They passed through some kind of liquid air. Willow turned back towards the portal’s boundary and touched it with her finger. A ripple expanded across the entire dome structure that surrounded them. “So this is a portal. Amazing.”
“Pretty cool, ri …” Hugo froze, staring at the green mist gathering in the centre of the portal.
“It’s Peonie,” Willow told him.
Hugo swallowed.
Peonie faced Hugo. “Goodwill to you, Hugo. Well done finding the portal.”
Hugo stared.
“You can close your mouth now,” Willow said, unable to hide her smirk. He looked like he’d just seen a unicorn – though to be fair, she had probably looked like that the first time, too.
Hugo clamped his mouth shut. “Hello,” he managed to get out.
Peonie stepped towards him, placing her golden hand gently upon his shoulder. “It is lovely to meet you. I have no doubt you and Willow will make a wonderful team.” She replaced her hand by her side. “Do you have any questions at this time?”
Hugo shook his head. “None right now, thanks.”
“So much has happened,” Willow began. “We’ve been to ALFA for training, and I’m now a Light Keeper! Well, nearly. I guess I have to go to Thera first.”
“Yes, I have been informed of your progress,” Peonie told her. “The situation with Maliceius has moved rapidly. It will require us all to extend ourselves.”
Hugo turned. “They’re here. The Wood Folk.”
One by one, then in groups of two and three, the Wood Folk entered the portal. Willow recognised Hendra and the shy Woodsman, Fergus.
“Welcome, everyone,” Peonie announced once they were all inside. “As you are all now aware, our work is more important than ever. We must be vigilant in the times ahead. I ask that you each take this morning to understand what is required of you. You all have significant tasks to perform and the time frame to complete them has become urgent.” Peonie then stepped aside and motioned for some of the older Wood Folk to join her. The remaining Wood Folk surrounded Willow and Hugo.
Hugo’s training at ALFA kicked in and he wasted no time initiating the Protocols and procedures for the Sanctuary. With Maliceius now in the picture, security measures had been doubled all across the world. The Wood Folk could increase the vitality of the woods and the strength of the protective fields by using a magic powder made from a special mix of bark, flowers and leaves that had been grown in every season. Hugo consulted with several Wood Folk about their signatures – the “signs in nature” that they left behind for others to follow. Since he couldn’t see the Wood Folk once they stepped outside the portal, he had to have a team of trackers ready, in the event that he lost the Chabels and needed their help to find them.
“Okay, so who wants to volunteer as head tracker of the Chabels?” he asked.
Fergus raised his hand. “I will,” he said.
“Heath and I will follow behind him,” Clover offered. “We’ll use our batons to tap against the trees. That way you’ll know which direction we are heading.”
“Great. That leaves you, Ash,” Hugo said, “and that paint you’ve developed that glows in the dark.”
“Yes. I used a fungus and our magic powder. And it’s a bright green so you’ll easily see it,” Ash said. “I can paint it on the tree trunks for you to follow. But it doesn’t last very long so you’ll need to be quick.”
Willow was in the middle of a conversation with Onslo and Florizel when a Woodsman nudged forward to introduce himself.
“Mr Tilbus Potts is my name,” he said, reaching out a plump hand from the pocket of his velvet magenta coat. His white and grey beard hung nearly to his knees. “It’s been some time since we’ve had a Light Keeper in service here. You’ve helped drag an old man out from a very long slumber. Thank you, young lady.”
Willow shook his hand. “You’re welcome.”
Mr Potts then insisted on telling her a story about one of his ancestors. “Unis Potts is quite famous in these woods. She almost ended up taking a journey with your forebear Beatrice to Thera. Silly Unis came running into the portal, not realising Beatrice was already in the middle of an activation. She accidently tripped and landed right next to the transport field, bound for Thera!” Mr Potts shook his head from side to side. “You can imagine the panic she experienced, being sucked inside with Beatrice! Fortunately for Unis, Bridget, who was Beatrice’s Helper, pulled her out just in time. Bridget grabbed her by the foot and yanked her back to safety.” His large silvery eyes gazed at Willow. “And that wasn’t the only time things didn’t go according to plan …”
Willow felt a slight weight lift from her shoulders, knowing that her great great grandmother had experienced some mishaps during her service as a Light Keeper. She smiled. “Thanks for sharing your story, Mr Potts.”
