10 | Jun | 2022 | willowdot21

First photo, Bucket. For visually challenged writers, the image shows a blue bucket and a yellow spade surrounded by sand.

Second photo, Priory. For visually challenged writers, the image shows a beautiful old yellow stone priory with ivy growing up the sides.

Last week I was not feeling too good, Covid and Ruby issues took presidence. So this wee we have a two for one!

Bucket and Priory.

Morgarna’s eyes widened as she looked into the beautiful eyes, set in a handsome face, framed by dark curly hair tied back in a long pony tail and a perfectly groomed beard. Swallowing hard, her heart skipped a beat. “Leonardo, what are you doing here”
Stepping forward and taking her hand he answered in his lyrical Italian accent. “Morgarna, my dear I am so glad to see you! We need your help “
“We?” Morgarna raised an eyebrow”
“Yes bellissima, Mona and some students are with me, come, come on in and see “
Morgarna allowed herself to be led into the room.

The room was busy, there were blue screens everywhere with people tapping away on their keyboards. Morgarna was taking it all in when a familiar face came towards her carrying a tray ladened with wine grapes and cheese.
“Mona, it’s great to see you, you look amazing the 21st century suits you! “
“Honestly Morgana you say that in whichever century we meet! Here sit and have something to eat and drink” gently setting the tray down on a empty work surface the young woman dressed in jeans and hoody looked trim and fit, her eyes sparkling like her huge smile.

“So you see said Leonardo, we have got ourselves here with my time machine but we just can’t get back. We’ve been stuck here a few months now and I had been at wits end trying to contact you and Merlin for help! So as soon as I found your anomaly I decided to interfere with it to get your attention”
“And hey presto, after a few wet landings and rogue jumps here you are Morgs” interrupted Mona, “sorry Leo but as ever you are going all round the villa just to say we are lost”
Leonardo opened his mouth to speak but Mona waved her hand at him and winked….he closed his perfect mouth.
“Did we not give you one of Merlin’s *C.O.T.A S. mobile number ? I am sure we did ” Morgarna asked looking bemused.
Pouring more wine Mona added ” You did Morgs and you gave us a handset too, about four centuries ago but clever clogs here decided mobiles were the work of ‘the diavolo’ and he destroyed it one night after we’d had a row and he got drunk! Typical eh? “
Morgarna smiled she completely understood.
“Well we’re in contact now so we can sort all this out.

“Yes babes it’s Leo and Mona and a bunch of his students. Yup they are stuck here, their time machine is kaput! Yup we need you over her pronto and can you bring a C.O.T.A.S. Mobile please…… I will explain later. What’s that noise….where are you…what? say again, Oh! you big baby , yes send a photo then get your arse here! ” Morgarna hung up and lit a cigarette, “he on his way and no comment on my smoking will change me so save your breath”
Ping a photo arrived on her C.O.T.A.S “Hey everyone she laughed look at this she said casting Merlin’s photo to all the screens in the room.

An hour later Merlin arrived with alsorts of tools and magic ware! Mona, Morgana and the students had been busy preparing a meal and after Leonardo and Merlin had had a catch up they all sat down to a banquet! ” I’d of got a take in but the Ladies insisted on cooking” Leonardo announced, Merlin smiled “There’s no point in arguing with them mate they usually get their own way.Take it from one who knows.”
The next several hours were spent tinkering with machine, with technology and magic in even shares. Eventually after several attempts and a couple of short jumps via the anomaly back to when the time machine started playing up….at one point there were four Merlins and four Leonardos all arguing about what to do next… finally, and luckily before any blood was spilt the machine was restored to perfect working order.

The next day after the room had been cleared and striped of everything electronic and magic and the last 16th century students had had their memories of the 21st century erased and been sent back through the Anomaly and found themselves back at their eazels wondering where their master was. Merlin and Morgarna sat outside the well house in the afternoon sun with Leonardo and Mona. Merlin explained how the C.O.T.A.S. worked and this time Leonardo was very happy to learn, though useful as he could see it was he still felt vaguely it was partly the work of the Diavelo … But he agreed not to destroy it again. Merlin put in his and Morgarna’s numbers for emergencies and social calls.
Eventually after they had packed all of Equipment into Merlin’s Beema and said their goodbyes Leonardo and Mona set off home in their machine, Leonardo had the
Vitruvian Man to finish before people started asking awkward questions. After a slight werring and a flash they were gone.

“Well babes” Merlin said, “how do you fancy a night a posh hotel I know one not far from here. “
Morgarna looked at him suspiciously “Can I trust you ” she asked looking him in the eye….
“Trust me babes? Have I ever let you down “
Morgarna lit a cigarette and muttered …”yes legions of times” as she got in the car letting Merlin drive…she did fancy a little luxury.

They were expected when they arrived at The Priory, Merlin had rung ahead and booked a suite.

Morgarna was delighted with the view as they drove up the drive to be greeted by a beautiful old yellow stone priory with ivy growing up the sides. Absolutely charming she thought.
After a long soak and change of clothes they both enjoyed a sumptuous meal and plenty of wine, then they sat in the rose garden and smoked the last two of Sir Percival’s cigars.
Morgarna actually fell asleep and Merlin carried her upstairs and to the room. Which is why she didn’t see the anomaly above the bed or know that Merlin posted her through it!
She landed comfortablely on a small bed there was nothing of luxury in the room , no Egyptian cotton sheets, mini bar, no TV. no ensuite, phone or room service.

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Meanwhile on the other side of the anomaly Merlin knew he would not be Mr Popular but that did not stop him helping himself to a brandy and turning on a movie. …….

*C.O.T.A.S : Contact Over Time And Space