Aug 20 2018

Nutlidge ~ Chapter Sixteen

Merlin the Magician

Fran got out of bed bearing a sore head, and went straight for the water in the kitchen. It was already 10am and she could hear someone rustling around in the shed. She put her head around the door and it was of course Baize, looking for something.
“Morning.” She said softly.
He looked around to see a very tired Fran in the doorway.
“Ah! Sleeping beauty finally woke up!” He joked, obviously in good spirits, “You had a late one by the looks. You might want to go back and try that beauty sleep again?” He said, with a huge grin on his face and moved a couple of boxes full of stuff.
“Well thank you.” She said half smiling and half squinting from the bright light in the shed. “And what is it you are looking for?”
“Ah, the percussion stuff we have here. Maddy took some yesterday and the girls tried it out and it sounded really cool! We even got to practice longer!”
“Well that’s great! I think you’ll find them in the cupboard over there in the corner.” She said, watching him while leaning on the doorframe. “So it sounded good huh?”
“Yeah! Excellent! Turns out Cheryl can sing too! So we have her practicing a few songs with Monica.”
“Wow! That’s great Baize! See! I knew you could turn things around,” said his mum, full of faith in her son.
“Yeah, I guess there’s always a better way.” He replied.
“Well,.. I might try that beauty sleep again and see if I can make it work this time.”
“Cool. I won’t be too loud, and thanks for helping me find the stuff.”
“No worries. I’ve got a visitor coming later, so I’ll be up and about in a couple of hours …”
“Okay. Um… Anyone I know?” He said curiously.
“Mmm. You’ll just have to wait and find out!” She said cheerily and shut the door. Baize kept looking for other useful things shaking his head and smiling at his mother. ‘I bet she’s finally met someone.’ He thought and smiled his approval.

