The Crystal Bluebird

By Vicki Arnott

While exploring her family's new home, Mary discovers a crystal necklace and an old book telling the story of a banished princess, a magic bluebird, and a sad Queen trapped in her castle. A rainy afternoon drawing pictures on the story map, and a heartfelt wish leads Mary and her brother and sister into the fantasy world of Brigitha, where Mary is chained to the magical bluebird, and their pictures are causing problems! They are soon enlisted by a queen’s guardsman, a grumpy gnome, who insists that they must undo the damage they have caused, and help to free the Queen. So begins a journey filled with unique and magical characters who all seem to want help. Can Mary, Ron and Cassandra find what they need to release Mary from her chain, and rescue the Queen?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Vicki Arnott
• Release date: Jul 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311312785

Vicki Arnott

I am a new author who is very excited and proud to introduce my first book. Since childhood, writing has been one of my loves, and writing a book one of my dreams. I am very fortunate to have been born and raised in New Zealand, by parents who possessed imagination, each with a fun sense of humour and each, in their way, excellent story-tellers. My love of science fiction and fantasy was developed early, by television shows like “Lost in Space,” “The Tomorrow People,” and my all-time favourite, “Star Trek.” I spent many Saturday afternoons watching movies, old westerns with my Grandad, and musicals, which continue to be my favourites today. I was also an avid reader, and a book which made a lasting impact was “Freedom Train,” a book about Harriet Tubman, a slave who helped many others escape to freedom. This book fired my passion for freedom and social justice, a theme which has found its way into my own book. I’ve spent the last twenty-eight years working as a primary school teacher and raising my two sons. Through those years I’ve managed to spend some time as a member of our local drama club, learning to paint, dabbling with photography, playing an occasional game of tennis or golf, walking, gardening and watching lots of movies. I have travelled to Australia, Europe and the USA. As a school teacher I have faced many challenges, and learned a lot, but also had a lot of fun. School drama productions have always been a highlight for me. I love the music, dance and costumes, and all the drama that goes on behind the scenes as well as on stage. Fostering a love of literacy in children, watching their eyes light up with enthusiasm as they share their excitement for the things they discover, is a true joy and a source of inspiration for me. As a teacher, I am also concerned about the many negative influences on young people today. I have written my first book for children, but I think adults will enjoy it too. My intention was to produce a fun, exciting and entertaining story which presented positive values. I think I have succeeded, and I hope you agree.

Book preview

The Crystal Bluebird

By Vicki Arnott

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 Vicki Arnott

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and you did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favourite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the following people with special and heartfelt thanks. Your encouragement, support and feedback have enabled me to follow my dream.

My supportive family, especially my son James, for your critique and your enthusiasm.

The staff, Board of Trustees, and students at Lake Rerewhakaaitu School, especially Patricia McGee, for your belief in me.

The Rotorua Writers’ Group, for boosting my confidence and helping me learn more about the wonders of the literary world.

The people who took time to read my text and provide me with encouraging feedback: Arcturus Trail, Waitahi McGee, Fay Nicholls, James Adams, Marjorie Griffiths and Debbie Heron.

Dedication

For my grandmothers, Eileen Mayhew and Beryl Young, with all my love.

Contents

Chapter One: A New House

Chapter Two: Spencer Manor

Chapter Three: The Story

Chapter Four: The Map

Chapter Five: Brigitha

Chapter Six: The Bluebird

Chapter Seven: Lakeside Village

Chapter Eight: The Forest Dwellers

Chapter Nine: The Crystal Castle

Chapter Ten: Ron and the Dragon

Chapter Eleven: The Minstrel-Magician

Chapter Twelve: Inside the Cave

Chapter Thirteen: The Home of the Sea People

Chapter Fourteen: Circle City

Chapter Fifteen: The Misty Marshland

Chapter Sixteen: Seaside Village

Chapter Seventeen: The Robot’s Orders

Chapter Eighteen: The Tree Bears

Chapter Nineteen: Home

Chapter Twenty: Return

Chapter Twenty-one: Release

Chapter Twenty-two: The Festival

Chapter One: A New House

We can’t move! Cassandra yelled. I’ll miss the school production. What about my dance classes? I’m supposed to dance the lead in the exposé next month. You can’t do this to me!

Cassandra flung her toast at her plate. It skimmed smoothly across the china surface and hit the salt shaker, which toppled into Mary’s bowl. A wave of milk and cereal slopped over the edge and splatted upwards into Mary’s face.

Nice one, mumbled Mary, as she removed her glasses to wipe the milk splodges off the lenses. Eleven-year-old Ronald sniggered. Mary rolled her eyes and waited for her mother’s reaction. A normal parent might have shouted some things about how to behave at the breakfast table. There might have been orders to clean up the mess and speak respectfully to your parents, or banishment to a bedroom until you’d calmed down and decided to behave like the young adult you insisted that you were. Mary’s parents, however, weren’t normal. For a start, Mary’s mother was a psychologist.

