Bumblestook: Book 1, The Accidental Wizard (9 page)

“Oh, my goodness!” Myrtle gasped as she viewed the creature fully. “I’ve
never
seen a tail like
that
before!”

Indeed it
was
an unusual tail for an Eskie, or any other kind of dog for that matter! Instead of the standard, plumed tail carried in a single curl over its back; this puppy’s tail curled not once, not twice, but
thrice
, like a tightly coiled, furry spring!

“Just where did you get this ‘puppy’, Uncle?” Olivia asked.

Bartholeumous raised an eyebrow and returned her steady gaze. “I know his parents,” he replied. Turning to Myrtle he explained, “His name is Yap. Apparently, he is what they call the runt of the litter. You know how it is.”

“Oh!” Myrtle cried out, clasping her hands to her heart. “Poor little thing!”

The puppy responded by putting back his ears, wrinkling his furry brow, and turning down the corners of his mouth in a sad, little pout. Kind-hearted Myrtle’s eyes brimmed with tears, as she rushed forward to scoop him up.

“Wait!” Bartholeumous commanded (once again causing all living things within the sound of his voice to freeze). “It is imperative that your son touches the creature first, so that it knows its master.” He turned with solemn purpose and beckoned Farley to approach.

Farley gasped with delight and ran to the puppy. Unfortunately, just as he came within two feet of the animal, he tripped and fell forward.

The puppy leapt over him and the two rolled on the ground together; yipping and giggling, wagging and wiggling! The tension in the air evaporated as everyone watched the tumbling ball of arms and legs and furry joy, that was part dog and part boy! Unable to restrain themselves any longer, the Bumblestooks ran forward to join their son and his new pet. The puppy reveled in the attentions of its new family, alternately running around them in circles, jumping on them to lick their faces and rolling over for belly-rubs. When Fiona joined in, even Lance and Olivia couldn’t help but smile.

Bartholeumous quietly made his way over to the Faires and stood beside them, hands clasped behind his back, watching as the merry group frolicked in the garden. Strangely, he did not smile, although he was undoubtedly the cause of their newfound happiness. Instead, his dark eyes reflected a deep concern, as if they observed some other, less joyful scene.

“You
do
intend to become the boy’s Godparents,” he said.

“How did you—oh, never mind!” said Olivia, exasperated.

“We haven’t had a chance to discuss it,” said Lance. “But—and I think Olivia will back me up here—the idea is preposterous! There’s no place in our home for an
ordinary
Humanchild, let alone a kid like Farley!”

Bartholeumous eyed him sharply. “Your observation is most astute. Bumblestook is no
ordinary
Humanchild. There is much more to him than meets the eye. In fact, I have reason to believe that his future and the future of The People are intricately entwined.”

“What
?” Olivia blurted out in disbelief. “But, the Bumblestooks are
Human
! What could

their
son’s future, possibly have to do with
anything
?”

“It is written in The Book of Ages, that in this time a Humanchild will become one of the greatest champions of our people. I, and a handful of my fellow Wizards, have been charged with a mission of the highest priority, to Identify, Protect and Educate this child. I believe that child is Bumblestook. However, not all of my colleagues agree. Thus, I have spent a great part of the past five years trying to gather evidence to support my claim.”

Lance and Olivia had never seen the mysterious Book of Ages, but they knew it contained the stories of the Heroes of their people, written by the book itself once their tales were done. They also knew, occasionally the enigmatic tome wrote of events that were yet to come; enabling the Keepers of the Book to take steps, to alter any futures they deemed harmful to The People. When they were successful, the writing simply disappeared as if it had never been. The potential for misuse of the book’s awesome power was great; thus only a select few, of the most highly trained and respected Wizards, were privy to its pages.

Bartholeumous continued, “ For some reason, which I have been unable to fathom, Bumblestook is hidden from me. I have spent countless hours attempting to determine the path of his future. My Crystal Scrying Stones fogged over, the Future Reflecting Mirror cracked and the Fires of Fortune fizzled! Finally, in desperation, I attempted a Spell of Transference, in order to see through the boy’s own eyes. It is very tricky, you know— even dangerous—to transfer one’s spirit into the body of another, for the purpose of hitching a ride. I assure you, it is not for the weak-minded!”