Meanwhile, back at the Palace, Malley and Nutwood were telling Acacia about the speaker and all the people that turned up for the gathering.
Elm was pacing the floor, in a hurry to leave for France.
Acacia insisted that they ate something before they went and made them sit down at the table while she fixed them something nourishing. It didn’t take her long, and she came back with rolled up geranium leaves stuffed with salad, cashews and a lovely sauce to finish it off. They ate heartily and downed plenty of water. “Are you ready Sky?” Asked Yellow Flower.
“Yes, I am.”
“Elm, we’re ready when you are. We’ll be back soon.” She said firmly, and waved both arms around, letting glitter flow from her hands. They vanished leaving Malley, Acacia, Nutwood and Lobes to contemplate what they were doing next.
“I must go and see if the girls need help in the store. They were going to make up a whole new batch of teas. A lot of them got spilt when the tree shook. So I’ll catch you all later.” Said Malley.
“Yes, we will speak before the World Leader Summit tomorrow. Goodbye for now.” Replied Nutwood.
“Goodbye Nutwood, Lady Acacia, and Lobes.” He said and walked from the hall.
The three travellers arrived in France almost immediately. As Merlin had said, it was early hours of the morning. Only one bird was making any noise though, all the others were still asleep. It was freezing cold and snow laid heavily everywhere.
A barn owl hooted as it sat up high on the branch of a huge knotted interwoven oak tree, covered with moss and mushrooms. It totally dwarfed the three as they stood amongst its massive roots.
“Where are we?” Asked Sky, suddenly feeling a little disorientated and very cold. She didn’t mind admitting that she was a little scared also. This was Merlin they were visiting! Was he a wizard, magician, sorcerer or a Druid? Sky had been discussing this with her friend the other day.
Elm had been here before, and knew just where to turn up. There in the crevice of the roots they were standing in between, was a large wooden oval door with a peep hatch.
Elm led them to the entrance and pulled the jewelled handle that was hanging from thin air by the door. They heard a loud bell ringing upstairs. A few moments later the door swung open, by itself it would seem. A black cat walked back and forth in the doorway, eyeing them off curiously.
“Thank you.” Said Elm to the cat, and they walked inside the massive tree trunk.
Inside the tower like structure was a large round room with a staircase cut into the wall. Large pictures hung in ancient hexagonal frames, windows that could only see out, were carved into the walls also hosting thick hand carved windowsills. These were stacked with candlesticks and half burned candles, crystals, books and odds and ends.
A fireplace was lit and roaring. It threw out more than enough heat to keep the whole tower warm. There was a large round red rug on the floor, which was embossed with all the alchemy symbols in gold matching the fringe on the edge. A messy desk was near one window and a large bookshelf was on the other side crammed with books and more odds and ends. It was a strange sensation being in this place. Doors and things seemed to be moving all the time, yet they weren’t. Or were they? One funny round shaped window with beautiful patterns around it took Sky’s attention more than anything. It looked like one of the crop circles she had seen on the Internet at school.
Cautiously she walked over to the round window and looked through. Her eyebrows rose up in wonder. There out the window was an aerial view of the loveliest crop circle she had seen. It was an image of what she took to be the Earth, with two dolphins swimming around it in opposite ways. She studied the scenery and wondered how it could be showing daylight when it was dark outside. She moved closer to the window, her hand about to press against it when it kept going! She nearly fell through it, but stopped herself just in time.
Elm moved swiftly over to her,
“Sky, steady…” He said gently. “Are you alright?”
Sky took a deep breath. “Wow!” She said, shaking her head. “That would have been like falling from the sky!” She placed her hand on her chest for a second time, feeling her heart go faster than ever.
“Yes it would have, and you’re lucky you didn’t keep going! That isn’t even Earth, although the same crop circle has appeared in England. That is a vortex to other planets that are the recipients of crop circles. This particular planet is at the same spiritual and material level as Earth.”
“You mean there are other planets out there that have humans?”
“Well, of course! There are literally thousands upon thousands of life forms out there in our universe. Not all of them in ‘human’ or ‘physical’ form I might add. But still existing within their own realms or dimensions. There are quite a few who visit Earth on a regular basis you know. Do you remember what Dame Melaleuca White said at the Nature Spirits Gathering? Well, it’s true! Your governments have been trying to cover up the contacts they have had.
“Now the life forms, or Extraterrestrials, which is what humans refer to them as, are communicating through other sources such as people not involved with government departments. Just average men and women, who record the messages and make them available to many people who are also searching for the truth. Crop circles are another way that other life forms choose to pass on incredibly intricate but profound messages. They not only affect people visually, but they are so perfect in every aspect, that they also send out music that resonates at a soul level, and our souls read it and hear it and quietly rejoice at the return of the original vibrational and geometrical connections to our Being.”
Sky was absolutely fascinated. She was fairly in touch with these miracles in wheat fields and knew their meanings were important to human kind.
“Is this the latest one?” She said, looking through the window at the dolphins and the sphere.
“Yes I believe it is.” Replied Elm, studying it for a moment and then moving so Yellow Flower could see it properly.
A voice came from above in a deep baritone, “Greetings. Please make your way up the staircase.”
Elm led the way.
