Back to the Fuchsia (12 page)

“There’s a small hut, just inside the forest. I can show you,” Katherine said.

Brad and Jessica nodded. “All right, Katherine. Show us the way.”

I was understandably nervous. Our new acquaintance was obviously a very clever little girl, and I didn’t put it past her to lead us right to the sheriff for a hefty reward.

The short path twisted among ancient trees not far from the edge of the forest. They acted as a leafy filter for the sunlight, bathing the entire forest in green. Even the air seemed green. We barely noticed the unpainted wooden shack nestled in a ferny glen.

“You can stay there if you like. It’s close to the road but far enough away that no one will know you’re here.”

Brad suspiciously eyed wisps of smoke drifting from the chimney. “Wouldn’t we be intruding? Who lives here?”

“No one. Not anymore,” Katherine said, her lips curled into a sly closed smile. “This is where the gamekeeper lived. Yesterday, he was eaten by giant hogs.”

“Sweet Jaysus We killed the man?”

“No, ma’am. The hogs did that. Don’t feel too bad, he was a cruel, evil man. In fact, just the other day, I overheard him talking to someone about going to Northumberland to kill the dragon people have been talking about. He planned to sell its blood and teeth. The way I see it, you just saved your dragon’s life.”

She walked up the wooden steps to the door. “You can come in, I don’t bite.”

“What’s happening? Something is definitely happening, isn’t it? It’s way too weird,” Jessica whispered in my ear.

“Let’s just go inside and talk to her. I think she’s fascinating,” I said, watching a dozen geese follow Katherine through the door.

The interior certainly looked like it had been inhabited by the cruelest of men. Furs of all sorts were strewn about, antlers hung from the walls, crossbows and spears were thoughtlessly scattered amongst the threadbare furnishings. The worse thing was the inhumane traps stacked in the corner.

“Careful where you step!” Brad cautioned us. “There’s enough weaponry here to outfit a small crusade.”

“Humph,” I voiced with disgust. “You know, I don’t feel bad at all that he was eaten by hogs. Serves him right. Katherine, thank you for showing us this place. I’m sorry, but I can’t stay here. It’s an incredibly sad place.”

“I had a feeling you’d decline this shelter.” Katherine strolled very slowly through the room, lightly dragging one finger through soft furs. “A storm is coming. You wouldn’t want to stay in the forest…hmm, I think there is something else you could do.”

“And what is it you have in mind?”

“You’re witches. You must have brooms. Brooms that fly, that take you here and there…anywhere. If you are witches…of course, you might not be after all.”

“Gertie is a witch!” Jessica stated defiantly and proudly. “Annnnd she has her very own magic wand, her very own broom, and a witch’s cat.”

“Meow.” Darcy had awakened from her curled up world of sleep. “Meow.”

“This is Darcy. Would you like to hold her?”

Darcy didn’t wait for an answer. She hopped out of her carrier and into Kathrine’s arms. Katherine stroked Darcy’s fur and whispered in her ear. It was nice to see Darcy so well behaved, and it proved to me that Katherine was a good and decent person. Weird, perhaps. Maybe even mischievous, but good at heart.

“Can I see your broom and wand, Gertie? Please?”

“I suppose there’s no harm in it.” I took my wand out and removed my little broom from its clip. When I placed the broom in her hand, I noticed her eyes lit up and her handle trembled.

“Ah, this is a real witch’s broom. How old were you when you received it?”

“I was twenty-two years old when my mentor, Marie Laveau, gave it to me, along with my wand. I used to have another wand, but it was taken away from me a long time before, but that’s a whole different story.”

“Twenty-two years? Such a long wait. I hate waiting for things, don’t you?” Katherine admired my broom, turning it in her hands. “You should use it to get your dragon. Will you try?”

“Unfortunately, I have to know the exact name of the place I wish to go. Wherever it is that I specify is where I end up. Let me tell you, the magic often takes the things you say literally, so one must think very hard about it first.”

“Besides, we don’t even know for sure where in Northumberland Olaf is,” Jessica said.

“What if you did? Would you use it then?” Katherine handed my broom back.

“Of course, but it doesn’t matter.”

“I guess it’s your lucky day because I know where he is. Remember, I heard the gamekeeper talking. I’ll tell you, but not until you are using the spell because I am going with you.”

