Heart of the Hill

by Andrea Spalding

  Myrddin drew himself up. “I am the Myrddin,” he rumbled. “I am no one’s magician. I am the Myrddin, a Wise One, a keeper of Old Magic.” His eyes flashed.

  “Hey, okay … Okay … I’m sorry,” stuttered Adam. “I didn’t mean to insult you.”

  Myrddin softened. “Yes, I am the Myrddin, the one that humans called Merlin. But like the tales of Arthur, the stories of Merlin were woven by people to make sense of powers they didn’t comprehend. The truth remains simple. I am a Wise One, and the Tor is the Portal to many worlds.”

  “That’s what Vivienne said.” Adam stared at the Tor.

  “Within the Portal are many doors. Through them the past, present and future of many universes can be reached. Vivienne keeps watch. Beings who intend harm to Gaia are directed elsewhere.”

  “Then why are you worried about the Dark Being?” asked Adam.

  “The Dark Being is the exception,” said Myrddin heavily. “Like the Wise Ones, she does not need the Portal.”

  “Oh.” Adam shrank into himself.

  “Sometimes Vivienne becomes angry and misdirects Portal users.” Myrddin sighed. “Sadly, she is often angry, for her job of Portal Keeper is a punishment.”

  “You punished her?” asked Adam.

  Myrddin shook his head. “Not I. She didn’t listen. Instead of honoring Old Magic, she thought she was strong enough to make it do her bidding. At that time I, the Myrddin, was Gaia’s Portal Keeper and Vivienne was my assistant. I came and went as the need arose. Vivienne was jealous of my power. My staff lay in the Lady’s sanctuary, the Crystal Cave, protected by the rituals of Avalon. But temptation overcame Vivienne. She learned enough Old Magic to enter the Crystal Cave, seize my staff and try to wield it. I regained control, but not before the magic Vivienne had conjured wrapped around and bound her forever as Portal Keeper. The Lady’s high priestess used Earth Magic to conceal my staff again. The Crystal Cave was sealed and Avalon abandoned in the hope that all would forget what power sleeps in the heart of the hill.”

  “Wow! And Vivienne is Portal Keeper for ever?”

  “Yes, unless …” Myrddin looked searchingly at Adam.

  “Unless someone breaks the spell by offering to take her place.”

  Adam shuddered. “No way! Vivienne gives me the creeps. I hate her whispering.” He clapped his hands over his ears. “I wouldn’t listen. I thought about you instead. But then I felt her presence again this morning.”

  Myrddin looked troubled. “When, Adam?”

  “When a spiral labyrinth appeared on our lawn.”

  Myrddin stamped his stick on the ground again. “How dare she!” He glowered at the Tor. “Vivienne’s power is growing as the Dark Being approaches. Be on your guard.”

  “No problem,” said Adam. “I’m not going near her.”

  “Unfortunately it’s not that simple,” rumbled Myrddin.

  Adam shrugged. “Look, just tell me how to get your staff, okay?”

  Myrddin pointed toward the Tor. “You must tread the Spiral Labyrinth, enter the Portal and ask Vivienne to reveal the entrance to the Crystal Cave.”

  Adam’s jaw dropped. “But … but … you told me to keep away from her.”

  “I said be on your guard; you cannot avoid her. Vivienne may distract you, offer you choices. Keep your destination clearly in mind so she cannot divert you. You can do this Adam. You have experienced dragon talk. You know how to ignore a silver tongue with promises of power.”

  Adam thought back to the first adventure and hung his head. “I failed,” he muttered. “I believed the dragon.”

  “No,” said Myrddin. “You did not fail. In the end you resisted the temptations the dragon offered. You encouraged Holly to sacrifice the talisman. That was not failure. You showed great strength.”

  Myrddin squeezed Adam’s shoulder.

  Adam trembled. “Myrddin, I’m scared.”

  Myrddin’s face was sad. He said nothing.

  Adam’s voice shook. “I’ll mess up again. Mom says I always mess up. Please … can’t you do it?”

  “The door and the treasure you seek are protected by Earth Magic,” murmured Myrddin. “Earth, air, fire and water. Only humans can weave them together to lock and unlock Earth Magic at will.”

  Adam shuffled his feet. His stomach churned.

  The wind freshened, and the sky grew dark. The ground trembled, and Adam and Myrddin staggered and grabbed at each other.

  “What’s happening?” cried Adam. “Was … was it an earthquake?”

