Contents of article "’Beyond the Hedge’ - THE GRAND FINALE - Chapter 18"
’Beyond the Hedge’
“S
urely there isn’t time to organise the Fairymass celebrations before Sandy has to go home?”
“Indeed there is, Hamish. Some excellent perks come with the job of Fairy Queen and bypassing the organisational palaver for this annual event, fun though it is, happens to be one of them.”
Celestina sashayed across the room towards her husband. She planted a light kiss on his cheek. “Shall we go?”
“Go where?”
“Why to Fairymass, of course. It’s all arranged and everyone’s waiting for us.”
“They are?”
“Here’s Tabitha now. Doesn’t she look wonderful?”
Their daughter ran into the room wearing a pink and black spotted flamenco dress. At first sight the layers of the skirt looked as if they were trimmed with fairy lace. The child started to dance around her parents and the dress came alive. The lace consisted of troupes of tiny black poodles running in opposite directions round the separate layers of the skirt. They barked and capered in high spirits as they scampered around the dress.
Tabitha stopped to catch her breath. “What do you think, Father? Isn’t it wonderful?” Her hair sparkled with diamond-slippered fireflies and trails of stardust swirled out from her with every move she made. The little dogs stopped and gazed at Hamish expectantly.
“You look like a fairy princess. Your mother’s a very talented dressmaker and a fine breeder of elfin poodles.”
Tabitha grabbed hold of his hand and dragged him across the room. Some of the younger dogs were left behind but they romped after the frock in a jumble of curls and caught up with it by the door. “Everyone’s waiting for us. Are you coming, Mum?”
“I must have a quick word with Crawford first, sweetles.”
"I
t appears Grimshaw jumped overboard when they were bringing him ashore, Your Majesty. I’ve only just heard about it.”
The crow was dressed in his finest togs for the forthcoming celebrations. His cream silk waistcoat was complemented by a foxglove-pink bow-tie embroidered with seed pearls.
“Pestilence struck out for the harbour mouth, although what he imagined he was going to do when he got there is beyond me. The boat turned to go after him but, before the guards could fish him out of the water, he let out a ghastly scream. A most horrible to-do followed with Grimshaw begging to be saved as he struggled against a ferocious whirlpool which had come out of nowhere. The imps-at-arms didn’t have the strength to pull him back onto the boat.”
“So, the Harpie’s very much alive and has found her next victim. She’s likely to live well off Pestilence Grimshaw. I don’t think we need lose too much sleep over that, however. He was many things but his vision did not extend to the destruction of Sylvania. Greed and cruelty were his prime motivations. The anklet is safe again and the Prince of Cobalt-Sibilance is working on a compendium of spells to decommission it for all time. We’ll tie up the loose ends after Fairymass but, in the meantime, let’s give Sandy and her entourage a good send-off. Do you know if Will’s woken them up yet? The poor dears were in need of a good rest before the celebrations.”
F
airymass takes place once a year in the meadows behind the palace complex. It lasts for one golden day and is the highlight of the year for the residents of Crawdonia. The festival is anticipated with mounting excitement and the preparations usually start months in advance. This year was the exception and the town awoke to the sound of the Queen’s Own Musicians playing the rousing music that heralds the start of the festival. Fairymass had been brought forward by royal decree.
Every conceivable instrument was employed for the occasion, including upsized knitted bagpipes based on Spondoolicks’ unique design. The town was filled with marching bands all keeping perfect time with the music blasting out of loudspeakers all over Corvine.
Notices had been posted at every street corner pronouncing the defeat of the Harpie with a short paragraph giving details of all that had come to light as a result. The rescue from Maligna of the Fairy Queen’s hitherto unknown twin sister was documented in the last paragraph. No mention was made of Feya’s part in the death of Queen Daria. “That’s more than my subjects need to know and what possible good could come of it?” Members of the Clandestine Council were of the same mind and so the matter was laid to rest.
The proclamation ended with the rapturously received news that all the demons had been driven from the land and the roads and woods of the shire were no longer places of fear. There was also a pardon for Jedediah Malahyde and the entire crew of ‘The Cheeky Monkey’. Pestilence Grimshaw was posted as missing, presumed drowned.