“Uh…hold on, Katherine. Let me talk to Brad and Jessica first.”

“No need, Gertie. Jessica and I heard it all. I’m fine with it. What do you say, Jessica?”

“Let’s see, our options are to walk hundreds of miles while being pursued by witch-hunters or to be there with a shake of your broom. Tough decision. Hmm. I vote broom. I don’t care if she comes along.”

“Darcy, what are your thoughts?” Brad asked.

“Meow, meow.”

“Broom travel it is. Is everyone ready now?” I checked each nodding head and motioned for us to hold hands.

“Katherine, I’m going to hold the broom and recite a short spell, when I squeeze your hand, I want you to clearly say the name of the place.

“Witch’s flight, day or night

To and fro, take us now to where we must go

To…” Squeezing her hand, I gave her the signal.

“To Hulne Park at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland!”

Dragon Hunting

T
he green hills gently rolled out below the crag we found ourselves standing on. Erratically placed strips of mossy stone fence made the pastures appear naturally made for their beauty.

Most striking was the colossal castle seated on the other side of a lazy river. Atop the battlements, brightly colored banners fluttered in the wind.

“So much for leaving the geese behind.” Brad stood in the middle of Katherine’s confused honking charges.

“Don’t look at me. I have no idea how this witchcraft works,” Katherine said sheepishly.

“Ditto for me,” Jessica added.

“Not to worry. That’s some castle. What else did the gamekeeper say? Any specific place around here we should start looking?”

“All I know is the dragon was spotted in Hulne Park, by the castle. It looks like a big area, and I suppose it’s the hunting land for the castle.”

“Gertie, do you think Olaf likes water, trees, or rocky places best? I’m just trying to narrow down our search.” Brad cupped his hands to his forehead, shading his eyes while he scanned the landscape.

“He never cared much for water until he met Rebecca…of course. I know he suns himself in rocky places, like our gravel driveway out back. Then again, he loves scratching trees. Hmm. If I were Olaf, I’d stay up as high on the hills as I could, especially if there are rocky cliffs. It would give him the ability to see anyone coming his way.”

“Speaking of people, look!” Jessica pointed to the road leading to the castle.

“Jaysus, it’s like the circus is coming to town,” I remarked.

A large procession was approaching the castle. It must have included a hundred riders, and nearly as many footmen. Flags flew above the lead horses, runners paced ahead of them toward the castle doors. In the middle of the parade were two huge and very ornate carriages, only these carriages weren’t on wheels. Instead, long poles supported them on the shoulders of many men.

“We sure want to steer clear of the castle. Way too busy for Olaf and way too easy for someone to spot us.” Brad pointed to the forest. “Looks like we’re going on a nature hike. Other than tracks, what other signs should we look for?”

“Well, deep scratches in tree trunks, uprooted trees, and big holes. He likes to dig holes to sleep in sometimes.”

“What does he look like? Is he fierce and frightening? With horned spikes on his head? Maybe smoke rolling out of his nostrils?” Katherine asked eagerly.

“Yeah, and does he have huge bat wings? Or a tail that starts fires?” Jessica asked, equally excited.

“Not exactly. Um, as far as dragons go, Olaf is more Dragon Tales than Harry Potter, if that helps. Unless you blow on a horn, then he goes into a pure rage. Other than that issue, he’s quite cute actually and very sweet. Clumsy, though, just an absolute klutz. His skin is smooth and white, with a ridge of rainbow colored triangle-shaped bumps that run from his neck to the tip of his chubby tail. Oh, he’s a bit overweight and to be honest, he’s become quite sensitive about it, so please don’t poke his pudgy belly or paws, as irresistible as it may be.”

Jessica had her hands on her hips and shook her head in disappointment.

“Seriously? Okay, Gertie. If you’re going to have a pet dragon, it should be an honest to God scary looking dragon, not a giant Beanie Baby.”

“I’ve taken in several wild and terrifying dragons at the plantation. Trust me, they aren’t for the inexperienced witch or wizard. Getting them into proper homes becomes a priority, they are that scary.”

“And dangerous! Don’t forget they’re dangerous! I’ve got the scars to prove it,” Brad emphatically reminded me.

“He’s referring to the time when he went to the barn to feed a young Black Water Bludgeoner. Those razor sharp claws and needle-like teeth nearly amputated his legs.”

