Last week we left Morgarna and Gail in a rather tight spot trying to deal with a giant chess set processed by a polagiest we need to get back and see what’s happening!
The red chess pieces encircled Morgarna and Gail, the electrical buzz was louder than ever and the pieces grew even larger as they circled around Morgarna and Gail. The two women’s hands were so tightly entwined that they were white from lack of blood! “Louder Gail! ” Morgarna hissed “take your cue from me, we have to make this work!” As they chanted louder so the red chess pieces encircled them glaring at them, the buzzing grew to a creshendo and the blue chess figures started to fly around their heads…..this was all truly scary and even Morgarna felt rather threatened! “Louder, Gail we must defeat them ” Morgarna shouted feeling her powers were being drained and her concentration was slipping. Gail thankfully was getting her second wind and as her voice rose she felt so much power within her. Her eyes shone and she felt so empowered. “Hold on Morgarna,” she said telepathically ” I have this and I have power enough to share.” With those words just leaving her mind she pushed what she saw as a bright white light towards Morgarna. Morgarna’s eyes shot open a renewed power shone out of her!
The noise and the buzzing were at their zenith and all the chess pieces were either encircling Gail and Morgarna or flying around randomly hitting off of walls and ceilings at ridiculous speeds Suddenly the lights went out it was pitch black.The buzzing stopped and every chess piece, red or blue was stopped dead in its tracks . Morgarna took a deep breath and with all her might shouted the exorcism rights commanding the polagiest to vacate this place. The buzzing started again, and the spinning started up again like a devilishly evil carousel. Morgarna and Gail raised their voices even more and as one they both lifted their left arms and pointed to a spot where the wall should of been.
Slowly a chink of light appeared.and grew until it was a door of golden light. Slowly and making much fuss a huge stream of darkness was leaving all the chess pieces and forming a single entity above their heads the screaming and the buzzing was deafening, the blackness was fighting to escape the golden light which was now reaching out and engulfing the dark dragging it towards the door. The struggle seemed to last an eternity all the while the girls chanted louder and louder then suddenly with a huge BANG! the dark was dragged kicking and screaming through the door which slammed shut then opened a little!
Silence! Gail and Morgarna sat exhausted on the chess board surrounded by giant pieces laying at all angles. The buzzing had stopped and the lights were back on there was nothing moving…”peace” said Gail getting up and heading to the door, she just put her hand on the handle when Morgarna said, “not yet wait” reaching into her bag Morgarna pulled out Merlin’s E.R. standing up she scanned the room not forgetting the painting. The E.R. peeped loudly at the edge of the chess board Morgarna bent down and saw the blackness slithering towards her she looked across to Gail “are you wearing your locket or your crucifix today?” “Both” replied Gail. “Excellent give me the crucifix quick” Gail handed Morgarna the chain and cross and she scooped up the blackness and flicked it through the door… She gave the room a final sweep the said to Gail, ” that’s it shut the door! Gail did , as she took her crucifix back she noticed a blister on Morgan’s hand….”what’s that” she asked looking alarmed. “Oh! that’s nothing really” smiled Morgarna I am slightly allergic to the crucifix. ” Winking as she spoke.
After they had tided up the cellar they went back upstairs to have a cigarette and a drink or two at the bar. They met some interesting guys who bought them both more drinks… Morgarna was just about to suggest they got a room when the Anomaly arrived and much to Morgarna’s annoyance they jumped.
The Desk– Image by KL Caley
Morgarna landed in what looked like a drawing room. It was late afternoon and the last rays of the day were streaming through the window. At one end of the room was an old fashioned mahogany writing desk and chairs. Papers were splayed on the desk and a jacket was slung over one of the chairs. There was no sign of Gail she was on her own again! “What the …. Is that turd Merlin playing at now” she thought… another situation for her to sort, no warning, no information no back up…. suddenly Morgarna felt weary….. really she thought…as she sat down at the desk ….I don’t get weary. I need a cigarette!
. Well here we are at the castle Merlin, Morgarna and Gail are just about to embark on a new adventure . Now I have to warn you this is a sad one so you will need the tissues.
Morgarna stubbed out her cigarette as they crossed the threshold of the castle. She had to smile and raise an eyebrow at Merlin who was smiling back over the head of an excited Gail. As they entered the main hall Gail stood stock still, Morgarna made to move her along but Merlin shook his head and signaled to her to wait! “Hello” said Gail looking behind her and reaching out, as soon as she touched the being Morgarna and Merlin could see it too. Merlin got out the E.R. (Entity Reader) after scanning the being he said “Oh! Good she’s a benign being.”
The three turned to face the spirit it was a woman, she was obviously a noblewoman, her blue dress and head covering suggested riches.
Gail had felt an instant attraction to this gentle lady. There was something about her eyes that touched Gail deeply. Merlin, stepping forward and taking the lady’s hand he kissed it. ” May I ask your name my lady, I am Merlin, wizard, this is Morgarna sorceress and our ward the lady Gail” Merlin said inclining his head. Gail’s eyes beamed, as she thought to herself “their ward, the lady Gail” Morgarna caught her thoughts and winked at her. “Can we help you my lady we are here at your service.” Merlin continued. “I am Lady Gwyneth and sadly I am trapped here and I am so lonely I truly want to pass over and be with my loved ones ” the lady looked so sad that even Morgarna felt a tinge of pity for her as she lit another cigarette. “So” said Gail “how can we help you Lady Gwyneth, perhaps if you could tell us what happened? “
Lady Gwyneth bowed her head and closed her eyes . “Life was good my husband was a good man and we were so happy, I was expecting our first child I was walking in the rose garden which was to been seen from this arrow slit . “ Gwyneth had walked across the hall to an opening that now looked out on to the moat.
arrowslit
For visually challenged writers, the image shows an arrowslit looking out over a body of water, with an ancient stone wall and curved tower just visible.
