The Last Fairy Tale

by Lowell, E. S.

  As the group recovered from the scare, Olivia looked ahead. In the distance, she saw a forest of tall birch trees. Their path continued toward the forest and ended at a tall building with many windows, all of them giving off a warm yellow glow. To the left of the building was a gigantic lake. Its placid surface clearly reflected the moon and the stars, making the lake look like a fallen piece of sky.

  “Ah, I’ve never been so happy to get a glimpse of home!” Rufus said, looking at the lake.

  “Wow…Stonehaven Lake is beautiful at night,” Locke added.

  “It’s beautiful in the daytime, too.” Holli said.

  “Well, I’m no big reader, but I’d say I’ve never been this happy to see the Nocturnal Archives,” Bren said.

  “Same here,” Jin said weakly. His normally rich and vibrant complexion had become dull and he struggled to stay upright. “Let’s go, we’re almost there.”

  Soon the group arrived at the entrance of the Nocturnal Archives, which was a tall circular tower that rose into the moonlit night sky. At its base was a large stone staircase that led to two massive wooden doors. Bren knocked heavily on one of the doors, and after a moment it slowly swung open. A shadowy figure stood in the doorway, only a silhouette against the warm light coming from within. After her eyes had adjusted, Olivia saw that it was an owl-like creature, wearing a long red robe and a pair of golden spectacles.

  “Welcome to the Nocturnal Archives,” the owl creature said in a low voice. He bowed and moved to the side, allowing the group to enter.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The Nocturnal Archives

  “Right this way,” the owl creature said, leading the group forward to a large round room. The smooth stone floor glinted as the soft light from floating orbs hit it. Wide columns of stone were interspersed around the room, holding up the many floors above them. Around the room were wooden doors that lead to smaller rooms, some of which contained beds for travelers in need of a place to stay while they studied.

  Strange creatures, resembling deer but with oddly human faces, lay all about the floor. The creatures had a certain majestic and unapproachable air about them. A few of them had great, intricately branching antlers that gleamed in the light. Some of them were huddled in groups on the stone floor, while others were wandering by themselves, deep in thought.

  Soon Olivia and the group passed into the center of the tower where the ceiling suddenly ended, revealing floor upon floor of books, scrolls, and documents. Olivia stared at the shelves in awe. She had never seen so many books in her entire life. She wondered what information they held and what she could learn from them.

  The owl creature stopped in front of a circular desk, where he bowed and then walked away. Another owl creature was standing behind the desk. This creature looked much older than the one that had welcomed them inside, and it stared at her through a pair of golden spectacles with an intimidating glare.

  “So, the human has come,” the creature said in a deep voice. “This is good news.” He moved his gaze from Olivia to Jin. “You have come quite late. Is there a reason for this?”

  “We were attacked by Morragin the arachon on the way,” Jin said, moving his hand to show his wound.

  “Oh, my,” the creature gasped. “Tell me, did she seem…out of her mind, at all?”

  “Yes, she definitely seemed insane,” Jin said. “She insisted that we follow her to the Grimoire.”

  “So it is true.” The creature shook his head. “The hjorthovin have been telling me some very disturbing things. Your encounter seems to prove them correct.” He paused for a moment, inspecting Jin’s wound. “I suppose you will want to find an antidote for that venom.”

  “Precisely, Walter,” said Rufus. “We should like to act as quickly as possible, if you don’t mind.”

  “Is that you, Rufus?” Walter asked, peering over the desk and down at the gnome.

  “Indeed it is, old friend.” Rufus looked up at Walter and smiled.

  “Well, let’s waste no more time,” Walter said. “I’ll bring you all that we have on the subject of arachons. In the meantime, you and your companions may find a place among the hjorthovin refugees to rest.” He threw back his long red robe and spread his massive wings. He burst into the air, flying up through the center of the tower in search of the books Rufus needed.

