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  ‘You don’t know a thing, and you’re making it up. And I know why. Because Ryder likes me and not you.’

  ‘No, I’m not making it up. That’s simply not true either, Jade. I’m trying to protect you! Ryder has a side to him that you don’t ever want to experience.’ I implored her to listen, but I could see from the determined expression on her face that she didn’t want to believe what I was telling her.

  ‘He has two sides, Jade, and the nasty side far outweighs the good side.’

  ‘What d’you mean?’ said Jade, looking at me sceptically.

  ‘He’s toying with us, Jade. He enjoys making me suffer by flirting with you. I can see it in his eyes. His eyes are filled with spite.’ I tried to make eye contact with her to make her see the truth, but she glanced away.

  ‘Rubbish. You’re just jealous, Amelina,’ Jade replied, her voice rising in anger.

  ‘No, I’m not. Please listen to me, Jade,’ I pleaded. My note of desperation hung suspended in the air and dispersed with her next two words.

  ‘No thanks,’ she replied with an angry shuffle of her feet.

  I shut my mouth and stared at Jade. ‘You can have him if you want Jade, but you better be careful. Just remember what the spirit said, we’re meant to be in a circle of friendship, and good friends should listen to each other.’

  ‘Sorry, Amelina, I can’t resist him. I know he isn’t my usual type, and you’re right, there’s something different about him. But I think you’re exaggerating his threat. He’s not some evil gangster. I’ve tried hard, but I can’t stop thinking about him. Don’t let it spoil our friendship, Amelina. We can still be friends.’ Jade stood her ground, and I cringed at the look in her eyes.

  ‘Friends? We used to be best friends, Jade, or have you forgotten?’ I replied angrily.

  ‘Huh. How could you say that? I don’t want to be best friends with you anymore, Amelina. I don’t even want to be friends.’ She turned on her heel and strode away.

  I called Mum to come pick me up. I didn’t even say goodbye to anyone. I’d had enough fun for one day. On the way home in the car, a wave of silent misery engulfed me. Mum didn’t pry. For once she respected my silence. As soon as I walked into the house, I rattled my dad by forgetting to say hello. My emotions had engulfed me.

  ‘Amelina, you could at least say hello when you come in the door.’ Dad glared at me from his chair.

  ‘Sorry, Dad. Hi,’ I said, managing the barest of responses, and then feeling guilty for it. Dad sighed and walked off in a huff, shuffling down the hall, ignoring my grotty mood.

  Mum saw the telltale glint of tears in my eyes and asked, ‘Whatever’s the matter, Amelina? Did you have another fall?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Did you enjoy the horseback riding?’

  ‘No,’ I said, pushing back my rising tears. I ran upstairs, shut my door, and collapsed on my bed, burying my face in my pillow. At first I cried sobs of anger at Jade’s hateful words, but the more I thought about Jade, the more the hurt imploded inside of me until the tears flowed so freely that my pillowcase became a soggy, mutilated mess.

  It was all too much. First, the strange behaviour and appearance of my parents, and now losing Jade. How could I have such awful luck? I picked up the pillow and squeezed it like I wanted to wring the life out of it. In exasperation, I threw the pillow across the room in an almighty fit of temper. Not even Esme had the courage to talk to me tonight.

  Puzzle Piece 36:

  A Spirit Walks To Arthur’s Seat

  Ever had a day,

  When everything seems so strange?

  Ridiculous time,

  Nonsensical opposites,

  Confuse and play mighty tricks.

  That night strange noises disturbed my sleep, and the central heating gurgled like a bubbling cauldron, mirroring my thoughts. Dream-like images floated and played in my mind like an old black and white movie. Each scene involved bright colours and flashes of brilliant light, but there didn’t seem to be any real substance to the vivid dreams. Frustrated, I pushed back my covers and climbed out of bed. I took the Merlinite stone out of the pouch I had hidden in my drawer. In my hand, the Merlinite hummed a song celebrating the magic it held within.

  Leanne’s words flooded my consciousness with an intensity that surprised me. I heard her words spoken in that whispery voice she used, ‘The Merlinite is a conjurer’s stone; a spiritual stone that allows journeys to past lives. Placed under your pillow, it can transport you to Arthurian times.’

