25
What Bryony and Edwin Learned Today
Back home in Wychetts, Bryony and Edwin stood before the fireplace in the lounge.
“The Tome Terriblis is now back in the Wychetts library,” declared Inglenook. “Where it will remain, safe and secure from those who would misuse it.”
“Good,” said Edwin. “We’re glad to see the back of it.”
Bryony nodded. “It caused nothing but trouble.”
“If you recall,” said Stubby, “it was actually you two that caused all the trouble.”
“Yeah, well…” Bryony shifted uneasily. “We’ve learned now.”
“And what have you learned?” said Inglenook.
“That cheating doesn’t pay.” Edwin glanced at Bryony.
“And two wrongs don’t make a right,” added Bryony. Then she smiled. “And that Edwin likes wearing girly clothes.”
“I do not,” hissed Edwin, now gladly back in trousers. “It was just a disguise.”
“Ahem.” Inglenook cleared his throat. “I trust you now appreciate that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge. Learning is a journey, an experience that tries and tests you all the way. Sometimes that experience is more important than what you actually learn.”
Bryony nodded. “I also learned about how important friends are. I mean, real friends.”
Inglenook smiled. “Friends cannot always be chosen. The best friendships, the lasting friendships, grow over time.”
“I learned about friends too,” said Edwin. “I learned that it’s good having people to share stuff with. And that being alone isn’t always best.”
Then Edwin lowered his gaze to the floor.
“That’s why I feel sorry for Maddy,” he murmured. “She’s lost everyone. I’m sure we could have done something to help her.”
Inglenook’s smile fell. “As I explained before, Wychetts’ magic cannot undo the power of the Tome. I am afraid there is nothing we can do to help Malady get her family back.”
“There’s more I’d like to know,” said Bryony. “About that renegade warlock guy who took the Tome from Maddy. What happened after that, and how come the Wise Ones got the Tome back?”
“The theft of the Tome Terriblis sparked a terrible war,” said Inglenook. “A war of magic that spanned centuries and claimed the lives of thousands. But Malady was not to blame. It was the renegade warlock who used the Tome to strike at the Wise Ones.”
“Why?” said Edwin. “And who was this guy?”
“Tell us,” implored Bryony. “What was his name?”
Inglenook seemed to hesitate. His wooden lips parted, but froze when the lounge door creaked open.
“There you are.” Jane was smiling as she entered the lounge. “Supper will be ready in ten minutes.”
Frowning, Edwin checked his wristwatch. “That’s earlier than usual. Have you finished all your paperwork?”
“I don’t need to.” Jane’s smile widened. “Because today I resigned from being acting school head. Next term I’ll be back in my old job doing normal teaching, and Mr Wallwork will take my place.”
“That’s great news.” Edwin was glad to have his old mother back. “You look happier already.”
Bryony was less enthusiastic. Firstly, she wasn’t looking forward to having Walrus Wallwork in charge, and secondly…
“Can we afford it?” she asked Jane. “We need your extra money because Dad hasn’t got a job.”
“Didn’t have a job.” A beaming Bill came waltzing into the lounge. “But I have now!”
“You passed the interview?” Bryony couldn’t believe it.
Bill nodded. “I start a week on Monday. As Regional Sales Rep for Gutterly Great Gutters and Drainpipes Limited.”
“That’s brilliant!” Bryony gave her father a congratulatory hug.
“Well done.” Edwin shook Bill’s hand.
“I’m afraid it’s not all good news.” Jane’s smile fell. “Before I resigned I found a letter in my office. It’s about your end of term exam results. Both of you.”
“I cheated,” said Bryony, thinking it was time she owned up. “I cheated in all my exams. That’s why I came top. I didn’t deserve to…”
“The school marking department says there was an administrative error.” Jane didn’t seem to have heard Bryony’s confession. “They say the results are invalid, but they can’t find the original papers to double check. So I’m afraid you’re going to have to re-sit your exams.”
“Re-sit our exams?” Bryony was horrified.
Jane nodded. “But not until after the holidays. So you’ve got plenty of time to revise.”
“Great,” sighed Bryony.
“Edwin will have to take his, too.” Jane smiled again. “So you could revise together.”
“Yeah.” Edwin looked at Bryony. “That’s what friends are for, huh?”
“I suppose so,” muttered Bryony. “Only I wanted to spend the holidays doing fun stuff.”
“Revising can be fun,” said Edwin. “We can test each other.”
Bryony pulled a face. “You’re not selling the experience.”
“And make colour coded sticker charts,” added Edwin.
“Really?” Bryony thought about it, then nodded. “Actually that does sound like fun.”
“You’ll enjoy working together.” Jane patted the children’s shoulders before turning to Bill. “Now come along darling, supper’s ready and I’ll need a hand dishing up.”
“At your service,” said Bill. “But make the most of it, when I’m working full time I won’t be around to help out round the house.” He gestured at the window. “The forecasters reckon this rain is here to stay. More and more people are going to need fully functioning gutters and drainpipes. I could earn a fortune!”
Still smiling, Jane took Bill’s arm and led him from the lounge. Concerned, Bryony peered out of the leaded arched window.
Her father was right. It was raining again, and raining hard.
“I thought the storm ended when we beat the Spell Wizard.” She turned back to Inglenook. “Is this something to do with the Tome?”
“I believe not,” said Inglenook. “We neutralised the Tome’s power before it could do irreparable damage to the elemental balance.”
“So this is just normal English weather,” said Edwin.
“Perhaps,” said Inglenook. “We shall have to wait and see.”