T
he guests of honour arrived with the Royal Party. Kismet was a shining rainbow of colours and lit everything around him. Sammy sat on the cat’s head with Wainscot and Spondoolicks. The snake wore his ceremonial crown, an ornate gold castle with filigreed silver turrets, diamond windowpanes and walls studded with zircons and sapphires. This lavish crown is a scale model of the ancient seat of the Cobalt-Sibilance family.
The passengers in the howdah travelled down to the waiting crowds on a struntie wool carpet with Archie, the Queen’s flying poodle, circling overhead. “Deeply unoriginal magic, but the carpet’s a Fairymass tradition,” said the Queen, catching hold of a boisterous Pongo before he tumbled over the edge. “Look! There’s the flock whose fleeces made this year’s model. The poor souls are still in shock as it all happened so quickly.”
The shorn strunties stood in an anxious huddle watching the carpet’s descent. When it settled on the grass, delivering its cargo safely, they let rip with their own version of the Sylvanian national anthem at the cracking pace of twelve bleats to the baa.
When the row subsided and the crowds settled down Hamish turned to Sandy. “What do you think of my wife’s Fabulous Fairymass Frock?”
“I’ve never seen a dress like a restless sea before. Those maribou feathers look like waves on a stormy night and they’re the colour of Indigoletta’s plumage by firelight. The dark jewels are how I picture Sammy’s cave when the Giant Sapphire’s asleep.”
“It’s all things to everyone,” said the Prince. “Your view of it sounds very beautiful indeed. The silk worms have worked so hard this year, we’ve ended up with extra material.”
Tabitha produced a parcel out of nowhere and handed it to Sandy. The ribbons fell away from the wrappings and the tissue paper dissolved in a sparkling mist.
“We thought you’d like your own Fairymass dress,” said the Queen. “The material is the same as mine but the design is more youthful though by no means practical, that would be far too boring. All you have to do is choose the colour.”
The dress floated above the ground, a shimmering confection of silk, lace and feathers. It turned a deep shade of lavender.
“What a good choice,” said Tabitha clapping her hands . “I love purple.”
Celestina saw Sandy glance anxiously at Vince and Florin and stepped in to prevent an awkward moment. “I was wondering if you boys might like to lead the Scottish country dancing. Indigoletta’s keen to partake of some jigs and reels and she’s hoping you’ll team up with her.”
“It would be an honour, Your Majesty,” said the kilt solemnly. “Is that not so, Florin?”
“Invincibly, Indubitable,” said the flustered sporran, making everyone laugh.
The Fairy Queen took up her place on the canopied stage to open the proceedings. Gathered round the flying carpet were palace staff and officials, from the most exalted right down to the junior scullery maids and kitchen porters. Everyone works shifts on Fairymass, so no one misses out on the fun. The crowd was mainly Crawdonian but Celestina had flown in a few special guests from the shires.
Estella stood at the front with Mervyn and his family and Pongo rushed over to greet her. They ended up rolling around on the grass with his nephew Scruggs. “Thank goodness you’re still willing to mix with us commoners,” said the small version of Pongo, “you’re quite a celebrity now.”
“Don’t encourage him,” said Estella with a chuckle. “He’s bad enough as it is.”
“And you’re still a cheeky wee article.”
“Can I have your autograph, Uncle Pongo?
“I’ll supply the paw if you provide the ink-pad, Scruggsie.”
Estella pushed past them. “Quiet, you two. The presentation’s starting.”
Celestina awarded Kismet and Minxie Necklets of Honour studded with gemstones from the Cave of Sublime Spirit. The centrepiece on each was cut from the Giant Sapphire itself. The difference in size of the recipients was cause for much mirth.
Before the Fairy Queen declared the festival open she asked Pogo to join her at the front of the stage. The pixie rose to her feet uncertainly and Celestina beckoned her forward.
