‘What happened?’ Kora looked to Amurru. ‘And what was Vennum yelling about?’
‘He was furious that they could not follow the tracks. And he has ordered them to keep a close eye on this area.’
David got to his feet. ‘How will they do that?’
‘They will continue to watch for even the smallest of power spikes,’ said Amurru. ‘You must both be careful.’
She shifted painfully against the pillows. ‘He really means you need to be more careful.’
David ignored the jab. ‘Where do you keep your bandages?’
‘Why, are you hurt?’
‘No, but you are.’
‘Not for long.’ She settled herself and closed her eyes. First she directed her magic to her shoulder, and when that was blissfully painfree she directed it down to her knees and then finally around her aching, sore muscles.
She opened her eyes to find his fascinated gaze on her. ‘That was amazing.’
‘No. What is amazing,’ she said, raising one dark eyebrow, ‘is how you can bear to live without magic.’
‘So you never stay hurt or get sick?’
‘Mostly we heal ourselves.’
‘What do you mean “mostly”?’
‘We have to be conscious to channel our power to where it is needed.’
‘So what happens if you’re unconscious?’
‘Then we have a problem.’
‘So you just have to hope you become conscious in time to heal yourself?’
‘Pretty much.’
‘Can’t another genie heal you?’
‘No, it does not work that way. You have to be able to guide your own magic to where you need it. But if things are desperate enough another genie can take you to the Slaytians for help.’
‘Who are the Slaytians?’
‘You ask a lot of questions. Are you not tired?’
He shrugged and waited expectantly.
She sighed. ‘They are forest-dwelling creatures that live in the Genesian wilderness. They are similar looking in some ways to genies and humans, but they are smaller and have green skin. Most importantly, though, they have rather unusual powers.’
‘They can heal, too?’
‘Yes. They have powerful concoctions made from ingredients harvested from the forest. But they heal genies in a different way. This talent is more subtle. They can invade your mind in a way that leaves you uncertain which thoughts are your own and which thoughts they have put there. Useful if you are unconscious because they can make your mind direct your magic.’ She raised her eyebrows. ‘Not so useful the rest of the time.’
Her throat was still dry and her mouth felt sticky. She flicked her wrist and produced cold fruit drinks for them both.
David raised his glass and took a huge gulp. He was grimy and sweaty. ‘So this means I can make wishes again now?’
She rolled her eyes and nodded. That would be right. Typical human boy, straight back to thinking about himself.
‘So why don’t the Slaytians use their mind trick on Vennum?’
‘My father has asked them, but the Slaytians are not our friends.’
‘That’s a surprise.’
Her head jerked up at his sarcastic tone. ‘You know nothing of us.’
‘But I’m learning. So why aren’t the Slaytians and genies friends?’
She shrugged. ‘It is complicated.’
‘Then why do they bother to heal you?’
‘They do not do so for free.’
‘Surely a genie would pay any price to get rid of Vennum?’
‘The Slaytians are power-hungry. My father refused to exchange one evil power for another.’
David began to pace her globe again, this time in interest. ‘I wondered what it would be like in here.’ His eyes roved around, taking in the colourful floating lamps, the sparkling silken fabrics and the panoramic viewing screens showing the outside world and the inside of his bedroom. He sucked in his breath and jabbed his finger at the screens. ‘I knew you could see me from in here!’
Kora grinned. ‘Of course. What did you expect?’
David reached up to touch one of the tiny floating lamps. ‘I didn’t expect the inside of your globe to look like this!’
‘Really?’ asked Kora. ‘Well then, did you expect this?’ She waved her hand and the inside of her globe transformed into the deck of an old-fashioned ship, complete with wooden decking, and captain’s bridge with oversized steering wheel.
David laughed, and stepped over to take the wheel. ‘Land ahoy,’ he yelled.
Kora flicked her fingers. A wave appeared over the bow of the ship and dumped sea water on David’s head.
