Marla Medizza and the Miopsa mirror. Chapters sixteen and seventeen.

Chapter sixteen

Ants and Aunts

‘Elspeth Medizza, great aunt Elspeth, is that you?’

‘Marla Medizza, I have been expecting you, come over here, let me look at you, darling.’

Marla edges toward her. She is nervous and awkward. Stories of her great aunt and her eccentric manner, the stuff of legend within the family Medizza. Great Aunt Elspeth spins her.

‘You have lost weight, darling. I have seen more meat on a twig. I remember you were a proper little porker as a child.’

Babulous giggles, Marla sneers at him, Babulous stops giggling.

‘My Mam said you did not have a phone, Aunty?’

‘That’s correct darling, I do not own these modernist contraptions.’

‘But you said you were expecting me. I am confused?’

‘Marla Medizza, my sweet girl, you have much to learn. I hope one day, the pieces of the puzzle will slot into place.’

‘My Nan said you could help me in stopping Cornelius Darkus from escaping the miopsa mirror.’

‘Oh, did she, how is she the old battle axe?’

‘Err yes, she is okay, I believe.’

‘Good, good, okay, so you want to stop that cad escaping, do you?’

‘Yes, if possible.’

‘It wasn’t just Medusa Medizza, that cast him into the mirror. Cornelius Darkus has been trying to escape it for many years. His only aim, to avenge the witch that sent his soul into chains.’

‘I don’t understand Aunty.’

‘Many years ago, I sent the soul of Cornelius Darkus back into the mirror after he escaped. I tracked him. But unfortunately…’

‘Unfortunately, Aunt?’

‘Let me finish darling, didn’t your mother teach you that interrupting is the height of bad manners?’

‘Sorry Aunty,’ mutters Marla, squirming. She looks at Babulous. He is nodding in agreement. Marla puts her hand on her waist and glares at him. He stops nodding.

‘Where was I, oh yes, Cornelius Darkus. Before I could cast his soul to eternal darkness, he met my spell. He created a potion, a potion to make my eternal darkness spell temporary. Anyhow, I will explain when we get home. Come on dearest, bring your little rabbit friend with you.’

‘Elv… oh, it doesn’t matter.’

‘Jolly good, darling.’

‘We have a lot to get through and little time, if you catch my drift, darling?’

‘Not particularly, aunty,’ mutters Marla.

They follow great Aunt Elspeth as she walks between two enormous oak trees.

‘Here we are, come, both of you.’

‘I cannot see a thing Aunty, where is your home?’

‘Looks can be deceptive Marla, just walk forward, you will see.’

Pacing forward, the surrounding flowers shoot up into the night sky. The trees are growing taller and taller, the grass now above their heads.

‘Oh my god, what the heck is that?’ screams Marla as an enormous creature walks past her.

‘It’s just an ant dearest, ignore it, it won’t harm you.’ Her Aunt replies.

Blades of grass as tall as oak trees and climbing higher as they amble.

‘Not much further darling, I am sure my home is around here somewhere,’ declares a confused sounding and somewhat dotty elderly lady.

“Come on dearest, I will put the kettle on, we can have a cup of earl grey and a good old natter, it’s been ages since we chatted,’ states aunt Elspeth, walking toward a small cottage.

‘What the heck is she babbling Babulous, I have never met this woman in my life,’ whispers a nervous and confused Marla.

‘She may be eccentric, but Elspeth Medizza is one of the most powerful witches on earth, Marla. Just humour her, I don’t want her turning me into a frog.’

‘Or a rabbit!’ Marla chuckles.

‘How do you know of her Babulous?’

‘Everyone in the world of witchcraft and wizardry knows the name Elspeth the enchanter, Marla dearest.’

‘Come dear, come in, bring your little rabbit with you.’

Marla looks at the door of the cottage, it’s only three feet high and a couple of feet wide. ‘Gosh, this will be a tight squeeze; thank god I have eaten little today.’ She utters, pushing herself through the tiny entrance way.

‘I have had the painters in since you were last here, darling. Sunset yellow they call it what do you and your rabbit friend think?’

‘His.’

Marla stands in awe, the entrance hall a hundred feet long and just as wide.

‘name.’

Enormous crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling.

‘is.’

The opulence brought together by a gold central staircase.

‘Babulous.’

‘This place is amazing, Aunty. But on the outside, it is tiny, I don’t understand?’

‘Sometimes, it is better to not understand Marla darling, sometimes it's better just to accept. You both must be ravenous, come. Let us dine.’

Marla and Babulous follow Aunty Elspeth into an enormous dining hall, the polished table adorned by every food you can think of, pork, chicken, beef, potatoes, cakes, fruit snacks, wine, fizzy pop and so much more.

‘Come, sit down, both of you. We have much to discuss, first we dine.’

