chapter five Battle won

Chapter Five Good sleep


He was so excited he had forgotten Lynsey's gift. He ran into his room and opened it was her book on King Arthur and Merlin and all the good the knights did, after all Merlin was a real wizard King Arthur was a real King.
That night his dad read him one of the stories of Merlin and how his magic helped King Arthur.
Michael smiled He did Believe in magic and Wizards.
After the story Michael and his dad placed the crystal under his pillow both said the poem together


2Power of the light protect him in the night.
As he sleeps keep him safe from harm
Let the crystal work its charm.
Surround him in light and let the monsters be banished into the night."

When the monsters reared their ugly heads Michael would be ready. Sandra stood watching father and son bonding.
She gave Michael a kiss and wished him sweet dreams.
"I'm ready mum he showed her the crystal. She smiled at him and gave a silent prayer it would help.

As Ian was making her hot chocolate she felt a rush of doubt "What if it doesn't work? What if he 'so frightened he forgets? And what if the wizard does not appear?" Ian took her in his arms. “I know it will work so no more what if’s being positive woman." He gave her a loving kiss. "
"Ian where did you get the crystal? He smiled "My grandfather I kept it all these years."
He never ceased to amaze her she loved him so much her gentle giant.
"Now off to bed we all have a big day tomorrow." Ian stayed up he didn't want to alarm Sandra but he wasn't sure if it would work for Michael it had worked for him but then he's been brought up with all the stories and he knew the mountains.
Before Ian went to bed he looked in on Michael he was sleeping Ian went to his bedside and kneeled down he began to recite the poem


"Power of the light protects him in the night.
As he sleeps keep him safe from harm
Let the crystal work its charm.
Surround him in light and let the monsters be banished into the night"



Michael was in a deep sleep suddenly he felt himself falling he landed on a big cloud shaped like a hand the hand let him down on a grassy field the sun was shining Michael felt good then the blue sky turned dark and a loud crackling and stamping noise was getting nearer Michael felt a wave of panic he’d heard that noise before it was the witch and her cronies coming to get him
And although his knees were shaking and he felt scared he stood ready to face his nightmares. He had to believe in wizard’s magic and the power of good over evil.
He repeated the verse over and over as the monsters where getting closer the witch was flying down on him her ugly face laughing at him. Michael felt for the crystal as he held it a heat a light burst from it and covered the monsters.
And like magic the monsters changed they became bunny rabbits and the witch became a kitten!
He wasn't afraid of rabbits or a kitten...... Michael saw the wizard and from his staff a light radiated all around the land.
The dark sky turned blue and the sun was shining.
Lynsey and his friends where in his dream she was laughing and skipping around him he felt so happy. For the first time in weeks Michael slept without being awakened with fear and awoke to life without monsters.


He couldn't wait to tell Lynsey and the gang and when they all came to stay he'd take them to the mountains and they'd fish and play just like they'd always done. Suddenly Michael realised his friends may live faraway but here in his mind they were close.

That morning Ian and Sandra saw the change in their son he was beaming "It worked." Said Ian, Sandra wasn't to sure until her son beamed a huge smile that lit his face... "I love Scotland and I'm glad we're here." He rushed over to show his mum the crystal.... He began telling them of his nightmare and how the light from the crystal changed the monsters into rabbits and kittens
Sandra knew by the light in her son’s eyes he had come through the nightmares.
As Michael was having his morning shower Ian showed Sandra the note he had received when he was a boy.
She gave him a huge cuddle and a kiss "Thanks honey for being a good man and a great dad."
Ian grinned "It runs in the family."


Life in Scotland turned out to be grand for them.
Jack was born three weeks after moving in, a bouncing 9lb 6oz baby boy everyone remarked on his size Michael wasn't surprised no wonder he could kick so hard. Jack had a mop of red hair and blue eyes but then all babies have blue eyes to start off with.
That week his dad took him to a farm where a litter of collie pups had been born.
Michael couldn't decide which pup when out from behind a bail of straw leapt a puppy it began licking hi face and its tail was wagging. "Looks like he's picked me dad." The puppy was white with patches of black all over it.”I'll call him Patches."
They went home with the new member of the family all the way home patches kept by Michael he knew this was his new friend and they would have lots of fun together. Time past so quickly Michael started school. The village primary had 3 teachers and 30 pupils,
Not as many teachers or pupils like his old school but he liked it, everyone made him feel welcome.