“What happened?” Lance asked.

“The transfer failed! I was flung out into space, where I bounced back and forth between the planets, like a marble in one of those infernal Human pinball machines! Eventually, I was able to get my bearings and orient myself back in my own body. Fortunately, I escaped the ordeal with only a few white hairs. But alas, it was all for naught. Bumblestook’s future remains hidden to me. That is why I must enlist your help, in keeping an eye on the boy and discovering the secret of his power.”

Lance and Olivia looked askance at the small boy frolicking in their garden. Farley and Fiona were running in circles, with the new puppy nipping at their heels. As they watched, Farley tripped and fell; over
what
was not apparent, but for Farley, a blade of grass was sufficient. He rolled about on the ground, laughing hysterically, as the puppy jumped on and over him.

“I just don’t see it,” said Olivia, as Farley got up and promptly tripped again.

“How could a child like
that
become involved in the Great Story of The People?” Lance asked skeptically.

“The Book of Ages tells us the Humanchild’s storyline will become entangled with that of one of our own children—
entirely by accident
.”

“That’s absurd!” Olivia said indignantly. “The only child of our people that Farley has had any contact with is Fiona—” She stopped abruptly. “You don’t think that
we
had anything to do with—”

“We know that the entanglement will be completely unintentional,” Bartholeumous reassured her. “My concern is that such things tend to have serious side effects, not easily countered. A magical backlash of sorts may occur. As you may have noticed, the boy has a rather
unusual
physical disability…”

Olivia gasped and whirled to face her husband, anguish twisting her lovely features.

“ Lance, is it possible that
we
—?”

“Now Livie, I really don’t see how
we
are responsible for the boy’s condition,” her husband hastened to say. “He’s just
extremely
clumsy. If anything we probably
saved
him from seriously hurting himself! After all, it’s thanks to us that he has the protection of the Great Water—” Lance broke off suddenly, with a startled look at the Wizard.

“Do continue,” Bartholeumous encouraged.

“What I mean is—well, what I was saying was—”

“Go on.”

“What Lance is trying to say, is that Fiona is
such
a good influence on Farley, he’s actually less accident-prone when she’s around,” Olivia explained hurriedly.

“
Exactly
what I was going to say!” her husband claimed. “My theory is, Fiona’s connection with the Great Water somehow
rubs off
on little Farley—because they’re so close, you see…”

“H-m-m. Most unusual. Unheard of, actually,” Bartholeumous responded, peering at the two of them from beneath his shaggy brows. “If there is anything else you’d like to tell me about this—” he paused, as Lance and Olivia shrugged innocently and shook their heads. “Well then, it is absolutely imperative that you agree to become young Bumblestook’s Godparents. Until I can determine the secret of his power and the effect he will have on the future of our people, he must be kept under observation and protected from harm.”

The Faires looked at each other and sighed, then nodded reluctantly.

Suddenly, the sky (which had been clear all morning) filled with long, purple clouds that raced across the expanse, like horses out of the gate. Lance and Olivia flinched, as flickering patterns of light dashed across the neat and ordered beauty of the garden, but the Wizard smiled with satisfaction and raised his arms to the sky.

“A-h-h, at last! The forces of the Universe are coming back into balance!” he declared. “I am more convinced than ever that Bumblestook is the child mentioned in the Book of Ages.”

“O
ur
story, Lance’s and mine, it’s already written there, isn’t it?” Olivia ventured to ask.

“We
assumed,
perhaps mistakenly, that our adventuring days were over. We pretty much considered ourselves retired,” Lance added.

Before the Wizard could answer, they were interrupted by Harvey and Myrtle, calling out as they approached. The Bumblestooks had decided to go shopping for pet supplies right away. They were so excited about welcoming their new pet into their home, they plumb forgot the serious nature of their visit. As everyone headed back to the house, Harvey and Myrtle thanked Bartholeumous profusely for their son’s gift. Harvey even promised to put in a good word for him at Gaffington’s, should he find himself in need of a job. Finally, the Bumblestooks took their leave, their troubles temporarily forgotten and their spirits lifted; thanks to a wiggly pup and a good, strong, whiff of Euphoria!