Marla’s eyes are wide as she sits in awe of the feast before them. She turns and looks at Babulous, who is drooling. They both tuck in, towering their silver platters with a pyramid of meats, potatoes, cakes, and much more.

‘So dearest, what is it you need help with?’

Marla describes the image she saw in the mirror. The journey, the time stealers, the Harpy, pretty much everything.

‘Ah okay, I see your predicament dearest, what an absolute rotter that is.’ Her Aunt announces, glugging on a crystal wine glass.

‘Aunt?’

‘Yes, dearest.’

‘Nan informed me you hold the key which can help save my life.’

‘Key for what, darling?’

‘To stop Cornelius, you know…’

‘Decapitating you dearest?’

‘To put it bluntly, yes!’

‘Jolly rotten luck dearest.’

‘What is?’

‘You cannot change the future, dearest. The miopsa mirror has spoken. It is a matter of time before that wretch gets his grubby hands on your severed head. Beaujolais or Rioja darling?’

‘Either thank you. I wish somebody could explain why this freak has my name on his calling card?’

‘I do not know darling; it is unusual for a witch hunter as powerful as Cornelius Darkus to target one witch. He must have his reasons. I am sure that you have nothing to concern yourself with. That mirror is amazing, it is a shame it did not show the lottery numbers.’

‘So, you state this journey is useless and I am going to lose my head, anyway?’

‘That’s an extremely harsh way of looking at it, darling.’

‘Thank god, I was worried for a moment.’

‘Harsh darling, but true.’

Marla cannot believe what she is hearing. She turns to Babulous, his cheeks stuffed with food.

She sneers and gasps and slumping into the chair. Any hope she had of resolving this catastrophe disappeared after spending a few moments with her aunt.

‘We have a busy day tomorrow. Day one of our training session.’

‘Training session aunty?’

‘Yes, darling if you are going to face Cornelius Darkus, you must be equipped.’

‘Equipped to do what?’

‘Run darling.’

‘My sprinting skills are not an issue aunty.’

‘Darling, you only have one…’

‘One foot Aunty, you can say it!’

‘I do not wish to appear rude darling, but you are at somewhat of a disadvantage.’

Marla does not speak. She is tired, pissed off, and all the above.

‘There may be a way you can stop him. The Miopsa mirror shows us the future, but what if your time path could be changed?’

Marla’s ears prick.

‘Changed, how?’

‘Locate a time stealer and rip out its heart. By doing that, you will take on their powers for twenty-four hours. With this newfound ability you may change your own time path.’

‘That is brilliant news, isn’t Babulous. Thank you, aunty, I am saved. We should do that.’

‘I am not just a pretty face, Marla darling.’

‘It seems like a straightforward plan.’

‘Absolutely not, darling, much too dangerous. Time stealers are impossible to catch, let alone kill. We shall begin training in the morning.’

‘I presumed I may leave here tomorrow afternoon, aunty?’

‘No, darling, you cannot, not now. They are searching for you, the time stealers, Darkus, everybody by the looks of my crystal ball. I do not know why your existence is so important to them. I am sure in time; all will be revealed. More wine darling?’

Marla gasps, turning to Babulous, his cheeks that of a hamster. He attempts to offer Marla a reassuring smile as a sausage falls from his mouth. She scowls.

‘Once we have eaten, we can give your friend a tour of the house?’

‘Whatever,’ Marla moans.

‘Jolly good. James, be a darling and bring more wine,’ aunty commands, holding her gold goblet aloft. The elderly man in the penguin suit raises his eyebrows.

‘I noticed you have been given the Medizza pentangle, Marla. Did the old bat give you your wand of magic yet?’

‘Yes, Aunty Nan did give me the wand of magic.’

‘Don’t keep me in suspense, let me see it.’

Marla rifles through her bag, yanking out the wand and throwing it onto the table.

‘This is impeccable, a mahogany wand. Adolescent witches receive a pine wand. Your nan has bequeathed to you a formidable force. Have you thought of a name?’

‘A name, I haven’t named it, it’s a stick, aunty?’

‘Oh Marla, much more than a stick. You possess an Excalibur wand. Only a few witches’ in history have ever carried one. This wand, combined with your ability, is a majestic and lethal rod. I advise you to give it a name for commanding. They get upset if you don’t give them a name. Mine is Zyphon, the spear of destiny,’ declares her aunt, revealing a gold jewel encrusted wand and placing it before Marla.

‘Wow, now that's what I call a wand, may I?’

‘Of course, you may, Marla dearest, be careful, the spear of destiny has a mind of his own.’

Marla lifts the wand, she stares in awe as the jewel creates a myriad of colours around the dining room; she is captivated by it, hypnotised.

‘As the power develops inside of you, your wand will grow stronger. When I first started, the spear of destiny was nothing more than a twig. By the time I fought Cornelius Darkus, the power of my wand was supreme, which was a good thing.’

‘Could you stop him, Aunty, I mean could you and the spear of destiny stop Cornelius Darkus escaping?’

