Mythlands: THE HEIST

Spake the Raven

SC and his feathered companion peered out from the treeline.

'Thank you my friend. We have reached our destination by combining our powers. Will you stay or seek your own lost world?'

The coal black bird turned its head and answered sadly. 'Nevermore.'

The black and white cat nodded. 'I feel for your loss, but am glad you're here with me. Returning to the Mythlands on my own would stretch my ability to breaking point and that must not be. Soon I will need all my strength for one last chance. The Hare must see enlightenment.'

'I am with you as long as you need me,' spake the Raven.

SC raised a paw. 'It looks like they're making camp. According to everything I've read the portal they will seek is nearby - as we journeyed from Narnia, this spot we all have been drawn to will be the right one. There is an ... affinity.'

He looked around and shuddered. The trees went on for as far as he could see and in between the two tree lines separated by hundred yards or so, there was cut grass and at intervals, small ponds - he could make out maybe two dozen but knew if he were to walk in any direction, left or right, he would pass an infinite number of them. A traveller here could walk until time itself ended and still be passing the ponds, each of which was a portal to another world and time. Actually that was a misnomer, as time did not exist in this timeless place.

That reminded him.'Raven, the moment has arrived. Signal my friend George.'

'I should use the coded word?' spake the Raven.

'You should,' agreed SC.

The Raven took to wing and flew above the group, squawking 'Lenore! Lenore! Nevermore! Cah cawwww.'

Moriarty, along with the rest looked upwards. Pointing his cane, he called out to The Glass Cat, who was the only one of their number that hadn't turned at the sound and was still staring at George with a strange expression on his face. 'Bungle, did you see that? Curious, I had not expected to see life in this place and yet ... it was a raven I believe.'

The Cat turned finally. 'A trifling matter when we stand on the verge of destiny. Stand forth those who make up the so called Hare's Eleven, for onwards we go to events that will make yours the greatest names in history. But first, Ketterley, you will guide us to the place we seek and do not seek yourself to deny me, or you will never return home.'

Andrew Ketterley levered his thin wiry frame upwards and dusted off the knees of his chequered trousers. 'Very well, if I must.' he sighed.

'You must,' confirmed the Glass Cat.

'The pool you seek is about a dozen along.'

'You are sure?'

'Positive. Though I have not had the courage to explore further than these woods since my last visit, I left a marker. You cannot mistake it.'

The Cheshire Cat had rushed ahead and now called back. 'Masked by the spot eh Professor?' His head dipped and clenched between his teeth was a white opera mask.

Ketterley nodded. 'Yes, that's the one ... this pond will take you to where you want to go.'

Bungle smiled. 'Excellent. We must arrive during a certain window which will not take place for a while, so set up the tents and rest and sleep a while.'

George looked over in the direction that the raven had flown. 'Nevermore,' he muttered.

Griffin meanwhile approached the Glass Cat. 'Excuse me Sir?' he asked timidly. 'I still don't understand. Where are we going and how are we getting there?'

The Glass Cat raised a paw and pointed at the pool which had been marked by the white opera mask. 'Through there young Griffin lies a world once believed destroyed and now that world entire houses the legendary Vault of Myth!'

'What world?' questioned the Bulgy Bear, suddenly suspicious.

He was half expecting the answer but hearing the words made him sick to the pit of his stomach, none-the-less.

Bungle grinned and with his soft velvety voice, spoke the name. 'Charn, my dear Bulgy. Our ultimate destination is the original home of Jadis, the White Witch!'