Oh no. It looked as if they were on the move again he thought.
The edges of the Grotto were beginning to blur. There had been cornfields and orchards around them yesterday. And for several weeks before that. Proper English countryside. Now there were the all too familiar rainbow streaks, which mean that they were once more hurtling through time and space to a new destination.
Perhaps that's why it was hot. Perhaps they were going somewhere warmer.
A pity. Martin liked it here. He knew that his Ma and Pa liked it there as well.
The rainbow swirls at the edge of the grotto gradually disappeared.
He didn't know whether he should go and look or whether he ought to get the back first.
Why did he always get so scared? He ought to be used to it by now.
No, Well I'm going anyway, thought Martin. He pushed a rock under the barrel he’d been moving to stop it rolling away. And he set off towards the edge of the Grotto.
He found himself standing on a narrow ledge. He could see for miles - over what looked like snow-covered mountains. And curiously it was just as warm here as in the Grotto. Down below was a lake, filled with milky blue water, not like any other water he had seen before.
This was a new one. Well, you' got to give him that. Still finding new places to send us, even after five hundred years
Suddenly, he thought he heard somebody coming. His eyes grew as wide as pizza.
He ought not to be scared, really. If it' was a Homeling and it got into the Grotto, it might take a year off our time - especially if we can help it to get out.
Martin could not believe his eyes. It was only Old Fuzzy Locks, the apology for a wizard. How could he be scared of him? But there was someone- or something else with him.
He watched the figure that was making its way with the tatty wizard into the Grotto. It was smaller even than him. Martin couldn't help but envy its smooth skin. He may be still a child himself, and still have to do what his parents said, but five hundred years in the Grotto had made his skin as hard as leather. He put a hand up to his face and felt the crinkles.
Don't come here, he thought. You might never get back home. You might become one of us.
The creature had long, droopy ears and fine pointed fingers. Its eyes were as blue and as milky as the lake down below. Its arms and legs were bare and it was wearing a gold coloured tunic. He couldn’t tell whether it was a boy or girl.
But he didn't really care all that much. He was torn between wanting the creature to stay, fulfil a quest and shorten their time in the Grotto, and wanting him to go safely back to its own world. Because Fuzzy Locks had told them time and time again that something horrible happened to the unsuccessful Homelings.
There was a sudden bang and a flash. A cloud of smoke hovered in the air and next to it, not in it, like he was supposed to arrive, Old Fuzzy Locks appeared. He looked worse than ever to-day. There were great tears in his robes. His hat drooped carelessly from his head. His magic wand was broken, and Martin had the distinct impression that the rather nasty smell he had suddenly become aware of was in fact coming from the old wizard.
Suddenly he wanted to get out of there. He wanted to go home and tell them all that a new Homeling had arrived. But he just had to watch what was happening. He had never been there before when a Homeling arrived and had its first meeting with the wizard. He just might learn something.
He was a little too far away from the wizard and the strange creature to hear what they were saying. But he watched anyway. The wizard turned round and started to make his way out of the Grotto. The Homeling followed.
Should he follow them and see what they did? But what if the Grotto moved on while he was out there? He'd never get back home then.
Martin shrugged. Perhaps if they ever did get back or settled down in one time or place, one of the first things he might do was find a few new friends. Oh, he liked all his friends in the Grotto, especially his best friend Piet. But he did get bored sometimes.
Suddenly the strange creature and the smelly old wizard disappeared from in front of him. All he could see now was the edge of the Grotto and the beginning of the new land.
That decided it. He was going.
Soon he was walking along the narrow ledge. He didn't want to look down. There was nothing between them and the odd looking liquid except a few bits of jagged rock and lots and lots of space. He had no idea what the pale blue stuff was and the mountain looked as if it was made out of sharp glass.
The wizard stopped suddenly, just in front of him. He said something to the Homeling who suddenly jumped off the side of the mountain.
Martin gasped and put his hand in front of his mouth. But instead of falling and being smashed to pieces by the sharp rocks, or drowning in the lake, the Homeling flew up into the air and sped out of sight. He could fly. Martin wished he could do that.
He heard a door slam. He turned to see where the noise had come from.
