They were headed to Epcot for the final few hours of their vacation, before having to catch the Magical Express back to the airport.
Chapter Twenty-One
Charlie and his family were on their way to watch The American Adventure show. It would be the last thing they did before walking back to the Beach Club Resort to catch their bus to the airport. A rather ordinary ending to an unbelievable string of vacation experiences.
And that was exactly what Charlie was thinking. How could it end like this? Besides, I’m still wearing the Object of Magic on my wrist. There has to be more.
The door into the theatre opened and guests poured in, filling most of the seats.
“What is it, Charlie?” his brother asked.
“The watch,” he replied quietly—as not to let their parents hear him.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m still wearing it. Don’t you think that’s a little odd?”
“I never really thought about it.”
Charlie rolled his eyes “Sit down, block head.”
The show began. It was, magnificent. Possibly the best animatronic show Charlie had seen in Walt Disney World yet. Still, his thoughts kept reverting back to the watch.
The show was nearing its end, as Ben Franklin and Mark Twain had one final discussion atop the Statue of Liberty torch.
“Well, boys, it has truly been a great adventure. One I’m sure you will always remember,” the Mark Twain animatronic said.
“Catch what?”
Charlie rolled his eyes again, and continued to listen to Mark Twain’s words carefully.
“But as you know, the time has come for us to part ways until your next visit.”
“How about that? Did you hear that?”
“Here what, Charlie?”
“Are you even listening to what he’s saying?” Charlie said in a frustrated tone.
Then Ben Franklin spoke. “However, we would like to show our gratitude for your brave and loyal efforts.”
“So, it is with great honor, that we, members of the Patron Council, would like to give you a second chance on your vacation. Most of which, was spent helping us protect WONDER and all that it represents,” Mark Twain added.
“Now I know you heard that, right?”
Michael had frozen. His eyes and mouth, both wide open, as he stared at the figures on stage—amazed by what he was seeing and hearing.
Charlie nudged his brother in the arm, competing for his attention. “Michael. You alright?”
“Yeah,” the younger brother replied. He continued to listen in utter disbelief.
“Just recite these magic words to the watch, and you’ll be on your way,” Ben Franklin said. “Forwards, backwards, sideways, magic.”
Charlie looked at his brother with a big grin. “You ready?”
Michael, too excited to speak, nodded, then took hold of his brother’s right hand.
“Alright, let’s go have some fun.” Charlie activated the watch, then said, “Forward, backwards, sideways, magic.”
Mickey’s hands spun madly round and round, faster and faster, as the face glowed in a repetitive, multicolored pattern. CLICK! The hands locked into place—both pointing towards twelve ‘o clock. A burst of brilliant light exploded outward from the watch.
The boys shielded their eyes.
SHOOOOP!
The lights receded.
The boys found themselves sitting in the exact same place of The American Adventure attraction, their parents, still sitting next to them.
“Huh?” Michael said, as the boys looked around the room in bewildered fashion.
“Go on, young fellows, enjoy this special time together with your parents,” Mark Twain said. The stage curtain lowered.
The audience clapped, unaware of what had just happened.
The theatre lights came up, then everyone stood to exit the theatre.
As Charlie and his family walked towards exit the doorway, the curious boy pulled out his phone to check the time. He was shocked by what he saw. Not only was it earlier in the day, it was also the first day of their vacation.
Charlie and Michael more than made up for everything they had originally missed on their eight day Disney World vacation. Endless attraction experiences, meals, snacks, shows, character greetings, fireworks, photo ops, and so much more. The weather had been perfect and the food delicious. The time spent with their parents at the most magical place on earth would be something to remember for the rest of their lives. Frank even made a couple surprise appearances throughout the week, just to check in and make sure the boys were enjoying themselves. And of course, Charlie, being the kind young man he was, repeatedly thanked his friend every time their paths crossed.
It was the last day, for the second time. Charlie and his family had magically caught up to the present day, thanks to the watch. The morning air was a perfect seventy two degrees, as the Zastaswits family passed through the gates of the Magic Kingdom. Their father had suggested they spend the morning there, and then take the monorail to Epcot for the final few hours of their trip. But Charlie and Michael had already experienced that ending of their vacation and wanted to try something different. Their parents, unknowingly, were more than happy to oblige.
The morning was filled with piratical adventure, jungle thrills, a thunderous rollercoaster ride, pleasant haunts, and the belief that one could fly.
After a brief lunch at Pinocchio’s Village Haus, the family kicked off the afternoon with a FastPass ride on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. All had been normal up to that point, a few quick dips, turns and twists, as passengers screamed and shouted with delight. The ride vehicle banked one more time, then entered the mine, which was filled with colorful, illuminated jewels and the signing dwarves—the true highlight of the attraction. Charlie was cherishing every last detail, as the mine train slowly curved to the right. The clock bells rang, Doc called out, “Heigh-Ho”, and the dwarf’s shadows began their march home alongside the train, while it ascended out of the mine.
