ABACUS (5 page)

Everyone leaned closer for a better view—everyone except Medoc. Rising slowly, he closed his eyes and spread his hands so they hovered above the weapons, as if he were warming them over a fire. Then he began whispering in a strange language. The onlookers watched in wonder. Medoc, falling silent, opened his eyes, blinking as if he'd just awoken from a deep sleep.

“What do you see, old friend?” murmured Arthur.

“Warriors. Fierce warriors, from another land.”

“How many?”

“That is for you to discover.”

“How did they get here?”

“Again, that is yours to determine.”

“So be it,” said Arthur, and Medoc sat down. The men gazed at the white-haired oracle in silence: he truly was a great prophet.

AP believed otherwise. “Arthur already knows everything Medoc told him,” he thought to himself. “All that mumbo jumbo with the spreading hands was nothing more than acting. Medoc's a fraud.”

“We must find out how many there are and where they're camped,” Arthur concluded.

During the discussion that followed, it was decided to send out three-man scouting parties.

“The mouth of the river is the likeliest place. We must also search the forest. Any other thoughts?”

“How about Benedict's Cave?” suggested Gavin, a willowy man with blond hair, seated beside Hector. “You could hide fifty men in there.”

“Fifty men like you, maybe!” exclaimed Hector. “But not if they're my size.”

The laughter ended when Arthur reminded them that people were sleeping nearby.

Next, they discussed who should go. The men chosen were all renowned for their ability to move swiftly and quietly across the land. They would be sent at first light.

Before the meeting ended Arthur emphasized the need for secrecy. “Keep this to yourselves,” he warned. “We must not cause alarm.”

As the group broke up to leave, Arthur took AP to one side. “So what did you think of your first council meeting?”

“It was interesting,” AP offered.

“Any questions?”

AP might have asked why Arthur bothered with Medoc. Instead, he asked about the scouts, and why three should go rather than one or two.

“The most important battle preparation is knowing your enemy,” replied Arthur. “Who is he? Where is he? How does he work? What are his movements?” He spoke with calm authority. “I must learn his weaknesses and his strengths, so I can predict his actions and plan his defeat.”

AP listened intently.

“So I send three good men. If the enemy is sighted, one man stays to watch while the others return with the information. Those facts are vital and must get back to me at all costs—having two messengers is a safeguard against misadventure.”

Chapter 5: Floating Phantoms

AP awoke the following morning to the sounds of snoring. He turned over to check on Kate. She was deep in sleep and unlikely to wake before noon. Now was the perfect time to complete his experiment.

Afraid of disturbing anyone, AP tiptoed to the other end of the longhouse and found his iron pot. Nobody had touched it while he'd been away. He tested the clear liquid between his fingers and decided to boil off more water, just to make sure it was strong enough. While the liquid was simmering, he went outside to see who else was up.

When the lookouts at the top of the fence saw him strolling across the compound they waved. Some children were playing quietly outside one of the huts while their parents slept inside. The rest of the compound was deserted. As soon as the youngsters saw him, they ran across.

“Come and play Slay the Dragon with us!” they pleaded. “You can be Kroner.”

“I'm busy right now,” AP explained. “Maybe later.”

“Please,” implored a little girl with huge round eyes. “Just for a while.”

“Alright,” he agreed reluctantly, “only for a short game though.”

Joyfully they led him away.

When AP returned to the longhouse, the liquid was as thick as syrup. “Perfect!” he thought, and unwrapped a bundle of cold fat he'd been saving from his meals. Dropping a greasy dollop into the boiling liquid and stirring all the time, he watched as it melted. AP continued adding more fat, a little at a time, until it all disappeared. The result was a sandy-brown paste, like porridge. When he tried cooling some on the end of a stick, it formed a ball.

Now he just had to wait for Kate to wake up.