That must be where he lived. It was a scruffy-looking little cottage. Scruff Locks had brought them to his own world. But why?
Could it be a trick? Oh, he just didn't' care. He was along the ledge in seconds not daring to think of what would happen if his foot slipped.
He stared at the front door. The windows were covered in thick dust and the bottom frame of the door had broken away.
"Home of Alphanosa Omegatoris," he read out aloud. "Illustrious Member of the League Wizards. Knock once if you are of the magic order. Twice if not."
Should he knock? Who the heck is Alphanosa Omegatoris in any case? It certainly wasn't Fuzzy Locks. He couldn't be an illustrious member of anything. He must be just visiting.
He heard someone cough.
Should he make a move now, while he still could?
There was another cough.
Martin wanted to move but he couldn't.
There was another loud cough, followed by a sneeze.
Yes, he'd better go. He started to run. But then he didn't know what was the scariest - meeting this Aloha .. Omy .. whatever or falling from the ledge which seem even narrower now. He could fall at any second.
A couple of times, he felt himself stumble but was relieved when his feet landed back on the path But he couldn't help feeling curious about this Alphy… Omy -whatever.
He was still cursing himself two days later. Why had he chickened out like that? He’d had a real chance to find out more about that old plonker and he’d blown it.
That Alpha …Omy … whatsity, though. He might be a thousand times cleverer than Old Fuzzy Locks. And he might get stuck outside the Grotto, if he went poking around there again.
He decided then. He'd rather that happened than never know, and live on for goodness knows how much longer, knowing that he had had the chance to find out something more and never took it. And he knew Fuzzy Locks wasn't there. Because he was in the Grotto having tea with Ma and Pa.
Martin placed his cap firmly on his head. And he was off. Striding out of the Grotto, feeling really pleased with himself.
It was strange, this place. He was high up in the mountains. And it looked cold out there, everywhere blue and white as if covered I snow. But it wasn't cold at all. It was so hot he needed a sun hat.
It was so good to get out of the Grotto. The ledge didn't scare him so much this time. And gradually it even became fun. In fact, it was quite an adventure. And in no time at all, he was standing outside the little cottage again.
He would ring twice. Whoever lived here might be able to tell him something about Old Fuzzy Locks. He might even be able to help them.
He hesitated for a second and then pulled the handle on the bell twice. He waited. His heart was thumping against his rib cage. But nothing happened. No illustrious wizard came rushing to the door. No-one cast a spell on him.
This was no good. He couldn't just go back and tell Piet he hadn’t found a thing. He pushed at the door. It wasn't locked and it opened easily. Martin walked in as quietly as he could.
It was really gloomy inside. No matter how bright the sun was, it just could not get in through the dust on the windows.
But his eyes did gradually get used to the dark. Enough for him to see just how untidy the cottage was. There were papers all over the floor and more papers and books piled high on a heavy wooden desk. There was a nasty smell coming from somewhere. It became stronger as Martin moved round the room towards the fireplace. Then he saw it. On a small table next to the big arm chair near the fire was a mouldy piece of cheese. It smelt so horrible he thought he was going to be sick.
But he wasn't. Seconds later a scrabbling noise was coming from under the armchair. Then came some squeaking. And finally growling.
Suddenly a blob of black fur flew through the air and thudded on the ground.
"Tabatha!" cried Martin. He would recognise those evil eyes anywhere. She must be the biggest, ugliest cat that ever existed. There couldn't be more than one like her. So, Fuzzy Locks must be here after all. Tabatha was his cat.
The animal darted towards the door, the mouse now dead, hanging from its mouth. It glowered at Martin, as if to say 'You keep away. This is all mine.'
"Yes, you take that outside then," said Martin to the big cat, as he opened the door. "Don't you dare start crunching it in front of me."
The cat seemed to scowl at him, and then it pushed past him and rushed out. A breeze came in and blew some of the papers off the table on to the floor. Martin went to pick them up. Light was now coming into the room He couldn't help noticing that the two pieces of paper were really thick and the print was really elegant. They looked really important. He should put them back carefully, really. But he couldn't resist taking a look. 'Head Office, League of Wizards, Missive to Alphanosa Omegatoris' read Martin. This was something else. He carried on reading.
