by Lady Ellen
The fact that he came upon her doing an animal sacrifice that day was always a puzzle to her. He was supposed to be in a completely different Time, having Linxed to help a group of innocent Munz who were being persecuted by a few badly behaving White Wizards, probably young and full of themselves. He told her very clearly he wouldn’t be back for at least a few days.
But he returned in a day and on witnessing what she was doing, was appalled and repelled. Their relationship ended there and then, even though both were in hysterics and crying openly.
Melanthios never saw Evander again. It was still a mystery why he came back early, and how he happened to be in that area of the Forest, as he rarely went near it, let alone deep into it. Did Willow have anything to do with that? Melanthios asked her. she denied it.
Melanthios knew who she was and what she was to become. She wanted that more than anything in the world. So, in her own interest, she dropped the conversations with Willow about Evander and chose to let him go from her life. Not an easy choice, but the greater objective had to be honoured, that of her becoming the ‘All Powerful One’--nothing must stand in the way of that. The ’letting go’ became complicated, but it was done.
She turned from the window and walked over to the podium, now standing in the middle of her garret. When they moved to Bodesnoir, Willow allowed the Book to be housed in Melanthios’ quarters, for she needed to work with it on a daily basis to finish her preparations.
Melanthios turned to a marked page, about a third the way through the Book. “Object One,” it read. “A most potent amulet, designed of silver in the shape of the rue plant with symbols on it of a key, rooster’s head, Vervain, dagger and Crescent Moon. A Cimaruta, one of great power, currently in the possession of a White Witch.”
Yes, she knew the Cimaruta, and she had almost taken it. Laurel had been the owner for decades and passed it on to Angelica on the birth of Persephane. It was still slung haplessly around the sweet neck of her young niece, but not for long--oh, no, my dear--not for long.
Rose Arbour
Delecta and Randy led them to the edge of the grove, where the largest of the trees stood.
“Oy, then,” said Benson, “where we goin’? I don’t see no ruddy city.”
Delecta grinned, she’d already cottoned on to Benson’s character and was thoroughly enjoying his banter. “Just a moment, Benson. You’ll see very soon.”
Randy stood beside Delecta, while the others were either a step or so back or as in the case of Benson and the fairies, flitting in circles behind. In response to a series of knocks on the trunk of the massive oak, some by Delecta and some by Randy, a small doorway appeared.
“Ahhhhhh,” sighed the group in chorus, their eyes alight with anticipation. Randy and Delecta glanced back at them and smiled.
“Here we go,” said Randy.
“But,” P-C worried, “how are we full sized ones going to get through that tiny door?”
“I’ll look after that,” said Thaddeus. “That okay with you, Persy?”
“Oh, sure, no problem,” said Persy.
“Randy and I can change to any size we wish, so if you guys are all fine, then let’s go in,” said Delecta. She turned and rapped a couple of long and short knocks on the small door and it swung open.
Thaddeus extracted his wand, tapped himself, Persy and P-C uttering “Vergrando!” and they shrank to about three quarters the size of the doorway. They followed Randy and Delecta; Benson and the fairies zipped in behind them.
Once through the door, things became very dark and difficult to see. Persy saw something glowing some distance away from them, but nothing was clear.
Delecta and Randy turned to face them and Delecta said, “This is one more of our protective shields for Rose Arbour. You need to be at a particular energetic vibration to be able to see the city. Let’s make a circle and join hands, Durin, Fawna and Benson if you would just sit on one of our linked hands, this will transmit it to you.” They do as Delecta asked and she led them in a meditation of vibratory rising. As they were all familiar with this type of work, it only took a couple of minutes.
When they opened their eyes, everything had changed. In front of them was a centre street with houses, shops and street vendors lined up along its meandering length. Townsfolk hustled from here to there or were working in their gardens. The thing was that everything was sparkling and reflecting light. Persy considered that this was what the Emerald City in her childhood books must have been like, although this town is not as verdant. Wearing sun glasses would have been a heck of a good idea.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed Benson, squinting and landing on Persy’s shoulder. He didn’t trust his navigational skills until he acclimatized to the light.