“I have wonderful news which I’m eager to share with everyone,” she said. “Wee Alfie Elf was gravely wounded by a scrogwit during the conflict. Thanks to Jock Craw, Grimpen and the unequalled skill of Marta, the Banshee, WAE, as he’s affectionately known, is here today along with his pony Celia who was seriously injured in the same attack.”
A space appeared in the crowd and Alfie stepped forward. He bowed to Celestina and smiled at all the well-wishers. Estella ran across to her father and flung herself into his arms.
“Where’s Celia?” she asked, looking round for the pony.
“She’s over there with Marta and Angus,” he said. “You can’t miss her, she’s decked in garlands of flowers and Jock’s standing on her head.”
The Banshee was unrecognisable to those who knew her. She’d had a shower installed in her home in the tree and bought herself some snappy new clothes.
“Marta scrubs up well,” Pongo said cheerfully. “Isn’t that Captain Malahyde giving her the eye?”
“Don’t you start any rumours,” said Lorimer, happily splashing around in a spacious salt-water aquarium on a stand nearby. There was a sign in front of it which read ‘All the Way from Scotland for One Day Only.’
“I suppose that was the lobster’s idea.”
“Aye, Jamie,” said the gull. “Lorimer’s very much the showman now. He’s constantly changing.”
“Colour?”
“No, bathing suits! He woke up from his nap earlier and found a whole pile of new cozzies beside his silver bucket. From the wee princess no less.”
A crowd had gathered to watch the highly anticipated display of Scottish country dancing led by Indigoletta wearing Vince and Florin who had resized themselves to fit her perfectly. Crawford had set aside his black patent shoes with the shiny silver buckles and was dancing around the Royal Raven barefoot. The shoes were all very well but when it came to energetic jigs they were too much of a hindrance.
Indigoletta heeled and toed as she advanced towards Crawford, sweeping him off his feet in both senses of the expression. Gilbert joined in and had his first taste of applause and approval. It was intoxicating.
“He’s some dancer,” said Leo as Jamie pranced past to join the Giant Rat and Pongo for an Eightsome Reel. Sandy dragged an embarrassed Pigsblanket onto the floor and, with Indigoletta and Crawford, they only needed one more. When they failed to persuade Grimpen to join them, Indigoletta insisted Will make up the set. A photograph of their wild cavorting made the front page of ‘The Corvine Herald’ as one of the highlights of Fairymass.
Peg Leg and Conchita sat together watching the dancers while they alternately sipped watermelon sorbet through a shared straw. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with this style of dancing, Chita, but it’s all in the footwork.”
“And you should know, amigo.”
Lorimer appeared behind them wearing a violet and pink lurex swimsuit. “Hatching plots, are we? Or should that be hatching eggs?”
“Do I detect a hint of jealousy, Thermidor?”
“Not likely. I’m in no hurry to get hitched although I’m promised to a show-stoppingly gorgeous crustacean called Rita Petita. She came over on an exchange scheme from the Gulf of Mexico.”
The gull looked sceptical. “That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
“I’m surprised I haven’t mentioned her before, but these last few days have occupied centre stage in my mind.” He clattered up over the back of a chair and onto the table to help himself to a couple of crab claws. “You’d like Rita Petita, Conchita.”
“You made her up just so you could say that!”
“I did not,” he replied indignantly, “but you have to admit it is rather funny.”
“What about your fans? They’ll be disappointed to find an empty tank or did you leave a sign saying ‘Back in Ten Minutes’?”
“I left Samphire in charge. She’s organising the seahorse racing while I go and watch the Junior Dragon Sprint. Fancy joining me?”
C
ahoots made his way to the starting line with the other young dragons. Minxie had added his name to the list of competitors. “Let’s see what you can do up against your own species. It ought to be a good laugh if nothing else.”
He eyed up the competition. The others were about his size in shades ranging from red to brown and they all had bright green eyes. A blue-eyed, purple dragon would stand out from the rest of the field, something which had not escaped Cahoots.
The competitors were banned from flying and had to have at least one foot on the ground at all times. The race was more of a thump than a sprint and always drew large crowds.
Cahoots went into the lead early and was well ahead of the rest by the halfway mark. He shot a quick look behind him to make sure no one was gaining on him and stopped dead.