'Dear Mr Omegatoris,
Whilst the conjuring trick of sending the Lombardy Grotto and the inhabitants thereof to alternative places and times would be admirable in a junior or trainee wizard, it is hardly impressive in one of your experience and standing. Apart from how cruel it is to the inhabitants of the Grotto. We therefore regret to inform you that not only can we not admit you to the Guild of Master Wizards, but also that your membership of the League of Wizards is suspended.
Yours faithfully,
Olando Bericha
So this was where Old Fuzzy Locks lived. Fuzzy Locks was Alpha whatsity.
The second piece of paper had the same heading.
'Dear Mr Omegatoris,' read Martin.
'We are still not satisfied with your performance as a wizard. So, we have decided to issue you with a Direct Challenge. Any of the so-called Homelings who fail in the quests you set them will be suspended in polycubes. They will not suffer, and neither will the Lombarders any more than they do already. You will need to use the three rules of magic to the utmost of their power.
Your suspension from the League of Wizards will remain in force until such time as all Homelings are freed. However, if you succeed in freeing all Homelings at a stroke, you will be reinstated and promoted to Master Wizard.
A word of caution. This will not be easy. The more you fail, the harder it will get, and the less faith you will have in yourself. But remember, we would not have set you this challenge, unless we thought you could do it. Good luck.
Yours sincerely,
The Wizard Master.
So, Old Fuzzy Locks was more than just a scruffy old idiot, after all. But what on earth was a polycube?
Martin didn't have time to wonder for long. He suddenly heard footsteps outside. He stuffed the letters in his pocket and hid behind the armchair.
The footsteps got nearer. The door cracked open a little more. Martin watched a dark shape move into the room.
Well, it didn't look or smell like Old Fuzzy Locks.
The shape moved slowly towards him. Martin held his breath. Whoever it was stopped and looked around, and then started treading carefully between the piles of paper.
“Martin, are you there?" whispered a voice. It was Piet. Martin came out from behind the armchair.
"Well, I'm glad you're all right," said Piet. "I really couldn't work out what you were up to. I just had to follow you. You’re a prize idiot. The Grotto could move again, at any minute. Then where would you be? You're too daft by half, you are. That's your trouble."
Martin decided to ignore him.
"It's a good job I did come here,” said Martin. "You should see what I've found out."
Martin showed his friend the two letters. They sat outside. They knew that Fuzzy Locks wouldn't be back for at least another two hours.
It was a change for them, looking at a different view. In the Grotto, they had to look at the same old things all the time.
"So I wonder where these polycube things are?" said Piet.
"Who knows?" said Martin. "But one thing's for sure; he ain't such an idiot as we thought. He just acts that way."
"He certainly does that," said Piet.
"I suppose we'd better stop calling him Old Fuzzy Locks," said Martin. "His real name's Alpha… " He looked down at the letter.
Piet looked over his shoulder.
"Why don't we call him Alpha Omy for short?" suggested Piet.
It seemed a good idea. But Martin didn't have chance to think about it much. Piet was suddenly shaking his arm and screaming.
"Oh no, look at that will you?" He was pointing towards the Grotto. The edges were beginning to blur and the rainbow colours were beginning to form. "It's going," he said. "It's off again already."
They ran. They ran as fast as they could. They hardly worried about the narrowness of the ledge along which Marin had walked so carefully just a few days before. Their sides were aching and they were out of breath. But still they ran.
The Grotto was beginning to spin and the rainbow colours were getting brighter and brighter.
"We're not going to make it," panted Piet.
"We will," answered Martin. "Step on it."
They stepped on it.
Martin actually had his foot on the pathway of the Grotto when suddenly it wasn't there anymore.
"Now look!" moaned Piet. "I told you we shouldn't have come. I told you this would happen."
But something didn't quite make sense to Martin. If the Grotto had moved on, it had done so with Fuzzy Locks, or Alpha Omy even, in it. And Alpha Omy was often in the Grotto. So there must be a direct link between the Grotto and here.
"But I don't get it," said Martin. "We know Fuzzy Locks is in the Grotto."
"Well, it's magic, isn't it?" said Piet.
"Yeah, but why bother with magic, when he could have just walked home?" replied Martin.
