‘The name’s Felix, ma’am,’ the squirrel said, bowing low at the sisters. ‘I’m a special agent of the First Realm’s royal palace guard.’
WHO YOU REALLY ARE
‘Royal palace guard?’ Taggie asked for what must have been the fifth time. They were back in the kitchen. Jemima had found the first-aid box for Taggie’s grazed knees. When she opened it, all they found was a dried-up tube of antiseptic ointment and three small plasters. Jemima shut it again with a sigh.
‘That’s right,’ Felix said, with pride in his voice.
‘But you’re a squirrel.’ It was as if Taggie’s mind had finally started to acknowledge all the strangeness of the last day.
The tip of Felix’s tail curled down, as if it was wilting. ‘For each day outside my birthday and while the snow falls on oak,’ he said with a sad voice. ‘I am from the First Realm.’
‘What’s that?’ Jemima asked.
Felix looked from Jemima to Taggie. ‘Has your father not spoken of this to you?’
‘No,’ Taggie said, narrowing her eyes.
‘Oh dear.’ Felix’s tail swished about in agitation. ‘I never thought I’d be the one having to explain this. You see, your father was born in the First Realm.’
‘What is the First Realm?’ Jemima asked again.
‘The world beyond this one; you might call it the land of Faerie.’
‘That sounds just like a story,’ Jemima protested.
‘A talking squirrel just told you that,’ Taggie said gruffly. ‘Think about it.’
Jem shot her a venomous look.
‘Stories drift across from the First Realm and secure themselves in your legends,’ Felix said; his shiny black eyes regarded Jemima kindly. ‘Those of us who have permission to cross through either bring such tales or have them told about us. Such crossings are rare in these days; this Outer Realm is not pleasant to our kind any more.’
‘Then why would Dad come here from this . . . er, First Realm you keep talking about?’ Taggie asked.
‘He was very young when he left his destiny and obligations behind on a quest to find a girl. Like most young men of his upbringing, he was a romantic.’
‘He must have come to find Mum,’ Jemima said delightedly. ‘How wonderful!’
Felix flexed his front paws. ‘Is your mother here?’ he asked hopefully.
‘Er, no. They separated five years ago. We’re just staying with Dad for the holidays,’ replied Jemima.
‘I can’t believe he never told us any of this,’ Taggie muttered. Now the shock and worry was fading, she was getting really quite cross with Dad.
‘The knowledge of your heritage is a burden for anyone so young,’ Felix said.
Jemima’s face had a rapturous expression. ‘Hang on. You said you’re in the royal palace guard?’
Felix’s paws moved fast, as if he was scrabbling at something. ‘Yes?’ he agreed cautiously.
‘Why are you here? Is it to protect Dad?’
‘Yes. Prince Dino was remarkably hard to find. No one ever dared guess he had crossed to this realm.’
‘A prince! Dad’s a prince,’ Jemima said with a cry. ‘And I’m his daughter. That means I’m royalty!’
Taggie rolled her eyes and groaned in dismay at her sister’s behaviour.
‘They’ll all have to bow and curtsy to me at school,’ Jemima went on. ‘And we’ll go to parties in London, like those ones in Mum’s Hello! magazine. Oh Taggie, we’ll be celebrities.’
Taggie hadn’t taken her eyes off Felix, whose fur was rising the way cats did when they were unsettled. ‘I don’t think it works like that, Jem,’ she said levelly. ‘Felix, there was a strange man called Mr Anatole here last night. He had red skin and he was hard to see. He and Dad were talking. Who is he?’
Felix’s teeth chittered together as if he was chewing an invisible nut. ‘Mr Anatole was the equerry, or adviser, to your late, esteemed grandmother. Like me, he only found out where your father was living a few days ago.’
‘He wanted Dad to go back, didn’t he? Back to your First Realm.’
‘Yes,’ Felix said. ‘Mr Anatole is a Shadarain. Although not a fully schooled mage, he is—’
‘A mage? That’s like wizard, isn’t it?’ asked Taggie.
‘Similar, yes. Mr Anatole is schooled in magic,’ said Felix hesitantly. And a renowned shadecaster, which helps him move around unseen. All the better to gather knowledge, and advise your grandmother’s court.’
