by Sonia Parin
“Good. Leave it there. I don’t want to hear it.”
Lexie laughed. “Hang on. She gave me something.”
“Fairy dust,” Luna spat out.
“That proves we were there together.”
“Not unless you have the fairy dust with you. The memory could have been implanted in both of us. But I’m sure it’s real. I distinctly remember wanting to scratch her wings out and I just had the same urge when I saw that fairy fly up to the window.”
“Please don’t go looking for a fight with the fairies. Remember, we’re guests here and they have fairy dust. They could turn you into a toad.” Lexie headed toward the door.
“Where are you going?”
“Outside.”
“With them out there?” Luna squealed. “Are you mad?”
“You don’t have to come.”
“And bring shame upon my illustrious family line? You know I’d never hear the end of it.” Luna leaped out of the chair and hurried after Lexie.
“Hey, you must be in touch with your sister, Venus.” Mirabelle’s feline companion would be able to confirm or deny the rumors. Unless, of course, Lexie had killed her too.
Feigning sweetness, Luna said, “Oh Venus, darling sister. Are you there? Can you hear me, sweetie.”
“In other words,” Lexie said, “Cat’s shield has blocked us from the outside world. Nothing goes out. Nothing gets in.” Did that mean they couldn’t go into town for pizza?
“You’re not blinking,” Luna said. “And I can’t hear you thinking. What’s wrong?” When Lexie didn’t answer, Luna added, “Do I need to bite you?”
“What? No,” Lexie screeched. “I think I experienced a moment of utter oblivion. If we don’t figure this out soon I’m going to go into pizza withdrawal.”
“Oh, I thought you might have been trying to block me from your thoughts so I wouldn’t hear you fretting about Venus.”
Lexie said in a small voice, “Why would I fret?”
“Because you’re not sure, but you think you might have… maybe… quite possibly killed her too and you think I’ll hold it against you.” Luna gave a feline shrug. “You can’t be held personally responsible for something you can’t even remember doing.”
“I know she traumatized you when you were young but I hope you can find a way to forgive her. She is your sister.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right. I’ll wait and see how this unfolds. If she turns up dead, I’ll definitely forgive her.” Luna sprinted toward the door and stopped. “Okay, I just heard myself. That didn’t sound good. Let bygones be bygones. Is that better?”
“Marginally.” Lexie eased the front door open and peered out. “It looks safe enough and everyone looks festive, albeit in a chaotic, rowdy sort of way.” There were bright lights dancing around the place, weaving around trees, diving from the tallest branches, ricocheting around like out of control cannon balls. “I guess the forest really is enchanted and maybe a little tipsy.”
A light bugle call echoed throughout bringing everyone to a halt.
“Are they about to fly in formation?” Luna asked.
The fairies lined up in parallel lines and headed straight for Luna and Lexie.
“Don’t trust them,” Luna warned. “Especially not that one in the pink tutu. She reminds me of the Crone’s fairy.”
“You know what? I think they’re giving me a guard of honor.” A fairy dressed in light turquoise with long tresses sweeping around her signaled with her head. “I guess she wants us to follow.”
“And you’re going to be crazy enough to do it which leaves me with no option but to blindly follow you. I sense a need for hazard pay coming up.”
“It should be safe. They’re leading us to the old Oak tree.”
“You mean, the one were you fell into a weird trance and couldn’t hear Jonathan? Yes, good call. Trust the fairies. I’d like it to go on the record…”
“Yes, yes. You object.”
“Someone has to,” Luna grumbled. “For all we know, Cat might have brought us here under false pretences, fed us chickpeas to cleanse us and make us ready for a sacrifice. If I see a large cauldron over a fire, I’m jumping ship and running for my life. Just saying.” Luna snarled and swatted at a fairy that flew too close to her.
“Luna. Behave.”
“Sorry. Reflexes.” She lowered her head and purred deeply. “Fairy ring in sight.”
“Where?”
“Around the old Oak tree.”
“How can you tell?”
