Zak Turner - A Twist In Time (42 page)

“Well, just watch him closely and stop him when he tries to do it for the first time.”

“We
were
watching him
very
closely, and we didn’t see him do it.  We only caught him because of the sharp eyes and courage of Sartrina and Andra.  No doubt his sister Lesath has been using her undetectable magic to assist him.” 

“I think we might find that Freddie Smith was not in possession of his
own
soul when school started this term.  However, I’m not going to risk his future by doing anything that might make young Malchus think we’re on to him, much less that we’ve travelled in time.  That fact must remain hidden above all else!” 

Blimey Zak, this is crazy!

I’m lost, Tallion.  Following the logic of this stuff is not something my brain can cope with.  I’m trying to use your mind to do it, but it’s not helping much!

If we get this wrong Zak, then these boys will end up in the World of the Dead!  It’s a living death, a soul-less existence, without any hope of release!

Well, that’s why we’re trying to rescue them, but I still don’t see why he needs us?

Me neither, I’ll ask!

Before Tallion got chance to speak, the headmaster held up his hand to forestall the question that was clearly forming on Tallion’s lips.

“You want to know why I need you?” he asked.

“Erm, yes!”

“Not got any ideas?”

Tallion frowned and looked at Zak.

Don’t look at me, it’s me who’s asking!

“There’s no one else to do it?” answered the tentative young aristocrat a few seconds later.  “No-one else must ever know about time travel, except us?”

“Those are both good reasons.  The next is that you two need to know what you’re up against.  There’s no question in my mind that as the next few years unfold, your generation is the one that’s going to have to take on and stop Antares Malchus, and this is just an opening skirmish.”

“The next reason is rather more prosaic.  I might appear to be a spritely old centenarian who looks like he could live forever, but the truth is that I’ve already lived far longer than my one hundred and nine years would suggest, courtesy of your father and that highly dangerous talisman in his pocket.  I’m old.”

“When Shaul Malchus casts his soul sacrifice curse over Rufus Logan’s doppelganger, I have no idea what might happen.  The doppelganger will be linked to me by nature of the type of magic that is required to create it, therefore the incantation might incapacitate me in some way, and I might need your assistance, but even that’s not my main concern.”

“In Andra Tait’s memory, when Shaul Malchus cast his curse on the real Rufus Logan, the crypt was filled with an overwhelming sense of evil, freezing poor Andra to the spot!  Sartrina still had her wits about her though, and rushed forwards to drag her friend out of the crypt to safety.” 

“They then legged it back to their dorm and spent some considerable time recovering.  They
thought
it was only about ten minutes before they went to speak to Professor Pectus, but it was actually nearly an hour.  They were in deep shock, and nurse Salvae had to administer a powerful Confidas potion to restore their equilibrium.”

“As far as I can tell, Shaul’s curse included an incantation to an evil being, which then seems to have made an appearance, in one form or another!  Quite how the ‘being’ will react when it finds out that there’s no soul for it to steal I have no idea, but we might need to save a couple more lives at that point, and in a hurry!  We might even need to save our own!”

Zak and Tallion were now looking distinctly rattled, and Sir Philip was stirring to speak when the headmaster raised his hand once more to signal the baronet to let him finish.

“I need your power, Zak, and I need your wand.  You might only be eleven, but your magical ability puts us all in the shade.  Alone, I cannot hope to withstand that kind of evil, but you can.  That’s why you’ve been gifted with the power you have.  That’s why you’re here.”

The headmaster was looking intently into Zak’s amethyst eyes, but the eleven-year-old wizard returned his gaze unflinchingly.  He was deliberately trying to read the headmaster’s mind, as well as listen to his thoughts.  His feelings of foreboding had already left him, and a curious calm had overtaken him, but he needed to know what the aged wizard before him was really thinking, whether he’d told them everything. 

He easily overwhelmed the resistance in Professor Trell’s eyes and mind, and quickly got past the surface thoughts that he could already hear.  He heard the exclamation of shock in the old wizard’s head as he breached his mental defences, and then he encountered a kaleidoscope of thoughts regarding the upcoming encounter in the crypt. 

Fear, resolution, hope, despair, and at the end of it all faith in the power of light to overcome evil.  He also saw images of a past battle, fire and smoke, which ended in a brilliant white flash and then darkness.  He’d seen enough…

“Forgive me sir, I shouldn’t have done that,” said Zak several seconds later.  He turned his eyes to the floor as the headmaster came back into the room and stared at him with an awed look.

“Zak, you had every right to do that.  I’d just asked you to risk your life to help me.  It was a shock, I’ll not hide it, and as your headmaster I must request that you don’t do it again, but it was as revealing to me as it was to you.  Now I know what I fear.”

ZAK!  What the heck did you do that for?! You must be out of your mind!