“Things were just perfect and I was so very happy, the sun was shining the flowers scent was incredibly heady and I felt life was perfect. Then suddenly I felt a terrible pain in my belly I fell to the ground screaming with pain,… I felt wet, blood pouring out of me and I knew my baby was leaving me as was my life blood. “ Gail moved across the hall toward Gwyneth and put her arms around her and said “We will do all we can to rest your soul truly we will “
Morgarna had popped outside the castle and found a Café, she returned with four cups of tea she handed them around and said ” well Gywn what happened next? “ ‘I tried to call out” replied Gwyneth. ” But no sound came out of my mouth, as I got weaker laying there in the sun the beautiful scent of flowers all around me. I felt my life slipping out of me then I saw our beautiful son floating away from me. I had had no idea whether it was a boy or a girl until I saw him slipping away …. That’s when I gave up and the second I did I was up and running after our boy but I could not catch him! As I tried to hold on to him I heard my husband calling my name. I even felt his arms around me , I turned , I tried to go back to my beloved but I could not, I could not reach my baby or my husband. ” Gwyneth took a sip of the tea Morgarna had given her and continued. ” I was stuck there betwixt and between unable to reach either. Then I was lifted and spun round through what was like a black hole. Then I found myself here in the Great hall where I was stuck…. I could not leave I could not rest, I could leave, I could not sleep or rest all I could do was watch my beloved husband grief and grow angry and sower. He flooded my beautiful rose garden and set a most around the whole castle . Gail it was awful I watched him die from the inside out.” Gwyneth sank to the floor sobbing and Gail held her close. “Please Morgarna, Merlin we have to help we have to ” Gail’s eyes were full of tears her heart was breaking. Morgarna looked at Merlin ….. “Merls” she said ” We’ve got to help …”
Merlin and Gail finally left the church as day was breaking, there were people about bustling off to work but no one in the church yard to see them leaving the church. They watched as all the other inhabitants of cemetery melded away like early morning mist. They got into the BMV, Merlin driving this time while Gail got out her laptop and put in all the information Lady Annette had given them. As the drove past the church door they waved to Annette before she disappeared into the shadows.
Morgarna stretched and shuddered as she realised she was still in the dungeon, her powers somehow blocked , she was filthy and cold. Crawling as far as she could across the floor she reached a wall and she pulled herself up. As she stood, every muscle in her body ached…. That was something she had never experienced before. Feeling along the wall she found there was something laying on the ground . Putting her arm down she felt a body! …This one was breathing! Reaching down she felt a beard, “Hello” she said then she shook the body, then she shouted “HELLO! ” not known for her patience at the best of times she aimed a kick at the sleeping beauty! “Oi, Oi, just what do you think you are doing” said the not very happy bundle of rags on the floor. “What do you think you are doing disturbing my beauty sleep” “Urgh? Well I hate to tell you mate it’s not working?”
“Oh! Very funny what have we got here, a jester? Or a talking sow by the smell of it.” Morgarna pulled leg back to kick again when the rag bag stood up and said “enough woman, who are you” Morgarna stopped and looked the man in the eyes. “I am Morgarna LeFey and who are you” Looking at the man she could see he was young and actually under the dirt quite familiar and good-looking. Morgarna leaned in and looked long and hard at the young man with his new beard and asked and who are you? “John the Blacksmith’s son, Morgarna LeFey”
Merlin and Gail pulled up outside the house, “Are we alone ” Merlin asked waving the E.R. around we don’t need a repeat of last time do we. Later in the kitchen the two of them discussed all that they had learnt from the ghosts and also what Lady Annette had told them. “I have all the E.R. readings of John from when he was here and the many trace readings from the cemetery…and you know what Gail he’s an alien from one of Jupiter’s moons, the fifth one Io to be precise. ” Merlin said pouring himself a coffee. “But” Gail interjected, ” there is no life on Io as you say it’s a moon.” “Spot on Gail, not in your time or this but this guy is from the future and possibly another solar system… He’s probably visited our solar system and traveled through time causing mayhem. “ “What are we going to do , we’ve not heard a thing from Morgarna since she and that ‘John’ went to see what happened to Annette ” Gail looked worried. Merlin drained his coffee and looked at his laptop ..” I checked it all out and we lost contact with her about the time Annette was murdered and John was arrested! Also from that moment on something has been blocking Morgarna’s powers. I’ve seen no magic she’s not even conjured up a cigarette for three days…I am slightly concerned” Gail’s eyes widened ” OMG is she safe…what are we going to do we can’t just wait for her to come back, it sounds like she can’t get in touch with us. “ “Your right Gail , she’s obviously in trouble and she won’t be thinking that straight without her cigarettes” Merlin picked up the keys to the lab .” Come on Gail we are going to go and get her back!”
Morgarna looked at John and said, “You are John the Blacksmith’s son and you were in love with Lady Annette “ “Yes I am and I saw her murdered by the man that looked like me. Then I woke up in here. No one will listen to me, they will kill me soon.. … How do you know who I am and what I saw. “ Morgarna smiled “Well I am from a different time ” waving her hand to silence John who had already lost the thread of what was happening. “Look” she continued “I am here to help you but right now I am invisibly bound and gagged and all my powers have deserted me ” she moved away from John who had started to urinate in the corner ….She had left all that behind her years ago but knew she’d have to get used to bodily functions again. Touching her head where she had the beginning of a headache she whispered “Merlin help me!! “
“Can I borrow any of these” Gail shouted from Morgarna’s dressing room . “Yes” replied Merlin , “we are going back six hundred years so go for comfort, layers for warmth, plain coulours and sensible boots “ “Okay” shouted Gail secretly delighted . “Meet me outside ” Merlin shouted and bring a bag with laptop , COTAS and the E.R. as quick as you can !”.
Merlin was outside waiting, dressed as a druid but with a black hooded cloak and solid walking boots. “Hey man all suited and booted…will I do?” Gail asked. Merlin turned to look at her she looked so small, in her dark blue dress under a grey fur hooded cloak and on her feet….Doc Martin boots. She had a wreath of flowers in her hair and she was carrying a big bag. “Put the bag under your cloak…that’s it you look the part” Merlin added to himself…you look so young. Merlin pressed the button on a small handset and the Anomaly arrived. “Ready” said Merlin….”Ready” echoed Gail.
They landed by a river, further along they could see shadows of trees which the fog was starting to blur. “Oh! My it’s so cold here Merlin where are we” “We’re in the North of England” Merlin replied getting out his special compass , two miles from the village and it looks like Morgarna is not far either. Let’s head towards the village and see what we can find out. Now don’t say too much and follow my lead” The two set off into the fog.
In the Dungeon, John was listening opened mouthed as Morgarna explain how she came to be in this filthy hole with him.
Fog – Image by KL Caley.