He had made new friends, Douglas and Emily Armstrong they were brother and sister. Douglas was nine years old and Emily was eight years old both had brown hair and blue eyes.
The two boys were the same height. Emily reminded Michael of Lynsey as she loved being outdoors and enjoyed sports.
They both have Highland ponies. They had been riding since they babies.
Their mum Elsie breeds Highland ponies and has a small holding with four stables.
The ponies live out in the fields all year. They get rounded up once a year to have their hooves trimmed.
The stables were for their horses.
Elsie has a big horse Dutch warm blood called Zola she stands at 14.2 hands; she has a white blaze running down her face. For such a big horse she was so gentle. Elsie was what folk would call a horse whisperer, she had a way with horses and they loved her back.
She had been present at Zola's birth. 13yrs they had been together, the bond was so strong nothing could part them.

Murphy who belonged to their dad Andrew. Murphy was 17 hands he was so tall he could see over the stable walls, He was a thoroughbred, they did not know what age he was they guessed about 17yrs old. They had found him 10yrs ago in a neglected state he was skin and bones. Elsie approached the owner and threatened to report him to the R.S.P.C.A She put fear into the owner, she had pictures of Murphy. When she showed her badge of authority to the man he gave in and told them to take the beast away.

Looking back on the photo's you'd never think they were the same horse. He too was a gentle giant he liked to nuzzle into you and was always nosing around your pockets for treats they all did it. Michael was getting over his initial fear of them.
Emily's was called Tobias, he was dappled grey and was 11yrs old and stood at 12 hands.
Spud was the name of Douglas's pony they had a wee laugh at his name. He was 11yrs old and stood at 12 hands... Spud was a chestnut colour, he loved being groomed both ponies did. Murphy loved his ears being rubbed. He didn't like the fly spray but he knew he had to have it on.
When Emily groomed Tobias he'd nuzzle her back and nibble her belt. When you washed his hooves he would take the water hose of you.
He liked being washed, he was a funny pony
Michael would laugh as the ponies would come out gleaming and once in the field roll around any bit of mud they could find.

Michael had never ridden a pony so he was a bit uneasy. After a few lesson from Elsie he was beginning to relax more and enjoy it. He wrote to Jessica and told her of the stables and how he was riding. He knew Jessica would be up with her dad come the fishing season and now that the stables were here she could bring Shadowmage.
Jessica had written to Michael and was so happy to have Shadow as her own.
Michael could picure Jessica galloping across the fields her long blond hair flying like the horses mane. He was so glad for her.

Andrew worked in the Forestry commission along with Ian, they had both went to the same primary school and had grown up with each other. Andrew was glad to see his old school chum come home. They marvelled at how fast time flew in... It felt good to see the children becoming friends. Ian was thinking of getting riding lessons again he had done a bit when he was Michaels age and he remembered the joy. Michael was so happy he knew one day they'd have their own horses and stables. All the time he had been writing to his friends and telling then of his new life.
Lynsey wrote every week and was really looking forward to visiting.
Lynsey became pen pals with Emily, they'd write once a week to each other Lynsey was so looking forward to meeting Emily and the ponies. She missed Michael but never said as she didn't want him to worry about her... All in all life in Scotland was good.

Patches followed him everywhere; mum wasn't too pleased at letting him sleep in Michael’s room but eventually gave in.
Their new E co home was near completion all summer and autumn dad and his friends had worked on it. Uncle Derek would turn up from time to time to make sure all was well.
Grandma was so surprised it was so big and warm and no bills for gas electric or water she could see this was the way forward.
When approaching their house you were struck by the way it fitted into the background the forest looked like their garden.
The house had been constructed of timber all timber fittings, no concrete anywhere. Grandfather said it looked like an American house with the veranda going all around the house. Sandra had wanted it that way; it meant you could walk out any part of the house and just sit. Ian had built three swinging seats. There were four wooden steps leading up to the house dad was pleased with the banisters he had carved them himself.
The Thatched roof gave the house age. The house looked at home.
The big windows for solar power gave a panoramic view of the loch and Glen... Inside had a feeling of stepping back in time, and of being nurtured by all natural fibres. The straw bails were hidden behind plastered walls of lime.