The crowd ‘oohed’ in surprise. There were shouts of “Get on with it, you big wuss!” and “Are you nuts, or just stupid?” but Cahoots wasn’t listening. He was staring at a huge purple dragon surrounded by her children. She returned his stare and then began counting her brood. She frowned and counted them a second time.
There was a cheer from the finishing line but most of the spectators were caught up watching Cahoots and the family of purple dragons.
“Bless me,” she said, genuinely astonished. “I’m one short. This is the first time I’ve counted you all since before the earthquake.” Cahoots was rooted to the spot. “Do you have nine little moles on the end of your tail, dear?”
“I don’t know, I’ve never looked,” he called back. One of the youngsters ducked under the rope which marked the edge of the racetrack and cantered across. She grabbed hold of his tail and let out a yelp of pleasure. “Nine moles in the shape of the letter ‘S’, mother,” she shouted. Then, “Welcome to the family. I’m your sister and that annoying bunch over there with Mum are your sisters as well. Eight eggs all female, can you believe that?”
“Well I’m not,” he snorted, sending out a torrent of smoke rings which elicited a roar of approval from the crowd and a proud smile from his mother.
“It’s amazing we ever met up. We’re only here for Fairymass, then it’s back to Kelpien. We moved there after we’d hatched. Mum thought it was getting too dangerous in these parts.”
A shadow crossed his face. “Is Kelpien a long way from here?”
“Yes, but what’s that got to do with anything?”
“I like it here in Crawdonia.”
“That shouldn’t present a problem. It’s no distance at all as the dragon flies. Now, come and meet the rest of the family. I’m Broonhilda. What’s your name, bro?”
“It’s Cahoots.”
“What kind of a name’s that for a dragon?”
“Don’t you start,” he said with narrowed eyes and a giggle. “There’s someone you must meet. You remind me of her, actually. Her name’s Minxie.”
It was his sister’s turn to look surprised. “You know Minxie the Wazwatt? I don’t suppose you could arrange an introduction to the Royal Steed as well.”
“That’s easy. I’ll throw in Sandy too, if you want, and Jamie.”
“I think I’m going to like having a famous brother and Mum’ll be delirious to have a son at long last. You’re going to be so spoilt.”
“T
here’s just time to watch the Bareback Pony Stakes before we head back to ‘Corbie Cottage’. Jock and Celia are presenting the Whiteraven Trophy to the winner.”
“Is it really time to go home, Pogo?”
“Not quite, but you do have to leave before nightfall.” The pixie lowered her eyes unable to hold Sandy’s morose gaze. “Queen Celestina would like to see you before the race. She asked that you bring Jamie and Leo with you.”
Pongo had been romping around with Scruggs and Estella. He skidded to a halt. “I can’t bear it after everything we’ve been through together.”
Jamie tried to sound upbeat. “I thought you’d be glad to see the back of us, me at least.”
“Of course not. I feel as if I’ve known you all forever and I can’t imagine life without you now.”
“Scruggs is going to be staying with us for a while, Pongo, so you’ll have two of us to play with.”
“Estella’s right,” said Sandy, swallowing hard. “You three have had a rare tear today.”
“You’ll soon settle into the old routine.” Alfie didn’t believe what he was saying and neither did Pongo. “Come on now, don’t let’s spoil the rest of the time we have together. Her Majesty’s in the pavilion next to the main stage. We’ll wait for you down at the starting line.”
“Can I go too, WAE?” asked a lacklustre Pongo.
“I’m sure that’ll be fine, but if the Queen asks you to wait outside, you must do as you’re told.”
“OK.”
Pogo and Alfie swapped worried looks. The dog had well and truly lost his sparky effervescence if that was all he had to say.
“If it comes to that, Pongo, I’ll keep you company.”
“Thanks, Jamie, you’re a real pal.” His naturally sunny temperament kicked in and his tail went up again. “Last one at the pavilion’s a burst haggis.”
Pongo darted off into the crowds barking a none-too-polite request for everyone to get out of his way. He barged past Smidge, Filch and Jimlet who’d lived to tell the tale after all, thanks to Jedediah ignoring Grimshaw’s orders to dispose of them.