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a river, further along it you can see some shadows of trees which the fog is starting to blur.
Morgarna landed first by the river and loved the whole scene…while she could she took in her surroundings and pulled her cape around her against the morning chill. John arrived hitting the ground running… “Woa! What sort of sourcery is this” he whispered as he came to a stop just short of the water. “Mine” replied Morgarna with a smile… Though I have to give Merlin some credit well quite a lot … well never mind “ John looked at Morgarna as she lit a cigarette and took a large drag on it. “So this is where it all happened John are you brave enough to find out who murdered Annette, we will have to witness the whole scene are you up for this?” John took a deep breath and agreed that yes he was ready for whatever might transpire.
They spent the day in the village Morgarna asking questions and sharing healing potion recipes with the women in the village and drinking in the tavern … She had made John invisible so that he could watch and listen and hear any plans that concerned Annette being made. At one point she summoned John to a copse outside the village and said …’This is not three hundred years ago John, this is more six hundred years back … Why did you lie to us ? Did you think I wouldn’t notice? “ “Oh! no Morgana I didn’t mean to lie I wasn’t sure if you’d help me after all these times are dangerous for a sourceress. I knew you’d know as soon as you saw the village.”..he looked a little sheepish …. something Morgarna noted.
Evening approached and Morgarna and John followed the line of the river. After half an hour they reached the spot and John suggested they hide in the bushes and wait. Dusk fell and Morgarna had a cigarette and a drink from her flask. John seemed rather agitated which Morgarna put down to nerves at having to watch his lover being slaughtered and by who! Then along the same path Morgarna and John had walked earlier came the sound of voices. To Morgarna’s surprise she saw John and Annette walking towards them… They were arguing , as they reached the back she watched in horror as John drew his sword and holding Annette down he cut her throat. Wide eyed Morgarna span round to confront John. Who was right behind her but he was older and his black eyes held her gaze as they glinted with evil?
The last thing Morgarna saw before she lost consciousness was a younger and blooded John and the older version meld into one. She had a vague sense of being picked up and flung over a horse before complete darkness engulfed her.
Morgarna’s eyes opened and she tried to focus in the damp and dark… She was wet and cold and she smelt really bad. As her eyes became accustomed to the dark she could make out that she was in a dungeon. Looking round Morgarna could see a couple of skeletons and a rotting corpse ….well she thought to herself this looks helpful..not. She lit a cigarette and gave the matter some thought…where was she, well for a start she was three hundred years further back than Merlin thought she was….that was not good, neither was the fact that she was stuck in this stinking dungeon .
Merlin put his coffee down and looked at the readings from his new ‘Entity Reader’ he’d read it three times now and he was now certain that there was something truly amiss. “Gail , could you spare a minute I need a second opinion, as you come in could you just walk throy the new E.R. reader for me. “ “Yes on my way Merlin just let me get this Lasagné out of the oven and I will be there!” Merlin rolled his eyes, what have we created he smiled to himself , Mary Berry move over. Gail came in and walked through the E.R. machine, immediately the reading came up on his laptop. He compared it to the reading he had taken from John the night before and shook his head. “What’s the problem Merlin you look confused” Gail asked looking concerned. “It’s John’s reading Gail ….it’s so different to yours that I really doubt that he is what he said he is .. No ghost would have a reading like his” Gail looked at the readings and though she could see they were in no way similar she didn’t really understand. ” Honestly Merlin I don’t understand this at all but my first impression of John was evil….. Then later I felt bewitched by him and after he left I was so relieved.” “Yes” Merlin replied, there is definitely something not right here and his signature is definitely a lot older than three hundred years as he told us. It’s much more like six hundred?” “Signature?” Asked Gail, “whatdoes that mean?” “Well the new E.R. machine takes a reading from all entities that it scans, your signature Gail, is eighty years old, twenty years of life and sixty of death “ “Right ” agreed Gail, “and John’s?” Merlin looked up , ” Well it’s over six hundred years and he has never died!” Gail and Merlin looked at eachother , Merlin picked up the car keys …get your coat Gail we need to go back to the Cemetery where John or whatever decided to follow us! As they left Gail called out as she grabbed her coat “Alexa turn everything off”. Merlin waved his hand to make doubly sure be all was safe.
Cemetery – Image by KL Caley.
Merlin drove , he would never of admitted it but he was worried about Morgarna where was she and what was happening to her. An hour later they arrived back at the cemetery a path with graves and trees aligning each side of it. Right said Merlin you take the left and I will take the right …..if you meet any ghosts please question them we need to find out who this John is and where he is from.
Meanwhile Morgarna was cold dirty and actually quite scared….. She lit a cigarette and thought ….find me guys find me!
Last week we left Morgarna and Gail in a rather tight spot trying to deal with a giant chess set processed by a polagiest we need to get back and see what’s happening!
Here we are part two of the catch up on Morgarna and co!
For visually challenged writers, the fourth image shows a red tractor busy in the field.
For visually challenged writers, the fifth image shows a stone tower with an arched centre. Beyond the tower is a line of houses.
Farming – Image by KL Caley.
The sun was shining when Morgarna landed outside the cottage with a red door on the terraced street . On the wall outside there was a plaque that read Castle Cottage… Hum? thought Morgarna, interesting name…I don’t see a castle. As she was standing contemplating what to do and why she was there she got a call from Merlin on the C.O.T.A.S. phone. “Hey Merls yes I am back not sure where or why but yes I’m home. That Leonardo is definitely not improving with age ….what, yes I have made sure he’s not smuggled any rogue technology back with him this time. Yes babes , definitely I made double sure he had nothing secreted about him!” She ended with a wicked grin across her face. Standing in the new lab Merlin smiled “Excellent we could do without having to clear up his mess every five minutes! Now let me guess, you are are standing outside a cottage with a red door and a blur plaque? “ “Yup Merls I am that, so what’s the problem?” “It appears that there is one last rupture left in the continuium this one is not a dimension problem just a time error , should be a doddle for you to fix then you can come home, Gail’s been asking when you’re due back.” “Okay Merls I see what’s what, give my love to Gail, by Merls someone is watching me. “
A young woman looked out of the door. She looked really scared and something about her suggested she was just not understanding what she was seeing. Morgarna was definitely getting the vibes of someone out of their time. Putting the C.O.T.A.S. back in her bag Morgarna smiled and waved to her. “Hi she said any chance I can come in? “ “Well certainly” said the young woman dressed like a farm labourer and sounding like someone out of a 1950s film . Morgana followed her in The interior of the house was as neat and tidy as the outside. It was however rather dated …1940s she would have said if asked . Following the woman into the kitchen she could not stop herself from smiling and saying “Wow this is very retro, very chic indeed” “Chic? Retro? What do you mean?” Asked the woman who though still looking uneasy was a little afronted by Morgarna’s tone” Note to self thought Morgarna let’s rein it in a tad this lady is not of this place. Taking out her cigarettes Morgarna offered the woman one. ” Have a cigarette “ “My name is Joyce , would you like a cuppa…er…” “Morgarna, I’m Morgarna and yes I’d love a cuppa in fact …have you got any biscuits I am starving “ “Morgarna that’s an unusual name are you American?” “Me?” laughed Morgarna I am too old for that no I am not American. “ “Well you’re dressed very oddly, oddly enough to be one!” Joyce said folding her arms and looking at Morgarna.
