By Sharp
The evening’s celebration was over and they had all slept quit well. That is except Julia who was at the toilet being sick again. Doctor Helga gave Julia an injection. “That is to make up for the vital fluids you have lost. Today you will stay here and rest. There will be no galavanting round with the team. If you go anywhere it will be only into the town. You are not fit enough to go on your own. Also we do not want you endangering your babies do we? I have to be with the team. I though have found one among our group who has full nursing qualifications. Justine will stay behind and look after you.”
“Justine as in Lucy Draconaris sister! I think I feel better already.”
“There will be no buts. You as I can clearly see will obey Sister Justine. If you go into town she will push you. Now it appears you are over full yet again. You realise we will have to use the Tiny emptying system again. As I said Previously No buts. Lucky for you the Tiny’s have not had a meal yet. Lucy will be responsible for the fact you will need plenty of fluids. Normally expectant mothers do not start producing so soon on in their pregnancy. I have made arrangement with Scarborough General hospital for you to go and have a scan done. Lucy will accompany you there.”
There was a knock on the door & a procession of tiny girls entered led by Tiny & Baby. “We all got informed we would be dining in here this morning.” Tiny went and put her hand on Julia’s Tummy. “Babies this is big sister Tiny. Stop playing football and be quiet. Julia Baby will be spending the day with you to ensure you behave. I have to look after Gaby. Just think Julia some of these ladies have never had children. You on the other hand could be like Elizabeth’s mother and start delivering every nine months as regular as clockwork.”
Nena gave Julia a kiss and cuddle. “She is teasing you Julia. Once the little ones have emptied you then you should feel better. Lucy & Baby will be with you all day. You may go out with Lucy. However because of your blood pressure problems you may only go out in a chair with your legs elevated.”
Lucy, “Actually you can show me round here. Is a place called Scalby far from here?”
Julia, “No it is not far. If I have to be in a chair for a while because of my pre eclampsia then you will have to do the pushing. There is the naval battle on today at 14.00 in Peasholme Park. Scalby is a little further on passed the sea life centre. If you are fit it is within easy walking distance.”
“I have an old friend who was living at a place called Scalby Manor if she still lives there. At one time she asked me to visit her, but I always seamed so busy.”
Nena found a telephone number for Scalby Manor & then rang it. She handed the telephone to Lucy who said, “Hello is Brigid there? She keeps asking me to visit and until recently I have not had the time please inform her Justice is on the line?”
The line went quiet a voice could be heard saying “Mistress there is somebody called Justice on the Telephone.”
“Hello Justine is it you? What are you doing in this area? When are you coming to see me?”
“Steady on do not fire so many questions. I will be in the Scarborough area for quite a while as I am finally taking a vacation. I thought while I was here I would look you up and introduce a friend. I have a very pregnant young lady to look after. She wants to go to Peasholme Park & the Sea life centre.”
“In that case do not come here instead I will come down to the Scalby Mills Hotel & we will meet up there and then I will show you round the area.”
Julia, “Aunt Lucy this lady is she like you and some of the others, and of a very old age?
“Well in human terms she is well over 2000 years old. The ancient Celtic kingdom of Brigantia got its name from her as she was its patron goddess. The Irish still recognise her as Saint Bridget. These days everybody still says her name when they talk about Britain. There are also parts of Spain, Austria & Italy that also still recognise her.”
The Group went down to the dining room. Gaby, “Lucy as you are staying with Julia today you had better take the Rolls Royce. It just might impress your friend. Please inform your friend that the new Queen of Brigantia has already visited her ancient Kingdom of Craven & intends to visit her Kingdom of Elmet in due course and will be returning to the capital city of Northumbria for her coronation. Gaby & the others left as they were leaving Gaby picked up her mother’s latest copy of Pro Cyclist.
Julia in the company of Lucy & Baby went down to the garage. A driver was waiting and he loaded the wheelchair into the boot. The three females had the driver take the Valley Road Route and then along the sea front. They passed the former site of the Atlantis water park that was now a building site. They saw the sign that informed them they were entering Scalby. The driver turned right and they could see Scalby Manor on their Left hand side. She though had agreed to meet Bride at Scalby Mills Hotel. Julia was the first to spot Bride she was wearing an all yellow outfit. “Is that your friend in the bright yellow outfit? Justine?”
“Julia it appears Bride has decided to appear as a yellow Queen. I also better change.” Within seconds Lucy’s clothing changed to Red. The driver stopped and opened the door of the car. He then went and got the wheelchair out of the boot.