“Too bad this place is so gloomy,” he added.
Delecta and Randy grinned. “Yes, I suppose it’s a bit much at first, but one gets used to it,” Randy said.
“It’s positively beautiful,” said Persy. “But we’re underground, how is the light generated?”
Delecta explained. “We generate some light by magic, but we don’t need that much because the crystals magnify and reflect the light to make it seem like much more.”
For a moment, they stood and checked it all out. The houses were mostly built of stone, with low rock walls around each property. The stones however were embedded with various colours of crystals, clear, pink, yellow, green, red, blue and purple. Street vendors decorated their carts and awnings with different sizes of hanging crystals which floated on the breezes, glittering and tingling, a visual panorama of colour.
In the distance, lording over the rest of the city was a multi-story building gleaming in the light. There were no stones or rocks in its walls; everything was constructed of sheets of crystal, mostly light pink and clear in colour. The effect of the light on this edifice was to create a halo of light some fifty feet in every direction around it. If you gazed at it softly, one could see the energy waves undulating from the walls.
And then there was the ‘sky’. Even though they knew they were underground, it was hard to believe this was not a perfect summer sky. The illusional sky was, on closer examination, composed of intricate mosaics of aquamarine, turquoise and clear crystal tiles, giving the impression and comforting effect of a vast, clear blue sky.
Fawna, Durin and Benson were flitting ahead and back again, over and over. “Come on you lot,” exclaimed Benson, “you won’t believe how great this place smells!”
Persy, Thaddeus, P-C, Randy and Delecta started walking down the main street and immediately, the sweet essence of roses filled their senses. It was more than understandable. Every garden was a riot of roses varying in colour from the palest cream to the deepest hues of yellow, magenta, red and even blue. Their scents mixed to produce a very heady fragrance which wafted along on the breezes.
Persy, Thaddeus and P-C walked along the main street with Randy and Delecta, who introduced them to various shop owners, neighbours and even some of the children, playing in the streets and gardens. Everyone seemed so cheerful and warm, only too happy to meet the new visitors.
“This place rocks,” said Benson, landing on Persy’s shoulder. “Everyone is so mellow and friendly, it’s like they don’t have a care in the world.”
Persy agreed. She couldn’t remember seeing a place with so many smiling, apparently care-free people.
“Delecta,” Persy asked. “What is your secret? The people seem so content...how do you and Randy do it?”
Delecta smiled and looked up at Randy, who returned her grin. “Its really no big secret,” she replied. “We run Rose Arbour with as few rules as possible. We all work together to protect nature, our citizens choose their own professions or occupations and so are happy with their work and life. Our government is based on co-operation so people get any help they need from us and their co-citizens. No one works long hours...we do what needs to be done to make life work, but spend the majority of time in leisure, fun and enjoying our time together. Ther
e is no room or reason for jealousy or greed, and hence no point for crime. We are well protected, so fear no invasion. It’s idyllic and it works.”
Thaddeus asked, “Do you never fear attack by Black Magic? I can see your protections here, but we all know the deviousness and cunning inherent in the Black Arts which when wielded by someone like Melanthios, eventually gets through most barriers.”
“Of course, we are always on guard for Black Attacks, and occasionally they do get through, but to date we have fought and fended off anything without dire consequences,” said Randy. “We are more concerned about times when a Dark Portal opens, which is due to occur in the next twelve years or so. Then we pull out all stops and bind intricate spells with our top magicians and healers. One always has to keep primed for those assaults.”
“I’d love to show you our Council House,” Delecta said. “We’re pretty proud of it.”
“Sure,” said Persy. “I can see some of it from here. Looks gorgeous.”
