By Sharp
It was Christmas Eve and it was as black as coal outside for some reason the street lights were not on. Queen Gabriel of Northumbria had moved her court from Scarborough to Skipton the ancient capital of the Dales. She was residing in the ancient stronghold of the Clifford family that she had recently purchased from the Fattorini family who in turn had bought if from Lord Hothfield many years ago. During the alterations and renovations to the castle many secret areas had been discovered that had been hidden for at least 400 years. In those secret areas many weapon & clothing were discovered along with some tapestries that had been known to go missing. For the last two Sundays there had been a medieval fair in the town of Skipton. Over 500 coaches had brought people from far and wide to the town. Gaby was sure she had spotted a few of her old school colleagues amongst those in the town on one of those Sundays. However there were that many people and it was bitter cold so she did not linger.
She thought about the recent events. The Cyber men launching their attack on Steel City the day of Chris & Julia’s wedding. Loki along with the Sontarians and Darleks launched a second attempt on Earth at All Hallows. They all got sent packing.
Maddy. “Penny for your thoughts. You were in a dream world again.”
“Sorry Maddy I was thinking of Chris & Julia’s wedding and how it was very nearly spoiled by the Cyber men.”
“Yes but it was not was it. Most people did not realise it was an attack and thought it was a massive firework display to celebrate the wedding. As for the Cyber men Draconaris & Bright flame led the killer matrons to ensure there was no problem ever again from them. Likewise with the Sontarians and Darleks. Draconaris & the matrons did not find Loki although I think it will be some time before he turns up again.”
Gaby looks at the calendar for 2009 marked out already was the date of her formal coronation in York. Already other governments had been sending their Ambassadors to meet her. Not far away a brand new Airport was under construction it was to be called the Lady Anne International Airport. Although it was not officially opened some flights had already started to use the airport. Amongst those using it was the Royal Northumbrian Flight. The VIP Terminal was the first one constructed.
Tonight Gaby and friends would be attending the midnight carol service in the ancient Parish Church of Holy Trinity. Up to this year Gaby would have gone with her parents to the Cathedral in Sheffield to their service. This year was different she was now a queen & there was no way of getting out of it. She looked at Wilma, Nena and others of her distant cousins who all had the same genetic defect as her that meant for part of their lives they would be mistaken for boys. Amongst the items discovered in the secret areas of the castle were many velvet dresses. After careful washing they were adapted to fit Gaby and companions. Tonight they all would be wearing dresses hundreds of years old. The whole family was here again to celebrate Christmas. Gaby smiled as Justine turned up with her husband and the two girls. The three females were wearing red velvet dresses. Her husband looked considerably younger than the day he got married in Fylingdales. David also had arrived with all of the Barguest. Most of them had greatly expanded tummies. Gaby started to count back on her fingers.
David. “I hit the jackpot straight away. They are five and a half months pregnant. We also brought The Solomon’s. I may have the Barguest as companions but poor Dr Solomon has Rombald & Rumbletum as father in laws & they have been telling me they will have to have all the family present to play a game of Zip catch the Titan baby or else they will shoot off and end up 70 miles away.”
Gaby burst into laughter.
Rombald, “Gaby what he said is true. I forgot you have never seen a Giantess give birth. With the amount he has got pregnant we will be playing quite a few games of zip catch the titan baby. Imagine you are playing a game of rugby and the ball is passed to you at 70-100 miles an hour.”
Gaby along with Maddy and some of the others were by now doubled with laughter. Even Tiny and Baby thought it was a great joke.
As Gaby was leaving the castle for Holy Trinity Parish there was the roar of engines as a Harrier jet landed in the Castle Grounds. Two people got out and stripped off their flying suits to reveal they were females wearing evening gowns. “Sorry if we gave you a scare. The men back home are still debating what to do. I am Princess Jasmine and this is my sister Juniper. The Mikado visited the UAE with his daughters on the way to honour his agreement with Lords Draconaris & Bright flame. He explained why the Princesses were to become the companions of the Northumbrian Queen. He also said something that has had all the men folk in a panic. They are unsure what to do if what he said is true the Father and the other Emirs has some important decisions to make. I must know if it is true that Isis and Ma ‘ht reside with you?”
Brigit who had been listening. “Yes child it is true they along with other ancient gods are present here.”
“Then we must honour the agreement with those two goddesses and become handmaids to the divine child.”
Gaby, “Jasmine & Juniper will you both accompany us to the church? After the service you may inform your father that you have arrived safely.”
The church was packed out and Gaby along with her closest companions was seated in the choir stalls. The tiny’s had augmented the normal church choir. The normal electric lights were switched off as every other person was passed a candle that was lit.