‘Grandmother?’ Jemima squeaked. ‘We have a grandma?’
‘I’m afraid not,’ Felix said sadly. ‘She passed away several years ago. Which is why the First Realm needs your father.’ His voice dropped. And now you.’
‘Us?’ Taggie said in surprise. ‘That can’t be right? Who were those four-legged . . . things red armour, and that terrible man-creature in a cloak? Why did they kidnap Dad?’
Felix clasped his front paws together. ‘The four-legged knights are called the Rannalal, who are loyal only to the largest, shiniest coin. The other person was a Karrak Lord, Lord Golzoth, in fact – a member of the most fierce and powerful force of darkness and ruin in all the realms. They came to capture your father because everyone thinks he is the sole heir to the shell throne of the First Realm. You see, your grandmother was the Queen of Dreams . . .’ Felix’s voice softened. ‘She comforted all of us who dwell in the First Realm. Every night she showed us kindness and wisdom and such dazzling compassion. We thanked her even as we dreaded the day when she would finally pass away, for we knew few are capable of such selfless spirit. It was her generosity and pure heart which held us together as a happy people and made each day worth living. She ruled the sky for us and loved us as much as we loved her.’
‘And she lived in a palace,’ Taggie whispered. ‘With a silver and blue throne room which has a roof of crystal.’
Felix’s tail fluffed up. ‘Yes. How did you know?’
Jemima was giving her sister a very strange look. ‘Yes, Taggie. How did you know that?’
Taggie ignored her. ‘But she died, you say?’ she asked the white squirrel.
‘Indeed, Princess. Now she is gone, the Karrak Lord, Jothran, who calls himself the King of Night, has risen and seeks to steal her throne. Life in the First Realm has become haunted and dark since he and his Karrak brethren appeared. Their fear spreads across the land like poison. It was his corrupted seers who sent spies out to this realm to find your father. I followed them, as did Mr Anatole. Alas, I am not strong enough to fight off a whole squad of Rannalal knights, let alone Lord Golzoth.’
Taggie did her best to ignore Felix calling her ‘Princess’ – though it was kind of pleasing. ‘So Lord Golzoth is the Karrak Lord who took Dad?’
‘Yes, ma’am. Lord Golzoth is second only to the King of Night when it comes to evil and treachery. He is Jothran’s brother and chief enforcer.’
‘What does he want with Dad?’ Taggie asked. ‘Dad said he didn’t want to go back – I heard him tell Mr Anatole that.’
Felix’s white tail swept from side to side. ‘It is your father’s blood which is so valuable to the King of Night. The Karrak Lords seek to end your family’s line and establish their own. The King of Night didn’t know that the two of you existed. But now I fear he will, and you are in grave danger.’
‘Do you mean they’re going to kill Dad?’ Taggie yelled.
Jemima’s hands had clamped over her mouth. ‘Daddy,’ she whimpered.
‘I’m sorry,’ Felix said, and lowered his head, paws covering his pointy ears. ‘But I will protect you, my life is sworn to that task.’
Taggie leaned forward in her chair and put her face inches from Felix’s little nose – just to make sure he fully understood. ‘I’m glad you’ve dedicated yourself to protecting me. I expect I’ll need all the help I can get to rescue Dad from the Karrak Lords.’
‘But ma’am . . . the danger . . .’ Felix spluttered.
‘If I am a royal of the First Realm, that makes you my
subject, so you have to do as I order you, right?’
Felix’s teeth chittered again. ‘That’s not how . . . Your grandmother would never boss people around in such a fashion. It is not how royalty behaves.’
‘OK. Then you stay here with Jem. Make sure she’s safe.’
‘I’m not staying here,’ Jemima exclaimed heatedly.
‘Yes, you are.’
Jemima was perfectly still for a moment as she put on her most belligerent expression. Then very slowly she took her mobile out of her jeans pocket and held it up. ‘Want to let Mum decide?’ she challenged.
‘Ha! You wouldn’t . . .’
Jemima flicked the menu round to the speed-dial list. ‘The last thing Dad said was to get her.’
