Professor DeWitte and MIS

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Professor DeWitte and MIS - Magical Intelligence Service

Professor DeWitte was the chief training officer for all the

magical post owls. But his real and most important job was ashead of MIS (the Magical Intelligence Service). So, he was

always on the lookout for smart young owls to help him in his

task of delivering mail and gathering intelligence.

You might wonder why MIS was needed at all and why the chief

post owl was in charge!

That was the trouble with magic, people could get thingswithout actually working – if they could do magic and if they

didn’t care about others! These sorts of people just got greedy

and wanted more of everything with even less work.

It was the job of Professor DeWitte to keep an eye on that

sort of thing. He reported to his boss, the fearsome Alecus

the Red. He was the Supreme Intelligencer and was most

skilled in magical mayhem, stealth and sneakiness. But more of

him later!

The Professor had an assistant; an Animagus called Wizard

Jampot the Greatest. He was the Greatest because unlike

most animagi he could change into any animal - not just one!

Wizard Jampot himself had an assistant, a trainee wizard,Wizard Flapjack. He was frightened of nothing and no one,

but, this did sometimes cause problems for Wizard Jampot -

who would have to rescue his assistant when he sometimes got

into trouble!

It was the start of another day and Professor DeWitte was

having his morning cup of tea and piece of seedcake. He’d been

scanning the reports that came across his desk every day

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And he was getting worried. Reports were coming in about

problems with magic. Just little ones, where magic didn’t seem

to work correctly. Nothing too bad as yet but the Professor

had a feeling in his feathers that things were going to getworse.

So, he decided to take his feelings to Alecus the Red. He made

an appointment and was given a time of 2.00 in the afternoon.

Professor DeWitte was always prompt for an appointment with

Alecus the Red, he was after all a very busy man. Magical

mayhem always took a lot of time and stealth and sneakinesswere even more time consuming!

The door was opened by the Lovely Sarah DeWoo, who was the

personal assistant to Alecus the Red and liaison between his

office and The Post Owl Service. Now, Professor DeWitte was

a barn owl and had feathers of all different colours of brown

but Prof. DeWoo was a Snowy owl and so of course was pure

white. Her colouring gave her a bit of a fierce look, she was a

complete softy really – but don’t tell anyone as it’s a secret!

The Professor on the other hand looked quite sleepy and slow.

This also was not the case, he had a mind as sharp as a razor

and could think around corkscrews quicker than anyone except

Alecus the Red!

Professor DeWitte entered the room and sat in the chair

placed in front of the desk of the Supreme Intelligencer.

Alecus the Red looked up from under thick black eyebrows, his

eyes were a fierce blue and his hawk like nose gave him the air

of a somewhat angry eagle. He was very busy and did not

appreciate being interrupted. However he knew that the

Professor would not disturb him unless it was important.

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He sat back in his chair and waited for the Professor to get to

the point of his visit. He glanced at the Lovely Sarah DeWoo

and with a silent command ordered coffee and seed cake for

the Professor - knowing that the busy owl often forgot to eat.

The Professor settled himself down and after sipping his

coffee and having a nibble of seedcake he spoke. “I’m not sure”

he said “if I should have brought this to you yet but I have a

feeling in my feathers that tells me we could be in for a bit of

a storm.” Alecus the Red waited patiently for the Professor to

continue. “I’m getting some reports in of problems with simple

magic spells, nothing too serious, could even be just that thewizards concerned are not casting their spells correctly but……

well, to be honest, the problems are too widespread for that I

feel.”

Alecus frowned, “How many reports?” he asked. “About a dozen

so far, over the last two months.” The professor replied. “It’s

only simple magic and only either trainee wizards or those with

little skill who are reporting problems. Two months ago there

was one incident in a week, then it went up to two, then the

last couple of weeks we’ve had more.”

The Professor waited as Alecus the Red frowned even harder

and gazed off into the distance. This was how he always

received any news, good or bad. He always thought about it for

a while before commenting. After about five minutes helooked at the Professor “I suppose you want to send Wizard

Jampot out to look around?” “Yes, but his assistant is back at

the Magical Martial Arts school. Shihan Jamus wants him back

to try and knock some caution into him. You know what he’s like,

he’ll fight mountains and attack tornadoes if they get in his

way!” said the professor. “Wizard Jampot had to rescue him

the last time they were sent out when he tried to arrest a

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whirlwind that had knocked his hat off!” They both shuddered

as they remembered that little episode!

“Still, if The Shihan has managed to instil some caution intohim they would make the perfect team”. The Professor

commented. “Yes, you’re right of course, well see to it will you

and keep me informed. I have a meeting with the magical

artificers today, they have a couple of new things they want to

try out, this mission could just be the right testing ground.”

Alecus looked at Professor DeWitte, his piercing blue eyes

pinned him to the seat. “I want this sorted DeWitte, quickly!”with that terse comment he looked back down at the papers on

his desk and Professor DeWitte knew the interview was over.

At the Magical Martial Arts School Shihan Jamus was putting

Wizard Flapjack through his paces. He’d excelled in the forms

and tests except one, “Cautionary Tactics”. Shihan Jamus

knew that his student was one of the best to come through the

school in a long time, possibly even as good (in time) as the

legendary Warrior, Dannio the Dark (son of Shihan Jamus).

But, first he would have to learn Cautionary Tactics, the

problem was in getting Flapjack to realise it!

Jamus decided that he might bring in another student who was

just as lacking in Cautionary Tactics as Flapjack. He thought it

might be instructive to have them work together and see howthey managed. He sent a message to the student hall for

Jadeanna.

Wizard Jampot was busy with some experiments when the

message came from Professor DeWitte. He sighed, knowing

that his experiments would probably have to wait and he would

have to go out and save the magical world yet again!

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He packed away his equipment and looked around his rooms. He

had a feeling in his bones that it would be sometime before he

saw them again. (Although if the truth were told there was

nothing Wizard Jampot liked more than to be out saving themagical world from harm!)

Wizard Jampot knocked on the office door of Professor

Dewitt. He straightened his hat and gave his wand an extra

polish; he knew that the Professor was a stickler for that sort

of thing.

‘Come in’ said the Professor. Jampot entered and walked up to

the desk. He didn’t sit down, as he was one of the few peoplewho knew that the Professor’s air of kindly absentmindedness

was all pretend! Professor DeWitte looked at Wizard Jampot

from under his feathered eyebrows. He looked, thought

Jampot, as if he was trying not to regurgitate an owl pellet or

perhaps, thought Jampot, he wished he could get rid of

something that didn’t agree with him!

Professor DeWitte cleared his throat. ‘Oh dear’ thought

Jampot, ‘that’s not a good sign at all. Something must be very

wrong indeed.’ Jampot continued to stand and wait in silence,

very glad his hat was on straight and his wand was polished.

“Wizard Jampot” the Professor began “ I’ve sent for you

because I fear we have a problem brewing. A problem that

could affect us all.” The Professor looked at Jampot andseemed to realise that he was still standing, he tsked a little

before saying impatiently “Sit down, sit down, no need to stand

on ceremony here my boy!” ‘Oh oh’ thought Jampot, it’s much

worse than I thought, in fact it must be really bad!!

“What seems to be the problem Professor” he asked quietly.

DeWitte was glad the time had come to tell his favourite

wizard exactly what was troubling him (although he hoped that

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the fact that Wizard Jampot was his favourite was a well kept

secret!). He was comforted by Jampot’s quiet confidence, it

always made him feel better, even though he knew that there

had been a few mishaps in the past. The flying mushroomscame to mind as did the time……. Professor DeWitte brought

himself back to the present with a snort!

“Well, the problem is quite simply failing magic” he stated

looking at Jampot for any sign of surprise. To his dismay there

was none.

“Yes, I had heard of a few problems. In fact I’ve noticed some

funny things going on when I was experimenting. Nothing I

could put my finger on, after all I was experimenting. But theresults should have been more predictable. So, others have

actually had their magic fail then?”

“Yes, it’s been getting worse over the last few months and it’s

only been the very small magics so far. But I want to keep a lid

on it. Think of the panic if it got out that magic was failing.

We’d have to call out the troops or something!”

They looked at each other silently for a few seconds. “Umm,

will I have an assistant?” Jampot enquired. “I mean with

Flapjack back at the magical martial arts academy, I just

wondered if he would be finished in time.”

Professor DeWitte sighed; he wished he could persuade

Wizard Jampot to take on a different apprentice but knew

he’d be wasting his breath. Not that he didn’t value traineeWizard Flapjack, he did, but his magic left a lot to be desired.

His most valuable skill was as a fighter. He was a very good

fighter in fact. Just not very cautious - which was of course

the reason he was back at the academy with Shihan Jamus.

“I’ve sent orders for him to meet you at your first stop.” The

Professor looked down at some notes on his desk. “It’s been

decided that you should first go and see the Wise Old Witch

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owl there stood a beautiful woman. She wore a dress of lilac

that shimmered and shone as if lit by a thousand fairy lights.

She walked over and sat down at the desk next to Alecus theRed. Now, you might expect that he would have been very

surprised to see his owl assistant change into a beautiful

woman but, you have to remember that he was the master of

sneakiness and stealth! He of course was not at all surprised as

it had been his idea that his assistant Sarah DeWoo should

take the form of a snowy owl in front of anyone else.

She smiled at him, she was the only person who could smile justlike that and he liked her smile very much!

“I think that we should assign a new assistant to Wizard

Jampot” he stated. She looked at him and waited. She knew he

had more to say, she was after all a very clever assistant.

“DeWitte has wanted to for some time but he says that

Jampot will not take another assistant. I don’t believe this is

true, what do you think?”

The lovely Sarah DeWoo thought hard, then she said ”Well, I

could go with him, I know he’s been wanting to teach someone

this new magic of his but can’t find anyone clever enough to

understand it.” Alecus the Red thought about it, “No, I don’t

think that’s the answer, I think he needs someone completely

different. I’ve been watching the new recruit, Pegasus, I thinkshe’d be ideal. She needs training in magical spying,

eavesdropping and nosiness and Jampot is just the one to train

her.” Sarah thought about it for sometime and had to concede

that once again Alecus the Red came by his reputation for

being the sneakiest Supreme Intelligencer ever known!

“Yes, I can see you’re quite right, shall I send her out to

Granny Wools?”

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“No, I think we’ll get Champicus the Strong to collect her on

his way. Send a message to the Shihan and tell him that I want

Flapjack, Jadeanna and Dannio the Dark to be ready to leave ata moments notice. DeWitte seems to have forgotten that I

also have information and I know that we’ll need all the help we

can get!”

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Chapter 2

Old Granny Wools was baking some of her delicious bread, she

had a feeling that she’d be getting some visitors quite soon,although she didn’t yet know who it would be. No one knew how

old she really was, her hair certainly wasn’t grey, her eyes

twinkled and she had a real spring in her step. She knew an

awful lot of things though, so everyone had decided that she

must be really old to know all that stuff.

It wasn’t just any old stuff she knew either, Old Granny Wools

knew secret stuff, how to charm warts, how to milk bees (andwhy you never should!). She knew about growing things and

making things, she knew when you told lies and when you

weren’t being as truthful as you might be. She knew when you

were sad and what would make you feel better, she even knew

when nothing would and would just sit and wait with you ‘til you

felt better all by yourself.

But the one thing she never seemed to know, was how many

times she’d told you one of her stories. Most people didn’t mind

though, she really enjoyed telling them and that was what

mattered.

She looked out the window as she put her bread in the oven,

there were dark clouds gathering, she looked out to see if she

could see her mo-herd Billious Farticus. She couldn’t see himanywhere, ‘hiding again’ she thought crossly, ‘if that man has

let those mo’s out I’ll skin him!’. She thought to herself, poking

her head out of the door she called for him “Billious” “Billious

where the devil are you?” she called and called all to no avail!

By this time Old Granny Wools was getting quite cross, her

eyes no longer twinkled, they glared now with a fierce light as

she put on her cloak to go out and find him. First she checked

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wouldn’t notice he’d been gone rather longer than he should. It

was worth a try!

Shihan Jamus looked at the message from Alecus the Red, sohe thought, there were going to be problems ahead. He was

being asked to send Dannio the dark warrior out with Trainee

Wizard Flapjack and the Ninjette Jadeanna. The Shihan was

not sure that Flapjack and Jadeanna were ready, they still

hadn’t really got the hang of cautionary tactics. Wizard

Flapjack knew no fear and just went in like a whirling dervish,

Jadeanna screamed most things into submission. Who knows

though he thought, for them it might just work!

He sent a message to Dannio, asking him to come immediately.

He was deep in thought when Dannio the Dark Warrior came

into the room. He bowed to the Shihan as was proper before

looking at him and asking “What’s up then Dad?” The Shihan

looked proudly at his son, remembering some of the times that

he’d despaired of his son ever learning to be responsible.

Looking at him as he stood tall and strong, the Shihan felt such

pride and love for this strong, intelligent and awesome young

warrior. But of course he was the Shihan and as such had to

preserve his dignity!

“A message has come from Alecus the Red, there is bad

trouble brewing and he wants you to be ready to leave at a

moments notice.” The Shihan noted with pleasure that Dannioimmediately looked serious, he was not going to fool around

now. "“Am I going on my own?" Dannio asked. “No, the

Intelligencer wants you to take Flapjack and Jadeanna with

you. He’s going to let us know when and where you’ll be going.

He also wants you to tell Flapjack that Wizard Jampot has

been assigned a new assistant. So, for the time being you are

to be responsible for continuing Flapjacks training.”

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Dannio was quite pleased at this, he’d become very fond of the

young trainee wizard and was glad to have the opportunity to

teach him. “I wont’ let you down Father, I’ll take care of them

both, even when they don’t want me to!” The Shihan smiled, “Iknow you will my son.”

Jadeanna and Flapjack looked at each other, they’d been

listening, a spell that Flapjack knew, one of the few that he

could do properly. They looked at each other with big grins on

their faces, excited they whispered to each other. “We’re

going on a mission with Dannio the Dark!!!” hissed Flapjack,

almost beside himself with excitement. Jadeanna just lookedat him, at last she was going out without any of the senior

teachers, she was going out to be a real Ninjette! Her big blue

eyes shining she just grinned at Flapjack “I can’t wait “ she

said quietly.

Shihan Jamus had noticed the spell that Flapjack had used,

after all he was the Shihan! He’d decided not to block it but to

call in some extra help. Someone who could be trusted to keep

an eye on things from a safe distance. Donna B.A.B.Y came into

the room, she was dressed head to toe in skin hugging black

leather, pale blond hair fell to just past her shoulders. She had

throwing stars in a bandoleer across her (not inconsiderable)

chest, knives strapped to the outside of each thigh. In fact

she had weapons hidden in places that most people would never

even dream of, even if they had the places in the first place.She would keep an eye on them all – from a distance and was as

fierce in defence of the young warriors as she was beautiful!