The kettle started whistling making Morgarna jump. Joyce made the tea and they both sat at the kitchen table and drank it as they smoked their cigarettes. “Are you sure you are not American?” Joyce asked again, “these cigarettes don’t look familiar.” “Honestly, I am probably more English than you are young lady” Joyce’s eyes flashed , “Don’t you young lady me ,you are not much older than I am” Morgana looked out the back window and saw rolling farm land and in the distance a red tractor working in the fields. Thinking on her feet and crossing her fingers behind her back Morgarna took a leap of faith and asked Joyce. ” How long have you been a landgirl on this farm , and how long has there been a problem outside the front door. “ Looking a little taken aback Joyce replied, ” How do you know I am a landgirl? I have been here two months now.” “Are there other girls here?” Morgarna asked. “Yes there’s six of us here and we all have beds in the out houses it’s quite fun really!” Morgarna suggested they go outside and meet the others and Joyce readily agreed… “But she added we need to go out the backdoor there’s something really wrong about the front….”
As they stepped into the yard, Morgarna could see it was a typical farmyard. “What do you mean there’s a problem out the front?”asked Morgarna. Though in truth she could easily she the problem. “Come on you’ll see what I mean,” Joyce called over shoulder as she led the way along the of the house. Immediately she could tell something was amiss . Not only was there nothing of the urban scene she had arrived at! The first thing she noticed was that the neighbouring houses had simply disappeared and the back of the little house was actually the back of a huge farm house! Morgarna was just getting her head around what was happening when she heard voices from the cow shed … “Joyce is lunch ready yet we are hungry. “ “Oh! Gosh!” Whispered Joyce “I was supposed to be getting lunch when everything went haywire and half the house went bang and I saw you outside in the street….that strange street that just isn’t there. ” Joyce looked like she was going to cry.. “What am I to do they will be really angry if lunch is not ready” “What were you supposed to be doing for lunch… Tell me I will sort it, do they come in or do you take lunch out?” “Soup and cheese and pickle sandwiches and they will expect to come in to have a break!” Joyce looked so worried that Morgarna hugged and said go and get the girls and by the time you get back here with them I will have lunch on the table…What about the farmer and his family?” “They are at the Market today .” Joyce looked confused and worried…. How can you produce lunch in seconds ” Morgarna silenced her and said, ” go and get the others and you can all have lunch.” Joyce went to say more, but Morgarna pushed her towards the barn and said…”trust me! As soon as Joyce was out of sight she waved a hand stopping time, then walked into the kitchen and made a mountain of door step cheese and pickle sandwiches, the veg soup well? Let’s throw a viel over that in case Merlin is reading this….. suffice to say when the girls came back into the kitchen they were delighted to see a mountain of food on the table… including thick hot vegetable soup.One of the girls, a big eyed blonde with a cockney accent said, “Cricky Joyce you’ve excelled yourself this time , look girls she finally got the idea of decent sandwiches. ” They all laughed and slapped a smiling Joyce on the back. As they all say down they looked at Morgarna, “who are you” asked a mousey girl with glasses and a lovely smile.”Hi, I am Morgarna and I am from the American base up the road , I am distantly related to Joyce and when I heard she was here I popped in to see her! ” Joyce’s eyes widened …she opened her mouth, closed it and smiled at Morgarna, she mouthed Thank You. After lunch all the girls had to return to their jobs… Morgarna took Joyce to one side and said “I enjoyed meeting you all and I have to say you and every landgirl are doing a great job. Stay safe all of you. As Joyce went off to meet the others Morgarna got her time rife sweeper out of her bag and moved it around the whole yard…. She found it after about an hour and sealed it up she checked the house front and back and it was really and truly in the 1940s the land and time line was safe and as she looked across the fields she saw all the girls riding the tractor she waved and they waved back. The Anomaly appeared as she jumped she wiped all their memories of her visit and Joyce’s of the split in time!
K.L.Caley’s Cottage.
Morgarna landed back outside of the the cottage with the red door…. With a loud tut she fished her mobile out of her bag and rang Merlin. “I am back at the house again Merls I want a bath and a special meal I am tired!!” “Babes trust me knock at the red door believe me you won’t regret it? Ask for Joyce, I’ll meet you after the next jump in the Beema” With that he hung up!
Well there was nothing for it Morgarna walk up to the door of castle cottage and knocked. After a few minutes the door was opened by a familiar looking woman. “Hello can I help you’ she asked with a smile. “Hello I’m here to see Joyce, my name is Morgarna.” “What, did you say Morgarna.. Mum has been telling us all week that you were coming….to be honest we thought you were a figment of her imagination… Really you’re really too young to have been a friend of her’s from the war.” Morgarna smiled and waved a hand behind her back and whispered in Joyce’s daughter’s ear… “No I am not too young and you will think this is all perfectly normal” as she swept round her and into the room.
Sitting in a chair by the fire was a nintey six year old Joyce beaming at her. “Morgarna you came how lovely I am so pleased to see you….I know you made us all forget you but last week my memories of you returned and, I knew you come .” Morgarna was delighted to see Joyce had survived the war . She sat down with Joyce and her daughter came in carrying a tray of doorstep cheese and pickle sandwiches and a pot of tea. “Mum told me you needed cheese and pickle doorsteps and tea… She said not to attempt the soup as that was your magic…. whatever that means! “ Joyce’s daughter Diane left laughing and Morgarna and Joyce set in for a long catch up. Eventually Morgarna left and so happy to hear all about Joyce , the other land girls, Joyce’s family and why they lived in Castle Cottage.