I see you’re feeling upset dear, her calm voice soothed. Do you want to talk about it?

Mary supposed this was the sensible approach, but sometimes she just wished her mother would yell. Mary felt like yelling. Her sister was behaving like a spoilt baby. At thirteen, Mary was three years younger than Cassandra, and she never carried on like that. Cassandra was the drama queen of the Spencer family.

Perhaps you’d like to hear more about our new house before you make up your mind? Dad’s voice came from behind his newspaper. He never reacted strongly to Cassandra’s outbursts either. He always acted as though her drama was normal conversation. It almost seemed as though he expected her to act that way.

Like we’ll get a choice anyway, muttered Cassandra. She slumped back in her chair and folded her arms across her chest, glaring at the newspaper hiding Dad’s head. Mary imagined laser beams shooting from Cassandra’s eyes and the newspaper bursting into flames.

Cassandra, Mum began, you know very well that your feelings will be taken into account in any decision that affects our family.

Right, snapped Cassandra. We’ll discuss it for a while and then we’ll still end up doing what you want us to do. Only we’ll think we’ve agreed to it. I don’t care where you want to move us, or why. I don’t want to go. I’ve got a life here. I’ve got friends. Do you know how hard it is to start all over in a new school and make new friends at my age?

Ronald sniggered again. Have you looked in the mirror today, Cass? he asked. You’d better check for wrinkles and grey hair.

Shut up! yelled Cassandra.

Ron, that’s not helping, said Mum, starting to sound exasperated. She turned again to Cassandra. OK. Clearly you are not in a frame of mind to discuss this sensibly. Go and get ready for school. We’ll talk about it when you’ve calmed down.

Cassandra stood and stomped out of the kitchen. I won’t change my mind about this! she yelled behind her as she left. Mum’s only response was a quiet sigh.

Will it be near the beach? asked Ronald.

Dad put down his newspaper and leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. Ronald leaned towards his father, as though the two of them were about to share an exciting secret.

We have inherited a property in the countryside, Dad said. It’s actually an old homestead surrounded by some wooded land. Plenty of room for you kids to run around and explore. The house is big. You can all have your own bedrooms.

He paused for a moment and looked at Ronald and Mary to gauge their reactions. They looked intrigued. Encouraged, he went on.

The house is old and a bit run-down. It’s going to need some work to fix it up and tidy the grounds, but your mother and I think it has potential as a bed and breakfast. It also has a big barn at the back that could be converted into a workshop. I can finally start my own furniture business.

Dad was obviously excited. Mary glanced at her mother. She, too, was looking pleased. Mary was old enough to realise that opportunities like this didn’t come along every day. So far it sounded great, but Mary was cautious by nature.

So what’s the downside? she asked.

Her parents glanced at each other and then turned to her and smiled.

Actually, as far as we can see, there is no downside, said Dad. The property is only about a forty-minute drive out of town. Mum can stay in her current job at the hospital, and you kids won’t even have to change schools. There’s a school bus run to town and back every day. You’ll have to get up a little earlier, but I’m sure we can all manage that.

Ronald laughed. So if Cass had only waited five minutes and found out the details, she wouldn’t have needed to drama out! He leaned back in his chair. When can we go and see the house, Dad?

We thought we’d drive over to look at it on Saturday morning, answered Dad, picking up his newspaper. Mum started clearing dishes from the table.

We can tell you more about the property on Saturday, she said. Right now you need to get ready for school.

Chapter Two: Spencer Manor

The family car followed the removal truck as it slowly manoeuvred up the long, narrow driveway of their new home. It had clearly been neglected in recent years. It was pitted with numerous potholes, which had to be negotiated carefully, and flanked with silver birch trees. As the car bumped and swayed beneath the shimmering leaves Mary imagined she was travelling in an old-fashioned coach towards the house, which she had secretly christened Spencer Manor.

The lumbering truck turned left at the end of the driveway and the house itself came into view. Dad had not been kidding when he’d told them that the place was a bit run-down. Even so, Mary loved it on sight.

The large, two-storied colonial building, with an attic above the second floor, had three sets of dormer windows protruding from the roof, and a circular turret standing at one corner. It was the kind of old-fashioned house that had history, and it fired Mary’s imagination. It had belonged to her father’s Aunt. Mary had vague memories of a kind, elderly woman, who was still elegantly beautiful, but had an air of sadness. Now it seemed that she had grown too old to care for the property, and had decided to move into a retirement village. She had decided the big house needed a family, and that fortunate family was theirs.

Dad stopped the car behind the furniture truck and they all got out. Mum and Dad began organising the unloading. Mum had packed and labelled everything with precision, and they all had their assigned tasks. First, the children were to unpack and organise their own rooms and then help out wherever needed. Mostly though, Mum had told them, it would be best if they just kept out of the way. The children didn’t have a problem with that.

