by Marc Lindsay
‘One, the story is just that, a story. Two, Mr Apollon might have little to no facts about the story, or none that prove helpful,’ Wendy said.
‘And three,’ Selene said a little testily.
‘And three, have you considered the fact that my uncle lives in town and yet there is no sign of this witch,’ Wendy said.
‘Meaning what?’ Jason asked.
Meaning,’ Selene added with a frown., ‘that even if the story is true, the fact that the witch is no longer around means that her powers weren’t up to the battle and she lost.’ Wendy nodded knowingly.
‘Great,’ Jason sighed.
‘Hey let’s not give up just yet,’ Selene said forcing the other two towards the classrooms.
Despite the early hour, they found Mr Apollon in his classroom setting up for his first period. He appeared genuinely surprised and happy at their intrusion.
‘You three look like you’re on a mission, how can I help?’ Mr Apollon asked.
‘I know you touched on this a couple of days ago, but what else can you tell us about the battle between the sorcerer and the witch?’ Jason asked. Mr Apollon seemed a little taken aback by the question. He thought it over a little as he sat behind his desk.
‘Can I ask what this is about? I haven’t assigned any homework on the subject and to be honest I wasn’t planning to either,’ Mr Apollon asked carefully gauging their response.
‘Um, it’s kinda like this,’ Jason faltered his mind going blank.
‘It’s because of me, Sir,’ Wendy piped in.
‘You?’
‘Yes, the sorcerer in the story is my ancestor. Mr Vert is my uncle. Jason and Selene had told me briefly about the story and I wanted to know more,’ Wendy said.
‘Interesting,’ Mr Apollon said. ‘You really didn’t know about your family’s infamous history?’ Wendy shrugged.
‘My mum and my uncle don’t get along, but I figured family’s family. Right,’ Wendy said.
‘Right you are. I’m glad you’re taking an interest. After all this particular piece of history is amongst the strangest I’ve ever come across,’ Mr Apollon said.
‘So you can help?’ Selene asked.
‘Of course,’ he said with a grin.
It took him a few minutes of searching but he was able to find what he was looking for. The three teenagers sat eagerly in the front row waiting for his information.
‘Ah, here we go,’ Mr Apollon said as he laid out a trees worth of paper onto his desk. ‘As I said before, this information I gathered is amongst some of the strangest I’ve come across, so take most of it with a grain of salt. But then again I think you’re more interested in the novelty aspect of the story, so here goes.’ Mr Apollon shuffled the papers into order and proceeded to read the story laid out before him.
The date was never confirmed but I’ve narrowed it down to somewhere between 1810 and 1819, this period of time coincided with a very dark and lawless part of the town’s history. The sorcerer in question was a man by the name of Theodore Vert who was a land owner of some considerable wealth, the reason for which I haven’t been able to find out. As I just mentioned Perigord was considered a dangerous place to live, no peacemakers were currently residing in the city limits, the last known one, Sheriff Ethan Bishop was killed by an armed posse of renegades who stormed his fortified garrison. Back then Perigord was known as Territory Thirteen by other lawmakers. Theodore Vert was also a bit of a recluse, much like your uncle now. He was very much the farmer, it was written that he was always attempting to grow exotic varieties of fruits on his land until he finally settled on apples and pears.
But it wasn’t so much his eclectic farming that drew whispers from the locals, but his unsavoury other activities that rose suspicion and fear in town. Sorcery. No matter how badly the seasons affected others his plantations were always rich and abundant. The effigies and runes that surrounded his properties kept the township away. Which brought questions and whispers as to how he was able to reap his crops with no labourers.
It was somewhere during this period that a lone caravan appeared on the outskirts of town, it was vividly remembered by locals as arriving during a violent electrical storm, pulled by a team of black goats. It turned out the solitary woman was a gypsy, her age unknown as she wore a cloak obscuring her face. She started selling remedies and potions for people’s ailments and desires. A few at first, then a steady stream of customers requesting everything from ailments for arthritis to love potions.