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Chapter 3

Wizard Jampot had packed most of the things he thought he’d

need, then the things he thought he probably but not certainly

might need. Then to be on the safe side he’d packed everythinghe knew he couldn’t possible need, then just to be doubly sure ,

he’d packed everything else.

He was looking forward to his visit with Old Granny Wools and

had his money ready to order his cloak of magical mo hair.

He’d been given strict instructions about how to arrive at Old

Granny Wools, he could transport himself near to the bordersof her place but, he had to travel the last part on his own feet.

Not that he minded this, he just didn’t do it very often. Mostly

he left his assistant Flapjack to do most of that sort of thing.

He thought about not having Wizard Flapjack as his assistant

anymore. He found that although some parts of him were glad,

some parts would miss him after all. Still he was looking

forward to meeting his new assistant Pegasus, Prof. DeWittehad told him that she was an accomplished witch, but one who

needed experience in magical spying, eavesdropping and

nosiness. Wizard Jampot didn’t know how long she would be his

assistant, after all she wasn’t a trainee like Flapjack. Still he

thought, we’ll see how things go.

Wizard Jampot looked around his rooms one more time, he

liked his rooms, they were comfortable and he always felt safe

here. Still you couldn’t save the magical world if you stayed in

your rooms, sometimes you just had to get out there! So he

did!

Wizard Jampot arrived at his destination with a small ‘plop’ he

really hated that sound but it was the sound you always made

when you transported yourself by magic.

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He carefully checked that all his baggage had ‘plopped’ back in

with him and was pleased to find it all there. He waved his

wand and it all floated in the air and followed behind him like a

well trained dog.

The sun was shinning and a slight breeze blew, just enough to

keep you cool. In fact it was perfect walking weather. He

looked around as he followed the track to the borders of

Granny Wools place. She lived high in the green hills of Gales,

among the forests. Here and there he could see ordinary sheep

grazing, in the sky red kites flew. The air smelled clear and

tasted like wine. He began to laugh with the sheer joy of beingalive!

As he walked, he looked at all the things around him. Old

Granny Wools had always told him that most people didn’t pay

enough attention when they were out walking, she used to say

that magic was all around if only you knew how to look!

Wizard Jampot began to see what she’d meant. He saw a

beautiful butterfly emerge from a dusty grey chrysalis. Its

wings damp as it spread them to dry. The colours were glorious

and Wizard Jampot could see the magic in that.

He looked up as a red kite rode the air above him, it called out,

a lonely yet defiant sound as it suddenly plummeted to the

ground, pulling out of the dive at the very last minute to soarback up into the sky with another scream of defiance.

Jampot let out the breath he hadn’t realised he’d been holding,

how marvellous he thought delightedly. He walked a little

further and noticed something colourful peeking out from the

grass by the side of the track, bending down, he looked closer

and saw a tiny red fruit, a wild strawberry he thought, it was

so perfect, yet so tiny. He picked it and popped it in his mouth,

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delicious, so sweet and tasty, much better than the bigger ones

you bought in the shops. Wizard Jampot really was feeling very

good about life in general that he almost missed the first

faltering of his luggage.

But then he felt it again, the dragging feeling as if the luggage

was snagged on something. He turned to inspect it, nothing was

caught, he took out his wand and cast a simple spell to check

everything. Nothing happened! Wizard Jampot stood there in

shock for a minute, his magic had not worked, a simple spell and

it had just not worked! He was dumfounded, he realised all at

once that the ‘dragging’ he’d felt was the first sign of problemsin the magical field. The magic was still working but not

properly and the simple spell he’d tried was obviously a further

warning that things were not right.

He decided to pick up the pace and get to Old Granny Wools

sooner rather than later!

Old Granny Wools took out the last loaf of bread from the

oven and shouted for Bilious Farticus. As usual there was no

reply. “where is that dratted man” she muttered as she

carefully placed the bread with all the others delicious things

she’d baked.

“Bilious” she shouted again, still no reply, Granny Wools smiled

craftily to herself, ‘Hmm, she thought, there’s more’n one wayto skin a cat!’ She picked up the still hot loaf, which smelled

absolutely delicious and went to the back door. She held the

loaf up and muttered something whilst waving her hand above

the loaf.

The smell snuck out into the yard and wound it’s way into all

the sheds and all their nooks and crannies. She grinned to

herself ‘that’ll fetch him she thought.

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Bilous was, as usual asleep, he’d made himself comfortable on

some hay in his favourite corner of the mo shed. His nose

began to twitch as the delicious smell crept into the shed.First one eye opened, then the other, he sniffed, yes, it was

fresh bread!

Bilious Farticus got up with a speed that would have surprised

most people. He brushed off any hay and picked up the bucket

he’d prepared earlier. He knew that Granny Wools wouldn’t be

fooled but they liked to pretend she was.

Granny heard him whistling as he came across the yard, bucket

in hand. “Hello darlin’ ” he said, “just found some of those

berries you like, so I thought I’d pop back with them before I

finished off the feeding.” He handed her the bucket, she

looked into it and sure enough there were some of her

favourite greenberries, not many it was true but enough for a

pie. “Huh, I suppose you want a cup of tea and some bread now

do you?” she snapped, grinning to herself. She wasn’t sure

which of them enjoyed the pretence more.

Bilious sighed a small sigh of relief, after all you were never

sure which way Granny would jump!

“We’ve got a visitor coming” she told him, “not sure who, but

it’s either Alecus or young Jampot” Granny never used titles,nor did she really think that any of her young proteges ever

really grew past needing her advice. Not that she interfered,

she just always seemed to know exactly what they were

thinking, sometimes even before they did!

“So, get the kettle on and make sure we have plenty of butter.

Whichever it is, they’ll be hungry and want some of my

cooking.” Bilious knew better than to mess about when one of

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Granny’s favourites was visiting. Not that he minded, he

enjoyed their visits just as much as she did.

Wizard Jampot hurried up the lane to Old Granny Wools house,his baggage still dragging a little, he came to the gate into

Granny Wools land and was relieved to feel the dragging lift.

With the baggage no longer slowing him down he soon arrived

at the kitchen door. Funny really he thought to himself, we

always come to the back door. He lifted his hand to knock but

before he could the door opened and there stood Granny

Wools, her eyes twinkling and a big grin on her face.

“Jampot” she cried, “How smashing to see you! I knew it was

either you or your Father, Alecus who was on his way to see

me.” Jampot looked into her smiling wrinkled face and felt

better. It was always the same, you came to Old Granny Wools

feeling a bit down or worried and as soon she grinned at you,

you knew things couldn’t be that bad.

“Hello Granny” he said putting his arms round her and giving

her a hug. “It’s good to see you.” He looked over her shoulder

to see Bilious Farticus standing there laughing too. “Hello

Bilious” Jampot said, smiling, “have you got the kettle on?”

“Aye” said Bilious “She’s been baking since dawn, knew one of

you was on the way she did” he said proudly.

Jampot and Granny moved into the big kitchen, a little blackball of fur and muscle shot like a bullet from under the kitchen

table and leaped up at Jampot. “Betsicle” he cried delightedly

as Granny’s little dog licked his face in excited welcome.

Granny smiled “She’s a little black devil” she said, not really

meaning is. Everyone knew how much Granny Wools loved her

animals, some people said she loved them more than people,

which was true in most cases. But, there were some special

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people who Granny Wools loved more than anything and Wizard

Jampot was one of them.

Meanwhile, in a land far away, where the sun beat downrelentlessly and the land shimmered in the heat, Jampot’s new

assistant made ready to travel to Old Granny Wools. She’d

been told that one of the most legendary Warriors ever known

would be arriving to pick her up and travel with her to Granny

Wools. She’d only ever met Champicus the Strong once and

was looking forward to meeting him again. She’d only recently

joined the ranks of MIS and was eager for her first

assignment.

She checked everything once again to ensure she had all she

needed and that her home would be protected in her absence.

She heard an elephant trumpet outside and knew that

Champicus had arrived.

She went outside to greet him, just as he dismounted his

magical black elephant. Most elephants are grey, and rarely

they are white, these are special elephants that bring good

luck. But the elephant that Champicus rode was jet black and

therefore magical. Only one was born every thousand years and

only very special people could tame and ride them. But when

they were tamed they would protect their rider and because

they were magical they couldn’t be affected by magic.

There was another aspect of them that very few people knew

about, they could change size. Most of the time they were

elephant sized, well just a bit bigger really, after all it was no

good being born only every thousand years and not stand out

from the crowd just a little bit!

But, they could also shrink themselves to such a tiny size they

were almost invisible! So they were the perfect camouflage

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animal for a very special and dangerous warrior such as

Champicus the Strong.

Pegasus watched as Champicus dismounted, she wasn’t sure howto greet him, this was only their second meeting. He was tall

and somewhat forbidding until he smiled and until he smiled you

were never quite sure that he was going to. It all added to his

reputation of course Pegasus thought but, really you could do

with a bit of a hint. She settled for standing tall and smiling –

enigmatically she hoped!

Champicus stood and looked at Pegasus, “Greetings” herumbled in a deep voice. “have you got the kettle on?” he

finished. Pegasus felt her jaw almost drop in shock, she wasn’t

sure what she’d expected, just that it wasn’t supposed to be a

request for a hot drink!

She swallowed quickly any words that might have tumbled out

and collecting her thoughts she smiled and answered “No but I

soon can have, would you like tea or coffee?” “Neither thank

you, I’d like to mix up a healing potion for my arm.” At these

words Pegasus noticed that he was holding his left arm a little

stiffly.

“What happened?” she asked as she moved into the kitchen to

boil some water. “It was a scratch from a wyvern tail, I’d

killed it but the message hadn’t got to the tail and I wasstanding just a bit too close. Still it could have been worse!”

He smiled down at Pegasus, “The wyvern could have still been

alive, then I might not be.” He said easily. Pegasus looked at

him, then she looked down at her feet, then up at the ceiling.

She began to wonder if her new career was such a good choice!

After all, although it sounded exciting, to join MIS and work

with Wizard Jampot, the best operative the MIS had. But no

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one said anything about wyverns. In fact, she now remembered,

Prof. DeWitte had not said anything at all about danger.

She felt Champicus looking at her and raised her eyes to his.She was surprised to see he was looking at her with interest

and understanding. “Yes, it can be dangerous, there’s no

denying that but, I don’t think you would have been even

considered if Prof. DeWitte did not think you could handle

yourself. I know you came very highly recommended, by

someone even Alecus the Red listens to, In fact sometimes I

think this is the only other person he listens to apart from Old

Granny Wools. “

Pegasus wondered who it could be. “Well, I suppose, although

no one said anything about danger, they expected me to work it

out myself. It just never occurred to me that it could be that

dangerous. Do you know what the problem is?”

“No, except it has something to do with how magic works. As I

don’t use magic exactly, I’m not sure that I’m the best person

to ask. I expect Wizard Jampot will explain it all when we meet

up with him.”

The water having boiled, Champicus prepared his special

ointment and dressed the very nasty looking wound in his arm.

It looked as if something had just torn strips of skin off.

Pegasus was surprised to learn he didn’t use magic, how onearth had he killed the wyvern?? She decided to ask Wizard

Jampot when she met him,. It seemed rude to ask Champicus

how he’d killed the wyvern without magic. Almost as if she

didn’t believe him!

“Umm, how are we getting to Old Granny Wools, I mean if you

don’t use magic? Won’t it take a long time?“ she asked

hesitantly. Champicus threw back his head and laughed loud and

21



long. He looked at her and asked “Can’t you use magic then? I

thought you could fly!”

“Well, yes of course I can if I change shape, but how will you

get there?” Then, she began to get a suspicion of how theywould both get there if she was the only one who could use

magic! “Oh no! Don’t tell me I’m supposed to carry you!” she

gasped, “what about your elephant? You’re not going to leave

him surely?” Once again Champicus laughed, “no, I’m not going

to leave him, I’ll put him in my pocket, then you can carry us

both. That way I can rest and by the time we arrive my arm will

be healed.”

“Carry you and the elephant? How can he go in your pocket?”

she glanced outside, there was no sign of the magnificent

beast. “where is he?” she cried in alarm. Champicus pointed to a

very small black object. Bending down, Pegasus was amazed to

see that it was a tiny black elephant. “well!” she exclaimed

laughing, “I suppose I can manage that!”

Champicus bowed to her and said ”Then let us go, time is

important I feel.”

Pegasus took a deep breath and concentrated, her form

shimmered and wavered, then a beautiful white unicorn with

huge feathered wings stood in her place. Champicus blinked,

he’d never seen a more beautiful animal.

Carefully he climbed on her back, as soon as he was settled ,

the unicorn took off. It’s great wings beating the air

effortlessly. Anyone standing and watching would have been

amazed at how fast it flew, soon it was just a speck in the

distance.

Something growled in the undergrowth and the bushes shook in

a non-existent breeze. Then there was silence.

22



Chapter 4

Old Granny Wools was a little worried, she felt something inher bones, something bad was on the way! Bilious came in with a

frown on his face, “Somethin’s bothering the mo’s” he

exclaimed loudly. “I can’t see anything but there’s something

there, they’re getting very restless and all the rams are on the

alert.” He looked at Granny Wools to see what she made of

that. Granny looked down at Betsicle the demon dog who was

staring out into the yard and growling. “Jampot” Grannyshouted, “you’d better get out here with me.” She looked over

her shoulder as Wizard Jampot came into the room, “there’s

some Minions outside if I’m not very much mistaken and they’ll

be up to no good!”

Jampot drew his wand and rushed out after Granny. They

couldn’t see anything, but they could feel it. The air had a

metallic tang to it, rusty and dead. The trees were swaying in anon existent breeze. But it was the herd of magical mo’s that

really gave the game away. The herd was packed tightly in a

circle, with all the rams on the outside, their lethal horns all

pointed outwards, ready to defend or attack as needed.

The biggest ram of them all was waiting for Granny, as soon as

she appeared outside it came and stood beside her, ready to

defend her to the death. Betsicle was on her other side, gone

was the playful little black dog, instead there was a demon dog

(though still very small to be sure). Eyes glowing red, white

teeth gleaming as she too stood ready to defend Granny Wools.

Bilious Farticus stood the other side of Betsicle, a sharp and

dangerous looking weapon in his hand. Wizard Jampot ranged

himself on the other side of the ram, wand at the ready.

23



He tried to summon a few small wind devils but the magic

wouldn’t perform correctly. “Granny” he whispered “the magic

is wrong, it’s not working properly.” Granny Wools was proud of

his calmness, she knew she could rely on Jampot to stand firm,no matter the cost.

“I thought as much, try just using curses, if it is the Minions

causing the problem they should still work.” She watched and

waited as the minutes ticked by.

