Chapter 11 The Angel of the North

It was almost a year since the trip to Chester Zoo. Everybody had discoveredsince then had settled down in their homes. Gaby & companions had entered and won many bike races. The dance group had many booking that kept Anna & Victoria busy. Gaby had also discovered as Queen of Northmbria she had many important people to see. Ambasadours from other countries & States had been sending their representatives as they recognised Northumbria as an independant state. Gaby was thinking of her forth coming coronation at the Great Minster of York. Some of those discovered had moved into houses in the town. Nobody though was very far away. Gaby had purchased several very large houses in the Raikes area of the town. Gaby was in the office talking to Galadriel & Gaby Senior. Justine came in with several little ones. One broke away and immediately ran and sat on Gaby's lap.

Justine. "Little Lily she has been asking to see you as, she wants you to take them on a trip."

Gaby. “Little Lily where do you want to go?”

Little Lily. "The lady comes into my head at night she told me I had to take you to see her.” Little Lily produced a picture of the Angel of the North. “She needs help Gaby. Please can we go and see her.”

Rose came up to Gaby. “I wanted to go and see Harry Potter's school.”

Some of the older girls. "We wanted to go shopping with you.”

Maddy. "Gaby you could please everybody if we went to Metro centre. Nearby is the Angel of the north and within an hours ride is Harry Potters School.”

Ally. "If we could stop for a night or two it would be far better. As it would be a long journey for these little ones in one day.”

Gaby. "In that case I will have a word with everybody and see who is interested in going on a trip to Northumberland & Durham.” After talking it over everybody decided that they wanted to go on the trip. “We are going to need at least 6 or 7 coaches to take all those who wish to go.”

Jenny Bond. " Well Gaby you did purchase Castle coaches which has now been renamed Empress coaches. In addition you have access to the team coaches.”

Maddy looked at the computer . “Gaby we have 8 coaches available for the next 4 days.”

Jools. "Gaby the Percy arms can accommodate all of us if that is any good.

That evening the schools had broken up for the summer break. The younger ones had been attending the brand new St Stephens Schoo in nearby Keighley. The older ones had to take a coach to go to Holy Family Language College. Once back home from school they all started packing for their trip.

Little Lily and all the younger ones where getting very excited about their trip. "Gaby can I sit with you.".

The following morning the coaches arrived at 7.00 it was a strange sight as all 8 coaches lined up down the High Street. The coaches all had numbers on. Most of the younger ones got on coach one with Gaby, Maddy, Jool's &Tinkerbell. Coach 2 was the nursery coach. The others all basically got on coaches in their own groups. The coaches all had aircraft seats with televisions built into the seats. There was also a small bar and a toilet. The coaches all had radios so the drivers could talk to each other.

They set off from Skipton driving over Blubberhouse moor. They then had to drive through part of Harrogate before thet reached the A1 Motorway. It was about an hour later that they where finally driving up the A1.

Maddy. "Can we stop and pull in soon these little ones are good. They are though starting to get itchy feet."

Den the driver. "We can stop in Durham if that is ok. I will contact the other coaches to let them know what we are doing.”

Den. "It is ok with all the others. Justine would like to visit the Shrine of Cuthbert while we are here. The girls waited on the coach for everybody to arrive then they all went to visit the Cathedral and Cuthbert's Shrine. A priest was kissing the gravestone. The girls joined in singing in the choir before looking for somewhere to have a drink. The priest who had kissed the stone came and asked if he could help.

Gaby. “We where wondering where to go for some refreshment but there are rather a lot of us.”

The priest. "Come with me I know where can accommodate you all for your Refreshments.” Next door to the Cathedral was the Refractory. “We can accommodate 500 at a time and as it is just opening everybody will get seats.”

After all having our refreshments the girls boarded the coaches again. It did not seam long after. Little Lily shouted "THE LADY."

Our coach drivers came off the motorway and pulled up at the carpark by the Statue. We all disembarked. Little Lily "Gaby the Lady said Welcome to you." Maddy & Ally where looking at the statue.

Maddy. “She could do with a good clean.”

Darcie. "Her wings are wrong she looks more like a Bomber that has dived into the ground.” Little Lily and some of the other children ran to the statue and started to rub it. “We could soon give her a face-lift.”

Galadria. "Gaby you know she would make a good receiver & transmitter for the Witch finder." While the other set about cleaning the statue.

Gaby & Maddy went to the last coach. “Maddy it's a good job I never go anywhere with out this stuff.” They soon found the entrance to the statue and made their way to the head. When they got there they where in for a shock. The Statue already had a witch finder installed. Most of the cabling had decayed with time. Gaby soon replaced this. Gaby also noticed what was a microphone. She spoke into it there was no sound. Maddy replaced the cable.

Meanwhile Little Lily Said. "Gaby is now speaking in my head and not the lady." Justine decided to go and see if there was a problem. She took Little Lily with her who wanted to find Gaby.

When they got to the top Gaby explained what they found and what they had done. Little Lily explained Gaby had spoke in her head. Gaby closed the door and spoke into the Microphone. This time everybody heard Gaby. Gaby also noticed what appeared to be a phone line linked to the system this she had reconnected after rewiring it. When they got down the statue now looked as if it was made of silver. As they watched the wings changed shape and instead of looking like Aircraft wings they assumed the traditional Angel shape.

A voice spoke to them all welcome my chidden. As the voice spoke the angel Golden glow got brighter until the whole statue was glowing.

Maddy whispered to Gaby "Somebody else has built a witch detector long before you. Do think it is safe or should we disconnect it.”

The statue spoke again. “Thank you Gaby for repairing my device and cleaning Fey. She should do her work much better now.”

After this they went to the Metro centre and split up into groups. In the centre beside the cinema complex there is a fun fair. Most of them enjoyed the fun fair. Some of the group went shopping.

Maddy spoke to Gaby "Tomorrow when we go to the Castle can we all go as."

Before she could finish Gaby cut in "Angels. Let's get what we will need".

Little Lily. The Lady is backin my head and she wants to speak to you Gaby."

Then Little Lily voice changed. Tomorrow I will meet the host in person For now I will ask over Oberon, Neptune, Woden & my Grandson Naughty son.”

Maddy "Oh My."

Gaby. “ Lady if you are who I think you are then you must be Frea once Queen of the Heavens. If you are then your three grand sons are fine. Your naughty grandson son had to be disciplined by me and is now a little changed otherwise is fine. Gaby Bond as you get nearer I can sense all of you. It is easier for me to speak through Little lily. Give my grand daughter my greetings. I know she is your daughter also. I look forward to her forthcoming wedding.”

That night they held a party in the ballroom of the Percy Arms Hotel. The following morning Everybody had dressed as angels. They all walked across the road to the Ancestral home of the Percy Dukes of Northumberland. Gaby was going to present her corporate pass at the Gatehouse. When the lady on duty spoke " Yesterday I was given instructions that if I ever saw either witches or angels I was to admit them without charge. My Great, great grandmother bids you all welcome.”

Gaby noticed her hand." Have you hurt your hand."

The girl. "No, but it covers up this as she showed Gaby the Mark.”

"Just like Mine " Said Gaby.

“Granny said only her children carried the mark. Yours is slightly different. Yours has a bigger Crown like Grannys while mine has a smaller Crown.” Gaby looked again and saw she was right. Gaby brought out her detector. “Are they 18 of you?”

The girl. "18 and Great Great Granny she came here recently.”

Maddy looked at the finder "Wow all yellows and a very weak signal."

The girl "Granny has something similar which she uses to find us around here." The girl put up a notice sorry close today. “Can you follow me please.”

Little Lily. " Gaby this is where Rose wanted to come She wanted to go to Harry potters school."

Maddy. "Yes this is where it was filmed.”

Rose. "Somebody is in my head."

Gaby also felt the probing before they got to the Great Hall She managed to put up blocks to prevent the probing. Gaby warned the others as they past a picture of Henry Percy. Gaby also noticed several pictures that looked like her but in a past age.

Little Lily. “Look Gaby there are pictures of you as a Fairy Queen. Gaby also noticed the pictures of Oberon, Woden, Neptune & Satan. There was a picture that was obviously Aunt Jane & one of Darcie. There was also a picture of Gaby's Parents with Gandolf the White.

As they got nearer the great Hall two girls approached and one took Little Lily by the hand the other placed a golden cloak on Gaby as she curtsied.

“Welcome home.” they said.

Gaby. "This is my first time here."

As they went into the great hall they found themselves back in the great hall of Valhalla. Gaby took her seat as so did the others while stood behind was Neptune, Oberon & Woden. At Gaby's feet sat a girl.

“Gaby who is coming today? .

The door opened and in came a Girl dressed and almost identical to Gaby she was surrounded with 18 girls. Gaby got up and was going to curtsey.

"No child that throne is now yours now.” Maddy moves over as the girl sat at the side of Gaby and looked around. “I see there are several former Queens in here. My Daughters, Grand Daughters & You Gaby Bond. I see you have managed to teach and train the others which I failed to do. You also managed to rediscover the finder and get it working. The angel will now do its work and search the entice planet for any remaining of our kind.”

Little Lily Came up and sat on Gaby's lap as if it was just normal. She looked at Frea and spoke. "You look like my Gaby. You do not feel the same.” as she cuddled into Gaby. “Are you Gaby's sister or something.”

Woden gasped at what the child said. "Are you going to be a Fairy Queen like Gaby. I want my gold wand one day."

Frea spoke. “I remember when I was your age I wanted my first wand. You though already have a Silver one. However you always should have a spare one.” Frea pulled out a tiny wand and gave it to Little Lily. “This will help if any friends are ill it will make them better.” She handed similar wands out to all the other young girls.

Then she spoke to Gaby. "You are improperly dressed." Neptune spoke "Mother the Orb went missing and has not yet been recovered. Gaby has found all the other regalia.”

Frea. "It is just as well that we brought this with us.” as she clapped her hands. “Sophia you place it in Gaby's hand”

Sophia came and took the orb from the cushion and placed it in Gaby's hand. Frea t. "Sophia you are a far better as a girl & I would like to come to your wedding.”

Sophia . “I will have to ask mother, but I think it will be ok.”

Frea. “As you will have gathered you will now have a portal to my home from yours there are still several to be opened. Gaby you will find them all eventually. In the mean time can you do something with these 18?”

Neptune. "Grand Mother is it so long that you have forgotten.”

Frea "Sorry it is so long I forgot.”

Woden, Neptune & Oberon stepped down and stood in front of Gaby and bowed. Empress of the Heavens may we present our Grand Mother the Empress Frea.

Frea. “From one Empress to another I wish to present my 4 twin granddaughters. Their mothers are still missing. This is Lavinia, Louse. & Josephine, Joanne. Jool's came across with three others and led then to some seats. The next eight are my great granddaughters, Aster, Lily, & Rose, Violet & Faith, Hope , Charity, Amanda. The last six are my Great, Great Grand daughters. Ally, Maddy, Charlotte, Jane & Justine last but not least was the girl Gaby spoke to first this are your namesake Gaby Bond.

Gaby took her hand and said "Come sit by me and we will talk.”

One of the girls said!" We are going to have to say something like Jean 1, 2 or 3 to differentiate who we mean.”

Jool's “Well Gaby is easy we just refer to her as Drew like we used to do. Or call her Empress Gaby." Most of the girls started to laugh.

Frea spoke, "Empress please will you accompany me back to Alnwick Castle.

Back in the Great Hall of Alnwick a feast had been laid out for them. Markers had been placed for those with the same names. And they found themselves side by side. Frea Said to Gaby "I still have 4 Daughters and my son Loki missing.