"So, who cares?" asked Piet. "What are we going to do now?"
"We could go and explore," said Martin.
"And get into even more trouble?" asked Piet
"Well, just for a couple of hours," answered Martin. "We know he's leaving the Grotto then. Perhaps he'll come back home and perhaps he'll be able to help us get back."
"Him? Be helpful?" asked Piet. "That's not very likely, is it?"
"Well, what do you suggest?" asked Martin. He couldn’t keep the sharp tone out of his voice. Piet was being such a misery again.
Piet shrugged his shoulders.
"Just think," he said. "We could have been sitting at home, getting ready for our dinner, if we hadn't gone chasing Old Fuzzy Locks."
But they weren’t at home. They were here. Didn’t Piet get that?
Martin looked around him. Now that the Grotto had gone, there was nothing but the blue white of the mountains and the milky lake below. There was no sound at all. Certainly no more sign of the Homeling they had seen or of any of the others who lived here.
"I wonder where he went," said Martin.
Piet shrugged his shoulders again. "I hope he hasn't gone into one of those polycubes." .
"Well, I'm going to have a look down there, anyway," said Martin. He set off down the path which would have lead him into the Grotto if it had still been there. Piet followed him. Martin could tell he was unhappy. He was always a pace or two behind, and he seemed to be dragging his feet along the ground.
In the end, there was nothing much to see. It was all so empty. It was funny how they spent all that time wanting to get out of the Grotto, and when they were out, it was boring.
"Alright," he said. "Let's go back to his place."
They walked back up. Martin kicked at the ground. This was such a good opportunity to find out more about the wizard, and yes, the letters had been a good find, but there had been nothing more since.
Piet stopped suddenly.
"What if he won't help us though?" he said. "Or can't"
It was Martin's turn to shrug. He really had no idea what they would do if the wizard wouldn't or couldn't help them.
They had almost got to the cottage when there was a sudden loud bang. A cloud of smoke hung in the air. Seconds later the wizard appeared. Next to the cloud, not in it. And then there was that strange smell that always came with Fuzzy Locks nowadays.
"He's definitely still Fuzzy Locks to-day then," said ed Piet. "Just look at him will you?"
The wizard's beard looked greyer and untidier than ever. His robe was even more torn. His hat drooped so much now that it seemed to be actively looking for something on the ground.
"I can't even get that right these days," he was muttering to himself. He opened the door and let himself in. Then he slammed the door hard.
"I think you're right," said Martin, and suddenly both boys were laughing helplessly.
"Come on," said Martin, when at last they had calmed down, "let's go and see what he's up to."
Piet did not complain this time, but just followed. Martin pushed open the door of the cottage. His eyes adjusted quickly to the dark. It seemed to be completely empty.
"Where's he got to then?" asked Piet. "Are there any more rooms here or what?"
Martin didn't know. But it looked unlikely.
"I'm sure it's just this room. If you think about how big it seems from outside …."
He carried on looking round the untidy little room. There were no doors. Except the one to what he had assumed was a cupboard bed. Well, even wizards had to sleep somewhere didn't they?
"What's in here then?" asked Piet, looking at the same door.
"His bed?" suggested Martin.
"Perhaps he's having a snooze," said Piet.
"Open it and have a look then," said Martin.
"No, you," said Piet, standing there with his arms folded.
Martin went to open the door to the cupboard. But as his hand rested on the handle, the ground moved from beneath his feet. He was twirling round and round in the air. The same rainbows which swirled round the Grotto when it moved were spinning around him now, only brighter and faster. There was a faint smell of ripe peaches.
He was aware of a shadow turning round at his side. Was it Piet? He was moving much too fast to be able to tell for sure. But then the shadow spoke.
"What's going on then?" said Piet's voice. "What's he done now?"
Suddenly they landed roughly on the ground. They were no longer in Old Fuzzy Lock's cottage. Nor were they back in the Grotto. They were in a big hall with a high roof and a shiny wooden floor. And lined up in front of them were row upon row of large cubes. In each cube was a person or a creature, caught forever in the middle of an action.
"The polycubes," said Martin. "These must be the polycubes."
"Oh heck," said Piet, "how has he managed that?"
