“It is nice to see you again, Andra. I see you have brought Yolla with you. I assume she is your selection to be the next High Priestess.”
“That right. I need apprentice. Yolla good choice.”
The Princess fixed her eyes on Yolla. “Please step forward child.”
Yolla stepped forward and Princess Meea rose from her throne. She raised her wand and Yolla was bathed in soft blue light. I knew instantly that Yolla was going through an examination. Princess Meea smiled and lowered her wand.
“You are a brave warrior, Yolla, but you also have a kind heart. If you follow the teachings of Andra to the letter, you will eventually become a great High Priestess. Do you have anything you would like to say?”
Yolla cleared her throat. “Yolla honored to be chosen. I do my best so everyone proud of me. I also honored to meet great Princess Meea.”
Princess Meea hugged Yolla. “You have my blessing, dear child. Your thoughts are pure and that makes you very special.”
Princess Meea turned to Andra. “I want you to take Yolla outside because I wish to have a conversation with Janis and Wade. Yolla can spend this time seeing more of the Enchanted Forest.
We hadn’t been introduced, but I wasn’t surprised that Princess Meea knew our names. I had a feeling she knew a great deal about what was happening in every corner of this planet.
Wade and I both approached the Princess and kneeled. Princess Meea motioned for us to stand up. “It is I who am honored to be in the presence of an Ivarr and her companion. You are the rarest creatures in all of the realities and I am privileged to have you as guests.”
“I’m surprised that you know of the Ivarrs.” I said.
“It is because I have followed the development of the Ivarrs for the last ten thousand years.”
“I sense your agelessness wisdom,” I said, “but I’m surprised you’re that old.”
“Using your method of calculating time, you are both eighteen and I am over two hundred thousand years old.”
“How is that possible?” asked Wade.
“The crystal has many powers, one of which is prolonging youth. I was just a young Fairy when I discovered the large crystal in the forest. My powers increased with the passing of time, but I was not influenced by the evil that is buried deep within the crystal. A true Fairy is pure in thought and cannot be influenced by evil.”
“What can you tell us about the Portal of Darkness?” I asked.
“The portal you speak of is a rift between our two universes. It is extremely old, dating back to the origin of this world. It has been written that Fairies from our world once passed over into your universe through this portal when it was quite small.”
“That means Fairytales are actually true and not just fables,” remarked Wade. “I’m absolutely delighted.”
“How does that explain the Demons that have been invading our universe for the past ten thousand years?”
The forces of evil have figured out a way to expand the size of the riff. When it became a danger to your universe, the Ivarr was created to protect your world. Would you like to see the first Ivarr and his companion?”
I gasped. “You can do that?”
Princess Meea smiled and raised her wand. The air rippled with electricity, turning to a beautiful dark blue. It was like standing in front of a huge movie screen as the picture appeared before us. I saw two young warriors with swords and shields fighting a group of Demons at the mouth of a small portal about twelve foot in diameter. The young warriors were outnumbered five to one, but they fought with the ferocity of wild animals. They were relentless in the defense of their world and they never took a step backwards. I looked at Wade, who so moved he was speechless.
“The two young warriors are Ausue and Jasma,” said Meea “Ausue was a Changeling and “Jasma was his Witch companion. The scene you just witnessed took place ten thousand years ago.”
I cleared my throat. “I don’t know what to say. I’m stunned beyond words.”
“The portal we encountered was about two hundred feet in diameter,” said Wade.” It takes a lot of power to create a portal that large.”
Princess Meea nodded her head. “Let me explain by telling you a story. Their once lived a powerful ruler named Badrum in a kingdom called Vadraza. He discovered a large piece of the giant crystal that had landed in his kingdom a million years before his time. The crystal was over a hundred feet in diameter and contained enormous power.”
“How did Badrum discover the crystal?” I asked.
The valley was said to be a spiritual place. Travelers came from all over because it was said the valley could heal the sick and make the crippled walk again. Badrum suspected there was something buried there and spent fifty years excavating the valley. The crystal was discovered and that was the beginning of the rise of Badrum’s exceptional powers.”
“Is Badrum the one who is responsible for sending Demons to our universe?” I asked.
“No, it was his children, Subaza and Nardo. Subaza is three years older than her brother and is the stronger of the two. The two children became evil incarnate and they murdered their father for control of the crystal. Subaza became the supreme ruler of Vadraza and Nardo is her second in command. Subaza likes to be addressed as The Queen.”
“Now that’s what I call bad seeds,” said Wade. “If I understand you correctly, Subaza and Nardo are over ten thousand years old.”
“That’s correct” said Princess Meea. “Like all creatures who use the power of the crystal, they age very slowly.”
“What you’re telling me,” I said, “is that Subaza and Nardo are the two biggest source of evil on this planet.”
“Without a doubt,” Princess Meea replied.
“Do you feel any responsibility to fight the two siblings?” I asked.
“It has always been the policy of the Fairy community not to interfere with those who live outside the Enchanted Forest. We have never resorted to violence.”
“I respect what you’ve told me, but the evil brother and sister will eventually discover the Enchanted Forest. If they take control of this planet, they will eventually discover you.”
