Frog Read online

  The right-hand side of the room was dedicated to an array of test tubes, bowls and laboratory equipment. Coloured liquids bubbled and gurgled their way through a maze of glass pipes. The left-hand side was laid out as what looked like an indoor herb garden, with plants of all different shapes and sizes in pots and trays, all bathed in a strange orange glow. In the centre of the room was the strangest construction that Chris had ever seen. It resembled a cross between a giant telescope and a hang-glider. A wooden seat was suspended under the end of the telescope which itself was mounted on a large revolving wooden wheel. The hang-glider style wings formed a canopy above the seat. To the right of the seat was a series of levers and knobs and to the left a curious glass jar filled with multi-coloured marbles.

  On the far side of the room a semicircle of steps led up to a large stone fireplace, where a fire burned with vivid blue and orange flames generously licking at a blackened pot hanging over it. What loosely resembled a kitchen was tucked away in an arched recess, with all manner of spice jars filling wall racks and bunches of dried herbs hanging from shelves. Just to the left of the fireplace was a carpeted area encircled with large colourful cushions and sheepskin rugs.

  The domed ceiling was supported by strong wooden arches and beams. As Chris tried to take in the view, he caught a movement amongst the beams, and a small dark shadow scuttled out of sight. He strained his eyes to follow it but it was too quick for him.

  ‘Come along boy, we haven’t got all day,’ shouted the wizard from below.

  Chris scampered down the curving stone steps to join him and heard Sir Peacealot, who was excitedly describing the wonders of chocolate to the wizard.

  ‘The taste!’ exclaimed the knight. ‘It could be worth a king’s ransom and would enchant the fair ladies of the court. I’m sure that the boy could share its secret and many other wonders from his world with us.’

  ‘I’ve no doubt that he could,’ replied the wizard. ‘We just have to make sure that he keeps such information to himself.’

  ‘Keep what to myself?’ asked Chris.

  Gizmo turned and looked worriedly at Chris. ‘This world is not yet ready for many things, no matter how trivial they may seem. You have the power to bring us knowledge that can destroy us all, my boy, but the same power can save us from the desolation planned by Lord Maelstrom and his followers.’

  ‘I don’t like the sound of that at all,’ said Chris nervously.

  ‘Then prepare yourself for the greatest burden you may ever know. We must sit and I will educate and acquaint you with my knowledge concerning your future in both this world and your own,’ instructed the wizard.

  They sat amongst the sheepskins and cushions while Gizmo revealed what he knew, of things past and how the future could unfold in different ways. He recounted the history of the rôle of the Guardians and how the witch Belzeera was planning to conquer time and space for Lord Maelstrom, which would mean the conquest and complete devastation of the Four Dimensional Worlds. Time would cease and the living dead would reign over all those who were not annihilated in the process.

  Although Gizmo’s Magik and Sir Peacealot’s courage had brought Belzeera’s actions to a halt, it would seem that she had merely been delayed from opening the gate to the Dimensions for Lord Maelstrom and his armies.

  ‘She lies sleeping in the earth also,’ said Gizmo. ‘And it is only a matter of time before someone awakens her in much the same way as you awakened Sir Peacealot. Dark activities have been reported from the Ice Mountains and Frozen Wastes and it would seem that Lord Maelstrom is encouraging the Hidden People to rise against us. This will be the first of many battles to be won if we are to defend Castellion and the Dimensions.’ He paused and closed his eyes for a moment.

  ‘The coming of a boy, not of this world was revealed aeons ago to the elder Guardians. This boy, it was prophesied, would have the powers to allow good or evil to triumph and bring a final destiny to the Dimensions. His abilities and knowledge would need to be harnessed if good was to prevail, for he would bring the science of the future in his mind and if this were applied in other Dimensions then catastrophe would follow for all. So you see, young squire,’ he said, addressing Chris, ‘even a trinket such as this could give the forces of evil victory if it was in the wrong hands.’ The wizard held aloft Chris’s Tamagotchi by its short chain.

  ‘How did you ...?’ said Chris, amazed that the wizard had taken it from him without his knowing. ‘Anyway, it’s just a game,’ Chris protested. ‘It’s like a small computer, you have to instruct it what to do.’