Hendra sidled up next to Willow and tugged at her coat. “Excuse me, Willow, I’d just like to let you know that I’m exceedingly good at finding weak points in the Sanctuary fields,” she said proudly.
“I can help too,” added a dark-haired Woodfayre named Dendromena.
“Thank you. I know how important the Sanctuary fields are in helping to generate the portals.” Willow turned to see Hugo deep in conversation with some of the Wood Folk. He actually looked like he knew what he was doing.
Peonie called for everyone to come together again. “There are three days to the first activation. All Sanctuary fields must be fully tested and operational. I trust you will be ready.” Before leaving, she took Willow aside. “The next time I see you, Willow, you will be making your first journey to Thera.” Her emerald eyes gleamed. “Remember, everything you need is already within you.”
Willow nodded and hoped that Peonie was right as she watched her fade away.
The Wood Folk slowly disappeared through the liquid barrier. Hugo gathered the hovering Chabels and passed through the portal boundary behind Willow. “Thank God I didn’t have to chase them again,” he said fervently, tucking the pouch full of Chabels back in his pocket.
Willow nudged him with a grin. “You should have seen your face when Peonie turned up.”
Hugo gave her a sideways glance. “Glad it was so amusing. Of course, being mature, I don’t need to resort to such comments.”
“Yeah, right!” She gave him a gentle push and charged off through the woods towards home. “Last one back has to make the hot chocolate!”
Time to Go
“Last day of school!” Willow said to her friends. The past days had dragged. All she could think about was her first Activation.
“Thank God,” Harriett said with feeling. “Wonder how Hugo’s first week went.”
Willow shrugged. “Fine, I’m sure. He already has friends here. Hey, I know we’re getting together for my birthday after Christmas, but maybe we can go out for a movie or something during the break,” Willow suggested, stashing some books in her locker.
“Count me out,” Harriett beamed. “Mum and Dad sprung a family trip on me last night. Which is awesome, of course! We’re off to Florida to get some Vitamin D. I so-o need sun.” She tapped on her mobile screen. “Voila! This is where we’re staying.” A glamorous beachside resort appeared on her screen. “Aah … sun … sand … boys …” she giggled. “We leave tomorrow, and we’re not back till Boxing Day.”
“Lucky you,” Claire said flatly. “I’ve got a family get-together in Scotland.”
“Not quite Florida,” Willow said, “but it can’t be that bad – it’s Christmas!”
Claire lowered her gaze. Her tone was gloomy. “You couldn’t understand. Christmas with my family is … never mind.”
Willow knew that Claire had been adopted when she was very young – maybe she just didn’t get on with her adopted relatives. “You sound like you really don’t want to go. Is everything okay?”
Claire produced an instant smile. “Don’t mind me. You know … family dynamics! I’m sure it’ll be fine once I’m there.” But her smile had already f
aded.
Willow changed tack. “Hmph! So you’re both abandoning me! I’ll remember this, you know, when it’s my birthday and I’m out celebrating lavishly with … me, myself and I.”
“So have you decided what you want to do for your birthday?” Harriett asked.
“No, not yet.”
“What about Christmas?” Claire asked.
Willow wished she could scream out that she would be travelling to a galaxy far, far away. She pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh at how ridiculous that sounded. “I won’t be going anywhere on this great big planet of ours. My Gran’s coming to visit for a week. She’s just back from China.”
Claire nudged up closer to Willow as Harriett moved further down to her locker. “Hey, any idea what type of movies Hugo’s into?” she asked quietly. She was holding her laptop tightly to her chest and chewing her lip. “I’m thinking of asking him to a movie. Would you mind? Do you think he would go?”
Wow, thought Willow. Hugo had only been at school a short time and already he had a growing fan club.