It was soon Christmas everyone was getting ready for the visitors and relations coming for the festive season their first Christmas in their new home. Michael was blown away at the size of his room he had a door that opened out into the huge garden, lots of storage space a place for his games and his computer. He had his own bathroom off his room. He loved his new home.
Sandra was busy in her kitchen she was so delighted at the way it had come together exactly as she dreamed it would she had a big kitchen with a breakfast table and chairs facing the French doors which lead into the garden. Her pride of place was her aga. Ian said she had too many cupboards but being such a big kitchen they got lost. There was a long window above the sink with panoramic views of the loch and the glen so peaceful and warm that's the feeling Sandra got when she stood looking out. The under floor heating kept the house snug.
Michael ran about with nothing on his feet. In the family room there were 4 long couches with 4 armchairs spaced around one another in the centre of the room there was the fireplace it opened at the bottom so that when you were in the kitchen you could see the fire.
The tall beams were oak and the open planning let each room flow from one to another.
The dining table had been a nightmare to find the biggest one they could find seated 20... Sandra was delighted... The limestone on the walls gave clean warmth to the walls with the lights dimmed and the huge tree with its lights twinkling was a picture... Big scented candles that Sandra made filled the air with a sweet smell of lavender. The pine logs were burning the house was snug. Ian had finished chopping the wood for the winter.
Patch was lying sleeping next to Michael Ian closed the door and left them.
Sandra was busy laying the table for her guest coming tomorrow little Jack was fast asleep in his crib....
Ian took his wife sat her down and told her to relax in front of the fire. "We have come home Ian" He nodded and put his arms around her.”We are one of the lucky few and I count my blessings every day." He smiled at her "All your hard work is paying off and you did work hard." She lifted his hands that had blistered so many times and kissed them. He picked her up "Right woman time for bed we got a lot of folk coming." She marvelled at his strength and took comfort in his arms.

Michael now knew what a snifter was and why it made everyone merry.
This Christmas would be special.
Lynsey and her parents were spending Christmas with them and New Year.
Michael was so excited he had so much to show and tell her. He had overheard his dad telling his mum how much the management liked the architecture and wanted to offer Derek a position. They were talking about them moving up beside everyone was so excited. They arrived a week before Christmas.
Kerry was expecting a baby she was four months pregnant celebrations all round.

Patches loved Lynsey and she adored him. Emily and Lynsey became instant friends and the ponies took to Lynsey as if they'd always known her.
He took her to the tree house his dad had made him. It was at the bottom of their garden which was a big garden. There was the fruit orchard, vegetable plot. In the middle was a pond Granddad had helped build. Sandra wanted ducks she loved ducks. Michael told Lynsey his dad had bought mum four ducks they were over at his Grandparents house It was to be a surprise for her.
He was proud of the tree house he had helped his dad and his granddad build it. It had electricity. Mum was noticing how good dad was at carving she talked him into building a craft room for him. Dad laughed at first but he thought about it, he did like working with the wood and everyone admired his work. It was settled dad would have his craft room.
Michael had asked his dad to carve him a plaque for above his door. He carved the words Secret Mountain.

On the plaque he had carved a mountain with an unusual figure at the top or was it tree with a figure beside it. The tree had no leaves just branches reaching out; an eagle was flying above it. “Oh Michael it's wonderful.” Lynsey's eyes lit up as she stepped inside. There was loads of headroom. It was big enough for his dad to stand in.
She saw his desk and chair where he sat and wrote his letters. The walls were covered in photos of the village and all their friends. Unbeknown to Michael Mr and Mrs Wallburton on hearing of their move decided to send on a special parting gift. They took photos of all the villagers in their daily jobs. Danny and Hubert, John and Mary the bakers.
His favourite sweet shop with all those sweets in the window. Miss Symes had sent Michael a box of his favourite sweets.
His classmates and all the cricket teams. Hung on his wall, he kept comics, books a torch and big cushions for sitting on.
"Lynsey this is a magical place, good things happen" Lynsey smiled and gave him a big hug "I knew you'd Believe."
Michael smiled at her "Jamie Harrington knows nothing I saw something special."

Her mouth opened and her eyes bulged "Do tell. Where? How? Michael hushed her. "It's a secret but maybe one day I'll be able to tell you but for now I have to keep it secret I pledged a vow." She nodded "And so you should.” I won't ask again I'm just so glad to have you back." "This is he best Christmas ever." Michael agreed.