  I paused and wondered if I possessed the courage to proceed. I cradled the stone in my hands, contemplating my next move. I knew in my heart I had to see what would happen, so I placed the gem under my pillow. I climbed back into bed and settled down. At last, I drifted off to sleep, soothed by the sweet song that the Merlinite sang. As I rested, my body underwent a change, and I experienced a unique sensation. I felt my soul lift and rise above my body, watching me. I felt no distress; on the contrary, I experienced a profound feeling of peace and tranquillity.

  At this moment, caught between sleep and waking, I sensed the power of the Merlinite stone. My hovering spirit burst into tiny, tumbling jigsaw pieces that broke apart and then reassembled and fused back together. My sleeping body lay below, unaware of the miraculous event. My spirit form consisted of my soul, the essence of who I was. I crept out of the door, a shimmering apparition dressed only in my pyjamas. The house encouraged my progress by emitting a low, cheerful hum that seemed to say, take the challenge but come back safe.

  Waiting at my front doorstep, I discerned the glowing form of my guiding spirit, who had appeared to my friends and me the night of the sleepover. I recognised the healing energy swirling before me straight away.

  This benevolent spirit smiled in encouragement and said, ‘Much has happened since the night of the sleepover. I can see disappointments have followed. The Merlinite has brought you here.’ The spirit turned and pointed, saying, ‘Time to bid farewell to Eruterac, I will take you on your journey.’

  Eruterac materialised out of thin air. He was the same creature I had painted and who had appeared at my door days ago. Even though I felt nervous when I saw him, I didn’t feel afraid. I watched as he spoke, and specks of black debris cascaded, spluttering from his mouth. I drew in a breath of relief that this time he did not bring the bugs, rats, and worms that infested his body.

  ‘Welcome, Amelina, so glad to see you again. Your spirit guide has asked me to bid you farewell.’

  I felt a strange sadness that this would be the last time I would see Eruterac. But he wasn’t the kind of guy you would hug, so I kept my words simple, ‘Farewell, Eruterac.’

  ‘Farewell, Amelina, your final journey is still to come.’

  With each step the creature took, the surrounding ground shook, and small portions of his body flaked off, returning to the waiting earth. I thought of the phrase ‘ashes to ashes, dust to dust,’ finally grasping the meaning.

  I watched in astonishment as the wind swirled around like a cyclone, unravelling the creature’s body further, piece by piece, detritus dissolving into the cold, hard earth until nothing remained but one twig, lying where he had once been.

  Eruterac’s final departure had been so spellbinding that I had almost forgotten about the spirit. I turned my head to see that the spirit glowed with an energy I had never envisioned. Perhaps this energy had burst from the power of the wind itself. Sparkling with luminosity, every aspect of the spirit’s being screamed for my attention. Twirling round and round, a million candles of celestial brilliance lit and extinguished one by one, creating a light show of such magnitude that my eyes flickered with excitement, bewitched by the sight.

  The wind picked up, the spirit continued to spiral, and the flickering lights grew faster and faster, creating a tornado of swirling light and ethereal magic. Dazzled by this stupendous vision, bright blinding spots appeared before my eyes. I closed my eyes, sealing the overwhelming sensation of magnificent warmth and heigh
tened excitement into my body. Even with my eyes closed, I could see the spirit cast a brilliant light show into the night sky, tiny shooting stars whizzed and vanished into the night. One last star twinkled, and then the spirit disappeared into the darkness.

  I didn’t dare open my eyes until the wind had subsided. When I did, I found my celestial body floating in an area surrounded by woods that reminded me of the drawing I’d painted for my final art exam. It was a replica brought to life. The trees lifted their green leaves in welcome toward the azure sky. Luscious green ferns, rocks, and boulders framed an open clearing leading toward a crystal blue lake. My eyes sparkled with excitement as I gazed at the lake.

