The Children of When (Complete)

Chapter Nineteen: The Amulet Pieces

Madame Penelope Persimmons thought she was going to have to pick her jaw up off the floor.

How could a boy who hadn't even been in Florisia for a week know about the legendary missing amulet? But then, why was she so surprised? She studied the three frightened children who sat holding hands in front of her. They were obviously far from normal; and if her suspicions were correct, in a great deal of danger.

"As a matter of fact it does, Raff. The book contains details of all known Florisian legends. The amulet was supposed to have been broken into three pieces, and the pieces hidden after the Great War."

Penelope frowned at what she'd said. Three pieces. There was that number again! Three children, three worlds separated after the Great War and three amulet pieces, she thought. And the words of the prophecy mentioned when three become one. This had to be more than a coincidence.

She tried to compose herself, and raised her eyebrows. "Why do you ask, Raff?"

"Ummm... because we think we've got two of the pieces. That's why we were coming to see you today."

Madame Persimmons' heart was thudding in her chest. The amulet was real? And it may be within their grasp? It was all too good to be true.

"I'll go get them," Leah offered, jumping up from her chair. "Is yours in its usual place, Raff?" At Raff's nod she sprinted out the door. "Be right back!" she called over her shoulder.

Penelope turned to Dominic in excitement. "When Trotter told us about the horses choosing these three, I should have known. I simply couldn't allow myself to believe the prophecy might finally be coming true. Not until I knew for certain."

The dwarf patted her hand, rubbing his beard and chuckling. "I be understandin' how 'y feel. We've all been waitin' f'r this a mighty long time lass. I be findin' it hard to b'lieve meself."

"TA - DA!" Leah was back in the doorway, breathing hard, and holding up a small white Hessian bag in each hand. She threw one to Raff, then sat down to open hers.

Penelope held her breath as Leah pulled out an old golden circlet. Around the edges, a soft glow emanated from the metal. She watched Raff empty his bag into his hand, and out dropped a small black egg-shaped rock that was glowing just like the circlet. The children placed the two objects on the bed next to each other, and the glow instantly became brighter.

Penelope rifled through the book, looking for the drawing she had seen of the ancient amulet. Excitement raced through her as she placed the open book on the bed, next to what she was now certain were two of the missing pieces. She looked into the children's eyes as they examined the picture. Raff looked excited, Leah looked worried, and Belle looked absolutely terrified.

"Well, I don't think there's any doubt these are two of the pieces. So the missing piece is the winged dagger that lies across the circlet and holds the stone," Penelope said.

"Hey Belle; have you got the other bag on you?" Leah asked.

Penelope held her breath again. Belle pulled another bag out of her pocket, a wistful smile on her young face. "Before you get too excited, the bag was already empty when I found it." Belle explained how she'd found the empty bag half-buried in her backyard, and that she'd only kept it to carry her book.

Penelope released the breath she'd been holding in a disappointed sigh. She knew they would have already told her if they'd had the third piece, but she hadn't been able to stop herself hoping.

"So, is that it then? No more surprises? Because I'm not sure my heart can take much more excitement today." She looked at them and smiled.

Raff grinned. "Nope. I'm pretty sure you now know everything we know."

Madame Persimmons sighed, rubbing her temple to relieve the throbbing. "Well... I'm going to need some time to have a good think about everything you've told me. Perhaps we can meet back in my office tomorrow morning. I'll clear it with your teachers, and tell them you won't be in class tomorrow as I have some jobs for you to do."

"YESSSS!" Raff hissed, and then blushed sheepishly as he looked at her.

"I take it you're feeling well enough to leave the sick-room now then Raff?" It was hard work keeping a straight face at the sight of his head looking rather like a pumpkin.

"Absolutely!" Raff pulled back the covers and climbed out of bed. He still looked a bit wobbly, but Belle and Leah were quick to grab an arm each and link it through their own.

Leah grinned. "He'll be fine, Madame Persimmons. Belle and I'll keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn't get up to too much mischief."

"I'm sure you will girls. Now off you go, and try not to worry too much. You are perfectly safe whenever you are inside the school grounds. I believe your first riding lesson is supposed to be this afternoon. Are you feeling up to it, or should I contact Mr Trotter and cancel?"

All three children talked at once, pleading they be allowed to have the scheduled lesson.

She laughed, and put her hand in front of her face. "Okay, okay... the riding lesson can go ahead as planned after lunch. Enjoy the rest of your day, and I'll see you in my office in the morning."

She smiled as they left the room, whispering and chortling. Children were such resilient creatures. It was hard to believe they'd nearly died yesterday.

Dominic closed the door behind them and sat back down. Madame Persimmons looked at him, and raised her eyebrows.

"Well, what a day! Oh Dominic, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do next. I mean, the prophecy doesn't explain what they have to do, or how to do it. I need to know how I can help them, and most importantly, how to protect them. I'm sure it won't be long before Tyranius finds out the beast failed. The problem is, we don't know what he'll do next, or when he'll try again. The only thing we know for certain is that he will try again."