As Morgarna left late that evening the Anomaly was waiting for her and she jumped. As she landed she saw , a stone tower with an arched centre. Beyond the tower is a line of houses. Then to her delight standing by a BMW waving like mad was Gail and Merlin….shouting “it’s your round!”
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a solo swan swimming under a small bridge.
Swan – Image by KL Caley.
Time passed quietly for a while a jump here and an adventure there but mostly Merlin and Morgarna kept an eye on Gail, they tended to her broken nerves and shattered life . She was responding well and coming to terms with her short and towards the end sad life.
Merlin was in the lab, Morgarna was sun bathing, in the newly landscaped gardens… Sipping a cheeky Shiraz and smoking ! Gail was in the kitchen trying another new recipe. Then all of a sudden the Carpenters started blasting out!
“What the hell is that?” Merlin shouted from his workbench, “is that you Morgs Babe?” “No it bloody isn’t ” came Morgarna’s reply. Gail could be heard laughing in the kitchen….”It’s the *C.O.T.A.S I changed the ringtone. I think it’d very fitting don’t you guys!” Merlin walked through to the lounge and picked up the *C.O.T.A.S. “Hi ,Merlin here, Leonardo is that you, stop gabling in Italian and speak to me! “ Gail stood open mouthed poised mid cake mixing. Was Merlin actually speaking to Leonardo Di Vinci? Merlin took a deep breath then started talking in Italian!
“He’s done it again” Merlin was standing over a scantily clad and slightly broiled Morgarna. “Who, what, when , where” was her reply. “Leonardo, babes he’s messed up the dimensions again he’s crossed over the barriers and that Swan Geoff is pontificating again! “ “Really ? Right now ….you want me to get dressed and sort this out…. really,” “Yes babes that’s about the size of it!
“WTF. REALLY!” Spat out Morgana. “Yes babes really” Reluctantly Morgarna waved her hand and she was clothed and sober. “What have I said about just using magic willy nilly? ” Merlin moaned. Morgarna gave him a withering look and got up from her sun lounger. Looking Merlin in the eyes she said ” do you want this sorted now or tomorrow? ….. Babes ? Really?”
“Yes babes really” Reluctantly Morgarna waved her hand and she was clothed and sober. “What have I said about just using magic willy nilly? ” Merlin moaned. Morgarna gave him a withering look and got up from her sun lounger. Looking Merlin in the eyes she said ” do you want this sorted now or tomorrow? ….. Babes?”
The Anomaly arrived and Morgarna jumped! As she landed with a thud on the grassy bank of the river she saw a solo swan swimming under a small bridge. “Hey Geoff hold up I want a word with you !” Geoff looked over his shoulder and kept paddling!
Last week we left Morgarna and Gail in a rather tight spot trying to deal with a giant chess set processed by a polagiest we need to get back and see what’s happening!
Oops I am late again …it’s all Morgarna’s fault but better late than ever!
This week’s episode comes with a warning the story contains a line on drugs and susicde.
Curtain – Image by KL Caley
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a crumbling stone curtain wall stretching as far as the edge of the photo.
As they entered the chapel Gail shivered.. “what was that” she asked looking at Morgarna who laughed and said “honestly your asking me? …. Merlin built a tad more into your bracelet than he has already told you. We didn’t actually expect you to travel just yet… But, hey you’ll cope !” Morgarna paused to stubb out her cigarette and then continued, “you have now got sensory feelings, you can be seen and you can eat, drink and sleep where ever you are “ “You mean not just in the house like before…” “yes” smiled Morgarna” it might take a little getting used to but you’ll be fine” Morgarna reached into her bag and pulled out a file flicking through quickly she said to Gail ….. “We are here to stop a suicide…. Oh!… Gail I am sorry … You were a suicide …” Gail’s eyes filled with tears ..”yes I was and I really regret it I missed so much…. Do you think I can help? “ “Yes indeed I do who better than someone who has been there and done that “ The sourceress and the ghost walk up the short aisle, Gail shivered again “what’s the problem ” Morgarna asked . ” I don’t know ” Gail replied ” it’s years since I have been in a Church and it’s all so strange being free to travel and have feelings …just not used to it I suppose”.
Morgarna was sitting on the wall across from the chapel , as she looked around her she recognised it a curtain wall, and she smiled at the fact that the chapel was outside the wall which would of put it outside the castle that would of once stood here. Obviously a castle of my time when my powers were thought more of then the new Christianity? My days do I miss them? …. As Morgarna sat in the early evening having a cigarette and crafty Bacardi and coke from her flask she heard a car pull up on the road near by. Looking across she saw it was a classic Ford Anglia, obviously a loved old car taken out on high days and holidays. A man got out and crossed the field, slowly, towards her. He saw Margarna who waved and smiled. He came and sat next to her. Morgarna looked at him, he was in his early eighties she guessed and was obviously a handsome man in his time… though he had an air of sadness about him … she also felt this person had, had a full life. “Hello young lady what are you doing here on your own” Morgana smiled, laughing inside that this mere mortal thought she was a young lady….she was neither. ” Hi, I am not on my own, my friend is in the chapel I just came out to have a cigarette and a drink and watch the sunset” “I am heading into the chapel right now would you care to join me” he asked. “I would indeed” she replied jumping up. ” I am Morgarna and you are? “ A slight twinkle touched the man’s eyes and he smiled , “Well lady Morgarna you have made me smile for the first time in a while, may I introduce myself my name is Dave . Can I take your arm I left my walking stick in the car… I don’t think I will be needing it again!” Morgarna and Dave left the wall and went into the chapel together.
Entering the chapel for a second time that day Morgarna was surprised to see that Gail had found Candles and had placed them around the chapel giving the place a cosy aura. “Gail I met someone outside, come and say hi “ Gail appeared from a small cupboard looking a little dusty but smiling, ” I love it here it’s so calming once you get used to the quiet…no traffic..” She stopped dead and blinked. “Dave!” David looked at Gail and went as white as a sheet, Morgarna grabbed his arm and got him to a pew before he fell.