‘I was a worthy adversary many decades before. I am older, and my ultimate power is gone. It is a fight I may lose. I am sorry, darling.’

‘It’s alright, aunty, this is my mess, I guess.’

‘Did the old boot explain the various witches on the Medizza bloodline and their capabilities, darling?’

Marla thinks back to the time at Medizza Manor.

There are five kinds of witches in the Medizza family. Earth Enchantress accounting for ninety-eight percent, which includes me. Sea Sorceress accounting for one percent. Air Avenger accounting for half a percent. Fire hex, making close to half a percent.’

‘And the fifth witch?’

‘Ah yes, the fifth, a supreme being so mighty, he or she could stop the world from turning.

‘What is it? The name of the fifth one?’

‘Ah, yes, the fifth witch, the enigma of the eternal. A supreme sorceress spoke of only in legend.’

‘She did, between endless tumblers of whisky. Which kind of witch are you?'

‘I am an abomination darling, half air witch and half fire witch. I am an enchantress and a soul stealer, hence the reason I imprisoned that rotter, Cornelius Darkus. Of course, that was many years ago. I much prefer a glass of wine and an interesting book of adventure nowadays, darling.’

‘I do not know which category I fall into.’

‘Who knows, darling, as the clock ticks closer to midnight, each second will offer a tidbit of knowledge and power. Like most white witches, you will stumble across your power at someplace in time. Look to the universe darling, many answers you seek will be nestled in the stars. Reach for the skies Marla with an open mind and pure heart.’

‘I will try.'

‘What the heck is she mumbling about Babulous?’

‘Be swift in your revelations, before Cornelius Darkus hacks your head from your body. More wine darling?’

‘I can see great mourning in your little friend, Marla darling. I sense despair flowing from his aura.’

‘Come closer little one.’ she orders, raising her hands above the head of Babulous.

Babulous cannot answer. His cheeks crammed to the brim with meat.

‘May I explain Babulous?’ requests Marla.

He nods.

‘Babulous lost his wife at the hands of Zenobia Lucifus on the fields of Stonehenge in battle aunty.’

‘Ah, the heinous, black witch. I remember this battle. The day she slew a good friend of mine, Esmerelda, the bright. We spent many a day together, crochet and Earl Grey on the lawn. She was an accomplished adversary. Although, I do think she cheated every now and again. Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday fun on the lawn before that harlot murdered her. I have struggled to find anybody interested in crochet since that time. Anyhow, I digress. This world we live in is an evil place, darling. For each time you find happiness, a devastating heartbreak lurks in the shadows, ready to pounce. Come, let us take a walk.’

They follow Elspeth out of the dining hall across the marbled floor into a grand chamber, the wooden walls adorned with oiled portraits.

‘I remember this room, I dreamt about it.’

‘Did you say something, darling?’

‘Err, no, aunty, who are these characters?’

‘Family dearest, every one of them.’

‘Ah, here we are,’ she announces, pulling out a miniature wooden box from the chimney.

‘What is this?'

‘That darling is the ashes of my good friend and ally Malbius Creed.’

Babulous stumbles. Marla looks at him ‘Are you okay, too much food?’

‘Yes, Marla dearest, just overwhelmed. When you say Malbius Creed, do you mean Malbius Creed of the Mallocram?’

‘Yes, indeed Babulous, the same.’

‘Who was he?’

‘I will let Babulous explain that to you Marla darling.’

‘Legend has it that Malbius the Magnificent was half deity, half Elveer. One day, many years ago, he was picking berries in woodland a few miles from Sherwood forest. He was alarmed by the screams of a young female human. He raced through the forest toward the shrieks to discover a young girl being besieged by Devilions. They were many, but Malbius slayed them that momentous day with an ancient rusty sword presented to him by his Father.’

‘Devilions, what are they?’

‘The Devil’s children Marla dearest, half mortal, half serpent. Vile creatures searching for human flesh. The younger the flesh, the tastier the dish.’

‘Wow, that’s grim.’

‘Malbius summoned the power of the Elder gods that evening as the planets aligned. The spell he cast that was so powerful it paused time as we know it. Had it not been for Malbius Creed, the young girl will have had the flesh torn from her.

‘Who was the little girl Babulous?’

‘The answer to your question is cemented in legend, Marla dearest. She was none other than Aurelia Andromeda, the most powerful witch that ever lived. Her name lives on the tongue of witch and wizard alike. She was the holder of the light. She existed in many timelines, worlds, and realms. It is claimed that Malbius and Aurelia spent many years together until Aurelia passed away. He found himself alone, heartbroken.’

‘That’s correct Babulous, a few years later our paths crossed. We became wonderful advocates. Between us we ended the lives of many, including Stygian, Harpy, and witch hunters from slaughtering the virtuous. Malbius died many years later, God rest his soul.’

‘Wow, he sounds like a true warrior. How did Malbius die, aunty?’

