“Jump,” Butchy replied.
“Butchy, maybe you should just get her another pair,” Nita interjected.
“Mine didn’t do that,” Katya agreed.
“Oh for cryin’ out loud,” Butchy declared. Turning around, he stomped up to Leilanni, grabbed her waistband, and ordered, “Jump. Now.”
Leilanni jumped and the jeans moved a fraction.
“Again,” he ordered. “Harder this time.”
Leilanni obeyed and the pants went the rest of the way up.
“Now suck in,” Butchy said. She did as he asked, while he quickly buttoned and zipped her pants. “There. And they look great on you! Turn around.”
Leilanni’s pained expression matched her voice. “I can’t move. They’re too tight.”
“Oh, my stars!” Butchy exclaimed. “Must you be so flipping difficult? Just bend over and loosen them up. Looking good is painful ... and work. Do you think I just pull off all this fabulousness without any effort at all?” Gesturing down the length of his super-sized body, the fur coat slid to the side revealing his ample, muffin-top waistline.
After several bends and squats, Leilanni could not only move, but breathe as well. “I hate clothes,” she muttered.
“I love clothes!” Katya replied with a grin.
Before the irritated blonde could respond, Paul once again yelled from the cabin. “You guys coming? It’s getting cold.”
“On our way,” Katya answered, then motioning to the others, she headed inside. Both Nita and Leilanni stopped in their tracks and stared at the two strange looking humps protruding from Katya’s back.
Butchy doubled over with laughter, tears rolling down his face, he choked out, “Sweetie, we have a problem.”
Leilanni smacked Butchy on the shoulder, sending him reeling to the side, “What the hell did you to do her? She’s deformed!”
Still laughing, Butchy exclaimed, “I didn’t do that. She’s got it on wrong.”
Just a few minutes later, after Nita had kindly helped Katya fix her wardrobe malfunction, Katya eyed Butchy’s ample form and asked, “I don’t get it, your bosoms are bigger than mine. Why don’t you have this contraption on?”
Completely offended by her remark, the fairy pulled his fur coat tighter around him and stormed into the cabin.
Paul had placed five bowls of a thick, chunky, tan substance on the table. Watery lines pooled throughout the grotesque meal.
Katya’s horrified expression seemed almost comical. Speechless, she pointed at the table.
Leilanni’s voice mirrored Katya’s disgust. “What is that? I am not eating that reputable garbage.”
“Repugnant, Leilanni,” Uncle Butchy interjected.
“What?” she asked.
“The word you’re trying to say is repugnant.” Uncle Butchy answered.
“I don’t care if the word is repugnant or not. That is not food!”
Butchy waved his hand at the table. “Oh sit down. It’s just oatmeal and it’s very good for you. You need to keep these bodies strong and healthy if you want to beat Goldalynn. Humans don’t eat just meat.”
The girls took their seats and picking up the spoons placed by the side of each bowl, began to pick at the food stuff.
Uncle Butchy rolled his eyes and pulled out his wand. Waving it over the table, he produced a small crystal container with what appeared to be light brown dirt inside. “There. Quit your bitchin’ and try some of that.”
Leilanni cocked her head to the side. “So you want us to put dirt on the slop, and then eat it? Seriously?”
“It’s not dirt you, nincompoop! It’s sugar. Brown sugar to be precise. Now eat or starve, and enough with the chit chat.”
The girls took turns dropping a spoonful of the substance on their breakfast, but Katya was the only one brave enough to try it. She took half a spoonful, brought it to her nose, and sniffed. “It smells okay,” she said.
Opening her mouth just enough to allow the spoon’s entry, she took a deep breath and pushed the substance into her mouth. Her eyes immediately grew wide. “This is good. Try it! I want some more dirt, too.” She laughed.
“Sugar, Katya. It’s not dirt,” Butchy chuckled.
She nodded as she grabbed the sugar bowl and ladled on a thick layer.
Butchy watched as the three girls ate. Katya shoveled hers in as fast as she could. Nita ate slowly as if each bite were troublesome. And Leilanni, winced each time she took a bite. “What’s the problem girls? Is it really that bad?”