“Do you two know each other?” Morgana asked as she waved her hand behind her back producing a tray of three mugs of strong sweet tea and some sandwiches! Dave was too distracted to wonder where they had come from and gratefully accepted a steaming mug. Gail was the first to answer … “This is Dave my boyfriend, well he was ..he was my life” David reached out and touched Gail’s arm then jumped back shocked to find she was actually there! He then spoke, “Gail how can it really be you I saw you last in the police mortuary? It can’t be you! Is this a cruel trick….what’s going on and today of all days ….no! ” Morgarna could tell David was really stressed out by all this. Again she waived her hand and he stopped speaking and started breathing. Gail looked shocked, “You came to see me at the mortuary…” “Yes the police asked me to identify you, you had my name and phone number in your locket. Gail touched her neck, “my locket I really miss that , you gave it to me on my seventh birthday, I kept your name and phone number in there all the time…even after you left me. ” She reached out and touched his face … “Have you lived well Dave? Did you forget me quickly” Morgarna slowly walked down the aisle and out of the chapel leaving Gail and David to talk.
Morgarna felt drawn to the curtain wall each step closer to it she took she could feel history and ghosts of the past. She climbed up to the top of curtain wall and to her delight she saw life as she remembered it, the servents, the folk who lived within the castle walls, the traders, hawkers, blacksmiths the animals…the mud the dirt the smell…she loved it. Just then she heard voices as two soldiers from the watch came up to her, “Lady Morgarna what are you doing up here is there anything amiss?” Morgarna smiled at them both, ” No nothing wrong, I was just enjoying being home and the sights, sounds and smells of my world… I miss them so much! “ The two soldiers exchanged glances ..”but you haven’t missed them you’ve not been away.” Morgarna sighted …no not yet ..not yet” “Well mi’lady if all is well we are just off for supper “ ‘Off you go lads I’ll keep watch for you I love the night air up here. ” Morgana spent an hour watching the surrounding countryside from her vantage point, listening to the sounds of her beloved castle gently slowing down for the night …all was gentle …all was well … perhaps she could stay a while. Just then she saw three horse riders approaching ….it was herself, Merlin and Morgause and as ever they were laughing and bickering . Time for me to go she supposed…. She spent a few more moments watching herself and her loved ones , in simpler times …harder, dirtier but simpler , then she jumped from the wall and landed back in 2023 opposite the chapel.
In the chapel Gail and and David were still talking, though now they were actually relaxed in each others company. As Morgarna came in David beckoned her over… “Come lady Morgarna …. according to Gail you really are a lady and much, much more….come and sit with us and we’ll tell you what’s been happening while you disappeared! “ Morgarna joined them and lit a cigarette, she offered them to Gail …Dave refused he’d give up years ago. Gail picked up the story. “I met Dave when I was sixteen, we were so in love… He gave me a beautiful locket for my seventeenth birthday. Dave was in a group and I went everywhere with them , I was one of the crew I made all their stage gear…” “She was handy with a needle in those days a great seamstress …but that was before.” David went quiet and his eyes went dark. Gail took a deep breath then continued. ” I was really happy my parents were not best pleasd because I dropped out of school and left home. Anyway we toured all over and even went to the US, Canada, Japan , Australia and New Zealand. It was fun and we had the best four years of our lives….” David looked sad ” until we didn’t ” he said . Gail’s eyes filled with tears , David wiped one away…” I can’t believe this, real tears” ” Yes real tears I ruined my life and affected everyone else’s through my stupidity. See it was hard work traveling, sewing, hotels, gigs, festivals and then the partying …I partied hard , one night one of the roadies gave me a little something to keep me going…… Soon I couldn’t do without it …. eventually Dave noticed , the whole grouped noticed I was useless… Dave did his best but I was stubborn, he sent me off to rehab but I just wouldn’t try… I ran away time and time again…. Eventually I ended up on the streets , real riches to rags. Then I died one night in a filthy squat, I had, had enough I took as much stuff as I could find lying around the squat and drank all the alcohol I could find. I was found a few days later laying in my own vomit a perfect meal for the rats. ” Gail looked so sad that Morgarna reached out and touched her . David took up the story. ” She was a real mess, heart breaking, they found her locket around her neck and my name and number. I was in Scotland with the group at the time so I caught the night sleeper down to identify her… .. I never forgot how she looked … Thank goodness I have seen you now as you are. “ Morgarna asked “why are you here David, why today.” David looked at Gail, “My beautiful wife died this day last year which just happens to be the day all those years ago that I had to identify Gail It just got too much for me I decided to come here and take some pills then lock myself in my beloved old car and slip away. “ “Surely you’re leaving family behind” said Morgarna. “Yes three sons, and two daughters and plenty of grandchildren but I just can’t sleep the nightmare of seeing Gail in that state l all gaunt and rat eaten , they returned after May died. I just want peace. Gail looked so shocked, “You can’t do that Dave , you be leaving a bad lasting image to your child that’s so wrong Dave” “Your right Gail I have changed my mind I shall be strong and carry on.” Gail hugged him , “I do love you Dave and I am so glad you recovered from my suicide and had a good life. “ Just then there was a commotion at the doorway… “Granddad where have you been we’ve been worried sick , we saw you old car was gone from the garage and you’ve been gone for 24hrs… “ Dave spun round ,”Ryan how did you find me..” ” Guessed you’d be here this was Grandma’s favourite place, I saw your car from the road and boy what a relief your safe and okay. ” With that Ryan threw his arms around Dave. “Thank God you’re okay Granddad I thought you’d done something stupid.” Then he noticed Morgarna , Gail had pressed the button on her bracelet and disappeared. “Oh! Who are you?” Ryan asked. David smiled and replied “this is Morgarna she has been taken good care of me”
Later Morgana waved Ryan and his granddad off in the old but immaculate Ford Anglia, followed by Ryan’s girlfriend driving her Ford Fiesta, which Ryan had arrived in! As they drove off Morgarna waved goodbye and a huge weight lifted off of David’s shoulders, he forgot the nightmares he’d been having remembering only good memories of Gail and happy days with May. “You can show yourself now Gail they’ve gone. I have eased his mind and he will think meeting you was just a dream. “ Gail smiled thank you Morgarna I feel so much better too . Look” she said reappearing and holding out her hand , “Dave has given me back my locket isn’t it beautiful. “ “Yes indeed it is let me help you put it on” replied Morgarna. ” Did you get to say a proper goodbye to David” Gail smiled again… “I did and he told me that when he dies he and May will visit to see if I am ready to cross!”….? Right said Morgarna do fancy a quick visit to an Arthurian Castle? Come on last one to the wall buys the meade for the night .
