“Sounds confusing to me,” said Justin.
“So why does Ludo despise her?” asked Emily.
He looked up from the scroll. “Because she fears her,” he replied. “The Myth is prophesied to bring death to deception, and Ludo Bacilicus is the Queen of deception. You must understand that we have been waiting thousands of suns for the Myth to arrive,” he said. “So when both of you young females showed up soon after Ludo’s demons had woken... well it seemed an obvious conclusion.”
“We’ve never even met Ludo or the Maker,” I laughed. “Besides, from what you’ve said, it could practically be any girl our age.”
“Any girl? You make it sound as though there are many.” His eyes pierced into me.
“You should see them all at our school,” said Justin. “Too many if you ask me.”
“Is that so?” Emily glared playfully at Justin.
“I assumed that some had escaped Ludo’s torrent,” the Chief interrupted. “But I was unaware so many had survived.”
“What do you mean Ludo’s torrent?” I asked.
“When Ludo heard about the prophesy of the Myth, of course she didn’t want to believe what the Maker had written; that a young girl would ever be powerful enough to destroy her, and she has remained adamant that the Maker is a fraud. That it could never happen. She claimed the girl was only a myth and so the title stuck, but Ludo’s actions spoke differently. She sent out her servants, the hellkites, to search and destroy any living girl under the age of seven thousand suns that could be found.”
“Hellkite? You mean those huge black birds?” I asked, remembering the one back in Green.
“Yes, and if you have come across one, you are fortunate not to have been captured, as they are extremely good at getting what Ludo wants. In any case, you must understand that you and Emily were the first young female humans we’ve seen in many suns.”
I looked at Emily and Justin.
“So you see,” the Chief interrupted my thoughts. “My intent was never to detain you, but to protect you, and ourselves. If you were the Myth I would have sent a thousand faeries to escort you wherever you had to go.”
“If you thought I was the Myth, why didn’t you just ask me?” I queried.
“Yes, perhaps I should have, however you seemed so unsure of anything and Prospexi was concerned that a dark spell of confusion might have been cast upon the three of you, rendering your testimony impaired.”
“Prospexi - concerned?” I laughed.
“We already had doubts when you said you were from Lockhart, for the Myth is prophesied to come from a land far from Lockhart. But knowing how one must be careful with interpretations of the Troth, I needed to know for sure, so I flew straightway to the temple on Montis to review the hieroglyphs and convene with my other daughter Willow. It was there that my doubts were confirmed. Willow greeted me with joyous testimony that the Myth had already arrived that morning, on the dawn of the red sun. It was then that the Myth revealed herself to Willow and the other guardians, just as the prophesies were written,” he smiled.
“It’s hard to believe that a book could predict all that,” I said.
“It is only by the Maker’s hand that such a book exists, and it is a mystery as to how the truths of the past and those yet to come are precisely written. However it is not forgiving of our ignorance nor does it stop to wait for our understanding.”
“The Troth is being fulfilled Father, and I’m stuck here with them,” complained Prospexi, gesturing at us.
“Patience is what you have yet to learn if you are to fulfill your destiny,” the Chief reminded her.
“But my destiny is to help the Myth!” she said. “I pleaded with you to send me to Willow and if you had done so I might already be serving my purpose, but you kept me here instead. You insisted that I stay behind, and for what?” she snapped. “To listen to the ignorance of these humans who are too simple to be of any importance?”
“Ouch,” sighed Justin.
“SILENCE!” bellowed the Chief. “What I haven’t mentioned is that Ludo attacked the sailing vessel that Willow and the guardians were on in their search for the Myth. Many were injured and the Troth was nearly taken; it would surely have been lost if the Myth herself hadn’t protected it. If you had gone dear daughter, you may have been severely injured - rendering you useless during this time we need you most.”
Prospexi seemed earnestly surprised.
“Do not be anxious for your destiny, rushing here and there, trying to chase it down,” he continued. “Be patient and vigilant in preparing yourself, for your destiny will come to you whether you are ready for it or not.”
“So where’s the Myth now?” asked Justin.
“Willow assured me that the Myth is safely hidden away from Ludo,” said the Chief. “There she will remain until the right time comes, when death itself will not be able to keep her away. And for you Prospexi,” he said turning towards her. “Although you try my patience with your complete lack of it, I will send you as you wish, to meet with your older sister.”
“You will?” her face lit up.
“Yes, I see no threat in offering these humans my blessing for a safe passage through Saltus. You will escort them with the gift of flight to Montis where you will meet up with Willow and the guardians of the temple. There they will recharge their flight and you should reach Lockhart by sunset.”
“BUT...”
“As for you three,” the Chief continued, ignoring Prospexi’s protest. “I do not know what destiny is in store for you, however I suggest you educate yourself on the prophesies of the Troth so that you too will be prepared for the things that are about to take place. The end of this age is near and the future can be victorious if you are ready for it.”
I looked at Prospexi who still wore the bitter look of disgust on her face, and I was reminded of the sour faery statue back in the school’s study. My insides curdled at the thought of what I would have to endure, traveling with her and I asked, “How long is the flight?”