They followed Delecta and Randy, all of them deep in thought. Persy’s attention was diverted from her companions to a woman sitting at a table in her front garden, carefully blending herbs and liquids. She held a rather large, golf ball size green crystal in her right hand while she muttered to herself. Persy couldn’t help but stop and stare. Delecta noticed Persy’s fascination and called to the older lady.
“Hello, Zeemeld,” Delecta said. “Would you care to meet our guests?” The woman looked up from her work, fluttered her fingers in a small wave.
“Of course, Delecta, I’d be honoured,” Zeemeld said.
Delecta made the introductions and Zeemeld turned to Persy. “My dear, it seems I have captured your interest. Do you favour the magic of the healing herbs?”
“Yes. It’s a favourite area for my Mom and me. She’s taught me a great deal about it, but there is so much more I’d love to know.”
“Aye.” Persy noticed her slight Scottish accent. “It’s been the focus of my magic for as long as I can remember. I’ve also Time-Linxed to learn the magic of homeopathy and the flower energy vibrations. Together, they provide an endless bounty of healing possibilities.”
“May I ask what that green crystal is for?”
“When I was a young maid, not much older than you, I provided an astounding healing, if I may be allowed to say so myself,” she grinned, “for the Head of the Nymph Council-- Sirena. Her thanks to me was a visit to the Cave of Magical Crystal Seeds. I was allowed to choose one to help me in my work, and of course, I plucked one of the green healing Crystal Seeds. It aids me in potentizing my herbal and energetic remedies to be as powerful as they can be,” explained Zeemeld.
“Zeemeld has been our key healer for a very long time,” said Randy. “Someday, Persy, you should come back and spend time with her if she’s okay with that. You could learn a world of healing from her.”
“Oh, I’d love that!” exclaimed Persy, looking to Zeemeld for approval.
“I’d be most happy to have you visit me, Persy,” said Zeemeld. “There is nothing finer than sharing one’s passion with an enthusiastic student.” Zeemeld smiled and shook Persy’s hand warmly.
“You’re going to bring me back with you, aren’t you, Perse,” asked Benson, still sitting on Persy’s shoulder. “A guy could get right fond of a place like this.”
“Oh, if you’re good, I suppose.”
“Butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth, sweet’ums...nary a drop.” Benson zoomed off to catch up with Fawna and Durin.
They left Zeemeld, carrying on to the Council House. As they approached the front door, a Satyr rushed out calling to Randy and Delecta.
“Your Honours,” he cried, an extremely worried look on his face, “I’m so glad you’re back.”
“What is it, Sam?” asked Randy. Persy picked up the anxiety energy which felt like a sodden blanket.
“There’s been a protective energy breach in the city. We’re not sure where it’s coming from.”
“Wouldn’t you know it,” sighed Delecta. “Just when we are being all cocky and proud of our defences, something like this happens.”
“What do you know, Sam?” asked Randy.
“One of the guards by the Cave of Magical Crystal Seeds picked up a Black vibration. He believes it’s coming from within the Cave, but can’t be sure. We can’t find it. Probably a masking spell of some sort is being used, and unless we know which one it is, it’s next to impossible to uncover,” said Sam.
“Right, you are, Sam,” said Delecta. “Thaddeus, Persy - Randy and I are going to run upstairs to grab our own Crystal Seeds. We’ll be right down and then we’ll go to the Cave to see if we can sort this out. Would you come?”
“Of course,” said Thaddeus. “You bet!”
Persy, Thaddeus, P-C, the Fairies and Benson looked around in the Great Hall while they waited. The walls were gleaming sheets of crystal, each with slightly different hues. Sam explained that their tones were determined by the minerals which were embedded in the crystals while they formed. Their colours also pertain to the magical qualities that the different crystals possess.
“What an amazing building,” said Thaddeus, as he turned on the spot, gazing at each wall.
“Yes,” replied Sam. “We have many rooms in here, most are devoted to a particular colour of crystal and its individual power.”
“Who knew that Rose Arbour holds so many secrets and fascinations,” declared Fawna.