“That is something we have considered. If it comes down to that, then we will fight to protect the Enchanted Forest. What you call Fairy dust can be an exceptionally powerful weapon.”
“Hopefully, we will be able to stop the evil siblings,” I said with a threating tone. “Maybe we should make the Vadrza kingdom our next stop?”
Princess Meea pondered what I had said. “The first crystal that landed on this planet was in what is now called Castle Town. The last crystal that fell to the surface was in the kingdom now ruled by Subaza and Nardo. I think you were sent to Castle Town because you were expected to defuse all of the crystals that lay between you and the Vadraza kingdom.”
I couldn’t believe all the information we had acquired. And to top it off, we were treated to viewing the battle of the first Ivarr and his Witch companion. We thanked Princess Meea and we joined Yolla and Andra. Yolla was so thrilled she couldn’t stop talking. I was pretty thrilled myself.
* * *
Yolla’s father was waiting for us when we arrived back at the village. He was a proud father and his face was beaming. “You have Princess Meea blessing?” he asked.
“Yes, father. Yolla make you proud one day.”
“Already proud. If mother was alive, she be proud, too.”
Wade and I decided to spend the night and head out early the next morning. I had an idea I wanted to discuss with Wade. “What do you think of the idea of making swords and shields for the village warriors? They’d be indestructible and they’d make a great going away present.”
“That’s a wonderful idea, Janis. I think we’re in debt to the Clan because we got to meet Princess Meea. How many swords and shields did you have in mind?”
“I think we should make a hundred of each. This would be a good time for you to work on perfecting your force field shaping skills.�
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“I agree. Let’s get to work.”
CHAPTER 65
We were up early the next morning to finish the swords and shields. We compressed extra air into the weapons to make them heaver. This gave the weapons a more natural feel instead of being ultra-light weight. I also added a new twist by making the swords sharper, giving them the capability to slice through iron. The swords were going to be a super weapon on this planet.
When we finished the weapons, we lined them in a row for Borgof and Yolla to inspect. Borgof picked up one of the swords and faced off against Yolla. “Defend yourself, daughter.”
Yolla drew her sword and assumed a fighting stance. With a single motion, Borgof cut Yolla’s sword in two like it was butter. “This powerful sword,” said Borgof.
I interrupted. “The only defense against your sword is another sword just like it. Another advantage is that these swords never have to be sharpened. Your shield is made of the same hard material and it cannot be pierced.”
“Good weapons, light but strong,” said Borgof. “What we pay you?”
“Nothing,” I said. “The swords and shields are given in friendship. Maybe someday you can do us a favor.”
Borgof placed his sword across his chest. “I make pledge here and now. You need help from Zema Clan, we be there and help.”
Yolla hugged me before we left. “Yolla learn much from you. Yolla always miss you.”
“Just do the best you can and become a wise and strong High Priestess. And don’t forget to follow your father’s advice. He only wants what’s best for you.”
Yolla turned to Wade. “You strong and brave. Janis strong woman. She give you many fine babies. They grow up become warriors.” I tried not to giggle because Wade looked embarrassed.
“Janis and I aren’t married, yet, but I’m working on it,” Wade said with a smile.
Yolla faced me. “What wrong with you. You not find another like Wade. He beautiful, like gods who look over us.”
Now I was the one who was embarrassed. “Maybe we’ll get married when our mission is complete.”
“Not know what marriage is. Still time to make babies. No one that busy.”
Wade was smirking as we headed out of the forest. “All right, Wade, I know you’re dying to make some kind of a cute remark. Say it and get it over with.”
“Okay, I think Yolla’s wisdom is going to make her a great High Priestess.”
“No remarks about having babies?”
“Of course not. I know I have enough will power for the both of us if you can’t control yourself. After all, it’s not every woman who has the opportunity to sleep alongside a beautiful god-like creature every night.”
I smacked Wade on the arm and we both laughed. I thought Wade was the sweetest and most considerate guy I’d ever met. I’d just have to wait and see what the future had in store for us.
* * *
We traveled as Mists for two hours and there was still nothing but forest below us. The scent of another crystal was getting stronger, so I knew we didn’t have much farther to go. We decided to take a break from flying, so we dropped down to the ground and morphed into our human form. I thought the surrounding looked similar to the forest Yolla’s Clan lived in. The only difference was the weather was getting colder.
We traveled several miles on foot and the sunlight was slowly disappearing. My senses were suddenly alerted to an invisible presence directly in front of me. I threw up a protective force field just as several humanoid creatures appeared out of thin air. They fired several energy bolts at us and then turned invisible again.
I decided the blasts were just a warning because the energy bolts were extremely weak. The creatures appeared again and fired off another set of energy bolts. I threw a force field around the creatures, imprisoning them in place in their present form. Wade and I approached the surprised creatures.
“Why do you attack us,” I asked. “We come in peace and we mean you no harm.” We backed away and released the creatures from the force field.
When I released the force field, the creatures looked puzzled and then one of them stepped forward. “My name Halanda. You trespass in Forest of Mistazoids. We mean no harm, just chase you away.”