Gaby went up to the lectern to read one of the seven lessons. Other members of her extended family read the remaining lessons. Angharad read the final lesson. Juniper and Jasmine gave an audible gasp. They recognised Isis as the goddess she was. Angharad gave the lesson and then spoke to the congregation.
“Around 2000 years ago my sister and I made a pact with certain Princes of the middle east. I notice we have guests among us tonight who come to honour that Pact we made all those years ago. Children please come here and tell us about your selves.”
Jasmine & Juniper nervously got out of their seats. Two of the smallest tiny's run to them and took their hand. They curtsied when they reached Isis. Jasmine was the one to speak. “I am Princess Jasmine and this is one of my sisters. She is called Juniper. I will do the talking as Juniper tends to become very shy. Our father is one of the Emirs of the UAE. When the Mikado called recently it caused uproar in the Middle East our father and the others are still debating what to do. We came on behalf of all the princesses to find out if the information is true or not. For some reason we do not understand normal telephone calls to other countries are not working. So the two of us decided to borrow one of father’s new Harrier jets to come here.”
Justine “Princesses you are our guests until your father formally hands you over. The telephone lines would not work as they have been accidentally severed by fishermen. The repair is underway.”
Once again the two Princesses curtsied. “Ma’ht & Isis we on behalf of our people honour that pact you made with our people long ago.”
Justine, “Princesses we may be gods to you. We though also have to curtsy before others. Your thought and worries have been broadcast to all of us. You have no need to worry we do not need you as a human sacrifice to appease an ancient pact. However those whose hands you hold may require your services as Nurses or playmates.”
Jasmine & Juniper looked down at the children whose hands they were holding. The two of them lifted up Tiny and Baby.
Tiny. “You two princesses came searching for the Divine child. We are the Eternal children along with our sisters who are sat on the steps of the High Altar. Through us they all accept you. Two more of the small tiny’s joined them.”
“Hello I am Wee-Wee and this is Tiniest. The other two are Baby and Tiny. The four of us almost run this place. Your father is wondering where you two have got to. We can broadcast to him so he knows you are both safe.”
The poor Emir got pictures in his head of his two eldest daughters stood alongside the two goddesses. They were holding some very small children.
“Emir we your patron goddesses are pleased your daughters have decided to renew the ancient pact. We expect you and the remainder of the pact as soon as possible. For now they are the guests of Queen Gabriel. They appear to like the eternally young children of the Lords Draconaris & Bright flame.”
Back in the UAE.
The Emir spoke with the Holy men. “Sir the time for debating is past. Your daughters have proved the words of the Mikado were true. For the good of all in the Middle East, all the princes must now obey the pact that was made all those years ago.”
The Emir looked at his four wives. The maximum he was allowed under Muslim law. He knew those who signed the pact had many hundreds of wives. The Emir informed the other princess he intended to honour the pact. What they decided was up to them. The A380 was stood on the tarmac waiting for the signal that the final passenger had boarded. The Emir had ensured all his family was aboard the aircraft. As he left the other Princes were still debating. One said, “I for one am going to the same destination as our brother. With that he left the debating chamber and along with his family boarded another A380.
The pilot radioed the tower for permission to take off. Their flight was only 5 minutes behind the first one. Even the family imam had joined the flight. He was reading ancient texts. “Sir did your message say that Lords Draconaris & Brightflame were also present?”
“Yes along with the Eternal Children.”
“Ha I have found the reference. While the two lords are terrible to behold if you cross them they are nothing compared to the Eternal children. Only the Divine Child can keep them in check.”
The poor Emir for all his posturing and blowing hot wind started to shake at the knees.
“You should be ok sire. After all you are on an aircraft bound for her domain. According to the ancient texts one glare from her eyes is enough to destroy an entire race. We go not to wage war but to further tie the bonds between our peoples. Our brothers back in Dubai would do well to follow the example of you and your Brother.
The Emir in the second aircraft was to get a further shock when the Iman's voice changed to that of a female. “Greetings Emir your priest is allowing me to speak through him. We have transmitted the landing co-ordinates to your pilots. The Airport is still under construction although the runways are all ready completed. I have made arrangements for your stay here to be enjoyable. As for the glare from my eyes you have no need to fear my wrath. I will tell you though three races not from this planet have incurred my wrath. Very few of them will have survived after the Lords Draconaris & Brightflame along with the killer matrons decided to hunt the attackers down.”
On board the two aircraft the Emirs and their families tries to get some sleep it would be 11 hours before they would
land at Lady Anne International.
