Matilda -The Story Mat Trilogy: Book 2

By Burt Candy

In Book 2 of the trilogy Maximilian seems intent on placing Matilda in more dangerous situations each time she uses the Story Mat.
In "The City of Diamonds" she is given the enormous challenge of helping the peaceful Chuquan people outwit Ocelotl, The Jaguar, who is planning an attack on the island city. Before Matilda can achieve her goal, with the help of a very clever monkey called Zinzabad, she has to face some terrifying experiences at the hands of her cruel enemy. Her task is complicated when she discovers that someone is playing both sides.
"The Pearl Dragon" involves her in a dispute between two cranky and pig-headed old Emperors who have divided an empire because of a disagreement over who should be ruler. Their stubbornness has disturbed the Yin and Yang of both their empires. It takes an attack by a common enemy, the Vandals, to convince them that Matilda can provide them with a solution to their problem.
Maximilian has an old score to settle when he takes Matilda to Frizland in "The Ice Queen". Queen Atalai has created a band of powerful enemies by her actions after the War of Tears. The League of Shamans seek revenge for the queen's cruelty to the people of Darkspear after they were defeated by her army of trolls. When the snow troll, Bladefoot, finds his whole village frozen,Maximilian is called in to reverse the spell but strangely finds himself frustrated. It takes a clever Matilda to uncover the reason for the Shaman's attack so that Maximilian can solve the problem and repair a friendship.
Matilda once again shines as she faces the twists and turns in the stories, and has to use her courage and cleverness to overcome them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Burt Candy
• Release date: May 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301433544

Burt Candy

Burt Candy lives on a houseboat with his wife at Lemon Tree Passage on the east coast of Australia. He has been writing children's books for over 20 years. "Matilda - The Story Mat Trilogy: Book 1" is his first e-book.

Book preview

STORY 1

MATILDA AND THE CITY OF DIAMONDS

Chapter 1

Disaster in the Attic

At first Matilda thought that the loud beeping sounds were part of a dream. It was the smell of smoke that awoke her. Her eyes popped open and she realised that the sounds were coming from the smoke alarm. She jumped out of bed and ran out of her room. A pall of smoke greeted her in the hallway and she looked up to see a red glow from under the attic door. Her parents were away for a book launch at Furneaux's Book Emporium", their store in the city, and wouldn’t be home until late. They’d taken her baby brother, Hieronymus, with them so Matilda had decided to go to bed early and had fallen asleep reading a book. Now she had to face this disaster on her own.

She ran down the hall and grabbed the fire extinguisher off the wall. Luckily her parents were safety conscious, living as they did in an old wooden-framed home, and had smoke alarms and extinguishers placed strategically throughout the house. The fire appeared to be in the attic so Matilda now had to make her way through the smoke and up the dangerous spiral stairway to the attic. She pulled up the hem of her nightdress to cover her nose and mouth and proceeded carefully up the steps. The smoke was not as thick as she had thought and she was able to see several steps in front of her.

At last she reached the small attic door and bent down to release the latch. She had to pull her hand away as it was already too hot to touch. Dropping her nightdress and holding her breath, she wrapped the material around her hand and nudged at the latch. It fell free and she pushed the door open. Smoke belched out of the opening and Matilda had to hold the nightdress up to her nose and mouth again with one hand while she poked the extinguisher through the opening with her other hand. Once she had it positioned, she released the lever and sprayed the attic, turning the extinguisher this way and that to cover the room. There was a hissing sound as the flames were snuffed out and more smoke poured from inside.

Eventually Matilda was able to poke her head inside to inspect the damage. When she saw small spots of red she doused them with the extinguisher until she was satisfied that the whole fire had been put out. Gasping for breath and coughing, she went downstairs to open windows so that the smoke could escape. While she was there she quickly washed her hands and face then changed into a sweater and jeans.

It took several more minutes before the air was clear enough for her to return to the attic. She again made her way up the wobbly staircase to the attic door. She could hear sobbing from inside. Pushing the door aside, she crawled into the room.

Woe is me, sobbed the voice of the Keeper of the Attic from the speaker on the wall. "What have I done? What have I done? Destroyed. Everything. What will Maximilian do to me? Life isn’t worth living."

Hello, ventured Matilda, softly. Are you all right?

"All right? All right? What a stupid thing to say," shouted the Keeper through his sobbing.

How could I possibly be all right? Look at the mess! And you ask me if I’m all right! He was obviously distressed.

Matilda had suffered enough. I saved the attic. In fact I saved the whole house, she shouted back in frustration. And you have the hide to insult me. You’re a nasty and ungrateful old man.