“Madam is that all or will you require me for further duties.”
Julia, “No we are going to the sealife centre and then going to watch the sea battle in Peasholme Park. After that I am not sure what is planned. I am sure between them Lucy & Bride can look after me.”
“Well sister I see you are still as young as ever. Have you calmed down a little with the years? I well remember the time you sided with Venutias after Cartumandia ran off with that Roman. What was it three legions they sent against the Brigantine troops at Stanwick & only a few hundred Romans survived the battle. Venutias & his men abandoned the fort and took all but 49 of their dead with them. Even after you left the fort kept on taking roman lives. Then I heard you had joined with the Iceni in their rebellion. They had not the same skills as my Brigantine warriors. They though were loyal to their Queen Boudica I believe. Who are you supporting this time?”
Julia, “Yellow Queen my cousin instructed me to say the Red Queen has returned to the fold and was the first of the fire signs to recognise her as her true self. She has already visited her ancient Capital of Craven & is restoring her castle so it is fit for a Queen of Brigantia. Before long she also will visit the kingdom of Elmet. Soon we shall return to Mount Sharphaw and light the eternal fire that will summands all of our family.”
“Justine what are you doing letting somebody assume my titles.”
“Yellow Queen your sister had no choice in the matter. Just like my cousin did not. She is but a teenager and discovered she by right of birth is Queen of Northumbria. A little more digging and various European countries decided she was also their queen. Then Draconaris & Brightflame appear.”
“Sister have you not being feeling stronger recently? The reason is Gabriel the teenager. She may not know yet how to use all her powers. Yet she has managed to surround herself with those who are like her.”
“If she went to Craven without me there could be trouble in the offing. I avoided it because Rombald had claimed it as his home. You know how he liked to roam the moors and dales. The last I heard he had fallen asleep on Blubberhouses moor. If the young queen attracts the ley line magic then Giant Rombald may awake.” As she was speaking an earth quake centred on the North Craven fault was felt across Britain. “I spoke too soon that was Rombald waking up after all these years.”
On Blubberhouses Moor.
Rombald sat himself up and as he did so grabbed a handful of sheep as a snack. He sniffed the air. “That is the way to go their scent carries on the wind.” He stops outside Menwith Hill. “Oh my brothers have built me my own golf course.” Rombald soon fashioned himself a golf club out of a tree. Taking a swing at the golf balls the first radio receiver disintegrated. Rombald continued until every one of the radio receivers was smashed. Then he continued on his stroll. Before long he came across the giant windmills they were as big as he was. Still talking to himself. “Well these are better than the golf balls my brothers made for me. I will sit and let them blow a breeze my way.
At the travel lodge Wee Wee spoke, “Please hurry there is big trouble and we need to be with Gaby”. The five of them had a drink & decided they would eat later. “Put everything in car please we will not be staying here tonight.” The group made their way to the Royal Hall. The security guard allowed them in. They got to the Apollonaris stand before the others arrived.
Inside the underground complex of Menwith Hill the operators were trying to workout what had just happened as all the transmissions ceased
Teams were sent to find out what had gone wrong. With difficulty they opened the doors. The site was just completely flattened there was not a building left standing. The high security fencing had all gone the soldiers who had been on sentry duty were scrambling out of ditches. An officer asked what had happened. “Not sure sir one minute I was on duty and the next I was sailing through the air and I landed in that ditch.”
After checking out with a giger counters that it was not a nuclear device. The soldiers then started to clear up the site. They found one receiver only needed relatively minor repairs before it could be put back in use. They then discovered an earthquake had been reported along the length of the North Craven fault. “This is one of the strangest earthquakes ever. Look across at those hills. The Earthquake has created like an impression of a giant man sleeping.” The other soldier looked petrified. “You saw something you have not told the officer.”
“If I had they would not have believed me and would have had me seeing the Psycho doctor. It was a man that caused the damage. Not just any man though he must have been 15-20 metres tall. He wrenched a tree out of the ground and was using it like a golf club. I saw him grab a handful of sheep and eat them in one go. He did not stop until all the buildings were flat. Now you know why I saw nothing.” On one part of the site they found an impression of feet. They went and got some plaster of Paris and made moulds of the impressions left. They then found the tree that had been used as a golf club. There were hand impressions on it. Again they took impressions.
“I believe you if only because I was reading this and apparently the ancient Celts believed that a giant called Rombald roamed these moors and used the hills as his bed. The casts of the hands and feet also helps to prove your story. I do think though now you have the positive proof the giant exists. You should inform the Captain.”