“Mine’s perfect,” Katya mumbled over a mouthful of food.
Nita put her spoon on the table. “It tastes okay, but it’s kinda cold.”
Also mumbling over the food, Leilanni answered, “It’s good, but it’s really hot. Maybe we should trade, Nita?”
Butchy’s gaze darted around the room. “No way! What are the odds?”
“What are you talking about?” Katya asked.
Leaning in, he scrutinized their faces and asked, “Just curious, how did you three sleep last night?”
Katya shrugged. “Quite well, actually.”
Crossing her arms, Nita answered with a question. “What are you getting at, Uncle Butchy?”
“Just answer the question, Nita.” He replied.
“I slept okay, I guess. The mattress was a little too soft for me, but I’m not really used to sleeping in beds.”
“And you?” Uncle Butchy pointed to Leilanni. “How did you sleep?”
“The ground would have been more comfortable. That bed felt like it was made of stone.”
Cocking his head to the side, Butchy grinned and let out a snort. “Well this shouldn’t be too unexpected I suppose. Considering.”
“Considering what?” Nita asked.
“Never mind.” He shook his head and continued laughing.
Chapter Eight
After the breakfast mess had been whisked away by Uncle Butchy’s magic wand, they began searching the interior of the cabin for some clues as to what had brought them here. They started in the living room, going through each book on the shelves and checking every last drawer, crack and crevice they could find. Less than an hour had passed before they were interrupted by a knock at the front door.
The girls traded uncertain glances as Butchy put his index finger to his lips.
Three more loud knocks echoed through the small cabin accompanied by a gruff voice saying, “I know you’re in there. Park Ranger, open up.”
“What’s a Park Ranger?” Katya asked.
“Shhh,” Butchy hissed. “I’ll handle this. You four just smile and stay quiet.” Then making his wings invisible, he went to the door and pulled it open just far enough to peer through the crack. “How can I help you, Officer?”
The moment the door opened, Leilanni sniffed, and before she could stop it, a low growl rumbled in her chest.
Butchy’s shoulders stiffened as he awaited the man’s response. His eyes darted over the ranger taking in his complete lack of uniform, the jagged scar on his semi-bearded face, and the overall unkempt appearance of the man. If this man is a Park Ranger, I’ll eat my hat, he thought. Who ever heard of a Park Ranger in black leather?
“What was the holdup? The place isn’t that big,” the man barked.
“Hold up?” Butchy innocently replied.
The man shook his shaggy locks. “Never mind. What are you doing in this house and where are the previous occupants?”
Smiling serenely, Butchy responded, “It’s a rental, so I’m not certain who stayed here before. Sorry I couldn’t help more.”
Just as he attempted to close the door, the so-called ranger stuck his booted toe in the gap and pushed it open wider. His gaze immediately fell on the three young women. “Well, well. What have we here? I thought you were alone.”
Butchy shoved his shoulders back and raised his chin. He didn’t attempt to hide his scathingly indignant tone as he spoke. “I don’t believe you asked how many of us were here. And I’d greatly appreciate it
if you’d kindly refrain from ogling my nieces.”
Paul cleared his throat, stepped into the ranger’s line of sight, and crossed his massive arms over his chest.
“And he is?” the ranger asked.
“My nephew. Now, we were in the middle of something, so if you are finished here...”
The ranger shook his head and peered around the room. “I just need to take a look around first, and if everything seems on the up and up, I’ll leave shortly.”
Leilanni popped her neck and moved into position beside Paul.
Nita quickly followed suit. Something about the man did not smell right. Humans have a distinct odor and this man smelled more beast than man. Although the scent was familiar, she couldn’t quite place it. Regardless, something was off and even Katya, who usually seemed oblivious to most things, looked nervous.
Clearing his throat, Butchy said, “Yes, well ... do you have a warrant? As a matter of fact, I’d like to see your identification. Forgive me for sounding out of sorts, but your appearance is certainly not what one would expect of a Park Ranger.”