* * *

“So, what happened at your big powwow last night?” Kate asked her brother as he wandered over after archery practice. It was early afternoon and she'd only just got up. She was sitting outside the longhouse, removing tangles from her hair with a wooden comb.

“Not much. Battle tactics—that sort of thing.” He was purposefully vague. “You were fast asleep when I got back.”

“Like, totally unconscious. I had a lot of sleep to catch up on—I hardly got any while you were away. I was worried sick about you.” She stopped combing. “You could have told me you were going. How do you think I would've felt if something had happened?”

AP apologized, admitting he should have talked to her before leaving. But it all happened so quickly.

“I've got a surprise for you,” he announced, changing the subject.

“The abacus is working?” she asked. “We can go home and have showers again?”

“No—nothing to do with the abacus. But it does have something to do with showers. I'll go get it.”

He returned a few moments later with the iron pot and a small bowl of water.

“Look at this,” he said, picking up one of the muddy brown lumps he'd rolled into a ball.

“That looks disgusting,” she said indignantly “What is it?”

“Soap,” he said proudly. “Try it. Just rub it between your hands while you dip them in water and you'll get a lather.”

“Soap? Where did you get it from?”

“I made it.”

“Yeah, right. You just get that stuff away from me Arthur Percival,” she threatened. “I'm not falling for one of your dumb jokes.”

“Okay, watch this.” He dipped the ball into the water and worked up a lather with his hands. “See? And look at this.” Making a ring with his hands, he blew a soap bubble.

Kate looked on—astonished.

“That's amazing!” she marveled. Before long, her hands were full of bubbles too. “How did you do it?”

“Simple.” Surprisingly, when he started explaining about potassium hydroxide and fatty acids, she didn't cut him off. She just sat there, listening and thinking.

“I guess science is useful,” said Kate, looking at her brother with new regard. “Now I can see why you find it so interesting.”

AP grinned. Picking a blade of grass, he twisted it into a loop and started blowing bubbles. They floated up into the air, reflecting all the colors of the rainbow.

One of the children playing in the compound spotted the bubbles and ran over for a closer look. After watching a few more float away, she shrieked for her friends to come and see the magic orbs. Within seconds, a crowd of squealing children were gazing at the sky and pointing. Soon some adults joined them. No one had seen anything like this before and the whole place was thrown into frenzy. Someone sent for Medoc.

Medoc, robes flowing, arms raised to the heavens, came sweeping through the crowd that was now gathered in a spellbound circle around AP and his sister.

AP, who was normally shy, was beginning to warm to his audience. Dipping the grass loop into the bowl he swept it quickly through the air, forming a long string of bubbles. The crowd cheered enthusiastically. He made a larger loop and dipped in again, but this time blew with his lips. Slowly, a big bubble grew. And it kept on growing until it was almost as long as his arm. Then, reluctantly, it separated, moving off like a giant caterpillar, wobbling as if it were alive. The audience gasped.

An excited toddler made a grab for the big bubble, only to see it disappear, right in front of his eyes. Those standing close enough to witness what had happened were every bit as amazed.

“Magic!” murmured one woman.

Kate noticed the bewildered expression that flickered across Medoc's face, but it disappeared in an instant.

“He hasn't the faintest idea what's going on,” Kate thought, “but he's not going to let anyone know that.”

Medoc turned toward the crowd, bobbing and smiling as if none of this were new to him. Yet when his attention returned to AP, there was an entirely different expression on his face.

“That's probably enough,” said Kate, leaning across to AP, whose back was toward Medoc. She'd seen venom in the old man's eyes.

* * *

Arthur's revenge on the attacking raiders had occupied everybody's attention that day. But by late afternoon everyone was talking about floating phantoms instead. A few people had tried dipping their own grass loops into water. Their lack of success only intensified their belief in the young visitor's magical powers.

“You've got a rival here, Medoc!” Arthur declared at supper that night. “Word of his rainbow phantoms is spreading throughout the land.”