OUR mind Tallion.  We are one, remember, anything that affects either of us affects both of us.  I needed to be able to trust him.  I haven’t known him long enough to take him at face value, or to put your life in his hands.

Tallion was shocked by the sudden change that had come over his soul mate.  Gone was the eleven-year-old schoolboy, the mischievous young footballer from Netherdale, and in his place was a cold, calculating, and rather frightening, powerful young wizard!

Zak, I’m sorry, it wasn't supposed to be a criticism, really.  I know why you did it, and you needed to do it.  I was just surprised by the suddenness of it, that’s all.

I know.  We both know.  Our minds are each other’s, and I surprised myself too.  Sorry for getting all serious and strategic, I just want to protect you.  I will not risk your life again!  I’ve nearly lost you twice, and…  Do we go with him?  Did you see what I saw at the end of his thoughts?

Yes, I saw it all.  He has a memory of a battle with a demon, and he thinks it might happen again. 

Was it
his
memory?

I don’t know.  Do you think he might have seen the memory in someone else’s mind?

Maybe in his Pelustra Orb? 

I couldn’t tell, Zak.  If it
was
his own memory, then he’s already faced a demon!

And survived…  So why’s he scared of them?

Tallion looked almost apologetic as he replied.

I don’t know, Zak.  I know I’ve grown up in a wizarding family, but I don’t know any more about this stuff than you do.

Sorry.  I know I always expect you to have all the answers.  Do you think we’re
really
strong enough to withstand that kind of evil? 

He seems to think so, and judging by what just happened to you, yes, I think so too!  OUR power, flowing through YOUR wand, wielded by YOU, will be enough.

Was I so bad?

No, you were outstanding, and I’m very pleased and proud to be part of you.

US!

Us.

“One last question, sir.”

“Go ahead please Zak, anything.”

“Will Sir Philip be coming with us?”

“Yes and no.  He’s our route back to the present.  He’ll meet us at strategic places and times, depending on what we’re doing, either to bring us back, or if things don’t go according to plan, to rescue us.  I will not put that Time Talisman in jeopardy though, and neither will he, so for that reason above any other, he will not be with us in the crypt, or for any other confrontation.”

There was silence for nearly a minute as the wizards all looked at each other, and thought about what lay ahead of them.  Zak and Tallion were sharing each other’s thoughts, but also listening carefully to the thoughts of the headmaster.

Shall we tell him we can hear his thoughts Tallion?  I don’t want to keep it secret for ages like we did with Steven.  It’ll come out sooner or later and then it will just seem like a terrible betrayal!

How’s father going to feel then?!  I agree Zak, I hate being in this situation, but maybe we need to tell them separately?  So that they can react freely?

Okay, that makes sense.  As soon as we get them alone then we’ll tell them.

Agreed.  We should tell Harry and Alfie too.

Yes, but no-one else I think.

“We’re ready sir!” said Zak, looking the headmaster squarely in the eye. 

.

27.  Rescuing Rufus

“I were absolutely terrified!” said Steven, for about the twentieth time.  Yet another member of Leo House had asked him what he felt like when the headmaster had spoken his name in the Banqueting Hall. 

The mischievous young Yorkshire farmer had, predictably, been an instant hit in Leo House.  He’d got the story of his dramatic arrival at Mhonarr Castle off pat now, and enjoyed entertaining people with his wobbly legs, dry mouth, and shaking hands!

He always kept the words of the divining orb secret though, and even Sartrina only had a few clues about what it said.  The words were resonant in his memory, but he wanted to talk with Zak about it first, to try and understand it.  Many things in this world didn’t quite make sense yet to Steven, but it didn’t bother him because he knew that many things in
his
world would
never
make sense to the people around him!

“Steven, time to go…”

“Where?” he asked, jumping up to join Sartrina who was choreographing his life at the school.  There had been a few raised eyebrows at their apparently instant friendship, but the comments had died away when it emerged that they already knew each other, and lived only half a mile apart in Netherdale.

“Eridan!  He’ll be waiting in the courtyard!”

“Oh right, I forgot.  See you later Tom, sorry,” he added to the second year who’d been getting the lowdown on the Banqueting Hall incident.

* * *

Eridan Proudfoot, together with his sister and brother, had been surprised but delighted to see Steven suddenly make an appearance at Mhonarr Castle.  Cygnus had, unsurprisingly, been somewhat disapproving of the manner in which he’d arrived at the school, but had congratulated him none-the-less on a memorable entrance.  Eridan had been ecstatic, and his wolf whistles had echoed round the Banqueting Hall as he’d joined in the cheering after Steven’s house selection.

The two boys had only managed a quick exchange of words at breakfast and dinner, but had agreed to meet at eight o’clock that evening.

“That was fabulous!” exclaimed the golden-haired mischief, his blue-green eyes sparkling as he ran to greet his friend.  “However did you persuade the others to smuggle you in?”