“I don’t know,” she replied. “And anyway, why would I mind? It’s not like I’m into him!” She sighed her annoyance. “Do what you want. It’s not up to me.”
“Didn’t think you’d mind – just thought I’d run it past you,” Claire said. Her face was a little flushed.
Willow didn’t comment. But if she were honest with herself, right now she was feeling pretty irritated. “What about Harriett – doesn’t she like him too?”
“She can ask him out if she wants,” Claire chirped. “Like you said, it’s up to Hugo. All’s fair in love and war.”
Willow shrugged. “Whatever.” Stuff like this wasn’t that high on her priority list these days. She had many things occupying her thoughts.
From the moment the final school bell rang her mind was occupied, thinking about different versions of her trip to Thera. Thankfully she had the pony club to keep her occupied. She buttoned up her riding jacket and tied back her hair. She had fallen in love with riding the very first time she sat on a pony when she was only five years old and had ridden regularly ever since. This would be her last ride until after the Christmas break.
Willow was one of the first to arrive at the stables, which meant she could ride her favourite pony. Muddy was calm and easy-going – and when he did get muddy, he still looked fairly clean.
She strode towards Muddy’s stable and his head bobbed up and down as she approached. “Hey, Muddy.” She gave him a gentle rub along his muzzle before opening the door to lead him out. With the saddle on, Willow shoved her boot into one of the stirrups and heaved herself up on to his back. She waved to her mother, who was busy chatting with some of the other parents, and set off for the arena.
“Hi, Willow!” a girl yelled out as she trotted by with her pony. “I’ve knocked a few rails off so there’s a bit of a delay. Sorry.”
“No problem. Not like I’ve never done it.”
A staff member waved for Willow to begin. She turned towards the hurdles.
Willow thought she’d use the “focus, then act” lesson she’d learned at ALFA. With her gaze following the path of the hurdles, she visualised herself and Muddy clearing every one of them and realised how different it was to just making a wish. “Okay, Muddy, let’s clear this round,” she told him. Joanna, her instructor, was watching from the sidelines. Willow gave her a short wave then gently tugged on the reins. Muddy began a slow canter, quickly progressing to a gallop. She steered to the first hurdle and cleared the top rail with a foot to spare. The second, third and fourth hurdles were just as good.
“Well done, boy!” Willow slowed him back down to a canter. “Huh! That stuff really works! Bet you can do that in the next arena too,” she said, leaning in and giving his neck a quick rub. “Hope my first Light Stream is as good,” she whispered.
“Are you sure you’re ready to do this, Willow?”
“Yes, Dad, I’m ready. Stop worrying.” In fact, she just wanted her parents to sit there and be quiet or leave the kitchen altogether. There was nothing left to say. It had all been said ten times over. She wasn’t going to tell them that her stomach felt like an overloaded washing machine, or that her mind was utterly blank in the front but filled with just about everything in the back – if that was even possible. And she had lost count on how many times her hand went to the base of her neck to check for the pendant. So yes, she was scared, but excited too.
The clock on the wall showed 6.30 pm. One hour to her first Activation. Willow sipped her hot drink then closed her eyes. The voice of Councillor Moon entered her head. “Use all of your senses,” she heard him say. With her eyes still closed, she concentrated her awareness on the individual sounds around the Cottage. First, she listened to the fire crackling in the lounge, then the droning noise coming from the fridge motor. She shifted her attention to the occasional clicking sound that randomly came from somewhere inside the Aga oven. Even the kitchen was “talking” – its timbers shuddering from the cold night air.
Willow opened her eyes and actively placed her attention on whatever her gaze came across: a pot on the bench, the tea towel hanging on a hook, the butter dish, a pencil next to the phone. She sniffed the air for a wisp of aroma from her hot chocolate. Councillor Moon would be proud. Her world had suddenly become small, but very charged. Everything seemed more … concentrated. She felt different too – calmer. Willow homed in on the gentle pulse of her body; as she did, the sensation began to spread. If this was what focus was supposed to feel like, then she was now ready.
The sudden creak of the back door opening jolted Willow out of her meditative state.