Back in Skipton.
The two princesses were shown to a room in the castle and they went to sleep. Around 07.00 they were awoke by Wee-Wee and Tiniest bouncing on their bed. “Sorry we could not let you sleep longer. Her Majesty wants you both for breakfast. Sorry I should reword that she request the pleasure of your company for breakfast at 08.00 so you need to get up and prepare your selves.”
“Thank you little ones. In the church we got informed you ran everything. Does that include being alarm clocks?”
Brigit who was stood by the open door. “I presume they bounced you awake.”
“Goddess, Oh my.”
“Fear not Princesses I came to have a quiet word with you both. I have been looking at the actual contract my sister Isis made and it was witnessed by Justice. There is more than one section. I believe your father only has read the first section. It is true when called upon the princes of the desert shall provide companions for the divine child. However for the contract to take full effect up to seven princes of the desert should become companions of the goddess Isis. I doubt though that she remembers it. Queen Gabriel will not want to break up your family so while you and your sisters become her companions. Your father will become a companion of Isis.”
“But Papa has the maximum wives allowed under Muslim law.”
“That may be so however once he lands here he is subject to our law. A god or goddess may have as many partners as they wish. Most only have one although there are a few exceptions. Queen Gabriel partners now run in to the thousands. We had to take over a mill conversion to accommodate everybody. To us it does not matter if you are Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu or a member of another religion. I am known as Brigit or Bridget the patron goddess of this land. Some people know me as other names including you two who burn incense in front of my statue. There is nothing you can hide from us. The Eternal children have ensured that. Now you call me earth mother so please come and give your mother a kiss.”
They did as instructed. “Now Tiny’s it is time my daughters were taken to the breakfast room. I have somebody else to collect.”
With a tiny holding both their hands the princesses went to the breakfast room. Brigit meanwhile went back to her apartment. Her husband was waiting. “I have just awoken her she is terrified that Gabriel will do something to her for being naughty at All Hallows.”
Bridget had found Loki injured after his abortive attack. Loki was lucky that it was Bridget that found her as some of the others would have torn him to shreds. Loki had been sent flying when Gaby had repulsed his attack with a mere stroke of her hand. He had seen the Darleks and Sontarians just disintegrate before his eyes. He also found he was getting younger and was changing to a female. By the time Bridget had found Loki she had no memory of her former life. She looked like a child that was three or four. Like Bridget she wore a yellow dress. Bridget & her husband took the child by their hand. They walked the short distance to the breakfast room. Lucy broke free from them and ran to the Tiny’s.
“Hello I am Lucy are you here with your mummy & daddy?”
Wee-Wee looked at her. “Yes they are around. We only have ones the same size as us on this table so you can sit here.”
As Queen Gabriel finished her breakfast Tiny & Baby took hold of Lucy’s hands “Come you must now be introduced to Gaby. All of us tiny ones get to sit on her knee at some part of the day. Now is your turn as you are new here.”
Poor Lucy looked terrified as she was taken across to Gaby who lifted her up on to her knee. “So you are Lucy I have been hearing about. My little ones wish you to play with them. Now though I think it is time your Mummy & Daddy to come here for you. Wee-Wee & Tiniest it is time for you two to have a cuddle from me.”
Bridget & her husband curtsied and bowed. “Bridget I understand Loki always looked on you as his mother rather than as his sister. He though is no more all I can see is a very scared tiny. She was lucky you found her. Now please take your eternal daughter. We have to exchange presents.”
Gaby called names and as they appeared they were given a present. Eventually it was the turn of the two Middle Eastern Princesses. “Your Majesty we did not know what to bring and then we remembered the words of the Mikado and bought these. We realised you would never have been given a set of dolls and we saw them on sale so we bought them.”
Gaby opened the present to find a set of dolls that looked like her and companions. “Thank you very much. You were correct I never did get a set of dolls and now that is rectified. You two along with your sisters are to become my companions. This ring signifies to all that you are now members of my household.”
As the two princesses put the rings on their fingers they felt a tingle. Tiny, “Princesses I know you both felt that tingle as it was all of us tiny ones accepting you as our friends, companions & Nurses. Now you are accepted you will discover it is a bond you can never break. The Lords of the Heavens are now your protectors and woe to anybody that tries to harm you. Also I should inform you both the two A380’s carrying your families have made good progress and will arrive earlier than anticipated at Lady Anne International.”