“But man if I do that I will be sent to the slammer for sure.”
“Tell you what I will come in with you. Between us we can convince the Captain we have the proof.”
The Captain listened to the two men and was about to refer them to the medic when they presented their proof the giant existed. As the Captain was inspected the plaster casts another officer came in. Sorry sir you are going to think I have gone crackers, but as we flew in I noticed the tallest man I have ever seen. I guessed he was 15 meters tall when sat down.”
The Captain made a telephone call to the ministry of defence for advice. Within a short time his telephone call was returned. “Captain the report of your men seeing Lord Rombald did not happen. You and they saw nothing. You are under no circumstance to go looking for Rombald. The farmer who lost a few sheep will be compensated. As far as the destruction at your site that was due to an earthquake.”
The Captain put the telephone down. “Bloody pompous Pratt has just said Lord Rombald does not exist and you all must have been high on something. If he exists I want to see him. This though does not leave this room. We all fly out to see this giant. I want you all armed with cameras and we will take photos. Then we high tail it back here before the Brits realise we have the proof.”
In Harrogate Gaby and the juniors had been inundated with young people wanting them to sign that month’s copy of Pro Cyclist. Gaby, “I tried to tell you all there is an interview with Lance Armstrong. Lance gives all the normal information then the reporter asks who Lance thinks is an up and coming champion. “That is easy in recent times I have been beaten in charity races by the Junior Champion and daughter of the ladies world Champion Jenny Bond. From what I saw of Gabriel Bond it will not be long before she unseats her mother as the champion. Gabriel Bond has been signed by Apolonaris like her mother. She has wasted no time in also signing up the grand daughters of Beryl Burton & Martin Lampkin. Not only is she creating a strong team, but that team is going to have a very strong Yorkshire section. I also have asked the organisers of the Tour de France to open it to all everybody. It took a lot of persuasion, but eventually the organisers agreed to my request. So as from next year all the men’s titles will be open to all male, female or Juniors.”
Beryl, “Wow so Lance mentioned us. No wonder we have had so many people wanting us to sign the books. They are all thinking we could be future champions.” Around 10.30 the queue finally faded away. The girls went to the coffee bar for refreshments.”
Tiny, “Gaby we have a big problem. We need to get to Harlow Carr Gardens as quickly as possible. At the moment the problem is sat down on Harlow Moor by some wind mills.”
Draconaris, “Tiny what sort of big problem is sat down on Harlow Moor?”
“Grandpa I have tried to be explicit as possible. When I say BIG Problem I mean very big and tall like Rombald. He keeps sniffing the air and is heading this way.”
“In that case we better get there as quickly as possible. Leave your food and drinks we can get something there.”
The girls piled into the coaches and five minutes later they were at the Gardens. Draconaris showed a card and they all entered the gardens. No sooner had they entered the gardens than Rombald caught their scent. He was off again striding across the fields towards the gardens. Draconaris and Brightflame spotted him and went to greet him.
“Draco my brother thank you for the golf course you built me. I do not know how far I hit the balls. It was great fun. Brightflame you were more sensible and provided me with fans to cool me down. How about the three of us having a fight?”
“I am sorry Rombald there is nothing we would like better. However you know mother forbid us to fight in the presence of girls. I have my grand daughters waiting to greet you.”
“Draco old chap there is nothing I would like better than shake hands with your grand daughters. I kept getting a smell of mum. Is she around here somewhere? She would have my hide if she thought I suggested a fight when your princesses are around. I will sit down here if you fetch the girls.”
Gaby and Nena stepped forward. Gaby, “Uncle Rombald welcome the other girls are a little scared and are nervous by your great volume.”
“Mother is that Draco’s grand daughter with you?” Rombald lowered his great hand and the two girls stepped on to it. Rombald lifted them to his great eyes. “Oh you are not mother and yet you smell almost like her.”
Nena, “The Red queen calls us the Silver and Golden Queens. I am the Silver Queen & Gabriel is the Golden one. In our arms we have two of the smallest of Draco’s family.”
Rombald laughed, “You two can help me find my lazy good for nothing daughters. They were supposed to be handmaids of mother. I wonder where Inga, Penny & Werna are?”
Gaby, “Actually uncle I might have an idea where they are to be found. First we need to do something about you. Have many people seen you?”
“Nay lass I live on moors and nobody takes the slightest bit of notice of me.”
Back at the Sealife centre.
Wee Wee said, “Rombald has turned up and he lifted Gaby & Nena up in his hand.”