Gaby, " Loki as the God of Mischief and Mayhem in Norse Mythology."

Woden. "He vanished after he shot me in the eye and I fired a thunderbolt at him. I still miss his practical jokes. He was a lot like you Gaby."

“My Daughters Diana & Hera are also still missing.”

Gaby. “That would not be Diana who is friends with Herne the Hunter.

Neptune. “Gaby Quiet.” But the warning it was too late."

"So you have meet my eldest Grand Daughter where is she Empress."

Gaby. "Not long ago she was hunting in the Great Park and woods with another Hunter."

“I forbid her and Herne to meet that is what drove her away from me."

Gaby nodded as Maddy came and stood by Gaby. "Empress Frea they gave us these items each and said if we needed to contact them we had to blow the Horn.” With that both Gaby and Maddy picked up the horns and blew them. A few seconds later the doors of the great Hall flew open and there stood Diana & Herne.

Gaby. “Welcome friends.” Diana did not at first see her Grand mother but she saw her brothers & Sophia. “My sister I would gladly be a bridesmaid for you. I heard from various sources you decided to settle down."

Another voice spoke "Diana do you not think it now is time that you and Herne got married. You disobeyed me and ran off with him."

"Grand Mother can we."

Frea “The final say is no longer mine to give."

Herne knelt before Gaby. "Empress my friend I have enjoyed hunting in your realms. I must settle down and find myself a spouse for Eternity. If it pleases you then Diana of the hunt would make me a fine wife and mother.”

Before Gaby replied Little Lily was again on her lap and was whispering to Gaby. “Gaby I and the other little ones want to be bridesmaids for them.”

Gaby turned to the assembled group. “Should I give them permission to marry. If I do not they will probably run off again & hide again.” With one exception everybody gave the thumbs up.

Frea."You all have spoken and the decision has been made. After all this time and they are still together so I will give them my blessing. I ask they defer the wedding until we find some of the other missing ones.”

Woden "Herne I will give Diana away.”

Oberon. "Herne if you need a best man I am available.”

Gaby. "To give us time to find the others we will set the date for 31st October 2009. We must though search for the missing family.”

Diana. "I know what happened to Loki. She lives with Cupid her cousin.

It is not Loki who is planning the attack Gaby although the person concerned looks almost Loki.”

Herne. "Yes that is true as I meet them some time ago and was given this it is a Flute. I have never used it.”

Gaby put the flute to her lips and played a tune. Then gave the Flute back to Herne. “No my friend keep it." Through the fireplace appeared Cupid & Loki. Loki was fearful when she saw Woden.

“Odin my brother you look fine I apologise for my prank that separated us.” She turned to the top table & Gaby. “Grand Mother. Oh you are not grand mother. Yet you wear her crown."

"Loki what has happened to you?" Asked Frea who sat near by.

"Mother my prank backfired and I was injured. Cupid nursed me back to health. I started to change and now I want to get married to him.”

Gaby. "Loki. I am told we are similar in nature come sit with me and eat. Cupid tonight please lay down your arrows my sisters will look after you.” Jool's came and took Cupid to the table.

Loki. “The prank backfired and I was badly injured and cupid nursed me back to health. As I got better I started to change until you see I am as I am now. I came to love Cupid. He never used his arrows on me. I was scared to return because of Odin's wrath and what Grand mother would say when she found me like this.”

Gaby. “Loki I went through similar to you. At first I reacted badly and ran away. My sister Jool's found me and nursed me back to health just like Cupid did with you. My Girlfriend initially ditched me. Then we got back together. Now I have several companions in fact currently I have over 1000 companions as the Emperor of Japan decided to marry all his daughters off to me."

Loki looked at her. "That cannot be you look too much like mother and she is very feminine. "

Maddy & Ally came up. "We are no1 and 2 companions to Gaby Bond. We also saw the change so we can confirm Gaby was once male."

Loki. “Then if you are the Empress of the Heavens and the title no longer resides with Grand Mother. Can Cupid and I have permission to ask mother for her permission to get married?”

Gaby gave the thumbs up. Cupid and looked at Odin as he bent down and spoke “Aunt Frea I am very nervous as I speak because of previous happenings. However if it pleases you could I make Loki my wife?

Frea. “It looks as if we will have a double wedding on the 31st. What of your mother Venus.”

Cupid looked at Odin. “Odin as you are giving Diana away would it be ok if I asked your brother Neptune to do the honour for Loki. Oberon would you be my best man.”

Odin. "Cupid have you forgot the other problem."

"No but if I have the blessing here then on Olympus it will be easy."

Gaby. “What is the problem Cupid.”

Frea. "Empress many years ago there was a family row about the succession and the Heavens where divided. Some stayed in our Northern capitol while others stayed in our Southern. Which is known as Olympus. The majority stayed in the north. This situation was further exasperated when I refused permission for some of my children to get married to their cousins from the South.”

Maddy whispered something to Little Lily who then ran off and returned with Gaby's Laptop. Gaby typed in her computer Norse Mythology and it brought up a list of the gods with Woden or Odin listed as the chief or Head God. Gaby then typed Roman-Greek Mythology. She then reverted to the Norse. “Let us see just who is missing.”

Odin. “Please come here explain this lists you as head of the northen gods and there is no explanation as to why you are subservient to me.”

Frea "I placed Odin in charge of the Northen gogs after Loki's prank he was no longer fit. I myself became unfit & never taught my remaining family their heritage. One of my daughters took charge and through her the crown descended to you.”

Gaby looked across the room Granny; mum can you come here. Hold out your hands please. Frea you as well in fact everybody in this room for I am coming to inspect them. Anybody who I tap on the Arm has to go into the centre. Mum you first as Gaby taped her. Frea, Gaby. Galadrial, Odin soon followed by another six.

“I take it that at some time you have all been in charge or where due to be in charge of Valhalla.”

Jenny. “Some of us never made it due to various circumstances. Basically you have all of us who should have inherited it.”

Gaby. “Odin this list I have compiled is this a comprehensive list or are some people missing?”

He looked down the list and then handed it to Frea.

Cupid looked at the list. "Well I know where all but two are."

Gaby then handed Odin a second list. “ Is this one correct?”

Diana looked at the lists. “Gaby you have already befriended my grandfather. You have also meet my brother Apollo and his Cousin."

“Frea you know where Apollo is Gaby?”

Diana."Grand Mother Apollo fled to grandfathers house. You know him he was a show off and he failed his practical. So grandfather banished him to earth. There he still made a mess and met an Irish Lady and her sister who took him in hand. Now instead of charging across the Heavens He charges across the road with a baby buggy. Likewise Cousin George. All of a sudden Gaby started to laugh by any chance are your brothers wife's hair red and by the names of Daisy & Buttercup.”

"YES on both accounts Gaby."

“Daisy where are your children asked Gaby and how are the family doing on their practical Magic. Daisy's & her twin sister appeared with their husbands.”

Daisy “Nanna I am sorry you did not get invited to the wedding. Grand father was there and he gave us away to our Husbands.”

Frea looked at one of the Leprechauns and said "Apollo" "Yes it's me, as you can see I am slightly different from when you last saw me."

“ You I suppose are his cousin George." “I understand Grand father was present. "

"Yes he turned up by accident on the day I propose to Daisy in Nepal."

“He then summoned the remainder of the family to watch and told me he hoped I made a good Leprechaun as I had failed at everything I had tried.”

Daisy brought 4 red haired babies.”Frea these are your great grandchildren while the other 4 are. "

Frea. "Yes I get the picture Daisy.”

Gaby. “Oberon you also have some explaining to both your Grand Mother and I. "

“I tried to keep out of the conflict and both sides used to come to my home to relax.”

Gaby. “Then Gandolf the white is your grandfather & he is also known as Zeus or Jupiter.”

Frea. “That's him. Otherwise known as the old Goat. He also likes a practical joke.”

Gaby. "It was Zeus who crowned me Queen of the Heavens.”

Frea. "If father crowned you then we must take it that he wishes to lay down arms for he and Olympus are subject to your rule. Can you remember the exact wording.”

Little Lilly started the words she was soon followed by all the adults with the exception of Gaby and Frea? As they spoke a great light emitted from the centre of the Room

Gaby. "Ah I see you have brought some friends with you.”

"What is this tom foolery you summons us all here so we where obliged to come. "

"My dear friend do not get upset I asked you here to arrange a couple of weddings for me.”

Zeus. "Nothing could be easier.”

“We are to have a double wedding. First the parents must be consulted. Venus your son Cupid has asked for the hand of Loki.”

Zeus spluttered.

Venus. "I have expected this for a long time & they have my blessing, Mars your son Herne has asked for the hand of Diana This I also will allow.”

Zeus. “As her grandfather I would agree as I did last time they asked.” Mars gave the thumbs up

Gaby went to have a word with Zeus. "Why did you crown me when that meant you giving up your overall responsibility.”

Zeus. "My friend and Empress you alone could settle the family row. This you have done and other than five we are all here now.”

Gaby. “Five Hera, Frea daughter, Juno, Vesta, Cleo, & Tue.”

Ally came up to Gaby. “We have five green dots close to the temples of the sun and Vesta near to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.”

Gaby. "I alone will go, but if I need help I will summons it. In the meantime Prepare Sharphaw, Roughaw & Pinhaw for the Weddings."

Gaby found herself in Cairo and made her way to the Valley of the Kings there she located the Temple of Vesta. Inside she found 5 females praying.

"Its no good there is no answer. We must continue to pray and ask the Mother Goddess for help for her alone. Mother goddesses we ask you bring peace to the heavens. We ask you to restore our family to us. We ask you bring peace and prosperity to the Earth.”

The eldest one. “Let us take a drink from the pool of plenty then we will start again.” They had not noticed Gaby enter nor did they see her walk to the statue that reminded her of the Angel of the north. Gaby went inside and found it had controls similar to Gateshead.

The five had started praying. Gaby spoke into the Microphone. “Ladies your mothers did not teach you five your prayers correctly. Perhaps if you start with Queen of the Heavens and all flying things you will get a better response.”

All five spluttered. Hera. "Did we just have a mass illusion or did the statue speak to us."

Juno. " I not sure but let's start our prayers as we where originally taught and how we have been reminded."

Juno.” Do you think we can ask for Zeus to be replace so we can get back to something resembling normality.”

This time they started the prayers correctly. Children the statue replied. “ I hear your cries you are too late, Zeus is deposed, as is Odin. The Empress of the Heavens now rules all. Man & gods.”

Hera. "The statue is glowing and speaking she has never done that before.”

“Hera your mother misses you. Juno the old goat needs you to keep him warm at night. Vesta, Cleo & Teu your services are required elsewhere now. All five of you have a wedding to attend in the ancient capitol of the Dales. Hera you have something that must be returned not to your Mother from whom you took it. You shall return it to the Queen of Heaven she awaits you in her Ancient Castle.”

“Where is that asked Juno?”

Hera. "I know that for when I was younger my mother took me." They tried to zap themselves there but their magic was to week because they had not used it for such a long time. We will have to go via Cairo and get a flight. They looked in their purses found they had money for a single flight each to Manchester International airport. At the airport they got chatting to a girl. She said her name was Gaby and she was returning home after a business transaction. They found that they got on well with the girl the flight took 4 hours.

Gaby waved goodbye as they where leaving the aircraft. Then as an after thought said "Where did you say you where going."

Juno replied, "We have to get to the ancient Capitol of the Dales."

Gaby. "In that case you are welcome to travel with me as I am going there. I am been picked up in a people carrier that will take 7 people.

Maddy was there with the car. "I see you concluded the transaction ok.”