“I didn’t!  It were Tallion’s idea!  I jumped at t’ chance, mind, when they offered!”

“Tallion?!  Mr Politically-Correct-in-Chief?  That doesn’t sound right!”

“It is!  He’s changed a lot in t’ last few months.  Even I’ve noticed an’ I never notice stuff like that.  I think its Zak’s influence on ‘im!”

“Well, hat’s off all the same.  Everyone will remember that forever!  So, are you up for a bit of an adventure?”

“What, now?”

“Yeah!  That’s why you came to school isn’t it?  For an adventure?”

“Well, yes, but…  I don’t want to get in ter trouble mate, I’ve used up all me goodwill ‘ere I think, and I’m really grateful that they’ve let me join t’ school…”

“It’s not that kind of adventure!  We’re not gonna blow something up or do something that’s against the rules, well, maybe a little bit, but nothing serious!  Anyway, it’ll be me that gets into trouble for leading you astray if anything goes wrong!”

Steven grinned.  Being with Eridan was almost as good as being with Sartrina, or Zak and Tallion.  The two boys simply egged each other on when it came to mischief!

“I’m going back inside if you two are going to be naughty,” responded Sartrina a little frostily.

“I’m only going to show him a few things in the forest, we’ll hardly get into trouble for that!”

“The forest?!  At this time of night?!  You’re mad!”

“You’re just a scaredy cat!”

“And what if I am Eridan Proudfoot?  I prefer to live!” answered Sartrina hotly, glowering at Eridan with a frustrated expression.  “Make sure you bring him back in one piece, or you’ll have me to answer to!”

Without waiting for an answer, Sartrina turned and stalked back towards the bushes and the statue that masked the entrance to Leo house.

“Sartrina, wait…” called out Steven, but his girlfriend had vanished from sight.

“She’ll be fine, come on.  I promise I’ll not let anything eat you!”

* * *

Professor Trell led the way through the still busy school corridors until they reached the entrance to the crypt passageway.  As he approached the completely anonymous looking piece of wall, he cast charms both ways along the corridor, hiding them from view, and then silently pointed out the faintest of grooves in the stonework which outlined an archway.  He motioned the boys to walk through it, and Tallion went first, quickly followed by Zak.

The boys found themselves in a wide passage, apparently hewn from solid rock, lit at regular intervals by flaming torches.  It seemed completely deserted, but the headmaster cast Revelio charms along it anyway to make sure no-one was hiding there.

“Right, now we can talk again.  This passage is open to all students and staff alike, it’s not restricted to a single house.  Very few of the current staff know about it though, let alone the students, but over the years knowledge of it has waxed and waned like the moon.  When it becomes well known, first years in particular come in here as a dare, but there really is nothing to see though, so it gets forgotten again quite quickly.”

“We’re actually very deep below the school, about half a mile down which is why you feel the pressure on your ears.  I’ve never managed to find out why it was created, or by whom.  No doubt there’s something written down somewhere, but wherever it is, it’s not in the school library anymore.” 

“Right, to work.  Zak, Tallion, first the spell to give you access to the whole school.  You too Philip.  You’ll not notice anything different down here, but if the boys scatter after our mission, and you have to follow them, then you need to be able to see and go everywhere.”

The headmaster waved his wand but his lips remained sealed as he thought the incantation in his mind.  Both boys remembered it from last time they’d heard it, and once again managed to keep a straight face.  Tallion sharp eyes also memorised the wand motion again.

“Next, invisibility.  A simple Abscondo is all I’m planning to use, although you need to be aware that if a Finité Incantio hits you then the spell will dissolve.  We’ll apply that when we’re in position.  Now, the plan.  Simple is always best!  We’ll position ourselves in the crypt itself and then go back in time nicely before young Malchus arrives.  We know that Freddie Smith was already in the crypt with Rufus Logan before Shaul and Marcus Hendry entered, so thirty minutes earlier should be enough.”

The quartet had been walking down the passage whilst the headmaster spoke, and they now turned into the second tunnel leading directly to the crypt.

“Now, boys, when the scene unfolds in the crypt up ahead, be warned, it becomes very brutal.  I would never have imagined that eleven-year-olds could behave this way to a fellow student, but of course their minds were not their own.  It’s clear that someone, or something, was controlling their behaviour, which is another reason why we need to rescue them!  You must not intervene in any way.  The urge to do so will be strong, but you must resist it.  Remember, you’re watching something that’s already happened, it’s in the past.”

