Martha straightened and drew her young cousin into a hug. “Don’t worry, Tavi, we’ll get them back, I promise,” she told her fiercely.
“I’m scared, Matty,” Otto whispered. “What if we start losing hope – what happens to Fairy Land then?”
Martha pulled Otto into the hug and held on to both of them tightly, closing her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she fought hard to stifle the anger that threatened to consume her. How dare Nesrin do this? She opened her eyes and met the curious gaze of Sylvaine, who had joined them along with Beatrice and Felicity.
Sylvaine flitted slowly over to Martha and the twins. “I sense a great need to protect those you love. It will stand you in good stead for what is to come,” she said, her eyes milky and moonlike. With a shock, Martha realised that the ancient fairy was blind.
Sylvaine reached out a hand and pressed it to Martha’s arm, and the orb-like eyes blazed with sudden colour. Martha gasped, releasing the twins in shock. They stepped back, watching the old fairy in awe.
Abruptly, Sylvaine released Martha and smiled. “Yes, just as I thought – you have a great part to play in getting our friends back. I have seen the future; your daughter will be the next Key Keeper, so it is of great import that we get them back.” Her gaze then wandered over to Felicity and then onto Otto, where it lingered. With a small frown, she added, “You all have great parts to play in the future of this realm.”
“But how do you know this?” Martha said in confusion, as a ripple of surprised exclamations came from her family.
“I do not need eyes to see; I see in here,” Sylvaine said, tapping a finger to her temple. “I am able to sense things, and to see into the future. But, alas, I did not see this attack coming. Magic can be fickle,” she added, her eyes returning to milky-white.
Octavia and Otto looked up at Martha. “We’ll help you get them back!” Octavia announced firmly.
Beatrice nodded, and Felicity hoisted her bow. “You will need my magic and Felicity’s archery skills,” Beatrice said, eyes shining brightly with purpose.
Martha was still in shock from the revelation that she herself would have a Key Keeper for a daughter in the future. Knowing that the whole future of Fairy Land was at stake, she gave a fierce nod.
“Yes, we can do this if we all work together!” she said, placing her hand palm down between them. Instantly Beatrice placed hers on top, swiftly followed by Felicity, Octavia, and Otto.
Pink, blue, green, yellow, and orange lights pulsed between their connected hands, then melted away.
Martha gave a gasp. “I guess that seals the deal then.”
“I want to help too,” Bracken squeaked, placing a tiny paw on Martha’s leg.
Martha looked down at the small rabbit and started to shake her head, but the determination and stubbornness in the creature’s eyes reminded her of Octavia – and if she could take on Nesrin, who was Martha to stop Bracken?
“All right, but it will be dangerous, so you have to stick with us and no going off on your own,” Martha warned, then gave a mental jump as she heard her own father’s words coming back to her. She gave a self-deprecating smile and waited as Queen Rhosyn and King Llyffant joined them with the lethargic guard: a group of tall fairies and strong creatures now looking extremely abashed. Soren followed along behind.
“I am sorry I was not here to help; I was seeing to the unicorns when the storm blew in, taking them by surprise. It was all I could do to keep them from running off in fright,” Soren explained, wiping a hand over his brow.
Queen Rhosyn nodded in understanding before looking at the guards, who hung their heads. “We will discuss this matter back at the castle, but rest assured that you are not the first to be hoodwinked by Nesrin’s tricks,” she said, not unkindly.
Sylvaine took the queen and king aside; from the look Queen Rhosyn threw at Martha, she deduced the old fairy was telling them about her vision.
“Wow, that’s some news, isn’t it,” Beatrice said, coming over to link arms with Martha. “Imagine you, ladylike Martha, being a mother to a Key Keeper!” The sisters laughed, their blonde braids shining in the sunlight as they bent their heads close together. Martha thought of the stubborn, adventurous, slightly reckless nature of the Key Keepers, but also of the loyalty, bravery, and humour they possessed. No, she wouldn’t mind a daughter like that at all.