  I hovered and wondered if this could be the land that Leanne had told me about. In the distance, I made out the outline of the sleeping volcano. How fascinating and tranquil it was. In the backdrop of this peaceful setting, I caught sight of the crags of Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh and the Scottish Parliament. The rocky formations reminded me of the shape of a sleeping lion with the extinct vents of the volcano forming rocks that resembled the lion’s head and haunches.

  My mind clicked into overdrive, and I recollected that Arthur’s Seat had been cited as one of the possible locations for Camelot. My excitement grew with the understanding that the Merlinite stone had deposited me at the castle of the legendary English warrior-chief, King Arthur. I rubbed my eyes in amazement as the King rode toward me on his magnificent white horse, holding Excalibur, the magic sword, in his hand. I drew back, stunned and dazed by the sight of the topaz lights, diamond sparkles, and blood red gemstones gleaming on the hilt of the sword. An overwhelming desire to touch the precious stones consumed me. However, I was not worthy, and the power of the sword blinded me.

  During this moment, King Arthur’s face and features changed. Now Ryder stood before me, dressed in King Arthur’s finery, clutching the mighty sword Excalibur. I blinked several times and wondered whatever would my crazed mind conjure up next. It was beyond puzzling. This man holding Excalibur had to be the rightful king, yet Ryder’s face didn’t fit the man.

  Out of the clearing rode Guinevere astride her horse. Deep within the queen’s eyes, I recognised a passion that existed only for her king. I became drawn to the queen’s facial features, and little by little the queen’s face altered until the image of Jade took its place. I observed the two imposters, Ryder and Jade, as they dismounted and kissed as if their lives depended on it.

  When at last they broke free from their kiss, Ryder stared at me, searching my face for a reaction. It was clear he wished to taunt me, to make me suffer, even while I posed no threat in this spirit form. In anger, I reached for the sword. I lifted the resplendent stone encrusted blade to the skies. A rainbow of colours shimmered before me, each band of colour more intense than the one before. From the centre of the rainbow emerged the figure of a young man. He smiled at me, and I thought he looked familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on who he was.

  The young man’s figure dissolved within the radiance of the rainbow and then reappeared before me, riding upon a grey-coloured horse with a striking French-braided mane of delicately curled horsehair. He stopped, leaned down, and introduced himself to me. I recognised him immediately. He was handsome Lancelot, Arthur’s rival for Guinevere’s love, but I didn’t draw in a breath of excitement when I saw him, though, I imagined that Esme would have drawn in several. It must have been the spring meadow freshness of his eyes and that familiar twinkling that gave him away. A shy smile lit up his face—it was Kyle. Far off in the distance, I could see Guinevere showed no interest in this grand knight of the Round Table. Guinevere (Jade) was too wrapped up in King Arthur’s (Ryder’s) kiss. My spirit body was horrified and recoiled from the scene. I had to stop this celestial pantomime, now.

  I questioned what these apparitions meant. My mind swirled in confusion. Was Ryder attracted to Jade? Or did he enjoy toying with Jade to upset me? Were Jade and Ryder in some twisted way meant for each other? Was it fate? Could the power of their love be so strong that it would make a mockery of such a legend? And who was Kyle, a knight or a fraud?

  In answer to my many questions, a churning mist appeared, obstructing my view. The great magician, Merlin, stepped from the fog. This thin elderly man had a narrow chin covered by a long white pointed beard. His brilliantly coloured robes billowed around him as he strode toward me.

  He pointed at me and said, ‘You hold the great Excalibur in your hands. The touch from this sword will enhance your many powers, but only if you search your soul to find your soulmate. Make sure you choose wisely.’

  Pausing for breath, the great wizard continued. ‘Do not be drawn by appearance alone. The most handsome of men can cloud your thoughts and create a cloak of deception. Making a decision about their character can be difficult. Remember, Lancelot brought Guinevere great joy, but this was swiftly followed by intense sadness.’

  ‘But I don’t understand, Merlin. Why did Kyle appear as Lancelot? He isn’t attracted to Jade.’

  ‘It is opposite day; anything can happen, especially when hypnotism is controlling what we believe. Legends can be overturned, or legends can tease you with nonsense. Only time will tell, but follow your heart, and you will learn the answer.’