Luna whispered, “Ring of mushrooms. I’ve heard about them but I’ve never seen one myself. They’re supposed to signal the entrance to the fairy realm. For hundreds of years, the sudden appearance of a ring of mushrooms was a sure sign of an otherworldly presence. Proceed with caution. Better still, let’s retreat back to the cottage.”
Lexie took a hard swallow. She’d come up against worse. “Is that all you got?”
Luna sighed. “They are often seen as hazardous places but they can sometimes be linked with good fortune.”
“Two options,” Lexie mused. “Okay, I can deal with that.”
“There’s a third option,” Luna purred.
Lexie rolled her eyes. “Of course there is. Why keep it simple when you can complicate it?”
“The rings are a necrotic zone, that’s an area of dead grass, so they’re quite safe.”
“Oh, right. You should have started with that one.” It sounded harmless enough.
The fairies circled around the mossy mound forming a shimmering crown.
This is the moment of truth, Lexie thought. Did she have what it took to step forward? She patted herself to make sure she still wore her chain mail dress.
“I’m right behind you,” Luna whispered.
Lexie tapped the ground with the tip of her boot. It felt as inviting as it had earlier that day.
Luna screeched. Looking over her shoulder, Lexie saw her take a giant leap and land on her shoulder.
Wrapping her tail around Lexie’s neck, she hissed, “It pulled my tail. It pulled my tail. The indignity of it all. Can you hear it snicker?”
A fairy flew right up to Luna and blew her a raspberry.
“Tell me you saw that.” Luna’s claws sprung out. Hissing, she took a swipe at the fairy.
“Cut it out, Luna. Can’t you see it’s taunting you?” Lexie took another step onto the mossy mound. Yes, it felt solid enough for her to stand on. “Do you have any really useful information about these circles?”
“People have disappeared through them and have never been seen again. Are you still keen to stand on it? Being loaded with fire power might not be enough to go up against these pesky little mites.”
Lexie scooped in a breath and sat down. Nothing happened.
Luna leaned her head against Lexie’s cheek and murmured, “They’re closing in.”
The fairies drew closer, their wings fluttering so quickly she barely caught a glimpse of them. Lexie couldn’t tell if they were curious or determined to set something into motion. Pressing her back against the tree trunk, she kept a close eye on them. Surely she had nothing to worry about…
Lexie shrugged. “They look harmless enough. If the stories I’ve read are anything to go by, we should be fine.”
Luna spat out, “Fairy tales? Take a closer look at that one on your right. Those slanted little eyes shining bright green. They look evil. They feel evil. They must be evil.”
She felt something behind her stir. Lexie tried to look but she couldn’t move. Okay, that didn’t bode well. Next, she tried to lift her arm. “Um, out of curiosity, can you move?”
Luna swished her tail. “Yes, why?”
“Oh… Well, I seem to be unable to.”
Luna purred deeply. “I see. Are you trying to test my loyalty?” Shifting slightly, Luna added, “Just so you know, I am fighting valiantly against the instinctive urge to save myself. It wouldn’t be cowardly to leave you here since I could go and get help. What are
your thoughts on the matter?”
Lexie nibbled the edge of her lip. “Well, I am sort of responsible for you so I’m going to have to suggest you make a run for it. Yes, save yourself. Go. Go now.”
Luna lifted her little chin. “I couldn’t possibly abandon you in your hour of need.”
“I insist,” Lexie said, “Save yourself.”
Luna shook her head. “No. Where you go, I go. Your fate is… my fate.”
“Okay.”
Luna leaned forward and peered at her. “That’s it? You’re not going to insist I leave?”
Lexie smiled. “You seemed determined to stand your ground and go to battle alongside me. Who am I to deny you?”
“I don’t recall expressing such foolish valor. Did I ever tell you how my kind survived the witch trials?”
“Yes, you did. They disguised themselves. As I recall, you mentioned one of your ancestors changed her appearance to make her look like a skunk.”
“It was actually a raccoon and then she hightailed it out of Salem.”
“Are you now saying you want to follow in your ancestors’ footsteps?” Lexie teased.
Luna fell silent.
“I think you need to make up your mind now or forever hold your peace.”