Gaby held her finger to her Lip. “Ladies we should be home soon it will take us about an hour.” Maddy noticed the five looking in their purses. “Is something the mater.” she asked as Gaby was fast asleep.

Hera. "To be honest we left in rather a hurry and came without much money. We managed to purchase our tickets for the flight. We have forgot to book a hotel for accommodation & we cannot even give you a tip until we get to a cash machine. "

“Tell you what I could ask at base if they would let you stay the night without reservations.”

Jool's was at the other side laughing away. “Do they look respectable.”

Maddy."They look like 5 well of Ladies. They seam in a trance or something & they need to get to a cash machine.”

Jool's. “Pull-up outside on in the High Street and let them out.”

Maddy informed the ladies she had booked them in at the Black Horse Hotel for the Night and she would drop them by a cash Machine.”

Juno Apologise again. “ I am sorry we had nothing to tip you with, but will you take this as a gift from us all.”

It was a small statue. Juno found her cash card She had £300. In her account and promptly withdrew it all. “At least we can get something to eat and pay for the accommodation.”

When Gaby awoke she asked where the others where. Maddy "I made sure they had some money and a goodnight sleep they are across the road at the Black Horse Hotel. Jool's was laughing look what Hera has registered herself as The Hon Hera Percy & Juno is The Lady Juno of Olympus The other three have just given these first names and then put of Valhalla. After breakfast The lades asked where the castle was as they wanted to see it. Jool's pointed across the road. “Go through the Churchyard it is the quickest way.”

Hera. "What time do we have to vacate our rooms and can we book for a further night.”

Jool's. “Sorry we are fully booked, as from today there is some sort of get-together at the castle and everywhere is fully booked. I can though look after your luggage while you carry out your transaction.”

There is The Hanover International 2 miles down the road towards Keighley if you are interested. Or there is the Travel Lodge also about 1 miles away towards Gargrave.”

Juno. "Please can you ring them for me and book us all in.” She handed a £5 note over. “Will that cover it?”

As soon as they had gone Jool's Telephoned to say. “The ladies where on there way and she would be following shortly.”

The ladies went first into the ancient Parish Church of Skipton Hera looked at the Clifford tombs and then at the Coat of arms upon theM. Clifford, Percy, Dacre, Russell, Tudor, Neville.

My families' coat of arm are upon that Tomb sighed Hera. Whilst in the Ancient Parish church of Holy Trinity they stopped to talk to a couple of Irish girls. One of the Irish girls asked. “Have you looked round the castle yet.”

Hera"We intended to go there next.”

They where still at the high altar when Juno. "Let's pray in here before we go any further. That £5 was the last of my money.”

Hera "I still have some."

Jool's got to the castle before them and asked, “Where had the ladies got to.”

The two Leprechauns. “They are in the church at the High Alter praying again.”

Gaby. “Tinkerbell can you get this microphone to the angel with out been spotted, and then watch their reactions.”

Gaby gave Tinkerbell a short while to get there and then spoke. “Hera finally you have come to visit me at long last. Juno the old Goat awaits you inside the castle.”

Zeus. “Gaby Old goat indeed.” He laughed. “She never liked my beard and often called me the old goat.”

Tue. "Did you hear that Hera this angel also spoke to us.”

Hera. "I heard and I can also feel the power here. We have to go next Door. My inner self is now telling me we have to go for we would not want to antagonise the new supreem god”.

Cleo. “That is strange I just thought of the girls who gave us a lift here. The Driver & Passenger they looked alike."

Hera. "Probably her sister or something.”

“Come to think of it we have been lucky getting a lift here and then you finding just the right amount of money in your account."

Tue. "There is a child now in my head who is saying come on you lot the wedding is waiting and if you are any longer it will start without you.”

Vesta. " I feel as if I was back in my temple on Olympus surrounded by females.”

Hera. “Right that settles it we have to get going.”

Tinkerbell flew back and related what they had said. The five made their way to the Castle they got to the Gatehouse. “That will be £10 Lady's”

“There goes the last of our cash.” The person on the gate took their money.

"We are closing early today, but you have plenty of time to look round.” Hera asked where is the entrance to the great hall. They where each given a map and sheet to walk round with.

Tue. " I am been told to hurry to the Great Hall". As she pulled the others along. The doorway to the Great hall was closed. Hera remembered there was another way follow me we will go that way. Going the other way. Took them through the Kitchens and past the Muniment Rooms.

Hera. “One more room and we are there.” They stepped into the next Room to find people getting into dresses.

A voice said, "Are you here for the weddings otherwise we will have to ask you to leave. You can shower in there but do not be long.”

The voice. "We will have your dresses ready for you as soon as you are dry.”

Each of the five was surrounded by several females who started some doing nails while other put the hair up & some did their faces. The ladies vanished like quick Silver.

Frea came up to them. “Come Hera.”

Zeus came and took Juno. “What about Vesta, Cleo & Tue.”

"Their mother will be along to claim them soon."

Soon the procession got to the great hall. They noticed that sat on the throne was the girl who had befriended them recently. Next to her on one side was the taxi driver, and on the other was the hotel Clerk. In front of them were 4 identical Leprechauns.

“We spoke to those creatures in the church.”

Hera looked at her mother and then at the girl on the throne they looked almost alike. Frea curtsied and instructed her daughter to. "Empress this is my daughter Hera who has recently returned to us."

Zeus came in with Juno on his arm Gaby arose and was about to curtsey to Juno when Zeus shook his head he bowed and Juno curtsied. As the last three where being shown through

Tue. "That voice is now saying cannot they hurry up I want to be a bridesmaid. Now the voice is saying I want a wee wee.”

Galadrial heard what she said. “Can somebody please get Little Lily to the toilet.” The remaining three where presented while Little Lily was at the Toilet.

Little Lily once again came running and sat on Gaby's lap. "I needed to go Wee Wee." Tue was just been presented and Lily looked at her. "Is that your mummy & have you come to play with me & my sisters?"

Tue " No this is my Cousin I know not if my mother lives or not. It is Obvious she lives on in spirit looking at Gaby & Frea.” As they where talking the Great door swung open again.

Somebody Shouted, “Odins Valkyries are here now.” In walked Peter & Michael

“Gaby we thought you might need a choir so the host awaits you all outside.

Zeus got up and was about to object when Gaby said, "What ever you're previous differences you will shake hands now.”

Juno pulled Zeus back down and whispered, "Remember you are also a guest here & you have to obey Gaby as all of us do.”

Michael. "The host sends greeting to the Empress & her Family.” As they where speaking Hera also approached and handed Gaby a casket.

“This is your now it belonged to mother." Little Lily opened the casket inside was a Blue diamond. Lily placed it in the centre of the crown. Which was upon Gaby's Head. As the Diamond was placed in the crown Gaby felt additional surging through her as Little Lily placed the stone in the crown.

Gaby. "That am strange I never noticed before that you also have identical markings Lily as me."

Then Gaby noticed Little Lily had run over to Peter and was holding his hand as she did so Little Lily started to change. She was a carbon copy of Frea and Gaby.

“Gaby I have had many names the Celts called me Helen the Mother goddess. Others worshiped me as Vesta. To Christians I was Mary the mother of the Christ. Peter is my husband and the father of Zeus who needs taking underhand.” She turned to Zeus. "Today is a cause for celebration. Tomorrow you will be summoned in front of your family to answer for your sins."

Gaby "If we three are the Trinity which I was taught was father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then it should be Mother, Daughter & Granddaughter or something similar. Before we go any further where is the real Little Lily.

Michael came and placed her in Gaby's arms. Gaby spoke to her. “Lily wake up you have a very important job to do now.” Lily awoke but was slightly disoriented.

Gaby. "Go find the wedding parties & tell them the Wedding will now take place under the stars in the wild wood upon the sacred hill of Sharphaw which along with her sisters will light the night sky. The heavenly host & Pans people provided the choir and music. Great bonfires where lit on all three hilltops the one on Sharphaw was still burning many days later.

Gaby, Helen & Hera stood in front of everybody holding hands. The first couple was Herne & Diana The second Cupid & Loki.

Gaby then said I would prefer it if you all settled down in this town. I realise that you all have other commitments. For far too long have we doing our own things rather than looking to do it as a group. As a result this policy diminished our power. So that some of you are unable to perform the slightest magic.”

Later that same evening Gaby had a discussion with Hera & Helen. Maddy was also there. Hera. “What are we to do with Zeus he needs teaching a lesson?”

Maddy. "Well he is ultimlatly responsible transformation & that of Dan's family. He is also your friend. Was he not the first to greet you as Empress. Remember what happened to Satan.”

Gaby explained what had happened To Hera & Helen.

Helen. "It would be a fitting punishment for Zeus. So perhaps we had better have a word with Juno first.

They summoned Juno. "Whatever his punishment we promised each other for eternity & although I call him the old Goat. Please do not make an animal. We have been apart for many years with me praying to end the family conflict. I spend one night with him and he fills me with life again.”

Gaby. "You are pregnant after only one night with him.”

Juno. "No female is safe as his daughters and nieces will confirm. Sometimes I wish that it were him giving birth to twins like I have had to do previously.”

A smirk came across Gaby's face then turns to face the others & says “We will begin the trial at dawn of Zeus. Cupid & Herne shall be the defence; Gaby senior & Sophia shall prosecute. There shall be 3 jurors each from the Fay, Mer, North & South & Peter shall act as Chairman. We three shall be Judge and jointly carry the verdict out.” The charges where read out against Zeus. “How do you plead.”

"Not guilty."

Sophia. "I will attempt to prove you are guilty and should pay the cost." Chan was the first to come and explained about the curse that had been placed upon all his male heirs. He also explained that Zeus daughters had pleaded with him to remove the curse. Other former male members came and testified against Zeus.

Then it was the time for the females to testify. One by one they gave their accounts of how Zeus saw every female as a conquest. Then the defence called The Leprechauns.

David. “Grandfather took me in when I fell out with mother and Grand mother. Then he washed his hands of me & barred me from the Heavens when I could not pass the practical magic test. By accident or design he was the one to give me Daisy & now I am accepted back within my family. Grandfather though needs to be cooled down considerably.”

Juno was the last to take the stand. "Has his wife I know he can be very loving (as she pats her tummy). He is rather pig headed and does not think of the consequences of his actions. Millions died as an indirect result of his intransigence & stubbornness. Yet at time he showed compassion and kindness to others.”

After retiring the jury returned to the court. Peter as chairman. “ I will read the results from the Mer Guilty, Fay Guilty, South Guilty, and North 2-1 Guilty. I abstained from voting.”

Gaby. “Zeus Husband of Juno you have been found guilty by your peers. Before we pass judgement on you have you anything to say.”

Zeus. “ The major mistake I made was with Chan. I should have made him take my daughters as his wives. Instead I cursed his family & even the pleading of my daughters would not make me relent. One of my daughters had it not been for Gaby's intervention would have been dead & given her life to protecy Chan. Some where results of accidents due to my incomplete training of students.”

Helen. "As my eldest son I expected you to be fair in all your dealings. Regardless of who you are dealing with. We have discussed what to do with you. Along with Herne, Cupid, Mars, Oberon, Neptune & Odin are the only true males left here. While the others have respected us you have seen it as your personal pleasure ground and nobody was safe from you.

Hera. “Gaby is now our Queen and will execute our decision. You may kneel or stand in the centre. Do not leave the pentangle is you value your life. Zeus saw the gem of power glowing on Gaby's head. He knew that it would not be much longer what ever his fate.

Gaby. "Zeus I came to your aid when I was younger. You have also hurt people I love. What to do with you was a hard decision to make. After talking to Juno last night the decision was made providing you where found guilty.” Before Gaby's said any more a golden ray shot out from her crown. Zeus fell to the ground.