The sobs continued for a few minutes while Matilda waited for a reply. Finally the Keeper whispered, I’m sorry. I’m just upset. It’s true, the whole house would have gone up in flames if it hadn’t been for your bravery. And all of the treasures in the attic would have been destroyed. Oh, I feel such an . . . idiot.

Right, agreed Matilda. Now we can start to talk in a civilised way. How did the fire start?

This set the Keeper off sobbing uncontrollably again. Finally he sniffled through his tears, "I was reading my manual . . . I was checking through the contents of Maximilian’s treasury . . . it was so long and boring that I started to feel tired . . . I must have dozed off . . . and as I put my head down I must have knocked the oil lamp off the table . . . and it must have fallen down the cyber-tube leading to the attic . . . and . . . I’m so sorry." He resumed his sobbing.

Matilda waited patiently until his wailing subsided. She could so easily have taken advantage of the Keeper’s misery, considering how nasty he had been towards her in the past, but his feeling of shame brought out her sympathy.

Well, it doesn’t help anyone for us to start pointing the finger of blame, she said, gently. Let’s see what damage has been done and figure out how we can repair things. She immediately thought of her parents; what they would think, and discover, when they arrived home. She would have to prepare herself to explain everything about the attic. Heavens!

Surprisingly, the damage wasn’t as bad as Matilda would have thought, given all of the smoke that had been spewing out of the room. The walls were scorched black and the hat collection that had hung on the walls was now a scattering of ash on the floor, but the valuable chests with their collections of mysterious herbs and cures, jewellery and the Story Mat were only slightly singed, thank goodness. The worst area was around the speaker on the wall. Although the speaker box remained intact, the wall around it, where the oil lamp had ended its journey, was burnt completely away so that you could see the night outside.

Mm-mm, she muttered. You’ll be pleased to hear that things aren’t that bad. Fortunately the chests have survived and it’s only the walls that seem to have suffered serious damage.

Can . . . can it be . . . fixed? Without Maximilian needing to know? stuttered the Keeper, hopefully.

The answer to his question came in a loud crash of thunder, a flash of light and a cloud of smoke. Maximilian appeared in the room dressed in his purple robe with the purple fez upon his head.

Chapter 2

Maximilian Has A Problem

There was total silence in the room as a grim-faced Maximilian, Noble Protector of the Other Lands and Master of its Treasures, surveyed the damage. The air was filled with the electricity of anger yet, when he spoke, his words were measured.

How did this disaster occur? he asked without acknowledging Matilda.

Oh, Master, it was an accident. I didn’t realise I had knocked over the oil lamp. Please don’t be angry with me, begged the Keeper.

Maximilian maintained his measured tone. "In my experience, old man, accidents are rarely accidental but are usually the result of carelessness or stupidity. And it seems to me that you have been guilty of both."

I couldn’t help it master. I was so tired . . . , the Keeper attempted to explain before he was cut off.

"Tired? Maximilian finally lost control and shouted. You have the simple task of guarding the treasures of the attic. Your time is your own to organise and you have nobody bothering you. How could you possibly get so tired that you let something like this happen? The truth is that you are too old for the responsibilities I have given you."

Please, Master, please. I would have nothing if I lost this job. I live to serve you, the voice from the speaker continued to beg.

Hmph-hmph, coughed Matilda from her position near the door. Maximilian looked down at her.

Ah, my little jewel, he smiled. Forgive me for not greeting you but this has come as a great shock.

I understand, replied Matilda. It was quite a shock to me as well.

She was so brave, interrupted the Keeper, attempting to change the subject. She put out the fire all by herself. She saved the chests from complete destruction . . .

Quiet! ordered Maximilian and turned to Matilda again. Is this true, that you put out the flames on your own?

Well . . . yes, replied Matilda meekly. But it wasn’t that difficult.

Tut-tut, said Maximilian, waving a finger. Another example of your bravery, my sweet one.

I don’t know how brave I’ll be when my parents arrive home to find this, Matilda informed him, sweeping her arm around the attic. How will I explain the fire, the smoke damage . . . or the treasure chests? I’ll have to tell them everything. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Don’t be upset, my little one, said Maximilian, gently. I’ll find a solution to your problem.

Can’t you just use your magic to fix everything? asked Matilda.

I’m afraid that my magical gifts do not include repairing fire-damaged buildings, my little pet, explained Maximilian. No, this will have to be a hands-on task for my sprites, under my supervision of course, as they can be mischievous . . . and that causes a big problem.

What’s that? enquired Matilda, brushing the tears from her eyes.

Before I was so suddenly and unexpectedly called away, Maximilian informed her, grimacing at the speaker on the wall, I was busy organising a rescue party to help out with a rather troublesome situation. It is vital that I have somebody intervene in a disturbance that could lead to war in a land far away. Now I have this mess to sort out before I can put my mind to that complication.