‘Oh, that’s simple, darling. He choked on a slice of my homemade carrot cake.’

‘Oh, err, not the answer I expected.’

‘I urged him to chew his food when he was devouring. Alas, he never listened.’

Marla turns to Babulous and raises her eyebrows.

Babulous recalls previous discussions with Marla regarding his eating habits. His expression is pitiful.

‘Have you lived in this place long?'

‘Marla, darling, you ask the absurdist of questions. I have been here for many years. It can be lonely here, but I am happy. I have Fufu, my Pekinese, and of course, James who is not just my butler, he is my friend.’

Marla glances over at the man in the penguin suit. He shrugs and looks to the skies.

‘The planet is a frightening place, Marla darling, as you have experienced. My home offers you sanctuary for eternity. No more fear, running from evil, days of crochet and Beaujolais.’

‘Do you read, darling?’

‘Sometimes, aunty, pop magazines I recover from the bin once Stella has finished reading them.’

‘What I mean is, do you read literature, not that plop music nonsense.’

‘Pop Aunty, it’s pop!’

‘Pop, plop, potato, potarto. Try not to split hairs darling.’

‘Not the same, Aunty.’

‘Will you please chew your food Babulous, you heard what happened to Malbius!’

The groans from a food filled faced furball are inaudible.

‘I spend many hours reading works from the prominent writers of the past five hundred years, darling. Reading can sharpen the mind and transport you to a fantasy world of your making. A dimension you conjure in your mind’s eye.’

‘I guess the last book I read was when I attended school. I cannot for the life of me recall the title aunty.’

‘When we have finished dining, I will give you a guided tour of the library. I think you will find it somewhat magical, darling.’

Marla cuts at her food, biting small morsels. Babulous ignores the advice from her, deciding to shove as much food in his mouth as achievable. Aunt Elspeth pours another large goblet of wine. The grandfather clock in the place on the east wall of the dining room strikes midnight.

‘Jolly good, shall we?’ utters Great Aunt Elspeth.

Marla looks at Babulous, his mouth packed with food. ‘Yes, aunty, I think we have eaten enough.’

‘Jolly splendid show, come, the library awaits.’

They follow Elspeth, through the dining hall, along a never ending narrow hallway, reaching an oak panelled door. ‘Here we are, do come in both.’

Marla enters the room, crammed to the rafters with tens of thousands of books. The tall oak beams separating the sections. Each numbered and titled.

‘This is incredible, you must spend a lot of time reading aunty.’

‘More surreal than you realise, darling. Pick one, any book of your choosing, Marla.’

‘I can recall a book I enjoyed reading at school. There was one I read I enjoyed. The tale of a young woman born into the amazon jungle. The book spoke of her adventures with a jaguar named Tibor. If my memory serves me right, I think it was entitled Amera of the Amazon.’

‘As you wish for Marla darling.’

Marla and Babulous glare in awe as a single book in the distance shakes before squeezing out of the bookshelf and floating high above the ground. Marla gasps as the chronicle descends toward her.

‘Grasp it darling, it won’t bite.’

Marla places her palm on the leather bound surface. The cool air rises in temperature as warmth envelopes the skin on her arms. A swirling fog consumes her vision. The floor disappears under foot as she plummets toward an abyss of murk. She feels her knees press against an unusual feeling surface.

‘What the heck, where am I!?’

She studies her surroundings; her skin bathed in sticky, hot syrupy air. Her mind consumes the unknown flora, announcing itself to her pupils. A plethora of coloured, plumed birds perched upon the branches of palm trees. Her ears pick up a roar close to where she stands. She jumps to her feet, alarmed, bewildered. Suddenly, a yellow spotted beast pushes its face through the flora and growls. She paces backward, her heart thumping like a jackhammer.

‘Are you planning on another journey, Amera?’ the creature snarls.

Marla is dumbstruck. Hypnotised by the sound falling from the razor sharp gate of the beast.

‘You can communicate?’

‘Of course, I can, Amera. Why are you uttering such wild words?’

‘Are you enjoying yourself, darling?’ inquires a parrot perched high above. Marla recognises the tone.

‘Is that you, aunty, where am I. More to the point, where are you?’

‘There is nothing to fear, darling. You are inside the storybook; you are a character in the tale. You are Amera, the heroine. An excellent choice if you ask me.’

‘This is sublime aunty; I cannot believe I am here.’

‘Amazing, I know. Bring yourself back to us. Close your eyes and open your mind. Snap your fingers darling.’

‘Pardon me?’

‘Clicks your fingers darling, you will see.’

Marla clicks her fingers. Her body yanked toward the sky, twisting, and turning, whizzing, and zipping through tunnels of light. As the light fades, her vision is fixated as the image of Babulous and her aunt drips into sight.

‘Flipping heck, that was incredible, aunty. It felt so real. One minute I am here, the next I am standing in the jungle.’