The two boys started to wander along the lines of polycubes. There was such an odd collection of different people. There was even a bear in one of them. Martin bit his lip when they came across the little creature they had seen talking to the wizard two days ago. It seemed to be looking at something behind Martin and was pointing with his elegant finger towards the sky. So, that Homeling hadn't made it then.
"I wouldn’t mind getting to know them," said Piet. He was looking at two polycubes, one with a boy in and the other a girl. They looked about the same age as Martin and Piet. Without the leathery skin, of course. Their clothes were made out of shiny metal. The boy was jumping, almost flying, and the girl looked as if she was swimming upwards through the air. "I wonder where they come from?" he added.
But Martin was beginning to feel uncomfortable.
"This is really horrid," he said to Piet. "It's as if they're in an exhibition."
"Yeah," agreed Piet, "but it shows he's cleverer than we thought."
Martin wanted to protest that it wasn't clever. That it would really be clever if the old fraud did something about it and let all those people out. He opened his mouth ready to speak, when they suddenly heard a loud cough.
"So, we have a couple of Lombarders escaped have we?" said a familiar voice. Old Fuzzy Locks was standing in front of them. He looked as tatty as ever, but he was standing up a bit taller. "You always read other people's mail do you, then?" he asked looking straight at Martin.
Martin felt himself blush. He went to say something.
"You think it's alright, do you," the wizard continued, "just to walk into somebody's home, without as much as knocking?"
Martin tried to think of a reply, but he couldn't. He blushed even deeper.
"Anyway, it doesn't matter," said the Wizard. "You know, don't you, that I've got a big job on here?"
Martin nodded.
"You do see don't you, that there's more to all this than me just playing tricks on you and the other Lombarders?"
Martin nodded again.
"And you know I've got to use the three rules of magic?" The wizard sat down suddenly on the little wooden bench at the side of the hall. He sighed. "The trouble is," he said, "I've lost the knack with the first one."
Martin noticed his that Piet was staring at the wizard. He was frowning slightly, but for once he was standing up straight and not trying to hide.
"Well what's that?" asked Piet. There was a slight tremble in his voice, but at least he was speaking.
The wizard sighed again. "It's about having faith. About having the faith that you can do it. The trouble is, the more I can't do it, the harder it gets to have faith."
Martin remembered the letter form the Guild of Wizards.
"Look at me," said Alpha Omy. He held up his arms to show them just exactly how bad his robes had become. The whole of one sleeve had worn away underneath. "I'm not even allowed to go shopping any more. Nor go to the conferences to find out the latest new ideas. And how I used to think I knew it all when I was your age!"
"Oh get a grip!" said Piet. Martin couldn't quite take this in. His moany wimpy friend was telling the moany wimpy wizard what to do. Piet took hold of the wizard's arm and marched him over to the polycube with the long fingered creature in it. He was really walking tall now.
Martin's mouth dropped open. He was truly amazed.
"Just look at that will you?" shouted Piet. He was really getting into this now. "How can you let that carry on? Do something."
"Oh but I can't. I've tried, but I can't," whimpered the wizard.
"Well you're going to have to," said Piet. Martin's mouth dropped open even further as he saw his friend push the wizard right up to the polycube. He had to smile though, when he noticed how pale Piet had gone and that he was shaking.
"How would you like if that happened to you?" he said.
"Well, something bad has happened to me. Look at me!"
"A few tatty clothes," said Piet, "kicked out of the League of Wizards for a bit. That's nothing!"
Martin wanted to join in. But he was so amazed at how bold his friend had suddenly become, that he couldn't think what to say.
"Well, go on then," said Piet. "Do something." He sat down next to the wizard, who looked even paler now.
The old man hesitated for a moment. He frowned.
"I can't," he said.
"You can," said Piet. His little outburst seemed to be sapping away all of his strength.
The wizard sighed again. Then he took a deep breath. He pulled himself up tall and pointed at the cube.
Martin felt a little light headed. The air around him was vibrating gently. He and Piet stared at the polycube. Nothing seemed to happen.
"It's no good," said the Wizard. "I've definitely lost the knack." He sat down on the bench again.