Gaby, “In that case we had better take the new underground rail link to the Terminal. As they got to the Airport the standard of the Imperial Royal family was hoisted alongside that of the Kingdom of Northumbria. As the two planes taxied to a halt the flag of the United Arab Emirates was hoisted alongside the other two. A band comprising of the Tyrollers and Bavarian mountain started to play music. The first tune played was the Northumbrian National Anthem. Even Queen Gaby sang it with everybody. Then the band played the UAE Anthem. The two Princess and their families stood still while it was played. Then accompanied by Queen Gaby they inspected the soldiers.
“Your majesty we two brothers come with our families to honour the contract made many years ago by our ancestors.”
Gaby, “I must ask do you intend to fully honour the entire contract.”
The Imam. “Your majesty these two princess will fully honour the contract. They talked it over with their wives and divorced them according to Muslim law so that they could join their daughters as your companions. Both Princes’ know their countries safety could be in peril if they do not fully honour the contract.”
Gaby turned to Angharad. “A while ago you joked was I going to find you a husband. Well I have no need as you arranged to receive up to seven princes as your husbands’ in payment for protecting the UAE from Seti. Like all of the gods you are bound by your own words. These two Princes come to be joined as one with you.”
Justice. “It is true sister I was the recorder and witnessed the blood oath you made 2000 years ago with those princes.”
Poor Isis her mouth was opening and shutting like a goldfish gasping for air.
Draconaris looked at the document. “Well sister Gaby may have a harem running to thousands. You though could have up to seven husbands if they all honour the contract. Gentlemen you like our sister are tied by the same contract. You brother are already discovering they cannot get out of it and are making preparations to come here. They will arrive before the day is out.”
Two of the tiniest females the two princess had ever seen spoke. In future you will have Petal and Sepal the smallest of the daughter of Lord Draconaris to protect you. We and our tiny sisters are the most terrible to behold if ever crossed.”
Brightflame and Neptune were laughing away. Draconaris, “Boys do not let their small stature fool you. I have seen the likes of them walk into all consuming flames to protect those they loved. I like my sister Ma’ht have felt their love and wrath. Unlike the Tiny’s these are my Pixie daughters’ from whom all pixies are descended. They can assume a normal shape and size. Petal and sisters’ would you do that for our guests so that they may see you as Queen Gabriel prefers you to be when here in her company.”
“Grandpa this one in thinking I could do with a dozen like you for you would make great spies. Does he not know we are the eyes and ears of the queen?”
“I am thinking I am already guilty of under estimating you pixies. So the ancient legends are true that the small and smallest of all the people are the most deadly of all.”
A short journey and the group were back at the castle. The two Arab princes formally handed their daughters and former wives over to Queen Gabriel. Like the two princesses they were all given a ring to put on.
Back in the UAE.
The five remaining princes went on television and broadcast to their people. Their broadcast was picked up by other Arab countries that also went to inspect their documents to see if they had similar contracts. The five princes and their families then departed for Dubai airport and from there for Lady Anne International in Northumbria.
At the same time just off Canal Street in Skipton Isaac Miller the Gypsy king was holding a court. He had summoned all gypsy families to his home in Skipton. Many years ago his brother older brother Jacob who should have been the gypsy king went missing in America. Normally for the Gypsy families Appleby fair was the biggest event for them. This though was not normal, however they all had to attend when the king called for them. Some of the Gypsy families had made Skipton their home including Old Isaac. He thought back to the day of his father’s funeral. The funeral cortege stretched for 10 miles. His Funeral was held at the Ancient Parish Church. Then the funeral cortege drove down to Walton rays where he was interred. Isaac had his daughters Lily and Bella by his side. His grandson was showing him a website from America. It was being run by a Sephrena Miller.
“Grandpa she has the same name as great grandma Sephrena.”
“Yes Jimmy you have done very well. I would say you have found my brother’s child. She needs to be brought into the family. Even if she is proved not to be his daughter she carries grandmother’s name so must be family.”
Most of the Gypsies had brought their caravans. You could not move for caravans that were parked on Canal Street and the nearby car park. Unlike Appleby Fair most of the Gypsies would have preferred to stay at home in the winter months. However if Old Isaac called a meeting of the parliament they had to attend. Old Isaac convened the Gypsy parliament. He looked at the men who wore the traditional hobnailed boots Harris Tweed suits and flat caps. The women all wore dresses more associated with flamenco dancers.
Isaac addressed the crowd. “A few days ago my Grandson young Jimmy came to inform me he had discovered a Sephrena Miller on the internet. Well my heart missed a beat. You all know Sephrena was the name of my grandmother.”
A very elderly wizened old Gypsy lady stepped forward. “Isaac if this girl bears that name then she should be brought here for she is a Gypsy princess like your daughters.”