Nobody knows exactly how their feud had initially started, but within a year their hatred of each other knew no bounds. Their final showdown occurred during the winter solstice, outside of town. Apparently black clouds formed over the valley and their chanting boomed like the voices of the gods, this was followed by a lightshow of arcane power that shook the very mountains. This was said to have gone on for hours, the locals watching only from the safety of their houses as the outlying forest glowed and crackled with their mighty power. And then it just stopped. The people were fearful and they didn’t venture out for at least a couple of days and when they finally did, all they found was an area scorched clear of any vegetation and of course one large black rock.
Mr Apollon laid down his paper as he finished his story and regarded the three teenagers.
‘Wow, that place is now known as Witch’s rock,’ Wendy whispered in awe.
‘That’s right,’ Mr Apollon said impressed.
‘What about the witch,’ Jason interrupted.
‘All that was said about the two involved was that Mr Vert was not seen for nearly a month afterwards and that he had aged decades in that time and that the witch was never seen again,’ Mr Apollon said.
‘That can’t be true. What about the midnight garden?’ Selene said.
‘You mean the witch from the children’s story?’ Mr Apollon asked.
‘Yeah, The Midnight Garden was more than just a children’s book. Right?’ Jason asked.
‘I suppose, from what I’ve been able to ascertain, the midnight garden was an old wives’ tale parents would tell their children to scare them into behaving. Much like the boogie-man or vampires. I’d say that Walter Remus wrote his version of the story as a way of explaining the disappearance of his two children,’ Mr Apollon said. There was silence from everyone as they chewed over this information. Mr Apollon watched their reactions closely.
‘Does this information help you Wendy?’ he asked.
‘It’s not meant to help, I just wanted to know about my uncle, is all,’ Wendy said choosing her words carefully. This seemed to have the desired effect on Mr Apollon.
‘Well then I’m glad I could help,’ he added. They all thanked him for his time and excused themselves out of his class, Jason led them all outside away from prying eyes and ears.
‘Well, what do you think?’ Jason asked.
‘I think we need to get out to Witch’s rock. Right now,’ Selene replied.
‘Right now?’ Wendy said alarm creeping into her voice.
‘We have to, time is not on our side again. Whatever Kava’s planning, he’s going to do it soon. We need to find the witch,’ Jason said.
‘Hey, we understand if you can’t come with us,’ Selene said, with a patronizing hint to her voice. Wendy was obviously fighting an inner battle about what to do.
‘Okay, I’m in. I’m part of the team right?’ Wendy said unsure.
‘Of course you are,’ Jason added quickly with a reassuring smile.
‘Well let’s get going then,’ Selene said impatiently. And with that they bolted across the grass, jumping the front fence in the process, the only one aware that they were ever there was Mr Apollon who watched the entire scene from his classroom window.
Chapter 35
They stopped off at Ursula’s house where they quickly told her about the information they had managed to acquire. This was also backed up by her own records with the Guild. After grabbing some supplies they were ready to depart.
�
�You three need to be careful, this is dangerous territory you’re about to enter,’ Ursula said gravely.
‘We will,’ Selene said as she packed her bow and quiver.
‘I mean it, there has been so much happening in Perigord of late, and I’m afraid it just can’t all be coincidence,’ Ursula added quickly.
‘I doubt there’s not much an alien shape-shifter, enhanced warrior and immortal elemental can’t handle,’ Jason said trying to allay her fears.
‘Just be careful and don’t get cocky,’ Ursula said.
‘Hey you trained me well,’ Selene added.
‘I know, but I still worry,’ Ursula said with a sad smile. They finished packing and left shortly after, entering the forest with a map given to them by Ursula.
‘It must be pretty awesome having a grandmother like Ursula,’ Wendy gushed.
‘I’ve never really thought about it like that, but yeah she is pretty awesome,’ Selene said.
‘The best,’ Jason added with a grin. ‘How long will it take to reach the spot?’
‘About forty-five minutes on foot, ten minutes by horseback,’ Selene hinted.
