Arthur and the Invisibles: Strong in Spirit

       — Well, let’s get to something more interesting… — declared Mr. Lewis, math teacher, to his students, — here is the small math problem, and it seems much more difficult, than you can think at the first approach. Let’s say that there is a small pitfall…       After turning to blackboard, Mr. Lewis started to write condition of the problem in nis favourite bold manner. Meanwhile, a tall 11 years old boy with dark brown hair, who was sitting in the middle, watched at the board with curiosity, but not at the condition, but at the date: March, 2, 1962, and then he rewrote it to the notebook quickly, before anyone notice. Or, at least, he hoped so.        — Mr Montgomery, your astronomical computing can wait for a break, — noticed teacher casually, jut looking at the reflection in his glasses, — as your sandwich, Mr. Weaver.       As it was mentioned in class log, there was only one student with surname “Montgomery” — Arthur. And now he was calculating the date of incoming 10th full moon — the day nobody else in the UK knew it’s importance.       Meanwhile the teacher finished writing and knocked on it a little by a pointer.       Loaded magazine of a rifle contains 20 cartridges. 1 cartridge is enought to kill the deer, 3 — for a wolf, and 5 — for a bear. During your morning walk in the forest you spotted the glade with 5 wolves and 4 bears chase 1 deer. How many of them you can shoot up to get as much trophies as possible?       The first answer was suggested in a few seconds:        — 1 deer, 3 wolves, 2 bears! — said someone from the first view confidently.        — Does anybody have a different answer? — asked Mr. Lewis again, checking the class. Arthur stood up, ready to answer.        — Nobody, sir. — answered the boy with confidence. — people don’t take rifles for a walk.        — Splendid, — Mr. Lewis answered with a bit of approval. — that’s why I warned you: this problem has a pitfall. You didn’t even have to count to get the right answer! And this is math in a nutshell — you always can discover a different solution to any problem.       Arthur took his seat and returned to his thoughts, barely connected with math at all. Over year and a half passed after he knew about world of the Invisibles, hidden from prying eyes, and the Moon path, which opens only once per 10 moth, at the day of full moon. Not so long remained to the next reopening, and the boy planned to get to it, whatever it takes.       If Arthur won’t manage to persuade his parents to get him to the Archibald, who placed the passage to the minimoys' world on his own backyard, the boy already decided to run away from the school and arrive to the United States on some cargo ship as stowaway, alhtough it looked extremely naive even for people who aren’t familiar with the American border service.       Here, among the men, Athur was just an ordinary, unremarkable student, but here, in the other world, he was a hero and the heir apparent. And with each day Artur felt that his place is there, with his loved one, his friends and his folk.       The lesson (and all the other classes) continued as it was every day before, and will be every day after. Arthur returned to his room, walking past a corridor with narrow windows and a plethora of honorary diplomas on the wall, to contimue his calculations, trying to find the correct date: moon phases weren’t mentioned in calendars, as ill luck would have it.       Arthur was sick of this school for a long time — although the Victorian-style facade made it look respectable and looked on photos even better, it was quite cheap and boring indoors. In the rooms for two student about 15 square yards each, contained a large wardrobe withe special shelves for books and personal belongings, two narrow tables and 2 firm sits for writing, and two iron beds with cheap blankets and the same disgustingly maroon covers. All these luxuries were lit by one weak light bulb in a cheap glass lampshade.       But rooms, designed for 2 students, were a bit of a fortune — other ones couldn’t allow even a wardrobe or individual writing table. One WC for the whole wing, all food in the school cafeteria provided only something barely edable, the lawn outside was the only green place half a mile around, and it was strictly prohibited to walk on. Moreover, according to the rumors, some hooligans could be punished by birching, but, fortunately, Arthur never seen it himself and was a pretty decent student, although he didn’t stand out from the crowd and preferred to be unnoticed.       Although there were exactly two things that were made perfectly in this school — these are cleanliness and courtesy of all of the personnel. At least, it looked so for all parents. Surely, the eleven years old boy couldn’t tell anything about the school curriculum, but even there, from this room, Arthur have seen enough proofs of unending dullness and greed, hidden behind the fanciful picture. All of it didn’t hold a candle to warmth and coziness of a real family, so usual and so familiar to other people, that it turned to something common.       Arthur’s parents were alive and well, just leaved thousands of miles away from their son — Armand, officially unemployed, lived in prosperity as the American rentier. It allowed him to settle the boy to this residential school on the other side of globe, mostly for not getting the child in the way, than for something else. Firstly, Arthur was given to raising to his grandparents, but then, mostly beacuse of British citizenship, the boy was sent to his homeland, and now he got a chance to see relatives only during the short holidays.        — Ah, another round of astronomical calculations, yeah, Copernicus? — Bill, Arthur’s rommate, asked him with humour. He was younger than Arthur in a year and was a big fan of comic books, but still was settled to Arthur’s room.        — Why not? — answered Arthur flegmatically — I need to know it, and I’ll do.        — Well, well, keep computing, I don’t mind anyway. — Bill shrugged his shoulders — but the intuition tells me that you live a double life like a superhero.        — That’s no more that a suggestion, — answered Arthur in the same manner, — and it’s wrong, by the way.        — Nah, all superheroes tell it to the mere mortals, but OK, Arthur. You do you.       With no any more conversations, Bill set about to homework, meanwhile, after a few minutes of thinking, his roommate wrote down and underlined the date he was needed — March, 14, 1962. Now the only thing that reamins is the escape plan, but for Arthur it was better to start work on it after the homework and don; t distract on other problems.       And right after Arthur opened the copybook, the door was opened… by his own parents? rose and Armand Montgomery. And they were the last persons the boy expected to see there ever. But, anyway, it was a bad time for astonishment.        — Hello there! — Arman greeted the son cheerfully, as usual, — I’m sure you didn’t expect to see us today!        — Hi, dad, hi, mom, — Arthur shaked their hands with a bit of hesitance, — what brings you here?       The family left the room to talk in a corridor.        — The thing is, we got a message from your grandpa a couple days ago. — Armand started the talk.        — He asked to visit him as soon as possible, but didn’t tell us, for what. — Rose picked up a talk after her husband, — he only told us that is is connected with some… strange things happened past year in his garden. You know, giant ants, bees, that lined up in letters, et cetera…        — I don’t know what’s on your grandpa’s mind, but we managed to persuade the principal, and he allowed you to leave for two weeks… starting from the next Monday. We’ll move by plane, as usual. And one more thing: all this trip is officially called as… “an elective course of humanistic education”. Don’t blow our cover.       Arthur’s happiness seemed limitless: he could finally return to his grandfather’s house before the 10th full moon, will return to the world of Invisibles, will reunite with Selenia and spend there the best hours of his life.       All days before departure have gone like a flash, and at the 5th of March Arthur set foot on the American soil again. Armand’s new car raced almost the whole way from Bradley airport to the Daisy Town in a few hours, but in a three miles left to the city, something unexpected happened.        — There’s a checkpoint ahead, darlin' — warned Rose his husband, showing forward. Arthur, who was daydreaming on the back seat, immediately took a look to the windscreen. But Armand wasn’t as careful as his passengers.        — Really? How can there even be a checkpoint, we are in the heart of the USA! — the driver brushed aside all warnings, — or the new state governor got so paranoid to make the National Guard check everyone and everywhere, isn’t he a spy?       But all of Armand’s recklessness and scepticism were vaporised after he approached the checkpoint. The road was blocked by the barrier, and someone placed a warning on the small concrete post: “Restricted area. Authorised personnel only.” Shortly after that four people with assault rifles approached the car, and it weren’t even the National Guard forces, but an army troops themselves.        — Sergeant Ross, US army. — one of the soldiers introduced himself, — Your permit.        — What permit? — asked Armand in responce, — I thought the town is free to visit.        — So it was past spring, now it isn’t. — explained the sergeant shortly, — it’s dangerous to let someone there after after a large fire in June. All buildings are in critical condition. Turn away and move along.       Armand made a nervous nod and put the car in reverse gear. Agruing with soldiers was senceless. Guards returned after another explanation, grumbling about civilians who can’t keep their noses clean.       After one more hour for detour, Arthur, Rose and Armand finally reached the destination. Archibald was waiting for them on the doorstep.        — You didn’t tell us that the town is blocked. — Arman noticed, while Arthur was getting off the car.        — I thought you know it: all of the American newspaper made an article about this fire, — Archibald shrugged his shoulders, — and now, if you don’t mind, I need to talk to Arthur.       Grandpa asked to follow him to the cabinet with a silent gesture. And after Arthur entered the room, his grandpa locked the door and shut the curtains.        — Ahm… why is the secrecy?        — After I barely managed to get out of agents from both Department of Defence and FBI, and persuade them that I know nothing about the seides, it became difficult to keep existence of the Invisibles in secret as never before — Archibald told, — but now that just a water under the bridge. Firstly, I’d like to congratulate you: this system of fast travelling for minimoys from bathroom to cabinet you built last year, is amazing! Even I, an experienced engineer, had no thought about it. So, you are smarter than some adults in some areas, and it’s a good sign.        — Thanks, grandpa, — Arthur gladly thanked him, and then noticed a microphone on the table near the bookshelf — and you use sound amplifiers to speak to the Invisibles on equal?        — Exactly! Now we finally have an opportunity to get the news about eerything happening in Seven Lands almost every day. The messenger arrives at the appointed time and tells me everything I want to know, and I give some advices if it is needed. The courier is a bit late today, but every cloud has a silver lining, and I can share my little discovery with you.        — And… what is it? — asked Arthur wirh curiosity. The boy thought that he already knows everything from the grandpa’s books and tales, — is it connected with my future life in the Invisibles' world somehow?        — I think it’s still too soon to fully look into the future. — Archibald said, — this time I want to tell about something much closer to us… and musch more magnificent. The thing is… literal magic, allowing the world of the Invisibles exist at all. I might guess, that something strictly limits gravitational interactions of every single inhabitant of this world to all other matter-energy around. They don’t fall under the earth with eah step but still have complicate organic structure, impossible for such tiny creatures. I don’t know, how, I don’t know, why, but all of their extra mass just… disappears.        — Amazing… — that’s the only thing Artur could say about it, — so, when I was there, I had the same weight as before, but gravity acted with me like I was much lighter, and nautre just didn’t feel my full mass?        — Right, my dear Arthur, — Archibald nodded, — our science won’t be able even to understand this phenomenon, and we’ll definitely won’t be able to recreate such a thing, The only we can do is to suggest. It is a miracle, and surely not a natural one.        — But if not humanity… then who? You want to say that it was work work of some alien green men from comic books? — Arthur was astonished. What force, what power could play with the laws of physics? Who did it — and why?        — Of course, no. — Archibald chuckled, — mostly sure, the Invisibles created their world themselves long ago, and some antient relics remain from these days, for example, the Sword of Power. The forces put to make such artifacts and the powers we can get from them are far beyond our comprehension, and even the Invisibles don’t understand it. That is the reason why I made an oath to keep the secret of their existence at all costs.       Archibald took a deep breath and stayed silent for a bit, recalling the days of his youth.        — But enough these high matters I thinks. Whoever played God in the past, now he doesn’t care about us and our little planet. Surely, it’s for the best. I got a message a few days ago, about someone called Gorthag. He was the Krob’s general, but then has gone rogue and started conquering the lands of Fifth Realm for himself. And he is also looking for an artifact, which, by the rumors, can connect two places in space together, to make an instant transfer between them.        — A teleporter? — Arthur suggested, — Is he looking for teleporter? But… for what?        — We suspect that the thing you call “teleporter” will allow him to get reinforcements from a distant homeland, avoid any defences and always strike from the most unpredictabe directions, — the boy heard familiar, but quite distorted voice from the other side of the room.        — Selenia? — Arthur felt happy as never before. — It’s so good to hear your voice!       The boy stood up in a blink of an eye and reached the table with one leap. Carefully peering the area near microphone, he finally saw a miniscule, barely noticable girl, standing close to amplifier calmly.        — You came here to meet me? Arthur asked without hiding his amazement.        — Through all dangers of the Wildlands, I shall prevail to see my beloved one… — Selenia whispered happily; although Arthur couldn’t see face of a tiny princess, the boy was completely sure that she was smiling, — and I am infinitely appreciate for the machines, made this journey easier!        — And I am thankful to you for each our meeting and for each second we spend together, princess, — Arthur answered with love in voice, — just eight more days, and the Moon pass will open again, and we ill finally reunite in your world!        — As you, I wish this day to come like nothing other would. — Selenia said sweetly softly, — just… don’t disappear this time!        — I’ll get to the capital though the hall of transfer without any issue, I promise, — Arthur answered with a bit of humour in the voice, — but you’ll promise me not to leave the capital without me and not wander in the tunnels outside.        — You have my word, my prince, — Selenia was as happy as before, — and anyway I know, where can I find you if your short traverse shall go wrong. But only if Matassalai will not decide to send you somewhere else.        — Aye, that’s right. — Arthur chuckled a bit, — our weather forecast promises clear sky these nights, but I won’t use vines to get to you world even during the storm. Don’t want to get in the middle of nowhere, and it was far more convenient to use the telescope.       Arthur and Selenia laughed simultaneously. No one else’s laugh would be such a pleasure to hear as the laugh of his beloved one. Airy-light, silver and clean like a small stream, it filled the heart with joy, wherever and whenever it was heard.        — Hey, Arthur! — another familiar voice was heard from the loudspeaker.        — Betameche? — Arthur said blankly. Arrival of Selenia was something unbeliveable itself, and knowing that the heir apparent’s best friend also reached the cabinet, was also really impressive.        — As I live and breathe! You can not even imagine, how many different thing happened while you were out! Just take a look, I got a real sword! Sharp, fine, expensive… and quite uncomfortable to carry. From now on, I am just like this one… how do you call it… ah, yes, the knight, surely!        — So this is why you almost lost your weapon on the way. — Selenia noticed scornfully.        — I’m sorry, Betameche, but I can’t see your weapon from such a height. — Arthur said, — you’ll show it to me after I join you in your world. Deal?        — Deal, of course, but wait… is it already? — Betameche was shocked a bit, — I thought we need to wait twelve months to use the Moon pass again.        — In each ten moons, to ease stargazing tries for you. — Selenia corrected him, — or once per 290 days        — Wait, did you count the day to our meeting? — Arthur asked, being surprised how many common specularities he and his girlfriend had.        — Each one, my prince, — the princess answered, shining.        — Hey, I counted them too! — Betameche reminded about himself.        — But did it wrong, — Selenia added her notice, — And there another reason for us coming here. You have the floor, athal Nestarion.       Another minimoy appeared near the microphone, about as tall as Selenia, but, unlike her, with a large (for his size) bag of scrolls.        — Is that a messenger you told me about? — Arthur asked his grandfather. Archibald just silently nodded instead of an answer.        — And I will have to disagree with you, Your Highness. The Council assumes that Gorthag’s gamble is no treat to us, — Arthur found out by the voice, that Nestarion was a middle-aged noble man, maybe a bureaucrat, — all relics of the Ancient Days are heavily guarded, and even the Evil M with all of his armies did not manage to reach any of them, how can a simple barbarian go beyond him? But instead, the Coincil proposes you to pay attention to more mundane issues of the First realm’s life. And, at first, I talk about preparations for your future reign.        — Excuse me, sir, — Arthur specified politely, — did you say “reign”?        — Yes, you headr right, — Nestarion calmly approved it after getting the scroll from bag, — Whereas Selenia is being considered the oldest officially married child of our king Sifrat of the Matradoy, she and her husband ought to take the reigns of government after the death of our current monarch. And, by the law of the First Realm, heir apparent and his spouse should have sufficient knowledge about their country and their domain. In situations like yours the tour to all of the settlements westwars from the Sea is a preferable option.        — Selenia, looks like I know what we are going to do for these 36 hours. — Arthur noticed with quite an irony in voice, — and I completely don’t mind about such travel.       - You will discuss the details with the Council, my task is not to explain you everything, but to bring the news. — answered Nestarion as calmly as before, — let me start from something more common what happened in past ten moons. Krob’s amies keep looting the ruins of Necropolis and refuses to give the Hight Priests Conclave any treasures, which were belonged to the Evil M. Meanwhile, Krob’s troops stopped crossing the borders of Free Peoples, and we suspect intensive preparations for a massive onslaught. Meanwhile Gorthag gathered a large army and now they are marching towards the ruins of Necropolis, aiming to claim the city remains. We expect a battle between his forces and Bargkhor garrison, loyal to Krob, for control of the city, in approximately one week. Also lord Darkos was appointed as a governor of Sethenadon fortress whisch is near the waterfall with almost the same name. Local civil services reporting of him as a straight sort, who is certainly not lacking in talent either.       Nestarion was reading the news for about half an hour with a boring and muffled voice, and it wasn’t interesting at all neither for Arthur, nor for Selenia, not even for Archibald. After finishing his speech, the Council messenger stepped aside and didn’t stop the talk of lovers anymore, who were both impressed by the courier’s ability to deliver such interesting news in such a dull way. Meanwhile, Archibald left to the garage for some new tools as if by chance.       All days before the tenth full moon passed in such way. Arthur and Selenia met each other at the appointed time in Archbald’s cabinet, and after another Nestarion’s course for the treatment of a missing insomnia the coule was spending much time together, remembering about their previous adventures, joking and enjoying each other. And for ror these magnificent moments everything happened outside was becoming insignificant.       Until March, 14th, came. Both Arthur and Archibald woke up at 11:00 PM and after some joint preparations, everything, including the restored telescope, was placed where it should be. Grandfather and grandthongathered at the back yard, waiting for matassalai.       Soon a few tall and very physical men appeared on the horizon, led by the chief. After greeting them from afar, Arthur started the final adjustments, and Archibald stepped towards his old friends from Africa.       Arthur did not hear what his grandpa was talking about, but after Archibald returned, he seemed alarmed.        — Did you take the key? — Grandpa asked his successor once again.        — Yes, here it is. — Arthur took the hand-made key with an intricate design and a badge with memorising: “Keep this key with you”. — may I ask what were you talking about?        — There isn’t always some use from curiosity, but we still have a few minutes, so I can tell it to you, — Archibald said, — Matassalai approved that Gorthag isn’t the first who was looking for the artifact, and the last attempt to steal the teleporter was extremely close to it’s success. Be aware — i am sure that Council overestimates defence of the relics.       Soon everything was prepared for the transfer, and after a short talk with a lord, whose name Arthur didn’t know, the Invisibles approved that the heir apparent tries to use the Moon pass tonight, and soon the prince was sliding throup the pipe, and just a few minutes after — made it through the second glass, back in the First Realm…