The following morning Zeus awoke to find Juno in bed with him. Juno looked a lot younger. "I am still alive. ”

"How are you feeling now dear?”

"I feel different somehow."

"Time to get up you have several important meetings."

As Zeus got he saw his reflection in the Mirror. The scream could be heard across the cosmos. Zeus promptly fainted. When he came round Juno was still there.

" I think Sue would be more appropriate don't you. You have to go to school for practical magic, & motherhood classes.

Sue. "Girls only have to do that when they are expecting."

"Yes this time we can go together."

Things soon settled down and virtually all of Gaby's extended family moved into the town. Gaby was once again walking past the ancient yew in the conduit court of the Castle.

Maddy. “It has worked well with Sue & Juno. T hey are both happy now. Gaby noticed that Mars linked with Venus & Cupid with Loki.

“Hello Gaby how are you.”

Gaby we want to have a little chat with you can we go somewhere to talk. Come this is our private apartments it is called the Tudor wing as it was built for Henry VIII Sister the Queen of France?

Mars. "For years I have been fashioning weapons for the gods. Now I can rest as they are no longer needed. Venus has been talking with Gaby & Galadrial about how they looked like teenagers. I noticed how Sue has settled down to motherhood.”

Cupid. " Nobody noticed that I am already more girl than boy & we would like to conceive.”

Gaby, "There is no return once done. I will loan you something both couples must use it and then return it to me. Maddy brought the present in as they called it. Once used there is no going back and who ever it is used on will have twins.”

It was six weeks later that a much younger Venus returned the Present. “Sam is very pleased and asked if she can borrow it again in about a year's time. Cupid & Loki think it is great. Cupid says it works better than her arrows. We loaned it to several others after telling them about its effects.”

Maddy. "Gaby we are in for another baby Boom.”

Appleby & Skipton .

Frea & Hera came to visit Gaby in her chamber. “Gaby you never finished your tour of Alnwick as I have been reminded by a little Voice. Whenever Little Lily wants to do something she puts messages in my head.”

Gaby laughed. "She considers it pay back for you using her for your messages".

Hera . "Poor Tue has to play with her all the time otherwise Lily is in her head."

Frea. "It will not be much longer and then we can all place mental blocks to stop Little Lily if we wish."

Gaby. “Going back to Alnwick is a good idea though we could all do with a break.”

Lorelei. "I have a better idea why not do a tour of all your ancestors homes & pay your respects to them starting with this town."

Frea. "It was a long time ago that I last went into the Ancient Parish church of Holy Trinity next door.”

Gaby. "It would be rather an appropriate starting point if Helen was also with us.”

At midnight the Church and castle where bathed with the floodlights that shone throughout the night. A procession left the castle and entered the Churchyard through the main gates. The Great iron gates yielded before them and the solid oak doors flew open. The Church was lit with candles. There was a priest saying prayers in the Lady Chapel. The priest had only recently taken over and did not know Gaby. While the three approached the high altar the other gradually filled every available seat.

Little Lily & Rose & their cousins went and fetched the priest from the Lady Chapel. The Three had taken seats on the high altar The Children sat on the steps while the immediate family sat in the choir stalls. The priest half dragged to the three arrived.

Gaby. "Sorry to disturb your prayers but we must soon set of on a pilgrimage and we also need to say a big thank you for our safe deliverance.”

After the service Gaby looked around. The priest was explaining the coat of arms to Gaby.

Frea. "Most of the arms will belong to people here. To prove there point Hera called the Surnames out and asked them to stand up. Neville a group stood up, Darley. Dacre, Russell, Cavendish, Hothfield & Scrope. By the time Hera had called all the surnames out all the congregation was standing.

The priest. “You have missed one.”

Gaby. "No we have not the Royal family is us three and those in the Choir.”

The Priest also pointed out William Longfellow's gravestone & told the Group that at Christ church was the Grave of Tom Thumb also known as Edwin Calvert. She explained she was interested in history & Archaeology.

Gaby. “The trip we are having is to various sites associated with the family & if you can come you are welcome.”

The priest. "Well I am the first female rector to be appointed here. I am due some leave & my curate can look after the parish while I am away. She can always contact me with the mobile phone.”

Later that same day the party set off from the Castle. The first stop was Gargrave. Hera ."Somewhere near here our ancestors had a home at Kirk Syke.”

The Priest Barbara Ann Chester was her name. "The remains of a roman home where found near this point the Mosaic was taken to the British Museum. The Next port of call was Victoria cave near Settle. Hear Barbara Ann explained about the amazing finds that had been discovered. Eventually they found their way to Ingleton and the Mountain known as Ingleborough. By the time they got to Ingleborough it was getting dark.

Gaby. "We will still go to the top. You can wait for us here and get some sleep." She touched Barbara Ann who fell asleep.

Mean while his dogs barking disturbed a local farmer who was known to be a practical joker. He came outside and saw a long procession winding its way to the top of Ingleborough. He telephoned the local police station in Ingleton. The sergeant on duty knew Jake Wright was a practical joker "Sorry Jake you will not get us with this joke.”

Jake took his dogs inside and made sure all the doors and windows where bolted shut. In the morning his wife found Jake shaking & saying “Ghost's had come for him last night.”

The wife called the local doctor who came and said "Jake had had a nervous break down & he would have to be admitted to Airedale hospital at Eastburn until he was better.” By the time the party had reached the top of Ingleborough it was pitch black.

Frea. "This was the site of the oldest Royal palace in Britain. This is where Venutius & Cartumanda had lived here until Cartmanda's treachery.”

Hera . "Archaeologist keep coming up hear to search the site but it is so remote they have only scratched the surface.”

Little Lily. “Gaby can we practise some magic by trying to replace some of the fallen stone of the palace?”

After Gaby gave her permission the girls split into groups. If Jake had continued watching he would have seen lights flashing across Ingleborough. After an hour Gaby went to inspect the groups work. Some of the children had been very successful in replacing the stones. Gaby eventually got to Little Lily who had teamed up with Sophia & Tue.

“Look what we found it has a Q on it so it must be yours.” What Little Lily had discovered was a complete set of royal regalia.

Sophia. "Watch us and what we three can do."

Gaby & the girls sat down to watch. Sophia, Little Lily & Tue started to put stones that once graced the Palace of Venutius & Cartumanda on top of each other. “In the Name of the Empress we command you be restored.” Before the pack the stones started to lift themselves off the ground and place themselves on each other. As they watched the palace was restored within an hour.

Little Lily "Can we sleep here and return to our coaches in the morning. They slept the night there and returned at 7.00 in the morning. Barbara Anne was still asleep when they returned.

Sophia. “What have we to do with this. They examined the items more closely.

Frea. "They where mine when the Romans attacked they where lost & The regalia you use now was created.

Gaby. "In that case they should be returned to you.”

Frea. "No they are now yours & I for one would like to see you wear it at least once.”

Barbara Chester awoke & saw them putting the regalia away.

She, "Do you mind if I look at that.”

Gaby. "It belonged to Frea there and she has given it to me.”

Barbara Anne carefully took the items out and laid them on the ground. There is an inscription on these in greek. The Queen of the heavens & all flying things. Empress of the Seas. Mother of us all.. As she was reading the Greek.

Petrova & Victoria came up and said “Empress” to Gaby. "Gaby we where thinking of going to the naked man cafe for something to eat before we go any further."

Barbara, "You knew the inscription before I translated it. There is something missing though. Allow me Empress Gaby. First the chain then the Orb and then the rings & finally the Crown.”

Frea "The sceptre is missing. Cartmander stole it and it was never recovered."

Barbara Anne said, “What was it like.”

Frea said "I will draw it for you” after looking at the sketch Barbara Anne went to her case and lifted something out.

“I think this may be yours.”

Frea looked at it and handed the item to Gaby. “Gaby push the bottom of the Sceptre.” Gaby did and they all found they where back on Ingleborough.

It was very different from when they left it the palace was now fully decorated and waters flowed from a spring in the centre of the Hall.

Lorelei. " Who is for a bath as she dived in the water. It looks as if we can have our refreshments here before we go on.”

Gaby. "Barbara how did you get the sceptre?”

Barbara. "My mother was an archaeologist and she found the sceptre & translated the words on it. Rather than hand it over she kept it. The first night she found it she was told she or her daughter had to return it to the Empress of Light. My mother dabbled in Wicca & has a coven near here. She gave the item to me to check the translation. I then found myself with you.”

Gaby. "We would like to meet your mother and her friends. Do not tell them why I want to meet them.”

Gaby pressed the sceptre & they found themselves back at the Coaches. It was another three days before somebody reported there was a Palace on Ingleborough again the police ignored it. The coaches continued to Sedbergh. Barbara Anne had arranged to meet her mother and friends in the grounds of Sedbergh School. The name of the Coven was called the Sisters of Venutius. Before Barbara Ann could introduce Gaby Her mother and the others started to kneel down. She handed Gaby a dagger. Engraved on it was a picture of Gaby. Barbara's mother then spoke “ For centuries the Daughters of Venutius have searched for the Light. Barbara became a priest for the same reason. Although we meet we did not have anybody to teach us.”

Little Lily brought out the witch detector. Gaby switched it on the signal from each one of them was very weak with the exception of Barbara Anne. Who showed Bright yellow?

Gaby. Ladies thank you for returning the sceptre & dagger of Frea. Any of you who wish to come with us on the journey are welcome. "Otherwise I would like to see you at Skipton Castle in a months time".

Barbara's Mother sat next to Gaby & talked to her while Barbara talked to Frea. Barbara's mother introduced herself as Amanda. “I was an Archaeologist & some time ago I discovered the Sceptre & dagger. I never reported the discovery of the two items. I gave the sceptre to Barbara to translate the Greek inscriptions. Barbara had a doctorate in religions & She was also interested in Mythology Particularly Greek, Roman, Celtic & Norse. She has studied Asian & American as well. Not long age she returned from a trip to Kathmandu.”

Daisy & her sister. "We went there and we found our partners there."

Barbara. " I wanted to see the temple of the winds for my research but when I got there the way was barred by guards. As I made my way back down I met an Old gentleman with a long beard. He told me He was going to the wedding of his grandson & nephew. He also said the temple would be open the next day. However I could not return, as I had to catch a flight to Cairo.”

Daisy, "It is very beautiful in the temple of the winds perhaps one day you will return.”

Gaby. “Barbara was it about 18 months ago when you where there?”

Barbara "Yes." Barbara then told of her visit to Cairo. “I went to the Valley of the Kings and visited the temple of Vesta. There I made friends with five ladies. I am sorry I am not very good at remembering names. One of the Five was called Tue this I remembered because it reminded me of the name of a Norse god.”

Frea. "A bit like mine then.”

“The oldest of the ladies asked me if I would like my palm reading. So they read my palm as we shared sandwiches. It was very strange I felt I had known these ladies all my life. The Elder looked at my hand and said You have been the recipient of much sadness but that is about to change. Your sins and those of your mother will be forgiven. You are single and pure you will meet and marry a boy girl with whom you will have twins. One of the ladies gave me a small statuette of Vesta. She told me to sleep with it. This was my first appointment and it was unusual, as the church have previously only had males as Rector. I agreed to meet up with the ladies but so far I have not managed to do it.”

Little Lily who was on the seat behind them said to Maddy "Juno & the rest now know as I have broadcast it.”

The coach finally arrived at Appleby. Their Gaby & Maddy went into an electrical Store called Bailey's electronics. The rest went for a wander round the town or to the river foe a swim. But they all agreed to meet up at the Ancient parish church in about 2 hours time.