Suddenly all the animals went to extra alert and all turned to

look in one direction. “Here they come” shouted Granny aswalking nightmares erupted from the surrounding trees.

Terror came at them but they held firm, Granny muttered

spells under her breath, some worked, most didn’t. But she

stood firm, her face screwed up in concentration, her eyes

fierce as a razors edge. Bilious wielded his weapon and took off

the head of one of the Minions who got too close. Wizard

Jampot rushed out to meet them, curses flying as he fought

the horrors that had come to Granny Wools this day. One of

them caught him a glancing blow with a long curved talon and he

stumbled. Granny saw him and screamed “Jampot” The ram

struck the attacking minion and tossed it high in the air.

Betsicle never left Granny’s side but attacked anything that

came too close. Bilious was surrounded now, the blade of hisweapon dripping gore as he fought ferociously . Jampot

recovered but felt the poison in the wound. Still he fought, his

wand flashing as he danced back and forth. Granny was in the

thick of it now, fighting with the herd rams to protect the

females and young.

Betsicle had numerous rips and tears in her sides as she fought

beside Granny, there just seemed too many of them! Granny

24



was getting tired, she worried about Bilious, his heart would

not take much more. She glanced around and saw Jampot still

battling, although surrounded on all sides.

For the first time, she began to worry, there were more than

she thought possible attacking them, their magic undimmed

whilst hers and Jampots faltered.

Jampot knew that they were in deep trouble, his voice was

hoarse from shouting curses. He knew they needed help and

blamed himself for not having Flapjack with them, he was such

a fighter! He thought of the new spell he’d been working on, hedidn’t know whether it would work but it was a spell for ‘Direst

Need’ and he thought this counted as being in ‘Direst Need’.

He knew he’d need a little space and a few seconds of time so

he fought harder and faster. Granny must have guessed he was

planning something because she too became fiercer and so did

the rams, they wouldn’t be able to keep it up for long, but

maybe it would be long enough!

At last, Jampot was clear for just a small space in time, he

drew in a deep breath and concentrating he cast his spell.

Power flowed out in ever widening circles, the minions stumbled

as they felt it pass over them, a small silence and then the

fighting resumed fiercer than ever.

Jampot hoped the spell had worked!

Suddenly, a cry echoed from the sky, the cry of a great

hunting eagle, the screech of a snowy owl followed as Alecus

the Red and the lovely Sarah DeWoo flew into the fray,

attacking the minions from the air, ripping them limb from

limb.

25



A flash of white descended into the midst of the minions,

Pegasus and Champicus had arrived! In a flash Champicus was

mounted on his war elephant which began to trample theminions that escaped the deadly horn of the unicorn that was

Pegasus.

The tide of the battle was turning, but could still go either way

when a silver dragon appeared in the sky, bearing riders, The

Shihan, Dannio the Dark, Flapjack, Jadeanna and Donna B.A.B.Y!

The great silver dragon dropped them in the middle and theyfought like furies. The Shihan went through them like a hot

knife through butter, Dannio the Dark fought alongside

Champicus the Strong, back to back they protected each

other, Donna B.A.B.Y stood with Jadeanna and Flapjack as they

destroyed all who came in their path.

The silver dragon roared as a huge shadow rose from the

trees, flames shot out as the dragon breathed fire at the

shadow, it blew away in the heat and the minions began to fall

back, soon they were in full retreat.

Granny Wools turned quickly to where she’d last seen Jampot,

she couldn’t see him anywhere. “Jampot” she called worriedly.

Alecus the Red stood where minutes before the great eagle

had fought, he bent down and tenderly picked up the body ofWizard Jampot. “I have him Granny” he said tiredly. “He’s been

poisoned I think.”

“Well don’t just stand there, bring him in” snapped Granny. She

hurried into the house, Bilious was sat, his head in his hands.

Granny knew she’d have to give him some medicine too if he

were to survive.

26



Alecus laid Jampot on the kitchen table and gently stroked his

forhead. Bending down, he whispered into Jampots ear. “Hold

on my son, Granny will bring you back, you just hold on.”

Granny sent them all outside whilst she tended to the injured.

Alecus, Champicus and the Shihan all clasped hands, it had been

sometime since they’d all been together. They grinned at each

other, “not a bad little skirmish” Jamus said looking at his

brothers. “No, just enough to get the blood moving.” Champicus

agreed. Alecus looked back at the house where his son lay.

“Bro’ “ said Jamus laying a hand on his shoulder, “Granny will

see to him, you know she will.”

Alecus smiled, he did know it, but even so…………..

27



Chapter 5

Granny Wools looked quite serious as she laid a hand on

Jampots brow. She could sense he’d been poisoned but didn’tknow with what. He was burning up and shivering at the same

time. She needed her daughter, she could heal with her hands

so it didn’t matter what he’d been poisoned with. Granny just

didn’t understand why she didn’t come in, after all she was

outside.

Granny bathed Jampot with cool water in which she’d steeped

some herbs. It helped a little but not enough, she dripped somedifferent herbs into his mouth but he couldn’t swallow.

Outside, everyone was looking expectantly at the silver dragon,

wondering why she’d not shape shifted. The dragon looked at

each of them in turn, her eyes seeming to plead with them.

Alecus began to look worried as did Jamus and Champicus. They

looked at each other, Pegasus had shape shifted and was

looking at them worriedly too. In fact by this time every one

realised that something was very wrong. The silver dragon was

the shape that Granny’s daughter (and the Mother of Alecus,

Jamus and Champicus) always took. No one understood why she

didn’t change back into her human shape, unless……….

Alecus was the first to say it “Do you think she can’t shape

shift?” he asked everyone, looking around at them. It was thenthat Granny looked out of the door, “Alecus, where’s your

Mother? Why hasn’t she come in? I can’t fight the poison

without knowing what it is. She can heal him with her hands.”

Granny’s voice trailed off as she saw the form of the silver

dragon. Understanding hit, this was why she’d had the

warnings. “I didn’t realise, this was what the warnings meant.

We’re in real trouble, more even than I’d thought.” Granny sat

down abruptly on the step. Immediately everyone gathered

28



So, he picked up his glass of magical mo milk and said “To the

newest warrior in the fighting division may the gods have

mercy on his enemies, because it is certain that he will havenone!”

As one they all stood and repeated “Jacky Chan Stunt Man –

may the gods have mercy on his enemies, because it is certain

that he will have none!”

The party went on well into the night until only Granny Wools,

Prof. DeWitte and Alecus the Red were still up. Granny lookedtired and Alecus was a little concerned. He didn’t say anything

though as he knew she hated to have a fuss made. He resolved

to have a word with Bilious Farticus in the morning just to

check.

He looked at Prof. DeWitte “Well DeWitte, you’ve been holding

in bad news all day, I think it’s time you told us what the

exactly the bad news is.”

Granny looked at Alecus, “I know some of it, We’re going to

need more help. Jampot must retrieve a magical amulet from an

island that you can’t see. On the island is a cave with no

entrance and it’s guarded by a mad grackle.”

Prof. DeWitte nodded solemnly to Granny. “This is very true, Ihave sent word to Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate as he’s the only

one who can find the island. The other problem is that a spell

has arrived for Wizard Jampot, it set off all the alarms when

it arrived. We thought it was a spell bomb but it passed the

tests. Then I noticed the initials under the wax seal.”

He looked at them both and whispered ”HBN” Granny looked

sad but Alecus the Red showed no surprise. “You mean she

32



already knew, well do you think that surprises me? You should

know I have my own sources of information. What does the

spell do? “ Prof. DeWitte cleared his throat. “Hmm, well

actually we don’t know, it’s addressed to Wizard Jampot and itseems that it will not open for anyone but him.”

“Well then, we should go to bed, give it to him in the morning

and see what happens.” Said Granny Wools. And so they did.

33



Chapter 6

Wizard Jampot woke up to the sun shining through his bedroom

window, he felt wonderfully rested and not at all as if he’d

been at deaths door yesterday. He had a feeling thatsomething amazing was going to happen today, he didn’t know

what, he just knew that something was going to happen.

He got up quickly and washed, he put on clean clothes and went

downstairs to the kitchen. Apart from Old Granny Wools he

was the first one down, he really liked it when it was just the 2

of them for a while, Granny had lots of interesting stories to

tell. Like the one about the teacher and the stinging nettles!…………………. But that’s a different story entirely!

Granny looked at Wizard Jampot and put a mug of tea in front

of him, with a plate of toast. She winked at him like she usually

did but she did look a bit sad.

She sat in her chair and Betsicle came and sat on her lap.

Granny stroked the little black demon dog fondly. Sighing, she

straightened her shoulders and looked at Jampot.

“I have 2 gifts for you, one is a cloak spun and woven from my

magical mo’s fleece. The second is this pesky dog! You’ll need as

much help as you can get if I’m not much mistaken. As I’m too

old to come with you, I’m sending Betsicle with you, she’ll no

doubt cause a lot of trouble but she does have a very lucky

streak and sometimes luck is the most important thing in theworld.”

At first Jampot didn’t know what to say, he’d known today was

going to be amazing but he’d not expected this! A cloak, it was

what he’d dreamed of, having Betsicle was something he’d

never even dared to dream of and for once he was speechless.

It didn’t last long!

34



Everyone was sat around the table feeling full and satisfiedafter a splendid breakfast. Wizard Jampot had told everyone

(at least 10 times) that not only did he have a marvellous new

cloak, he also had a new dog! Well, he had a new dog on loan for

as long as he needed her. Betsicle was pleased to be the centre

of attention as usual but she also could feel a change in the air

and wasn’t sure if she liked it. Still, she did love being with

Wizard Jampot and she trusted Granny so she felt that things

would work out fine.

Pegasus was a little worried, she’d looked outside for the silver

dragon but couldn’t see it anywhere. She knew it couldn’t hide

out there, after all, it was bigger than the buildings. So where

was it and why was no one saying anything about it?

She decided to ask, just then, Alecus the Red stood up and all

the chatter stopped. “She’s gone, she had to go, the spell

causes her pain, especially when she’s around us. It’s better for

her to sleep, that way the pain is less. I know that some of you

wanted to speak to her but it was not possible. We have to get

the spell lifted. If we don’t, she may never change back. So, to

find the best way to do that, DeWitte and I have gone over

the scrolls he brought and it looks as if Jampot and the others

will have to go to the Island Behind the Sun.”

The others looked stunned, the island was believed by most

people to be a myth! Shihan Jamus looked at his brother,

“You’re sure?” he asked. “As sure as we can be.” Alecus replied.

Pegasus looked around the table, she’d never heard of this

island, “What or where exactly is this Island behind the Sun?

I’ve never heard of it.”

35



Alecus smiled at her, “No, I’m sure that not many people have

and those that have, mostly believe it to be a myth. It’s not,

it’s a real place, it’s the home of an amulet that balances magic.

But, the place is guarded by a mad grackle and as you all knowit needs a miracle to get past one of those. That’s why we’re

sending others with Wizard Jampot and Pegasus.”

He looked around the table, swift messages passed without

words between Alecus, Jamus, Champicus and Granny Wools, so

swift the others barely noticed. Wizard Jampot did though.

“Who are you sending with me?” he asked.

Shihan Jamus looked at him “I’m sending my best team with

you, Dannio the Dark will lead Jadeanna and Jacky Chan Stunt

Man. Champicus will be available as and when needed and can be

called upon in emergencies. In the meantime he and I will be

trying to get to Manganese from a different direction. Whilst

I’m away from the academy Donna B.A.B.Y. will be in charge

there and will be the liason point for exchanging information.

As magic is unreliable except for the strongest magicians (he

nodded at Alecus and Jampot) we’re calling in a runner, he’s the

fastest runner in the land and will be based here with Granny

Wools as she has the best chance of receiving magical

messages and passing them on. Antonius will be here sometime

tomorrow and will be able to carry messages from then.”

Jampot was getting a little worried, things were certainly muchmore serious than he’d thought and he’d thought things were

really bad! He looked at Granny Wools and noticed she was still

looking tired and a little sad. He wondered if he should really

take Betsicle with him as he knew that Granny would really

miss her. Granny looked up at him and smiled, she reached out

and patted his hand, as if she’d known what he was thinking. He

felt better then, maybe Granny would be OK and he’d make

sure to bring Betsicle back safe and sound.

36



The lovely Sarah DeWoo looked across the table at Donna

B.A.B.Y. and a silent message passed between them. They would

lookout for their menfolk come what may and despite what themen in question said. They’d learned a lot from Granny Wools

after all and even more from her daughter!

Jadeanna looked around the room and couldn’t quite believe

that she was going out on such an important mission. It was a

little frightening but she felt safe with Dannio the Dark and

Jacky Chan Stunt Man, not to mention Wizard Jampot and

Pegasus. She only hoped she could really help.

The youngest of Alecus the Reds sons was thinking, any one

could tell this as he always frowned when he was thinking hard.

Where was HBN? He’d heard what his father had said but he’d

also heard what he’d not said. OK, so she’d had to leave and

sleep somewhere, the question was, where? If Manganese the

Miserable found her, what then? Shouldn’t someone be

guarding her whilst she slept? His frown got a little more

pronounced as he thought about it. Unaware that his father

was watching him, he struggled with a rising anger.

“Jack” said Granny softly in his ear, “don’t worry so, we’re not

leaving her alone you know.” Only Granny and HBN called him

Jack, it was their special name for him. He wanted to believe

Granny, after all she’d never lied to him before but he justdidn’t feel as if they were doing enough.

Alecus the Red walked softly around the table and crouched

down by his son’s chair, “I promise we’re looking after her, you

must concentrate on your part of the mission and trust us to

do our part.” The young warrior looked at his father and drew

himself up very straight and tall (well, as tall as he could!) “I

promise.” He solemnly swore.

37



Alecus stood up “Well it’s time for us all to get going, Jampot,

you must travel to the coast where the pirate Captain Bold Ben

Roberto will meet you. You must use magic as little as possible,not only will it tell Manganese where you are, it will drain the

magic even further. Don’t forget, Minions will be trying to stop

you at every turn so you must be on your guard. The lovely

Sarah DeWoo and Prof. DeWitte will accompany me back to

MIS HQ. There we’ll try and find out anything more that will

help but I’m afraid for the most part you’ll be very much on

your own and will have to improvise, adapt and overcome as you

go.

Alecus looked at his sons, pride in his glance and worry in his

heart. He knew he couldn’t burden them with his worry so

instead he grinned at them, lightening fast. Then with a smile

and hug for Old Granny Wools and bearhugs for his brothers,

he, and the lovely Sarah DeWoo shimmered into their alternate

forms and with Prof. DeWitte flew off into the sky.

Shihan Jamus watched as they disappeared into the distance.

Turning to Champicus the Strong he exchanged glances with his

brother. “Ready?” he asked. “Always.” Champicus replied.