‘I can take a hint,’ Jason said with a sigh, then taking a couple of steps away from them, transformed into a paint horse complete with saddle made from his alien clothing. The two girls didn’t waste any time as they mounted Jason’s back and he took off up the trail at a reasonable gallop.
The trail they took was overgrown and rocky with no signs of recent activity, Jason guessed it had been awhile since anyone had used it, so it took them closer to fifteen minutes when they finally arrived at Witch’s rock. Jason was expecting an area devoid of vegetation but what they found wasn’t much different from the rest of the forest. The two girls climbed from Jason’s back as he transformed back to human. He gave the area a sceptical look around.
‘Are you sure we’re in the right area?’ Jason asked.
‘It’s what the map says,’ Selene replied.
‘Maybe you’re reading it wrong?’ Jason asked. This earned him a scornful look in return.
‘Trust me I know what I’m doing,’ Selene said testily.
‘She’s right. This is the place,’ Wendy said, as she strode over to a large tree, a gigantic lump in the ground nestled next to it, the lump was covered in moss and surrounded by ferns. Jason and Selene watched her intently, is it appeared as if something was directing her movements. Jason was about to say something but was silenced by Selene. Wendy dropped to her knees next to the lump and with the aid of a stick proceeded to scrape away the thick moss, after a minute of digging she let out a little squeal of delight. Jason and Selene moved quickly to her side. From over the younger girl’s shoulder they could both see what had gotten her so excited. Under the moss was a jet black rock, its surface almost glassy in appearance, they immediately started to help her remove more of the green moss. After ten minutes of scraping and digging they looked intently at what they had unearthed, a large black rock, three foot in height and circumference. They were still a long way from having it spotlessly clean but its colour and surface lent it a certain valuable quality to it.
‘Wow it looks impressive,’ Selene said.
‘I agree, but how does it help us?’ Jason asked.
‘Maybe we should take it back with us,’ Wendy asked. ‘You know, to run tests on it,’
‘That’s not a bad idea,’ Selene said. Then giving Jason a slap on his shoulder.
‘I get it, first I run us out here, now I have to lug that thing back to the library,’ Jason said.
‘You got it in one,’ Selene said. Wendy gave Jason a guilty look.
‘I’m sorry, it’s a bad idea,’ Wendy stammered. But Jason shot her a grin.
‘Don’t worry about it, it’ll be like a workout, I appreciate your concern,’ Jason said, giving Selene a look that said, at least one person here is concerned about me. Selene just rolled her eyes and shook her head.
‘This is a good opportunity to try something new,’ Jason announced before beginning his transformation. His body started to lengthen, his features taking on a familiar appearance of a horse except his body retained a human like form only bigger, more muscular, powerful hands formed into fists as Jason stretched in his new body. His face was not quite as long as a regular horse and his body was covered in a short fine grey fur. Muscles popped out and veins stood out like vines. Jason let out a gruff snort and stamped a powerful hoof on the ground.
‘Whoa, that’s impressive,’ Wendy whispered.
‘What do you call that?’ Selene asked.
‘An Ipotane, Greek mythology states these were supposed to have existed before centaurs. Supposed to be super strong,’ Jason said in a series of whinnies that only Selene could understand, due to her alien clothing.
‘That’s so cool, I’ve never heard of an Ipotane,’ Wendy said. They both spun to look at the younger girl.
‘You can understand me?’ Jason queried. Wendy blushed.
‘I forgot to tell you,’ Wendy said.
‘Tell us what?’ Selene asked.
‘Well I’ve been practicing with my spells. One in particular I thought could come in handy. Language deciphering spell, it seems to work well. It’s like I can understand Jason as if he were talking like normal,’ Wendy said, a note of pride creeping into her voice.
‘Good for you,’ Jason commended. But Selene didn’t look too happy at the mention of the word spells.
‘Well let’s see about getting this back to the library,’ Jason said and squatted down next to the rock preparing to lift it from the earth. It took him a few seconds to adjust his position, large hands grasped the black rock like a vice.