Hugo poked his head around the door. “Hi! We’re ready when you are. We’ll be outside.”
“Do you have your pendant?” her mother asked.
“Mum! It’s around my neck!” Her hand automatically went to feel for the pendant again. She stood up from her chair. “We should go.”
Willow threw her coat on to ward off the cold. The night was still and the stars blinked against a back-drop of jet-black nothingness. This was it. Very soon she would be going beyond every star that she could see right now, beyond every planet she had learned about at school. It didn’t matter if it was one hundred light years away or ten thousand. It was still impossibly far.
“Evening all,” Thomas said, closing the back door behind him. “I guess you’ll be leading the way, Hugo. After you,” he gestured.
Helen and Audrey shared a silent glance with each other as they made their way to the edge of the woods and switched on their torches.
Hugo rolled the Chabels out of their pouch, into his hand. Raising them to his lips, he whispered, “Do not stray under any circumstances.” He then cast them in the air and they instantly glowed a soft blue, lighting the woods all around. With the Chabels on the move, he left the others behind.
Willow walked on briskly and kept her eyes on Hugo. Moving deeper into the woods, Willow spotted a number of Wood Folk positioned like sentinels amongst the trees. She nodded to them as she passed. It was strange that she was the only one who could see them.
From a distance away, Thomas spoke with John. “The Chabels seem to be hurrying along nicely,” he commented. John agreed and said that he hoped Hugo would have an easy time finding a portal tonight. They both knew the pressure Hugo was feeling. It wasn’t only his first Activation; he had two retired Helpers watching him. And they hoped, for his sake, that the Chabels would behave.
Hugo left the path and was now powering along amongst the trees.
“No!” he groaned, as the woods suddenly grew dull. “No, no, no!” He stopped, frantically searching for anything vaguely blue. “You can’t do this to me! Not on the first go!”
The Chabels were gone. They had disappeared beyond a steep bank further ahead.
He drew in a long breath.
Willow quickened her pace to catch up to him. “Hugo,” she said in a loud whisper, not too far behind him. “What’s
going on?”
“Ssh,” he said, without turning around. He took in a calming breath. “Okay, Hugo. You know what to do,” he told himself. “Don’t panic.”
Just then, a pale green stripe appeared on a tree trunk not far ahead. “Yes! Thank you, thank you,” he whispered, praising the invisible Ash. He heard his father shout out, asking if everything was okay. “All good,” he shouted back. Hugo quickly followed the markers on the trees; their fluorescence only lasting a short time so he couldn’t hesitate for even a few moments.
Willow decided to put some space between herself and Hugo, and she noticed that the adults had done the same with her.
Hugo’s body softened with relief when he glimpsed a pale blue glow through the tree trunks a few hundred metres away. “Thank you,” he uttered. Arriving at the site he saw the Chabels suspended in the air high above his head. “Thanks, guys,” he grumbled. “Really, that was just too special.”
Hugo’s voice sounded sharp just a few moments later. “I’ve found it! It’s over here.” He stood right beneath the Chabels as he waited for them, listening to their voices and footsteps through the undergrowth as they approached. He glared at the Chabels. “Don’t even think of wandering off again.”
His father arrived and placed a proud hand on his son’s shoulder. “Well done, Hugo. No problems, I take it?”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle,” he said.
“Savour the moment,” his mother told him.
Willow moved in close and whispered. “I was getting a bit worried back there.”
The portal’s liquid-like boundary formed not far from where they were standing and they passed through. The Wood Folk trickled in moments later and Willow watched the adults greet some of them as if they knew each other. Her father had told her about a device that allowed them to see Wood Folk within a five-metre radius so they could work together on Sanctuary field repairs. She turned to her right, catching a glimpse of green. Peonie quickly took form.
“Everything is ready, Willow,” Peonie said.
“Okay.” Willow reached out to her mother and drew her close, sensing what this moment must mean to her. “I know it’s nearly time but I want you to meet my mother, Audrey,” she said.
Willow Bloom and the Dream Keepers Page 14