Bride, “As you appear to be able to communicate over distances to your sisters tell them to instruct Gaby & Nena to stretch their arms out a then point the palms of their hands towards Rombald.” This message was promptly transmitted. Gaby and Nena did as instructed and a blue flash appeared to leave their hands and hit Rombald in the chest. Rombald and his clothing all started to shrink. Eventually when he reached 2 meters the shrinking stopped.
Tiny, “Sisters we can now give Lord Rombald a welcome the way only Tinys can.” With that one after another the tiny girls launched themselves at Rombald. Eventually he fell over on to the grass.
Draconaris, “Well brother what do you think of your greeting? Poor Brightflame here did not last as long as you did before he went over.”
“I have been shrunk and then attacked by midgets. I could not be happier. If mother had thought to shrink me I could have played with the children. As it was I was banished with my family for being so tall. Now where are those two who shrunk me down to a more normal size?”
Nena, “We are here Rombald. We have an idea where your three daughters might be. By any chance did they talk about Venutias or Cartumandia?”
“All three were supposed to guard the old palace on top of the mountain. I doubt that they would be there though.” Rombald was looking round and realised there was considerable more females than males. “It look like I am here to even the odds slightly brothers.”
Gaby, “You are here because you like the others felt the magic that is coursing through my veins. You might not have been able to see well but you certainly sniffed me out. Even if you thought it was your mother.”
“Isis I see you have abandoned Egypt for here?”
“Rombald I have been living in England for some time. I came to visit a friend and like you discovered Draconaris has been busy building a rather large brood. Not only that, But two of his brood appear to be able to do magic only our Red & Yellow sisters know.”
Gaby smiled, “Would that be as in Lucy, Lucinda and Justine.”
Rombald chuckled, “Yes that is my sister the Red Queen. Other than Draco I was the only one daft enough to ever fight her. Then I got caught by Aunt Andromeda fighting the Red Queen. She punished me by making me wear female clothing for a year. The lesson I was supposed to learn was a gentleman never fights with a lady. Draco thought my punishment was hilarious. While he fought Justine the two of them never got caught. Well Justine was in almost as much trouble for fighting as me. She was made to dress like a little girl for the same length of time I had to dress as a lady. It was around this time Red & Yellow discovered they could shrink me for short periods of time and so made me dress as their sister. What you two did was different in that I will stay this size unless you have reasons for making me a giant again. With so many Tinys around you must have met up with Oberon one of my other brother’s.”
“Actually old chap. The tinys are either my daughters or my great grand daughters. Every one of them is loyal to Gabriel. One of the smallest has been watching you since you awoke from your 2000 year slumber.”
“Oh I thought the place had changed a bit. Have I missed much? I thought I had only taken a short nap.”
At this all the others burst out laughing.
“Has Loki turned up yet as I want a word with him about some of his jokes?”
Tiny, “No not yet I have been watching out for him. Currently he is calling himself the Master. He knows there has been a disturbance on Earth. Currently he is negotiating with three quite nasty races to help him take over this planet. The races are called the Borg, The Dalek and the Cyber men.”
Brightflame, “That sounds like our Loki. He was always planning mischief. Obviously he has miss calculated yet again. If you two can reduce Rombald to normal size then you should have no problem with Loki or any of those races. Mother always had a blind spot where he was concerned. The only two who could get him to behave were our Red & Yellow fire sisters.”
Gaby, “I thought those three races were created for television & the doctor series on the BBC.”
Isis, “The BBC has based their series on known facts. I suppose we are the real time lords. Some of us can travel backwards and forwards in time. Some just sleep through 2000 years as if it was a 5 minute nap. Loki will not return before all souls day so you have plenty of time to prepare a welcome for him and his cohorts.”
Nena, “In that case we might as well explore these gardens as that was our intention.”
Back at RAF Menwith Hill the officer and men had just down loaded the pictures of Rombald on to their computer. These pictures were then sent directly to the Pentagon in Washington. The officer also asked for advice as the Brits had instructed him the giant Rombald did not exist.”
At HMS Forest moor & The Army College men were getting into trucks and tanks. The two convoys joined up on the A59 and made their way to RAF Menwith Hill. There a scene of devastation greeted them.
The cadets set about clearing the site. Meanwhile the officers with an armed guard went down into the tunnels that run under the complex. Although the base was very large there were very few Americans actually working on the base.