"So what do you have to do?" asked Piet. He had gone quite pale. His voice was definitely back to normal now. Frightened and squeaky.
"You just have to have faith that you can do it," said the old man. "Only I haven't got any left."
Martin stared at the creature in the polycube. It was just a matter of believing that you could free him? Make all that funny solid see-though stuff go away? Suddenly he felt as if he was filling up with some sort energy. There was a real warm glow inside him. He felt as if he was growing taller and taller. The air was really humming now, and he could hear a thousand or more voices whispering. "Have faith. You can do it."
He carried on staring at the trapped creature. I really can get you out of there, he thought. It's down to me. I've got to do it and I can do it.
Martin' s hand floated up. No matter what he did, he couldn't make it come back down to his side. A hot rush of pins and needles came down from his shoulder and a flash came from the end of his finger. It went towards the creature. This was it. He knew he was going to make a difference.
The heat drained out of Martin and he felt himself go back to his normal size. For a few seconds, there was a sharp pain in his head and he thought he was going to be sick. Then it passed.
Suddenly the creature's arm which was pointing upwards floated down to its side. There were bubbles inside the cube.
"It's turned into liquid," said Piet, who seemed not to have noticed the strange things which had been happening to Martin.
"Yes," said Alpha Omy. There seemed to be no strength in him. "I remembered how I used to be when I was your age. Dead cocky and nothing could go wrong. Well done, young man," he continued, looking at Martin now. "You've discovered - and used rather successfully - the first rule of magic."
"So what will happen next?" asked Martin.
"I guess I'll have to use the second rule of magic to turn the cube into air and then the third to break open the cube," he answered. "But it will take some time. And then there's all the others. Perhaps you'll come back and help me sometime?"
"How many are there?" asked Martin.
"Two thousand exactly," replied the wizard.
"Ooh," moaned Piet.
"But at least we've made a start," said the wizard.
"So what are the other two rules of magic?" asked Martin. Could he learn to be a wizard as well? He'd like to be a really good one and join the guild of Master Wizards.
Alpha Omy stood up.
"Anything is possible," he said, as if he could read Martin's thoughts.
"But I'm not giving all of my secrets away in one go," he said. "And you boys must get back to the Grotto. Not a word about this to any-one mind, or," he leant over and looked straight into Martin's eyes, “or I'll turn you both into frogs. And I can, you know."
Alpha Omy laughed until his laugh became a roar. He waved the tatty bent stick he called his magic wand at them. Soon came the rainbow colours again and they were whirling faster and faster through space. Seconds later they were standing outside the cave where Piet lived.
"Not bad for someone who's been chucked out of the League of Wizards," commented Piet.
"And where do you think you two have been?" screeched an angry voice. Piet's ma was standing at the entrance to her cave with one hand on her hip. "Your dinner's getting cold."
"We've been talking to Alpha Omy," stammered Piet.
"Who?" boomed Mrs Lintern.
"Alpha Omy," repeated Piet. "You know, Old Fuzzy Locks."
"Oh, him," said Mrs Lintern, calming down a little. "He ought to know better than to keep you talking at dinner time."
"Well, he's cleverer than what you think, Ma," said Piet. "And he's got to get the Homelings out of the polycubes."
“Oh for goodness sake,” muttered Martin. “Keep your mouth shut.”
“Are you all right boy?” asked Mrs Lintern, suddenly looking worried. She put her hand out to feel Piet’s forehead. “Well, you don't seem to have a temperature. But maybe I'd better give you a dose of feverfew anyway. Get yourself inside!"
"But Ma," protested Piet. "His name's really Alpha Omy and he's such an idiot as you think.!”
"Come on, son," said Mrs Lintern, more gently now "the feverfew will help." She turned to Martin. "You'd better get home, as well, my dear. Your parents will be worried, what with the Grotto moving and all."
Martin nodded at Mrs Lintern. Piet scowled at him. Martin had to move quickly before he started to giggle. Feverfew! Gross. But it served him right for opening his big mouth.
Martin stared out past the edge of the Grotto. They were by the sea now. The light of the setting sun was catching the heads of the waves.
They were pink ponies , not white horses. That looked like another good place to explore. Maybe he'd actually miss going to different places if the Grotto did settle down one day.