  Bren scouted out an area next to a fireplace that wasn’t occupied by hjorthovin with a few soft chairs, a couch, and a plush red rug. Bren immediately plopped down on one of the chairs and exhaled loudly. Jin lay down on the rug, tucking his hooves close to his body. Olivia, Locke, and Kai-Tu sat on the couch, while Thunc and Kili found a vacant part of the stone floor to rest on. Grimwitch and Gauntlet wandered around, curiously looking at the hjorthovin. Rufus and Holli found a desk not too far away where they sat waiting for Walter to return.

  “What’s wrong with the hjorthovin?” Olivia whispered to Locke. “Jin said earlier that they rarely leave Whitewood.”

  “I don’t know, but I’m positive it has something to do with the Lich King.”

  “Do you think I can go talk to them?” Olivia asked, not quite believing what she was saying. A few days ago she would have never voluntarily approached a creature as strange and majestic as the hjorthovin. But things were getting worse with each passing moment, all because of the Lich King. She needed to know more about him.

  “You can definitely try,” said Locke. “But, from what I hear, they’re unsociable and hard to understand.”

  “I think I’ll give it a try,” Olivia said.

  “Okay, I’ll come with–”

  “We request an audience with the human,” a soft voice said from behind the couch. Locke and Olivia jumped and spun around. Staring at them with large almond-shaped eyes was a hjorthovin. Its human-like face was pale and fair, and its features were delicate but pronounced.

  “Uh…sure,” Olivia stammered nervously.

  “Follow me, please,” said the hjorthovin.

  “Don’t you be gettin’…too far…group…” Bren said, his head nodding as he fell asleep.

  Olivia looked around at the others. Kai-Tu had also fallen asleep. Jin had his eyes closed, resting. Thunc was sprawled out on his back on the stone floor, while Kili rested on his stomach. Grimwitch and Gauntlet were nowhere to be found. Walter suddenly swooped down, carrying four large books in his claws.

  “These should help,” he said as he gently laid the books on the desk for Rufus and Holli.

  “That was fast!” Rufus said, thanking Walter.

  “Old age doesn’t slow this scrowl down, I assure you!” Walter chuckled and turned to the other group members. “Oh, my! I wager that these poor folk have been through quite a day.”

  “Indeed, we have,” Holli said. “I’m about ready to have a good rest myself.”

  “Well, you shall have nice beds this night,” said Walter. “The hjorthovin seem to never sleep. How long do you plan on staying?”

  “A day, perhaps,” Rufus said. “We need to let Jin recuperate. It also may give us a little time to gather some information about this Lich King character. The things that he has already done frighten me.”

  “Yes. The hjorthovin have been worried as well. It is very unsettling,” Walter added.

  Olivia looked over at the hjorthovin that had spoken to her. It was staring back at her, waiting for her to follow. Just then, Olivia heard a voice inside her mind.

  “What the scrowl says is true. You must come so that we may speak with you.”

  Olivia inhaled sharply. She knew the voice came from the hjorthovin, but she was aware that the hjorthovin hadn’t actually verbally said anything. She walked slowly to the hjorthovin with Locke following, a confused look on his face.

  The creature led them to a circle of hjorthovin on the other side of the room. The group of hjorthovin eyed Olivia as she approached until one of the largest stepped forward, his elaborately branching antlers rising above Olivia’s head. Moss hung from the antlers and a long white be
ard trailed from his chin.

  “So it is true,” the creature said in a soft, deep voice. “The counter does exist.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t understand,” said Olivia.

  “Nor do you need to. Names are not relevant, but if you so choose, you may call me Celestim. However, that is not my true name, for you would not be able to understand or pronounce it.”

  “Thank you, Celestim. I’m Olivia Wickworth, and it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Yes, I share the same sentiment, Olivia,” Celestim said. “Our meeting will be brief. You require rest, like your companions.”