Barnabus fluttered over. “I wish I could come with you, but someone needs to stay at the school. The new fairy teachers were all flying in tomorrow to start lessons, so I need to break the bad news to them,” he fretted.
Martha patted his wing. “It will be all right; we’ll get them back,” she said.
“Yes, yes,” Barnabus hooted softly, “thank you.”
Queen Rhosyn joined the children. “Well, Martha, that is some interesting news indeed. Sylvaine has told me of the important part you are to play in this quest. We will return to Castle Enfys to prepare for your journey. I will send for my lookouts and find out from them if they have seen any suspicious activity at Castle Astra – Nesrin will have to keep them somewhere,” she said, a frown marring her porcelain forehead.
King Llyffant walked over. “We should get back to Castle Enfys with haste,” he said.
The queen nodded. “Children, time to go,” she said, before taking her leave of Sylvaine and Barnabus.
Martha picked up Bracken and walked outside with the others. They mounted their unicorns and headed back towards Castle Enfys; the guards were on high alert, scanning the sky, but it remained a beautiful clear blue, with a light spring breeze blowing the trees lining the road through Bloomsville village.
Soren wheeled Ember, his red-patterned unicorn, around and walked alongside the children. “This is devastating news. Please – I would like to offer my services in getting back the companions,” he said, his gold eyes serious.
“But shouldn’t you stay with Evony?” Felicity asked. “She needs you at a time like this.”
Soren nodded. “I would like nothing more than to stay with Evony, but she and I have a duty to Fairy Land. If the companions are not returned, it puts the future of Fairy Land in jeopardy. I am afraid for my daughter or son growing up amidst such uncertainty.”
Felicity, understanding shining in her eyes, smiled sadly. “It’s so unfair. Why does Nesrin have so much hatred?”
Queen Rhosyn turned her head. “She was always jealous and spiteful when we were growing up, and when I was crowned she felt that she would be the better ruler. She even gave herself the title of ‘queen’,” she said, her wings lifting in a helpless gesture. “I tried to work with her; I gave her land and a castle, and included her as much as I could. But it was never enough. She wanted it all.”
Whilst the children listened to the queen, they reached the crystal bridge. They travelled over it, and Queen Rhosyn sent up a rainbow from her staff to alert the guard to open the gate. They entered the courtyard and Princess Evony flew over, her face a picture of worry.
“I cannot believe this has happened!” she exclaimed.
Soren dismounted and drew her into a hug. “This is a sad day for Fairy Land, but I have offered the children my assistance in getting the companions back,” he said.
Evony gave a jerky nod. “Of course, I understand.”
Queen Rhosyn joined the pair and took Evony’s hand. “Come, let’s discuss this in the throne room with the guard. We need a plan of action,” she said, leading the way.
Soren spoke to one of the guards to arrange for the unicorns to rest briefly before being taken back to Bloomsville. He led them over to a shady area to wait, and they greedily refuelled on the colourful blooms growing there.
Caeruleus paused before joining the other unicorns. “I am always ready to assist you, Bloom children; I owe you a great debt,” he said, bending his front foreleg.
Beatrice patted his head and said, “We appreciate your loyalty and help.”
Martha waited until Beatrice caught up with her, and they walked together into the s
hining throne room.
Queen Rhosyn invited everyone to sit around the large circular crystal table. Martha pulled out a golden chair and sat along with everybody else, gazing silently at the queen, who sent another rainbow from her staff. It shot through the room and out of the doorway. She turned her intense violet eyes on those assembled and said, “The food fairies will be along shortly with refreshments, but for now we need to decide what to do about this dreadful situation.”
As she spoke, a tall, well-built male fairy with blue hair and blue-and-green-mottled wings flew through the door. “Your majesty” – he bowed hastily – “I have news.”
“Ah, Conn. You have arrived at the most crucial time – what have you to tell me?”
Conn sat down. His black tunic was dusty and a little worn. “I, along with Lysana, have been working undercover. I was sent to the Middling Grounds, as some of you are aware.” He nodded at a few of his fellow guards.