Jimlet was boring the breeches off a group of mates about his pivotal role in recent events.
Mabel Mince happened across them on her way to the seahorse racing. She yawned loudly and took a bite out of a toffee apple as big as her head. “Put a sock in it, mister. Everyone knows you’re a waste of space.”
“I
’d like you all to have something to remember us by. I’m glad you brought Pongo with you, I’ve a present for him too.”
“Nothing will ever take away the memories of my time here. I wish I didn’t have to go home.”
“Even after everything you’ve been through? You weren’t meant to get caught up in our troubles, Sandy.”
“That’s what makes it so hard to leave. I’m part of Sylvania now, not just an invited guest from Scotland who also happens to be looking for her cat.”
“You would miss your family and friends terribly.”
“I know you’re right and I did get very homesick at one stage but Crawdonia has depth and substance now. It’s no longer a collection of sketchy images from childhood stories. Alfie, Pogo, SSS, the Giant Sapphire really do exist. It’s the most wonderful discovery, life-changing. I can’t go back to ‘Woodburn’ as if this never happened. It isn’t a dream that will fade with time. I longed to meet the Queen of the Fairies when I was little but time passed and I grew out of that sort of thing and all at once there you were, more noble and magnificent than I could ever have imagined, and such fun too with the best frocks I’ve ever seen. Then I met Indigoletta, Crawford and everyone else, how can you ask me to give all that up?”
“Because you belong in Scotland, that’s where you’re supposed to be.”
“But fate brought me here at this significant time, Your Majesty. How do I know where my future lies now?”
Jamie, Leo and Pongo sat huddled uncertainly at Sandy’s feet.
“You’ll have to trust me on that. Going back to ‘Woodburn’ must seem a bit tame after all you’ve done here and the thought of school doesn’t appeal much either, I suppose.”
“Not exactly.”
“You’re likely to get good marks for that essay on Robert Burns if you ever get round to finishing it.”
Their eyes met and they both burst out laughing.
Celestina handed Sandy a shiny box. “I thought you might like to take Vince and Florin back with you as well, if I can persuade Indigoletta to give them up. She’s fair taken with them. There’s also the dress you’re wearing. Everyone should have something frivolous in their wardrobe, don’t you think?”
The box was lined with black velvet and appeared to be empty. Celestina smiled when she realised what was going on. “I suppose that’s your idea of a joke,” she said playfully, wagging her finger at the empty container. “Turn yourselves on, you little monkeys.”
“The magic stars! I wondered what had happened to them. When Will woke us up to come to Fairymass I noticed they’d gone but I forgot to ask about them in all the excitement.”
“They were in need of a rest too. How are you now, stars?”
They zipped out of the box and wrote in elegant script, ‘Refreshed, Your Majesty, thank you for asking’.
“I want you to stay with Sandy and light her way through life, particularly during those dark nights of the soul. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourselves but don’t get too carried away.”
Celestina opened a drawstring velvet bag and removed a small sapphire and diamond crown. “This is for you, Jamie. It should go very well with your collar.”
“Woah! You’ll look the business in that,” said Pongo, nudging the cat in the ribs. “Even more regal than you think you are already.”
“I never dreamt I could take the collar back with me, let alone a matching crown. It’s nothing short of sublime.”
“Here, let me help you. I’ve had a lot of practice with crowns over the years.” The Fairy Queen placed it between his ears and tipped it forward over his left eye. “It’s very you. I think you should keep it on.”
“If you insist, Your Majesty.” Jamie adjusted his pose to one more befitting a royal cat. “It’s exactly the right size.”
“And so it should be if I’m doing my job properly.”
Celestina knelt in front of Leo. “Curiosity is a fundamental part of a cat’s nature and how were you to know Angus was going to involve you in such a huge adventure when you decided to find out what was on the other side of that arch?”
The cat gazed at her feathery frock barely able to control his desire to pounce on it and rip it to bits. Until he’d met birds who could talk, his attitude towards them had not been so benign.