  Myrddin hushed Adam and knelt, placing his ear to the ground. “A quake indeed, but not of the earth, of Old Magic,” he said finally, levering himself upright again. “An emissary from the Dark Being has found Gaia. She is challenging Vivienne and attempting a forced entry through the portal! Come…she must not sense us.”

  He threw his cloak over Adam, and they were gone.

  CHAPTER THREE

  WAIT TILL THIS DAY IS DONE

  Adam awoke with a sense of urgency.

  He lay on his back and considered his dream, his mind racing.

  He was relieved Myrddin had contacted him but fearful of facing the Spiral Labyrinth and Vivienne. What if he failed? What would happen to him? What was the worst Vivienne could do — make him Portal Keeper? Despite himself a wry grin lifted the corners of Adam’s mouth. So what? Who cared? Not his parents! Considering the mess his life was in, being keeper of a magic portal almost sounded like fun. He could do magic and meet interesting beings from other worlds, plus he’d know what was happening to him for the next few hundred years. Adam laughed out loud. Yup, his dad had taken off, so why not him?

  If he disappeared to be Portal Keeper it would teach his folks a lesson! What the heck, he’d risk it. He had nothing to lose! Besides, unlike his parents, Myrddin needed him.

  With new resolve and a sense of purpose Adam ran down the stairs into the kitchen, startling Holly who was reading in the big rocking chair by the window.

  “Whoa … What’s up?” she asked.

  “We need to talk. Where are Owen and Chantel?” said Adam.

  Holly shrugged. “I dunno where Owen went, but Chantel’s in the bedroom with Mum.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Are you okay? Did you sleep?”

  Adam nodded. “Yes, yes. But I need everyone. We’ve gotta talk.”

  “I’m here, talk away. Is it about your parents?”

  Adam shook his head. “They’re the least of my worries. Myrddin just visited me.” He glanced around to check that no adults were within earshot. “We’ve gotta do something quick. It’s about the Dark Being. She’s sent someone here,” he hissed.

  Holly’s eyes widened. She looked around the room.

  “Not here in the kitchen, idiot,” said Adam. “To Gaia. I … I mean Earth. Myrddin said an emissary’s come, and if she gets Myrddin’s staff the Wise Ones are toast. We’ve got to get it first.” Adam held up his hands.

  “I need help, Holly. It’s terrifying. I’ve got to go to a place called Glastonbury Tor, face that woman from my nightmare and rescue the staff — quick! I don’t even know where Glastonbury is!”

  “It’s a couple of hours southwest of here, in Somerset,” said Holly promptly. “We’ve never been, but our neighbor Mr. Smythe gave a talk about Glastonbury at the Uffington Museum. It was really interesting.” Holly became more excited. “There’s a ruined abbey where King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are buried, and a big hill called the Tor. The Tor is where Merlin’s imprisoned. He’s supposed to be asleep in a Crystal Cave at its heart.”

  “Those stories aren’t true,” said Adam.

  “Says who?” said Holly.

  “Says Myrddin,” said Adam. “But that’s where his staff is … in the Crystal Cave. And you’ll never guess who Myrddin really is!”

  Holly gave a little gasp. “Of course … He’s Merlin, isn’t he? Fan-bloody-tastic!”

  Lynne stopped rubbing Chantel’s back and eased herself off the bed. She looked down sadly at her niece.
r />   Chantel had fallen into an exhausted sleep following the emotional storm triggered by her mother’s phone call.

  “Life is just not fair, child,” Lynne whispered. “You didn’t deserve this.” She smoothed the bedcover and tiptoed out.

  Can you hear me, child?

  Chantel stirred in her sleep.

  Chantel, I have news. Gentle mindspeak from Equus slid into her dream.

  Despite her sorrow, Chantel’s lips curved into a smile as she smelled the musky scent of the Great White Horse King and felt strands from his silky mane brush her cheek.

  Hello, Horse. I’ve missed you. Can we go riding? I need some magic. In her dream, she twisted her hand into his mane and swung herself up on his back. Please fix things. Chantel leaned forward and hugged his neck.

  Mom and Dad are so angry they are divorcing. They need fixing. Please, White Horse. Please.

  A feeling of comfort tinged with regret, swept over her.

  I understand, Chantel. Adam told us. But you know we cannot interfere between humans.

  Chantel sighed and stilled her cheek against the neck of the horse. Tears oozed between her lashes.

  Peace, child. Believe in the light. Equus surrounded Chantel with warmth and light as he galloped through the stars. “Comfort Chantel,” he called to the night winds.