“Thank you, Conn; your and Lysana’s loyalty and bravery are much appreciated,” Queen Rhosyn said, inclining her head respectfully.
Conn nodded back, before continuing, “I befriended a weasel, who worked up at Castle Astra.”
The queen’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“He had been given a special task in order to win back Nesrin’s favour. She was most displeased with him, because he had lost some magical crystal a few months back,” Conn said, with a shrug.
Beatrice gave a start and met Martha’s eyes. “That must have been the star crystal,” she whispered. Martha nodded, but turned back to hear the rest of Conn’s tale.
“He was in the Middling Market, looking to procure some enchanted dust. I was just on the verge of winning his trust to find out what he needed it for when he disappeared, a few weeks back,” Conn said.
“Well, I have some idea as to where he went,” Queen Rhosyn said. “It seems he insinuated himself into the new school and took the position of assistant to the Headmaster. My guards were given enchanted refreshments this morning, which put them to sleep. Whilst they were asleep, the companions from the new school were abducted by Nesrin.”
Conn looked around at his comrades, his eyes wide. He blew out a breath before saying, “That rascally little weasel! He was always a sneaky little fellow, but I never thought he would pull off something like that. That certainly explains all the activity around Castle Astra, then: Lysana has just sent me a message, and I have come straight here. It seems there are new guests at Castle Astra…” He paused. “…Tiny furry ones.”
Chapter Five
Plan of Action
Everyone started talking at once, until Queen Rhosyn held up her staff. “Order, please,” she said, her voice rising above the din.
Immediately the room settled, and the queen turned her attention back to Conn. “Please continue,” she invited him.
“Lysana has been working undercover in Castle Astra’s kitchens, and her note said that this morning they were ordered to make extra food. She has just seen cages of frightened creatures arrive at the castle.”
“That information is excellent; we now know where they are being kept. Can Lysana help us from the inside?” Queen Rhosyn asked.
“Yes, she is awaiting my reply. What shall I tell her?” Conn replied.
The queen frowned in thought. “A stealth attack would be the best approach – going in all wings blazing may push Nesrin to do something foolish and hurt our creature friends,” she finally said. “Our Bloom allies here followed the path north on their quest for the Arianthe flower and managed to sneak inside Castle Astra, with the help of a certain speckled toad—” Queen Rhosyn broke off to smile at King Llyffant, who grinned back.
Octavia, still pale from the shock of losing Ferren, gave a small, reminiscent smile. Martha rubbed her back as she remembered the terrifying place that was the Misty Marsh and her own run-in with a slumbershroom. With a shudder, she turned her attention back to the plans being made.
The king and queen were discussing the way Octavia and Felicity had sneaked in with him the last time. “I don’t think the latrine chamber way should be used again,” King Llyffant said. “We only managed to get in because the children were small and I – well, I was a toad. If Conn and Soren accompany them, they will never fit. Conn, will Lysana be able to get you in?”
“I’m sure she could figure something out; she will have time to plan as we make our way there. I estimate it’ll take about two days,” Conn said.
“That’s about right.” Soren nodded. “It took us longer last time because our unicorns were suffering from the effects of the Key Keeper’s loss of hope, and they could not walk very fast.”
Queen Rhosyn looked seriously at Octavia and Otto. “I understand how you feel – if I were ever parted from Eira it would feel as though part of me were missing.” She paused to smile at the white hare at her side; violet eyes met lavender with a look of deep understanding. The queen turned back to the twins and continued, “But you must have faith that we will get them back. Your belief in that, and in Fairy Land, must be strong – stronger than ever. Because if it comes to battle, I will need my full strength.”
Otto grabbed Octavia’s hand and squeezed. “We believe in you,” he whispered to the queen, and Octavia nodded. Taking a deep breath, she sat up in her chair. Her cheeks flushed red, and her eyes sparkled with renewed energy.
“Let’s get them back!” she said, determination ringing from her clear voice.
Martha smiled at the fortitude her young cousins showed, and Bracken hopped up and down on Martha’s lap in happiness.
“Martha, do you still have the compass I gave to you on your first visit?” Queen Rhosyn asked.