Here I am again only just in time ….I think Merlin and Morgarna have been using my time up ! Anyhow this week , only a fortnight late! Some things get tidied up!
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a tiny chapel. Beside the chapel are dilapidated stone walls. A clue to its history/location perhaps.
Chapel – Image by KL Caley
Merlin looked Morgana in the eye and said “okay we need to decide now what type of amphibian we need to be, right now Hun times up! ” Morgan took a deep breath and replied “turtles I think that way at least we can defend ourselves.” Merlin nodded and waved a hand, immediately they disappeared leaving two terrapins in there place! “You always have to have the last bloody word don’t you” Morgarna moaned. The two terrapins edged their way towards the giant bubble.
Once inside there was so much going on so many conversations that Merlin and Morgarna had to blot most of the chatter out leaving only the important conversation going. Mixing in with all the aquatic creatures Merlin and Morgarna found they could easily scan the noise and eventually they picked up Mr Hippo Campus and Thomas and James. ” Is this planet really worth the bother” James was asking , “to be honest I believe Earth is on its last legs I personally think we should look elsewhere.
Morgarna was not a happy bunny because she had an amerous octopus all over her, she was not best pleasd! “Get off me you arshole I am just not interested! Merlin will you do something NOW! ” Merlin laughed and threw a curling spell over the octopus who immediately turned into a ball. …”At last” Morgarna said “finally Merlin you actually did what I asked ” . At that point they heard Mr Hippo Campus cleared his throat. ” Your right I agree not only is the planet failing but the inhabitants are too stupid and selfish to be of any use to us…. I agree let’s move on “ “I shall nip back and collect Esther where shall we head out next”.. Well I think we can stay here for a while before we move on. “
Outside the aquatic bubble Morgarna looked across at Merlin and asked “Do you reckon we can trust them Merls they are a tad shifty “ “I think we can Hun and we should be able to pick up the house now and we’ll be living there so we can keep an eye on their portal ….I believe we can stop any invasion they might try before they start it? “ “Right” announced Morgarna taking on her human form, come on Merls, change back and let’s get gone I need a drink and a cigarette right now!” Merlin did not change back immediately instead he scuttled across towards Morgarna and bit her ankle. “Hey what was that for?” asked Morgarna indignantly, hopping around in a circle holding her ankle to stem the blood. “Oh! Just payback for that nasty punch in my privates ….for no reason at all” replied Merlin changing back into his rather dashing self .
The two of them went back down the ladder and as soon as they were out of sight of the bubble Merlin got out his time and space mobile and called the anomaly up…. They both jumped. Back at the lab Morgarna made straight for the bathroom, cigarette in one hand Bacardi and coke in the other! While she was in the bath Merlin got on to the estate agent . “No I am telling you Mr Hippo Campus has pulled out…..no I know for a fact he’s no longer interested …” Luxuriating in the bath Morgarna heard Merlin’s raised voice and the irritating estate agent’s voice on speaker phone, she waived her hand nonchalantly” In the estate agent’s office his computer pinged an email alert, something made him read the email. ” Hang on Sir an email has just come in from Mr Hippo Campus, …and yes he is withdrawing his offer ….yes indeed and that makes the path clear for you to go ahead with your offer. You did say you are a cash buyer didn’t you have a chain.” “Excellent ” replied Merlin ” How fortunate that the email arrived while we were on the phone…. ” He looked knowingly towards the bathroom were Morgarna was humming very loudly.
Two months later and with a lot of help from Morgarna, and a vast amount of blind eyeing from Merlin. Morgana and Merlin moved in to the house, they kept the lab and after a few alterations they let it out at a nominal rent so as not to arouse any suspicions locally. They had builders renovate and decorate the inside and they had the exterior of the building lovingly restored. The locals were amazing at the speed the builders worked and the care and attention to detail they made . In fact even the builders were amazed at how fast they worked and how smoothly things went….. Morgarna had aching wrists from waiving her hands and tired eyes from winking… Merlin decided to let her be in charge it was actually quite convenient.
Restoration – Image by KL Caley.
Gail was still in residence and delighted to have company, even though Esther had turned out to be an alien spy she had been kind to her. After Thomas and James returned to collect Esther, Gail had felt very lonely after they had jumped through their portal. So she was delighted and so excited about them moving in not to mention that they were time traveling scoucerers ! Gail loved all the beautiful changes being made to the house the modern kitchen, bathrooms, the electronic goods especially the TVs and computers she also loved all of Merlin’s lab equipment the like of which she had not even dreamt of.
Merlin had been busy working on a device for Gail so that she could leave the house and garden. It was finally finished. “Gail, Morgarna who fancies a day out” The two women appeared at the door of the lab…” Is it ready? ” Gail asked eyes wide… “Do you mean I can come too?” ” I bloody hope so gal he’s been faffing around with that bracelet long enough” laughed Morgarna. Merlin smiled and held out the bracelet to Gail. “Here” he said, ” Once on it will not come off it held on by a spacial magnetic force. There’s a panic button on the side that will alert us if you need help of any sort and the second button is so you can hear and speak to us. ” Ending with a flourish Merlin threw the bracelet in the air and it landed neatly around Gail’s wrist.
They’d had a great afternoon they’d bought Gail some clothes and she’d been so happy to be out and about the look on her face was reward enough to Merlin and Morgarna. On their way back to the car the Anomaly appeared , “What the F**k ” Morgarna growled at Merlin. “Sorry, Hun ” he said sheepishly as he handed her, her bag and she jumped.
As she landed on the other side she realised she was not alone Gail was standing right by her side and she was so excited that she was actually buzzing! “What on earth”…thought Morgarna. Once Gail had calmed down Morgarna read her the riot act ….Gail looked so downcast that, unusually for Morgarna she relented. “Okay your here now so as long as you stick with me and do as you are told we’ll be okay. Morgarna lit and cigarette and looked across the field to see tiny chapel. Beside the chapel some dilapidated stone walls. “Right” she said to Gail, that’s our destination, are you up for an adventure?