“I assume it’s your first?” the Chief asked.
“Unless you count my falling from the sky yesterday,” I answered.
“Or that short flight up to this platform in the trees last night,” said Justin.
“Hardly a flight lesson,” sighed the Chief. “Perhaps we should call in the teratorns,” he said to Prospexi. “It might be less risky.”
“It will take too long for them to arrive, besides Justin and Emily did an adequate job last night, even if it was short. I’m sure they’ll be fine,” she reassured him. Then looking at me with a nasty smile on her face, she added, “Barring any incidents.”
“Then I leave you in charge of it,” he concluded.
“But WAIT!” I swallowed, careful this time to choose my words wisely, “I’m sure we can manage on foot. After all, Prospexi has many things to do, especially now with finding the Myth and the fact that the demons are awake and we’ve already made it this far...”
Justin jabbed his elbow into me and whispered, “What are you talking about? Flying has got to be better than walking.”
“Do you honestly think we’d be safer with her?” I said quietly through my teeth.
“Thank you Chief Phaeus!” I continued with a graceful smile. “Your offering is appreciated, but we can’t possibly trouble you any further. We will find our own way on foot.”
“Nonsense! Prospexi is a good navigator, which is paramount within these woods and it’s time she meet up with Willow to help secure the safety of the Troth. She will take you with her so that your journey is aided by flight.”
“But...”
“I know the struggles you each face,” he interjected. “Those struggles fueled your dreams last night, however you both must put all of that aside now and journey on if you are to find your way home again,” he spoke with authority and although I w
as reluctant, I realized I had no choice but to accept his offering.
“Wash yourselves, for we will send you off with a repast that will be here shortly.” Then he gave a short whistle and a chipmunk scurried up the tree to meet him. It wore a small leather saddle on its back, which the chief climbed into and in no time at all they were down the trunk to the undergrowth below.
The chipmunk had me remembering Yeri and although I felt it dangerous to think about him near the faeries, I couldn’t help but wonder how he made out last night and whether he would make it back in time to continue on with us.
“What’s a repast?” asked Justin.
Prospexi snickered, obviously enjoying our ignorance.
Immediately hundreds of female fairies fluttered up to us, each carrying one sweet-smelling parcel of food. Some brought fresh forest berries, which looked like raspberries but tasted like sweet ripe strawberries, and another that looked and tasted like the sweetest blueberries I had ever had. Other fairies brought freshly baked breads; each loaf a bite-sized morsel. Some were glazed with maple syrup and others laced with nuts and berries. More faeries came and brought fresh cream and flowers that were edible and tasted like velvety mint. It was a surprisingly large breakfast served little by little. I was grateful for the much-needed change from french fries and gravy. The food brought nourishment and all that had happened the night prior slowly dissipated with each bite, as Justin, Emily and I once again enjoyed each other’s company sitting high up in the trees. We ate all that was served to us and it didn’t take long for our bellies to be full.
“Enough,” snapped Prospexi. “We should leave now if we are to make it to Montis before dusk.”
I took a quick look around for Yeri, but he was nowhere in sight.
Prospexi flew up and began to circle above us. Round and round she flew and one by one other female fairies joined her in flight until the buzzing noise of their wings was the only thing I could hear. They encircled us, flying with such speed that the whirlwind they had created began to shimmer with tiny luminescent scales that had blown off their wings. The scales sparkled in the sunlight filling the sky around us with colour and magic. The thick air tickled my face, nearly making me sneeze as it swooped my hair up in to a dance and the little hairs on my arms pricked up as though charged with some sort of electricity.
I felt a strong pull. I struggled to keep myself balanced and on my feet when a feeling of weightlessness suddenly overtook me and I was carried away with the wind. Through the sparkling funnel I saw Emily and Justin being lifted off the platform as well. Round and round we swirled, all with big smiles of excitement on our faces. Up and up the twirling air stream carried us, towards the bright sun that seemed to reach down for us through an opening in the treetops.
Brightness temporarily blinded me as we broke through the top branches to greet the warmth of the full sun above. The mist that had lingered in the trees from the morning dew swirled up with us like an ice cream twist as we rose above the trees. The faeries slowed their pace and then like a bird calling out at dusk, they sang their goodbyes and dropped back down into the forest, leaving the three of us with Prospexi high in the sky.
“Just follow my lead,” Prospexi hollered back to us. “You should have a good day of flight, so don’t try too hard, as it’s much easier and will last longer if you just let my air guide you.” Then she sailed down to just above the treetops. The air again swooped us up and we couldn’t help but follow her. It felt awkward at first, like when I was pulled by the merboy’s slipstream in the waters of Lily Palus, but the air was thinner and a lot more difficult to balance against. Somehow, with time, we got used to it and soon we were gliding over the forest with reasonable ease.
“Can you believe this?” Justin smiled.
“It’s not as fun when you’re afraid of heights,” trembled Emily.
“Hey Em!” Justin hollered back. ‘It’s not the height you should be worried about, it’s the ground when you try to land!”