The man moved to step towards Butchy and found himself lying on the ground at the bottom of the porch steps with both Paul and Leilanni standing over him.
Leilanni’s husky voice dripped with rage. “I think it’s time you leave.”
The man growled as he sat up and sniffed. His eyes grew wide as he once again breathed in her scent.
Paul and Leilanni stepped back as the man stood. His eyes darted between them as he spoke. “This is new, but then again, anything is possible.” Then turning his eyes on Butchy, he continued, “Cut the crap, and tell me where the old broad and the kid are. I’ll leave when they’re in my custody.”
“I haven’t the slightest idea of whom you’re speaking. Like I said, we’re just renting. Your presence is no longer welcome here, so unless you’d like my young friends to escort you from the premises...”
Allowing his dark eyes to wander over Leilanni’s curves, the man replied, “Don’t threaten me with a good time. You might not like my answer.”
Glaring, Paul took one step forward and stood nose to nose with the guy. “Don’t tempt me.”
The man nodded, slipped his hand in his pocket, pulled out a small card and flipped it in Paul’s face. “Fine, I’ll go. You guys come to your senses and decide to spill the beans, give me a call. There’s a five thousand dollar reward for information leading to the capture of the fugitives.”
On guard, they motionlessly watched until he disappeared into the trees at the far edge of the clearing.
Uncle Butchy let out a relieved sigh. “That man was no ranger. Not even close.”
“That man was no man,” Katya replied.
Paul, Nita, and Leilanni nodded in agreement.
“What was he?” Butchy asked.
Leilanni shook her head. “I’m not sure. He smelled of dog, wolf maybe. Not the smell humans get from being around them though. This was different.”
Still staring at the edge of the woods, Paul said, “He’s dangerous, whatever he is. Predators know when they are in the presence of another.”
The girls nodded.
Butchy glanced at the spot where the man had disappeared and said, “Well, whether he is or not, we have work to do. Let’s figure out what called us here, so we can skedaddle.”
***
The sun had descended below the treetops before they finally gave up the search. In a small wooden box hidden under one of the beds upstairs, they’d found pictures of a beautiful young woman holding a baby, and some of a little girl. Probably remnants of the previous occupants, but there was no way to be sure who they were or where they had gone.
After a dinner of flame-broiled fish and fresh greens, which the girls choked down only because Butchy had made such a big deal about keeping their human bodies healthy, they all sat around the fireplace and discussed the matter.
“Is it possible we were brought here to find the missing lady and girl?” Nita asked. “Maybe they need our help.”
Butchy sighed. “I suppose it is possible. Anything is possible. I need to leave you kids for awhile and go do a little research. The longer it takes to figure out why we are here, the longer we’ll be stuck. Goldalynn could show up anytime and we most certainly don’t want to run into her again.”
Katya, who had remained quietly staring into the fire for most of the evening’s conversation, finally spoke up. “What do you think they did?”
“Huh?” Butchy’s head turned in her direction.
“The old lady and the kid. What could they have done to put them on that animal’s radar? Something’s not right about this,” she responded.
“I’m more concerned with what he is and when he’s coming back,” Leilanni said.
Paul rose from his position on the floor and stretched. “He’s an idiot if he comes back. We may not have figured out what exactly he is, but he knows we’re not quite human either. That ought to scare him enough to stay clear.”
Leilanni raised her eyes to Paul’s heavily muscled arms and quickly looked away. “Doesn’t strike me as someone who scares easily.”
Grinning, Paul replied as he walked to the door, “Don’t worry, Lee Lee. I’ll protect you.”
Seconds later, something soft thumped against the back of his head.
She laughed as he slowly turned, glanced at the pillow lying at his feet, and met her gaze. “I got this. You just worry about those boots.”
***
In the wee hours of the night, Butchy carefully tiptoed through the cabin making sure all the occupants were sound asleep. As he moved to the front door, Paul’s soft snoring suddenly stopped. Butchy’s entire body stiffened as he stood completely still. A few seconds later, Paul sputtered and the rhythmic breathing began again. Sighing with relief, Butchy thought better of his plan, took his true tiny form, and flew through the narrowly opened window.