He spluttered, and plucked a long strand of brown seaweed from his face. But before he could complain, she waved her hand again and the ship’s deck and sea water disappeared, leaving a dripping David standing in the middle of a colourful lolly shop.
‘Or maybe you expected it to look like this?’ All around were jars, bowls and bottles of chocolates and lollies of every shape and size.
David gaped at the display, before stepping over and grabbing a handful of Smarties.
‘That’s incredible,’ he mumbled around a mouthful of the lollies. ‘So it just looks however you want it to?’
Kora nodded. ‘Pretty much.’
He reached out to a bowl of false teeth lollies, shoved one in his mouth, and bared his new fangs at her.
Kora sighed loudly. He was so juvenile. ‘Do you not want to leave now?’
He seemed to enjoy her irritation. ‘I’ve got plenty of time.’
‘How can you tell?’ she scoffed. ‘I know that stupid watch of yours does not even work.’
David’s face closed over at her words. ‘You’re right,’ he said in a flat voice. ‘I do want to leave. Now!’
a night at the movies
Kora leaned back with a contented sigh against the silk cushions and settled in to watch David’s family dinner on the viewing portal suspended in front of her. Her bangles jingled as she curled her arm around a glass bowl full of hot, buttery popcorn.
Amurru huffed. ‘You think this is an entertainment event, Empress?’
Kora grinned. Amurru’s voice was disapproving but she could see the glint of humour in his round, yellow eyes. ‘Absolutely!’ She gracefully nibbled at a ball of popcorn. ‘I wonder if all Earth families are as funny?’
Amurru nodded. ‘I think that may be the case, Empress.’ He shuffled over to his chair and clambered awkwardly into it. ‘I have heard that humans are all very different from each other.’ He coughed out a wheezy laugh. ‘And David’s family certainly supports that theory.’
Kora grimaced. ‘Eeewww, Amurru. Look what they are eating! It is disgusting.’
‘It is not what I imagined humans would eat,’ he agreed.
She watched fascinated as Rodney scooped large piles of sloppy brown stew onto each plate. ‘Thanks,’ mumbled David. He took his plate and inspected the contents.
Kora gagged. ‘It looks like vomit!’
Amurru’s ears twitched. ‘Perhaps it tastes better than it looks, Empress?’
She shook her head vehemently. ‘I doubt it, Amurru.’ She screwed her face up in horror as Marcia placed a lump of some kind of green, slimy vegetable onto the plate next to the slop. ‘You did not smell the tofu pasta they had for dinner last night!’
‘Here we go,’ sang Marcia. ‘Doesn’t this look interesting?’
‘Yeah, it’s interesting all right.’ David’s voice was hardly audible as he mumbled down into his plate. He began to poke at his dinner with his fork.
‘It’s a new recipe I’m trialling for my shop,’ said Rodney. ‘I want to expand my range. I thought it would be good to sell some ready-to-eat lines, as well as the usual health food items.’
Kora had to look away as Rodney shoved the goo into his mouth.
Amurru scratched at the tuft of hair between his pointy ears. ‘I find it fascinating that he calls it health food, Empress,’
he wheezed. ‘Especially when he does not look particularly healthy.’
She took a closer look. Amurru was right. Rodney had pale, blotchy skin that he was forever scratching, and puffy, red eyes as though he never got enough sleep. Even Marcia looked tired and pale, and tonight Kora could see she also had dark rings around her eyes. Perhaps neither of them had slept well.
‘Do you like it, David?’ Marcia smiled encouragingly.
‘Well …’ His voice trailed off and he stared into space. Kora had already come to know this look. David was thinking of something.
‘What is he doing?’ asked Amurru.
Kora shrugged. ‘Probably coming up with another of his hair-brained ideas.’
David’s eyes sharpened and he spoke, very loudly. ‘It’s not bad, Mum,’ he said, turning his head so that his voice would carry down the passage and into his room. ‘But I wish it tasted like a hamburger and chips.’
‘That’s ridiculous, David,’ replied his mother. ‘You know how unhealthy it is to eat such junk.’ She clicked her tongue at him. ‘And there’s no need to shout at the dinner table.’