  “Don’t worry about that. I’m fine,” said Olivia. She was more tired now than she ever remembered being, but she wanted to find out if the hjorthovin had any information about the Lich King.

  “Although your dedication is admirable, I shall not keep you. Tell me, Olivia, do you know the threat that lies ahead of you?”

  “Yes,” she replied. “An evil human.”

  “Correct,” he said. “But do you understand the meaning of this threat?”

  “I don’t…” Olivia said, confused.

  “Olivia, the Fabric tells me of a man,” Celestim said, his eyes narrowing. “A human whose time has been strung out over many ages. We condemn ourselves for not recognizing it sooner, but why should one begin to suspect such a thing?” He paused, looking at Olivia’s baffled expression. “I realize I do not communicate well in your language and at your level of understanding, but please try your best to understand.”

  She nodded and quickly glanced at Locke, who was rocking gently back and forth on his heels, his mouth open, in a stupor.

  “There is more to this man than you may suspect, Olivia,” Celestim said. “I do sense a great power deep within your mind. However, I suggest that you take caution when you set out in the coming days.”

  “I-I’ll remember to be careful,” Olivia said.

  “Now, return to your companions and rest. We have much to study this night…” He bowed slightly and then turned toward a stack of books sitting near the other hjorthovin. The book on the top of the stack suddenly rose into the air and floated over to Celestim. It opened itself and hovered in front of his face as he began to read. As Celestim turned and walked away with the book suspended in front of him, Olivia glimpsed the title: The Tales of Harry the Human.

  Olivia looked at Locke, her head tilted to the side questioningly. Locke had been right; the hjorthovin were very difficult to understand. He shrugged his shoulders and nodded in the direction of the seating area where the others rested. She felt that if she didn’t lie down soon, she would collapse. She followed him, a little dazed from both fatigue and her conversation with Celestim and settled on the couch next to Kai-Tu, who was snoring loudly. It wasn’t long after they sat down that they dozed off.

  * * * * *

  Olivia woke to the sound of thunder. When she opened her eyes, she saw that she was in a bed in a small room. She then remembered that she was in the Nocturnal Archives and quickly jumped out of bed and ran over to the window.

  Rain was pouring down outside. Olivia’s room faced Stonehaven Lake, and she could see its once-placid surface now rippling as raindrops hit it. She wondered how long she had been sleeping. She heard voices outside her door and cracked it open to listen.

  A young hjorthovin was speaking. “By telepathically speaking with the Astral Leviathans.”

  “Right,” said Locke. “You know what? Never mind. Thanks for trying.”

  Olivia smiled at the sound of Locke’s voice. She opened the door the rest of the way and saw Locke leaning against a stone pillar, looking at a small hjorthovin with a confused expression on his face. When he noticed Olivia, he smiled and walked over to her.

  “What was that all about?” Olivia asked.

  “I asked a simple question: Where does the Stream come from? And he answered me with all this nonsense. I’m sure he knows what he’s talking about, but I just don’t get it.”

  Olivia giggled and then asked, “How long was I asleep?”

  “Well, right now it’s about noon, so you’ve been out for a while,” Locke said. “Bren’s been wanting to come wake you up, but Jin made him wait. He says you needed the sleep so you can use today to practice your magics.”

  Olivia remembered her conversation with Celestim the night before. She hadn’t understood what he had said, but she had the feeling she needed to practice and gain a better understanding of magic as much as possible before reaching the Lich King. The thunder rumbled again, reminding Olivia of something she wanted to ask. “I’ve never seen rain before. Can we go outside?”

  “I suppose we could,” Locke said, laughing. “I mean, as an imp, I do enjoy a good rain shower, but people usually like to stay out of the rain.”

  “I see,” Olivia said. “What if we just watched it from the main entrance?”

  “That’ll be fine,” said Locke, “but you should really eat something first. I’m sure you’re starving.”

  Olivia realized that she was hungry. She hadn’t eaten anything since the apples and rolls the previous day.