Luna gave a small nod. “We’ve faced worse and I wouldn’t mind testing my mettle in the battle field.”
A fairy dressed in pitch black cannoned toward them, stopping an inch away from Lexie’s face.
“You’re the Mackenzie witch,” the fairy said in a singsong tone.
Lexie nodded. “I’m one of them.”
“You drew energy from the old Oak.”
“Is that a statement or a question?” Lexie asked.
The fairy’s almond shaped eyes narrowed to slits. “It’s a fact.”
Okay. Now she had to determine if that had been good or bad. “Not deliberately.” She studied the fairy’s face but it gave nothing away.
“Then you are The Mackenzie Witch. We have heard about you. It is said you have the elements at your disposal. I bring a message from my Queen.”
Lexie braced herself for an ultimatum followed by the drawing of battle lines and maybe a first shot from a trigger-happy renegade fairy.
“Welcome Mackenzie.” The fairy bowed without breaking eye contact.
Luna nudged her. “You might actually be in luck. If she offers you a gift, ask for a pot of gold.”
“Thank you. Um…” Lexie wondered if she should mention not being able to move. Would it put her at her mercy? “I hope the old Oak didn’t mind me drawing energy from it.”
The fairy tilted her head. “It had no choice.”
Did that mean she had a choice? And if so, why was she stuck to the tree like a magnet? And what sort of energy had she drawn? And…
“You sound puzzled,” Luna said as she read Lexie’s thoughts.
Her fingers tingled. She drew in a breath. “I’m feeling rather refreshed.” She willed her hand to move. When it did, she smiled. “Cat said she always feels revitalized after spending time sitting under the tree.” Straightening, she looked at the fairy. “Do you know why I’m here?” Maybe news about Mirabelle had spread as far as the fairy realm.
“I am a mere messenger, sent here to greet you and offer you a token of our esteem.” The fairy turned and signaled to someone.
“Here it comes. Here it comes,” Luna said, her tone excited and full of glee. “Bags of gold. Think what we can do with it. We’ll finally get to live in a mansion. That’ll put my sister’s nose out of joint… Unless, of course, you’ve actually killed her.”
Another fairy meandered forward. She looked reluctant. In fact, Lexie thought the fairy appeared to be about to make a quick run for it.
Lexie whispered, “Sorry to burst your bubble but she’s not carrying any gold.”
“This is Rebel,” the fairy said, “And she is offered to you as a gesture of goodwill.”
“Pardon?” Lexie asked.
“She is yours.”
“Huh? Oh, no… I couldn’t possibly…” Lexie turned to Luna and murmured, “Help me out.”
“I’m not really up with fairy protocol. I suggest you play it safe. Thank her,” Luna said. “We’ll mark her up and sell her on. If we’re lucky, we’ll make a profit.”
“I did not just hear you say that.”
Luna tensed and dug her claws into Lexie’s shoulder. “You know how I feel about fairies. She’ll terrorize us. We’ll live in fear. Is that what you want? This is a conundrum. You can’t reject the gift. Fairies are sensitive when they want to be. You’ll insult the Queen, so I suggest you take it. That’s my sensible advice. In reality, I think you should give them a taste of their own medicine and blow them a raspberry.”
Lexie bowed her head respectfully. “I thank your Queen but I can’t accept such a generous gift. My apartment is small.”
“She doesn’t take up much space.” The fairy swung away. “Take her. She’s yours.”
Lexie produced a nervous smile and whispered, “Is she for real?”
Luna grumbled. “Okay, I admit my suggestion to mark her up and sell her on was in bad taste and I apologize. However… I’d hoped it wouldn’t ever come to this, but it’s either her or me. Choose wisely.”
The rest of the fairies dispersed and disappeared into the forest. “Hey, where are they going?”
Luna’s whiskers twitched. “I get the feeling this is one of those ‘All sales are final. No bartering allowed’ type of situations.”
“This must be a prank. Aren’t fairies notorious for playing pranks?” Lexie stared at Rebel and mouthed an apology.
“No, those are elves.”