“This earring belonged to Pestilence Grimshaw. It seems fitting that you should have it.” She dangled the solid gold hoop in front of Leo who couldn’t resist giving it a good whacking. “I’m glad you like it. Perhaps you could hang it above your basket as you don’t have a pierced ear. Do promise me, you won’t have one done specially.”
“There’s no chance of that, Your Majesty, I’m too squeamish.”
“Now, Pongo, I know you’re a practical sort of beast so a crown was not an option. This is to thank you for helping Sandy find Leo, even if your way of going about it was not what I would have wished.” The dog shuffled around at her feet and began to strut back and forth whistling the national anthem. “I knew you wouldn’t thank me for a jewelled collar but I thought you might like to hang this next to the tag on the one you’re wearing.” Green light radiated from a small spherical gemstone. “Not too plain for you, is it?” she asked, attaching it to his collar.
“On the contrary, Your Majesty. That’s definitely got my name on it.”
“No it hasn’t,” said Jamie with a smirk. “That’s what your tag’s for.”
The Queen laughed and stroked the Siamese. “I’ll miss you, Jamie. You’re good company.” She turned back to the dog. “This rare Kelpien emerald will protect you as long as you wear it. Not that you should need its protection now that things are back to normal round here.”
Pongo was clearly impressed. “The Royal Raven wears an emerald round her neck. Does that make me the Royal Dog?”
“Absolutely. Now run along and watch the pony race; I wouldn’t want you to miss it. I won’t be seeing you off. I must remain at Fairymass with my people. Kismet will take you all back to ‘Corbie Cottage’ to collect your bits and pieces. Ralph knows when to expect you home. Do think of me when you bite into your first slice of birthday cake.”
Sandy wasn’t expecting to take leave of Celestina so soon and the lump in her throat was making her ears ache.
“It’s better this way, really it is. Take care of Gilbert for me, I’m very fond of him but, like you, he belongs elsewhere. I thought he’d like a neckerchief embroidered with the Royal Crest. Actually, there are two in case he loses one, you know what he’s like.”
The animals went on ahead to give Sandy time on her own. She walked away from the pavilion slowly, wanting to prolong the moment, then turned to wave at the Queen who blew her a kiss.
She was suddenly overwhelmed by the extent of the loss she faced and called out, “Will I ever be able to come back?”
But Celestina had vanished and in her place was a constellation of twinkling blue stars.
T
hey stood together in front of the hedge at the exact spot where they’d first come through. Lorimer clung to Sandy’s back and Leo was tucked down the front of her V-necked jumper. Jock and Peg stood on her left with Gilbert and Jamie flanking them. A small suitcase sat on the grass beside Lorimer’s ornate silver bucket which was crammed with bathing suits.
Sammy broke away from Alfie and Pogo and slithered across to Sandy. He coiled himself round her arm one last time. “Take care of yourself and give your Dad a hug from me. Open the other present now,” he added gently. “It’s from all of us.”
The sporran raised its flap and Sandy fished out a small box. Inside was a tiny treasure chest. She held it up to the light. “It’s beautiful, SSS. Thank you.”
“The present’s inside the cas-s-sket.”
She cried out when she saw the ring.
“We couldn’t let you leave without your very own piece of the Giant Sapphire.”
“It’s a wonder there’s anything left of it,” said Pongo with a grin.
Sandy planted a kiss on the tip of Sammy’s nose.
“I’ve never been kis-s-sed before.”
“No wonder, you’re a big scary reptile!”
“Thank you for pointing that out, Pongo. It hadn’t occurred to me.”
The oval sapphire was suspended between two narrow bands of gold. “I hope you like the design. I thought the stone deserved a simple setting. I couldn’t decide on white or yellow gold so there’s one circle of each. It should fit whichever finger you choose to wear it on. If not, complain to the management.”
She slipped it onto the third finger of her right hand. “You won’t get any complaints from me except when I have to take it off to go to school. The rules say quite clearly: ‘No jewellery allowed’. I doubt they’d make an exception if I told them how I came by it.”
“They’d probably lock you up if you did that,” said Jamie.