They turned in unison towards Wizard Jampot and the rest of

his team. Dannio the Dark stood tall and strong behind

Jadeanna and Jacky Chan Stunt man. A hand on each of their

shoulders. He looked at his father, understood the concern,even whilst his youth and total confidence made him a little

impatient with it. He raised his chin in challenge almost, as if

daring his father the legendary Shihan to say anything. Jamus

understood the need of his son to prove himself away from the

shadow of his father and so said nothing.

Old Granny Wools smiled gently at Jamus. “I remember the

first time you went off, your mother felt the same way, pride

38



and terror all in one. It comes to us all, you’ve done a good job

with him, he’ll be fine.”

Jamus put his arms around Granny her frailness surprised him.He held her at arm’s length and looked at her, noticing the

pallor of her skin and the tiredness in her eyes for the first

time. “Are you OK Granny?” he queried. “I’m fine, just a little

tired is all. You need to go and do what you can, don’t worry too

much about me or the others, they’ll do very well on their own.”

Champicus heard the tiredness in Granny’s voice but said

nothing, knowing there was nothing to say. He was proud of hisnephews and niece and knew that if they couldn’t do the job no

one could. He laid his hand on his brothers arm “We must go

now and Donna B.A.B.Y. is waiting for you.”

Jamus looked over to the doorway where his beloved wife

stood waiting for him, her back to the room. He knew she would

be worrying about Jadeanna even though she had helped train

her and knew how formidable she was.

Walking over to her, he gently moved her outside where they

had a measure of privacy. He drew her slightly resisting into

the shelter of his arms and kissed her forehead. “She will be

well protected, you know she will. I wouldn’t let her go if I

thought there was any chance she would come to harm.”

Donna looked at him, her eyes full of tears. “She’s just so

young, they all are, how can we protect them when we’re not

with them?”

Shihan Jamus rested his head against his wife, how could he

convey to her the depth of his own fears, yet not frighten her

even more? He thought about all the things that could go wrong

and knew that if he dwelled on them too long, he would break

39



under the strain. So, he put his own fears in a box and tightly

bound it and filed it away in the back corners of his mind.

“Baby, you know as well as I do that nothing in life isguaranteed. We could indeed be with them all the way and still

accidents happen. But how would they feel? That we didn’t

trust them perhaps? Is that good for them? They have to be

able to stand on their own feet. Accidents happen and it could

happen to us, what then? If we’ve not allowed them to stand

tall and proud on their own, if we don’t show our confidence in

them how will they have confidence in themselves?”

He was silent for a minute as he felt his wife sag just a little

as she accepted that she had to let go, just a little.

“Jadeanna will always need you, she will always come back to

you, even when she finds a mate of her own (this thought

caused him to frown, he prayed it was a long time coming, who

would or could be good enough for his little girl!?) you know

this. So lets see you smile, for me at least.” With that he

gently raised her head with one finger under her chin.

Smiling at her, he planted one kiss on her pouting lips, before

turning back to the room behind them.

Jadeanna was watching her mother carefully, hoping she would

not stop her at the last minute, she was ready for this andwanted to be on her way.

Her mother looked at her and smiled, “Well, it seems you are

off into the world without me, so take care and listen to

Dannio, in this he is not your brother but your commander.”

Looking at Dannio she said “Look after her for me, make sure

you both come home safely! Wizard Jampot, I know you will

40



take care but please take especial care on this mission.” She

looked across at Pegasus who saw the plea in her eyes and

nodded swiftly, promising without words to have a special care

for the young Ninjette.

Old Granny Wools grunted to her self, causing all eyes to turn

to her. “We can’t all stand around here, you lot have to get on!”

She patted Donna B.A.B.Y. gently on the arm in passing.

With one last look at the people gathered round Granny Wools

Shihan Jamus, Champicus the Strong and Donna B.A.B.Y.

started on their journeys. The 2 brothers to try and findother ways of combating Manganese the Miserable. Donna

B.A.B.Y. to oversee the magical martial arts academy.

41



Chapter 7

Old Granny Wools drew a deep breath, the time had come to

send Wizard Jampot and his companions on their way. She hada last gift for Jampot, one she knew he’d need more than once.

She had gifts for the others as well, they would all receive

cloaks made from the hair of her magical mo’s. Pegasus would

also receive a silver pendant of a winged horse. This had been

left by HBN for her, it was to remind that she was as free as

she chose to be. That only her own fears and worries could

hold her back.

Dannio, Jadeanna and Jacky Chan Stunt Man would all receive

magical amulets with a triskele on them, the magic of three

which she knew would stand them in good stead in the coming

weeks.

Antonius would not need anything just yet, but she was keeping

her inner eye peeled for the thing that would help him the

most.

Taking Wizard Jampot aside she handed him a worn shell, it

had worn away so much it was almost flat. On it was inscribed a

spiral. “This is for your protection, wear it or keep it near you

always, if you have to leave it anywhere, leave it under your

pillow.” Jampot looked at her, “What will it protect me fromGranny?” Granny sighed and place a gnarled and weather

beaten hand on his shoulder. “It will protect you from evil

thoughts and words. If someone says things that are meant to

hurt you, this talisman will send the thoughts or words back to

the person who spoke or thought them. So that no one can hurt

you with words or thoughts. Remember this, it could be very

important. You must activate the magic by wiping away the

word or thought with your right hand. Start at the bottom of

42



This was no time for either of the new young fighters to show

a lack of caution! He was secretly very proud of them both but

wanted to make sure they both survived the mission. He sentJadeanna to guard the left and Jacky Chan to the right, he

brought up the rear where he could keep and eye on them both.

Wizard Jampot, Pegasus and the demon dog Betsicle were in

the middle as they started on their journey.

The first day passed without excitement, a fact that Dannio

was glad of but which didn’t please Jacky Chan Stunt Man too

much. He really wanted to show his hero what he could do in areal fight. Jadeanna, was a little bored too, she’d thought being

out on a real adventure would be more, well, adventuresome.

Instead it had been walking and keeping a look out, not much

talking at all as she had no one to talk to. Wizard Jampot and

Pegasus had been deep in conversation as he’d been starting

her further education and was checking to ensure he knew

what next to teach her.

The sun was setting and so Wizard Jampot called a halt and

conferred with Dannio as to whether they could camp in the

place they’d stopped or find something more suitable.

Dannio looked around, “It’s not too bad, we have shelter under

these trees but we’ve no water and really we need to be sure

we have enough. That is, unless you can conjure some?” helooked enquiringly at Jampot. “I could” Jampot replied “but I’m

not going to, it would only give away our position to Manganese.

So if you want to scout for somewhere better, we’ll wait here.”

Dannio called to Jadeanna and Jacky Chan Stunt Man “I want

you two to go a little way to the east and see if you can find a

cave or overhang, preferably with water nearby. We don’t want

44



it to be too far away, so if you find nothing within 15 minutes

you’re to come straight back here. OK?”

The two young warriors nodded their understanding and wentoff. Jacky Chan had a gleam in his eye that did not bode well.

Dannio went off in the other direction whilst Jampot and

Pegasus stood guard over the baggage and Betsicle.

After about 25 minutes, Jadeanna and Jacky Chan returned,

they’d found nothing better than the stand of trees where

Jampot and Pegasus were waiting. “We’ve got to go and find

Dannio” said Jacky Chan anxiously. Wizard Jampot looked athim sternly and replied “No, you’re to wait here with us, if you

go off looking for him in this half light, you could miss him and

when he gets back you’d be in trouble!”

Jacky Chan Stunt Man was not pleased to say the least, he did

do as Wizard Jampot told him, but only just. He shot Jampot

dark looks from under frowning brows. Pegasus got a little

worried that an argument would erupt but Jadeanna stepped in

and asked Jacky Chan Stunt Man to practice some moves with

her.

When Dannio returned with news that he’d found a cave and

water nearby, everything was ok again. Dannio urged them all to

move quickly as it was getting quite dark and he didn’t want any

of them to get lost. “Let Betsicle lead the way, she can see thebest in this light.” Said Wizard Jampot. Dannio looked at the

little black demon dog, it’s wrinkled face grinning up at him and

it’s tail and rear end wagging in excitement.

You couldn’t help but laugh at it, Betsicle was so obviously

eager to do something that Dannio laughed and bowing slightly

to her said. “Lead the way then, no detours to smell things and

no barking. Unless it’s important!”

45



Betsicle the little black demon dog set off at a rapid trot, she

ran back and forth sniffing and snuffling but never stopping.

Every so often she’d stop and look back at all the peoplefollowing her, her expression clearly said that she was being

very good in not stopping to investigate all the fascinating

smells she was finding.

In a very short while, they reached the caves that Dannio the

Dark warrior had found and proceeded to set up camp. Pegasus

took charge of cooking them a hot meal, she’d tasted

Jadeanna’s cooking once and was not in a hurry to repeat theexperience. Wizard Jampot was a good cook but he mostly only

ate vegetables and Pegasus knew that they needed something

more substantial than that!

Soon, delicious smells were wafting through the cave and the

weary travellers were eagerly anticipating a filling supper.

Suddenly, Betsicle started growling, her hackles stood up all

down her spine and she did indeed look like a demon dog,

although a small demon!

Dannio motioned to Jack and Jadeanna and they slipped silently

out into the night. Jampot and Pegasus waited with Betsicle

who continued to growl. The little black dog stood close to

Jampot, standing between the young wizard and the entrance

to the cave. Pegasus raised her wand in readiness but Jampotshook his head at her, “no magic, remember?” he whispered.

Pegasus listened but could hear nothing beyond the growling of

Betsicle, then they both heard a long bone freezing scream.

Looking at each other in worry they both started towards the

cave entrance. Before they got there the three warriors

returned, Jadeanna came in first carrying some sort of sword,

Dannio came in next supporting Jack who had a long cut down

46



his cheek and was limping. Jampot immediately hurried over to

his brother, “Are you alright?” he asked worriedly. “He’s fine,

just scratched and with a sprained ankle.” Dannio answered.

Pegasus, put some water on the fire to heat and added some of

the special herbs that Old Granny Wools had given her for just

this sort of situation. “Bring him over here by the fire” she

said. As she stirred the water and herbs a calming fragrance

grew around them and everyone breathed a little easier.

As Pegasus tended to the cut on Jack’s face, Dannio reported

what had happened. “We found a minion trailing us, he was onhis own I think, but I can’t be sure. He’d been creeping up to

the cave mouth when Betsicle gave warning, he didn’t spot us

coming out and we surrounded him. As soon as he saw he’d been

spotted he attacked immediately. Jacky Chan Stunt Man took

him on and would have despatched him easily if he’d not tripped

and hurt his ankle. Jadeanna got Jack away and I took care of

the minion. His scream though had overtones of magic, so I

can’t be sure that Manganese isn’t aware of what happened.”

He took the strange sword from Jadeanna. “This sword is odd,

apart from it’s shape, when he was using it, it was very

difficult to see. Almost as if it was becoming invisible.”

Jampot looked closely at the sword, he was startled to see

some runes inscribed along the blade. He was startled becausethey were runes of very ancient origin and he’d only seen them

once, in a very old scroll in the library of HBN. He was a little

worried now, they were runes of power for sure but if he was

right they were runes of dark power and boded ill for them all.

He was in two minds as to what to do with the sword, if they

left it, they might wish they’d kept it so that Prof. DeWitte

could see it, he was the foremost expert on this sort of thing.

47



But, if they took it, they might find it signalled their position

to Manganese the Miserable. Jampot looked at the others and

explained the problem. “So” he finished, “what do we do, take it

so it can be studied or leave it so it can’t betray us?”

Dannio was the first to speak. “If we take it and it’s studied

will it help us? Could we make swords similar to this, where the

blade is almost impossible to see? If so, then I think we have

to risk it.”

Jadeanna looked at her brother. “I agree with Dannio.” No one

was surprised at this as Jadeanna loved her brother dearlyand would support him whatever he said.

Jacky Chan Stunt Man looked around at them and just grunted

before saying slowly “we don’t need any more trouble than

we’ve already got, but it should be the decision of Wizard

Jampot, he’s our leader after all.”

Pegasus was worried, the cut on Jack’s head wouldn’t stop

bleeding. True, it wasn’t much but it was bleeding and nothing

she did seemed to stop it. “I think we need to take it with us,

if we come across any more of these we need to know how to

deal more effectively with them.”

Wizard Jampot caught the worry in her voice, he hoped the

others hadn’t. He too had noticed that the cut on his brothershead was still bleeding, just a trickle but it did mean that the

scent of his blood would follow them. Jampot thought hard

about what to do, “I think” he said quietly, “that we must take

it, I have something to wrap it in that should at the least

‘muffle’ its signature. If it has one and at least make it much

more difficult to track.” He went to his bags and rummaged

around until he found what he was looking for. He drew out a

very fine piece of woven material. Pale cream in colour and so

48



fine and sheer it looked like gossamer. “Granny and I worked on

this, it’s woven from the magical mo fleece of the last lead

nanny. When she died Granny had her fleece shorn and we

worked on this, the magic is part of the fabric so it shouldn’talert Manganese. I was not sure if I should use it for this, but

looking at Jack’s wound, I think we need to take the sword with

us.”

The others looked at Jacky Chan Stunt Man and noticed the

seeping wound on his forehead. Dannio frowned, he couldn’t

afford for Jacky Chan Stunt Man to be out of action, things

were already getting difficult.

Pegasus bound it up with some more of the herbs that Granny

had given her and bound it with some of the magical mo cloth

that went with them. It was the best she could do for now

without magic. She just hoped it was enough.

Looking round, Dannio decided they all needed to eat and try

and rest. They were all a little tense, understandably to be

sure. But for now they needed to eat, rest and relax. He was

confident that Betsicle the little Demon dog would warn them

of any minions in good time for them to defend themselves.

“Let’s eat, then get some rest.” He said quietly. Pegasus agreed

with him so she started dishing up the delicious meal she’d

cooked. For a while there was little sound, as everyone ateheartily. Only the scraping of spoons on plates and the

snuffling of Betsicle could be heard.

Jacky Chan Stunt Man lay down near the fire. His head was

still aching although the herbs had helped. He felt he’d let

everyone down by being injured. Especially as Jadeanna had

saved him. He felt it was his job to do the saving and to watch

the back of his hero Dannio the Dark. Now he felt he’d never

49



always slept near each other and most often between the

wizards and any approaching danger.

“I’ll sleep near to Jack, just in case his wound needs dressingagain. Maybe you should talk to Dannio, he looks as if he’s

determined to stay awake all night. We need him to be rested

for tomorrow.” She moved over and lay down near Jack, then

just to reassure herself, she checked his dressing. It was fine,

she felt relieved, still, he was running a bit of a fever and

although he was asleep, he was restless. She was glad she was a

light sleeper and so would hear him if he woke in the night.