‘Weird and sublime, isn’t it, darling? When I said I spent many hours reading, I was not being honest. I am not one for turning pages of a dusty old book. It is far more exciting to descend into the story. In the past I have transformed into a pirate on the high seas, a time traveller and so much more, it’s an absolute hoot, it is.’

‘I wish somebody had written the story ‘Marla and the island of bacon’ aunty. I would jump into the story and never return.’

‘Jolly good, darling. You two must be exhausted. Come, I will show you to your bed chamber.’

They climb the rich staircase toward an oak door.

‘Here we are. You will be comfortable here. Should you overhear strange wailing sounds in the night, just cats. Sleep well, see you at dawn, chipper and ready for training.’

Opulence embraces a room of gold and silver. The four-poster bed is adorned with white lace blankets.

‘I have been in this room before Babulous, I am sure of it.’

‘A grand chamber of your childhood dreams, Marla dearest?’

‘Possibly Babulous, I have an extremely vivid imagination.’

‘The white witch can recall life from a previous time. The existence you live is often a mirror of the existence you had lived, Marla dearest.

‘Thank you for that, Babulous. clear as mud, as always.’

‘I am not sure what this training involves tomorrow. I can assure you I have no intention of waking at dawn.’

‘Babulous?’

Marla turns to him. She can see a mound of bedcovers moving around where he once lay.

‘What are you doing?’

‘This is an exceedingly pleasant mattress, Marla dearest.’

‘I am confused why aunty cannot create a spell or potion, to seal the miopsa mirror and stop Darkus Cornelius. Sure, I appreciate that she mentioned she was old, she is ancient, but there must be something she can do?’

‘I wonder what your aunt meant about wailing noises, Marla?’

‘Can we forget about wailing noises for a moment, Babulous. It is noise from the pipes, this is an old house.’

‘I came here under the pretence that she could help me; I am furious.’

‘The time your aunt recaptured his soul, she was in her prime. After many years, the unique power of the white witch weakens. Elspeth the enchantress is still a powerful witch, I believe. But I believe Cornelius Darkus by comparison is far stronger, his aging halted by entrapment.’

‘What are you saying Babulous?’

‘What I am saying is, when his soul was cast in the mirror, he was at his peak. Locked inside the miopsa mirror means his soul will not have aged. If he escapes and attaches himself to a host body, he will prove unstoppable.’

‘Thank you for the light-hearted banter, Babulous. I feel much more secure after your words of assurance. I give up, honestly, I do.’

‘Your Nan sent you on this journey for a reason, Marla. I am certain we will resolve this issue. We should depart tomorrow and try to discover another way of ending this. I am with you until the very end, I will fight by your side.’

‘No matter what?’

‘No matter what happens Marla dearest, we should rest now,’ yawns Babulous.

Marla sighs, pushing the nape of her neck against the soft silk pillowcase. Her eyes were mesmerised by the waterfall of silver lunar light splashing the floor and drenching the walls. The hoot of an owl seeks only to allow her company in her solitary trance. She beams as the silence radiates through her. Her body tossed into a satin sea.

Babulous farts and snores. Marla gasps, grimaces, and closes her eyes.

Chapter seventeen.

The art of war.

‘Good morning darling,’ is the shrilling sound vibrating through Marla's brain. Her eyes blinded by the sharp blade of brilliant sunlight stabbing. Marla wraps herself in blackness, cosy cotton against her cheeks.

‘Ugh, what time is it, Aunty?’

‘It is eight thirty, darling. The sunlight is glaring, and the birds are singing.’ she announces in a sickly sweet, harmonious tone.

Marla grimaces, writhing under the blankets, hunting for an entrance path to the innards of the mattress. The sound of her aunt’s voice is excruciating.

‘Time to rise, darling, it's our training day. I presume you want to keep that charming head of yours.’

Marla’s eyelids snap open like a trap gate in a greyhound race.

‘What am I wearing, aunty?’

‘Silk pyjamas darling.’

‘Yes, I can see that aunty, I don’t understand how I got in them?’

‘A sprinkle of magic, darling. I requested James to incinerate those old rags you were wearing. You looked like a homeless person when you arrived.’

‘Aunty, they were my favourite clothes. I love those dungarees.’

‘I do not know why darling; you resembled a street urchin.’

‘What am I expected to wear now. I am not sure travelling home in silk pyjamas with hordes of evil creatures attempting to murder me will work?’

‘I am confident we can find suitable attire, darling. You are a lady, and we dress appropriately.’

‘Lady, my arse,’ she sneers, pulling the bedcovers back over her head and peering at Babulous.

‘Babulous, wake up,’ she asserts, fondling his fuzzy face.

‘Marla dearest, what a marvellous sight you are on this exquisite morning.’

‘It’s bloody nighttime!’ snaps Marla, yawning and rubbing her head.

‘Time to dress like a lady should dress. The Medizza ladies adore an exquisite gown.’