“Next to you, if you wear that crown in public.”
“Pongo!”
“Yes, PP?”
“These delaying tactics won’t prevent them from leaving. I’m sure you know what I’m going to say next.”
“Pipe down?”
“Words to that effect.”
Sammy moved off across the grass to join Indigoletta.
Crawford was trying to keep his emotions in check. He fiddled nervously with his monocle and cleared his throat. “You’re not travelling so light this time, but I’ve allowed for that in my calculations.”
“I knew I could rely on you, Crawf,” said the Royal Raven warmly. “I hate goodbyes, don’t you, dears? It’s as well not to prolong things.”
Hosepipe Snout scurried across and took up his position by the hedge. The hairy hedgehorn gave three loud blasts which made Indigoletta jump.
“Look,” said Sammy, “the arch is starting to appear.”
“I’m sorry we didn’t catch up with Cahoots before we left, but at least we had time to say cheerio to everyone else. I haven’t missed anyone out, have I?”
“I could do with another cuddle, if there’s one going, Sandy.”
“Dearest Pongo, of course there is.” She stooped down and hugged him to her chest.
“You’re squashing Leo,” he said quietly.
“I’m OK,” said a muffled voice.
Pogo caught him by the collar. “Come away, boy. It’s time for them to go.”
“The route back to ‘Woodburn’ is direct,” said the Prince of Cobalt-Sibilance, “You’ll see your destination as you leave us. Jock’ll explain, he’s made the journey often enough.”
“It’ll be like, em…, stepping through an arch,” he said with a rueful shrug.
“Most illuminating, Jock.” The raven gave a brief sigh. “The Craw Cauldron is in dire need of attention if you are ever to receive pictures from Sylvania again. We’ve arranged for Ralph to hand it to you as you enter the arch. You must take it from your Dad and give it straight to Alfie. Our two worlds will be synchronised so we’ll be able to to look from one to the other. It’s been forty years since Ralph saw us and a very great deal longer since we saw him. It’s potentially risky but there’s no reason why anything should go wrong, particularly as you’ll be the last one through.”
“I’ll be on your shoulder, to make sure you’re OK.”
“Thanks, Jock.”
On a sign from the Royal Raven, Alfie and Pogo moved towards the arch with Estella, Pongo and Scruggs. “That should do it,” she said. “If we’re too far back Ralph won’t be able to see us. We’ll send your luggage on ahead to make sure everything’s working properly.”
“The arch is starting to shimmer,” said Crawford, counting from one to three. “And there goes the case and the cozzies.”
Pongo exploded with joyous barking. “It’s Minxie and Cahoots, Indigoletta!”
“Blow me backwards off a branch, how absolutely splendid!”
The dragon landed by the river and ran across to the hedge with the wazwatt whizzing around his head like nobody’s business or a swarm of angry bees, depending on your mood.
“Cripes, we only just made it. There was some awful turbulence over Moonglow Lake.” Minxie frowned. “I thought Kismet was going to be here.”
“I am,” he said, emerging from the wooded backdrop. “Wainscot and I were trying to keep a low profile. This departure is proving complicated enough.”
“Right,” said Jock in his most commanding tone. “Best foot forward in order of size. After you, Gilbert, Jamie and Peg.” He ticked them off on a mental checklist. “Sandy, Leo, Lorimer, your boarding passes, please. Kilts and sporrans are exempt.” It was a lame attempt at humour under the circumstances but it raised a few smiles. The crow flew onto Sandy’s shoulder as she walked towards the arch.
By the time she reached the centre of the arch Sandy could see her Dad standing in the orchard with the cat, the gull and a small rodent. “Oh, Gilbert!” she exclaimed when she realised what had happened to him.
As the Craw Cauldron passed from Ralph to Alfie the two worlds swung together in time. Captain Henderson raised his arm to wave at his friends in Sylvania who rushed forward to return his greeting.
“Hurry, Sandy,” urged Jock, “the arch is closing. We must get through.”
Estella shrieked as Pongo ran past her towards the vanishing arch. “Oh no you don’t!” she yelled running after him. “Come back here at once!”
THE END