Gaby. "I wondered if you could help me. I have brought my laptop but brought the wrong lead I need one that can charge it in a car."

The shop assistant looked at the laptop "Yes I have one somewhere in the back . It will take a little while to find it. If you want while you are waiting you could charge your computer and take a seat over they're pointing a two seats. If anybody comes in tell them I will be back in a little while. My name is Amelia,” The shop girl was in no rush to find the lead. "You are lucky to find me open as I intended to close early today and go & visit my mother and grandmother. They where in a accident that killed my father & younger brother. I suppose it was luck I was at College at the time. My Mum & Granny are in a nursing home near the church. When I have sold up here & cleared the remaining stock. I have made arrangements for Mum & Granny to be transferred to a new nursing home. I will still be able to visit them but I will be able to continue with my studies."

Maddy "What where you studying before the accident."

Amelia " I was training under Anna & Pavlova in classical Ballet. Anna promised me she would take me back when I had sorted things out here.”

Amelia goes to look for the leads. Maddy looks round the store and then says, " We could purchase the remaining stock off her."

Gaby is playing with the sceptre. "Sorry what did you say I was too intent on working this out." Maddy repeats herself & Gaby agrees.

Gaby. Buying them will give me chance to test this sceptre out. If I dial the correct map references it should take me home & back in a second. After several trips with the goods the money was placed in the till & Gaby & Maddy where looking at the computer when Amelia returned. Gaby typed in Cartumanda & Boudica to see what came up. It showed artist impressions of both of them.

Gaby. “Maddy do either of these two look familiar to you?"

Maddy “Look at the regalia & what Boudica has in her hand.”

Gayl zoomed to the object in the hand of Boudica.

Maddy “It is almost the same but smaller.”

They where still reading about them when Amelia returned. "I always felt sorry for her she tried to keep the peace & caused a war instead. Oh where is the remainder of my stock?"

Maddy. "We had rather a lot of customers while you where sorting us out. SoWe served them and put the money in the till for you.”

Gaby. "How much money is the lead."

Amelia. "You can have it for selling everything for me. All I have now is an assorted box of leads & Sockets. They are only worth about £5.00. In total.

Gaby opened her purse and took out a £5 note. "I will give you £5.00 for it."

The telephone rang it was the estate agent who wanted to inform Amelia they had a client for the Property. Providing she could conclude the deal the next day. Amelia went into the back and brought the box of various leaads. Gaby handed the £5.00 over.

"Amelia can you tell us where the castle is so we can go and look round it?"

“Sorry Gaby the castle is at the top of the High Street. Unfortunatley you not get to look round. The castle used to belong to the Hothfield family but they had to sell the estates in Skipton & Appleby because of death duties in the 1950's. An electronic firm who established a wild life park purchased the Castle. Five years ago they where taken over by a multi national & the castle was then abandoned. Two weeks ago that Firm was taken over by a firm called Empress electronics I could not find it listed though on the stock exchange. You know Cartumanda was reputed to have had one of her palaces on the same site as the current Castle. My Granny & mother both used to compare Lady Anne & Cartumanda.”

As they where going through the door. Gaby asked, " Where did you say the Parish church was?

Amelia "If you will come with me I will show you as it is close to the nursing home my remaining family are in."

As they where walking down the high street Maddy asked. "Did you ever get to see Anna or Pavlova dance."

Amelia. "I went across to Blackpool one time for the ice dance show. Vladimer was dancing. Unfortunatley Pavlova was not dancing that night. Anna had brought in her latest diva. Alas I was not allowed back stage to greet Anna. I returned home without seeing them.”

As Amelia got to the Nursing home she said, "Goodbye I am going in here now and then on to the estate agents across the road.”

Gaby & Maddy went into the Church where Barbara led the prayers. Then Gaby & Maddy noticed Lily by a fallen tombstone she was telling the stone to get up.

Frea “Sorry Lily that is a job for the big girls. Can all but the Trinity leave now." Frea explained Gaby if one of our kind goes into the land of shadows and stays too long then they turn to alabaster. Only the power of the trinity can restore them.

Gaby. “In that case I think you better borrow this.” and handed Frea the old crown.

Gaby. "Anne, Margaret arise the Trinity command you." As Gaby spoke the ground shook. Everyone in the town came out of their houses as they thought an earthquake had hit the town. Little Lily came running into the church,

“Gaby come quickly before you get injured.”

As she spoke the statues sat up and stretched themselves. One Looked at Gaby. " You are not Frea bu yett you wear her regalia."

Frea. "Anne I am here at your side. Lady Margaret & Lady Anne we have a job for you to do before we continue on our journey.”

Gaby. “I want you two to go across and purchase some property for me

Frea "I think a change of clothes would be appropriate so they look as if they belong in the 21st centuary.” Frea waved her arms. Margaret & Anne found they looked like a couple of business lady's. Waiting across the road was Amelia with her lawyer Mr Ledger. Gaby had given the two of them a suitcase containing £200,000.

Anne. "My instructions are that providing you can complete the deal by 5.00 tomorrow this is yours as she handed the cash over. Mr Ledger had the documents prepared & said all I need now is to go to the Land registry I will be back tomorrow then the keys can be handed over.

Amelia had promised if he could finish the paperwork he could treble his fees. Mr Ledger left in his car for the county record office in Kendal. Mr Ledger had been expecting to have to make an overnight stop. He actually returned the same evening. He telephoned Amelia to say all the documentation was done and the sale could go ahead. Amelia had managed to put the furniture from the flat above into storage and gave the place one last clean. She had already made arrangements to stay at a friend's house overnight.

Meanwhile Gaby & the girls made their way to the Castle. There was a notice on the gates closed to the general public.

Lady Anne exclaimed. “My castle been sold.”

Below this was a new sign Empress Electronics. Gaby pushed the gates open and went to the front door of the Red sandstone Castle. Inside the Castle they discovered it could do with a good clean. Otherwise it was still in good order although devoid of any furniture or fittings.

Gaby. “I think we will all return home to rest tonight and return here tomorrow in the daylight.” The coaches where left in Appleby. Everyone was transported back to Skipton via the sceptre. Lady Anne & Lady Margaret where put in the Guest Accommodation. The following morning Gaby asked if they would like a conducted tour.

"I will give you a tour of what was once my castle or at least it I presume it now belongs to you."

Gaby accompanied by Maddy, Lorelei, Jool's, Ally & the lady Margaret & Anne.

Margaret "Pray tell me who was the voice who wanted me to play with her.” Little Lily came forward and curtsied.

"I can get into everbodys head if I need to. Even those who think they can block me."

Anne marvelled how the castle had changed yet was still the same as when she held the honour. "I want to see the Shell room my father built if it is still there. There in the Shell room Anne touched a Conch shell. There before them was another portal. “This will take us all back to Appleby when everybody is ready.”

Gaby " I have found several portals leading to Cromwells cave."

Anne “There are portals all over the castle. First that which was mine must be reclaimed by you Gaby.”

Maddy informed Pavlova, Victoria & Anna she had met a friend of theirs.

Anna. "Amelia was so promising. Amelia had to give up due to the accident if she wishes to return then I will find a place for her."

Gaby. "Aunt Amelia will be returning tomorrow. As yet she does not know it. Later that morning after Breakfast the group two by two walked into the shell room and vanished from sight a second or two later they appeared in the great Hall of Appleby.

Lady Margaret. "Let me show you the castle & the portal's here.

Gaby. " We are going to Broughton, Penrith & Carlisle to reclaim them before returning here for 17.00. Penrith & Broughton castles where in a poor state of repair. Carlisle on the other hand was well preserved.

The group where back in Appleby for 16.0. Gaby had Little Lily & Rose, Maddy, Ally, Lorelei & Tinkerbell with her. She asked Anna & Victoria & Petrova to be by the electrical store for 17.00. The group where just slightly lower down the town when they bumped in to Amelia.

Gaby. “Did you manage to concluded your deal then Amelia?”

"Yes & although I offered Mr Ledger Treble fees he would only take the normal rate. I am just going one last time to look round before I hand the keys over to the new owners. Do you want to come with me."

Gaby & her group accompanied Amelia to the shop. They took one last look. Little Lily & Rose took Amelia by her hands. “Come dance with us here.”

All the group of where dancing in the shop when Anna and her group arrived. "Bravo, bravo” & started to clap. Amelia turned to see who was the new comer.

“Anna” she spluttered.

Gaby "Sorry Amelia I forgot to mention this is my aunt & cousins who I have been waiting for.”

Amelia “I came to see you in Blackpool unfortunatly I was not allowed entry when you where in Blackpool. How is Vladimer?

Anna. "Alas Amelia these days I now have only two daughters."

Amelia. "It must have been your other daughter that replaced Petrova."

Anna. “Amelia sorry to disappoint you it was not Victoria you saw, but My niece who you have already met.”

Amelia looked at Gaby." It was you. I thought I had seen you before but could not place you. Sorry to appear rude. I have to meet the new owners here at 17.00 to hand the keys over and it is 17.00 now.”

Little Lily "Before we all go will you come and learn me to dance."

Amelia. if there is a place for me with Anna then I will help you to dance. First I have to hand the keys to the new owner.” At one Minute past 5.00 Anne & Margaret came into the store.

"Ha they are here now ". Amelia went to show them the shop & hand them the Keys. As she started to do so Margaret & Ann realised who was in the shop with Amelia.

Anne. “Mistress we did not expect to see you here.” As they both curtsied.

Gaby. "These two are to manage Gaby Bond dancewear which after being revamped will be based in your old shop". This is Margaret & this is her daughter Anne. They will manage the store for me. A light switched on in Amelia head. "You are the GB of Empress Enterprises who have taken over the castle." Amelia handed Gaby the keys.

Gaby. "Come with us I think you will find this interesting"

They walked to the castle. The lawns where neatly manicured and the signs had been removed from the gates. Hera awaited their return with the others.

Gaby. “We intend to use the castle as a centre for dancing. It will be used for the training of dancers. The rooms have already been altered for our purpose. Anne & Margaret will act as caretakers for us & live on site. Our main base will still be at Skipton & all the others will commute from there. Amelia you said you had to visit the Nursing home can I come down there with you?"

Quite a large group accompanied Gaby as normal. Amelia. "Is the little one who attaches herself to you your daughter."

The others laughed, as Gaby replied, "No they are with their Granny.” this brought even more laughter from the Group.

Amelia. "Yesterday I saw you looking up facts on Cartumanda & Boudica. Last night I remembered stories my Granny used to tell me about them & Frea. Cartumanda was supposed the have the sword of the heavens. While Boudica carried the staff of justice. It was said, When she lead the Iceni against the Romans so long as she held her arm out the Iceni prevailed . If she tired then the Romans would prevail. According to Grandma the Sword should look like this and the staff like this. The staff of justice was supposed to emit a beam that could destroy armies or heal friends.”

Gaby looked at Maddy. "We had better consult Frea on this.” At the nursing home the Matron was waiting to see Amelia. "They have fully recovered and await you in the lounge Amelia.”

“We had some very dear friends called to see us earlier today just about the time we both improved.” Amelia Granny held out her arms.” Come little one we could feel you long before we recovered.” She the looked at Gaby " I can see the resemblance to Frea. A long time ago my daughters & I decided to forsake our heritage. There were those of my lineage who everybody knows about. Barbara & Amanda entered the room.

Amanda. "This was once Frea's has been returned to the rightful owner and heir of Frea. Gaby you alone have the Sword, Sceptre & Regalia."

Gaby. "Yes I do. Tonight I will put it on for you both in the castle.” That night in the great hall of Appleby. Gaby sat on the ancient throne. Everybody took their seats.