Wizard Jampot watched as Pegasus settled for the night, he

glanced at Betsicle, who was sleeping in the entrance to the

cave. She was peaceful and showed no signs of being worried.

That reassured him and made him think of Granny Wools, that

made him smile and so it was with a smile on his face that he

sat next to Dannio.

Dannio felt Jampot sit down but he was feeling so bad about

Jack that he didn’t turn to look Jampot in the face. Jampot

waited as Dannio continued to stare out into the dark.

“I miss my rooms you know.” He said quietly, “I always knew

what to expect there, even when I was experimenting, I was

pretty sure about what would happen. Out here though, well

that’s a different thing entirely.” He waited a little but Danniomade no reply. Talking in a quiet voice, as if talking to himself

Wizard Jampot continued. “Of course, it didn’t always turn out

as I expected, which caused some problems for me, as I’m sure

you understand. But for the most part I did know what was

coming. Out here though, well as I said it’s different. I feel so

useless, I can’t use magic to help my brother and although I

think that most of the time he’s a bit of a pain in the bum, he

51



is my brother and really I love him. But, I feel as if I’ve let him

down, know what I mean?”

Jampot waited, slowly Dannio turned to face him, “it’s not yourfault, we’re here because magic is failing so no one expects you

to do magic.” Dannio continued to look at Jampot, almost as if

waiting for something terrible. Jampot realised of course that

Dannio was feeling bad because Jack had been injured. It was

important he felt that Dannio knew that it was just part of life

and that not only should he not feel guilty, but that he had no

right to feel that way!

Jampot thought for a while, then he said “don’t you think Jack

is a good enough fighter?” Dannio looked at Wizard Jampot in

angry amazement, “Not a good enough fighter? Of course he is,

he’s been trained by the Shihan himself and by me! He’s one of

the best students the academy has ever had!! Not good

enough?!?!” he spluttered on until Jampot said “then why are

you taking responsibility? You and the Shihan trained him, I’ve

given him some training so has Alecus the Red and Granny

Wools. Should we all go around sulking because a student has

been hurt? Or, should we perhaps accept that in life, nothing is

certain and, no matter how good or how well trained you are,

life can always get past your guard. We need all of us to be

rested for tomorrow, we need you to be able to concentrate on

what could happen not what has. If you can’t think forward

instead of back, then we’ll all be in real trouble. I think theShihan would be a little disappointed in you, trying to take away

what Jack and Jadeanna did. I’m a little disappointed myself

actually. “ With that Wizard Jampot moved over to where he

was sleeping and lay down and closed his eyes.

He didn’t go to sleep of course, he waited until he heard Dannio

move to his bed roll, then smiling to himself, he drifted off to

sleep, dreaming of doughnuts and coconut ice!

52



The next morning, Dannio and Jampot carried on as if nothing

had been said. Except for a quiet “Thanks” from Dannio. Jack

was no better, but then again he was no worse either. Pegasusprepared a hearty breakfast for them all, today would be a

long one. They hoped if all went well that they would get to

Ginger Cove just as the light went.

They swiftly packed the camp up and made their way cautiously

out into the open. Betsicle danced around them her whole body

wriggling with pleasure at being out and moving. Jadeanna

looked at Betsicle and looked away again without sayinganything. Nobody noticed, except Betsicle that is.

The day wore on as they continued on their way, They had to

stop more often than Dannio would have liked but, Jack was

still dizzy and need to rest. He wasn’t getting any worse, but, it

was obvious that he wouldn’t get any better without the help of

some magic.

Pegasus kept an eye on him and made sure that he always had

the special herbs Granny Wools had provided on his wound.

They kept the wound from getting worse, but weren’t actually

making it any better.

The sky was a leaden grey, it was neither warm nor cold, the

sort of day where if you wore a coat you were too hot, if youdidn’t though you were too cold. It was beginning to get

everyone down. The sword they had wrapped up was awkward

to carry, it seemed to keep wanting to leap out of the hand of

whoever was holding it. They’d tried strapping it to some ones

back but it just wouldn’t stay strapped! This was causing a bit

of a problem until Jadeanna offered to carry it.

53



Pegasus was looking at her through dirty glass. It was very

strange, Pegasus determined to speak about it to Wizard

Jampot at the first opportunity.

Jadeanna felt bad, not ill, just very bad. She kept having

thoughts she didn’t like and was beginning to get a little bit

worried. She’d never felt like this before, sure, sometimes

she’d got cross with people. But only if they’d done something

she didn’t like. Now however, she was cross with everybody and

everything, including her beloved brother Dannio and the little

demon dog Betsicle.

Jadeanna needed to unwrap the sword, she couldn’t hear what

it was saying but she knew it was important. She was getting

crosser by the minute, why couldn’t they just leave her alone

she thought. After all, she’d been the one to save Jack, not

Dannio, not Wizard Jampot and not Pegasus or the little demon

dog Betsicle!

The sword was whispering most insistently now, it was like an

itch that she couldn’t scratch and it was making her very cross.

She thought about sneaking off, just so she could unwrap it in

peace. Suddenly, Jadeanna began to feel quite ill, she felt sick

and her head was aching. Then she heard the sound of the

Shihan’s voice, in her head where only she could hear it. He was

telling her something very important but she was having

difficulty hearing it over the whispering of the sword.

Jadeanna cried out as the voice of her father and the

whispering of the sword grew in her head. As she cried out,

Dannio and Jampot looked over at her, realising that something

was wrong they’d both started towards her when she cried out.

Dannio could hear the echo of his fathers’ voice and Jampot

could hear the insidious whisper of the sword. “The sword”

55



they both shouted together, Dannio picked his sister up as

Wizard Jampot snatched the sword from her grasp.

Jadeanna snarled at them, her face twisted andunrecognisable, Wizard Jampot looked at the wrapped sword

and muttered an incantation under his breath. At the same

time he pointed a tiny dark blue crystal at it and as he did so,

Jadeanna collapsed in her brothers arms.

Pegasus rushed forward to tend the stricken ninjette, as she

reached out to the young girl, Jadeanna opened her eyes,

looking directly at Dannio she spoke. “What happened? I heardthe Shihan, he was saying something to me. But there was

something else as well. Something was trying to get out!” she

looked around, bewilderment on her face, then she saw Wizard

Jampot holding the sword and the remaining traces of colour

fled her face. “The sword” she cried, “it wanted me to unwrap

it. I felt bad and then I can’t remember much. Did I unwrap

it?” she cried frantically.

“No, no you didn’t, now you must calm yourself.” Jadeanna

looked at her brother and saw just why he was called The Dark

Warrior. The look on his face would have brought fear to any

minion who got in his way. Wizard Jampot stood a little apart

and looked at his comrades. Pegasus, he’d not known her long

but felt he’d known her all his life, he knew he could also trust

her with his life. Dannio the Dark Warrior, son of thelegendary Shihan Jamus and already a legend in his own right.

Jadeanna, the best ninjette to come out of the magical martial

arts school in a generation. Daughter of the Shihan and sister

to Dannio the Dark Warrior. Jacky Chan Stunt Man, his

brother, a warrior ninja who knew no fear and who would gladly

lay his life on the line to save any one of them, laying injured

but not defeated. Yet with time running out because of the

magical poison that was slowly but surely draining his life force.

56



His thoughts crystalised and he came to a decision. Pegasus

had been watching him from the corner of her eye and saw

that he’d come to an answer, just as she knew he would. She

turned to look at him, the others followed her gaze and sawWizard Jampot as few saw him. Fierce and implacable, in fact

very much like his father Alecus and his uncles, Jamus and

Champicus.

“There’s only one thing to do, Pegasus, you will have to shape

shift and carry Dannio and Jadeanna. I will shape shift and

carry Jack and Betsicle. Dannio, you will have to carry the

sword and anything else we cannot leave behind. Jadeanna, youmust keep watch, you must keep looking out for anything

following us. If you spot something you must warn us, you’ll be

the only one able to use a bow to defend us. Dannio, you must

protect the sword, without it I’m very much afraid that Jack

will die. We’ll head straight for Ginger Cove and trust that

speed will see us through.”

The others all nodded agreement, training took over and in a

very short space of time their belongings were sorted and

what they could leave behind was hidden. Jampot cast a

particularly nasty spell that should give them some extra time.

Wizard Jampot changed first, where he had stood a war

gryfon shimmered into being. Midnight black, with wicked claws

and wing hooks and a razor beak that could bite though steel.This was a fire breathing gryfon, Jampot was taking no

chances, if they were pursued he wanted all the weapons he

could get.

Jack was carefully lifted to the gryfons back and strapped on,

then Betsicle was secured to the back of the war gryfon.

Dannio did a quick check around as Pegasus assumed her

alternate form of the winged horse. Dannio and Jadeanna

58



mounted and arranged themselves, the sword clasped in front

of Dannio. He didn’t want it attacking his sister again.

Jadeanna had the small but deadly ninja bow ready to defend

them if necessary.

With a scream of defiance the war gryfon lifted it’s wings and

was airborne swiftly followed by the brilliant white and

magnificent winged horse. The race was on!

The two wizards streaked through the sky, their alternate

forms slicing through the air. Jack slept as his brother carried

him through the sky. Betsicle snuggled down among the warmfeathers and dreamed of chasing things and of Old Granny

Wools.

Dannio held on to the captured sword as he bent low on the

back of the winged horse as she followed the speeding form of

the war gryfon. Jadeanna, her mind clear of the whispering of

the sword, kept watch.

On they flew, the land passed beneath them in a blur, the wind

brought tears to their eyes, clouds gathered in a stormy sky

and still they flew. Dannio began to drift off to sleep, as swift

and relentless they flew. Jadeanna found it more and more

difficult to stay alert as the rythmic beating of wings lulled

her senses and still they flew.

The sky began to lighten and they flew through the polished

steel light of pre-dawn, they were nearly at the cove.

Excitement grew in them, they were going to make it!

Jadeanna took a last look around, it was difficult to see clearly

in the half light of dawn and she didn’t really expect to see

anything this close to safety. Something caught her eye, they

were flying through the valley that led to Ginger Cove. They’d

59



all known that this was a perfect place for an ambush but had

hoped that it was too far away from their previous position and

too close to help and reinforcements for minions to try

attacking them here.

But as Jadeanna narrowed her eyes to concentrate she saw the

minions flying low on the backs of wild skerries. She’d never

seen a live skerry, like overgrown vultures they had long

sinuous necks but unlike vultures they had teeth and poison

saliva. They hunted in packs and were so dangerous that they’d

been hunted by men almost to extinction.

But as Jadeanna screamed a warning it was painfully obvious

that not all had died! The winged horse and the war gryfon

flew even faster but not fast enough. The minions had waited

and were flying to cut them off. The war gryfon screamed a

challenge, Jadeanna drew back her bow and let fly! The arrow

hit the minion but the skerry flew on, she aimed again and this

time hit the skerry. It plummeted to the earth, the others

drew away, just out of range of her bow.

Now they concentrated on the war gryfon, but this was a war

gryfon with a difference, this was Wizard Jampot who’d

learned tactics from the greatest and sneakiest supreme

intelligencer his father Alecus the Red. So the war gryfon

Jampot knew that he could not outfly the minions but needed

to attack.Choosing his moment carefully, he allowed his wings to falter

slightly, it was enough, two minions flying on identical skerries

of dirty grey sped up to attack him, intent on the kill they’d

forgotten the flame! Jampot roared and as he did he flamed

them from the sky. The others caught off guard got too close

to Jadeanna and her lethal bow, in quick succession she

despatched two more skerries, who took their riders with them

as they bounced on the rocky land below.

60



They were cutting down the numbers of their enemies but not

quickly enough. Jampot quickly scanned the area below, he

needed somewhere to get under cover so he could pick themoff. As he scanned his keen eyesight spotted riders, coming

from Ginger Cove, he flew lower, closely followed by Pegasus.

Soon he recognised the bright burnished red hair Bold Ben

Roberts the Pirate Mr Man captain of the ship Sea Wolf and

the very person they were riding to meet. He and his men

carried long bows and as Jampot and Pegasus flew low, the

minions were brought in range of those awesome weapons.

Jampot flamed two more minions who got too close and

Jadeanna took out one more who flew in quick and low in an

attempt to regain the sword. But soon the few remaining

minions withdrew.

Flying over the heads of the corsairs who had helped them the

weary travellers arrived at Ginger Cove and safety! Jack was

quickly taken to Annales. Annales was a healer like her mother

and sister and soon had Jack resting comfortably and the

wound completely cleaned and poison free.

61



Ginger Cove

They’d been at Ginger cove now for 3 days, they all felt rested

and were very pleased that Jack was completely recovered and

had no lasting damage from the wound he’d received from the

magical sword.

They were now all gathered in the kitchen at Annales’s house,

discussing how to deal with the sword. Granny Wools had sent a

message about the sword and how to deal with the wound it

had caused and now they had to decide if they should try using

it, destroying it, or trying to copy it and make more forthemselves.

Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr Man thought they should use

it, Pegasus thought they should destroy it, Dannio the Dark

Warrior thought they should try and make more of them.

Wizard Jampot was silent on the matter and just listened to all

of them.

Jack sided with his hero Dannio, Jadeanna too, agreed with her

beloved brother. Annales agreed with Pegasus, Jampot though

was still unsure, he’d heard all the arguments and was still

undecided. He could see the arguments for both sides, his own

feelings were very ambivalent. On the one hand this sword had

nearly taken his young brother from him and for this reason he

would see it destroyed. But, his magical curiosity wanted tohave free rein to discover all he could about it.

One thing he knew though, they had to decide before they left

in the Sea Wolf, the sleek and deadly ship of Bold Ben Roberts

the Pirate Mr Man.

62



Alecus looked around at all the concerned faces. “Don’t worry,

the academy has more protection than you might think.

Certainly more than Manganese knows about. DeWitte you mustget back to HQ and start sending out the message owls. We

need to let all the city states know about this, they all have

contingency plans that don’t rely on magic and they must now

start putting them in place. Jampot you and the others must

get on your way. The amulet must be retrieved from the Island

Behind The Sun as quickly as possible.”

Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr Man stood up “The Sea Wolf isready and waiting, we’re fully stocked and can sail on the next

tide. I hope you all have good sea legs. Where we’ll be sailing is

pretty rough!” Annales looked at her son and couldn’t help the

tendril of worry that snaked through the pride. She wished

Bluecat had returned, she was late and Annales was beginning

to worry. She didn’t want to say anything but also didn’t want

them all to go without they knew to keep a look out for her.

Bluecat herself was of course not worried, as she was checking

out the area around Old Granny Wools place. She’d decided to

visit and was taking the opportunity to scout out the area to

ensure Granny Wools was safe. Or at least as safe as she could

be in these times.

There was nothing obvious, although Bluecat did feel a littleuneasy, as if a storm were coming. Not today perhaps, or

tomorrow even, but soon.