I remembered that Mistazoid was a term used by Mists many centuries ago. I couldn’t help wondering if the creatures on this planet could be related to the Mists on Earth. “We are Mistazoids, too, I said. “We come from a faraway land unknown to you. I motioned to Wade and we put on a quick demonstration by turning into Mists.
“That not possible,” said Halanda. “I know all Mistazoids living on this world.”
Wade and I reverted back to our human form. “As I said before, we are not from this world. We have traveled a long ways and we wish to speak with your leaders.”
The Mistazoids huddled in a circle. When they broke the circle, Halanda confronted us again. “Why we trust you?”
“We could have destroyed all of you if that had been our intention.” I looked around and picked out a dead tree to use for an example. Using my power of telekinesis, I pulled the tree up by its roots and suspended it a hundred feet in the air. “Do you want to do the honors,” I asked Wade?
Wade used his energy beam and blew the dead tree into a million pieces. Then he caused the wind to blow, scattering the pieces all over the forest.
I decided to introduce myself. “My name is Janis and this is my companion, Wade.”
“You evil Wizards,” Halanda said, moving backwards in fear.
“We are not Wizards and we are not evil. We are on a mission to collect crystals and we offer protection to all who seek it. Princess Meea told us the crystals will lead us to Subaza and Nardo, the evil siblings in the kingdom of Vadraza.”
“You speak to Princess Meea? That great honor, you just youngsters. How you fight Subaza and Nardo? They most powerful Sorcerers on this world.”
“We also have many powerful skills. Our assignment is to seek out The Queen and her brother and destroy them.”
“Who gave powers?” Halanda asked.
“The Supreme Being,” I answered. “Wade has great powers too.”
Halanda spoke again. “We believe in the great power, he live in sky, look over all creatures. He called many names. We call him Wachacha. If Wachacha spoke to you, you are chosen ones. Come, I take you to town.” The Mistazoids turned into Mists. Wade and I turned into Mists and followed them.
When we materialized, I found myself in a town that was far more modern than the villages we’d visited earlier. It was obvious the Mistazoids were an advanced culture because the streets were lit with glowing lamps. I was especially impressed because everything was sparking clean. The scent of the crystal was overwhelming and I knew we had reached its source.
The people in the town reminded me of the Rens. The only thing out of the ordinary was the sight of the people constantly disappearing and suddenly reappearing.
We attracted quite a crowd as we walked down the street with Halanda. I was studying the layout of the town when we came upon a large flat bolder in the middle of the street. The top of the bolder was completely flat and lying on top of the bolder was a green crystal about three feet in diameter. Several citizens were kneeling around the crystal as if in prayer.
“This is healing stone,” said Halanda. “It cure sick, gives us many powers.”
“Is your energy beam powered by the crystal?” I asked.
“Yes, but beam never used for evil. Mistazoids are peaceful.”
We stopped in front of a large building that I assumed to be the town hall. Once we were inside the building, we were given stools to sit on. Directly in front of us was a long table with six empty chairs.
The town hall filled up quickly because the news had spread that there were strangers in town. I assumed we were going to meet the leaders of the Mistazoid Clan.
Six older Mistazoid men entered room. I assumed these were the Town Elders. All six Elders had shoulder length white hair and lo
ng beards hanging down to their waist. The Elders wore dark blue gowns and pointed hats that were at least two feet high. Both the gowns and the hats had white stars painted on them. I’d seen pictures of Wizards dressed like this in Fairytale books. None of the Elders had any unusual powers, so I knew they weren’t Wizards.
The Elders seated themselves with the exception of the senior Elder who remained on his feet to speak. “This meeting called because visitors possess unusual powers. Will visitors rise, tell us why they enter Forest of the Mistazoids.” I looked at Wade and then rose to my feet before I spoke.
“We are travelers from another world. We are searching for the many crystals that landed on your world, countless years ago. The crystals I speak of are similar to the one your people draw their power from. Unlike the Mistazoids, there are those who have used the crystal for evil. Our mission is to destroy the evil creatures who misuse their powers. Our final objective is to defeat Queen Subaza and her brother in the kingdom of Vadraza.”
“The senior Elder spoke again. “Subaza and Nardo too powerful to destroy. It take power of gods to defeat them.”
“We have such powers,” I said. The crowd gasped as I used my power of telekinesis to raise the entire building off the ground. Some of the townspeople were hanging onto their chairs and others turned into Mists and flew out of the building. After I placed the building back on the ground, Wade and I went through a series of transformations, including morphing into two of the Town Elders. For a demonstration of strength, I decided to morph into the Changeling Princess for maximum power. The crowd was shocked, but I had no idea why. I was a little bit taller and I was wearing my toga, but that shouldn’t have caused such an extreme reaction.
“Behold,” said the senior Elder. “Prophecy of Angel of Deliverance come to pass. We do test, prove she is one.”
“I think you’ve been mistaken for some sort of a goddess,” Wade whispered. “Whoever this Angel of Deliverance is, you must bear a striking resemblance to her.”
“Do any kind of test you want,” I said with confidence. “My body is indestructible and I cannot be harmed.”
The Changeling Princess Page 35