Hilda: Rapunzel 2.0

By Paul Kater

There was a ghost that left damage. Lots of it.

Hilda and William of course lend a hand to fix things up and meet someone who will have a great impact on the citizens of Sunrise. Who is this person? Where is she from?

Next to these questions, Hilda, William and another magical person come to the rescue of Rapunzel, discover architectural surprises in two magical sisters, and face the problem of addressing the Squeamish once again.

Join our wicked witch and her partner as they embark on a new adventure. Rapunzel is ready to let her hair down for you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Kater
• Release date: Mar 31, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370319077

Paul Kater

Paul Kater was born in the Netherlands in 1960. He quickly developed a feel for books and languages but ended up in the IT business despite that. Books and languages never ceased to fascinate him, so since 2003 he's been actively writing, encouraged by friends on the internet. The internet is the reason why most of his work is in English. A friend asking for writing help is why some of his writing is now also in Dutch. Paul currently lives in Cuijk, the Netherlands, with his books, possibly with cats, and the many characters he's developed in the past years, who claim he is a figment of their imagination.

Book preview

Hilda - Rapunzel 2.0

Book 21 in the Hilda the Wicked Witch series.

by

Paul Kater

Hilda - Rapunzel — © Copyright 2018, Paul Kater

Editing by Miss C. Edwards.

Cover art by Miss E.K. Edwards.

Italian translations: Sabrina Marin (and indeed, she is not related to Lily).

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from author.

Warning: The unauthorised reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorised electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

This is a work of fiction, and as a work of fiction, any resemblance to people, places or things is entirely accidental. The creation of certain buildings and locations is entirely the work of the author to avoid conflict and comparison with existing structures

License Notes

This ebook 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’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the site where it was purchased and buy your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

DEDICATION

For my Johanna.

Para siempre.

---

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to both Misses Edwardses for the work you've done on this book. One for finding the spelling errors I am still trying to hide, the other for the wonderful image on the cover.

1. This was unexpected

William. William. Are you awake? Hilda prodded her wizard until he moved.

I am now. Why? The wizard didn't sound awake.

I can't sleep.

William snapped his fingers to light up the candle next to the bed. What's wrong with you? You can sleep always.

I don't know. There's something wrong and I don't know what. Hilda sat up, her tousled hair casting eerie shadows on the wall, thanks to the flickering candlelight. William didn't feel like worrying and had no clue if it was time to worry so he asked if he should.

Not that I know. Hilda frowned. Why can't I sleep? William was right: she could always sleep. They sat and tried to find a reason. There was no sound that could annoy her. The wicked witch climbed out of bed and peered into the night's darkness that faithfully surrounded the house. The dragons aren't here so it's not something they're up to. She watched the foot of the bed from where two sets of cat eyes looked back at her.

Grim slowly got up, took some time to stretch herself and sauntered along the bed towards the witch. There she sat down, curled her tail around her front paws and curiously looked up at Hilda. Meow.

I think she has the same thing, Hilda said. She never does that in the night. The fact that Hilda had probably woken up the cat was easily overlooked at this hour of the night. I fear that something horrible is going to happen. Again she looked out the window and saw only darkness.

What kind of horrible? asked William.

I don't know. Some things aren't predictable. Not even with the best crystal ball. Hilda crawled back into bed and snuggled up to her wizard. I'll just lie awake all night and hope for the best. Even before the wizard had extinguished the candle, the witch was asleep. For the rest of the night William lay awake, wondering what kind of doom might hover over them.

-=-=-

Ecliptica Brittlemortar was one of the more down to earth, not so local witches that anyone hardly ever noticed. Not only because she was down to earth but she was small as well. This morning she was on a mission and that mission took her through Sunrise where she lost her way on the main road (which, knowing the size of Sunrise, is quite a feat).

The baker, a friendly chap who enjoyed helping little people, pointed her to the other end of the village. Thank you very kindly, Ecliptica chimed at him and went on her merry way. Her way continued as she entered the forest beyond the village. The way's mood however lost much of its merriness because she didn't like dark places very much. The forest was the one that led to Hilda's and William's home. Because it added to its charm, the wicked witch had put some extra effort and magic into making some parts of the forest a little darker than necessary.

Ecliptica however wasn't a flower witch so she lit up the tip of her wand and let that light the way for her. Her wand showed extensive use of that ability and also of overdoing the light. The tip was very dark compared to the rest of the magical stick but as long as it worked she was fine. Being a clever witch she always had a spare wand with her, in case the current one would burn out.

Once out of the forest she quickly extinguished her wand as it started to give off an annoying scent. An experienced dab of magic made the smell go away. Also in that she was very experienced. There it is, she mumbled to herself. There indicated the location of our magicals' domicile.

-=-=-

Someone's coming. The house warned its inhabitants. It's a short person. And she's not blonde.