Marla glowers at her aunt, shuffling her feet toward an oak closet. She falls headfirst into an ocean of despair. Her eyes drowned in a wash of coloured satin and silk gowns.

‘There is no chance on god's great earth I am wearing one of those.’

‘They are pretty dresses, darling.’

‘I was hoping for something a little more punk?’

‘Punk darling, what is this?’

‘Punk aunty, the clothes I had on before you murdered them. Black t-shirts, dog collars, dungarees. This in front of me is visual vomit, no offence but no chance.’

‘I think a satin frilled dress will gratify you, Marla dearest,’ remarks Babulous.

She turns to him, offering an expression that could turn hellfire to ice.

She plucks out a dress using her thumb and forefinger. The look of disgust on her face is apparent for all to witness.

She trudges toward the bathroom, fluorescent yellow dress dragging behind.

“Okay Marla, is it time to be a lady, don’t you know, jolly hockey sticks and all that crap,’ she mutters to herself.

Pausing in front of the mirror, dropping her pyjamas to the floor, she squeezes her body into the dress.

She brushes her raven mop of hair and yanks her black boot over her foot.

‘At least one thing survived her killing spree,’ she grumbles, tying the lace of the boot.

‘I despise this dress; I am not wearing it!’ she shrieks.

‘I am sure you look wonderful.’

‘No aunty, I look hideous, a big fat shiny banana.’

‘Come, darling, it cannot be quite that dreadful. I am certain you look as pretty as a picture.’

Marla reluctantly opens the bathroom door and drags her pitiful looking self out of the bathroom. She fidgets and pulls at the material.

‘Oh Marla, you look divine.’

‘I do not. I look bloody awful, a giant pineapple!’ she fumes, fiddling with the waistline of the dress and plopping onto the bed.

Babulous moves in beside her.

‘The colour of the gown adds to your exquisite radiance Marla dearest.’

Marla turns to him, the expression in his full brown eyes true and adorable.

‘Nobody has ever said that to me, apart from my Mam. It has been my sisters; they are the radiant ones. I am ordinary.’

Babulous places his hand on hers ‘Many people may consider a snowflake ordinary; a raindrop even. There may be those who consider the sound of a bird in flight outright ordinary. If you look closer, you will find the extraordinary in everything. To me, you are as deep as the deepest ocean. Brighter than the brightest star, and as elegant as a single red rose in front of a sea of snow.’

Marla is dumbstruck, speechless. She only smiles.

‘Please follow me to the dining hall darling.’’

‘Breakfast will be followed by combat training.’

‘Did she just say combat training, Babulous?’

‘I think she did, Marla dearest.’

Marla fidgets and tugs on the dress as they enter the dining hall. Her senses are greeted by what she interprets paradise to be.

‘Your favourite darling?’

‘Bacon sandwiches, stacks of them. How did you know aunty?’

‘Darling, you have declared your love of bacon to me many times. I observed your failed try at conjuring a sandwich. A hog wasn’t it, with a loaf of bread on its head?’

‘What the heck is she bumbling, I have never met her. Nan is right, she is as mad as a hatter.’ Marla whispers in Babulous’s ear.

‘Yes, well, I will improve aunty.’

‘Darling with each spell you must always first express the words of the Medizza coven.’

‘Which are?’

‘The two words before any spell are Deci Abranti. You must speak these words first. I am astounded that you did not turn your little friend into a frog!’

Marla turns and glares at Babulous, his mouth stuffed with food.

‘Your spell casting will improve, darling. It is a shame we have little time to prepare you. Today’s lesson will show you the basics.’

‘Babulous!’

‘Huh?’ he mumbles, his face stuffed, resembling a hamster or a turkey on Christmas eve.

‘Malbius Creed, remember what happened to him!’

Babulous thinks back to the exchange last evening.

‘Wow, he sounds like a true warrior. How did Malbius die, aunty?’

‘Oh, that’s simple, darling. He choked on a slice of my homemade carrot cake.’

He carefully places his sandwich on the plate. Peering at Marla with his chocolate moon eyes.

‘Remember to chew your food, Babulous,’ she whispers.

He picks the bacon sandwich up and nibbles on it. Marla glances at him. As she does, a tidal wave of emotion hits her. The same tidal wave that hits her when she looks into her Mum’s eyes.

‘Aunty, what is for tea, more bacon sandwiches I hope?’

‘Tea darling, tea is a beverage, best served with a slice of lemon. Tea is not something you associate with dining; did you mean luncheon?’

‘No aunty, I meant tea, as in breakfast, dinner and tea!’

‘Marling darling, in this house we say breakfast, brunch, gin, lunch, gin, dinner, and wine. We ought to wash that ghastly Northern way from you.’

‘I am proud to be a Northerner, aunty, thank you very much. There will be no washing.’

‘You are feisty, darling. This is good. It will serve you well in combat training.’