Kate grimaced—she'd seen the look of sheer hatred on Medoc's face that afternoon. But the white-haired old man was being as warm and friendly as a favorite uncle.

“That was indeed an impressive piece of sorcery,” Medoc complimented, “especially in one so young. You clearly have the sight—such a shame if it is not developed.” He turned to Arthur, then back to AP. “How would you like to learn from me? I have much to teach you.”

“Well?” beamed Arthur. “You could be Medoc's apprentice.”

AP had to think carefully before replying. He was wise enough not to undermine the high regard Arthur had for Medoc. But he had no desire to study under the bumbling old fraud.

Then he thought of a way out. “I would be honored to be your apprentice,” he began respectfully. “But I should concentrate on improving my skills with the sword.”

Medoc nodded sagely. Arthur smiled, glad they'd still be spending time together. Kate breathed a sigh of relief.

Instead of sitting around the table chatting after supper as usual, Kate told her brother they must talk. Once they were alone Kate explained what was on her mind. “It's Medoc,” she began, making no attempt to hide her loathing for him. “I used to think he was just an old weirdo, but he's worse than that.” She paused. “He's evil.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You shou
ld have seen the look on his face while you were doing your magician's act.”

“What look?”

“Listen. You saw the reaction the soap bubbles were having on the crowd. Along comes Medoc to find out what all the fuss is about and he sees magic that's way beyond his pathetic little tricks. He's as mystified as everyone else, but pretends it's nothing new to him. Worse, this powerful new magic is being performed by a kid.”

AP looked skeptical.

“His eyes were filled with hatred, as if he'd do anything to stop you.”

“If that's true, why did he ask me to be his apprentice? Why would he want me hanging around him all day?”

“AP, you amaze me at times. You're good at science and stuff, but when it comes to street smarts, you haven't a clue.”

“I saw Medoc was a fraud,” he protested.

“Yes, and he's dead jealous of you so you can't take any chances with him.”

“Look at all those stars,” said AP, glancing skyward. “See the moon? It's in its last quarter.”

“Stop trying to change the subject. I'm serious about Medoc.”

“I'm impressed by all the attention,” he said, smiling. “It takes a bit of getting used to, though!”

“And so do you!” she said, landing a punch on his shoulder. “That was nice of you to make the soap.”

“Did you know you can use the moon as a calendar?” said AP with a wry smile.

Kate groaned.

“See how the moon's crescent, the white bit, is on the left side? That means the moon's in its last quarter. Just remember, LEFT and LAST.”

“So it's going to keep getting thinner—it was a full moon when we arrived.” Then she had a thought. “Hey, l also stands for less—LEFT, LAST, LESS.”

“Lunar linking logic,” said AP.

They both laughed.

“And how thin is it now?

Kate squinted up at the moon again. “It's skinny.”

“That shows it's getting close to a new moon. When the crescent disappears altogether all we see is a black disk in a blacker sky. The new moon's the halfway point in the monthly cycle between one full moon and the next. So that shows we've been here for almost two weeks.”

“Brilliant! Who needs a watch when you've got the moon to tell the time? Speaking of which, I'm ready for bed. End of lecture.”

AP smiled. “Good to see you're feeling better.”

Kate gave him a blank look.

“For a moment back there I thought you'd gone mushy on me. But I'm glad the effects of the soap were only temporary.”

Chapter 6: Battle Plans

A week after their secret departure, the last pair of scouts slipped back to
the fortress. They had important news to report.

“We followed the river almost to the sea without seeing anything,” said one. “Then we rounded a bend and spotted over one hundred armed men!” he paused. “Young Wilf stayed behind to watch them.”

“What weapons?” asked Arthur. Once again, the longhouse had been cleared of everyone except council members. AP, now a revered mystic, was also present.

“Swords, axes and spears. But no bows.”

“Where are they?”