House, come on, get over it. The twins will come back someday. Do you know who it is?

No. All I can tell you is that it's a girl.

A girl? Hilda got up, coffee in hand, and walked to the door. William attempted to cover his giant yawn with a hand. Oh. Crappedy crap. Remember how I talked about something horrible last night? She's on her way.

And who might that be? William joined his sweetwitch and the two cats at the door, curious who would manage to make her say these things. That's a kid. Why is that horrible?

That's not a child. It's Ecliptica. Ecliptica Brittlemortar.

"What kind of name is Ecliptica Brittlemortar?"

It's the beginning of the horror, Hilda predicted as she watched the tiny figure approach. It remained tiny as it came closer.

Hello, Hilda, said Ecliptica as she brushed aside a lot of curly, brown hair. It's been a while. The short witch entirely ignored William who was surprised to see her round, red-glass spectacles. And you have cats! Hello, kitties! She bent over and held out a hand. Grim and Obsi shocked their humans as they sniffed the small witch's fingers and then allowed her to scratch them behind the ears.

This is William, said Hilda.

What are their names? Ecliptica kneeled down and started purring at the cats who instantly purred back. The scarf she'd worn over her enormous mass of hair fell on the ground.

Grimalkin and Obsidian.

Cute. Yes, you both are gorgeous kitty-cats, aren't you? By that time the unexpected visitor knelt between Hilda's and William's legs, cuddling the cats. It was impossible to determine which of the three purred loudest.

Is she always like this? asked William, looking down at the heap of purr.

I don't know. She's not always around and she hasn't been here since we got the cats.

Nor since you got me, William added.

True. Hilda frowned. Ecliptica, why are you on foot? She'd noticed a lack of broom near the visitor.

I gave my broom to a poor woman who was sweeping leaves with a rickety old broom. She couldn't win, the poor thing.

Hilda closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "You gave your flying broom to someone to sweep leaves?"

Yes. There were lots of them.

When was that?

Ecliptica stopped purring. I think it was last Autumn. Or the year before. Or two years before. The purring resumed. She was no match for the cats.

She gives her broom to someone to sweep leaves, during the season that all the leaves decide it's a good moment to come down from their trees. Isn't that shiny? Hilda took another deep breath. And why haven't you made a new broom yet?

Ecliptica purred one more time, picked up her head scarf and got to her feet. I didn't have time for that because I have to walk everywhere. Only then did she seem to notice William. Oh... She stepped back. Where did you come from?

From far away, William said. I'm William. The wizard.

Ecliptica nodded as if that explained everything. I'm glad you're home, Hilda.

At the moment I'm not but nobody cares about that, said the wicked witch. Well, come in since you're here. I may even have an old broom for you.

The short witch entered and let her moss-coloured cloak slide from her shoulders. It drifted to a peg on the wall where it hung itself. William appreciated that trick and commented on it. Oh. That. It got tired of falling on the ground all the time, Ecliptica explained, so I taught it to hang itself up.

The wicked witch offered the short person a chair and some tea. After all that was in place she asked Ecliptica why she had come over. The short witch lived quite far from Sunrise, she explained to her wizard.

I am so pleased you ask, Hilda. I am looking for writers. Writers who send me contributions. It will be amazing, I think. The idea has been growing for a while now and I'm convinced this is something that many witches, wizards and other magical people will appreciate very much.

Hilda stared at the round face. Again she thought that Ecliptica looked more like a doll than a real person. Well, well. Amazing. Appreciation. Contributions. It does sound... confusing.

Oh, but it shouldn't! The Ball will be something special. I'm still trying to work out the way to present it. A few witches in my area have offered to help with the design and someone even offered to draw pretty pictures. Ecliptica's face lit up at the mere thought of what was to come. Hilda and William still had no clue what she was talking about.

The witch stared at the visitor. Ball. What kind of ball? You're welcome to more tea but I really want to know what you are going on about.

"The Paper Ball of course," Ecliptica said, her face lighting up as if she was announcing a revelation.

The paper ball. If question marks were able to fall from Hilda's face, the table would be full of them by now. I'm sorry but you're not making any kind of sense. Even less than usual.

Didn't you get my arrow? Surprise was all over Ecliptica's face. It subsided quickly. Oh. I already wondered why there was one left. That was yours. The visitor explained how she wanted to bring out a monthly letter for all the magical folk in this and the adjacent king- and queendoms. Only one per month because we're all very busy doing wonderful things for people, she said. Her idea was that some witches and wizards would write letters to her about their latest actions and achievements. "And you are one of the very productive witches of our region so I hoped that you could send me some news once in a while. For the Ball."

Okay, back up a step, William now said. You said you wanted written things for a monthly newsletter and now you want to read it out at a party?

Ecliptica looked at the wizard while her understanding took a long walk around the house. Party? Why would I want to read out things out at a party?