Back at Ginger Cove, all last minute preparations had been

made and everything was in readiness for their departure.

Prof. DeWitte had already left taking the sword with him.

Alecus the Red and the Lovely Sarah DeWoo were just waiting

to see them all off before they too left.

64



As the last item was stowed and all the crew were aboard,

Jampot stood quietly facing his father, going over last minute

thoughts and options, Alecus trying to ensure that they’dcovered every eventuality, whilst knowing in his heart of hearts

that was impossible.

“Take care my son, you’ve done all and more that could be

asked of you so far and I know that you’ll succeed in the end.

Just don’t take any unnecessary chances with either yourself

or anyone else. I’ll send a messenger owl if we have any news

for you. Travel safe." So saying he gave his son a hug andstepped back. The Lovely Sarah DeWoo looked at the young

man who was like a son to her, her eyes glimmering with unshed

tears. She too hugged Wizard Jampot, as she’d hugged his

brother and the rest of his team. Her throat tight with fear

she whispered “Take care and come back safe” before turning

and hurrying from the ship.

Alecus too turned and left the ship and they both stood and

watched as the Sea Wolf made her way out to sea.

As the ship disappeared they turned and went back into the

house to say farewell to Annales. When they found her in her

study, she was sat watching a small spinning wheel, it’s large

wheel slowly revolving. Alecus recognised it as one of three

he’d seen at Old Granny Wools. There was a large one and twosmaller ones, he wondered what the small one was doing here.

Annales looked up at him and smiled slowly. “I had been worried

about Bluecat, she’d gone off and was late getting back. I

should have known she was OK, she’s with Granny. She’s been

checking around and says it’s still quiet there but it feels as if

a storm is coming. Granny says you’ll know what to do if one

does come, I get the feeling that you and Granny have talked

65



about this at some length?” The last was so obviously a worried

question that Alecus smiled reassuringly.

“Yes, we’ve talked about all sorts of things, including ‘storms’

of unnatural origin. We’ve done all that can be done and willhave to just hope and pray that it’s enough. Even here, we’ve

added some protection. Ben and Bluecat know all about it, you

needn’t worry, at least, not too much!”

His grin flashed, reminding her of the young boy who’d spent

time with her when he was growing into the man he’d become.

Somehow it was comforting to see it. If he could still grin like

that, things were not too bad, yet!

66



The Island Behind The Sun

Wizard Jampot was in his cabin, checking his magical

equipment. He picked up the small dark blue crystal thatflashed with all colours of the rainbow. He’d cleansed it already

but he gave it a final polish.

He took out the shell amulet with the spiral in it to ward off

evil thoughts and spells. Checking the leather thong on which it

hung was strong. The stone to change and mutate things was

also given a final polish. Then he checked the secret pockets of

his pouch for the special things that he and Old Granny Woolshad put together, along side the things that HBN had given

him. He wondered if she’d known what was coming, it seemed so

strange that she’d not, as she was adept at reading the future

timelines.

This was their third day at sea and, so far nothing had gone

wrong, nor had they seen any sign of pursuit. He hoped this

would continue but, after the attack near Ginger Cove he was

not at all confident that the peace would continue.

He went up on deck, Jack, Dannio and Jadeanna were, as usual,

practising their fighting skills. Pegasus was fishing, a pastime

that she never tired of and which at times added to their diet

with delicious fresh caught fish. She’d tried to interest

Jampot in fishing but to no avail, he found it almost toopeaceful. He preferred reading really, at least if he was not

creating new spells or off out saving the magical world once

again. Which it has to be said was his absolute favourite thing

to do. As long as Manganese the Miserable wasn’t active that

is. Only Manganese could do real harm but Jampot was

determined that he would not stop magic this time, not if

Wizard Jampot The Greatest had any thing to say about it!

67



Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr Man (although he preferred

the term ‘corsair’ to pirate, it sounded less bloodthirsty he

always felt.) Stood at the helm of his beloved Seawolf and

scanned the skies. He was aware that this mission was one ofthe most important he’d ever sailed on but still he couldn’t help

feeling just a little excited.

The Island Behind The Sun was a place of mystery and myth,

his would be the first ship to anchor there in living memory and

it was something he looked forward to. Yes, there was the

problem of the mad grackle guarding it and he was sure many

spells and traps. But, he was quite sure that he and his crewwould be able to handle anything. Plus of course, they had some

formidable fighters in Dannio the Dark Warrior, Jacky Chan

Stunt Man and the awesome ninjette Jadeanna.

Then of course there was Wizard Jampot and his magical

assistant Pegasus. So, he was feeling fairly confident, so much

so in fact that he felt sure they’d reach their destination

without any problems.

In fact, he was just about to warn everyone that they’d reach

the fabled Island Behind The Sun in just a few short hours

when he noticed a darkness on the horizon behind them. He

shaded his eyes with his hand against the strong sunlight and

watched intently as the gathering darkness seemed to

increase.

Wizard Jampot felt something in the air, he turned to the

horizon and saw the gathering storm. Danger! He felt it in his

bones, calling to Pegasus he ran to rail of the ship. Pegasus

turned at his shout and she too felt the danger in the darkness

gathering pace behind them. Dropping her fishing gear, she

quickly ran to his side. Dannio had turned at Jampots first

shout and now he too stood and watched as the sky behind

68



them grew darker. Sullen clouds boiling up out of nowhere,

lightning flashes spearing through them to crash like weapons

into the sea.

Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr Man lost no time, they’d have

to try and outrun it, they needed to get to shallower waters,

his Seawolf and her crew were a match for any ship afloat. But

he was not foolish enough to think that she could with stand all

that Mother Nature could throw! If indeed the storm chasing

them could be said to be natural!

“Full sails, now!” he roared as his trusty crew scrambled up therigging. There was no need for further orders, everyone on

board could see the danger behind them. Men wove through

the rigging and slid down ropes as the mysterious business of

setting full sail went on. Wizard Jampot and Pegasus stood

facing the sails and both in unison began to weave a wind to

take them faster to safety. The sailed filled with a loud crack

and the Seawolf was hurled before the magical wind. They

began to race the following darkness.

The warriors under Dannio could do nothing yet except stand

watch. The corsairs watched their Captain and seemed to

dance among the ropes in response to his hand signals. He

stood at the helm, legs planted firmly on the deck as he

wrestled his beloved ship into line and headed straight for The

Island Behind The Sun.

On they raced, the storm following, slowly they could see that

it was gaining on them. Ben Roberto ordered his men to offload

as much as they could to lighten the Seawolf. As the ship was

lightened she seemed to leap away again. But not enough to

outrun the storm. Slowly it was catching them, they’d been

racing for about three hours when Dannio began to see that

Wizard Jampot and Pegasus were tiring, he wasn’t sure how

69



they’d managed to stand for this long but now they looked as if

they wouldn’t be able to stand much longer. They were both as

white as snow, their eyes sunk into their skulls and their

breaths coming in ragged gasps now. Dannio and his two ninjasstood beside the wizards, ready to help if they could or catch

them if they fell.

Both Wizard Jampot and Pegasus opened their eyes at the

same time, they staggered slightly as the magical wind died

away. Wizard Jampot knew that neither he nor Pegasus could

afford to be tired now, they’d used almost all their reserves of

energy to generate the magical wind, they’d only managed thatbecause they were so near to The Island Behind The Sun. If

they’d not been so near they wouldn’t have been able to make

the magic work!

Quickly, Jampot reached into one of the compartments in his

pouch and took out some very special biscuits, these were

baked by Old Granny Wools and were wrapped and protected in

magical mo fleece. He broke one in half and gave half to

Pegasus whilst he ate the other portion. They washed it down

with some water that Dannio had ready for them.

In seconds new energy ran through them, they would have to

rest later but for now they could and would fight whatever the

darkness held.

Bold Ben Roberto saw the smudge of land on the horizon, at

last! The Island Behind The Sun was in sight, he turned and

measured the distance to the storm behind them, he thought

they’d just about make land in time.

Calling out orders he drew the last bit of speed he could out of

the sails and the wind that preceded the storm behind them.

This wind was not as steady as the magical wind generated by

70



Man could feel the tiredness in his bones but he was not going

back to the ship. “I’ll send the men back, but I’m coming with

you! Don’t bother to argue, because it’s not up for discussion!”

He ordered his men back to the ship, telling them preciselywhat he wanted them to do and how he wanted them to do it.

They slowly made their way back to the long boat and as soon

as they stepped off the island they began to feel more awake.

As they rowed back to the SeaWolf the others were feeling

the effects of the insidious magic, all that is except Wizard

Jampot the Greatest and his assistant Pegasus.

They looked at the others and realised that they would have to

do something very quickly. Jampot reached into his pouch again

and took out some more herbs, Pegasus opened a flask of water

and Jampot dropped the herbs in. Pegasus quickly shook and

swirled the herbs in the water and then started giving them to

the others. Dannio was first, after a few swallows he began

feel more alive and awake. As soon as Pegasus saw the herbs

were taking effect she moved on to Jacky Chan Stunt Man, as

he woke up, she gave some to Jadeanna and finally the last

went to Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr Man. They were now all

awake and alert and began to move out, Ben Roberts in the

lead, Dannio on the right, Jadeanna on the left and Jacky Chan

bringing up the rear. Thus, the two Wizards were protected on

all sides, Wizard Jampot took a curious looking object out of a

pocket (of which he had many). He nodded to Pegasus who tookout a matching object, they began to spin the tools and as they

did a high pitched whistling sound was heard, it climbed higher

and higher until it almost disappeared.

All the time, they were on the lookout for the mad grackle that

was said to guard the amulet. Dannio looked carefully around,

there was something odd here, there was no life, no birds, no

plants, as far as he’d seen there were no insects or anything

72



that walked or crawled, flew or slithered. It was eerie indeed,

he watched the wizards carefully, whatever they were doing, it

didn’t seem to be working.

Jampot was fast coming to the same conclusion, Pegasus looked

around, “Where is it?” she whispered, “the call should have

roused it surely?” Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr Man held up

his hand to halt them and motioned them to slowly join him.

They moved forward and looked where he was pointing into a

clearing, there coiled round a stone chest was the grackle,

sleeping or dead? Wizard Jampot carefully moved forward, hisstrange instrument held out in front of him. He moved it slowly

side to side and the noise changed to a deep hum. Still the

grackle didn’t move. Everyone began to get very nervous, what

could have silenced the grackle?

Ben Roberto looked back at the sea and the storm waiting on

the horizon. “Why hasn’t the storm come any closer, it’s almost

as if it’s waiting.” The others turned and watched the storm

gathered on the horizon. It was strange, very strange. Wizard

Jampot began to get an uneasy itch in his magical senses, this

looked like a trap! He just couldn’t see how, the grackle was

either dead or so sound asleep it amounted to the same thing.

All they had to do was open the chest and take the amulet,

what could stop them? He began to look more closely at the

chest. Something gleamed on it, something over the lock.Bending closer he looked carefully at what it was and stood up

quickly in dismay!

“Pegasus, check quickly, what do you see on the lock?” Pegasus,

puzzled bent down to study the small glinting object covering

the lock. She too stood up quickly, her hand came up to her

mouth as she gasped in dismay. She looked at Jampot and

nodded, she’d seen exactly what it was!

73



Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr Man stood watching them,

obviously something was wrong, he looked out to the SeaWolf

and saw something in the sky, just a speck, but one that wasgrowing larger every second.

Wizard Jampot looked at his companions, “We’ve got a problem

here, if you look closely you will see there is a very small silver

dragon sleeping over the lock of the chest. In fact the lock is

embedded in the dragon. If we try and open it we have to kill

the dragon first. But, I think you will find it is no ordinary

dragon. This is a part of HBN, this is how Manganese is forcingher to stay in her dragon form. I’m not sure what would happen

to her if we opened the lock, this isn’t her really and so it

might not hurt her. But, Manganese did this for a reason so I’m

not happy to just open it yet.” Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate Mr

Man was watching the growing speck in the sky. He touched

Jampot on the shoulder and pointed “look, someone is coming, a

friend of yours I think, perhaps he can tell you how to solve

this riddle.”

Jampot looked into the sky and saw his trusted friend and

mentor, Prof. DeWitte. The old owl still flew strongly, but still

he looked tired. He settled on a rock and took several deep

breaths, blinking slowly he looked at them all in turn before he

turned his eyes to the chest. He looked at it closely for a few

seconds, then turned his head to Jampot. “I’m glad you haven’ttried to open it yet, it’s booby trapped. Your father worked it

out, he’s not the supreme sneak miester for nothing! We have

to take the chest, this has been a complete red herring really.

The grackle as you can see is no threat, it was put to sleep by

the magic that Manganese wrought here. HBN and Old Granny

Wools took steps when they realised what Manganese might

try. Although it has to be said they didn’t understand quite

how things would work out. Manganese was able to trap HBN in

74



her alternate form because she protected the amulet in this

way, as he guessed she would. However, he badly miscalculated

the speed with which you would succeed in getting past him and

the minions he sent to destroy you.”

They all looked at Prof. DeWitte in stunned surprise. “Why

must we take the chest? Why can’t we just open here? Taking

HBN off the lock of course?” Asked Dannio.

Jampot was very much afraid he might have guessed the

answer. He looked at the wise old owl, “They have to be

together don’t they?” he asked. “HBN and the chest, they haveto be in the same place or she won’t be whole again will she?”

he continued.

Prof. DeWitte looked seriously at his favourite student/

operative. This was more difficult then he’d thought. “Yes,

they do, there is something else as well, neither Manganese,

nor any of his minions can step on to this island. That’s why he’s

not attacked you here, he just didn’t think you’d get this far.

He can’t get here to attack HBN and open the chest, so he’s

going for her as she sleeps. He’ll get a very sharp surprise!” the

old owl continued before they all started clammering for more

information. “She is better protected than he thinks or can

even guess at. Traps have been laid for him and in a very short

while we shall be able to leave here and take the chest to HBN,

where we can wake her up and she’ll be whole again.”They all started talking at once, all that is except Wizard

Jampot. He knew Prof. DeWitte too well not to have noticed

that there was something the old owl was not telling them. He

wasn’t sure what it was, or even, what or who, it related to, but

he knew there was something.

Prof. DeWitte was painfully aware that he was being

scrutinised by Wizard Jampot and that Jampot, knowing the

75



Prof. so well had picked up on his underlying worry. But there

was nothing to be done yet. They would have to wait for the

signal.

“How will we know when that time is here?” asked Jampot

quietly. Those quiet words stilled the clammer of the others

and had them all looking at the Prof. “the storm you see waiting

out there on the horizon, it will dissipate.” Was all he’d say.

Pegasus realised that they may have to stay on the island for a

while so thought about whether they should have a meal. Or,

could they go back to the ship and eat there. “So, what do wedo whilst we wait?” she asked, “can we go back to the ship, or

should we set up camp here.” She finished.