Frea. “Empress meet Amelia & her mother & grandmother.”

“Gaby. “Welcome to my home ladies.”

Before the introductions cold be made Lady Anne & Lady Margaret entered the Room with Hera. Hera. “Empress it gives me the greatest pleasure to introduce my sister the Lady Margaret with her daughter the Lady Anne Countess of Pembroke. Duke of Cumberland & Westmoreland. Lord of Skipton. I present my youngest Grand daughter Bella, Her Daughter Donna. And Grand daughter Amelia."

Gaby. “Ah that explains the bitterness towards the Hothfield family I detected in Amelia when she spoke to us.”

The last group was Barbara Anne, Her mother and friends. This time there was nobody to introduce them. They came in Barbara's mother started to say.” My name is Amanda.”

Gaby. "Stop I will not having you tell half truths in here.Start Again.

Amanda held herself erect. " I was the youngest daughter of Frea and queen of the Brigantees. I made a serious mistake for which I and my family has paid for through out the centuries. To know your heritage live while your loved ones perish. Yes if you have not already worked it out I am Cartumanda. I was indirectly responsible for a civil war that cost me most of my friends & family. This is my daughter who to you is known as Barbara. She is the only one of my daughters who retained an interest in wicca. She is better known as Boudica Queen of the Iceni and scourge of the Romans.”

Barbara “ I Fully supported my Father in his war against the Romans. I tried my mothers way first. It would have succeeded when my partner and daughter was killed I retaliated with a vengeance. My Iceni & Parisi warriors knew I was invincible & thought they would be also Millions died at the hands of my warriors. Before I decided to let the Romans capture my self and my sisters. We where reunited with mother in Rome. Eventually we made our way back to Britain. Throughout the centuries we searched for the regalia the Sceptre & the sword I knew where I had hidden it before I gave myself up to the Romans to prevent further death. The items where hidden in Ingleborough cave. These we recovered. You though found the Royal regalia, which were lost when the Romans attacked Ingleborough. My father was to perish when three Roman legions attacked from York & Chester. My fathers Brigantines warriors slew all but 100 Roman Soldiers. The Romans heralded it a victory but the Brigantine slew five times as many Romans. It was this senseless loss of life that made me capitulate to the Romans. They tried to get me to tell them where the crown and regalia was alas I could not.”

“We returned to England with the Saxons. But it was a long time before we returned To Brigantia. Other kings and queens came and went. Lady Anne arrived upon the scene she played both sides and came out on top. She even now is still respected as if it was only yesterday she that went away. For what I did I have long since regretted and tried to make amends? Throughout the centuries my mother and sisters power faded until they are as now. They call themselves the sisters of Venutius in respect of my late father. Who I dearly loved. The other eleven are my sisters who these days live locally and are all currently widows. I as told you previously the rest was correct. We did find the sword & sceptre in the cave. We though knew where to look for it. I did not fall asleep at Ingleborough as you though but followed you. It was then that I realised who I was dealing with. With that I realised I would never ever regain the crown of Frea. Empress of the Heavens I give unto you our lives to do as you see fit.”

“Amanda & Barbara you voluntary returned the Sword & Sceptre to me you could have used them against me but you did not. Juno & Sue please come out. Sue did she meet you.

" Yes Gaby."

“Juno did you also meet her?”

"Yes I told her we would meet again. She stills carries on her person the statue of Vesta I gave her.”

Barbara. “You only where partially right I have never ever met a Boy girl and as you can see I still a virgin.” This brought about a laugh from the Assembly.

Gaby. " I think these witches need to be taught a lesson on how to present themselves” Take them away & only return with them when they are presentable. Frea came to oversee their correct dressing.

“My daughter be very careful do not lie and listen very carefully to the question asked. I have long since forgiven you & your daughters. But I am no longer queen so cannot help you. Neither can Zeus, Cupid, or Mars. For although they live they are no more. The choice was theirs and theirs alone.”

They returned this time with Frea. The ladies where attired as per their station. Frea said, " Empress of the Heavens I wish to present Queen Amanda my Daughter. I also wish to present Queen Barbara my granddaughter. As senior representative here I also present the Princesses, Constance, Charlene, Charlotte, Caroline, Catherine, Ester, Enid, Elizabeth, Ellen, Rebecca, Rachel all my grand daughters.” A great cheer went up from the assembly.

Barbara. " I still do not understand."

Gaby "Barbara meet Little Lily she may be only a child. Lily though like her sister Rose has a special ability. Lily please demonste for Barbara.”

“What is the demonstration going to be like?”

“Just sit down and tell me about yourself.”

Barbara started to open her mouth and instead of saying what she wanted she said, "I want a wee wee."

Gaby started laughing. “How do like Lily's demonstration. She had read your minds long before you got anywhere near me. If you had any thought of hurting me or anybody here you would never got anywhere near me.”

Gaby. "Watch this Barbara. Lily can you ask Sue, Juno & Daisy & Family to come here. Ask them to inform Barbara what you where doing that day.”

Daisy. “That's easy that was the day my sister and I got married at the temple of the winds.”

Sue what where you doing that day.

“Talking to Barbara & attending a doublew wedding.”

“Juno what where you doing the following day?”

“Praying in the temple of Vesta & reading Barbara's palm.”

“Barbara what where you doing on the 30th June 1991. Barbara had to think hard. Then "Oh its come to me I was nursing & one of my patients had a difficult birth & I had to help deliver the child. Barbara can you tell me what you where doing 10 years later. I was no longer an adult but had decided to alter myself to look like a 10 year old child.

I was at school in Nottinghamshire There was this boy or at least I think he was a boy he was very pretty. I often thought I wonder what he would look like in a dress. This particular day some older boys set on to him starts to beat him up. With the aid of his sister Jool's was her name we drove them off and took him to the school Nurse. We became friends. We cut our Thumb with a razor blade and promised to be faithful & loyal to each other. What happened then the family moved away & I lost contact. I then came back to Yorkshire and started my doctorate at Leeds.”

“I take it that you have managed to somehow retain an ability to get younger from your story. One Last Question Can you remember the boys names "

“Andrew Bond.I often wonder how he is these days and if he got married.

Maddy. "He got married ok. " under her breath. Lily though sent the words to Barbara.

Gaby "Then this boy at the age of ten promised he would marry you. Should not you hold him to the promise."

Barbara. "If he had not moved away we might have started to go steady and then get married & have twins. The like of me tend to have twins."

Gaby. "You would have liked twins with him. What if he had a wife or wives already?”

Barbara. "If he was a Arab a Mormon or some obscure religion then it is theoretically possible that he has more than one wife or companion. In some ways having more than one wife makes sense. A team of wives can share the duty.”

Frea. " Personally I think you should hold this boy to his promise regardless of his age. Maddy, Lorelei, Ally, Tinkerbell what do you say

“We all agree he should marry Barbara providing his companions agree.”

“Amelia as this is hypothetical what do you think.”

"I think that this boy belongs to a very obscure religion & that he will have at least 6 wives. He already will have twins by his first four wives. & very soon there will be another wedding or two.”

Tinkerbell “What if your former boyfriend had over 1000 wives and was now a girl.”

Barbara. "If by accident or design it would make no difference to me. Although I would be sad that I would not be able to had his children.”

Lorelei. "Suppose he realised what was going to happen to him & he made arrangements so all his companion could have the childrenthey desired.”

Gaby. “Sue what do you think?”

"I think there already has been enough discussion n this subject and he should take at least 2 new partners who will keep him warm in bed and be truly loyal to him. "

"Little Lily my friend tell us what you think."

Little Lily. “ I think I better go and get into my good fairy costume as if my hunch is correct Amelia & Barbara will be 5 & 6. & Seven."

"Who is the extra candidate.” all the others asked.

Petrova. “I am also due to become a companion of my cousin with the Empresses permission & that of my Mother. Barbara have you ever danced."

Barbara & her mother started laughing. “Years ago I danced with the Russian Royal Ballet Company and then later the Kirov. I was then known as Margo."

Then another voice spoke up. "Gaby it is getting rather cramp in here for us to hold a discussion with Barbara perhaps the great Hall would be a fitting Venue."

They all retired to the Great Hall. This time Gaby was surrounded by the nine. In front of her sat a group of children that Little Lily had charge of. “This is far better. Barbara getting back to the former boyfriend of yours. What if he was no more or joined a religious order? "

Before she could reply Lorelie asked. "Barbara what if he had children & you where asked to help care for them."

“To the first question I am now a priest in the Church of England so if he was a priest that would be fine. To the second question I believe that” She pauses "Whether as a collective or singularly we have a responsibility to bring children up. It may be he has had a wife who is now dead. If that were the case then I would bring them up to the best of my ability. It may be he has been left with babies then I would take the necessary steps so the children could think of me as their mother.”

Tinkerbell came in holding two babies. "What if I told you he no longer exists. These are his children and they needed a mother." Barbara took the babies in her arms & looked at them. She walked across to Gaby.

"Empress your babies need feeding." As she handed one of the babies to Gaby. The baby started to suckle on Gaby.

"Barbara this is Crown Princess Beatrice the one you hold is Princess Barbara your name sake feed Her."

" But Empress."

"Feed her. " Gaby was more forceful this time.

Barbara sat down again & undid her top and the child latched on and started to suckle immediately. "Ouch. She has just bit me. I feel that I actually am providing her with milk,”

Jool's. "Barbara you where once a friend to me & my sibling Drew."

Barbara looked at her. "Jool's Bond it that you?"

“Yes it is me. Though you will search in vain for my brother. The child who suckles on you now is his daughter.”

“Empress I am sorry I did not realise he was your husband or this was his child. If it pleases the Empress I would be very happy to feed all his children.”

Gaby. "Barbara do not make rash promises for I fear that would be beyond your scope.”

Barbara. “I could easy tend the Crown princess and her sister."

Gaby. “What about all the others are they to be ignored."

The nurses brought in all the children. "These are all sired by your boyfriend Barbara can you feed them all?”

Barbara gulped. "No wonder he died."

Gaby. "Who said he was dead. "

“Jool's said he was no longer with us."

Gaby stood up and started to speak. " Sorry Barbara they have all been testing you to see if Lily was correct.” Little Lily went and held on to Gaby's hand.

Barbara. "She should be your daughter for other than those nine nobody can get close to you if do not desire it. They are more loyal than my Iceni & Parisi tribes. That one & half” pointing at Maddy & Lily. “They never leave you alone for a second. I swear that even if you went to the toilet one of them would be with you.”

“Barbara let me do some less formal introductions". This is Maddy constant companion & cousin of Drew. These are the sisters of Drew & those cousins of. These are the parents, grandparents etc of Drew. These are Aunts of Drew.”

Barbara. "The children at the front of you."

Little Lily."We for the most part are the cousins & companions of Drew.

"And the Guards."

"Ah the Guards as you have put it are shortly I believe to have their number increased. I hope nobody feels affronted by this as they are the most loyal of all of the companions. They call themselves the wives of Drew."

It took a while for it to sink in. Barbara. "Gaby you did say wives & Companions."

“Barbara many times has our paths crossed. Until Llittle Lily showed me I could not believe it myself. Every time I was in danger you where at hand and gave me help. Have you not worked it out yet? Or do I need to remind you of Juno's words in Egypt.”

Barbara looked at the Empress. "It cannot be possible for all but a few are no more than 18. & The oldest child is 10. The youngest are but a few months old. There are no men here or at least if there is I have never seen them.”

Gaby . "I leave the decision to the Nine should the number be increased and by how many."