Butchy was no different than any other magical creature, especially those of the faerie variety. Admitting they were wrong was a complete and total loss of face. Even worse, admitting they had no idea what they were doing ... well, that was unheard of. Fairies were created solely to keep the world of men in balance with the magical realms. They had to know what they were doing at all times. And poor Butchy? He had no clue why they were at their present location and what exactly they should be looking for. So to him, setting off to speak to the Fairy Historian and Secret Keeper was just about his only option. If anyone would be able to help them, he was sure it would be the Secret Keeper.
Once outside the cabin, he twirled his wand and pointed it directly at the forest. A beam of sparkling pink light shot out a few feet ahead and dispersed into a cloud of glittering purple. He took one last look at the cabin behind and flew into the magical mist.
In less than half a breath, he was on the other side, smack dab in the middle of the Faerie Realm, floating in front of Crann na Beatha, which was home base for all fairy operations everywhere.
Smiling, he reveled in the beauty of his home. In the magical realms every color imaginable shined brighter than any in the human world. Growing in the vast open clearing surrounding the Crann, flowers of every species and hue filled the warm air with delicate fragrances. Lush, thick grass danced and swayed in unison with the joyful breeze like sprites during a spring festival.
Crann na Beatha itself was a spectacular site to behold. Legends from the dawn of time told of the magically imbued seed from a white ash tree, planted by Mother Nature. With love and time, the seed grew into a tree of epic proportions, and when it finally reached its full potential ... the magic of the tree gave birth to the Faerie Realm and its inhabitants. Fairies, Sprites, Nymphs, Brownies, and more, burst into existence simultaneously. Upon their arrival, they built their homes, storage facilities, archives, and even an armory right into the branches and trunk. And at the very tip top, nestled at the base of the highest reaching limb, sat the Hall of Secrets, home to the Fairy Historian and Secret Keep
er.
The hub of any and all important fairy business, the Crann had a continuous flow of creatures buzzing about and today was no different.
A winsome translucent-winged female sprite called out to him, “Hey, Butchy! Heard about the new gig. Grats on that!”
“Thanks, Tilda,” he hollered back.
Keeping his eyes tilted down, Butchy buzzed up into the upper branches hoping to sneak into the Hall of Secrets before anyone else noticed his arrival. He almost made it, too. Unfortunately, just as he was about to open the door to the hall, it opened from the inside and he came face to face with the one person he’d hoped to avoid at all costs.
Her face lit up the moment she saw him, but the smile quickly turned into a frown. Her silver hair, pulled into a tight bun on the top of her head, still reminded him of a crown.
Tucking an ancient book bound in dark brown leather under her arm, she straitened the folds of her azure dress. “Bartholomew, don’t you have charges to look after? What would the Queen say if she knew you were shirking your duties already?”
“Hello, Mother. Nice to see you, too.”
Smile returning, the wrinkles in her face grew impossibly deeper. “Well of course I’m glad to see you, dear. But really, it’s not even been a week and you’re already out gallivanting around?”
Butchy stuck his hands in his pocket and looked at his feet. As much as he tried not to do it, he couldn’t stop himself from kicking a knot on the limb. “I’m here to see the Secret Keeper.” Raising his gaze to meet hers, he continued, “And this is strictly business. There’s something very unusual going on. I need to get to the bottom of it.”
“Well, that’s a completely different matter then, isn’t it? Do come in. I’ll try to help as much as I’m able.”
“No offense, Mother, but I really need the Secret Keeper for this.”
She shook her head. “I’m afraid that’s quite impossible. Your father is away at the moment. Looks like you’ll have to deal with me.”
“Lovely,” he said and rolled his eyes.
“I’ve just finished having tea, but there’s a spot or two left. We’ll warm it up and have a little chat. It’s periwinkle, your favorite.”
Beary Tales Page 9