“I wish I could fly up these!” Said Sky, who didn’t particularly like stairs. All of a sudden, she rose from the steps and found that she was indeed floating. She opened her arms out and flew up the stair well!
Elm and Yellow Flower laughed and Yellow Flower took off, flying close behind her, up the very long spiral stairway.
“Oh! Right! Well I’m not one to be left behind!” Said Elm, and he lifted an arm up and off he went, flying up the long wooden staircase after them. After their wild flight up the stairs, the three came to the top and came out into a huge hall! It seemed much bigger than what the tree seemed, but then you had to expect strange things in Merlin’s abode.
“Greetings my friends!” He bellowed. He was seated on a throne-like chair reading a book with his feet up. He had on a purple velvet dressing gown and warm wizard hat with diamond and gem stars all over it and curly toed slippers.
His long hair and beard covered most of it. He was sitting in his favourite chair with his feet on a floating cushion, by his huge desk which spilt over with paper scrolls, quills, ink pots, cards, and more candles.
The walls were lined with bookshelves full of books and a large platform in the middle that had a large oak table and his cauldron. Various bottles and jars were spread around the table along with spilt herbs, jars of frogs’ legs and spiders, newt eyes and stardust. More shelving was jam-packed with jars full of ingredients.
The room walls went up to a peak that was made of glass and under it hung a glass tube that glowed. A huge crystal ball sat on a table near a window and radiated a purple colour, and the black cat rubbed itself on its stand. On yet another large oak table was huge leather bound book of spells.
“Come in, Come in!” Said Merlin. “Have a seat.” He produced for them right there and then three seats the same as his. There was also a small table that floated for drinks.
He got up and held Elm’s hand in his own for a moment while saying, “Elm my friend, it’s been a long time.”
“Merlin. It is good to see you again. May I introduce my friends Yellow Flower and Sky?”
“Hello Merlin. It is a pleasure.” Said Yellow Flower, holding his hand for a moment and feeling quite overwhelmed.
“The pleasure is all mine.” He replied, staring into her eyes before turning to greet Sky.
“So, this is the brave young human. I am honoured to meet you Sky.” He held her hand also for a moment while she said a nervous, “Hello Merlin” and went bright red, as he now looked deep into her eyes. It was as if he could read a person instantly, and was kind if creepy.
“Ah yes!” He said, “I see you have been on this earth plane many times. And a few other planets I see. Please, sit down. I have no doubt that you will be able to do the task that is needed of you Sky. No doubt, at all.”
Sky was still feeling a bit uneasy. All the things she had heard about Merlin weren’t always good, but she put those thoughts from her mind and allowed the real experience of Merlin to sink in.
“Thank you for helping us with the needed potion Merlin. We would not be able to do this with out your assistance.” Said Yellow Flower in the chair opposite him.
“Well young fairy, it is my pleasure!” Chuckled Merlin, “I have been trying to do something about the human behaviour patterns for a while now, but I think this is brilliant! And while I think of it, here is the potion you will need to make the tea much stronger than what it is. Whatever drinks they are consuming and we will assume it is tea and coffee during this important summit, you must get the Honestea and this potion in at the same time. You cannot mix it prior to the time of doing it. It must be mixed on the spot. A little time consuming perhaps but worth the effort.” He gave Yellow Flower the bottle of potion, which was red coloured. “One drop of this to each cup, with one spoon of crushed Honestea. Here is the spoon you must measure the tea from,” and he gave the spoon to Sky. It was more like a mini funnel without a hole and it was made of copper.
“There are a few questions I have to ask.” Said Sky nervously.
“Fire away!” Said Merlin happily.
“Well, how am I going to get this in their tea and coffee without them seeing me? How am I getting to Canberra, I’m only ten, and…” she looked around with a slightly distressed manner… “is there anyone coming with me?”
Elm and Yellow Flower suddenly realised that they hadn’t had a chance to fill Sky in on what they had planned. She had been showing her grandmother around when they were discussing it in the doll’s house the night before.
“Oh don’t worry about a thing!” Said Elm, coming to her rescue. “Yellow Flower and I will be getting you there and coming with you, and we have asked several other fairies to help because they can fly and because they cannot be seen.”
“I have some Invisibilitea for you Sky,” added Yellow Flower, “but it doesn’t last as long as the others. You’ll have to take some extra with you in case you become visible at the wrong time.”
“Yes, yes,” agreed Elm, “and you will be your normal size while you are doing this, otherwise you won’t reach the cups will you!” He chuckled and stroked his beard.
“I would say they have it all planned perfectly for you Sky, so that there will be no interruptions. I will also be keeping an eye on you through my crystal ball in case anything should go wrong.”
“You won’t be on your own Sky. I will be there with you the whole time.” Said Yellow Flower, touching her shoulder comfortingly.
“Are you still happy to do this young lady?” Asked Merlin, looking at her over his half moon reading glasses. “You must only do this if it feels right to you. Now be honest with yourself. What do you feel?” Said the great wizard gently.
His black cat leaned against her leg as it walked slowly past. She thought about her mother and brother and the city of Nutlidge and all that she had experienced. “I feel fine,” she said genuinely. “If you two are going with me, I am more than happy to go through with this.” She smiled, feeling more confident about the whole thing.
“Excellent!” Said Merlin. “Now we shall have drinks!” He clapped his hand twice and a tray of magical drinks appeared on the table. They looked like glasses full of tiny colourful lights. It sparkled and a yellow mist flowed from it.