“Captain you are your team are being repatriated back to America because of the damage. This site is of no military use until all the repair work has been completed. Then perhaps you might be allowed back.” The small group of Americans found they were being escorted to trucks and then to their homes. There they collected their passports. Their wives and children were allowed to stay behind and empty the houses. The men were all whisked off to RAF Linton and got put on a flight for America. By the end of the day all the debris had been cleared away and other than a muddy patch or two nobody would have realised what had been there until recently.
Back at Scalby.
The Red & Yellow Queens took it in turns to push Julia about in the wheelchair. “Do you mind telling me your name?" I know Lucy has a few other names she is known as. So Yellow queen what name do you prefer?”
“Well some call me Bride, others Bridget I actually like the name Mary as in the Bible. I tend to answer to any of those names. As we have looked round the Sealife Centre we can go through North stead Manor Gardens and then cross to Peasholme Park. We can get our lunch in the café there and then we can watch the sea battle take place. After that there is usually somebody on the organ playing music.”
The three ladies selected a ham salad for their lunch. Julia also fed Baby. They all had a Nettle & fennel tea to drink. “When this was first performed it was based on the battle of the river plate. The tourist like it and it is dome three times a week in the summer period. After the battle was over the organist started to play.
Then the organist spoke, “Ladies and Gentlemen I am going to play a medley of regional songs from our counties. First though I ask you to stand while our national anthem is played.”
Julia was going to sing God Save the Queen and then realised the Organist was playing On Ilkley Moor. “Thank you for standing for the Northumbria national Anthem. I will play the medley starting with Bladon races. Then John Peel & Lancashire lass. As you will notice all my tunes come from the counties that now constitute Northumbria. We will finish though with God Save the Queen. I will ask you to stand again when that is finished. Now I have to ask if there is anybody who would like to lead the singing.
Bride put her hand up and said, “We will.”
“In that case will you three ladies go to where the dragon boats are and you will be brought across here on the swan ferry. While we are waiting I better find out where everybody comes from. Yorkshire. (There was a massive cheer) Scotland, Northumberland, Durham, Cumbria, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Cheshire. Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire (As these names were said there was also a cheer.) Now is there any that I have not mentioned?”
Some small girls on the front put their hands up.”You missed the kingdom of Man.”
“In that case you had better join the ladies in the ferry and come across here.”
Baby, “Julia those girls are here looking for Gaby. They are like me all tinys.”
Mary, “I have just spotted Oberon trying to keep a low profile.”
Julia, “Is that him that is surrounded by tall skinny girls?”
Lucy, “Yes it looks like he has brought all the family. Do you mind if I borrow those binoculars Julia. I believe there is another brother here. Yes he is over there shaking his head in disbelief at the antics of the little ones.”
The tiny girls joined them in the boat. They were chatting away. “Do you think we have the right place? Daddy said there would be lots like us.”
“Yes I think he was teasing us as I have not spotted any tinys here.”
“Hello we are from the Isle of Man our daddy has brought us here for a holiday & we are going to meet our cousins. Then we can go and play on the sands with them. Are you on holiday like us?”
Julia, “Actually I am working. Well I am called Julia & these are my Aunts Lucy & Mary. Did you enjoy the battle?”
“We did, but daddy enjoyed it more. We live near Douglas on the Isle of Man. As I said previously we are supposed to be meeting up with our cousins. Daddy thought he was the only one to produce tinys. That is us or at least what we call ourselves. Then we heard Uncle Draconaris is here with lots of tinys just like us. So far we have not even seen one of them.”
Julia could feel Baby shaking as she fed. “I am sure your cousins will already know you are here. I am also positive you have already met one of your cousins and did not realise it. One thing is for sure once you meet up with them, you will have a super time on the beach.”
The swan boat off loaded them at the little island that was covered in a glass & wood pagoda. The three ladies sat on the chairs provided while the tinys sat on the floor. They sung song after song. One of the tinys asked the organist, “Did he know Ellen Vallin a song about a Manx ship that sunk carrying a cargo of Yo Yos.” The majority of the audience did not know it but they soon picked the theme up. The tinys stopped at the last verse they knew. However a crystal clear voice could be heard singing solo. From two sections of the audience there was considerable clapping.
Julia put Baby down and she walked to the microphone. “Now ladies and Gentlemen will you all stand and join me in singing the Queen.”
After their singing the organist gave Julia a CD of his organ music. On the swan boat back to the mainland Baby spoke. “Well tiny cousins what did you think to Baby’s singing. All the other Tinys are pleased to be informed more cousins have finally arrived to help them look after this lot. They say they hope you have all brought your buckets and spades as we are having a sandcastle building competition when they return.”