Prof. DeWitte looked out to the Seawolf, where she lay

anchored just off the Island. “Hmm, I think we should be OK

on the ship, as long as we don’t try and move away from the

island before it’s time.” He looked around at each of them, his

eyes now sharp and piercing. "“But be warned, we must come

back and return the chest when all this is finished and the

grackle will be awake then! That will be the final part of this

venture and possibly the most dangerous. Just because you

were expecting a fight and didn’t get one, doesn’t mean that

the danger is past. When we return the chest the grackle will

awake and will be very dangerous."

Having ensured that they all understood the problem in bring

the chest back to it’s rightful place he allowed them to get

back to the boat to wait.

76



The Magical Martial Arts Academy

Donna B.A.B.Y was reading some reports that had come in when

one of the instructors came in to announce that the famedrunner Antonious had arrived with a message. He was shown in

and although he had run so far and so fast, he was barely out

of breath! Bowing to the beautiful wife of the legendary

Shihan, Antonious passed the message pouch over.

“Rest now,” she said, taking the pouch “you’ve done well and

deserve some rest, although I fear it will not be a long one. I

suspect I shall have more messages for you to after I’ve read

this.” She smiled and as always Antonius felt warmed by theaffection and care he saw in that smile. “I’d prefer to swim if I

may, it helps to keep me limber, if you need me to take others

messages a swim and then just floating will rest me quicker

than anything.” She smiled gain and nodded in ascent. Antonious

bowed again and turning, left the room.

Donna B.A.B.Y opened the pouch from Old Granny Wools with

some trepidation, if it was important enough that Granny would

send Antonious then it was probably bad news. She wished

Jamus had returned from his mission with Champicus but as he

hadn’t she’d just do what needed to be done, as always.

Reading through the message quickly Donna B.A.B.Y felt fear,

fear for Granny, what Old Granny Wools was proposing was so

dangerous that Donna B.A.B.Y was at a loss for a moment as tohow to respond. Then almost as if she could hear her, she

thought about some of the things Granny had done as a child,

smiling again she felt that perhaps Granny wasn’t in so much

danger as she’d first assumed!

She’d have to tell Jamus and Alecus of course, that’s why

Granny had sent Antonious, so she’d have someone to send.

77



At Old Granny Wools

The third of Alecus the Red’s sons had arrived at Old Granny

Wools. Antonius was the fastest runner in the land and hadbeen sent to Granny so he could carry messages without using

magic. Although some said it was magic the way he could run so

far and so fast without tiring. He was much taller than either

of his two brothers, with long legs that just seemed to eat up

the miles. He was a solitary person mostly, living very much in

his own head. It sometimes worried his father, that Antonius

was a little distant from the rest of him but he’d come to

accept that for Antonius this was the right thing.

Granny just accepted him as she did everyone else, she knew

that his time with her would be short, so she decided they’d

make the most of it!

It was three days after Antonious had arrived and late at

night that Old Granny Wools sat gazing into the flames, she

wasn’t particularly pleased with what she saw but realised that

there really was nothing she could do about it. She looked

around her home, her eyes lingering on this and that as she

remembered times past. She was so rich in all the things that

counted, her family, her friends and most of all her sense of

humour.

Bilious Farticus had been watching her, something was wronghe could see but he wasn’t sure what, he waited, she’d tell him

when she was ready. Something made him shiver and he glanced

over his shoulder. Granny noticed and looked at him “So, you

feel it too eh?” she asked softly. Bilious looked at her “Feel

what?” he looked around again, had it grown darker? “What

should I feel?” he asked looking at her. He could see she was

tired, protecting her daughter in her altered form had drained

some of her vitality he knew, but she looked more tired than

79



know we can’t.” Granny looked at the young woman in front of

her, she smiled, genuine laughter in her face. “No, we cannot,

you’re quite right but, we can do what’s necessary. We have to

drain his power, just enough, to give the others a chance. If weall stay where we are, he’ll have to come at all of us, stretching

his resources. That gives Jampot and the others time to get

the amulet. They’ll need all the help we can give, apart from

minions they have a mad grackle to get around and that will

take all their combined skill.”

Bilious looked at Granny, they’d found each other later in life

than he’d wished but they had found each other, that was themain thing. He felt in his bones that their time was coming to

an end and he didn’t know how he’d manage without her. She

saw in his face his thoughts and smiled gently at him. Her eyes

twinkled with love and tenderness. She held out a gnarled hand

to him and squeezed his arm. “Don’t worry so, I’ll be fine.” He

knew there was nothing he could do but smile and so he did.

Bluecat reluctantly went off to pass on the message, she knew

that Granny had made up her mind and that nothing would stop

her.

Granny had spent many hours since her daughter was

imprisoned in her alternate form studying and thinking. She’d

listened to the others, had questioned them on seemingly odd

things, things they’d not thought important. But Granny knew

that even the smallest things could turn the tide.

She’d recently came across a small note in an ancient

manuscript that had started her on yet another path of

thought. This one had, it had to be confessed a great deal of

sorrow on it, not for her but for the others. But the more she

studied the more certain she became that this was the best

way, all things considered. She was tired, bone tired, she

managed to keep it hidden most of the time, yet that didn’t

81



were back in Ginger Cove she could talk to her mother Annales,

but neither of those options were available so she waited and

tried to help as best she could.

Bluecat was Granny’s only granddaughter, Jaddeanna being her

great granddaughter. As such she’d always believed that she

would have magic too. Until now nothing had occurred to

confirm she had the same power as the other women in the

family. True she had a ‘gift’ for healing and in particular she

could use her hands to heal but she as yet had not found any

magic within herself.

That is until now, she felt something, she wasn’t sure what but

she felt something happening inside herself. A sort of ‘shifting’

as if things were becoming fluid. Suddenly her vision blured

and she felt dizzy. Bluecat began to feel quite unwell and tried

to make her way back to Granny, only to find Granny stood

watching her.

“It’s OK my girl, it’s OK. Your magic is finally maturing, I think

you’ll be pleased with the result. Just lay down for a little

while, I’ll stay with you, you’ll be quite safe, I’d say it will

happen quite quickly now.” Smiling fondly Granny sat down and

Bluecat laid her head in Granny’s lap. The feeling grew in her,

her muscles quivered, and her heart beat fast, she closed her

eyes as Granny whispered “think sweetheart, what do you

see? You’re an animagus like your aunt and cousins, what do yousee? Carefully now picture it very clearly, very clearly and let

the image seep into you. See and feel it. Yes! Well done!!”

Bluecat stretched and swiftly rolled to her feet, all 4 of them!

Where before had been a laughing green eyed beauty, all

flashing eyes, dark hair and very feminine curves now stood a

poetry in power and agility. Bluecat looked down at herself and

saw the picture she’d seen in her mind made real!

83



rescue. This time, he’d send more minions, many more, just to

ensure the clan would ride to her rescue.

Then, when those who’d reached the amulet and chest on TheIsland Behind The Sun left the protection of the island he’d be

waiting. He’d have the amulet and power finally over all magic,

HBN would die as would the rest of those interfering do-

gooders!

It was dark now. Granny, Bilious Farticus and Bluecat were

finishing their supper and getting ready for bed. Granny knew

they needed to rest, for she felt the siege would start as thesun came up, it was such a cliched thing to do and she knew

that Manganese would be unable to resist it.

“Well, I think we need to get an early night, I have a feeling

that we’ll be getting visitors at sunrise.” She looked perfectly

relaxed Bluecat was pleased to see. Bilious noticed it too and it

told him more than he’d wanted to know. Somehow their time

was coming to a close, he wasn’t sure how he’d cope alone.

Bluecat kissed Granny goodnight and went to her room. Granny

looked at Bilious, “I’ll always be here, somewhere you know.”

She said softly, smiling at him. “I’ll always be around

somewhere making sure you get up in the morning and look

after all the animals. So you’ll never be rid of me, no matter

what happens in the next day or so.” Bilious looked at her, hesaw his world there, to him she was the most beautiful of

women. Others may have looked at Granny and only see an old

woman, an old woman with a twinkle in her eye to be sure, one

with a spring in her step, but old none the less.

Bilious saw her quite differently however, to him she was young

and carefree and beautiful and he felt so lucky to have found

her. He reached out and gripped her hand tightly, she turned

85



her hand in his and held on too. They sat there looking at each

other, the time for words past and indeed there was no need

for words between them now.

Out in the fields, the Old Ram, brought down off the mountain

by Bilious stood guard. He was the largest ram, huge by most

standards and he stood watching. The other rams deferred to

him a rare thing indeed, almost magical in fact.

The sun was just beginning to lighten the sky when the Old

Ram felt the movement in the air, he lifted his great head and

sniffed, minions! He could smell their foul magic, quite distantyet but coming closer all the time. Granny felt his restlessness

and knew that the day would bring many terrible things. But

she truly believed that at the end, all would be well.

Getting out of bed, she went downstairs and poked up the fire

she’d banked down the night before. Putting the kettle on, she

thought briefly about her little black demon dog Betsicle, she

missed her mischieviousness, but was glad the little dog was

with Jampot whom she loved.

As the kettle came to the boil, Biliuos and Bluecat came down

the stairs. Bilious joked about as usual, perhaps just a bit

louder than normal, in an effort to make it seem as if it was

just another day.

Both Bluecat and Granny saw through him but decided to say

nothing. They ate a good breakfast and drank several cups of

tea. Then Granny looked out of the window and saw the rams all

on alert, all watching in one direction. The Old Ram turned his

great head and looked at her through the window. It was time.

86



Shihan Jamus and Champicus the Strong had travelled many

days to get where they were now, hidden from sight, close to

the stronghold of Manganese the Miserable himself. It had

taken much cunning to get here, they were waiting for Alecusthe Red to join them, then they would see what they could do

to bring magical and murderous mayhem to the bane of magic!

The two brothers waited in patient silence, words were not

needed now and so they sat, quite and composed. waiting.

Jamus saw him first, an eagle flying swift and high, “here he

comes” he stated quietly. Champicus squinted up into the skyand saw the eagle too. “About time” was all he said. But then

Champicus was known as a man of few words.

The eagle that was Alecus the Red landed and shimmered back

into his natural form, his brothers both greeted him with a

bear hug. Alecus grinned at them swift and deadly, “well, are

we all set?” His grin was infectious and the other two snorted

quietly with laughter. “We’d almost decided to start without

you.” Jamus quipped.

“Before we go, I’ve had a message from Granny, she’s told us all

that no matter what we are to stick to our plans, she thinks

she’s going to be attacked. She’s brought the Old Ram down

off the mountain.” Champicus and Jamus exchanged glances.

“She thinks it’s that serious?” Champicus asked. “Yes, she’ssure, Bluecat has shape shifted for the first time and Granny

thinks that’s the signal. The others have all been told to stay

put until they hear from her. She thinks that once Manganese

sees she’s not the pushover he thought, AND that we’re not all

rushing to her aid. He’ll break off and attack the Academy “ He

watched the fear flicker across his brothers face.

87



“My Donna B.A.B.Y will soon see them off and if they so much

as touch a hair on her head I’ll annihilate them.” The Shihan

declared grimly.

Each of his brothers gripped his arms, “We’ll be with you” they

spoke in unison. Then all three put their hands together and

looking at each other in turn they spoke their ritual war cry

“A life of freedom, or a death of glory!” Manganese and his

minions would learn to fear this war cry as the brothers tore

through the camp like a plague, leaving nothing but death in

their wake.

Meanwhile back at the farm Granny went outside followed by

Bilious and Bluecat. Granny closed her eyes and lifted her head

as if scenting something. “It has started” she murmured “The

boys have begun it”

Bluecat changed and as the blue panther sprang away to search

the surrounding fields. Bilious stood close to Granny as she

looked out at the herd of magical mo’s. The rams were all stood

watching the same direction. It would begin soon she knew.

Suddenly there was a scream as Bluecat found a minion

creeping through the grass, he didn’t scream for long. It

signalled the beginning of the attack, the other minions

realising that surprise was not on their side rose up from their

hiding places and began the battle.

They’d thought that Granny would be an easy target, how

wrong they were!

The Old Ram led the others into the fray, his horns making

short work of any minion that got in his way. The other rams

were just as deadly and in this battle, the ewes were as

dangerous, they had young to protect! All the magical mo’s had

88



horns, the rams were larger but the females had horns as

sharp as rapiers and they used them with disastrous

consequences to the minions.

Bluecat was a whirlwind of lethal claws and teeth, powerful

muscles and lithe agility. She went through the opposing forces

like a hot knife through butter. Granny and Bilious Farticus

stalked through the enemy, Granny wielding magic and Bilious

wielding a scythe to protect her, they both wore their cloaks

of magical mo fleece that helped to protect them against

magical spells.

The fighting was fierce and to Bluecat it seemed as if it had

gone on forever. Granny was beginning to tire, Bilious too was

feeling the strain. The Old Ram had sustained several wounds

now and was losing blood but he was still fighting. Their world

had condensed to just this place, this time and this bloodshed.

Yet still they fought.

Manganese screamed in rage, how dare she defy him like this,

even with all the extra minions he’d sent she was still resisting.

To make matters worse, his very own stronghold was under

attack, he could bring no reinforcements from there! He’d have

to withdraw from the island so he could concentrate on Granny,

she was the key he was sure. If he could defeat her then he

could actually get to HBN in person, she would be destroyed

too and magic would flow to him.

He began to withdraw form the island, the strange storm

drifted away and dissipated. Prof. DeWitte saw it and was

relieved, they could finally go. With the amulet on board,

Wizard Jampot and Pegasus could draw on it to perform magic

once more and provide an even stronger and swifter wind to

return them to Ginger Cove.

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The Chest & HBN

The war gryfon that was Wizard Jampot the Greatest flew,

faster than it should be possible to fly to the co-ordinatesgiven him by Prof. DeWitte. He wasn’t sure who was protecting

HBN but the Prof. had assured him she was still protected.

Jampot guessed that the Old Ram had been part of her

protection, with him now fighting with Granny who would be

left? Then of course it came to him B’Rell he would be there!

Then Jampot realised who the mysterious man with a stick was,

B’Rell! Well that was OK then, she was well protected!

Soon Jampot saw the caves Prof. DeWitte had told him about

and with a warning scream he landed and shimmered back into

his real form. Out of the cave strode B’Rell, Jampot went

towards him, a huge smile on his face “Hello Grancha B’Rell, I

should have guessed you’d be here guarding HBN.” He gave his

Grandfather a hug, they hadn’t seen each other in a while.

B’Rell, looked at his Grandson a smile on his face, he was

pleased to see him but very anxious that Jampot had brought

the amulet. “Hello boy, good to see you but have you brought

the chest?” Jampot wasn’t offended he knew his grandfather

well and knew how concerned he’d be about HBN, he was her

husband after all!