‘Oh, for goodness sake!’ Taggie snapped. ‘All right, you can come too. But you have to do as I tell you.’
A triumphant Jemima switched her mobile back off again.
‘No, no, no!’ said Felix; his tail bashed the floor several times in agitation. ‘Please, I beg you both to reconsider.’
The sisters looked at him. ‘Not a chance,’ they chorused.
HEIRLOOMS AND THE ROUNDADOWN
It was dark by the time Taggie, Jemima and Felix left Orchard Cottage. There had been a surprising amount of preparation. Felix told them how the First Realm was now cold and dark: ‘The King of Night has ruined the sky. Now the cold rain has become snow, and where once sunbeams danced all day there is only a grim flicker of light.’
Taggie dressed herself in black jeans and a long-sleeve top underneath her purple and orange sweater. She shoved her feet into ankle-length boots, and carried a quilted orange coat. Once she was ready, she started filling her coat pockets with anything useful she could find: the wind-up torch of course, and a penknife that Dad had given her years ago – one with lots of blades and things. That was when she heard a sound coming from Dad’s room – a heavy knocking, as if someone was desperate to be let in. Then there was the sound of something crashing on to the floor. She and Jemima rushed out into the corridor to see the squirrel standing in front of her father’s room, a lantern dangling from his paw.
‘Wait, Princess,’ Felix said as Taggie turned the door handle. ‘This is what I’m trained for.’ He settled his glasses on his face, then carefully poked his head round the door. ‘There is no danger here,’ he said, and opened the door wide.
His definition of ‘no danger’ was clearly a little different to Taggie’s. The big old oak chest of drawers where Dad kept half of his clothes was rocking from side to side, as if attempting to dance. It subsided as Taggie and Jemima edged in. The third drawer shot open. There was a small ornate box inside. Taggie stepped forward and opened it. There were two things inside: some kind of bracelet, and a small suede pouch. Each had an envelope beside them, one addressed to Taggie, the other to Jemima.
Taggie opened hers, it read:
My darling Taggie,
If for any reason I have to go away, I want you to have this charm bracelet.
It has been in our family for generations, and can be used to bring the wearer luck, among other things.
Know that I always love you,
Daddy xxx
‘Oh,’ Taggie gulped. Her eyes had suddenly filled with tears. The bracelet was made from several engraved bands of brass and wood which had been twisted together. As she held it up for closer examination it somehow slipped down her hand and on to her wrist. Before her eyes it shrank to a perfect fit. There was no way she could slip it back off again.
‘What is it?’ she asked in wonder. The bands were all turning, making a soft sound, like well-oiled machinery, as if someone was turning a combination lock. They stopped moving abruptly. Taggie could finally focus on the engravings, small symbols of which she only recognized a few: those for water, stone, cloud, waves, sun, star, flower. Then there were simple shapes: triangle, square, cone, pentagon, the sign for infinity . . . It looked Egyptian to her.
‘Why, it’s one of the First Realm’s crown jewels,’ whispered Felix. ‘I didn’t know it was missing. Prince Dino must have taken it with him when he left.’
Jemima opened her envelope.
My darling Jemima,
If for any reason I have to go away, I want you to have the purse and everything it holds.
Spend it wisely, though when you are old enough a trip to Mrs Veroomes wouldn’t hurt.
I love you dearly,
Daddy xxx
The contents of the suede purse spilt out into Jemima’s palm. She blinked in delight at the pile of heavy gold coins glinting in the light of the lantern, as bright as they day they’d been minted. Her forefinger poked through them, and she frowned slightly at the four worn dice lurking there. They were so dark and old she could barely make out the symbols. She ignored them, and admired the coins again.
‘Oh wow,’ she gasped. ‘Is this worth much?’
Felix’s little wet nose twitched. ‘In the First Realm that many gold coins would buy you food, clothes, drink and a duke’s lodging for five years. And you’d still have some left over for parties every night.’
‘Way to go, Dad,’ Jemima murmured. ‘But I’m going to give it all back when we rescue you.’ She tipped the coins and dice back into the purse.
‘I think we’re as ready as we’re ever going to be,’ Taggie said. Now they were about to set off she was suddenly apprehensive. Best not think about it then, she told herself.