“Yes Rosa Lee I agree. You know we settled here because my wife could feel the power of this place. Since her Majesty Queen Gabriel of Northumbria made this her home the power seems to have increased.
Rosa and the other gypsy women started to laugh. “Isaac we could all feel the power as we got closer to this place. Queen Gabriel is far more than a mortal Queen. Perhaps we should ask her advice over Sephrena.”
Some of the men picked up fiddles and accordions. They started playing and the women and girls started dancing. They processed on coach street and then up the High Street to the castle. Isaac rode a horse in front of the group. The sound of the celebration could be heard in the castle.
Wee-Wee had managed to discover why they were coming to the castle. “Gaby they are coming to ask you help find a Sephrena Miller.”
“In that case I think we should help them. I will give them the present they request.”
Gaby switched on a computer. She soon discovered a website called Top Shelf and Sephrena was logged on. “Well Wee-Wee you can accompany me.” Doing what she had previously done to retrieve Stella. Gaby and Wee-Wee digitised themselves and travelled along the cable. Within a very short time they found themselves looking out of Sephrena computer. They could see two females cuddling each other and crying.
"Gaby the other one is her companion Princess Chelsea. “Sephrena recently used her savings to pay for srs in Thailand. Now because of the credit crunch both females are out of work. They have had a letter informing them they have to get out of the flat tomorrow. It appears we have arrived just in time.”
Much to the shock of the two females Gaby & Wee-Wee materialised before them.
“Sephrena we have come at the behest of Isaac Miller who wishes to meet you.”
The colour fades from the face of Sephrena. “My late Father told me this might happen. In fact a while ago a friend of mine called Sharp said with a name like mine in his town I would be a Gypsy Princess.”
“Well Sephrena you may have kidded Sharp you were not a princess, But I know differently. Now Wee-Wee here informs me you both have lost your jobs. Old Isaac wishes to employ you both. Wee-Wee can you call the removal team?”
Baby. “We have already done that all that is required is for us to dress them both.”
Baby pointed her hand at the two females. They looked at each other. Their hair had turned jet black and both of them had flamenco dresses and chains with gold coins on them.
The computer vanished from in front of them. With a flick of her wrist Chelsea & Sephrena found themselves in a castle. “Where are we?”
“Sephrena as I said previously you are now in Skipton. I take it from the colour of your face you knew about Isaac.”
“Father fled to America rather than bring shame on the family. He knew that Isaac was better material for a Gypsy king. Father tended to prefer a different life. He though named me after his Grandmother.”
Chelsea. “I know all about Sephrena and love her as a person. We will still marry. The only problem I can see is how will Sephrena’s family react to the two of us?
“Well ladies it is time to see as that noise is your family coming to ask my help to find you.”
Old Isaac wore a bowler hat that he doffed. “Your Majesty we of the Romany people have for years lived in this town. Normally we hold a family gathering at Appleby fair. I convened the Romany Parliament as I recently learned my brother
has family in America. I come to ask your help to track down Sephrena.”
“Isaac I have known all about you and your family for some time. Your people are known for palmistry and fortune telling. Now I have a couple of presents for you. Isaac it gives me great pleasure to introduce Princess Chelsea & Princess Sephrena of the Romany nation.”
There was a big “Oh.”
Old Rosa Lee came to the front. “We came to ask you to find Sephrena. We did not expect to find Chelsea as well. Child there can be no doubt about your parentage. For the old Sephrena had a life companion called Chelsea? You are her reborn to us. Tell us your father does he still live?”
“Rosa when I visited Sephrena I found her father had been gone for some time. I though did find a Rosena Lee Miller who is also here. In fact she should be coming with Grandma Peters now.”
Tears were streaming down the old ladies face. “So Jacob married his cousin. Then Sephrena should have the sight like all us females have. No wonder they both fled this country as they were forbidden to marry. However I am glad my daughter and grandchild are back.”
Rosa looked at the woman in front of her. She asked the woman several questions in the Romany tongue. The female replied in the same language. Rosa had a big grin across her face. “Isaac I get my daughter back and a granddaughter while you get a niece & companion. Let all of Romany blood rejoice that Sephrena & Chelsea are returned to us as is Rosena Lee Miller.”
Gaby. “Isaac your people are all welcome to celebrate Christmas with us. In fact unlike Appleby fair I think we should make this a regular event. Where both our people can meet. My grandmother would like Rosena to stay with us.”
Rosa looked at Grandma Peters. Old Isaac spoke, “Your Majesty we of the Romany people are happy that one of our people has decided to stay here. I further instruct all of our people that in future they will celebrate Christmas here.
.