“Yes, I’ve got it, where is she?” he looked into the cave, was

that silver he could see glinting in the light of the torches litinside he wondered. B’Rell laughed in spite of himself, Jampot

really was almost too clever. “Yes, she’s in there, we’ll take the

chest in. And yes, I’ve heard from your father and know what

to do. Makes a change I guess doesn’t it?” Jampot smiled,

usually he was the one who knew what to do but he realised

that Prof. DeWitte had not told him how to proceed here!

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be too late” Looking at Jampot she smiled a little, “It seems we

must fly together again Jampot, let Granny be the wind

beneath our wings and get us there in time.“ with that she

shimmered once more into the form of the silver dragon. B’Rellreached into the chest and took out a small brown stone like

thing. Jampot had forgotten about the amulet and didn’t notice

as he shimmered back into the form of the war gryfon.

With B’Rell safely settled on the back of the silver dragon

both wizards took off and were soon streaking through the sky

to Granny’s place.

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Donna looked up into the sky and saw a snowy white owl flying

towards her. Prof. DeWoo landed and looked at Donna silent

and swift messages passed between them and the snowy owl

took off once more. Donna B.A.B.Y looked around, “We have toget to Granny’s place she’s under attack and needs us.” “How?”

someone shouted, She laughed gleefully, “You’ll all get to ride

war gryfons” she shouted over the screams of the approaching

Gryfons. In what looked like chaos but was in reality well

organised chaos!! They were soon all mounted and on their way!

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and Champicus mounted the war gryfons that had brought

them here and they were all airborn in the blink of an eye!

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From Ginger Cove

Annales spun the wheel on the small spinner she had, she was

worried and wanted to check on what was happening withGranny. She was getting no reply, nothing, when she felt the

call, in her bones. Granny needed them. She ran outside “Ben,

we have to go, Granny needs us.” Bold Ben Roberts the Pirate

Mr Man had felt it too. He didn’t waste time asking questions

he just snapped out orders. In minutes they were mounted and

on their way. They were all thinking the same thing. ‘Hold on

Granny, we’re coming’

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White Horses

The long day was coming to an end, Granny was now bone tired

and knew she had not much time left. She’d felt the time whenher daughter returned to her own form and knew, that she’d

succeeded in helping Jampot to free her. The Old Ram was

dead, he’d fought all day until his great heart gave out. At

least he’d not been killed by one of those filthy minions.

Bilious and Bluecat were on either side of her now, protecting

her. She could feel the others coming so she’d make sure there

was safety to greet them. She felt Manganese drawing near,his rage beat at the very air. His rage made him stupid, she’d

always known it would. Their time had come, now they would

face each other and he would lose. She’d saved her best for

him.

Manganese could not believe she’d held out this long, most of

her Mos were dead and she only had that fool Bilious and a

young girl to help her. But now her time was done, let her face

Manganese the Miserable himself, she’d soon regret her

defiance!

The air went still, as Manganese withdrew his mind from the

remaining minions, they fell and all was silent. Granny took a

deep breath and stood straight and tall. She turned to Bilious,

“promise me you’ll rebuild the herd, that you’ll take care of allthe others when I’m gone.” He looked at her in agony “But we’ve

won, they’re all dead. Why would you not be here?” “No my

darling, they are gone but Manganese remains and he’s coming.

Coming to face me. You must take Bluecat and the Mos away

from here, back away from here because here in this place it

will not be safe - not for you, nor for him, he just doesn’t know

that yet. Now promise me.” She waited as Bilious looked at her

long and hard as if he would imprint her face on his mind “I

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promise” he said brokenly. Bluecat looked mutinous, “I’m not

leaving you Granny” she said. Granny turned and looked at her,

she ran a rough hand gently over her hair, “there is nothing you

can do sweetheart, I will not be beaten by Manganese. Nowplease do as I ask, and go with Bilious.” Bluecat stared at her

grandmother and saw in her face that there was to be no

gainsaying her, with tears in her eyes, she hugged Granny “I

love you” she whispered. Granny held her tight for a few

seconds, “I love you too, now go.”

Bilious and Bluecat turned and reluctantly left Granny, as they

left they felt something approaching, something evil and cruel,Manganese had arrived!

They turned and saw Granny stood straight and disdainful as

Manganese towered over her. She looked him up and down with

such contempt that he howled in rage. He changed into a huge

black vulture and just as he did, Granny burst into flame!

Bluecat gasped in awe as she saw that where Granny had stood

there now rose a firebird. Wings of flame beat the air as

Manganese took off but Granny was too quick for him.

Like a streak of flame she was after him, they rose higher and

higher into the sky. As they rose Bluecat felt the others

arriving. HBN with B’rell and Jampot, Her mother, Annales and

her brother Ben Roberto. Her cousins, Alecus the Red, The

Shihan Jamus, Champicus the Strong. Pegasus with Dannio theDark warrior, Jadeanna and Jacky Chan Stunt Man. Prof.

DeWitte, the Lovely Sarah DeWoo and Donna B.A.B.Y.

They were all here and watched as the firebird and vulture

fought in the evening sky. Shadow and flame, they twisted and

fought in the air. B’Rell pulled out the magic amulet and passed

it to HBN, she held it in her hands and called to the others

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“Quickly, all of you come here and form a circle, join hands,

now, feed Granny magic through the amulet.”

They all stood in a circle, they concentrated on the round plainbrown stone held in HBN’s hand and sent magic to it, from

there it went to Granny, directed by HBN and Annales.

The firebird felt them all and the strength they sent her and

she brought all her determination, all her courage, all her sheer

orneryness to bear and with a final piercing scream she sent

Manganese falling. As he did so he lost size and magic until at

last he was nothing but a tiny black gnat. He disappeared andthe firebird floated gently to the ground.

They all ran to her, shocked at the change in her, she looked so

frail. B’Rell picked her up as if she were a feather and carried

her into the house. Bilious had run ahead to put the kettle on,

all she needed he said was a cup of tea. The others knew it

would need more than that but HBN was here, she’d see that

Granny was all right.

HBN held her mother’s hand as B’Rell carried her into her room

and laid her tenderly on the bed. Bilious came in and started

to shoo them all out, “come on now, give her some room, she

needs to rest, that’s all, just to rest.” Granny sighed “Bilious,

quiet now, please. I need to talk to them all.” Her voice

normally so strong was reed thin but it stopped Bilious asnothing else could. HBN knelt down by the bed and tried to

find a way to help Granny.

She could find nothing to do, nothing, all her knowledge all her

healing skills were useless against what she found in her

mother. Something had eaten her away it seemed, HBN raised

her eyes, wet with tears and said “Mum” in a broken voice. She

held onto her mother’s hand felt it’s roughness, remembering

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how gentle that rough old hand could be. It had always been

there for her along with the tremendous love she knew her

mother had always given her. HBN felt her sister Annales on

the other side of the bed. Could hear her quiet tears, theyboth knew their mother was leaving them and soon.

Granny squeezed their hands, “I need you two to be strong

now, I want to talk to the others, one at a time. I have to say

goodbye for a little while but you should know that I’ll always

be around somewhere. Now, go and send the others in will you,

and girls, look after Bilious for me, he’ll need you now.”

Outside, every one else was waiting, it was as if their world was

off kilter a little, they’d all lost their balance and were trying

to regain it. But they knew that one of the foundation stones

of their world was going and it was difficult.

One by one they went in to Granny, each spoke words that

needed to be spoken and each heard words they needed to

hear. None came away unaffected and as each one of them left

Granny they gathered together for comfort and support.

Finally, they'd all said their goodbyes and HBN and Annales

went back in to Granny.

Bilious looked at the woman who'd been the centre of his world

and knew they'd come to the final parting. His eyes were

blurred with tears and his throat clogged with them but hefound strength from somewhere to smile at her. She looked

back at his dear face and was glad that her girls were there to

take care of him; he was a good man, even though he could

drive you wild with his silly jokes and sometimes lazy ways. She

trusted him to take care of her animals and to be there for

her family. Then he moved back so her daughters could take

her hands in theirs. She was so tired now, the room was getting

darker and she really wanted to rest, She'd had a long life and

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a full one, she'd lived it her way and on her terms. She loved

her girls and their children and would never really leave them.

She wanted to tell her grieving daughters that she wouldalways be with them but was just too tired now, she’d given her

last drops of strength to free her daughter and she was glad.

Granny drifted, almost unaware now of the people in the room

with her, she could feel something coming and felt excitement

stir. Then she saw them! A herd of wild horses, galloping

closer, she could see them now and recognised them! The ones

who'd gone before her, all waiting there, waiting for her to join

them. With regret for those she was leaving but with joy atbeing reunited with those loved ones who'd gone before, she

left the worn out shell of her body and joined the herd. Free

and young and strong, she ran beside the lead stallion and

galloped away, mane and tail streaming behind her as she ran

with the wild horses.

Bilious, HBN and Big Mama Les felt her slip away and tears fell

as the woman who'd given them life left hers,

Outside, the others felt her passing and they drew together,

tears and sorrow on their faces.

It was 24 hours since Granny had passed away and they were

all once more gathered to finally say goodbye to the worldly

shell that had held Granny's indomitable spirit. It was thecustom here to send the earthly body back to Mother Earth in

fire, cleansing and releasing the ones left behind.

Granny's body was bound in sweet scented cloths and her

grandsons carried her to the pyre. None were afraid to show

their grief; all determined that Granny should go with love and

care. HBN spoke of her mother, I will not repeat those words

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here, they were for the family only; Annales sang Granny on

her way as Bilious set the torch to the oil soaked wood.

The flames burned high and fierce as each gave magic in his orher way. Tears fell, then came words, as each remembered

Granny and shared tales and memories. Laughter was then

mixed with tears and brought sweet relief, mixed with grief.

As they stood whilst the last flames died down, Wizard

Jampot looked up and shouted "Look!" pointing into the

darkening sky. They all turned and were amazed to see a herd

of wild horses thundering down a shaft of moonlight, then totheir astonished joy they saw the figure of Granny rise to

meet them.

Young and strong, her hair long and dark, her eyes clear and

filled with love and laughter. She leaped on the back of the

lead stallion and turned to her family. She sent them a look of

such transcendent love and joy that they all felt gladdened and

finally understood the she was not leaving them forever; they

would see her again and she would always be there for them

should they need her.

As they galloped back up into the sky, the figure of Granny

merged into that of a horse and the wild horses faded from

sight.

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Prof. DeWitte had found some information in some very old

archives about the Grackle and had bundled it all up and given

it to Pegasus and Wizard Jampot just as they were leaving.

Just in case, he hadn’t of course said just in case of what butthey thanked him anyway.

This time they’d decided that Pegasus would carry Wizard

Jampot so he could study the information they had on the

Grackle and hopefully work out a plan of action. It was unusual

that they hadn’t done this before leaving but it had been

decided that as no one had any experience of the Mad Grackle

there was no point in setting out a plan without seeing how theland lay.

As Wizard Jampot read he realised that in actual fact there

was no plan they could make. The information was very sparse

and in many cases contradictory. The only thing all sources of

information agreed on was that Mad Grackles were very

dangerous and also very curious, very very curious in fact. They

were also known to collect things that sparkled and shone.

Wizard Jampot filed that away in the back of his brain and

began to doze as the beating of the wings of the great white

horse that was Pegasus lulled him to sleep.

Pegasus flew strongly through the sky, her wings beating

tirelessly. As the sun began to set she decided that she

needed to rest and they needed to eat. She could feel WizardJampot was relaxed and guessed he was probably asleep, so

she changed the angle of her flight and dove steeply before

pulling up again. It had the desired affect and Jampot opened

his eyes.

Seeing that the sun was going down he took out his wand and

conjured a raft for them to land on and Pegasus took them

down coming to rest gently as a feather on the newly created

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today!” She made herself comfortable and closing her eyes

was quickly asleep.

Jampot smiled in the dark, Pegasus always thought she was sostern, but he knew that she was really a big softy. She was

correct though, she had been the only one working hard today.

He wasn’t tired so he decided to try and come up with some

sort of plan. Whilst he was thinking he decided to make himself

comfortable too and knew no more until the sun came up.

Wizard Jampot sat up blinking and rubbing his eyes, there was

a lovely smell of bacon cooking that tickled his nostrils, hecould smell fresh coffee too so he knew it was time to get up.

Pegasus handed him a cup of coffee and a bacon sandwich, as

she sat down beside him and finished her breakfast off.

“Well, how do you want to do this?” she asked.

“I think we’ll fly in low, and drop the casket by the Grackle, if I

understand the magic correctly, as long as we don’t actually

touch down on the island the Grackle should stay asleep. Then

as we leave, if we just land right on the edge of the island on

the sand and then take off again, that should wake it up so it’ll

be on guard again.”

Pegasus thought that it sounded too simple but could think of

nothing better so she kept silent. Jampot looked at her,“What, no comment?”

“Not really, it sounds too simple to me but I can’t think of

anything better so it’s as good a plan as any. If it works fine, if

not I trust you to come up with something.”

“OK then, lets get this show on the road shall we?” Jampot

said. “The sun is up and the day is ticking away.”

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Pegasus just looked at him, shaking her head as she changed.

The great winged unicorn stood there shimmering with power.

Jampot climbed on her back and just to teach him who was

doing the work, she reared on her hind legs before taking offlike a bullet out of a rifle. Jampot had to cling on tightly but he

shouted with glee as she streaked away over the sea.

The sun glowed molten copper as it rose higher into the sky,

burnished bright it shone down on them as they flew through

the clear azure blue heavens. Birds flew below and sometimes

alongside them. The air was as fresh as water and heady as

wine, they felt drunk almost but neither cared.

Soon the Island Behind the Sun came into view and they knew

they were nearly done with this task. Pegasus slowed her

headlong flight and drifted lower over the island looking for

the sleeping place of the Grackle.

Soon Jampot shouted “There, down there in the clearing!”

Pegasus saw it too and began her slow glide down. Jampot had

the casket ready to drop as they flew in very low, he could see

the Grackle up close and was surprised at how many colours

were in the black of it’s hide. He leaned out with the casket in

his hand, when suddenly one of Pegasus’s hooves touched the

ground, only seconds before she lifted it up but it was enough.

The Grackle awoke!

With a roar it left the ground, claws extended to rend the

flesh from these usurpers. Pegasus narrowly avoided its first

rush and tried to gain height. The Grackle turned so quickly

Jampot was nearly thrown off with the violence of Pegasus’s

manoeuvres. The Grackle was lightning fast and harried

Jampot and Pegasus at every turn. Pegasus tried to keep out of

reach but the Grackle managed to claw her a couple of times

and she was losing blood. Slowly she began to tire, Wizard

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Professor DeWitte and MIS

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