Martha nodded. “Yes, it’s in my bag.” She bent to retrieve the bag she had placed at her feet and rifled through it. “Here it is.” She took out the compass and set it in front of the queen.
Queen Rhosyn gave a satisfied nod. “It will only work for you, so when the time comes, think hard about where you need to go; you will not be going the same way as last time. You must avoid the Middling Grounds and Middling Market at all costs. We do not want Nesrin’s spies to alert her that you are coming,” she explained.
Martha stared down at the crystal compass with golden points, and her stomach filled with butterflies at the thought of having to face Nesrin once again. Fortunately, she was distracted as food fairies arrived and, with flicks of their wands, filled the table with delicious food and crystal goblets filled with amber liquid.
“I think this would be the perfect time to break for refreshments,” Queen Rhosyn said, with a smile at the fairies from the kitchen.
“Ah, Bloom children, I heard you were back. Hello, girly – I’ve been waiting to give you more magic lessons,” a husky voice said, the last part directed at Beatrice.
Beatrice smiled in delight. “Doran!” she said excitedly as the old mage entered the room with an even older fairy.
Doran winked as he took a seat at the table, tucking his long, faded red beard out of the way.
“Ahem,” coughed the older fairy, nudging Doran.
“Oh, sorry, Mother.” Doran hastily stood back up. “Bloom children – this is my mother, Cegin. She works in the kitchens here at Castle Enfys.”
Cegin nodded brusquely at the children, who waved back, remembering her from their first time in Fairy Land. “You’ll be gallivanting off again soon, I gather,” she said, crossing her strong arms and folding her wings back.
“We have to save the companions,” Otto piped up earnestly.
Cegin pursed her lips, before turning to Doran. “And you’ll be going with them, I suppose?”
Doran shifted uncomfortably under his mother’s stern gaze and turned to Queen Rhosyn. “If I can be of assistance, I would like to offer my services.”
The queen looked at Cegin before nodding. “I’m sure the children would appreciate your help. However, if encountering your brother, Donal, again will be a problem, I am happy for you to stay here with your mo
ther.”
Cegin harrumphed. “I would like to encounter him and give him a piece of my mind – imagine, him taking up with Nesrin! Oh, the shame. I thought you working with Riad was bad enough,” she directed at Doran, who had the good grace to look abashed.
“Well, be that as it may, Doran has proven he is firmly on our side. I trust him implicitly,” Queen Rhosyn said, with a smile at the mage, who inclined his head respectfully. “But I understand how you feel, Cegin; although we do our best for our family, some members cannot be turned good. Still, we try.” A sad frown crossed Queen Rhosyn’s beautiful face as her thoughts turned inward.
Cegin noted the queen’s expression and took her leave, curtseying respectfully at the royals and patting Doran heartily on the back before heading back to the kitchen. King Llyffant clasped Queen Rhosyn’s hand, and she took a shuddering breath before turning her attention back to Doran.
“It will not be a problem, your majesty,” he assured her. “My loyalty lies with all at Castle Enfys. I will assist the Bloom children and ensure we return with all of the companions.”
Martha felt the words land heavily all around them, feeling magic dripping from every syllable. The mage was sealing a pact with the earnest utterance.
Queen Rhosyn’s cheeks bloomed with renewed colour, and she smiled around at all assembled. “Please, eat and drink your fill – we have plans to make!”
The next few minutes were spent eating and catching up with Doran and Evony. Beatrice, her face shining, filled Doran in on her and Felicity’s part in healing the injured fairy court after Nesrin’s attack, while Felicity told Evony how her archery skills were progressing nicely, thanks to her parents having gifted her lessons in February for her birthday.
Martha nibbled on a honey cake and watched Octavia and Otto as they bravely soldiered on without their precious companions, chattering to Conn about Wattle.
“He surely had me fooled,” Conn was saying after a large gulp of rosehip cordial.
“Oh, he’s a rascally fellow.” Octavia nodded. “But he’s gone too far this time!”
Martha Bloom and the Glass Compass Page 4