  The night winds blew musically through Chantel’s hair, tickling her ears, and despite her unhappiness, she gave a crooked smile and sat up.

  Can you talk with me now, little one?

  Guess so. What’s up, Horse? Is Myrddin going to ask Adam for help?

  He is, for help is sorely needed. An emissary from the Dark Being has entered your galaxy. Adam’s task will be difficult. He and Myrddin need assistance from you all.

  We’ll help. You know that, Horse. Besides, you and Ava will be with us …won’t you?”

  There was a long pause.

  Won’t you? Chantel pulled on the horse king’s mane.

  You will … won’t you?

  I fear not. Ava and I must return to the Place Beyond Morning. With the power from our talisman and circlet we can repair much of the devastation caused by the Dark Being and ready the Silver Citadel for the waking of the Lady.

  The Lady? Chantel said.

  The Lady, repeated Equus, his mindspeak full of love and respect. The fourth and greatest of the Wise Ones.We must wake her so the power of her necklace will be rekindled. He laughed. You think I am magical? The Lady holds the magic of all worlds linked around her neck. His mindspeak grew more serious. Do you understand why I must leave you, child?

  Chantel’s hand convulsed. She clutched Equus’s mane even tighter. Don’t go. Don’t leave me, she cried. A tear ran down her cheek. Everyone’s leaving me. You mustn’t go too!

  Be strong, Chantel. If all goes as planned, Ava and I will swiftly return. Nourish the light in your heart. Help Adam by sharing it with others, and it will grow. Come … I will show you.

  With great strides that spanned the heavens, Equus bore Chantel beyond the Milky Way and across galaxies, galloping through clouds of stardust and along beams of sunlight from alien suns.

  Despite her sadness, Chantel felt her heart lift as the music of the universe sang in her ears. She started to hum along.

  That’s it, child. Sing, urged Equus. Sing with me.

  Chantel chuckled. Horses can’t sing.

  To her surprise Equus threw back his head, and a strangely beautiful song poured forth. The deep notes echoed and thrilled as they mixed with the wordless song around her. The joyous sound touched her heart so intensely she joined in.

  Chantel’s voice was true and sweet, not as high as the notes flowing around her, nor as low as Equus’s voice; she sang the middle notes of a magical trio.

  As she sang, her sadness lifted.

  Your gift reflects your name, for Chantel means singer, said Equus, as their song died away. Always remember this moment. Use your voice on Gaia to strengthen the light. When darkness lies heavy, songs bring comfort. Your voice is your tool. Use it.

  Chantel flushed with embarrassment and pride. I didn’t know I could sing, and now I have a tool.

  Wow!

  Keep this moment always in your heart, counseled Equus. When I am gone, remember your tool.

  I will, Chantel promised. She rode back through the stars and slipped off Equus’s back into a deep healing sleep.

  Owen spent the afternoon on his own. He lay on a pile of hay in the stable loft listening to the rain drumming on the roof and the ponies’ feet shifting occasionally in the stalls below. He ate a handful of grapes one by one and passed the time spitting the seeds at a knot in the beam above him. He’d scored a bull’s-eye twice in succession.

  Thoughts buzzed around in his head: frustration at not being allowed to sail on the floodwaters, sympathy for Adam and Chantel, dislike for their parents and a rush of love for his own. Thank goodness they weren’t going to divorce. He stirred uneasily. What would happen to Adam and Chantel? Would they come to live at White Horse Farm forever? “Oh, no. Not forever!” he groaned and sat up, coughing frantically as he inhaled a seed.

  A scratching sound interrupted him. The ponies stilled and cocked their ears. Owen did the same.

  The scratching came again.

  Owen crawled over to the shuttered window at the far end of the loft. The sound came from the other side.

  He eased the bolts free, cracked opened the shutter and peered through.

  A hawk was perched on the ledge.

  “Ava!” Owen flung open the shutter and thrust out his arm. The hawk stepped onto his wrist, and he drew her inside.

  Shhhh, no need to shout. Ava’s reproof filled his head. Mindspeak’s easier and no one overhears.

  Owen grinned and held his arm against a hay bale.

  Ava stepped off and smoothed her ruffled feathers with her beak. Her hawk eyes looked piercingly at Owen. Greetings, Magic Child. You are none the worse for your experiences in my sanctuary?

  Owen shook his head. No…though I was really scared when I thought you were dead. He looked at her with loving eyes. I was so relieved when you came to life again.