“We try to keep a lid on it,” said Sam. “We don’t want to deal with a lot of outside interference.”
“Good plan,” said Thaddeus.
Randy and Delecta returned at that moment and they set off to the Cave.
“It’s not far down this road,” Delecta pointed to the left when they were outside. “Come on.”
They followed Randy and Delecta, Persy noticed an inner quiver of warning from her Cimaruta. Something, definitely Dark, was lurking close by.
They came to the Cave; a heavy door, encrusted with colourful stones protecting the entrance. A guard came up to Randy and explained that they couldn’t detect the Black vibration again. Randy and Delecta opened the massive door, stepped into the mouth of the Cave and kneeled on the floor. Persy, Thaddeus and the rest could just see their backs. Randy and Delecta carried their wands in one hand and extracted large, Crystal Seeds from their pockets with their other. They bowed their heads together and begin to chant although the actual words were not audible to Persy and her group.
They waited patiently until Randy and Delecta got up and came out of the Cave.
“We both can detect it,” said Delecta. “But it’s hiding incredibly well and keeps moving around. It’s a small presence, but definitely dark. I think we’ll have to come back at night when it will be more active and probably less defensive. We should be able to nail it then.”
“For now, though, Delecta and I decided to allow you, Thaddeus and you, Persy, an opportunity to enter the Cave and select a Crystal Seed of your own,” Randy said.
“It’s the least we can do for your help with freeing the Fairies,” said Delecta. She handed Persy a white satin bag. Persy reached over and took the bag. “That’s to put your crystals in. Come, I’ll take you to the entrance of the room where the Magical Crystal Seeds are.”
Persy and Thaddeus followed Delecta into the Cave and down a slightly sloping pathway to the right of the main entrance. They walked about fifty feet, when Delecta stopped, stood aside and pointed into a room.
“This is the Hall of Magical Crystal Seeds,” she told them. “In there, you will find a six-sided room and the Crystals on each wall are of a different colour and magical function. Let me explain what they each enhance:
Green – Herbal and Homeopathic/Energetic Healing
Pink – Affairs of the Heart and Family
Golden – Control/Power and Alignment with all Beasts
Clear – Powers of Divination – To Foretell the Future
Red – Physical Strength
Pu
rple – Magical Enhancement
You may each choose one which you feel will help you the most. Please feel free to take your time. Pick up each type; often they let you know which is best for you.” She left the Cave.
Persy felt both excited and apprehensive. She could see Thad’s eyebrows raise. He was too. Would they choose correctly? Not knowing fully what’s ahead of them in the quests they were about to embark on, how could they best prepare themselves?
As it turned out, it was more than obvious which crystal they each needed. They entered the room and were stunned. When Delecta described the six walls, she didn’t impart the intensity of each Crystal Seeds’ colour! They were not just pink, green, red, etc....they were MAGNIFICENTLY PINK, GREEN, RED, etc. Colours neither of them have ever seen before.
They proceeded to walk around the room, each in turn picking up the various Crystal Seeds and holding them. The Seeds’ energetics were as plain as having a conversation with a good friend. After doing the circuit a few times, Persy knew hers was to be the green Crystal Seed and Thaddeus knew his to be the red.
The strange thing was, that Persy’s green Seed, about the same size as Zeemeld’s, was easy to pick up and was the expected weight. Thaddeus’ on the other hand, was actually heavy. Very weird. Although it was about the size of Persy’s, it weighed similar to a rock the size of a baseball, but the Seeds were more the size of a golf ball.
Persy pulled the white satin bag out of her pocket and put her crystal into it. She held it open for Thaddeus to place his in as well.
This was strange. As Thaddeus put his hand with his crystal in the bag, Persy noticed a faint shadow behind the Seed. It probably would have not been apparent at all, except for the contrast provided by the brilliant white of the bag. And her feeling of Black Arts, returned subtly.
“Thaddeus,” she said, “did you see that?”
“What?”