Aug 19 2018

Nutlidge ~ Chapter Seventeen

Truths Unfold

“That looks delicious Merlin. What may it be for?” Asked Yellow Flower.
“Well, I thought we could do with some previews of what is happening. I have made a drink for you all to join me in finding out what the world leaders are up to. Perhaps we can be one step ahead of them, and they would all be settled into their hotel rooms by now. Would you like to join me in a little peek?” Merlin had a half smile on his face as he picked up his glass mug and held it up to them.
“Yes!” Said Yellow Flower, “I’ll be in that!”
“My word! Count me in!” Said Elm, chuckling at the thought of it.
Sky looked at her three companions and at the drink and said, “I guess I may as well come too!”
They all downed the drink feeling the tingle go down their spines. Before they knew it, they were all floating above the chairs, Sky making a slight squealing noise as she rose. Merlin clicked his fingers and they disappeared once more.
In Canberra, at mid-afternoon in a Hyatt suite near the top floor, sat two American men sharing a bottle of scotch. It turned out to be Willy Weed and his Military General, Shogun Powers.
Their four invisible guests were standing on the other side of the large sitting room.
“Well, y’know I gave them a warning two years ago.” Said Willy, continuing his conversation in his Texan drawl. “I told ’em, I’d make the world think they were our enemies if they didn’t make some firm arrangements with th’ oil in our favour after giving them all those weapons, I’d come after ’em. Too bad the Twins had to go. I mean, it had to look like it was them and goddamn it was brilliant! They know who the greatest power in the world is, and it’s gonna stay that way.”
“Yes sir, Willy!’ Said the drunk General. “We have the whole world believing in this terror thing. They’re so damn gullible!” He laughed a disgusting drunk laugh and took another sip of his scotch.
“Well the thing is to keep the fear up.” Slurred Willy. The Bali project showed Tom Coward I wasn’t kidding when I told him I am serious about my plans. I can’t have him thinking I’m full of crap now can I? The religions are weakening. They don’t have the same hold on people as they did. But instead of an angry God to deal with, they have the constant threat of terror. It’s the only way we can keep total control of people! It’s for their own good! We can’t have people thinkin’ for themselves now!”
They both chuckled and took another sip of their drinks.
“Well I have to say you got control of most of the worlds oil supplies, the weather, and with a little more chemical trailing, the people will be too sick to worry about who’s in charge. The Moon Mission is in its 5th year now and all is ready to accommodate our families and us if worst comes to worst. How is ol’ Sad Man anyhow, I ain’t seen him for a while now.” Said Shogun.
“Oh he’s good! I spoke with him th’other day. He said the plan is going well, and that the media is fooling them all over there! Ha! Gawd, they’re all so stupid! It’s too easy! I need more of a challenge. Still havin’ the media doin’ the right thing by us will keep the fear going.”
“Well they don’t have much choice do they?” Laughed Shogun pouring himself another drink. Willy laughed with him looking all too confident.
Sky was horrified! She thought of Baize and Tommo and the other guys. So it was the Weed regime! They’ve had the wool pulled over everyone’s eyes all along!
“Well, the next thing o’course is the oil fields Down Under. Y’know the people here don’t even know they have one! So, there’s no need for them to know! I’m in talks with Tom Coward about this. We are coming to some arrangements slowly. It’s taking time though; he wants to hold onto it.”
“Ah! I’m sure we can persuade him to think our way sir, with a little encouragement.” And he pulled a gun from its holster.
“Well, we’re ‘gunna invite him to Bohemian Grove. That’ll wet his appetite in the right way! Once he takes th’ oath, he’s ours. He’ll have no choice but to do as we say! The Freemasons still rule after all!” He chuckled loudly again. “And the dreams of our forefathers are finally coming about and Lucifer is mighty pleased!!”
“Well we can’t risk them finding out.” Added the General. “Afterall, they have to believe we’re doin’ Gods work!!”
“Absolutely! Absolutely my man!” Said Willy, and skulled the glass of scotch. “We need to keep these countries believin’ that their master is their God. With these military threats, they feel obligated to us. If they don’t go with us, then we’ll make them the enemy, and take the oil anyway!”
They both laughed together over their manipulation methods and two more glasses of scotch were poured.
“Well it’s been a bumper year for us sir, what with total control of the drugs on the streets of America. The CIA are raking it in, and with the extra two billion this month, we’ll get that military base in the Northern Territory yet.”
The President got up and walked over to the window overlooking Canberra, with his scotch in hand. “God damn! It’s a rich country out there! And with the right persuasive tackles, it will be ours for the taking. No problem!” He sneered. “They’re all asleep over here. But it is the challenge I’ve been looking for. ”
“Well you’ve done a good job taking over where your father left off Willy. It’s the only way to keep the millions of sheep in control.”
“Yeah, well, bein’ in the Fremasons makes it possible, they swung it for me at the last election. It’s amazing what a few million bucks can achieve!”
The two men laughed at this wholeheartedly and filled up their glasses once more.