Two men were waiting at the landing area. One was a very obvious old man with a long white beard that nearly touched the ground. The other was younger and looked around 30. The little girls all shot off the boat and went to the younger man. “Daddy, Daddy we have found a very small tiny called Baby.”
“Yes girls she sung like an angel. Greetings sisters I presume the young lady with you is quite important when two of my fire sisters are looking after her.”
Lucy, “Well Oberon this is one is Julia and is one of our nieces. She has not been very well recently. Her partner had to go to Harrogate with the others to deal with a big problem. Baby informs me there was a little damage done. Our brother now though has been brought under tiny control. We had intended walking slowly round the bay pushing Julia in the wheelchair. I do not see why we should push the wheelchair when my two strong brothers are available to do the task in hand. Julia this one that is keeping quiet is known as Neptune, Mr Vater or even Mr Oceanus.”
Julia held her hand out to greet Neptune. “So you are not just a Daughter of Draconaris. That symbol on your hand tells me you have mortal & immortal blood in your veins. Now to the tiniest of the tinys. Who taught you that last verse? Draco used to sing it when he was fed up with us all and Oberon tended to get very annoyed when it was sung. However I noticed he was one of the most enthusiastic clappers in the audience.”
Baby giggled, “Every time I sing it I think of a ship sinking and then coming to the surface and then sinking again like a giant yoyo. There are another two tinys like me. All the rest are full size tinys like your daughters. I was surprised though that they did not realise I was there. The rest of us can detect Tinys miles away.”
One of Oberon’s daughters spoke, “They all call me tiddler as I am the smallest of Oberon’s clan. We all knew there was a tiny here. We did not expect to find a Baby Tiny though. We were all puzzled when we could not spot you, and our taller fae sisters also failed to spot you as a baby.”
Baby, “Grandma Alice Lavinia taught me that last verse on the way over on the St Petersburg. Who taught her it I do not know. Or at least I think it would be Draconaris. Julia can Tiddler join me and you in the wheelchair? She needs a good feed as her inner self is saying she is hungry. ”
The other tinys burst out laughing. “She is always hungry. She usually goes looking for a milk cow and asks if she can have some of her milk when the urge comes on.”
Julia, “I do not mind as I know Baby is having a struggle to keep me empty. So until my babies come on the scene you Tiniest can help me out. Oberon as you look to be the fittest of the two brothers would you mind pushing my wheelchair around the bay? Uncle Neptune looks as if he could do with a chair of his own. If you are unable to do the walk round the bay I will get out of this and you can use my chair.”
“Young lady I will have you know. I am as fit and healthy as all my brothers. I will take my turn with Oberon in pushing you round the bay. Your instructions were to rest and we will ensure you do rest.”
With that the group started to walk round the bay from the North Bay to the South Bay. The new harbour was also providing additional protection from the Spring tides. However you could still see the large waves coming in.
While walking round the bay the girls were trying to dodge the spray from the waves as they smashed into the promenade. Eventually they saw the arched building spanning the promenade that the Coast guard were based at. Many ships had taken refuge in the recently constructed harbour from the abnormally high Spring tide. Some waves washed over the top of Mr Marvel’s fun fair that was situated on the west pier. This though did not deter the tinys from entering the fun fair. The Tinys got told they could not go on the dodgem cars unless an adult was with them.
Eventually all the tinys got in cars with either their cousins or aunts or Uncle. Julia sat it out and was laughing at their antics.
An elderly lady came and sat by Julia. “I see they have abandoned you dear.”
“Not really my Uncles pushed me round the bay after we met them earlier this afternoon. My aunts had been looking after me prior to that. The little ones were not allowed on the cars without an adult so the four of them decided to help the tinys out.”
Those four are as bad as the children did you see that they keep driving the cars into each other.”
Julia, “My name is Julia & my doctor has instructed me to rest. Hence the reason I am being pushed around.”
“My name is Andromeda. You Julia appear to be very pregnant. What is your boyfriend like?” Julia burst into tears.
“Sorry about that. Chris was lovely and I adored him. I deliberately got myself like this when I realised he had a health problem rather than wait. These are most likely the only children Chris will give me. I did not realise Chris & I were related until we came here to work. I suppose I officially work for another cousin, But she is more like a friend.”
“So can nothing be done for your boyfriend?”
“No nothing can save Chris or any of the others like him from their fate. Some have not as lucky as Chris. At least he will have sired some children before the inevitable happens. We are still going ahead with our wedding. I think the number of my bridesmaids and flower girls has just increased again. Do you mind getting me a cone from the stand and get yourself one. For some reason I feel happy talking to you. Here is some money to pay for them.”