Can I help? offered Matilda.

I don’t see how, my brave little friend. Unless . . . Maximilian appeared to be captured by an idea.

Unless what? asked Matilda.

Chapter 3

A Strange Companion

Maximilian smiled.

Well, it just occurred to me that we need time to clean up the attic before your parents return, he explained, and, while you are away on a mission, time stands still. So, if you would be willing to act for me in this disturbance I mentioned, it would give me time to repair the damage here. We could kill two birds with one stone, as it were. What do you think?

Of course I’ll do it, replied Matilda. I certainly don’t want my parents to discover the secrets of the attic, and I’d enjoy another adventure.

Mm-mm, well don’t be too hasty in committing yourself until you hear the detail. This could be your most difficult assignment so far.

But I’ll have the fairy, Peri, and her magic wand to help me as usual and she has been my perfect protector in the past. I’m sure we’ll be safe, said Matilda.

Yes, well, replied Maximilian, turning a shade of red. That’s what I need to tell you. Peri has unfortunately come down with a serious case of fairy flu. Apart from the fact that she is confined to bed, a side-effect of the flu is that she cannot perform magic with her wand. She is a sorry case at the moment and won’t be able to accompany you.

Oh, dear, said Matilda, feeling a wave of sympathy for her friend but also desperation to think she would have to face any danger alone if she chose to go.

But you still have the medallion that Zeus gave you, Maximilian reminded her. It has its own magical powers that I’ll discuss with you before you go. And you won’t be entirely alone. I have a special companion for you who will be invaluable.

Not Husan, I hope, remarked Matilda, remembering the traitorous elf who had accompanied her and Peri on their adventure with Neptune.

No, no, insisted Maximilian. He is still in disgrace and isn’t permitted to leave my realm. I have a pleasant surprise for you. With that Maximilian clicked his fingers and a small monkey appeared on his shoulder. May I introduce Zinzabad.

"A monkey! exclaimed Matilda. You must be joking."

Not at all, responded Maximilian. He will be your silent spy. The people you meet will think that he is a dumb animal but the truth is that he can go to difficult places where he can listen in to private conversations, hear everything and report back to you. Isn’t that right, Zinzabad?

It certainly is, said the monkey in the most pleasant voice Matilda had ever heard. Nobody but you, Matilda, will know that I can understand what is being said and that I can speak as well. I will protect you.

Wow! A talking monkey! declared Matilda. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zinzabad. I’m sure we will be an unbeatable team.

I know we will, the monkey stated, leaping across to land on Matilda’s shoulder.

Well, that’s settled, said Maximilian with a smile. Now I need to explain the problem you will face when you travel to this special, faraway land and the City of Diamonds.

Chapter 4

A Brand New Challenge

The City of Diamonds is situated on an island in Chuqua Land. The Chuquans are a peaceful people and their leader, Acalan, has contacted me with some sad news. As its name suggests, the City of Diamonds is overflowing with that precious jewel and, in the nature of humans, greed has reared its head once again. A neighbouring jungle tribe, the Manyans, has decided to attack the city for its wealth, and the Manyan leader, Ocelotl, known as The Jaguar, is a fierce and unforgiving warrior. He will show no mercy to the peaceful Chuquans in his quest to seize the diamonds. I was intending to travel there to try to prevent that uneven battle but, now that the fire has occurred, I will need you to go in my place.

It sounds exciting, said Matilda. I can hardly wait.

Once again, my little one, you should temper your excitement as you have to realise the dangers that will exist. This is definitely the most perilous of all of your adventures. Ocelotl will expect that I shall try to interfere in some way and he will be ready to take any action required to achieve his goal . . . even death to those who attempt to frustrate him. He is a cold-hearted man and should be treated with the utmost caution.

I understand, Max, and I will be careful, Matilda replied.

Good, said Maximilian, I know that you are clever and brave enough to handle most dangerous situations but you will need to be extra vigilant as this story unfolds. And, as well as having Zinzabad to protect you, you have the medallion that Zeus gave to you as your own powerful weapon. However, I have to warn you that you must only use the medallion in the most extreme circumstance where your own life or the life of others is threatened. Like Peri's magic wand, its power is enormous but it is also limited so you will have to be wise in its use.

I'll remember that, Max, Matilda replied.

Now, when you arrive on the island in Chuqua Land you will meet the leader, Acalan. He will be expecting you and you will be greeted warmly I am sure. He is desperate to avoid conflict and will see you as my ambassador and the saviour of the Chuquans. As the adventure develops you will have to make decisions, with the help of Zinzabad, about the best way to defuse the strength of Ocelotl. I know you will find a way but, once again, if matters become impossible you must promise me that you will return immediately on the Story Mat and I will deal with the problem in the future. To call the Story Mat back to take you home, now that you don't have the help of Peri, you only have to say my name three times. Do you understand how important this is?