  As Merlin voiced his final words, I felt a strange sensation like my body drifted, and some invisible force was pulling me back to where I belonged. My spirit soared like a weightless bubble suspended in the air. My celestial body moved with lightning speed, slipping back into the sleeping body lying in my bed.

  With an incredible jolt, I came to. I had safely returned to my bedroom. I threw back the covers and gaped at my feet, which were soaking wet and covered in mud and leaves. I shivered, chilled to the bone. Confusion gripped me. My first episode of spirit walking left me weak and speechless.

  Flashes from my out-of-body adventure played over in my mind. Whatever did it all mean? And what did Merlin mean when he said I had to search my soul for my soulmate? Had it all been a dream? No, that was impossible. I glanced down at the soles of my feet. They were filthy. It was real, all right. I had gone spirit walking.

  I brooded about why Kyle had appeared as Sir Lancelot in my spirit walking episode. Though Kyle was classed as good-looking, he couldn’t compete with Ryder’s handsomeness. Also, it made little sense why Kyle would ride a horse as if he was an expert horseman when he didn’t enjoy horseback riding. How was any of this going to help me find the answers to solving the curse that possessed my parents?

  A million unanswered questions hammered through my mind. Merlin was teasing me with this nonsense, but why? Perhaps, it was a deceptive device to throw me off course. Or maybe I needed to focus on the root cause of the curse.

  I felt a tiny tremble under my feet. Perhaps the house was ready to share some of its secrets. The time had come to break a few family rules. The attic room had always been out of bounds. But I had a hunch that this was the exact place to search.

  Puzzle Piece 37:

  The Study

  It’s time for locked rooms,

  Mysterious to open,

  Beyond a secret,

  Echoing with memories,

  Musical notes choked by dust.

  The next morning, I felt tired and drained after the spirit-walking episode. I stayed in the house where I could do some exploring on my own. With no one to disturb me or to see what I was doing, I hoped to find some answers. My plan was to sneak into Dad’s study. I had to do a bit of hidden curse detective work. The answers to my father’s unnatural ageing must be hidden within this well-guarded room.

  My dad’s study was at the top of the second storey stairs, a single attic room with a large window that overlooked the conifers in the garden below. For as long as I could remember, the study door had remained locked. My only conclusion was that Dad didn’t want me nosing about in there. This only intrigued me more; I had to find a way in.

  That morning, I rummaged around in the kitchen drawer to find the key to unlock the
study. I grabbed the key ring and flew up the stairs. I tried several of them without any success. On my last attempt, I noticed the slanting attic door next to the study and thought that looked more promising. It was strange, but there didn’t seem to be any sign of a lock or a handle on the door. I tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. A light bulb went off in my head, and I ran down to the kitchen for a butter knife. Impressed with my brilliance, I slid the knife down the side of the door, and at last it popped open with a reluctant groaning sound. The cramped room meant that I had to force my slender body through the opening. Scattered about were old toys, dressing-up clothes, books, and many forgotten things. I knew I was on the right path because I had an uncanny feeling that I would find the key to Dad’s study in here.

  A shaft of filtered light trickled in through a small window highlighting the far corner of the attic. I moved towards the light, avoiding the many obstacles in my way. Nearly twisting my ankle climbing over boxes and old suitcases, I caught sight of an object dangling from a delicate hook on the wall. There hung a golden key.

  I grabbed the key and heard what sounded like a shrill voice recording with a constant feedback hum. In a scratchy sing-song, the voice spoke: ‘Put me back, thief. I was enjoying the sunshine streaming in. Don’t you know how cold it can be in the attic? Sunshine cheers me up. How would you feel surrounded by unwanted things all day and every day?’

  I couldn’t believe my ears and stopped dead in my tracks. The key was talking to me. I turned the key over in my hand, reasoning that keys didn’t speak—ever. I scratched my head and decided I had two choices. One, I could accept I was having a hallucination, or two, I could ignore this ranting voice and continue my search. I chose the latter. Anyway, with all the other strange happenings in this house, a talking key wasn’t that far-fetched.