  ‘Oh, I see,’ said the wizard. ‘You mean like this?’ He touched it with his silver cane and threw it out in front of him. Before it hit the ground, the small screen burst open and a miniature figure jumped out, then another and another, until there were half a dozen black, distorted Tamagotchi men grouped together on the carpeted area in front of them.

  ‘Enough!’ commanded the wizard. ‘Grow!’

  Sure enough the figures began to grow in size until the wizard made a movement of his hand and they remained at about a metre in height.

  ‘Now, fight!’ he ordered.

  Immediately the figures attacked each other with incredible ferocity, tearing at each other, intent on destruction. Sir Peacealot jumped to his feet and drew his sword.

  ‘Stay, Sir Knight. They will not harm you unless commanded,’ said Gizmo.

  The wizard allowed the carnage to continue for less than a minute before he clapped his hands and the now grotesquely damaged figures shrank and spiralled back into the Tamagotchi screen.

  ‘So my young friend, you say it’s just a game and you only have to instruct it what to do. In this world, the game is deadly when the wrong person gives the instructions.’ He tapped the Tamagotchi with a long index finger. ‘Herein lies an army of thousands just waiting to be released and commanded.’

  Chris sat and stared at the toy as Gizmo handed it back to him. He didn’t really know if he wanted it any more. Sir Peacealot sheathed his sword but remained standing, anxious should the figures appear again.

  ‘I will be your guide and counsel my friend, but you must understand that some things that may seem harmless to you, in fact, have immense power here,’ said Gizmo.

  Chris looked up at Gizmo. ‘I’m not a coward, Mr Wizard, but I think that you’ve got the wrong boy. I think that I should go home, if it’s all the same to you, as my Mum will be worried where I am by now.’

  ‘Home, you say? Well I have no power to return you, it is said that when your task is complete the Dimensions will return you. As for your mother, console yourself, she won’t even miss you.’

  Chris stood, anger welling up in him. ‘That’s not true; my Mum loves me, if I was missing she’d be searching for me. She will miss me, she will miss me!’ he tearfully shouted at the wizard.

  ‘Calm yourself, boy,’ soothed Gizmo. ‘Of course she loves you, but she will not miss you in the sense of time. Only a second or two divides our worlds, nothing more, and nothing less. Whenever you are returned it will be as if you had never left.’ He placed a hand on Chris’s shoulder and a calm ran through Chris’s mind, chasing away doubts, fears and confusion. He knew all of a sudden that somehow, everything would be all right.

  Gizmo produced a small wooden box, carved with distinct runes, and opened its lid.

  ‘Put the rest of your other-world belongings in here for safe keeping, we wouldn’t want any of them getting into the wrong hands, would we?’

  Chris put the Tamagotchi in first and then searched his pockets: two marbles, half a rubber, an old conker and finally a wine bottle cork were placed into the box.

  ‘Can I keep my watch?’ he asked.

  ‘For your own comfort of mind, yes. It will be of no use if worn by another, but, keep it hidden, all the same,’ the wizard replied.

  ‘And what about this?’ Chris asked, holding up half a packet of chewing gum.

  The wizard took it, put it up to his nose, sniffed and put it on
top of the other items.

  ‘That definitely goes in,’ he said with disdain.

  Gizmo passed his hand over the box, the lid silently closed and the carvings and joints just melted into the grain, leaving no hinge or visible means of access. It looked to all accounts like a solid piece of wood.

  ‘You’ll get them back all in good time,’ he said, and placed the box on top of the great stone fireplace. He turned and faced Chris, his gaze looking deep into the boy’s eyes.

  ‘You have strength about you my little friend which even you have not reckoned with. Take this time to be at peace and calm your mind. Your education is about to start with urgent matters that you will need to know. Sir Knight, I would suggest that you divest yourself of your armour. Now will be the time for knowledge not battle. I’ll arrange some sustenance for us all.’

  Gizmo turned to where the pot steamed over the open fire and busied himself while Sir Peacealot removed his armour.

  Chris sank back into the soft cushions, his head swimming with thoughts and his eyes staring up at the domed ceiling.

