Wot Nott Kakuri and the Hu Ba Hou - Part Two: The Realm of the Black Crystals Read online

  #2 Mystic Rhyme:

  Preserve the vista, where the shelter has gone,

  Make it so and let it remain,

  On return of the Axis let its new cover be seen,

  The perception, so created, remain.

  Although he still felt the second rhyme was lacking in something, Wot found it impossible to secure better words, so standing up he strolled across to the others.

  “How did it go old friend?” Nott asked hopefully.

  “Well, I finished them,” he replied. “Though, I am not entirely happy with the second one.”

  “We have every faith in you,” Nott told him. “Don’t we, Kakuri?” She nodded politely.

  “Come on, let’s have a look-see,” said Nott. Wot handed him the book. After studying it, Nott said, “Hmm, I see what you mean; the second one is a bit thin on the ground. Is that the best you can do?”

  “Hush up,” Kakuri chided, trying to save Wot’s feelings.

  Nott’s curt remark dented what little confidence Wot had in the second rhyme even further and he offered to return to the corner, to try again.

  Realising that he had gone too far, Nott apologised. “I’m sorry, Wot,” he said, “I am sure it will do just fine.”

  With time being of the essence, they agreed to proceed with the rhymes as they were. For their strategy to succeed split-second timing was imperative. They needed a plan of action...

  “Can I use your book to write down the details of our action plan, old buddy?” Nott asked, extending his hand.

  Although Wot’s book of poems was incredibly precious to him, they were in desperate time, so he offered it to Nott without saying a word.

  “Pencil?”

  “Sorry! Here you go.”

  “Okay, this is how I see it,” Nott explained. “Firstly, we must be outside this structure, back in Onisha, before the first Mystic Rhyme is recited, otherwise we will be a part of the illusion of concealment. Secondly, we must to keep our eyes peeled in case that Dragonsaur returns. Thirdly, let’s get to it.”

  The hole in the wall of the Seat of the Axis was now (like the entire building) smaller. It was going to prove a tight squeeze for Wot to inch his way through.

  “The intervals in which we can pass through the hole are too fast for us all to go at once,” said Nott. “It’s one at a time. Right, who will be first?” he asked.

  “Can I go first,” said Kakuri.

  Stepping in front of her, barring her way, Wot said, “No, I must go first. There may be unexpected dangers on the far side.”

  Protesting, Kakuri said, “No! It must be me! You two are a team, called here especially by Umahia. In the overall plan, I am as nothing. It must be me who goes first.” Then she added, “And you know, I can look after myself, Wot.” Seeing her point Wot reluctantly agreed, though he insisted she was most definitely not nothing.

  “Right, Kakuri, are you ready?” said Nott. She nodded. “At my command run through the hole as fast as you can. But remember; be on your guard…just in case there might be anything lurking.” Waiting, watching the rhythm of changing light and darkness, Nott suddenly yelled, “GO!” With that, Kakuri ran through the hole, to Onisha.

  In Onisha, Kakuri found everything the same as before, everything except for the Seat of the Axis that was fading in and out faster than at any time previous. Every time the building reappeared, Kakuri could see Nott looking out from it. Waving at her, he asked, “Kakuri, are you all right?”

  “Yes, I am fine,” she replied, waving back at him.

  Turning to Wot, Nott said, “It’s your turn now. Are you ready?”

  “It might be a tight squeeze, though,” he answered, eyeballing the diminishing hole in the wall.

  Pointing outside, Nott said, “It’s the same procedure as with Kakuri. On my command run through the opening as fast as you can. Oh, I almost forgot, keep an eye out for that Dragonsaur!” Once again, Nott watched the rhythm of alternating black and white, timing his friend’s exit to it. White, black, white, “GO!” he yelled at the top of his voice. “GO, GO, GO!” Hearing these words, Wot sprang into action, but the diminishing size of the hole made it difficult for him to squeeze through. “HURRY!” Nott shouted, pushing, trying to squeeze his friend through the opening. Slowly, ever so slowly Wot began to pass through the blasted out hole. Watching the changing patterns of light and darkness, Nott shouted, “STOP, it’s too late! Wait! ” Wot, however, did not hear him. Having slipped through the hole at the wrong time, he had passed into darkness beyond.