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a castle on a tiny island.
Solitude – Image by KL Caley.Stairway – Image by KL Caley
For visually challenged writers, the image shows wooden stairs surrounded by grass and trees (almost hidden).
All I can say is life has been so hectic that even Morgarna’s hectic madness looks preferably admirable to me. Anyway I missed last weeks episode so here is a two for one !
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As the seven suns rose over the watery planet Morgarna and Merlin set off to find out what was happening. Merlin complaining she had comprised his manhood in a very high pitched voice! Morgarna said it served him right but she did feel a tad responsible…but that would not last. She was just relieved the Viking attack had just been a bad dream.
It took them ages to hop and scrabble through the undergrowth until Morgarna stopped dead and let out a huge RIBBIT! , “What now Morgarna, you’ve not stopped moaning since we set off, what’s wrong? ” asked a very irritated Merlin. Morgarna took a deep breath and changed back to herself the only difference being she was all dressed in green and her hair and skin were green too! ” I am not doing this as a frog Merls I have just had enough! ” A sudden laugh made her turn on her heels to come face to face with Merlin who was also all green! “How long have you been like that” Morgana asked ” from the get go, hun, I wondered how long it would take you to Morph!
Meanwhile back on Earth but in another reality Morgause sleeps in a castle on the island of Avalon, under the tender care of Vivienne. As she sleeps the waters of the lake lap rhythmically against the rocks that support the castle in its solitude. Morgause lays deathly pale surrounded by herbs and flowers hand picked by Vivienne especially for their healing powers. Months had passed and still Morgause sleeps
As Morgause sleeps she dreams she was in a laberynth, blindfolded and pursued by shadows that click and whisper. She is exhausted but she knows she must not sleep or the shadows will consume her. There is a sweet smell that keeps her awake she knows somehow it is protecting her. In her dream Morgause hears voices, Merlin’s, her sister’s and the gentle tone of Vivienne’s voice as she speaks healing spells . Still she is afraid of the pursuing shadows.
Stairway – Image by KL Caley
Morgarna finished her cigarette and kicked the snoozing Merlin, come on sleepy head we need to get going again….Merlin yawned “I was dreaming of Morgause in Avalon, I saw her on a bed of herbs and flowers, she looked so pale and still but she is not resting, there were shadows all around her.” “Was the Lady Vivienne there? Merls is she looking after her?” “Yes hun, she is incanting spells and embroidering .” As they reached the brow of a hill the saw a set of wooden stairs surrounded by grass and trees almost hidden from view. “I think we have finally arrived Merls ” Morgarna said pointing to the steps.
The elegantly dressed figures clad in green approached the steps with caution Morgarna waved a hand and they both became instantly invisible. They could hear voices above them that sounded similar to James and Thomas. “We had to jump that Merlin and that pushy woman came in and found us arguing! “ “All I asked you to do was to get the lay of the land to see if the place was worth an invasion… and you have so far got imbroiled with a young ghost, two time traveling busybodies and you left Esther behind” Mr Hippo Campus did not sound at all happy!
Reaching the top of the ladder Merlin and Morgarna were amazed at the sight which greeted them. A huge bubble full of algae, flora and fauna and a steady constant rain. It was full of all types of amphibian and fish. Mr Hippo Campus was not alone. “Oh! look ” Morgarna thought “Thomas and James are shrimps look Merls” Merlin replied ” not even a meal there!
For visually challenged writers, the image shows a yellow seahorse bobbing along in the water.
Seahorse – Image by KL Caley
It had been a quiet week since Morgarna and Merlin had put in the offer for the old house. They had heard that their offer, and it was a generous offer, was being considered. They had been back serveral times and they had even met Tom and James though Morgana had her resavations about those two.
Morgarna and Merlin were at the lab and while waiting for the coffee machine to be ready Morgarna wondered over to the aquarium to look at the fish that she had encountered on one of her many trips. There in the centre of the tank was the most beautiful seahorse Morgarna had seen for a long time. “Hey Merls she shouted where did this little guy come from?” Merlin popped his head round the door and replied, “I bought him back from my last trip to beach, he took my eye.” “I can see why , he is rather special isn’t he!” As Morgarna was watching she saw the fish who had arrived back with her at the Lab last year was lurking in the shadows , he’s still sulking she thought to herself.
Just then the phone rang , Merlin answered , Morgarna finished making the coffee and lit a cigarette, Merlin came in and helped himself to a mug of coffee and said” that was the estate agent apparently our offer has been refused someone has put in a higher offer” Morgarna put her coffee down and said “What? We have put in a great offer, why has it been refused.” Merlin did not look pleased, “No idea, it just seems a little off, no explanation just a plain rebuttal” Finishing her cigarette Morgarna grabbed her bag and headed to the door. Turning to Merlin she said, “come on then this needs looking into” Locking up, they headed up the road to the house they had set their sights on.
As they arrived they could hear raised voices coming from inside the house. As they entered they were met with quite a scene, Gail was sitting at the kitchen table crying with James standing behind her and Tom had Esther pinned up against the back door. “What in hell’s name is going on?” asked Morgarna. Merlin raised a hand and the whole scene froze. Though every one was conscious only Margarna and Merlin could move. Merlin stepped forward and removed James hand from Esther’s neck and quietly said , I will relase you all in a second but the shouting will cease and you will all sit quietly at the table, we are going to discuss this like rational people.
Everyone was seated around the table Morgarna had poured everyone a large Brandy, there was an air of ‘truce for now’ about the house. “Right ” Merlin said, “Esther you have been here the longest, you can speak first, what’s going on ?” ” Well” Esther took a sip of her Brandy, “Gail had over heard Tom and James discussing how they had they needed to get information on you and Morgarna so they could report back to their leader! ” Esther paused for breath and Gail jumped in, ” it’s always been them and us, they just don’t ring true and I just don’t trust them …really Esther and I are always much more relaxed when they are out” Merlin and Morgarna exchanged glances and then they turned their gazes on Tom and James… who both looked very stressed.
Morgarna smiled at James and then demanded of him exactly “who are you.” He was about to answer when a beeping sound went off in his pocket, a portal in the room opened up and James and Tom were sucked through it, Morgarna stood but as she went to follow Merlin stopped her, “No babes” he said. Back at the Lab all the fish wondered where the beautiful seahorse had gone?
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