  There it was again. The small shadow darting amongst the beams.

  ‘Have you got rats?’ Chris enquired, eyeing the rafters.

  ‘Rats?’ asked the wizard, turning to Chris, a ladle in his hand. Chris pointed upwards.

  ‘Oh!’ replied Gizmo. ‘He’ll be down when he’s ready. He’s more than likely catching rats if anything.’ And he turned back to the fire.

  Chris felt the soft warmth of the cushions melt into him but he was not aware of his eyelids closing and taking him into a half sleep. He became conscious of the wizard’s and Sir Peacealot’s voices in conversation and the strange sensation that he knew he was awake but still caught in the dream of his cat, Tabby, lying on his chest as he stroked him. He slowly opened his eyes, aware that the weight on his body and the fur running between his fingers were no longer part of a dream.

  The eyes that stared back were jet black; as was the whole face and head that filled his vision. The whiskers were sleek and long, a glimpse of white fangs was the only break in the monotone colour. Chris craned his head back to take in the full size of the animal. It was a giant cat. The word ‘panther’ materialised in Chris’s head and his hand trembled and froze, mid-stroke. A low rumbling growl emitted from the animal.

  ‘I’d keep stroking if I were you,’ said Gizmo. ‘I think he likes you.’

  ‘Oh,’ murmured Chris. ‘That’s comforting.’ He nervously resumed stroking the sleek, black fur. ‘Nice kitty, good kitty,’ Chris encouraged.

  Another growl and the fangs were exposed a little more.

  ‘By the way,’ advised Gizmo. ‘He doesn’t like being called kitty.’

  ‘Thanks for that,’ replied Chris, stroking frantically. ‘Anything else that I should know?’

  ‘Yes, he’s probably hungry as he’s not yet had his tea, but I imagine he’s been snacking on the odd rat so you should be safe.’

  Chris said a silent prayer and stared heavenward. He wondered how an animal so big could negotiate the small spaces in the ceiling above him.

  Eventually Gizmo called the animal and it slid effortlessly from Chris and padded away across the room towards the wizard.

  ‘Here you are, Storm,’ he said.

  Chris caught a glimpse of a lump of raw and bloody flesh placed on the floor by the fire. The large cat settled down with its food and proceeded to crunch away at the bones and tear at the flesh. Chris had suddenly lost his appetite.

  5

  Introductions

  A large crusty chunk of bread and a steaming wooden bowl were placed in front of him and Chris eyed the contents suspiciously.

  ‘No magic,’ said the wizard. ‘Just good, wholesome food.’

  He was right. As it turned out, the food was some of the best that Chris had ever tasted and his appetite returned with the first spoonful, although he resisted the temptation to ask exactly what was in it and he could not stop himself from asking for a second helping.

  Sir Peacealot couldn’t, or wouldn’t, stop talking. He was asking questions furiously, so fast in fact that not only did neither Gizmo nor Chris have a chance to answer, but they couldn’t figure out which questions were directed at whom. Gizmo kept telling the knight to shut up and eat his food and finally, after several attempts to encourage him to eat, the wizard had to resort to the, ‘I’ll turn you into something nasty if you don’t do as you are told,’ threat, to get the knight to comply. Finally the three of them sat in relative silence, enjoying the meal and the opportunity to gather their thoughts.

  Chris considered what had happened since discovering the buried knight. He still felt that everything was a dream and that he was really curled up in his own bed at home.

  ‘Well, let’s see what my imagination can come up with, it beats spending half the summer holidays looking for someone to play with,’ he thought to himself reassuringly.

  Sir Peacealot on the other hand was in a state of complete confusion. He had the equivalent of a mega-long-haul version of jet lag. His body told him that he needed to sleep but his mind kept telling him that he needed to stay alert and think of questions that he should be asking the wizard. It was as if there was a big hole in the back of his head that swallowed everything he thought of. In the end, all he could focus on were the two pieces of carrot floating in his food bowl and how much they resembled goldfish!

  Chris finished his second bowl and looked up to find the wizard staring at him intently.

  ‘How are you feeling now, my young friend?’ he enquired, taking the empty bowl.