Elm, Sky and Yellow Flower had seen enough. They were all disgusted with what they had heard. Merlin clicked his fingers and they were in another room. This one was fancier than the last.
This time, a French man was lunching out on his balcony talking with his advisor. They spoke in French of course, but the four could understand what they were saying, to Sky’s surprise.
“Ah! There is nothing to worry about! They have no say in it anyway. The nuclear testing is in a useless area. No one will miss the fish there. The islands are of no concern to us. If we keep feeding their military with weapons, they will allow us to keep testing! It does not matter!”
“Yes, but the people are beginning to complain. Many letters are being received from their public asking us to stop. There will be problems if this carries on.” Said his advisor.
“No matter!” Waved the president, shrugging the issue off. “Letters can be burned. Our testing is more important than the livelihood of a foreign country. Don’t ever forget it! We intend to lead the world’s nuclear technology. We will beat the Americans yet! But you know it is important that the world does not know about our involvement with Sad Man Insane and Sin Bin Ladder. What ever happens, the approaching war really must not happen. It is imperative that we show ourselves to be against this conflict! In fact, ring Marcel and ask him what time the press conference is tomorrow. I want to make sure I am there on time.”
They continued eating and sipped on their champagne. Sky was saddened by what she heard. She had thought the French were doing the right thing, but apparently not.
Merlin clicked his fingers again. This time they were in yet another hotel room. Three Asian men were having lunch. They were from Korea.
“It is our turn,” Said one man sipping his coffee. “They have had control long enough! I am sick of the threats that keep coming from Weed. He thinks he owns the planet!”
“Over his dead body!” Laughed another.
“Hey, wait ‘till they hear about our new nuclear plans! They will surely get angry!” Said the fat one.
“Good!” Said the first one. “I don’t have any qualms about wiping them out first up!”
Again Merlin clicked his fingers and this time they turned up in Government House, in Tom Coward’s office.
“Sir,” said the secretary of the defence force, “how much longer are we going to be puppets on Weeds string?”
“Well, they are a powerful nation. I want to do right by our people, but there is too much at risk. If I don’t let them have the oil, they will come and take it anyway by force. I don’t want to put good people through this sort of thing… I just don’t know what to do about this.”
“But sir, you are being cornered by several overseas’ governments. Surely there must be something we can do to protect Australia, without the threat of sending more young men to war? This is not our way. They are forcing us to be a part of their terror campaign to get control.”
Tom Coward stared into space knowing full well he had the fate of the public in his hands and they were being pulled along by the same unfair principle. It was becoming more and more like America every day. He knew that many of the politicians were crooked, and many of them weren’t of course, like his secretary here, who was more for discussions than war at any time. But he was not a saint either; he had done deals also with other countries to suit his military needs. Coward sat and kept staring into the endless sky feeling like a heel. He wished for a moment that the floor would swallow him up. He guessed it served himself right if they did take it away. He was weak. He was in fear like most people had been since the Terror attacks.
Yellow Flower, Merlin, Elm and Sky all looked at each other before Merlin clicked his fingers again. This time they were in a hospital ward in a private room. There was Tommo laid up with two legs in plaster, broken arm, his head bandaged up and the rest of his body which was covered in a wet cloth was badly burned.
He was still unconscious. Sky suddenly went from feeling disgusted to sorry, and thought how his poor mother must be feeling and the rest of his family and friends. And this went on because of oil and greed and the passion to have everything, even if it meant the destruction of Mother Earth.
Merlin again, clicked his fingers, this time they looked into one of the politician’s homes and saw the extravagant way they lived. Then to the streets of Kings Cross, where homeless kids and adults were living in the slums and living in cardboard boxes. ‘How incredibly sad.’ She thought and shook her head slightly. Merlin knew she had seen enough. He clapped his hands twice and they appeared inside his tower again, sitting in their chairs.
Sky looked sadly at the others. She didn’t know what to say at first. Tears were in her eyes and she fought to hold them back
“I am sorry to have rushed you through so much information at once Sky. But you see what they are creating? If something is not done soon, we will lose so much.”
Sky nodded. “I understand now. I didn’t realise that the governments had so much control over their people. Why can’t those kids be given homes to go to?”
“There are many things that one can ask why. They have been asking why for decades, but they fail to actually do something about it.” Replied Merlin.
“Humanity is in the throws of great change. All of the systems that govern the people are beginning to have less and less hold on them. People are beginning to think for themselves after being led for so long by someone else’s laws, or doctrines, heaven knows there’s hundreds out there! People need something to believe in, so they go trying all these religions out and get told not to do this, not to do that, and if you do, watch out! And magic! Well! They have a lot to say about magic, and crystals and anything in fact that will encourage your own thoughts and feelings to come through! Oh no! They would lose control because of that.”
Elm made a good point also, “Well, Merlin, tell Sky what we have been discovering more and more of lately.”
“Oh yes, the discoveries that some remarkable humans have invented that are being hidden or kept under wraps for the purpose of keeping production going.”
“What to you mean?” Asked Sky.
“Well, for a start, your cars could run on water and vegetable oil, even hydrogen. Your people wouldn’t get so sick if they just drank enough water! It is the cause of an endless list of ailments including depression! Look at the life of a pot plant if you forget to water it! But they don’t tell you this. They make you go to the doctor to get pills, and you all just keep going back because you believe that you need them. And so you do!
“The amounts of cancer remedies that have come out throughout the years are fantastic! Many and varied, but with all good results and far less expensive, yet they keep them from you because they will lose business. But instead of disrupting the huge drug corporations and finding another way to heal people, they keep the charade going! Tell all of your friends and family that all one needs is a bottle of colloidal silver in their pantry! This is and has been a cure all for centuries!
“Do you know it is only in the last twenty years that western society has begun to accept natural healing alternatives, such as massage, herbs and essences, and hands on healing? Yet the ancient cultures have always used these methods. It’s chemical free and all natural. They have also treated the Earth better than the white man ever has. Shame on them for destroying so may magnificent cultures instead of accepting them, then learning the better ways from them.”
Sky knew what he was saying there because her mother had strong views about what had happened to the Native Americans and all of their tribes. She nodded her head.
“I have to admit,” he went on to say, “I have been guilty of burning many trees and forests in my long history here on Earth. I was young and naïve and played on the wrong side of the mirror! But I learned that we cannot sustain life on earth if there are no trees!”
He paused just for a moment before saying, “Well now Sky, you have taken a lot in for such a young mind. But you are not a young soul. You have come back into this life to do this. It is your destiny.”
“I know.” She said. “Thank you for showing me what is really going on out there. Now I fully understand why something like this must be done.”
“The other thing you must be aware of is Podsinia. She is well and gaining power as we speak. Once she finds out you are the major link to the plan, she will come after you. After last time, I wouldn’t imagine her letting anything stop her this time from getting complete power. Once the truth is out there, the energies will escalate, due to the anger in people finding out they have been duped for so long! But, as the new governments settle in, the energy will change dramatically, and Podsinia will find it hard to stay alive on this plane. Then we have overcome our situation.”
“There will be new governments?” Asked Sky thinking what a huge thing that would be.
“Oh yes! The public will finally realise, and they will demand that their next governments be chosen from the wisest, not the wealthiest. Many things will change. Mark my words! And, on this note, hot chocolate for my guests before they depart.” He said. Four more goblets appeared on the floating table, ready for them all to drink.
“I need to do a few things tomorrow before the Summit the day after. So, I shall be seeing you!” Merlin said. “Don’t forget to call me if you need an extra hand over there.” They all got up and said their goodbyes and prepared to leave.
Merlin placed his hand over Sky’s crystal and said, “If you are ever in doubt my young friend, you can always call me. Don’t be afraid.”
Sky took his hand and thanked him.
“I’ll do my best,” she said. “This world needs to be told the truth, and I guess someone’s got to do it! It might just as well be me!” She smiled excitedly.