Yes, and I promise, stated Matilda as she stroked Zinzabad’s head.

Very well, said Maximilian. He clicked his fingers again and a scroll appeared in his hands. This is a map of Chuqua Land, the City of Diamonds and the surrounding jungle. It will guide the Story Mat to your destination and will assist you when you arrive. Keep it with you at all times. Remember that you only have to place it over the golden sun on the Story Mat to activate it.

He handed the scroll to Matilda. And finally, he continued, here is your transport. Clicking his fingers again, the Story Mat appeared in the air between them, unrolled and floated to the floor. Now I must return home to make preparations for these repairs. Travel well, my little treasure, and may success be yours as before.

Maximilian faded away and Matilda found herself alone in the attic, except for Zinzabad who still sat on her shoulder. She quickly rolled up the beautiful Story Mat, tucked the map under her shirt and crawled through the attic door. Zinzabad followed behind.

Ah, here is where adventure begins, he said with a smile.

Chapter 5

A Frightening Welcome To Chuqua Land

As soon as Matilda reached her bedroom she unrolled the Story Mat and placed it on the floor. She took out a shoulder bag, placed the map inside and put the bag across her shoulder. Then she went to her bookshelf and took down the copy of Arabian Nights where she had hidden the medallion that Zeus had given her. There it was, resting in the space that she had cut into the pages, the golden medallion inscribed with the sword and shield of Zeus. His words came back to her: When you need extra courage, simply rub this medallion and it will be given to you. And if you are in extreme danger, say the words 'Bolts of Lightning, Peals of Thunder' and I shall be there to help you as you have helped me. She took out the medallion and placed it around her neck, tucking it under her shirt.

Matilda then took Maximilian's map out of her shoulder bag, placed it on the golden sun and said to Zinzabad,We should start immediately. If you sit on the Story Mat behind me, close your eyes and fold your arms, we'll be on our way.

Very well, said Zinzabad, doing as he was told.

As soon as Matilda closed her eyes she felt the Story Mat lift off the floor and, after a few seconds, it shot forward, through the wall of the house, out into space.

Once again she felt the wind blowing fiercely into her face and squeezed her eyes open to watch the brilliant colours flash past in what appeared to be a glass tunnel. She felt Zinzabad grip her firmly around the waist and remembered the first time she had travelled on the Story Mat and felt like she was going to be blown off at any second.

At last she felt the Story Mat slowing down as they came out of the end of the glass tunnel. When they had settled on the ground, Matilda saw that they were surrounded by jungle. She folded Maximilian's map and put it back into her shoulder bag. As they both stepped off the Story Mat it rolled itself up and vanished.

Well, here we are, she stated. Now where do we go?

Wait one second, said Zinzabad and he hopped over to a nearby tree. Matilda was amazed to see how agile he was and how quickly he climbed to the very top of the jungle.

I can see the island, he shouted down to Matilda. It's not very far in that direction, he informed her, pointing with his hand. In no time at all he was back on the ground beside Matilda.

Well, that was interesting, she commented. I'm sure those climbing skills will come in quite handy at some stage. I'm impressed.

Nothing that any other monkey can't do, Zinzabad replied.

"But very special from a talking monkey, said Matilda with a laugh. Now let's get moving."

Hand in hand they set out in the direction of the City of Diamonds. Little did they know that they were being watched from above. The first indication they had that they were not alone was a rustling of leaves in the trees. Before they knew what was happening a huge python dropped from the branches and coiled itself around Zinzabad. Matilda jumped backwards and looked on in horror as Zinzabad disappeared inside the coils. There was nothing that she could do to save him. The python was much too large and powerful for a small girl. She began to sob. Her friend and protector was about to become a meal for a snake.

Suddenly a figure appeared from the surrounding jungle. It was a man dressed in strange clothes; just a lap-lap and a brightly feathered head-dress covered in jewels. He shouted at the snake in a strange language while brandishing a knife that he had taken from a belt on his waist. The monster suddenly uncoiled itself and Zinzabad rolled out of its grip. The snake hissed horribly at their rescuer but eventually slid away back into the jungle, shadowed by the warrior.

Matilda rushed over and hugged Zinzabad.

Don't worry, whispered the little monkey. I'm all right. Although I have to say the situation was a bit slippery there for a while. he laughed nervously. Who's our new friend?

I have no idea, replied Matilda. Oh, I was so frightened for you . . . and so helpless.

You'd better thank my rescuer, said