  “Plenty of sandwiches are over by the main desk,” Locke said, pointing to a small table. “Jin made them this morning. Holli and Rufus gave him the antidote they made last night, and he says he’s feeling as good as new.”

  “Oh, that’s great!” Olivia said excitedly. “I’ll go grab a sandwich and visit with him.”

  “Okay. I’ll come too. Those sandwiches are delicious,” Locke said.

  After Olivia and Locke had grabbed a couple sandwiches each, they returned to the area where they had fallen asleep the night before. Bren was sitting in one of the chairs, flipping through a picture book on minerals. Rufus and Holli were asleep on the couch, and Jin was picking absentmindedly at the bandage around his shoulder. The rest of the group was gone.

  “Ah, Olivia,” Bren exclaimed as he noticed her approaching. “’Bout time you got up!”

  “Where is everyone else?” Olivia asked through a mouthful of sandwich.

  “Thunc and Kili went out to play in the rain,” said Jin. “Kai-Tu is up there, reading.” He motioned toward the ceiling. “And the spindelum have been running around playing hide-and-seek for the last eight hours.” He sighed.

  “I would also like to go out and see the rain,” Olivia said. “If that’s okay…”

  “Sure, you can go,” said Jin. “But only for a little while. You really need to study your magics today. There are only a few days left before we face the Lich King, and I want you to feel prepared.”

  Olivia suddenly lost her appetite at the mention of the Lich King. Only a few days left, she thought to herself. She looked up at Jin and nodded before heading toward the exit.

  “Do you still think I’m capable of doing this, Locke?” Olivia asked as they passed the main desk.

  “Of course. The Great Fairy believes in you, and so does everyone else. Besides, if you start to doubt yourself along the way, just tell me. I’ll fix it!”

  Olivia smiled. “But I’m nowhere near powerful enough to do anything. I mean, the hjorthovin talk like this man has been around for a long time, and I believe it. Considering the things he’s been able to do, he has to be extremely powerful.”

  “Honestly, Olivia, I don’t think it’s about being powerful,” Locke said, looking over at her. “I think the Great Fairy chose you because you’re special. We might not know exactly what it is that he sees in you, but I think you’re special, too.”

  “But how will that help me in the end?” Olivia asked. She appreciated Locke’s attempt to reassure her, but she wanted to know how she was supposed to stand against an enemy as powerful as the Lich King.

  “I dunno, Olivia,” Locke said with a sigh. “But whatever happens, I’ll be with you until the end. I know that isn’t saying much, but I think you’re wonderful and I want to see you succeed. I mean, who knows what life could be like after this is over?”

  Olivia hadn’t thought about th
at. She remembered her conversation with the Great Fairy. I wonder if he’s found a way to help the children… she thought. I wonder if Nachton is okay… All of a sudden, one of the spindelum dashed past them, laughing. The other followed close behind, his arms outstretched.

  “It must be tag now,” said Locke. “If Walter was down here, he’d be furious!”

  “Where is he by the way?” Olivia asked, noticing that she hadn’t seen any of the scrowls.

  “They’re up in the roost,” he said, pointing toward the roof. “They sleep during the day.”

  “Oh, so they really are like owls then,” said Olivia.

  “Like what?” Locke asked.

  “Never mind,” Olivia replied, smiling.

  Upon reaching the main entrance of the Archives, Locke turned the large knob on one of the doors and heaved it open. The sound of the rain suddenly filled Olivia’s ears. She looked at the path they had walked on the night before and saw that it was now a muddy mess. The land all around the Archives looked completely different than it had when she had arrived. She took a deep breath. The rain had an odd, fresh scent that she enjoyed. She peered around and noticed a small grassy hill hovering above the ground. It wasn’t until a pudgy blue bird landed on it that Olivia realized it was Thunc’s hat. He was halfway in the ground, his arms resting on the surface. He watched happily as Kili flew around in the rain.