When they got back to the tree, it was suggested that Sky go home and catch up on sleep and to spend time with her grandmother Grace. Sky didn’t argue. She was tired. Very tired.
“We shall see you here around sunrise then Sky? Is that okay?” Asked Yellow Flower, playing with her young friend’s hair a little like a sister would.
“Yes that’s fine! I think I will have had enough sleep by then.”
“Oh Sky, one more thing,” she said, before throwing fairy dust over her. “Try not to eat any meat, it will stop the Invisibilitea from working properly, okay?”
“Okay! I can do that!” Said the young girl nodding, and she gave Yellow Flower a hug and Elm too, who got all embarrassed about it and made an excuse that he had to leave in a hurry. He was gone before they knew it!
Yellow Flower used her magic to send Sky into the cottage and back to her normal size. She looked around, hardly believing that they’d had a party in there the night before. She stretched and then walked out the door, and back towards the house. It seemed like a long walk. She didn’t stop to say hello. She just walked on through and climbed into bed, fairy dress, wings and all and fell into a deep sleep.

Aug 17 2018

Nutlidge ~ Chapter Eighteen

Perry and Winkle to the Rescue

Podsinia had turned the local bathing cave into her own home. The look of its natural beauty had mostly gone, leaving it dull and unexciting. She had managed to be strong enough to create herself some furniture. A root covered chair, a table with candles and a goblet.
There was a pile of dirt and leaves for her bed and she had captured two nutleys already!
Long roots tied up Lord Nutwood and Lady Acacia back to back to a protruding root.
They both looked at their capturer as she made a large water ball rise from the water’s depths.
There in the ball was Sky, still fast asleep. Then there was a picture of Yellow Flower having breakfast and talking to Dusty.
Elm was the next one she zoomed in on. He was discussing the plan for the visit to Canberra with his helper Lobes.
Nutwood didn’t want her to hear this so tried to get her attention.
“Podsinia, you won’t get away with this you know!”
“What!” She said, “You don’t think I am capable of taking over Nutlidge?” She stared at him, trying to intimidate him. It didn’t work. “I have already captured the most popular couple in the tree! What makes you think I can’t get exactly what I want?”
“Because, the power of the people will override you. Their love will be too strong for you to live.”
“Well we’ll just see about that!” She said loudly, getting angry now. “By the look of the state of things, I don’t think I’ll have any trouble at all. Those humans won’t change! They never will!” She paced up and down quickly, grinning wickedly because of her attitude towards them. “They are too stupid to know how to stop themselves!” Podsinia laughed, then stopped and glared at Nutwood. “The Atlantians were the same!” She said quietly and resentfully. “Only they were one step ahead of me! Not this time!! I have no faith in humans and their ability to think anything other than hatred and fighting!”
“That’s not so,” said Nutwood keeping her from the water ball, “The human race has the capability to turn themselves around. They know the laws. They have just forgotten them, that is all. They only need reminding.”
“Reminding! How many times do you think it will take to remind them? I have watched them from my prison over the last twelve thousand years, and the many teachers they have been sent have been ridiculed and ignored! Or killed!” She laughed, a wicked tone deep in her throat. “Their intelligence leaves little to desire. I am not concerned about all this! Nutlidge is my home now and I shall rule from your palace. But first, I have to take care of some business… Don’t go away!” She mocked, while playing with her scraggly hair with her bony finger. The witch took off up to the entrance like a cat at full speed.
“Oh Nutwood, are you all right?” Said Acadia, distressed.
“Yes, and you my darling?” He replied, feeling totally helpless.
“What are we going to do? We can’t let her get Sky!”
“Sky is well protected my love. But it won’t stop Podsinia from trying. She may even go for Yellow Flower or Elm. Don’t worry, we will be safe.” He found her hands and held them tight.

Sky had just surfaced, having had a wonderful sleep. The young girl felt great! She came out into the dining room where her grandmother sat in the sun reading the local paper. The elderly woman saw her granddaughter entering and put down her glasses and news article.
“Hello little magic fairy! How are we this morning?” She said, with a huge grin on her face and thoughts of the night before flashing though her mind.
“A bit nervous, but good thanks Grandma.” Said Sky, giving her a warm hug.
“Oh yes, you have a mighty task to undertake don’t you my dear! Are you feeling all right about it? Is everything planned and ready to go?”
“Yep!” She said, getting herself some toast from the toast rack, “I have lots of support Grandma, so you don’t have to worry. But Yellow Flower did ask if you would please watch the broadcast this morning of the Summit in Canberra. And if you can record it on video too… Also to get everyone you know to watch it and do the same. The more people that tune in the better!”
The young girl told her grandmother all about her adventures the day before, and all the new things she learned and realised.
Grace was stunned and listened to all the details knowing most of it in her heart, but taking in the new with openness. Beverly came in with breakfast and they ate well on bacon and eggs, fried potatoes, tomatoes and more toast.