  You showed great courage and quick wit, Owen. You are indeed a young warrior. You lived up to the old meaning of your name. A dark cloud passed the window and cut off the sun.

  Young warrior … that’s what my name means? No one ever told me that. Owen looked pleased.

  Owen, you must use your courage and quick wit to help Adam and Myrddin. You must all work together as a team, for the Dark Being is now aware of Gaia and has sent an emissary here. This means Adam’s task will be dangerous.

  Equus and I must leave you, for the Place Beyond Morning needs repair. We will use the renewed power of the talisman and circlet to rebuild the Silver Citadel and the Great Gates of Sunrise. Once they stand tall they will act as defenses. The Dark Being will find it harder to put out the light.

  Owen caressed Ava’s feathers. I’ll miss you.

  The hawk bowed her head, and Owen caught a glimpse of something glinting among her feathers.

  “Oh!” Owen gasped, forgetting to mindspeak. “You’re wearing your circlet!”

  It is a permanent part of me, thanks to you and the other Magic Children. Ava spread her wings and grew, shape changing. For an instant Owen saw her towering above him, a shimmering, strangely beautiful hawk-woman, whose brow was crowned by a glowing twist of silver bands holding a white moonstone in the center.

  The image faded away, and Ava shrank back to a small hawk once more. I must go and rebuild. You will not hear from me until I return, she continued. Promise you will give Myrddin and Adam your aid.

  I’ll help them, promised Owen. So will Holly and Chantel.

  Ava’s eyes bore deep into his heart. Joining forces may not be easy. The Dark Being and her followers will sow discord and dissent. Alliances may be uneasy.

  With this remark the hawk spread her wings and soared from the hay bale, through the open shutters and t
oward the clouds. Farewell, Owen. May light be always in your heart.

  Owen hung out of the window. “Good luck, Ava,” he called and watched until she vanished.

  “You mean all of you have been visited by a Wise One?” said Holly crossly. “What about me? Don’t I count?”

  Adam and Owen shifted on their seats and dropped their eyes.

  “It … it’s not that.” Owen spread his hands wide. “It’s just … well … There are only three Wise Ones,” he finished with a rush.

  Holly gave a snort of frustration.

  “There’s the Lady.” Chantel’s quiet voice caught everyone’s attention.

  Chantel flushed but held her ground. “You keep forgetting: there are four Wise Ones, the Lady’s sleeping. She’ll wake up soon. That’s why Equus and Ava are going to the Place Beyond Morning. To get it ready for her.”

  “Right, Holly. You’ll help the Lady,” said Owen, relieved. “So let’s get on with helping Adam. How are we going to get to Glastonbury?”

  “Holly thought Mr. Smythe might know. He visits Glastonbury,” said Adam. “He was pretty cool in the first adventure. He believed us about the magic, even though it never happened to him.”

  “Good idea, sis.” Owen punched Holly’s arm. “Come on, let’s see if he’s in.” Grabbing his raincoat from the front hall, he yelled up the stairs to the office, “We’re going round to visit Mr. Smythe, Mum… Okay?”

  “Don’t be late for tea,” his mother replied.

  “And don’t call me ‘sis,’” muttered Holly as she followed. The droop of her shoulders mirrored her disappointment and frustration.

  Heads down against the driving rain, Adam and Owen ran up the flag pathway alongside the Big House. They passed the imposing entrance, heading instead for the small green back door. Adam arrived first. He rat-tatted on the lion’s head knocker, grinned at Owen and jiggled impatiently.

  Chantel limped behind as fast as she could, but Holly lagged even farther.

  Holly felt moody and out of sorts. As the eldest she wasn’t used to being overlooked. She kicked a pebble off the path and watched as it bounced over the grass sending up fine sprays of water. She tried giving herself a mental shake. This summer was incredible. They’d had two unbelievable adventures, and now they were beginning a third. But she was so fed up with being the eldest, being sensible and patient and helpful to the others. When would it be her turn to be important and help this invisible Lady? Holly stopped as a curl of anticipation stirred inside her. What would the Lady be like? Equus was the great White Horse King and Ava an amazing half-woman, half-hawk shape changer. Myrddin seemed the most human, though his red hair and beard and black cape of hidden colors made him almost spectacular. A tiny smile lifted the corners of Holly’s mouth. The Lady would be beautiful. She could feel it in her bones. The Lady would be as beautiful as the raindrop diamonds sparkling on the grass. Feeling hopeful, Holly ran to catch up with the others.