Kora glanced at Amurru. At David’s wish her bands had tightened and were now glowing a soft, golden yellow.
Amurru blinked knowingly at her. ‘The boy learns, Empress.’
She laughed as she channelled her magic out to the kitchen. ‘Yes. I just hope he continues to think carefully before he makes his wishes.’
David shovelled a forkful of the slop into his mouth. ‘I can honestly say it tastes great, Rodney.’
Rodney’s cheeks glowed bright red with pleasure as David scooped another huge forkful into his mouth.
Marcia swallowed her own mouthful of food. ‘You know, David, I really appreciate all the extra chores you did today.’
He shrugged. ‘It’s no problem, Mum.’
‘I realise you must have worked for most of the day to get so much done.’
David looked at his mother. ‘I had nothing else to do. Not now that I’m grounded.’
Marcia put her fork down and narrowed her eyes. ‘You know, it’s not that I don’t appreciate all your hard work,’ she said. ‘But if you think it changes how I feel about your poor performance at school this year, you’re wrong.’
David’s brow creased as he stared back down at his food, but he didn’t answer. His heavy, long fringe dropped forward over his face, hiding his eyes.
Marcia took a deep breath and changed the subject. ‘What time do you finish work tomorrow, David?’
‘Twelve o’clock,’ he replied.
‘Good,’ she said, nodding. ‘Then make sure you get a haircut before you come home.’
David’s eyes stayed glued to his plate. He lifted one shoulder in a half shrug.
‘I mean it, David,’ said Marcia, her voice rising a little.
Rodney reached out and patted her arm. ‘Don’t worry, dear,’ he said, throwing David a smile. ‘I’m sure David will get his hair cut straight after work.’
David lifted his eyes to glare at Rodney. Kora was surprised. She hadn’t realised there was any antagonism between them.
Marcia sighed and reached across the table to gather the empty plates together. ‘We can talk more about that later,’ she said. ‘For now, David, there’s something else we need to discuss with you.’
Kora heard the quiver in Marcia’s voice and wondered what was making her nervous. She glanced at Amurru. He must have heard it too. His ears flicked forwards and his eyes were trained on the portal.
David put down his fork. ‘Yeah?’ he asked, suspicion making his voice raspy.
Rodney smiled warmly at him. ‘Your mother and I have decided to move in together.’
‘What?’ David’s mouth dropped open in shock. ‘What do you mean, move in together?’ His eyes jerked to his mother’s face and then back to Rodney’s. ‘And live where?’ His voice rose shakily. ‘Not here?’
‘Now, David, calm down,’ said his mother. ‘I know it may take you some time to get used to the idea, but it will be for the best.’
‘For the best? How can you say that?’ David glared at his mother. ‘When is he moving in?’
‘This weekend.’
‘And what about Dad?’ yelled David. ‘What about when Dad comes home?’
Marcia sighed. ‘Now, that’s exactly why it is for the best,’ she said, her voice gentle. ‘Rodney and I thought it might be best for you … that is, I mean to say …’ Her voice cracked and broke. She smoothed her blond pony tail nervously. Taking a deep breath, she plunged on. ‘The truth is we thought it might be nice for you to have a father figure in the house.’ She smiled nervously at Rodney as she spoke.
Rodney’s face was a picture of compassion as he nodded at David. ‘Your mother thinks it might help you accept that your father isn’t coming back.’ He reached his hand out to pat David’s arm.
David jerked his arm out of Rodney’s reach. His chair scraped violently against the floor. ‘How can you say that?’
‘David, please. Be reasonable.’ Marcia reached her hand out towards him.
David stared numbly at her for a long, long moment. Then his voice dropped to a whisper. ‘You don’t know, Mum.’ He shook his head in disbelief and despair. ‘You don’t know he isn’t coming back.’ David glanced at Rodney and then turned his burning blue gaze back to his mother. ‘How could you do this to Dad?’
Marcia stood silently gazing back at him, her eyes full of sadness and pain until David turned and left the room.