I groaned, disliking his sense of humour.
“How ARE we going to land?” asked Emily, petrified.
“You will have mastered flying by then, rest assured,” said Prospexi, and she seemed to be right as our flying steadily improved as the day went on.
“Look, I can steer with my arms,” said Justin.
“You are a natural, young boy,” Prospexi called back.
“Show off,” I muttered, trying to catch up.
“Just remember what Prospexi said about not trying too hard,” hollered Emily taking up the rear. “You don’t want to fall!”
“Whaahoooooo,” hollered Justin, completely ignoring Emily’s warning as he swept down into the mist to touch the leaves on the tree tops.
“Whoah!” Emily and I screamed as our bodies accidentally followed his. We had been caught up in his slip-stream and it was obvious that we didn’t have the same control as him.
“You’re gonna pay for this Justin!” screamed Emily from the rear.
Then Justin soared back up into a full corkscrew-like maneuver, with us trailing behind at his mercy. My stomach dropped as we rose in the air. He slowed suddenly and scooped Emily up in his arms.
“Did you think I’d let you fall?” he asked with such confidence and swagger that one would think Superman had possessed him.
“Ooh,” cooed Emily.
“Seriously! Did you just coo?” my gag reflex muttered, but the two of them were gone. Swooping down to the tree tops, Emily appeared instantly braver in Justin’s arms.
“TRAITOR!” I hollered, as my body awkwardly tumbled through the air behind them. Emily turned and mouthed the word, ‘Sorry!’ and then giggled at my inability to release myself from their airstream.
It was as though we had manifested ourselves in a crazy dream, the way we had flown over the hours of the day. The sun that was at our heels had stretched overhead, making our small shadows visible over the tree tops directly below.
Suddenly the forest ended, and I gasped, seeing how high we had actually been flying.
“Eek!” Emily buried her face into Justin’s chest, and wrapped herself around him in a full-body hug.
“Stay focused!” warned Prospexi.
“Right behind you!” bellowed Justin who was now flying next to Prospexi, despite the fact Emily clung to him like sticky rice on a clean floor.
I however, was trailing further and further behind and was beginning to worry that I may lose them.
“Wait up guys!” I hollered, but all I could hear was the wind against my ears. “Guys?... GUYS!” I finally screamed.
Justin and Prospexi turned back towards me, Emily now on Justin’s back like a baby monkey. I could see the sour look on Prospexi’s face as they approached.
“Is this too difficult for you sweetheart?” Prospexi grinned apathetically.
Did she just sweetheart me?
“What do you say we help Tali Tali Jacobson pick up some speed?” she smirked.
“Is this gonna hurt?” I heard Emily cry.
“Don’t worry Em, I’ve gotcha!” Justin consoled her by intertwining his fingers with hers as he stretched both their arms out like wings.
“Yeah, and who’s got me?” I muttered under my breath, sure something horrible was about to happen.
Heading straight for me they dove down at the last second and soared towards the ground. My body of course followed inadvertently and in a much less graceful way. I saw them tuck their arms in and I copied as I dove down behind them. Our speed increased as the ground raced up towards us and I wondered how close to the ground they’d dare to go before leveling off.
I grunted my disapproval through clenched teeth as we screamed towards the ground. ‘They better pull up soon,’ my thoughts urged.
“We aren’t going to make it!” screamed Emily.
But then like a hawk flying after its prey,
Justin and Prospexi opened their arms just in time. They soared in closely above the grass and I quickly did the same, my stomach now in my throat.
“Yehaaaaw!,” laughed Justin. “Let’s do it again!”
“NO!” cried Emily and for the first time, I was grateful for her reservations.
“She’s afraid she might not make it next time,” jeered Prospexi. “And she’s quite right with only a day’s flight, the agility and speed decreases soon after midday, putting her in a vulnerable position. Although I’d have my bet on Tali Tali Jacobson being the first to fall,” she laughed.
“Go ahead and laugh!” I said. “But I don’t think your Father would be too pleased knowing you couldn’t accomplish this one simple task he entrusted you with. Imagine having to tell him that one of us didn’t make it?”
“And how can you be so sure I’d tell him?” she sneered with a malicious grin. “It would be just as well if he thought you were safely back at Lockhart with your dear families.”
“You are so predictable,” whispered Emily. “Why can’t you just keep your mouth shut? Or are you trying to get us killed?” she scolded.
“How can this be my fault?” I sighed. “And if you’d take a second to notice, I’m not the one trying to get us killed here.” I realized that it probably wasn’t very smart to wage a war against the one faery that was preventing us all from falling to our deaths, but, “She’s the psychopath!” I said anyway.
“Just apologize!” Emily jabbed me. “And make it quick!”
“No!” I refused. “I’m tired of always being the one to blame and the odd man out.”
“I think I’m gonna be sick,” mumbled Emily.
“You and me both!” I ranted.
“No, I mean I’m really going to be...” Emily began to gag and held her hand to her mouth. She was pale white.
“Not above me!” I said trying to fly out from under her. “Just keep your eyes on the horizon!”
Myth Page 15