A short while later the lady returned. “I have no intention on leaving you alone while the children play. So what is your cousin like you work for?”
“Well she has the same condition as my Chris. Unfortunatly there is a faulty gene in the family that affects males. My Chris is slowly turning into a female. I know it sounds strange but it is happening. Since being here I discovered it has affected quite a few boys.”
“Yes Julia it does seam rather strange. Then the same happens with some species of fish. If there gets to be too many males some of them become fertile females. Guppies, Platties and Swordtails are all known to do that in certain circumstances.”
“My cousin is only a school girl. She thought she was joining the Apollonaris junior team. She like my Chris is coping with her transformation. She has just got engaged to Prince William of Wales and is currently making arrangements for her coronation in York Minster. For Gabriel life will have changed the most.”
“I see you are saying nothing about her magical abilities or even yours. Yes I know full well why you are here. You answered me honestly, but avoided telling me everything. I am aunt to those four big children. I for years looked after the children. I see my services are going to be in demand again.”
“My cousin Gabriel says, “Welcome Andromeda would you like the job as official Aunt or Nanny to all the children?”
“So you can transmit to your cousins. Tell Gabriel I accepted that position years ago. The way those four are behaving just shows what they are like when I am not around. Now you two. Yes I mean you two who are suckling. I need one of you to grow up for a short time.”
Baby, “It had better be me as I am full. Tiniest is still only half full.”
Andromeda touched Baby and said, “Grow up.”
With that Tiny grew into a tall young woman. “Do not worry once you get hungry you will revert to being a baby tiny yet again? I knew my powers were returning and apparently they have. Now will you go and get Mary?”
There was a roar of engines as a Typhoon put down on the deck of the St Petersburg. Draconaris, “Well brother what do you think about my runabout? We better go and find our brothers. Julia said they were at the West Pier on the fun fair.” They soon found Julia sat talking to Andromeda.
“Aunt welcome.”
The dodgem cars came to a screeching halt and the Tinys all launched themselves at Draconaris. A short while later they did the same with Brightflame. “Obviously the girls all recognise both you boys.”
Tiniest, “Actually until today we had not met either of them. Other tiny sisters have been with them and so we know they are ours. I would also like to welcome you senior Aunt on behalf of all the tinys. My father Oberon apologises for not greeting you sooner. He and Uncle Neptune and our aunts were rather pre occupied keeping us amused.”
“Thank you Tiniest I am sure though your father and his siblings can make up their own excuse for abandoning a heavily gravid Julia to her own devices.”
Neptune, “Greetings Aunt Andromeda. We did not abandon Julia. We were looking after the Tinys. We did notice you and decided she was safe in your hands. So we continued to drive the little cars. It is a long time since I had so much fun. As for Julia being heavily gravid. You chose the correct word as there must be some fish genes in her and she certainly will be a livebearer like the Guppies.
Julia, “I hope I do not have hundreds of babies like they do. I used to keep livebearers in an aquarium at home.”
Andromeda, “Two or three babies at one time will be your limit. However some of us once pregnant have the ability to store sperm and use it when we are ready for the next batch. By the look on your face you know somebody who is like that.”
“One of the ladies from Robin Hood’s bay is like that. She produces another batch every nine months. Apparently she is as regular as clockwork. All her children are.”
Oberon, “Aunt I am not going to grovel. I at least was enjoying myself. Julia I apologise for deserting you to play with the Tiny’s. It is such a long time since I had so much fun. Now is not the time to deliberate on if I made a mistake or not. We have just enough time to get across to the St Petersburg to greet our returning Queen.”
“In that case once we get there I will inspect you all as it appears your mother has left your father in charge. From all my girls I expect them to look immaculate at all times. Ask Justine here what sort of punishment you get if you are caught looking less than perfect. I caught her red handed fighting one of her brothers. Rombald being the gentleman he was did not want to fight. However he eventually gave in to the badgering of his sister, & then I stepped in and punished the two of them.”
Baby, “So Aunt Justine would be in big trouble if she was caught fighting.”
“Yes and so would any of her sisters I caught. However Justine learned her lesson the last time & would not consider doing that.”
“What if you knew certain queens had led their troops into battle?”