Meanwhile Elm was getting ready to meet Sky at Yellow Flower’s home. Lobes had gone on ahead to set things up in Canberra with several pixies in tow. They had the television station to deal with.
Yellow Flower was speaking with fifteen other nature spirits, seven fairies and eight more pixies. Two wagtails were lined up to take messages; two kookaburras were called in to keep an eye on things in the political car park and certain political vehicles.
A flock of rainbow lorikeets had already flown off to pass on the message to their bird folk. If you needed a news bulletin called out, call the rainbow lorikeets! The parrots were well known for their big mouths and loud talk! But this would ensure that the birds’ connections would take care of any outside interruptions.
“Alright,” said Yellow Flower addressing the group, “Now the fairies need to help make sure Sky gets to all the drinks in the room, even the large containers of water. It will be a big job for her, but we must watch out for signs of interfering individuals who threaten our plan. You girls know what to do. Just have fun!”
They all laughed and giggled and looked forward to this adventure. They didn’t get out into the human world often, but when they did, look out! Fairies could be very cheeky, but were also very intelligent little beings!
“Now, you pixies will be looking after the wiring and the people controlling the telecast. They mustn’t be able to cut anything out of this. Most of the time, they only broadcast what they want the public to hear, so you fellows are to take care of them. And Perry,” she said to one cheeky pixie, “No biting.” He looked at his other companions and went all red with embarrassment.
The fairies were all beginning to chat amongst themselves when they heard footsteps coming up the tree.
“That will be Sky now,” said the gold fairy and she walked to the end of her garden with fairy dust in her hand.
“Good morning!” Chirped Sky, who seemed taller than ever!
“Hello Sky. You look positively vibrant this morning! All ready for your journey?”
“Oh yes! I feel great!”
Yellow Flower handed Sky the tea and she poured it under her tongue. Green sparkle glittered around her and she shrank down to a more ‘normal’ size.
Today she had her jeans on and a t-shirt, with her runners. She thought it would be more comfortable for the job. No one was going to see her, so it wasn’t like she had to dress up or anything. However, she had brought her other fairy dress for afterwards.
Yellow Flower introduced the fairies to her.
“Sky, I would like you to meet some good friends of mine who are going to assist you today. This is Blue Bell, Fuchsia, Rosemally, Jasmine, Daffydil, Gerbarina and Lillyput.” They all floated off the ground just a touch as they said “Greetings Sky” to her. They were beautiful! Their delicate dresses and wings and silky locks decorated with the tiniest of flowers and feathers was just like a book Sky had, that her mother had given her. ‘Someone else has seen these fairies too, perhaps in their dreams’ she thought. Even though they had their cheeky funny side to them that always showed, they were always gentle and innocent.
“I’m so happy to meet you. This is an honour,” she said sincerely.
The seven fairies all blushed and giggled at their compliment.
“The fairies are going to help you get through your task with the Honestea and the potion Merlin gave Elm. They will make sure you have no one interrupting what you are doing.”
The pixies were chatting amongst themselves and showing off a little in front of their guest.
Yellow Flower smiled at them and said to Sky, “These cheeky fellows will be coming along too. This is Perry and his brother Winkle, Prickles, Bud, Rocky, Pod, Splash and Nobby. They are helping with the camera and telecast side of things.”
“Pleased to meet you all!” she said grinning at them. It was hard not to, they were funny little people that was for sure!
They all said “Hello Sky” together but in their own ways and went all embarrassed, hiding behind each other until they were bumping into the branch behind them, which actually looked like a tree trunk with a garden around it. Then they came shyly hopping back, tripping each other up as they went.
Sky and Yellow Flower and the fairies were all laughing at them.
Yellow Flower suddenly looked at where the sun was coming from and said, “I wonder where Elm is. He’s usually very punctual when it comes to things like this.”
“Maybe he’s having trouble with his powers, like he did the first time I saw him. You know with the bats and all,” said Sky seeing the look on Yellow Flower’s face.
“Mmm.” Hummed Yellow Flower, and she stared into the tree trying to focus on something.
She couldn’t visualise anything but as she changed her point of focus she spotted a web with her friend Cilia the spider busy at work on one of her captures. Yellow Flower watched her wind the web around this particular fly, who wasn’t actually fully dead yet. It was buzzing as it was turned around and around.
“Oh that’s it!” She said, springing to attention! “That’s it. He’s tied up! Podsinia must have kidnapped him!”
The little folk around her were following her lead. They read nature too. It was natural to them to do so.
“I’ll go and see if I can find him!” Said Perry, and Winkle piped up and said, “Me too! Me too!”
Yellow Flower thought for a moment. “We have to get the potion! Perry, Winkle, you go and find Elm. I believe he is under the tree. Try the mulch fields or the bathing caves, and when you find him be very quiet. Get yourself to him unseen and get the potion off him, do you think you can manage that okay?”
They nodded, itching to do something heroic.
“Off you go then, and get Elm to send you straight to Canberra where the Summit is being held.”
They ran off as fast as their short little legs could take them to the nearest Nird station, to start their mission.
“Well, I don’t think Podsinia realises who she has caught there, and I dare say Elm will keep her busy!” Said Yellow Flower, “We will rescue him after the Summit is over. That way I can be sure Podsinia doesn’t get up to too much mischief. Alright now, are we all ready?” She looked around to check that they were all there.
“Right then!” She said, trying to think of anything she had forgotten. “If any of you get stuck anywhere, just chirp like a cricket. Remember…it is very important that Sky gets to all the drinks; otherwise it may not work properly. I have the Honestea powder here in my cocoon. Sky you take this, have you got the spoon for measuring?”
She had it in her own bag, of which she got out and placed it in the cocoon with the tea. She checked to make sure her crystal was still there around her neck, and even though she wore it outside her clothing, she paid it a lot of attention, holding tightly onto it.
“Alright everyone, whilst the Nutlidge folk have been instructed to put all their thoughts towards a positive outcome, it’s our job to help Sky. Okay, you all know what to do?”
They all nodded, excited about their adventure. “It’s time to go… gather around…” Yellow Flower threw a handful of magic powder and it showered the group completely. They began to fade as glitter and sparkle took over and then ended in a puff of green mist.