“When I switch Rufus Logan for his doppelganger, the real Rufus will appear on the floor behind us, and I’ll need to stun him to keep him quiet.  Unpleasant, but necessary.  What will happen after that is anyone’s guess!  If the evil being leaves the three boys in any kind of sensible state, then I’ll switch the doppelganger and Rufus back, and we’ll let history run its course.  Rufus appeared in his dorm just a few minutes after this incident uninjured and apparently fine, so Shaul must have cleaned him up, healed him, and sent him on his way, no doubt under some kind of yielding charm.  I expect he’ll do the same if he’s still conscious when this ends.”

“If the evil being gets a bit annoyed, which is most likely, then we might find ourselves taking Rufus out of the crypt together with a few other unconscious students.  However, that would give away our presence, and may lead to young Malchus running for the hills and disposing of all the evidence, including his remaining companions.  We’ll just have to play it by ear.”

“Now boys, I need you both ready to cast protection spells around us if things get a bit explosive!  Whatever you did at the last football match will do nicely, Zak!”

“I don’t know what spell it was though sir, I thought I was casting a Revertur…”

“Your wand knew that you needed something else Zak, and so it took over.  I’m sure it will happen again if required, Findlay MacElver knows how to put a wand together!”

The headmaster flourished his own wand briefly as he spoke, a smile playing round his lips.  He had a MacElver too!

“Right, to business.  Here looks like a good spot, we can see the whole room, and there’s a recess in the wall deep enough for us all to step back into if necessary.  Philip, if you would be so kind?  Please take us back to the afternoon of the fourth of August at three o’clock, and then meet us here exactly one hour later.”

“As you wish, Orion.  Boys, please be careful, and look after this old man who’s trying to get us all killed!  I’ll see you here in an hour.  If you’re not waiting for me, then I’ll go back to your study as planned Orion, and meet you at six that evening.”

“Thank you, Philip,” replied the headmaster, with a twinkle in his eye.

“Take hold of the Talisman, please boys,” said the baronet, holding it out so that all four of them could easily touch it.

Both Zak and Tallion clearly heard the incantation in Sir Philip’s thoughts, although he murmured it too quietly for their ears to pick up.  Tallion recalled hearing it once before.  It took him a few seconds, but eventually he remembered that it was when he was recovering after being hit by the Libra Mortis.  There was no sensation of having travelled through time, and the torches in the crypt were flickering in exactly the same manner as before, but the quartet had just gone backwards by three weeks!

“Right, see you in an hour,” said the baronet, and muttered the incantation again as soon as the others had let go of the Talisman.  He faded from view, leaving his two sons alone with their headmaster.

“Okay boys, remember, Rufus will appear behind us when we rescue him, so don’t trip up over him or stand on him!  This is a very big thing that we’re about to do, so keep your wits about you.  There’s no backing out now, we have to see this through come what may!”

The boys nodded to their headmaster and stared around the gloomy crypt.  It was more like a cave than anything else, with a huge high roof that disappeared from view in the blackness.  The headmaster was scanning the walls and floor, looking for symbols and tell-tale traces of magic.  A frown crossed his face, and after a few moments of puzzlement, he walked forward to the middle of the room.  He stopped and rubbed the floor with his boot, and the boys saw a look of surprise on his face as he quickly looked up, his eyes taking a circular path round the floor.

I know what he’s found.

I heard you work it out.

A ritual circle!  I have to say I’m not surprised, the whole place reeks of dark magic.

My thoughts exactly, although I can’t tell how many of them are my thoughts and how many of them are yours.

Plenty are yours.  I can feel the difference, just.  No wonder the demon or whatever it was turned up, but how did Shaul know how to summon it?!  That’s very scary!  He must be very far gone into paganism to be able to do that.

Or was someone else doing it through him?

That’s possible too, but I don’t know much about that type of magic either.  Father has made it very clear to us that we musn’t study it, and the books about it in our library are in a special section that isn’t linked to the main library.  I’ll show you when we get back, but I can’t get any books out of that section.

If this really is pagan Tallion, then someone’s going to have to start studying all those books again soon, and working out how to counter it all.

It’s dangerous Zak!  You heard what Barty said, ‘dark magic draws you in’, it’s like poison that pollutes your mind and makes you crave for more.  Neither of us wants our minds poisoned…

Absolutely agreed!  Poor Shaul, he never had a chance in life did he.

Shaul?  How come you’re sorry for
him
?!  What about everything he’s doing to other people?

He’s only like that because of what people have done to him.  He didn’t choose his parents, he didn’t ask them to poison his mind and ruin his life…

There was a pause.

You always try and see the best in everyone Zak, it’s a lovely character trait, I wish it was mine.

It is, now, but people take advantage of it…

The headmaster suddenly lifted up his head listening carefully, and then hurried back to them.

“Right, I can hear footsteps!  Time to hide.  Please stay here and don’t wander off!”

The boys nodded, and the headmaster quickly waved his wand and they all faded from view.  They didn’t
see
him cast a silencing charm on them afterwards, but they heard it in his thoughts.