For most guests, the marching shadows of the dwarves were just a creative layer added to the experience of the attraction. However, for the Patrons of WONDER, it was the perfect opportunity to send Charlie and Michael one more secret message before their departure.
The train suddenly began to move in slow motion, as did all the sights and sounds around them. Grumpy’s shadow turned towards the boys and spoke, “Frank will be want’n that watch back. So before you leave the park, make sure ya stop by Uptown Jewelers to drop it off. Ya get me?”
Charlie looked at Michael, his slack-jawed brother, then turned back towards the shadow to say, “We won’t let you down.”
“Hmm. Ya better not,” the shadow replied, then turned and marched on, fading into the rocky formations.
The train exited the mine, breaking into daylight at normal speed. The ride, and all of its passengers, continued on as if nothing unusual had happened.
Late afternoon snuck up without warning. Charlie and his family were reluctantly making their way down Main Street towards the park exit.
It was time to return the watch.
“Hey Dad, I need to stop in the jewelry store before we leave, OK?”
“The jewelry store?” his dad replied. Curious to why his son would need to do such a thing, just before they were getting ready to leave the park.
Charlie was caught off guard.“Uhhh, I have to ask if they can fix my watch.”
“Your watch? You mean the brand new watch you just got this week?” his mother asked.
“Yeah, the one I got on our first day here,” Charlie replied. “Don’t you remember? I told you and Dad a few days ago that it wasn’t working right.”
“Ed, did you know Charlie’s watch was broken?”
“No, honey. Must have slipped my mine. You know, with all the fun going on around here, it’s hard to keep track,” Mr. Z said, shrugging his shoulders and laughing.
Charlie’s mother gave the watch another serious look, trying to remember. She rolled her eyes. “Ugh, must have slipped my mind. I’m sorry, Charlie. Well, let’s go see if we can get it fixed before we have to leave.”
The two brothers both exhaled, as they looked at each other. Relieved that Charlie’s strategy had worked.
Minutes later the entire family entered Uptown Jewelers. Mr. and Mrs Z approached the counter, and Charlie’s mother asked for assistance—something he wished she had not done.
“Excuse me, miss, can someone help my son? He needs to have his watch looked at.”
“Sure ma’am, it would be our pleasure,” the cast member, Lisa, replied. “Can I see the watch sweetie?” she kindly asked Charlie.
Unsure how the watch would get back to Frank, the young boy hesitated.
“Oh, it’s alright, I promise you’ll get it back,” Lisa said with a smile.
“Go ahead, sweetie,” Mrs. Z added, encouraging her son.
Charlie nervously handed over the watch.
Lisa’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you’ve got yourself quite the watch here. I…I’ll be back right back.”
Charlie carefully watched as Lisa took the watch over to an older gentleman working in the store.
“Don’t worry, honey, I’m sure they’ll be able to fix it.”
Charlie looked up at his mother and smiled, his lips sealed tight, trying to hide his anxiety.
A voice called to him, “Well,
hello, young fellow. Lucky for you, I think I can help.”
Charlie spun his head around.
It was Frank, disguised using a face recognition spell so that Charlie’s parents could not recognize him.
The anxiety in the young boy’s mind was immediately washed away. “That would be terrific,” he replied.
Frank reached down, and from underneath the display counter, pulled out a small watch box, decorated in silver and gold floral patterns. He sat it on the counter, slowly turned it towards the boys, then opened it— revealing an identical watch to the one Charlie had brought into the store. “What do you say we trade? Your watch for a brand new one,” the old man said with a grin.
“Oh, thank you sir, I’m sure this will make my son, very happy, right, Charlie?” his mother replied.
Frank gestured for the boy to remove the new watch from the box.
Charlie smiled and gladly accepted. Removing the new watch, he fit it around his wrist. “Thank you, sir.”
“My pleasure, young man,” Frank said. He placed the watch of WONDER in the purple, velvet-lined box and gently closed the lid.
“See, all better now,” Charlie’s mom said. Then she slid a ways down the counter to engage her husband in meaningless conversation—leaving the boys to talk freely with their very special friend.
Frank leaned in towards the boys and tilted his head so their parents could not see what he was saying. “Thank you again, gentleman. What you did this week…that…that is something you should be very proud of. I’m not quite sure what we would do without your help.” Frank gave the boys one more smile of gratitude.
“No. Thank you, Frank, for an unbelievable opportunity,” Charlie replied.
“Yeah, thank you, Frank,” Michael added.
The boys reached over the counter, each placing a hand atop their wise friend’s left hand.
Frank smiled again, then placed his right hand atop theirs. “Well, boys, it’s time for you and your parents to be moving along. Oh, I almost forgot. You still have the snow fairy’s magic icicle, yes?”
Charlie felt around his left pocket. “Yeah, still there,” he said—surprised he still had it.
The Watchmaker's Gift Page 37