Kerry and Sandra where in the kitchen lots of sighs and much excitement. “Well Sandra, Jack will soon have a wee friend to grow up.” They laughed at the coincidence. They both stood at the kitchen window a silence that was blissful; they turned and hugged each other. "This time next year we'll be standing at your kitchen window looking out over the Glen and with a new arrival"... Kerry grinned at her “I have something to tell you I passed the interview.”“ You are looking at the new music teacher for the primary school.” Sandra was delighted for Kerry.
Shouts of "Get the food out we folk are hungry” Sandra and Kerry carried out the food to the waiting family. Crackers were pulled and everyone tucked into their Christmas dinner. The biggest Christmas tree that anyone had seen in a room lit up the whole room.
Laughter and love echoed around the house and the Glen. New life had come to rescue the Glen and the forests. The Glen and forest had given a new way of life for people just like it did in the old days. It was protected and it protected.
Kerry told Sandra all the new s from the village. Miss Symes and wait for it Mr Wilson had announced their betrothal they were to be married. So the rumours had been true she had been the love he had lost.
Everyone was chatting and talking about the new cabins that were to be built.

Everyone had remarked how tall and robust Michael had become. How healthy he looked, mum said it was all the hill walking and being outdoors...Just like his father and his before him and his father . Little jack gurgled happily away. A picture of health, he was such a happy baby. Sandra had a feeling he'd always be like this, contented.

Derek had accepted the commission, work began on more cabins, and of course their new home. With 2 stables.
Lynsey and Michael had got ponies. Hers was called Heather a mixture of colours white brown with patches of black she stood 10 hands high and was 8yrs old
They came from Elsie s stock. Michael's was called Duke he was black with a wild mane he stood 10 hands high and was 8yrs old.
Both ponies were well behaved and well schooled. Lynsey loved mucking out the stables and took great pride in keeping it clean even if it meant nagging Michael.
They both got to play cricket. The boys and girls in their new school liked the game and where keen to learn and play.
Lynsey's dad Derek coached the teams twice a week.
Planning permission was granted for a small sports ground. A place where the children could play all types of sports.


Michael saw his old friends and their parents during the fishing season.Jessica brought Shadowmage up in her new horsebox. Michaels dad had built an extra stable so Shadow had a stable too. They had lots of fun. Treking through the woods, galloping across the fields.
Jessica caught the biggest salmon of her life, it weighed 13lb.
Her photo was taken and put up on the fishing clubs walls.
The Log cabins had been built to attract tourism.
At the start of the season three cabins were pre booked by the Old Strepton Fishing Club.
It was just like old times.
Everyone was full of praise the cabins and their new homes, built to the highest standard.
Derek built 20 more log cabins.
Michael and his parents were delighted when Mr Grayson brought Mary and the twins on holiday.
They had set a date for their marriage and wanted all of them to attend. Everyone was so pleased for them

Michael’s friends loved his tree house and his new house. They talked about the village and all that was happening
Michael asked his dad if he could tell his friends about the secret mountain. He said yes.
One night as they were camping out Michael told them the story, they were all excited. He showed them the crystal.
They all said the same the crystal had warmth and it gave a strange tingling feeling when you held it.
Michael had another story to tell them it was about the Monarch of the Glen and an eagle.

He told them of a boy that had come from Glasgow to work in the Glen. Well one day he set out on a mountain trek but he never checked the weather suddenly the mist descended and he was lost he was afraid and thought he was going to die.
He sat down as he could not see the path in front of him. Just then a stag appeared and began to walk down the mountain.
The mist was so thick but the boy followed the stag, then it disappeared into the mist. The boy was cold and tired then out of the mist flew an eagle, it called to the boy and flew low he decided to follow the eagle.
It led him to safety. There were some folk that laughed at his story but there were others who believed. Michael looked at his friends faces and laughed "I felt the same way." Harry spike first. "How did the boy know he was being led to safety? He could have felloff the mountain." Lynsey spoke up. "Ah! But he had faith and he had no other way to go."
Just then the bell ran. His dad had installed an old sailor’s bell on the porch so Michael would know when dinner was ready.
The children all made their way up to the house each one getting to hold the crystal and ponder on its magic.
Dreams can come true. Everyone's lives changed for the better. Kerry gave birth to a little girl, they called her Emily. She looked like Lynsey, small features and blond hair. Jack and she became great friends...


Michael's Great Granddad said he was getting the twang and before long "He'd no sound like an Englishman but a Scotsman." Michael smiled at him; he'd heard his mum say the same thing.
Michael thought to himself "Och aye it’s no that bad a twang.”
There were to be many parties and holidays to follow.
Michael never went looking for the mountain where he saw the wizard.
They never took the detour again and the secret mountain remained secret. For now. And life went on....... The story was retold by Michael to his children and His friends retold it to their children and so the Story remanins alive once more....