“Ah that is totally different. A Queen should always lead her people even if it is into battle. Like Gabriel & Nena they will be leading the Apollonaris team in the cycle races. Justine, Bridget & some sisters have led the Brigantia & Iceni tribes into battle. Draconaris I know full well you and Justine fought each other. At least you both had sense to go to deserted places for your fights. My appointment as senior nanny has just been reaffirmed and as such I expect all my children to be immaculate. Neptune that beard of yours could do with a trim. There is no wonder you get called the old man. Well that is my inspection done. By the look of it we are just in time. The helicopters are landing.”
The helicopters disgorged their passengers. Nena came over and gave Julia a cuddle. “Did you have a good time with the Red Queen & her sister?”
“I have had quite an enlightening day. I got to meet two more uncles and I got us some more bridesmaids and flower girls. I also discovered the Isle of Man was a Sacred Isle dedicated to the Supreme God of Light and Life, and all who live there are classed as Children of the Sun. Like certain areas of Yorkshire there is quite a tradition of having Fae people living alongside the mortals. I also ended up being looked after by Andromeda. She and the others are waiting to greet you and Gabriel.”
Rombald’s face was a picture when he saw Andromeda. “Aunt I have been good and not been fighting.” As he spoke Rombald fell down under a hail of Tinys.
“Rombald I can plainly see you are getting a traditional welcome from these tinys. They want you to help them play on the beach. It is a pity I never thought to shrink you when you started to grow up. Then you would not have been banished.”
Gabriel, “Greetings Aunts, Uncles & Cousins. Baby you appear to have had a growing spurt. Take your little sisters to the beach. Now I presume you are Uncle Rombald and these are Fay cousins rather than tinys. Greetings Lord Neptune and daughters. Thank you for going and helping my little companions out. I think you might be needed on the beach if only to calm the tide. The new harbour has dome a fantastic job of holding the tide back. Andromeda I am Gabriel & this is Nena. The two of us have found we are to do a job we are ill prepared to do. So I am pleased at least one senior female of our clan has turned up. Lucy & Mary thank you for the advice you sent us. As you can see Lord Rombald while still tall by human standards is quite capable of playing with our smallest. Now I need an expert on markings. Alice Lavinia. There two are called Cat & Helen it appears they are cousins. I would like you to look at their mark and inform us what you make of it.”
“Well Gabriel I recognise the mark. I thought we had recovered this person. They said nothing about having any family when they joined us.”
Connie came to look at the mark on the two girls. She looked puzzled. And then she looked at the mother and daughter. She shook her head and muttered “That is impossible.”
Cat’s grandmother said, “What is impossible dear?”
“That mark you should not have it. I know because it is my mark. I have no child living.”
Lorelie one of Neptune’s daughters came and looked. “Oh I have seen this mark before, but it was a lot of years ago. Ariel do you remember where we saw it?”
“Yes I know where it was. We found a rowing boat being tossed about in the North Sea. There was a baby in the small craft but no adults. We both fed the baby & took it to father. He said the child had to be returned to the haunted isle. We took the boat back to the Haunted Isle and watched as a nun found the child and called her sisters. I left a bracelet for the child.”
“The nuns brought me up and always made me cover my mark with the bracelet. The dragon only appeared yesterday when I took the bracelet off in the presence of Constance & Wee Wee. I was also reunited with a daughter and grand daughter I thought I had lost.”
Connie,” I take it that you three did not know what that mark meant?”
“My daughters never told me about the mark or the child might have been treated differently. I know full well this is a mark of a sister of Tsar Nicholas. Had I know then my daughters would have brought her up as their child.”
Gaby, “Helen & Cat I had no idea you were related to me. As friends I tried to help when I could. I know I had a major bust up with Cat but I still considered her a friend. Connie there can be no doubt this is your missing daughter.”
Note. (Rombald is a giant that is reputed to live and sleep on the Craven Moorlands. There has not been a sighting for 2000 years of him. On Ingleborough there is an Iron Age fort that locals call Venutias Palace. Venutias & Cartumandia were king & queen of Brigantia. Cartumandia threw her lot in with the Romans. While Venutias took on the might of Rome. Rome considered him such a threat that they sent three legions against him at his fort of Stanwick. The Romans called it a victory although they lost most of their soldiers. Venutias & men escaped to fight another day Neptune is the Greek- Roman god of the sea Oberon is king of the Fae. Lucy/Lucinder/Justine is the goddess of Justice, also known as Kali the Destroyer in India. Ingleborough is one of the three Yorkshire mountains that the Tri Peaks race will go over. Bride/Bridget was the patron Goddess of the Brigantia nation. For the cyclists here is information on the three peaks Race. It is a real race.)