A chill ran up my spine when I pictured it. “It’s true. Not all dragons are sweethearts like Olaf. Just hope you never come across a constipated Yellow Bellied Assassin. Saw one of those eat an entire village in Madagascar. Thank the Saints it was carnival season and everyone was in the next village, well, almost everyone.”

“Katherine, I should tell you that Gertie runs her own shelter for paranormal creatures. She even has a unicorn. A unicorn! Can you believe it?” Jessica gushed with excitement.

“It must be an amazing life you lead, Gertie. You’re a witch, with dragons and all sorts of magical beasts. And is that handsome man your husband?”

“Brad? No, not yet. But we’re engaged to be married.”

“Exciting! A wedding! You know what the man gets to do to you after the wedding? He gets to kiss you on the lips!” Katherine laughed and her geese honked.

“I hate to change the happy subject, but I’ve got one more question. How big is this dragon we’re looking for?” Jessica asked.

“His body is about the size of a Fed-Ex truck. I know because he jumped on one. The driver blew his horn, of course, so there was nothing I could do.”

“Should make him easy to find,” Jessica replied.

Brad waved his hand. “Like most people, I bet you’ve never come across a dragon. Right?”

Jessica nodded. “Uh huh.”

“You know why? Because they’re experts in camouflage, and they are very good hiders. I swear Olaf is part chameleon. So don’t underestimate a dragon. Anyway, we should get moving before it rains.”

Our dragon hunt was finally underway. We fanned out, staying within eyesight of each other. The rocky areas were empty, not a single sign of Olaf.

The forest, we knew, would take much longer. It was dark, with many fallen trees, deep ravines, and other natural hiding places. We stayed closer together, making our search even slower. Every now and again, I whistled and waited to hear Olaf’s distinct roar, only to be disappointed by the silence of the woods.

Something strange happened. For an instant, it was as if a python had coiled around my feet. I froze, staring at the leafy debris covering my shoes. “Huh,” I said, completely puzzled.

“Hold on! Don’t move another step!” Jessica shouted. “There’s some kind of a—” but her warning was interrupted by the sounds of branches being smashed.

My legs were pulled from under me by some supernatural force and someone screamed like a scalded ape. As it turned out, the screaming came from me being jerked high into the trees by my feet.

“Trap,” Jessica said, finally completing her warning.

I did my best impersonation of a human yo-yo, bobbing up and down, when Darcy decided to abandon me. She leapt from her pouch and made her best flying squirrel pose. Of course, she didn’t glide at all. She dropped like a stone on top of Brad’s astonished face.

Even from my inverted bouncy vantage point, I could see her claws piercing the flesh of his temples as she slid down his face and clawed her way back up, like she was one of those last survivors on the sinking Titanic. It was deeply disturbing. Oddly enough, he didn’t scream at all. He just made a weird muffled grunting sound as he stumbled about blindly.

The whole place was booby trapped to catch Olaf. Brad and Darcy fell into a concealed pit. Jessica was snared and snatched up into the trees alongside me. The only ones to escape the danger were Katherine and her geese.

I noticed Jessica had the palms of her hands against her chest, just like I was doing. “I think my boobs hit my chin on that one. I guess bras were never designed to hold things in upside down.”

“You’re lucky, I bounced off that tree and back up again like one of those paddle ball toys. My boobs are the least of my worries right now.”

“Brad! Darcy! How’d you make out with your trap?”

“Well, other than the fact that Darcy transplanted my face onto my ass, it’s really muddy. Too deep to climb the sides, so I’m sending Darcy up.” He promptly chucked her out of the hole.

“Katherine? Are you all right?” I asked, unable to see her.

“I’m fine. That was really something to see, the two of you whipped around like that,” she said amid a steady pounding sound.

“What’s that noise, Hun?” Jessica asked.

“A sharp rock. I’m using it to chop through this rope.” Katherine’s steady pounding slowed until it finally ceased. “It’s not working. I need a knife or an ax. I’ll be back.”

“Wait! Katherine!” Brad shouted, but Katherine had already gone too far to hear his muffled pleas.

“Damn. I thought she had a good idea, but I wish I would’ve told her to drop some big branches down to me. I could’ve used them to get out of here.”

“Meow. Meow.”

“You're right, Darcy. She’s just a kid, but she’s trying her best.”