“Two leagues beyond Benedict's Cave the river takes a wide bend. The left bank opens onto a lush meadow—that's where they've set up camp.” [3]

“We have a nest of vipers on our soil!” exclaimed Arthur. “We must stamp them out!”

The council roared its approval.

Arthur looked at AP. “You're silent,” he said, above the cheers. “What are you thinking?”

AP was surprised to be asked his opinion on a military matter. “I'm—um—only a boy,” he mustered.

“Maybe so young Arthur, but you have mystical powers. Medoc has them too, yet he is a frail old man. Neither age nor stature has meaning here. All that matters is the special gift you possess.”

AP wanted to tell everyone that he had no supernatural abilities—the soap bubbles they saw were science, not magic. There was no such thing as sorcery. But he knew they wouldn't listen.

“Well, young Arthur, should we act now or delay?”

AP thought it best to agree with the others. Striking the raiders before they had a chance to attack them made good sense. So, straightening his shoulders and pushing out his chest he answered, “Act now,” using his most grown-up voice.

Council discussed how many warriors they could raise. Even if they recruited every man and boy from the nearby villages, the invaders still outnumbered them. Provided Arthur acted quickly, he had the advantage of surprise. They would leave before dawn the following day.

After the meeting ended, AP headed for the door at the far end of the longhouse, along with the warriors. Medoc remained behind—he had something urgent to discuss with Arthur.

Just as AP was about to step into the afternoon sunshine, Arthur called out to him, “Wait for me. I'll be with you soon.”

Rumors flew around the fortress that evening. A huge dragon was roaming the land, burning villages and eating children. Some said the fearsome Iceni tribe was about to attack. Others warned the Romans had returned to reconquer the country.

AP and Kate went for a walk before bed—he had something important to tell her.

“Arthur wants me to go on the mission with him.”

“What?” croaked Kate. “You can't go. No way. You're a kid—they'd slaughter you.”

“What could I say?” asked AP, aware of the seriousness of his plight. “I had no choice.”

“If Arthur wants a sorcerer he can take Medoc. He's been at every other battle.”

“Medoc's getting too frail.”

“The old devil was fit enough the other night—leaping about the longhouse waving a chunk of tree around!”

“There's a big difference between that and having guys hacking at you with swords! Besides,” he continued, “Arthur obviously thinks my powers are greater than Medoc's.”

Kate scowled. “I bet Medoc was all for your going.”

AP nodded sheepishly.

“See? That proves my point. I knew he was out to get you.”

“Medoc's a fake for sure, and my soap bubbles must have bugged him. But I can't believe he wants to harm me. He's been nice to me, especially at today's council meeting.”

“Of course he has—he wants to make sure you go off into battle. He's trying to get rid of you! Can't you see that?”

“What's the difference?” AP sighed. “Without a miracle, I'm leaving before dawn. End of story.”

“The abacus!” exclaimed Kate. “Let's try activating it.”

“I doubt it's had enough time to recharge,” he said dismissively, wanting to avoid another disappointment. “Let's just go to bed.”

“No way. Let's have another go, it might work this time.”

AP turned on the screen and double-checked the settings. Kate then grabbed his arm, squeezing so tightly it hurt. “Okay, press the button. We've got to get you out of here.”

“What's Plan B?” AP quipped as the abacus failed yet again.

“How about a sudden illness? One that keeps you in bed for a couple of weeks.”

“Come on. My mystical powers could cure any illness.”

“Let's just disappear! We can make it on our own out there.”

“And how do we get past the gatekeeper?”

Kate had overlooked that detail. “So what do we do?”

“You stay here and look after this.” He slipped the abacus over her head. “And I go off with Arthur.”

“I'm not taking this thing,” she said, grabbing the pendant. “I know why you're giving it to me and I refuse.”

“I'll be back—for sure. It's just for safekeeping.”

If there had been any moonlight, she may have noticed his fingers were crossed. And he may have seen tears in her eyes.