‘Can’t you teach me magic spells instead, aunty?’

‘I cannot teach you magic spells darling, that power exists within you and you alone. You shall become more proficient. Assimilating your unique power and practice of the wand.

‘Have you thought of a name for your wand, darling?’

‘Yes, I have aunty.’

‘Jolly good, darling, and?’

‘Stick!’

Babulous chokes on his food, Marla pats his back.

‘That is a dreadful name for a wand, darling.’

‘It was a toss between Magenta, the sword of souls, Sereptus the serpentine or stick, I chose stick.’

‘I am confused darling, both previous names you have mentioned are much more pertinent.’

‘Stick is easy to say and just as easy to remember, aunty. God forbid I should be surrounded by snarling beasts, and I forget the name of my wand. I will stick with the name stick!’

Aunt Elspeth offers a disgruntled expression.

‘Well, I suppose if you prefer stick, then stick it must be, jolly good, eat up and meet me in the combat arena. It is the second door to the left of the drawing room.’

‘She is nuts. The only combat I will take part in is wrestling with the bedcovers later.’

‘You cannot go ahead with what Marla dearest?’

‘Fight her, my aunt. She is ancient and for want of a better word shrivelled and rickety.’

‘Marla dearest…’

‘I have a plan. I will go easy on her.’

‘Come on Babulous, time to get this facade over.’

Marla and Babulous leave the table. She grins as she swings wide the dining room doors and marches toward the second door on the left. The latch clicks, the doors open. Marla stares at Aunt Elspeth, disbelief plastered on her face.

‘Enter Marla darling, close the door behind you.’

Her Aunt is dressed in a short black robe and loose fitting black trousers, like the outfits worn by those practicing martial arts. She sniggers, positive this will be an easy lesson.

‘Okay Marla darling, I will teach you the basic elements of engagement.’ dictates her aunt thrusting her fists out in front of her and squatting. Marla roars, turning to Babulous. He stares, arms folded, muted to her laughter.

‘Okay Marla darling, let’s get it on, come at me bitch,’ expresses her aunt.

Marla is astounded by the provocative language falling from her aunt’s mouth.

‘Aunty, err.’

‘No more time for niceties. Let’s do this bitch.’

‘You want me to attack you, aunty?’

‘I do Marla, I promise to go easy on you.’

‘I can’t, aunty you are…’

‘I am what?’

‘You are ancient, no offence.’

‘Ancient shmacient Marla, I am still slick enough to kick your ass.’

‘This should be fun,’ whispers Marla.

‘Bring, it, Marla, attack me, or are you too frightened?’

The taunting from her aged aunt brings forth a red mist which clouds Marla’s vision. Similar to the time in school when she fought Millicent, the bully.

‘Okay aunty, if you are positive, don’t say I didn’t warn you.’

‘Bring it bitch.’

‘Bitch, I am going to make you my bitch aunty. Here I come,’ she screeches, leaping toward her aunt, fists clenched. Her aunt crouches and pushes her foot forward. Marla trips and crashes against the wall.

‘What the heck’ she grumbles, hoisting herself from the floor.

‘Poor Marla, did that hurt?’

Marla seethes as her internal rage thermometer reaches boiling point and explodes. Aunt Elspeth lifts her clenched fists. Marla sneers.

‘Not so ancient and shrivelled, am I, darling?’

‘I see, that’s how you want to play it, aunty.’

‘I was being gentle with you. This is all out war.!’

‘Jolly good, darling, let’s do this.

She lunges at her aunt, fixed to knock her off her feet, swinging her fists. Aunt Elspeth evades. She swings again, her aunt ducks. Marla throws her fists, jab, uppercut, each time her aunt is swift. Marla kicks her leg out; her aunt grabs her prosthetic limb, sending her crashing against a chair.

‘I am furious. This shit just got real, aunty,’ she fumes, lifting herself from the floor and lunging forward. She advances, jumping forward with her leg outstretched. Her aunt moves out of the way as Marla flies past and hits a floor lamp. Aunt Elspeth performs a roundhouse kick, knocking Marla off balance.

‘Ouch, aunty, that bloody hurt!’ she rages, rubbing her knees.

‘I am not bad for an ancient and shrivelled old woman?’

‘I am out of practice, aunty.’

‘I hope you learn never to underestimate your adversary, darling.’

Marla is forced to consume her previous opinion on her aunt’s fighting capability, as she may eat a bacon sandwich.

‘You caught me off guard, aunty!’ snorts a mortified and somewhat pitiful Marla.

‘Guard shmard Marla darling. Jolly good, today’s lesson will begin. It appears you need a great deal of practice.’

‘I don’t see why I cannot use magic.’

‘Marla darling, a witch needs to be adept in areas pertaining to the art of war.’

‘Why?’

‘There will be occasions you will not get the chance to reach for your wand of magic. You must adapt, become the ultimate fighting machine like me.’