  ‘Fine, thank you,’ replied Chris. ‘Although I think it’s Sir Peacealot you should be worried about.’

  The wizard followed Chris’s gaze to see the knight sitting motionless, his blank face staring into the bowl that he cradled in his lap.

  ‘The lights are on but no one’s at home,’ observed Chris.

  ‘Oh, dear,’ said Gizmo. ‘I was afraid this would happen, it’s the time shift you see. He’s been in your world for so long that now he’s back here his mind can’t cope. There’s been this lengthy period of inactivity which has created a void, a time gap in his memory. I was hoping that he would have eaten enough of the broth by now to counteract the effects.’

  ‘You said that there was only food in the bowls and no magic,’ said Chris, a little disappointed that the wizard might lie to him.

  ‘Only in his,’ said the wizard. ‘You see, I have no idea how long he was suspended asleep in your time. In this world he has only been gone for two phases of the moon, but I suspect that this may equate to many years in your world.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ said Chris. ‘You said that our worlds were separated by only a second or two, and how come I haven’t been affected the same way?’

  ‘It’s simple,’ said the wizard, matter of factly. ‘You haven’t been affected because you were not a victim of a time lapse spell and therefore have no void created in your memory.’ He paused. ‘Oh dear. Just a moment.’

  Gizmo reached across and with a small cloth wiped away the dribble that had started to accumulate on the knight’s chin.

  ‘Oh, that’s gross!’ said Chris. ‘I hope he doesn’t need to go to the toilet while he’s like this!’

  ‘Quite,’ said Gizmo with obvious concern. ‘I’ve had enough trouble house-training Storm.’

  Chris looked in the direction of where the panther had been enjoying its meal and was a little alarmed to find that it was nowhere to be seen.

  ‘I’m not going to give you a lengthy lesson in time configuration, matter particle acceleration, black holes, quantum physics and dimensional light fusion, so you will just have to accept that the rules governing your ability to travel between our worlds and the Dimensions within a mere second is just simply how it is,’ lectured the wizard. ‘Now, let’s get our friend here sorted out before he does have an accident that we will all regret.’

  Gizmo reached across, took the knight’s bowl an
d stood up. Cradling the bowl in one hand, he tilted Sir Peacealot’s head back and leant forward, whispering into the knight’s ear. Sir Peacealot closed his vacant eyes and opened his mouth, into which the wizard slowly poured the remaining contents of the bowl. It smoothly disappeared down his throat without creating any reaction from the knight. Finally Gizmo closed Sir Peacealot’s mouth and leaned him back onto the cushions.

  ‘That should do it,’ he said, with obvious satisfaction. ‘He’ll sleep for a while but he should be all right when he wakes up.’

  There came a low rumbling sound followed by a loud burp.

  ‘Oh, well,’ said Gizmo, shaking his head. ‘Better out than in, I suppose.’ He wandered off with the empty bowls towards the kitchen area.

  ‘Do you mind if I have a look around?’ asked Chris.

  ‘Look, but don’t touch,’ came the wizard’s sharp reply.

  Chris wandered down the stone steps towards the area of equipment that resembled a science lab. He reached the bench and studied the maze of glass bottles and connecting tubes which contained the colourful liquids fizzing and squirting their way around. He noticed that several large bowls of bubbling liquid were heated from beneath by small, dancing blue flames. The strangest thing however was that there was no obvious source that powered the small flames.

  He slowly walked around the large display of apparatus, mesmerised by the various fluids, blending, diluting and reforming into a myriad of colours.

  He felt a soft pressure against his leg and looked down to see a handsome black cat curling its tail and rubbing its body affectionately against him.

  ‘Hello puss,’ he said, as he reached down and stroked the cat which purred loudly and pushed its head against his leg.

  ‘You’re very friendly,’ said Chris, picking up the cat, cradling it in his arms and stroking it behind the ears. The cat purred with obvious delight. ‘My cat Tabby loves to be stroked there. I wonder what he’s up to?’ he added absently. ‘Probably curled up on my bed fast asleep.’

  The cat nuzzled Chris under the chin.

  ‘Let’s see what other surprises there are around here, shall we?’