Barbara. "I have just remembered one of the questions & answers. Little Lily is not very good with her maths I will have to teach 4+5=9 and another 3 makes 12. Lilly Lily 6 or 7 was wrong. Empress would it be possable for me to also join Amelia & Petrova. I may have once been a queen of the Iceni. I though realise that I will never again wield the staff of Frea.”

Little Lily. "No not with out me you are not. For I want to be a bridesmaid again."

Frea. “ You are all jumping the gun the nine have to speak.”

Maddy was the first gave her decision, and this was followed by the others. Lorelei spoke, “My sister & Victoria are two additional candidates. We agree to increase the number to 14.”

Little Lily. “Please leave some space for us. We only have another 10 years to go before we can join.” There was an audible groan from the others.

Maddy. “Little Lily when you are of age I promise that you can join us. As it is we already consider you one of us. I also doubt that Gaby could go anywhere without you. Ladies before your union you have to under go an initiation and this will start tonight.”

Maddy led Barbara to a bedchamber. There she was completely striped by Maddy and Tinkerbell. I will place your statue over here next to mine said Maddy. We are leaving you now. Ally came in with Lisa we have to ensure you have a good shower & wash your hair. Ally & Lisa got into the shower with Barbara. One scrubbed the front while the other did the back and then they changed places. Lorelei & dried Barbara off and then proceeded to do her hair and nails.

Jool's came with the last two candidates. She supervised the other two putting the makeup on Barbara's face. We are nearly ready for you to be reunited with my brother.”

"Jool's I thought you said Drew was no more."

Jool's held her finger to her lip for Barbara to be quiet. "Jool's my breasts seam to be sore and I am sure that they have got larger after the bab tried to eat me."

Jool's. “A week in the nursery will soon solve that problem Barbara. Barbara before I go please put this gown on or poor Drew will have a shock if he sees you naked."

Jool's leaves the chamber. Gaby enters. Barbara starts to curtsey “Empress I was expecting another. Where are Maddy and little Lily if you are here with me?”

Gaby. “When not on official duty I prefer to be called Gaby or Gaby. I can assure you the others will be very close by. Please sit and relax & tell me about yourself.”

Barbara started to tell about her exploits after she had left Britain. As she did so she rubbed her breast. Gaby. “Is there a problem Barbara.

Barbara was apprehensive at answering. “Gaby since I feed the Princess my breasts have got rather swollen. They must have increased to an E or F cup. If I was to get this as one of your Guards then I can forget about marrying Drew.”

Gaby. "You do seem to have been rather stimulated perhaps I can release some of the pressure from them by taking you to the nursery. Barbara is still quit full bring in the other babies and lets see if they can drain her. Eventually Barbara was dry again & they all had had there fill of her.

Maddy. "We could do with you in the nursery as that would give some of the others a break. They all fell asleep in a tangled mess on the giant bed. Barbara woke up to the sight of a mass of bodies.

Barbara looked down at her breasts. “They feel to have gone down again now.”

Maddy. "It would appear that princess Barbara you as her personal nurse. I would recomend that you to do a stint in the nursery. I think it will be a while before you are allowed to go anywhewre but there."

Gradually the others left the room Gaby was the only one left with her. Lily came in with a photo album while Maddy brought breakfast for them. She sat on the bed at the side of Gaby. “Barbara I promised you Drew. This is him as a child. This was taken with Jool's & their best friend.”

Barbara. “ This is with Drew & me."

Gaby. “The next pictures are of Drew up to his teens and some of them are him are in fancy dress. The next are when Drew was told he had an irreversible illness the next chronicle his change. Drew had the foresight to preserve his seed before he finally met his fate.” The photo showed the transformation from boy to an attractive Girl.

Barbara. “I now understand why Drew no longer exists. I still do not understand how you got to be Empress.”

“Neither do I. I thought I was joining the Appolonaris team for a months training. Then everthing snowballed. It transpires I have a direct link to Queen Victoria & also the late Tzar. The biggest shock was discovering Draconaris was a relation. I presume you have met all the tinys. In addition to that the Emperor of Japan has married off all his daughters to me. He is still on his way with the last batch. Then to cap it all I discover I also am an Empress in the world of the fae.”

“So am I to take it that my grandmother Frea is also your Grandmother.”

Gaby. "I have not counted how many grand's she has but you are correct so I suppose calling me cousin would be in order. It can be fun most of the time and unless the present is used there is no chance of children.”

“You mean that I can actually become pregnant if I become one of your companions.”

"Daisy are you and your sister Buttercup happy?”

"We have our partners & they keep us happy."

Gaby “Barbara after their wedding the husbands have become leprechauns.”

Daisy. “We changed them to look like us when we went shopping. They found the present and played around with it a short while later they gave birth. Do not use it unless you want to have lots of children.”

Barbara."Gaby I am getting messages from the tiny companions they are complaining that they have not had a banquet like they had at Harry potters school."

Gaby sighed. " Each time we set off to go there something happens and it gets postponed. We never did finish our northern tour either.”

Barbara. "If you are planning a trip could you include mother & I as we both are archaeologists. I would be very interested if you where to include east Yorkshire. Lincolnshire & East Anglia."

Gaby. "I wonder why that area interests you. Is there some more missing regalia or something."

Barbara. "It is the something. That would be better recovered and kept in your safe keeping. There is also something else as you can see mum & My sisters have aged rather slowly but they still look like old ladies. They refused to touch magic & now they have even less knowledge than the companions do. My mother though across the years had many children these got left with their fathers when she decided to move on. The daughters who stayed with her are all Venutius daughters. I do not know if any of my siblings are still alive. If they were I would like them at our wedding.”

Gaby told Hera to prepare a party in the great hall at Alnwick castle. To show what she wanted the film of Harry Potter was played for her. "Very interesting. Barbara can you and Amanda take charge of all the children and make sure they are dressed appropriately.”

Barbara. "Exactly like in the film.”

“Exactly or at least as near as possible.”

"In that case we better use the Princess Elizabeth Engine that is at Embsay Station. We can set off from there with the children.” Hera spoke the rest of us can use the portal to get there.

The children set off with a small group of adults from Embsay station. Little Lily was holding Barbara's hand she started to say. "I know where we are going."

Barbara. " Please Lily do not tell the others or it will spoil the surprise.”

"Will it have ghosts like the film."

Barbara. "Lily you probably know far more than I do about what it will look like."

Lily."Barbara will you tell us stories.”

Barbara. "Once upon a time there was this queen who lived with her family and she was very happy. Then invaders attacked their land. A neighbouring king fought the invaders and had to flee for his life. He sought help from the Queen her husband the king wanted to help him. The invaders arrived at the palace one-day & promised if they handed over the rebel they would leave the royal family alone.

The Queen believed them and handed over the rebel who was killed in front of them. The invaders assaulted that same night the Queens eldest daughter. The Queen was taken to safety of York as it now is by a very fast driver. The king was furious the invaders had stole his wife and assaulted his daughter. He commanded the whole north to rise up and kill the invaders. For years the battles raged. Then the invaders then sent 3 armies against the king. When the battle was over there was no sign of the king and only 100 of the invaders remained alive. Mean while the invaders had sent another two armies against the stronghold of the wizards on the Isle of Anglesey. When the invaders attacked there was no wizards there, only a few young trainees. These trainees fought very hard and killed many of the invaders. But eventually they all perished. Meanwhile the Kings daughter had taken charge of two tribes in the East called the Iceni & the Parisi. With these warriors she attacked and killed every invader she could find & destroyed every town she came across. Eventually the invaders who attacked the Wizards returned home to find only dead bodies. They vowed vengeance on the killers of their families.

"Tell us more did she escape or did the invaders kill her." asked Rose.

Amanda. "I will continue the story". The Queen led her troops killing many more. Eventually her grief at the loss of her father subsided. The invaders had a new leader who had married Princess Helen a sister of this Queen. She decided to visit her sister but first hid her royal regalia caves. The invaders took her and her sisters prisoners and sent them to Rome. There they where well treated. "They eventually meet up with their mother & conspired to escape. During an attack on Rome by invading German tribes they made their escape.”

They managed to escape. They eventually made it back home but there was now a new Queen in charge. The Old queen still hoped to regain her throne. She and her daughters managed to recover two items of the royal regalia. Meanwhile the New queen had found the rest of the old Royal regalia. Valkerie's always guarded the New Queen & she had an elf that protected her. The old Queen & her daughters realised they would never regain the crown. They handed the regalia they had over to the New Queen & became great friends with her.”

Lily. "I remember the story. The old queen should never have helped the invaders.”

Amelia looked up and noticed the train had stopped. " We are there time to get out now Girls."

Rose. "Please can you tell us some more exciting stories."

"Maybe another day girls.”

They had arrived at the station and discovered they had to get into a boat for the final bit of the journey.

Rose. "This is just like in the Film". Once they got off the boat they went inside. "This is cool just like the film will there be ghosts here also?” There before them was a banquet. All the girls had dressed up in black witch's outfits. "Wonder what colour the rest will be?"

Frea. “Girls it is all depending on status. The Ladies are dressed in silver, white, Yellow, & Gold.”

Gaby had all the colours in her dress. Just before the evening ended what appeared to be a ghost materialised in front of Amanda. "Hello Amanda it nice to see you again, I will be keeping my eye on you & our children." Amanda passed out.

Rose. "Gaby you're the greatest, even Amanda thought that was real.” Amanda soon recovered and put it down to a hallucination.

Gaby. " I have several announcements to make. First all Amanda's Daughters & grand daughters with the exception of Barbara along with lady Anne, Lady Margaret & Amelia mother and Grandmother. Will for the next month be taking their turn in the nursery. Secondly I will be going on a European visit for the next month. I will be taking the normal team plus a few additions like, Amanda, Amelia, Anna, Petrova, Victoria, Barbara & two of the Leprechauns preferably Daisy & she can choose the other. Also with their mothers permission Little Lily & Rose as a companion for her will also go. Whilst I am away my parents will act as my represetatives. The lady Hera, Margaret & Ann will be high stewards. We can be contacted in the event of an emergency. I do not envisage one. Lastly should any body want to play with the present they are to contact the remaining leprechauns for it.”

Maddy whispered. "Gaby do you think that is a good idea, we could be in for another birth explosion." The following morning a small group went to Leeds-Bradford airport and boarded a private flight.

Maddy. “Gaby where are we going?”

“We are going to the Americas, Rio & then New York I want to insert witch finders in those statues. Then we are back to Europe. It did not take long for the electronics to be inserted. Within seconds signals where been received in Skipton.

Jenny looked at the screen. “ The team is in New York as it has just come on line. So far there are no other signals.”

Gaby & the pack visited every major female statue or angel & inserted a smilar device. Country by country round the world was coming on line.

Little Lily came to Gaby. " Frea is sending a message through me. We are to go to St Petersburg & use our hand device.”

Anna. "As we are all dancers we could perform at the theatre."

Meanwhile back at the castle the leprechauns had supervised the ladies in the nursery. One day one of the leprechauns over heard Barbara's sister Elizabeth talking. "She was saying how much she was once again enjoying the looking after the babies and wished she could have some of her own again. As we are far too old that will not be.”

That night Elizabeth had a visitor it was the leprechaun with the present. This may help you ladies be very careful with it. After inspecting it they decided to try it out. The ladies took it in turns to use it on the others. After two weeks of almost constant use it was returned to the leprechaun.

Elizabeth. " I seem to be a lot fitter than I use to be & seem to be getting younger.”

One of the other. "Elizabeth have you started lactating yet as I have. I have been feeding my charges.”

Lady Margaret. "I have been feeling sick every morning for the last 4 days do you think I have contracted something.”

Gaby's Father had been busy buying Stocks & shares. He was chatting to his wife. I have managed to get a controlling interest in IBM, Dell & AOL. Also I have been in negotiations with Bill Gates for Microsoft.”