Jemima had also selected warm clothes and a navy blue waterproof coat, topping off with her red, white and blue-striped bobble hat, which she pulled down tight over her frizzy hair when they got to the kitchen door. Felix opened it, and peered out into the night. The garden was very dark. Clouds covered the stars. Jemima turned to frown at Felix. ‘How can you see anything in those glasses at night?’ she asked.
His whiskers quivered. ‘These are magic spy glasses,’ he explained. ‘I always wear them in this Realm.’
‘Really? Do they shoot laser beams, or something?’ Jemima asked.
‘No,’ Felix said wearily. ‘I bought them from an anamage in the Second Realm.’
‘The Second Realm?’ Taggie asked in surprise. ‘Just how many Realms are there?’
‘Twelve main ones,’ Felix said. ‘Though there is not much travel to the Eleventh and Twelfth.’
‘Twelve!’ Jemima squeaked.
‘Yes. All with their own peoples and cultures. The Second Realm is the home of the anamages—’
‘Are anamages wizards, like Mr Anatole?’ interrupted Taggie.
‘Not quite,’ said Felix with a sigh. ‘And I did explain that Mr Anatole is a mage, not a wizard. The magic of the anamages is different, it uses contraptions and devices to work. These glasses let me see magic. People from the other realms have a glow around them – and spells and charms shine like fireflies. It’s extremely useful.’
Taggie switched on her torch as they crossed the lawn, heading for the kissing gate. Jemima’s beam waved about next to hers.
‘What exactly is at the bottom of the well?’ Taggie asked in a whisper.
‘It is called a roundadown,’ Felix said.
‘What’s one of them, then?’ Jemima asked in a loud voice.
‘A roundadown is a path which leads down. Obviously,’ said Felix.
‘To what?’
‘This one leads to Arasath, one of the Great Gateways between the Realms.’
‘The gateways have names?’ Taggie asked as they went through the kissing gate.
‘The Great Gateways carry the name of the mages of the Universal Fellowship who created them. They are magical, which is why they know if you have been granted the right to cross over into the Outer Realm.’
‘Do we have that right?’ Taggie asked worriedly.
‘It is your family, among others, which grants people the right to travel to the First Realm. Arasath will open for you. In fact, it is said that Arasath—’ He stopped suddenly, and peered forward. ‘Oh no.’
??
?What?’ Jemima asked.
Felix’s paw closed round Jemima’s hand, forcing her to shine the torch beam through the orchard trees. It found the figure of a garden gnome wearing a long pointed hat, a blue waistcoat and orange trousers.
Taggie might have thought it cute if she hadn’t seen the mean expression on his face, which was made worse by a wide open mouth revealing nasty sharp fangs.
‘Eeuw,’ Jemima grunted. ‘I thought garden gnomes were supposed to be nice!’
‘I didn’t even know Dad had gnomes,’ Taggie muttered. She certainly didn’t remember seeing it in the orchard before; and Jem was right, this one was quite peculiar. Its arms were raised as if in anger.
‘I see another out there!’ Felix called out, his paw pointing.
Taggie swung her torch beam round. It swept across another gnome, this one in a green coat. And it looked as if it was moving towards them. ‘Huh?’ Taggie gulped. A gnome, moving? She brought the torch beam back carefully to where the gnome had been. It was now locked in a running posture, but closer to them.
‘That was odd,’ Taggie grunted. ‘I could’ve sworn I saw it—’
A hot pain jabbed up her leg and she screamed. She brought the torch beam down and stared in horror. Right behind her was another gnome in a red jacket and green trousers, one arm extended, holding a small dagger which had stabbed through her jeans and into her calf. Blood was seeping out through the denim.
THE GREAT GATEWAY
Taggie kicked her leg forward, away from the blade, and the gnome fell over on its face, still fixed in its stabbing position.
‘Keep the light on it,’ Felix yelled as Taggie tried to look at her wound. ‘They can’t move in bright light.’
Jemima hurriedly waved her torch back to where she’d been shining it on the first gnome. Now it was several metres closer, frozen in a running crouch with a malicious snarl on its face.
‘Hold the beam steady,’ Felix warned her.