The Sorcerer's Tome

Chapter 12: Monsters and Mushrooms

It had been almost two days since the last fall of snow, but the winter cold had preserved the deep white layer and frozen the top, so there was a loud cracking sound every time a foot broke the undisturbed surface. It made for tough going for the remaining companions as they continued on their way to the secret tunnels' entrance, and it was impossible to remain discreet.

For the second day in a row, the bright sun had forced the tall vampire to retreat inside his protective cloak. Earlier, as he had helped Lyca into the Ferryman's boat, his sleeve caught on a rusty iron nail sticking out of the jetty, exposing a small area of his arm just above his leather gauntlet. Almost immediately, the bare white flesh turned red and began to blister under the sun's weak rays.

As they tramped noisily through the snow on the very edge of the woods, they were constantly aware of the immense mountain looming above the trees, almost entirely white with snow, except for the steep, sheer faces where nothing could cling. They were close now, and as Tom walked, in awe of the dominating view, he suddenly realised that it was Christmas Eve.

It was generally the custom in Tom's family to spend Christmas Eve together. In the morning they would go into the town and do the last-minute shopping. Mum, Dad and Alice would go off to the supermarket and get those final perishable food items, while the boys went off together to get the Christmas cards and presents, or wrapping paper they had forgotten. They would meet up at about twelve in a prearranged café for a hot chocolate and a turkey and stuffing roll, before fighting their way back through the throng of last-minute Christmas shoppers to the car and back home. Mum would then start the baking while Dad boiled a gammon joint in the big pan he used for making his homemade beer. The smells that came out of the kitchen were wonderful, surpassed only the next day when the Christmas dinner was cooking. Later they would have some of the gammon for tea and settle in front of the television till bed. Everyone went to bed early on Christmas Eve because they all knew they would be lucky if the peace lasted till four in the morning before Alice was up rousing the entire household with excitement.

Tom wondered what they were doing this year. Inevitably the usual happy outing and preparation for tomorrow would go by the wayside. Maybe they were out looking for him. Perhaps they were all sitting at home waiting for a phone call. Matt's text had told him the police had been called. He wondered if he had made the news. His sudden sadness became apparent to Maya.

"I'm sure they miss you very much," she said, taking his hand as they walked.

"How did you know?..." Tom began but then remembered Maya's unique gift and just smiled.

"I believe you will get home," Maya said, squeezing his hand, "though I cannot say when that will be or how it will come about, I am sure you will make it. But it will not be an easy journey. You may experience many difficulties and face many trials along the way. You must remember that things may not be as they appear. Remember the hollow tube and the wolves. Only by approaching each situation objectively will you truly understand what is going on."

"I thought you could only sense feelings," Tom said. "It sounds as though you know what's going to happen already."

"I can sense a lot of things," Maya said quietly. "Especially people I care for, even when we are apart."

"Can you sense your Mum?"

"Sometimes," Maya replied, "when she is very sad."

Tom understood how she was feeling and sympathised. He heard Val ahead counting away.

"... seventy-three...seventy-four...seventy-five."

"He's at it again," Tom whispered. Maya laughed. It cheered Tom to see her smile. Playing on Valcris's affliction and raising his voice to be overheard, he said, "I live at number forty-one and my friends live at ninety-three and ninety-five."