‘I don’t want to be a fighting machine. I want to go home and see my Mam and my sisters. Perhaps catch up on television with a bacon sandwich.’

‘Come darling, time is of the essence.’

The rest of the morning sees Marla locked in battle with her aunty. By the end of the session, Marla resembles somebody who encountered a grizzly bear.

‘I am knackered, aunty. What time is dinner?’

Her aunt raises her eyebrows and glares at her.

‘Lunch, what time is lunch? I am knackered and starving?’

‘I think that will suffice for this morning, darling. Why don’t you and your friend explore the garden? I will arrange for lunch to be served on the lawn. I will just pour myself a cheeky Gin and Tonic, back in a jiffy, Marla darling.’

Marla crawls out of the combat room and up the stairs into the bedroom. Babulous is stretched out on the bed, looking incredibly pleased with himself.

‘How was the combat with you and the shrivelled old lady Marla dearest?’ Babulous chuckles.

Marla recognises the tone of sarcasm in his question. She glares in his direction.

‘You sarcasm is noticed Babulous. I am in no mood; I was taking it easy on her.’

‘Of course, you were Marla dearest. I expect you were holding back, so as not to harm her?’

‘Whatever Babulous, aunty said we are to meet her in the garden for dinner.’

‘You will learn Marla dearest; you have power beyond knowledge.’

‘Babulous, it doesn’t bloody seem that way. My prosthetic is loose. Look, see.’

Marla twists her prosthetic limb, pushing it back into place.

‘I am going to powder my nose. I will be right back. Do not get up to any mischief while I am gone.’

‘Powder your nose, Marla dearest. Is it painful?’

‘No, it's… oh it doesn’t matter.’

‘Trust in yourself Marla, let your strength flow through your veins, become who you are.’

Marla turns to him and beams. ‘I hope you are correct, Babulous. I need a wee and a box of plasters.’

Marla returns from the lavatory moments later.

‘Marla dearest, let’s explore,’ utters Babulous, jumping from the bed and farting.

‘Ah thank you, you held in your bodily functions for my return Babulous,’ scowls Marla, squeezing her nostrils.

They exit the house via the backdoor; the garden is prodigious, the green lawn lush and well maintained. Marla stares in admiration at the infinite rows of coloured flowers arrayed in columns.

‘Candy sprinkles on mint ice cream,’ she mutters.

She chuckles as a red butterfly lands on Babulous’s snout.

‘This is how I always imagined it,’ mutters Marla in wonderment.

‘Marla?’

‘Marlopia Babulous, this magical garden is how I always wished it to appear to me.’

‘Marlopia Marla dearest?’

‘It’s a place in my mind, in my dreams Babulous. A place where I am safe from fear and sadness.’

They drift across the rich emerald grass. Tasting each scent and greeting each colour. The sun is high, and the heat warming. They set themselves in the shade of an enormous Elm tree.

‘This ridiculous combat practice, the wand of magic, the book of spells, is it pointless, Babulous!’

‘Marla dearest, every action we undertake in our existence has a point. Sometimes the point may be obscured. We will often question the point of our actions, but we must persevere. To give up is failing, and you are not a failure, Marla Medizza. It will often take another person to point out the validity of the point. One day we can look back and declare the point was not pointless. Do you get my point?’

‘Of course not, why would I. It seems everybody is talking in riddles at the moment.’

‘Excellent dearest.’

‘May I ask you a question?’

‘Be my guest, Marla dearest.’

‘If you and Babantia were, oh it’s delicate.’

‘Marla dearest, please ask.’

‘What I mean is, were you planning to have children one day?’

Babulous looks at her.

She can see the years of pain resonating in his expression.

‘We had spoken about birthing children. Babantia always wanted twenty. I was happy to settle for ten, maybe twelve.’

‘Wow, that’s a wheelbarrow full of excruciating births Babulous.’

‘We Elveers hatch six, sometimes eight infants.’

‘Ah, okay, well that’s not so painful then, I presume,’ chuckles Marla.

Silence fills the space between them. Marla studies Babulous as a single teardrop falls from his eye to his furry cheek.

‘Babulous, please don’t be sad, I should not have asked, please accept my apologies.’

Babulous touches her hand.

‘Marla dearest, I am not sad. In fact, I am as happy as I have ever been.’

‘Happy, I don’t understand?’

‘Yes, happy that I met you, Marla. You have recovered a feeling buried deep within me for a long period. My love for humanity, and my love for you Marla dearest.’

‘But, the teardrop, I thought you were upset.’

‘Hay fever Marla dearest.’

‘Babulous, I love you so much, even though you fart and do not chew your food! ‘She chirps, holding him in a gentle embrace. That moment sat in the shade of a mighty Elm tree. Marla and Babulous became one, impenetrable, and a force to be recognised. They became the best of friends. It will take more than a demonic madman wielding an axe to decapitate their bond.