Kora’s eyes met Amurru’s. ‘I had no idea.’
He nodded. ‘There is much we have to learn about humans.’ His round, yellow eyes blinked at her. ‘Especially your human.’
She wiggled her fingers and the portal vanished. She could hear David clomping down the passage. ‘I wonder if I should go out and see him?’
Amurru stood. His great yellow eyes seemed to cloud over for a moment. When they focused again he bowed his head to her. ‘I have been summoned, Empress.’
Storm clouds
Kora woke abruptly.
‘You dreamt again, Empress?’
‘Yes.’ She would never admit it but she was glad of Amurru’s company.
‘The same as the night before?’
She nodded. Her father had summoned Amurru on Friday night. Vennum’s power had increased significantly. Extra guards had been placed around her little brother, and the castle was on highest alert. Of course Amurru had told her father about her close call with Vennum. Amurru said her father had merely been anxious for her safety but she knew Amurru well enough to suspect that her father had been furious and had most likely vented that anger on him.
‘They are just dreams, Empress.’ Amurru’s yellow eyes rested on her. ‘It is natural for you to be worried.’
Worried. What a small word to describe all that she was feeling. She sighed, and conjured up breakfast for them.
Amurru sipped his juice. ‘Perhaps David will summon you out of your globe today.’
She, too, wondered if David would be in a better mood today. The dinner on Friday night had gone from bad to worse for him. After being told that Rodney was moving in, David’s boss had rung and told his mother that he was sacked from his job. He worked at an electrical store in Panda Rock and his mate Hammer had been caught by the police with stolen goods from the shop. His boss believed that David had known about the theft and had kept it a secret to protect his friend. Rodney had then questioned again all the prizes he claimed to have won in the raffle.
It had all unravelled terribly for David after that. His mother, ranting and waving her hands, had taken away his phone and his iPod and everything else she could lay her hands on. She had looked like a madwoman. When Kora had shimmered into his room after his mother had left she had offered to replace all the things his mother had taken but David had simply shaken his head and wished that she would get lost back into her globe. He hadn’t summoned her since.
‘Maybe,’ she said. ‘But for now he has
wished me to stay in here.’
Amurru’s ears twitched madly. ‘I think David’s mother has something in mind for him.’
Kora stopped to listen. David had left his bedroom a few minutes earlier. She couldn’t quite make out his mother’s words but David’s grunt of reply was followed by the loud slam of his bedroom door.
‘Kora!’
‘I am summoned.’ She flashed a smile at Amurru and shimmered out of her globe, happy to have something else to temporarily occupy her thoughts.
David looked as miserable as he had on Friday night. ‘We have to go to the shops,’ he said.
‘Do you wish me to take you there?’
‘Nah, we’ll walk. It’s about two kilometres, but the longer I’m out of this house the better. You should probably magic up some normal clothes. Meet me at the front gate.’
With a quick flick of her wrist she was wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and she shimmered outside to meet David.
They walked in silence. Kora felt sorry for David but his black mood was getting tiresome. The weather had changed, too. Clouds gathered in the previously blue sky and the air was hot and sticky. The humidity strengthened the disgusting Earth smell and it took a constant stream of magic to make this unwelcoming environment bearable.
‘What’s your mum like?’ His question caught her by surprise. ‘Bet she’s not as crazed as mine.’
‘Just her hair.’
‘What?’
‘She has crazy hair.’ She used her magic to transform her own hair into a replica of her mother’s.
David burst out laughing. ‘Are you for real?’
‘Totally.’ She changed back to her own hair. ‘Aside from that she is very calm and controlled.’ She grinned. ‘Fury runs more on my father’s side of the family.’
‘Not hard to tell who you take after, then.’
They walked along the quiet road passing houses similar to David’s.
‘Do all humans live this far apart from each other?’
David frowned at her. ‘What do you mean?’
‘Your houses are quite far apart from each other.’ She pointed at the passing homes. ‘It seems a lot of space for a few humans.’
Shimmer Page 6