Because you keep mentioning a ball, Ecliptica. Hilda felt it necessary to have this clarified.

A ball. Yes. But not just any ball. The Ball. Understanding sauntered back in and took its seat in Ecliptica's head. Oh, of course. Wait. Let me show you. She dug into the pouch she carried on her belt. An immense amount of hair obscured her face while she pulled tiny item after tiny item from the pouch and placed them on the table. William understood that Ecliptica had the shrinking spell down very well. She almost carried half her house with her. The woman did need a way to control her hair. "Here it is! Extendo." The snippet of paper in her hand unfolded into a serious sheet full of text and poorly hand drawn images.

That is not a ball, William decided quickly. Or perhaps it is, he added after reading the headline. "The Paper Ball."

Yes! Don't you adore the name? It's like a crystal ball but made of paper. The Paper Ball. I think it's very original.

Hilda looked at the sheet. "There's a lot of text on it, but it's all the same word. Text text text. Don't you fear that gets boring quickly?"

No. This is not what I plan to publish of course. Those words are where the real text has to come. Text that witches like you will supply. Text, and at this point a vagueness came over Ecliptica's face, that will benefit magicals near and far. The Paper Ball will write history.

The wicked witch looked at her wizard. It would take a lot to convince Hilda that this was a brilliant idea.

So can I count on you, Hilda? I would really appreciate it if you could contribute a column to the Ball once a month. Ecliptica took off her red-glass spectacles and rubbed her eyes. She then stared at William who involuntarily moved his chair back. The visiting witch had yellow eyes. Do you know how to write? Ecliptica looked behind her to see if she could locate what the wizard was suddenly staring at and discovered nothing.

Yes. I can write, William said as he recovered from the surprise. He was relieved when Ecliptica put her glasses back on.

About magicky things?

"Ecliptica... he's my partner. I trained him. You can bet your broom he can write about magicky things. And he's good at doing them too."

The small witch frowned. I wish I could. I don't have a broom any more, remember? Still frowning she picked up something from her collection on the table. "Extendo. Oh. Reducto. The big, fluffy teddy bear reverted to its tiny state and was carefully placed back into the pouch. After a few more attempts she found a sheet of paper and a quill. Before she'd located her inkwell, William had brought one from a cupboard. Thank you." Slowly she wrote down two names on the sheet.

What's that? Hilda didn't trust this.

Your names. As the first contributors to the Ball. Ecliptica blew away some of her hair that got in the way of the quill.

"We haven't said yes yet."

That's fine. The ink was blown dry, quill and paper shrunk and the inkwell closed. You will, given enough time. Ecliptica finished her tea. I should walk on then. There are more magicals to visit.

I said I might have an old broom for you, Hilda reminded the woman.

Oh, did you? Ecliptica frowned. I must have missed that but that's very kind of you, Hilda.

Hilda got up and went to fetch an older broom. It was still in perfect flying order. Here you go. Be careful with going sharp lefts. It responds a bit violent to that. That was the exact reason she'd retired this broom. Someone like Ecliptica, whom Hilda knew to be a calm flyer, would probably never notice but as the saying went: a warned witch is a warned witch.

This is a tall one. Ecliptica looked up at where the broom ended. Thank you, Hilda.

The magicals escorted her to the door. Grim and Obsi sat in front of it and at first they didn't want to move. It was as if they wanted Ecliptica to stay, which was very odd as they hadn't met her before. Finally the visiting witch was outside.

It was a real pleasure talking with you, Ecliptica said and held up the broom. Thank you again for this present. She turned and walked off.

Crappedy crap. Ecliptica!

The named one turned around. That's how people call me.

You have a broom again. Fly it.

As if she noticed the broom for the first time, the short witch looked surprised. Of course! She got onto the broom. It rose. She looked uncertain. Wobbly. That was how she flew off.

Hilda closed the door and her eyes. One... two... thr...

Ouch, they heard from outside.

I thought so. She fell off.

William suggested they should go outside and help, but Hilda shook her head. No. She'll figure it out again sooner or later. After all, she's a witch. Even when I feel kind of bad saying so.

2. How things are going

The next sound they heard from outside was screaming. Even for Hilda that was enough to run outside, asking what the matter was.

Ecliptica sat on the broom, hovering mere feet over the ground, and staring at the spot where two huge dragons peacefully sat. Dragons!

Yes. Two of them. We know. They're ours, so to speak. At least they let us fly them.

"Fly them? It was a good thing Ecliptica was flying low. The surprise of the revelation made her fall off the broom. Ouch."

William understood she was experienced in that and went to help her to her feet. Are you okay?

Am I what? The short witch pushed her glasses back to where they belonged.

Well. Fine.

Oh, that. Yes. I'm well, fine. But there still are dragons. She pointed at the two creatures with a trembling index finger.