“I shall be off as well,” Bartholeumous announced. “I have done what I came to do, and have other things that need tending to.” Exchanging the voluminous cloak (folded into a handkerchief to fit into a pocket) for the conservative trench coat, he quickly made his way through the house and out the front door.

“Will you come see us again, Uncle Bartholymouse?” Fiona asked, tugging at his sleeve as they stood on the front porch to say good-bye.

Eyes twinkling, he bent down to speak to her. “I will come again when the time is right, but until then, if you need me you have but to look into your crystal and think of me.”

He straightened, reaching into a pocket and withdrawing his hand, closed in a tight fist. Turning it palm up, he slowly uncurled his fingers to reveal a large piece of ancient amber. Its polished surface emitted a soft, golden glow. Entrapped within its fossilized depths were three tiny, winged creatures.

“Time Flies!” Olivia gasped.

“Indeed. Prehistoric insects trapped in time. When released with the proper spell, time itself is altered. The effect of the enchanted amber is reversed, solidifying the immediate surroundings in time, while the holder of the gem is left free to act—one full hour per insect. The spell is inscribed on the back. Take it. I suspect that in the future, you will have need of extra time.”

Olivia took the rare, enchanted gem, handling it with care. Bartholeumous then reached into another pocket, withdrawing what appeared to be an ordinary tube of glue. He handed it to Lance.

“What’s this?” Lance asked.

“Super-Duper Glue,” Bartholeumous replied. “No doubt, it will come in handy with Bumblestook around. Just follow the directions and be careful not to glue your fingers together. That can be
most
annoying!”

So saying, their mysterious guest took his leave on foot, walking down the block like any ordinary man. The Faires stood on their porch, watching as his figure dwindled away and disappeared. Finally, they returned to the house, where a cold breakfast awaited them.

Tom Foolery (disguised as the family cat) sat atop the eight-foot high stone wall, separating the Bumblestook’s back yard from the Faire’s. As he watched and waited, only the twitching tip of his overlong tail and the flick-flick-flick of his whiskers, betrayed his impatience. Finally, his persistence paid off as the Bumblestook’s back door opened and a small, furry white creature burst through. It ran energetically about the yard, eagerly sniffing every tree and bush. The animal approached the wall; slowing down while making wet, snuffling noises through its nose and mouth as it picked up an unusual scent. Stopping directly under the spot where the Bungaree sat, it looked straight up at Tom, wagging its thrice-coiled tail with frantic excitement.

Tom gazed down, a curious expression on his furry face. His whiskers twitched and his nose wrinkled as he tried to get a whiff of the animal.

“You don’t
smell
like a dog,” he said.

The creature cocked its head to the right and regarded him steadily

“You don’t exactly
look
like a dog either,” said Tom.

The creature cocked its head to the left and continued to stare at him.

“In fact, I don’t believe you
are
a dog!” Tom declared.

The animal’s mouth opened wide, its lips curving upwards in a silly grin. Suddenly, it began yipping like mad, as if to alert its masters to an intruder.

Tom Foolery wasn’t fazed. He continued to stare down at the creature as it added high, twisting jumps to its performance. When it began running about in circles, he actually yawned. Finally, it fell over exhausted, sides heaving and tongue flopping out of its mouth.

“Good show! You should take a bow,” Tom said. “Bet you could use a nice, cold drink, right about now.”

“Oh yes, please!” The pup replied eagerly in a high squeaky voice, licking his lips in anticipation and sitting up on his hind legs, in classic begging-dog style. Then, his face fell, as he realized he had spoken aloud. “Rats!” he said ruefully, falling over backwards. Shamefaced, he looked up at Tom. “I’m not ‘usposed ta talk.”

Tom grinned triumphantly. “You’re no dog—I knew it! Boy, you really blew it!”

“So!
You’re
not a cat!” the pup replied, sticking his tongue out at the Bungaree.

Tom dropped gracefully into the Bumblestook’s yard, landing easily on his feet in front of the other creature. “When you’re right, you’re right.” Positioning himself behind a near-by bush for cover, he spun himself into his natural form. “As you can plainly see, I’m a Bungaree! You can call me Tom.”