‘You might want to stand back,’ Jason said, then with a strain of exertion he attempted to rip it up, only nothing happened.
‘Just give me a second, it probably goes into the earth a little ways, might take just a bit more strength,’ Jason said and again he strained to lift the rock. Nothing. Two more attempts brought about the same outcome.
‘Crap, this thing is stronger than I thought,’ Jason growled. As he transformed from the Ipotane to a rhino human hybrid, bigger, stronger, uglier.
‘Watch yourselves, this rock is going down,’ Jason said in a deep growl.
‘Don’t you mean going up,’ Selene said with a smirk, Jason ignored the jibe. Again taking up a lifters stance by the rock, his massive bulk almost seemed to dwarf it. Not wanting to take it easy Jason gave it everything he had, his grunting echoing loudly in the quiet clearing. But despite his show of being? aggressive it didn’t change the outcome.
‘Maybe w,’
‘Just give me a minute,’ Jason cut Wendy off, his voice panting from the physical effort. Jason tried three more forms, each one uglier and bigger than the last, and the result never changing. Jason changed back to his human form as Selene offered him a drink of water from her flask.
‘Don’t beat yourself up, there’s more to this rock than meets the eye,’ Wendy offered. ‘Maybe we could cut a piece off.’
‘I’ve an even better idea,’ Jason said inspired. Changing to solid steel. ‘Get behind a tree,’ Selene grabbed Wendy by the arm and pulled her behind a tree knowing instantly what he had in mind. Jason grinned to himself before bringing both fists down upon the black rock. There was an explosion of kinetic energy and a shower of sparks but when the dust settled the rock was completely unchanged.
‘Ah damn it,’ Jason cursed. The two girls re-emerged from behind the tree, Selene wearing an all knowing smirk.
‘Don’t even say it,’ Jason growled, irritated more with himself than anyone else.
‘I think you almost had the right idea,’ Wendy offered.
‘What? Do you think I should have gone bigger?’ Jason asked.
No. I think different,’ Wendy said enigmatically. ‘Look, I can’t really explain it, but I feel a nagging in my mind to try something.’
Wendy motioned for them to back away, she then produced her black book. Holding
the book closed flat on both palms she closed her eyes and mumbled softly. The book flew open, pages fluttering wildly then stopping, it appearing open at a random section. Wendy then read a passage to herself, the ghost of a smile on her face. After whispering a thank you she put the book away.
What kn,’
‘Ssshhh,’ Wendy said, then began to whisper a mantra over and over several times. The forest fell silent, even the wind stopped. Then Wendy clapped her hands together. Once. And it was as if a grenade had gone off, one without any fragmentation or pyrotechnics, just an ear shattering kaboom. The air immediately around the rock seemed to distort then the rock cracked in two.
The jaws on Jason and Selene both dropped in comical fashion and Wendy squealed and danced on the spot, a self-satisfied smile filling her face.
‘That was,’
‘Incredible,’ Selene finished Jason’s sentence.
‘Wasn’t it just,’ Wendy said as they all walked over to the remains of the once proud black rock. On closer inspection there were now two large pieces and one smaller fragment, the size of a jagged golfball. Selene picked it up and dropped it immediately as if it were hot.
‘What’s the matter?’ Jason asked concerned.
‘It’s hard to explain, but it kind of felt alive,’ Selene said struggling to find the right words. Jason was the next to pick it up. He held it tight in his hand and could now understand what Selene had meant. For starters the rock was heavy but it was also pulsating with a low drone that couldn’t be heard only felt and there was a slight pulling sensation as well. Jason frowned and handed it to Selene, who hefted it lightly in her hand.
‘I think it’s pulling against me,’ Selene marvelled, then handed it to Wendy who after a few seconds smiled in understanding.
No, it’s pulling towards somewhere,’ Wendy said.
‘Where?’ Jason asked.
‘I think town,’ Wendy replied.
Using Wendy as the arrow of a compass, they followed the rock’s navigation towards its magical magnetic north. After nearly an hour of walking they made their way towards their destination.