Lexie smiled at the fairy who looked back at her with a blank expression. “Um, Rebel. Hi. I’m Lexie and this is my feline companion, Luna.” The fairy stared without blinking. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not in the market for a fairy companion… so… you’re free to go.” Rebel continued to hover in front of her.
Freed from whatever had been holding her plastered to the tree, Lexie rose to her feet and strode back toward the cottage.
Luna looked over her shoulder. “She’s following us. Wait… now she’s stopping. Now she’s following us again. Now she’s stopping. I think she’s pretending.”
“Just ignore her and she’ll go away.” Reaching the front door, Lexie looked over her shoulder. “Where is she?”
“I think she heard you. I saw her disappear behind a bush. Good riddance to her.”
Chapter Eight
“Did I hear the breakfast gong?” Lexie asked and prayed that meant Cat had put on a sumptuous spread that didn’t include chickpeas.
Luna rolled around on the bed and stretched. “It was more of a cacophony of pots and pans crushing down. Cat must be trying to make an impression. Although, I’m sure I have another day of fish heads to look forward to.”
Yawning, Lexie willed herself to get out of bed. “I’m intrigued, but I need a shower.”
Half an hour later, they both found their way to the kitchen. Smiling, Lexie inhaled the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked muffins. “Good morning.”
“Duck,” Luna yelped.
Lexie leaped back and barely missed the broomstick Cat wielded.
Cat gave an uncharacteristic growl. “Come out and face the music. Show yourself, you little thief.”
Lexie straightened but kept her distance. “Cat, what’s going on?”
Luna took a cautious step back. “Perhaps we shouldn’t interfere. This sounds like a domestic tiff.”
“I know you’re in here,” Cat muttered. “You little misfit. When I get my hands on you, I’ll… I’ll pluck your wings.” Cat turned and gave Lexie a tight smile. “Good morning.”
“Is it safe to come in?” Lexie asked.
Straightening her apron, Cat pulled out a chair, her brows drawn down, her gaze skimming all surfaces. “Sit. I’ll have breakfast ready in a minute.”
Lexie did as told an
d exchanged a raised eyebrow look with Luna who’d sat on the chair next to her. “Is there something we can help you with?”
Cat’s growl had them both sitting up straight. “Keep an eye out for a thieving fairy. I must have left a window open last night. One got in and ate all my blueberries.” Cat’s voice hitched. “I hope your wings turn blue, you little rogue.”
“A fairy?”
Cat spoke through gritted teeth, “I’m usually on good terms with them. We have an understanding. They get to dwell in my enchanted forest but only so long as they stay out there. There’s always a renegade in the bunch, like a bad apple, and she somehow found her way inside. I’m a nice person.” Cat’s arms shot out. “Some people even say I’m lovely and charming.” Her tone turned into a fierce growl. “They definitely always comment on my sparkly personality.”
“Yes, I always say that about you.” Lexie exchanged another look with Luna. They both visible gulped.
“Cross me and…” Cat’s growl rattled the windows. “How can I make blueberry pancakes without blueberries?”
“Cat, how about we help you. Where did you last see this fairy?”
“Mr. Ellsworth brought me some blueberries last night and I stored them in the pantry. That’s where I found her gorging on them this morning.”
“What did you do?”
Cat’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. “I might have overreacted. These blueberries are out of season but Mr. Ellsworth has magic fingers. I’d tasted one and, you’ll have to take my word for it, it was the most delicious blueberry I’d ever tasted. Now they’re all gone. Anyhow, I shooed her away and then… I grabbed the broomstick.”
“And what did the fairy do?”
Cat’s face contorted as she grimaced and scowled. “She blew me a raspberry.”
“What is it with fairies and blowing raspberries?” Luna asked.
Lexie put her arms around Cat. “Relax. We’ll help you find her.”
Luna purred, “I told you she’d be trouble.”
“What is Luna talking about?” Cat asked.
“Nothing.” Lexie gave Luna a warning look. “Come on, let’s have breakfast. The muffins smell fantastic.” Lexie glanced around the country style kitchen. Had the fairy followed them in last night? “Can you remember what color clothes she wore?”