Anne spoke to her mother Margaret. "I fear we will be high stewards not much longer for there is life within me. By the end of three Weeks all the ladies where feeding their charges.

Lady Hera Percy had a visitor one-day. It was the Mayor of the town. “I thought I had better inform the castle there is going to be a week of festivities this year to be prior to Christmas holiday. The council have intended to have Knights fighting. Stalls & all sorts of other things on display. We at the council wondered if you would like to partake, as it is also the anniversary of Lady Anne Clifford's birth. We where going to find somebody to play her part.”

Hera. “ I have just the couple to play Lady Anne & Lady Margaret. In fact I will arrange for them to also have attendants. The castle will be very willing to participate in the event. I though will have to confirm details with the owner before we can participate.”

Gaby got some very interesting messages on her laptop these though she kept to herself. She sent congratulation to her father & said to go ahead with the Bill Gates deal. She also confirmed it was ok to participate in the festival & added perhaps Queen Elizabeth might show up to Anne Birthday Bash.

Back in St Petersburg when they entered the theatre a man stooped the group. "You cannot go through there it is for dancers only. I will show you around for a small fee.”

As they where been shown round they met up with a very stern looking German lady. "Ivan who are these people."

Gaby "I informed Ivan I was with a visiting Ballet company & I wanted to have a look round the theatre."

The Director. "The stage is there prove your words."

Gaby "Can you put on Swan Lake please Ivor.?"

Whilst Ivor was finding the record the girls got changed. Gaby noticed a girl of about 18 & pointed her out to Little Lily. “ Can you sort her out while we dance.” Lily changed to a little fairy costume. Gaby & the others went on the stage & started to dance while the director & Ivor watched.

Little Lily went up to the girl who was wearing very tatty clothes. She held her hand. “I am a fairy princess come & dance with me.”

The director was enthralled by the dancers & commented "She is better than the Great Anna.".

Ivor. "I thought she was better than Petrova.” As they where watching Lily came on with the girl. The girl copied perfectly every move of Gaby's.

"What is she doing up there get her off." said the director.

As she spoke the other dancers surrounded the girl & she vanished from view. A few seconds later the swans presented a new swan to the Queen.

Ivor shot to the stage. "I am sorry she disturbed you. Please forgive her she cannot speak & is deaf. I came here as a young dancer hoping to dance with my hero the great Anna. Unfortunatly she had moved on. One day this girl turned up we gave her a job helping the dancers. The girls where kind to her although she could not speak. One day I went on the stage to dance. Unfortunately somebody had failed to reset the trapdoor correctly & I fell and broke both my legs. Candy found me and nursed me back to health. Eventually I married her & we where blessed with eight sets of twin daughters. We got the order of Stalin for having so many sets of twins.”

“I could not continue dancing so was given the job of caretaker of the theatre. A short while ago I went on Russian television to a program called Mind Master. On this program I got to the final & eventually won it. It was an all expenses holiday for my family and me across Europe. We stayed first in England at a place called Blackpool. There I saw Petrova dance on the ice. I went back later to see her again but an even greater dancer had replaced her. Eventually we left Britain & toured across Europe finishing at Amsterdam. There I went to the royal Opera House. Alas it was closed.”

Gaby. "Ivor if I was to offer you a job as my road manager would you take it?"

Mean while Lily had got into Candy's mind. Candy ran off and returned with some stage props. She went up to Gaby and placed a crown on her head then curtsied. She then went to Amanda and handed her a doll.

"Enough get her away or I will sack you both."

Little Lily. "Leave my friend alone or you will come to regret it."

Gaby. “Ivor are all your family nearby?”

"We all live under the stage.”

Sixteen girls appeared. Gaby pulled herself to her full height. "Director Tonight I will be going on the stage & Candy & the children will dance with me."

But” started the director."

Gaby. “You have insulted me once & I will not tolerate anybody insulting doing that or injuring my friends and companions.”

Little Lily had managed to get into the mind of candy & found she could read minds also. Ivor took the team for a meal.

Gaby. "You do not have to. I know how hard it is for you and your family.”

Ivor. "After I broke my legs I lost the will to dance. Then meeting you again has rekindled my love of dancing. I fear that is now not possible.”

Gaby "If you return with us you could dance."

Little Lily still had on her fairy costume. She touched Candy. "The queen requires your services speak."

Candy once again curtsied and then went on her knees if front of Gaby.

" Sorry if my wife is disturbing you again."

Then to the surprise of the others Candy spoke, “ Thank you Empress. Ivor will not come and dance with you because he is ashamed of what he has become.”

A thought came into Gaby's mind. "Maddy can you me, Candy & Ivor adjourn to a small room."

In the small room Candy started to talk. "I was always attracted to Ivor until his accident he did not even look at me. After we had got married I realised we both had similar birthmarks on our arms. We had rather an active time together. Then the changes started. First Ivor developed breasts & he was able to help me feed the children. Then one night we where getting rather active again & it came off in my hand with a pop. Since then Ivor has had monthies like the rest of us. The face you see is latex as it is illegal for two females to be married in Russia so we have to keep the pretence that he is still male.”

“Ivor pealed the mask off and let us see the rest to prove what Candy says is true. Then you can you wash & shower & then put on these clothing like Candy and the girls.”

Ivor did as he was told. "It is strange the voices told me you would be here today & I would meet my destiny.”

Gaby turned to Candy "I believe you are almost as good as Little Lily at reading minds."

Candy. "Is that the one who kept saying she was a fairy princess & that she wanted to dance with me."

Gaby laughed. "That sounds like Little Lily.”

Candy. "Thank you for restoring my speech & hearing. I could only communicate with Ivor by thought.

Gaby, "Who was your mother candy?"

"My mother has had several names. As you already know I recognised her. When I presented her with my old doll. I was with my father when the Cossacks attacked our village. Father got killed but good people took me in. I knew if I ever found anybody with the mark they where kin of some sort. I did nor realise until long after we where married though that Ivor had the same mark. I looked deep into his mind and found he could not be my brother. We where very happy together.” When Ivor returned he looked more like Candy's twin.

Gaby. “Your name would be better as Ivy now rather than Ivan. I need information about your family Ivy.”

“My father was called Georgeo Miloservich. My elder sister was a dancer. I believe she was called something like Margo or Anna. I am not sure as my father once showed me a poster & told me they where family."

"Ivy can I see your birthmark " asked Gaby as she compared her & Candy's.

“Yours is different, but very similar.”

“I think Ivy is either my cousin or my cousin's child. Candy can you reach Little Lily & tell her we have Georgeo Miloservich daughter here.”

Within seconds Anna & her daughters came through the door. She spoke in Russian to Ivy. Ivy. "Papa before he died told me I had to go dancing & perhaps one day I would find my sisters. Papa died fighting the reds I was with him and I managed to escape taking a dying papa with me.”

Anna. "I am sorry I thought you had died with your father if I had known I would have come for you sooner.”

Gaby. "We came looking for anybody with similar marking to you.”

Candy. "We have not got the correct documentation to leave the country or enter any other.”

Gaby. “Leave it up to me as I will sort it out.” The director had gone off in a huff.

Candy. "Two days ago we got a new batch of dancers they all seamed to stick together like glue. One of them at least has the same marking. I was going to try & probe her mind but so far I have not been near enough to her to do it. They will be returning tonight for the 19.00 performance.”

At 18.00 the dancers returned. Amelia spoke to them "We have instructions that you all have to have a medical before the show begins. We will start in alphabetical order. Any who we say are unfit must return to their lodgings immediately. One by one the girls where checked out. All but 3 had markings.

The three burst in to tears "One replied we have never been separated from our older sisters."

Amanda , " You three cannot be their sisters as you are different. They all have a birthmark you do not."

"Please Doctor before we go there is something I will show you." She got her sisters' arm and started to scratch at it a covering of latex came away. The other two did the same for their sister. "See I said that silly idea of yours to look normal would backfire. Now we get separated from our sisters.”

Barbara took the smallest in her arms. "Nobody will separate you while I am here & I don't think your mother would be please either. Tonight girls you are going to dance the Dance of your lives & you will have addition help. Then you are coming home with us.”

"But our stuff is all back at the apartment."

Amelia. "While you dance Daisy & her sister will collect all your belongings & bring them here. Likewise Candy can you pack everything that you will need for you will not be returning.”

Gaby. “Is there was a computer printer nearby?” The printer started churning out travel passes and permits for the entire group. “ These should suffice until we get home. "

Amanda counted the Girls. Then started to say names. One by one they stepped forward Maddy put a sticker on them with their name on eventually there was one left. The last one said Mother I was Victor but now am Victoria. "

Amanda embraced her son. I was told you died with the firing squad."

"I was hit & fell down they pushed me into a ditch at the side of the road. My sisters found me & protected me and then I started to change.”

“Father died like a true patriot cursing the reds & telling me to search my sisters out and to never be separated again. Why did you come looking for us now."

Gaby. “ Your elder sister is to take a partner & she asked for my help to find you."

Victoria, “That's strange I keep getting messages saying. You lot hurry up I am getting hungry & I want my tea."

Gaby shouted “Lily.” Lily arrived promptly.

Gaby. “Is everybody in the main hall with all their belongings or at least what they want to keep.” This they did. Gaby brought out the staff. There was a gasp from two of them.

"The staff of Frea."

Elspeth. "We where feed on stories about it & how the Child of Frea would return one day.” Gaby had already pre-set the co-ordinates of the staff for home.

They all found themselves & their belongings in the castle grounds. "Welcome cousins this is your new home." Hera came to greet the party. "She said "we had a slight problem while you where away. Now though it is resolved."

Gaby asked to see the other two stewards Anne & Margaret. . Two teenage girls came holding the Princess Beatrice & Barbara.

Anne "We think we might have a slight problem or two."

"Yes what is it."

"We where only playing about but now we all have got younger & feel full of life."

Gaby. “So ladies how have you enjoyed working in the nursery?”

Margaret. “I think we will be spending a long time in there could you possibly appoint somebody else as store manager. We have to get back with our charges.”

Gaby's parents greeted her & informed that they had just completed the deal for Microsoft with Bill Gates. Hera informed Gaby "She had arranged the costumes for the week long festivities which start on Saturday. I had intended Anne to play Anne but she & Amanda's' other daughters will not leave the nursery & they will only allow the mothers in.

Gaby. "They will be fine once they have their twins. They are just practising like the others did. I have ask the Russian group to wear name tags until we all got used to them & I feel it would be a good idea if we all wore a name tag and our picture.”

That Saturday Anne & the Ladies refused point blank to leave the nursery. Until Gaby said" Stay if you want but the mothers are taking the twins into town. With much regret the ladies went into town in full period costume. Gaby & Maddy where getting into the Coach which would drive the short distance to the arena where the event would start.

Little Lily. "Do I get to go with you or do I have to walk like the others."

Several former Queens walked in front of the coach then all the rest 4 a breast behind the coach. They took their seats. Then the herald gave the announcements. We thank Gaby Bond for agreeing to be Lady Anne for the day on this her birthday.”

Hera whispered "Gaby I have a birthday party for the real Ann all arranged".

The first event was a jousting competition one Knight asked for Anne favours. He was given a scarf, which he attached to his lance. Another competitor asked the real Anne for her favour. Eventually these two where the only ones left. After that a re-enactment group called the Clifford white coats went through the drill using Halberds. Then there were some Cavaliers fighting Roundheads on horseback. Then to finish off a group of the Clifford Whitecoats gave a demonstration of hand held weapons and their uses.

Sharp 13.01.09 © 2009

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