Dad and the removal staff brought boxes into the house and left them in the foyer. From there Mum directed the destination of each box. Mary picked up one of the boxes labelled with her name, and made her way up the staircase towards the room she had picked out on their earlier visit. She passed Cassandra’s room on the second floor, and smiled.

Choosing her room had helped Cassandra to feel better about the move. Its spacious proportions and big windows looked out over the front garden and down the drive-way. It also had a huge wardrobe. The children had been promised that they could choose how their rooms would be redecorated, but the deal was finally sealed for Cassandra when her parents said that she could have driving lessons, and that once she had passed her restricted licence, they would buy her a small car.

Mary and Ron had each chosen one of the attic rooms. They were smaller than Cassandra’s room, but still larger than their rooms at their old house.

Mary placed the box on the floor and walked across the long rectangular room to the dormer window looking out to the front of the house. She sat on the window seat and looked around. There was plenty of room for her belongings in the built-in storage cupboards below the seat, and shelves for her books on the walls on both sides. She stood and crossed the room and looked out the back window to the garden. It was big and overgrown, and rimmed by a short stone fence. A gate at the bottom of the garden opened onto a packed dirt and gravel pathway leading into a wooded area beyond. Mary smiled. She knew it wouldn’t take Ron long to get out to investigate where it went.

Just to the left of the gate, in front of the stone fence, stood a massive tree, so thick and round that Mary imagined a small room could be built inside the hollowed out trunk. The bark was scoured with twisted ridges, and from her position at the window, it almost looked like there was a door between the ridges at the base of the tree. She wondered how long it would take until Ron was having a go at climbing it. It would be a great place to build a tree-house.

Mary turned back to her room. Her bed had been set up next to the interior wall and her sheets and blankets sat in a neat pile on the mattress, ready for her to make it. Keen to transform the empty room and make it her own, she went back downstairs to retrieve the rest of her boxes.

Their father’s Aunt had left behind a number of old pieces of furniture, and at first Mum and Dad had had quite a job deciding what to do with them. Though old, most of the pieces were good quality and they’d eventually decided to keep some and sell the rest. For now, the unwanted items had been transferred to the big barn out the back, but Mary had chosen to keep an antique polished wooden dressing table for her room. It now stood against one wall.

She unpacked and hung clothes in the wardrobe and then began to open the drawers of the dressing table. The first few drawers were empty, so she transferred clothing from the boxes to the drawers. The bottom drawer of the dresser was shallow, and she couldn’t open it. It had a small old-fashioned keyhole, so Mary assumed it was locked. She wondered what had become of the key. The drawer was so shallow that it would probably not be big enough to hold clothing. What could it be for? As she knelt pondering the mystery, Dad and one of the removal men appeared at her doorway, carrying her desk.

Where do you want this desk, love? asked Dad. Mary leapt up, kicked the empty cardboard boxes out of the way and pointed to the wall near the back window.

Over there please, Dad. The two men put the desk in its place.

Lunch will be ready in half an hour, said Dad as they left the room.

Mary emptied the last box containing her school books, laptop, sketchpad and art supplies, which she put into their appropriate places in her desk. After making her bed, she broke down the cardboard boxes and stacked them neatly. Done with her unpacking, she sat back on her heels and surveyed her room with satisfaction.

On her way back downstairs, she glanced into Ronald’s room. It was full of unpacked boxes, his bed still had the neat pile of folded blankets on top of the mattress and Ron was nowhere in sight. Downstairs, boxes and furniture had been sorted and placed in various rooms, ready to be unpacked. The removal truck was gone. Mary walked to the kitchen where the rest of the family were already gathered around a large wooden table. Mum had unpacked the boxes of plates and cutlery, and was placing bread and sandwich fillings on the table.

How are you getting on with your unpacking, everyone? asked Mum, as Mary settled in her chair and began to make herself a sandwich.

I’m all done, Mary said.

Cassandra’s eyes were on the screen of her cell phone as she replied, Almost done.

Mum looked at Ronald.

Everything’s in my room, he said around a mouthful of sandwich.

I’ll come up and see how you’re getting on later, said Mum, not fooled by his innocent face. I’ll give each of you girls another room to sort out. Just try to put things into places similar to where we had them in our old house. We can finalise things as we get settled. Both girls nodded. They realised that the sooner things were sorted, the sooner they’d be free to do their own thing.

Cassandra was assigned the living room, and Mary the bathroom and laundry. These rooms were all bigger than in their other house, with a lot more storage space, so Mary didn’t have any trouble finding places for the items she unpacked. As she worked she could hear the others going about their tasks. Now and then someone would ask Mum where something should go, or if she knew where something was. Mum always knew just where to look.

By dinner time most of the boxes