While this was all taking place, Elm had been caught and tied up in Podsinia’s cave. He had been entertaining his captor much to her disgust, and she was beginning to get very short with him. Nutwood and Acacia knew what the wizard was trying to do; so they kept quiet and let him do his thing. Question after question he asked her, testing her abilities and trying to make her use up her stored energy. She was much stronger than he had imagined. But he continued never the less, trying to distract her. She had found the potion and had sat it on her ‘table’ to keep an eye on it. Elm was tied up to another exposed tree root. His hands and feet were wound very tightly. He could only move his head. But he could see her every move and was content to just wait a while before doing anything too drastic.
“Well, I must say the ball is impressive!” Said Elm quite honestly, as he watched her bring it out of the water again.
“That’s nothing!” She snapped, “Look at this!” She waved her arm towards the ball and a picture appeared. It was Yellow Flower and the others in the mouse house talking between themselves.
“You don’t think I know what is going on do you!” She said slyly. “I know your young friend Sky is there somewhere…Ah yes…” She whispered, and held her ugly hands together in delight.
There was Sky in the toilet block, waiting for Yellow Flower to come back.
“It would seem that your little human friend could be locked up for some time!” She said, and dissolved into a wicked throat laugh.
Nutwood had run out of things to delay Podsinia for the time being and was getting tired from standing. Acacia was beginning to fidget and trying to use her tail to untie the vines that were tied nearby. It would be a slow task but she would eventually achieve something, she was sure.
Nutwood motioned to Elm to get her attention away from the water oracle and Elm did just that.
“Podsinia, where are all your friends today?” He said, “I would have thought you would have a few friends or family arriving to celebrate your coming victory!”
Podsinia took offence straight away and almost flew over to him, coming eyeball to eyeball.
“I don’t have any family!” She said nastily to him through her one tooth, “But I do have lots of friends! They are attempting to rule the world! They control the people and keep them small and insignificant! They do what they like just like ME!” She screamed and flew up, and backward to the ball and landed next to it on the landing.
“Those idiots will keep the energy going for me to survive the next fifty thousand years! By the time they drop their weapons there will be nothing but devastation everywhere! Then, I will breed myself a family and I will make you all my slaves. I will build a new world! I will create disharmony and discord everywhere! None of you stupid tree folk will ever smile again!” She said wickedly, laughing at the ball with a picture of the politicians still socialising in the hall.
As she glared at the scene before her, Elm caught sight of some movement behind her. Two little bodies were quietly darting from cover to cover, behind rocks and roots and plants, peeking around the corner to keep eye contact with Elm and to watch Podsinia.
Quickly they made their way to Podsinia’s strange looking table where the potion sat.
Podsinia flew around to look at Nutwood and the two pixies disappeared behind the nearest boulder.
“It’s brilliant!” Yelled Podsinia, “I didn’t think it could be so easy! Without the potion, you have no hope of ever getting your stupid city back. It’s mine, all mine!” She said, sweeping the potion from the table as fast as she could go and holding it up above her head.
She was preparing to throw it and smash the precious syrup when Elm called out to her.
“Stop! You are wasting a valuable potion there! I’m surprised at you Podsinia! A bright witch like you, not keeping it for your own plans! Why I really am disappointed! Here I was thinking I was going to get a really intelligent show…” Carried on Elm, taunting her growing ego.
“What!” She screeched, suddenly holding it to her body like a child holding a doll for security. “What do you mean? What would I possibly want with it?”
“What! You don’t know! Oh! Well you know you could use that to make yourself more powerful! But you must drink it with some nutley tea to make it work properly.” He said mocking her.
She put the potion back onto the table and demanded to know which tea she should use for her benefit.
This plan had worked well. While Elm was telling Podsinia all the different teas she could use, Perry hopped over to the table to grab the bottle while Winkle kept and eye on her. The pixie took hold of the bottle and ran behind the rock where Winkle was crouching. They waited there for a sign to move again.
Podsinia’s eyes were more open now than they had ever been before. Her vision of herself being all-powerful gave Perry and Winkle time to hide behind a bush near Elm. While Podsinia looked at herself in the waters reflection, Winkle cut at the vine with his knife, but the vine was so tough it didn’t make a mark.
While they tried to think of something, Podsinia threw herself around and tried to act like a queen. She definitely wasn’t the queen type! But it took her eyes away from her valuable guests.
The pixies were behind Elm, still fiddling with the ties but with no luck. Winkle managed to get near Elm’s ear and whisper to him, “Get us to the Summit! We’ll come back for you!” He stepped back down to a crouch position with his brother.
Elm had his two pointer fingers free and managed to line them up even though they were quite far apart. He closed his eyes and a quick flash of light came from his fingers and the brothers were surrounded with green glitter. A transformation took place, but not the one Elm had hoped for. There they were, both Perry and Winkle, hosting huge bat wings! They managed to duck their new attachments out of the way before Podsinia turned around.
“What was that?” She said, glaring at the wizard and the nutley couple.
“Oh, just a bat finding it’s way through into the next cave. Nothing to worry about!” Replied Elm, and rolled his eyes at his silly mistake.
Nutwood and Acacia had trouble hiding their smiles and both turned their heads to hide it.
When the witch turned her head and looked at her long hair in the reflection and said, “I must do something with my beautiful locks!” She curled some of the long ragged hair around her finger, and some of it broke off, it was so brittle! She bunched it up and put it on her head trying to look glamorous.
Nutwood and Acacia had to look away again; they felt so embarrassed for her. She really was the most ugly, bedraggled thing they had ever laid eyes on. They felt compassionately sorry for her. Elm made the bat wings disappear and then concentrated harder. He tried it again and this time it worked, leaving a clear space where the pixies had been.