We know, Hilda repeated. Nothing to worry about. They won't come after you.

You sound very certain about that, Hilda.

The wicked witch assured Ecliptica that she was indeed certain. Together with her wizard she had to watch how Ecliptica got onto the broom again and flew off, low and slow.

You never told me about her, witch.

And now you know why. Hilda watched until the broom was out of view. Only then she returned inside. She's special. In a special way.

The magicals retreated inside and planned their day. One of the things they wanted to do was to check up on the progress at the castle. It was always interesting to see if the king and queen kept to the designs that Vasilissa and Valentina had come up with. So far they had but it was smart to keep an eye on things. King Walt was known for his bright moments. These occasionally​ worked well but Hilda had learnt to be vigilant about them. The main question, as usual, was: broom or dragon. They had discovered that dragons were more impressive but brooms reduced the acrobatics. Also, you didn't park a dragon that easily. They opted for their dragons this time anyway, just for the sheer fun of it.

The cats, normally not so inclined to ride along on the dragons, stretched and sat near the door by the time Hilda and William had decided. William thought that the cats saw the dragons as competition. Hilda opposed that idea though. According to her, cats thought themselves the masters of the universe, no matter how big or large anything else was.

Once airborne on broom, the magicals didn't have to wait !ong for their dragon friends. The purple and red streaked past a few times, roaring their pleasure of going out with their humans. At least, that was how Hilda interpreted the eardrum-shattering noise. Grim and Obsi weren't that impressed.

The flight took them over the forest quickly. The wicked witch kept glancing down in hopes of finding some thieves or other human vermin. How shiny would it be to hunt down a bunch of them from dragon back. Unfortunately most thieves were informed about the dragon-riding magicals. Since those animals were visible from afar, chances to catch the thieves were tiny. Hilda didn't know that though.

Work on the new castle wall progressed well. Hilda enjoyed the purple band that was put into it. Because of a spell, the king and queen perceived that as solid stone, which entertained Hilda to no end. Maybe we should give these people a hand, she suggested. As a form of motivation.

William knew his witch. What kind of hand?

Just a third one each. She grinned. She also had to agree with her wizard: the men's clothes weren't made for people with three arms. It would look awkward. Maybe she'd do it some other time, for instance after warning the local tailor to prepare for such an event.

They left their dragons by broom. The cats visibly relaxed as soon as they were away from the huge animals. Hilda and William didn't understand that. The backs of dragons were wider and more stable than broomsticks. On the other hand Obsi and Grim were cats. As the dragons flew off to their favourite spot near the castle, Hilda and William flew their brooms over a new part of the wall and landed in the inner yard. Enough of the wall had been rebuilt to actually call that inner again.

Do you want to have a look at the gardens? asked William.

Only if they're purple, not pink. Hilda still had this strange feeling something wasn't quite right with the king and his preference for pink.

Oh dear. Welcome. The voice was unmistakable. The queen was outside and she'd seen them. It's so nice to see you. Walt is at the far end of the garden, directing the workers where the new wall has to go. He's very happy with the garden expansion. May I ask what brings you here?

Dragons, said Hilda.

Dragons? Even more? Queen Velma looked around in a slight panic until William explained Hilda meant their own dragons.

I think we've seen the last of those Nobblebacks for some time. We're here to check on things.

The queen appreciated that and started talking about the furniture she'd already ordered for the new east wing. That wasn't ready yet but neither was the furniture so she felt she was right on schedule.

Hilda, not very interested in the words of the queen, sauntered off into the castle. Somehow she came to the bedroom floor and discovered the bedroom of the king and queen. Hmmm. William would not have liked that hmmm but he wasn't there. She turned to four statues that were placed in the corridor for some obscure reason. Hilda's wand appeared and a spell jumped to each of the statues. Better, she said to herself as her wand disappeared. With a happy smile she went down the grand stairs, the cats coming with her. They had supervised her spell and clearly approved of her work.

As she exited the castle, William was just the right kind of fed up with the queen so Hilda went to rescue him. It occurred to me we should head over to Mapleworth, wizard. To see how my sister is doing with her student.

Your sister has a student? How nice for her. The queen looked genuinely happy although she had no idea what she was talking about. That happened often so Hilda didn't react to that anymore.

Thank you for saving me, William said as they were on their way again. Charisma?

You're welcome and yes. Charisma. I'm curious. That was all the reason a witch needed.

I'm glad the forest around there is getting healthy again, William said as they came closer. Green's influence on the area was unmistakable. Hilda agreed. The woodlands had looked awful after the fiery mishap with the tiny Bolla dragon. That thrived in Archibald's care, and the rest of the world, at least these kingdoms, were safe.

In an attempt not to scare Charisma, the magicals including cats left their dragons far ahead of reaching their destination. The dragons would find a place to stay and enjoy themselves. Hilda and William flew to the