Crocodile Queen

by Phil Armstrong

  “Ally?” questioned Rose.

  “She'll need it to protect Dan and herself from Elora's foul reach, and that’s what you must do if you want to save Kaan."

  Atheria’s swirling cloud suddenly folded into itself and she was gone.

  For the first time, in a long time, the Crocodile Queen felt totally alone again, she felt confused, beaten, and truly frightened. She'd faced evil forces, before emerging victorious, she fought fierce battles, but she always had Kaan at her side. Or at least covering her back, guiding her, and helping her through. Never had she felt so alone, so angry, and filled with feelings of rage and revenge. She started to pace the floor, trying to clear her head, she desperately needed to find a solution. She stopped moving, suddenly clutching her hands to her chest, "That's it. I need to find the amulet, but I also have to protect those two kids; we'll find the amulet together, then I can protect them by keeping them close to me."

  She scurried to her favorite chair, she folded her arms, and thinking about Ally’s pretty face she attempted to recall details of her eyes, nose, mouth, and lips.

  * * * * *

  The Fifth Realm - Earth

  Chapter 6: A Call to Action.

  Westtown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

  “My evening visitors, if they cannot see the clock, should find the time in my face.”

  It was 6.30am on a lazy Sunday morning in the sleepy village of Westtown, Pennsylvania. Ally had woken earlier; she’d rubbed her tired eyes and initially turned over, trying to drift off back to sleep. Ally knew today was going to be a lazy day, she couldn’t muster up any energy, she wanted to simply laze around. In her semi-conscious state, she was drifting in and out of a light relaxing sleep. Ally's Mum had left earlier in the morning hours heading to an event in the city. Ally’s eyes started to move rapidly making undulating waves beneath the surface of her eyelids as she fell deeper into her sleep pattern and beginning to dream.

  Ally could hear a strong fresh wind rustling through the tall birch trees that surrounded her, she was standing in a circular shaped clearing, with a brilliant blue cloudless sky above her. She felt warm, and the winds that swirled around her started to cool her body on this hot summer's day deep within the forest. Her attention was drawn to the movement in the trees, she saw flashes of brilliant colors, large parrots fluttered between the welcoming branches. She could feel energy, the rhythm of the old forests daily life was unmistakable, but today, the old forest was strangely flat, deadly quiet. Ally could hear the rustling wind through the trees, but nothing else.

  A screaming flash of brilliant gold caught her eye, she turned her head quickly to focus on the vibrant color invading her peripheral vision, she saw a young girl; she'd seen this girl before, dressed in a brilliant shimmering golden silk gown with long white lace cuffs and matching collar. The small, thin girl pulled her long dark hair away from her face. She approached cautiously, but not with a heavy foot or a recognized gait, she seemed to float above the forest's grassy floor with a graceful ease. The girl stopped short of Ally, she smiled, and a voice entered Ally’s head, but strangely the girl’s pretty face remained still, her lips never moved or parted. The cooling wind had died down, Ally could feel the searing heat warming her face and forming beads of sweat at the nape of her neck.

  "Don't be afraid Ally, I'm your friend Rose - the Crocodile Queen."

  Ally narrowed her eyes, examining the young girl's pretty face, unable to move her feet, she felt helpless but strangely calm.

  "You're still in great danger, and I’ve returned to help you."

  Ally narrowed her gaze more, feeling a wave of healthy suspicion as she continued to listen, was this a trick? Was this a clever manipulation?

  "I need you to go to Dan immediately, tell him of your dream, tell him the following message and he’ll understand. You must go to him again, you need to convince him that you’re both still in grave danger. I’m being serious, I’m not exaggerating the danger you now face, I want to help you both, but it's far too dangerous for me to visit you, you both must come to me. Heed my warning white witch, you have great potential but as the forces of evil gather, you will need my protection, if you’re going to survive. Tell Dan to activate the Dream Cane with you as his partner; it's the only way the both of you can visit me. Time is running out, you must do this immediately, immediately."

  Ally woke from her dream abruptly; she rolled from her bed, waking as she hit the floor. Squinting at her bedroom window, her shade still closed, she could see shards of the morning’s light bleeding into her room, it entered around the ill-fitting edges of the window shade. Ally shook her head, as if to clear her head of the weirdly realistic dream. “Was that real?" she asked herself, stretching her lean body like a cat emerging from a curled sleep. Ally tried to recall every detail as she re-played the dream in her head. She walked over to her dresser, and started to assemble some clothes, jeans, a t-shirt, underwear, and socks. She brushed her hair and examined her face in the mirror, Ally talked to her reflection a lot, it helped her think through various situations. Staring at her sleepy reflection, she uttered the words, "White witch."

  Ally glanced at her iPhone, a recent gift from her mother, it was 7.02am. She grabbed at the clothes impatiently, without hesitation she dressed, brushing her hair, applying eye makeup, and dabbing on some of her favorite perfume, after all, she was going to see Dan. She grabbed her backpack and her laptop computer.

  Within ten minutes of her decision Ally found herself walking briskly in the direction of Dan's apartment. It was surprisingly cool outside, and she instantly regretted her choice of clothes; Ally needed more layers to feel warmer. The cold seeped into her bones making her hurry her pace, she scurried across roads, sidewalks, puddles, and a path that wound across the park leading to a set of traffic lights. Pushing her thighs forwards, hastened her walking speed, her brain was also working quickly as she realized that she would need a reason, an excuse, to suddenly barge in on Dan and his mother again, and at this early hour, what would she say?

  Still unsure of her reason for return, she approached the buzzer panel located at street level, and stepped inside the door-well to Dan's apartment. She hesitated for a moment before pushing the illuminated plastic button, she heard the old weathered speaker crackle into life with a familiar but annoying buzzing sound, "Hello," inquired a welcome voice.

  Ally felt the relief sweep over her as Dan had answered the intercom. Unaware if Dan's mother was at home, or indeed listening in on their conversation, Ally played it cool, she had to be creative to get her desired result, "Good morning Dan, it's Ally - I'm here to continue working on our joint homework assignment." Ally sounded upbeat her voice full of excitement.

  “My mum’s out already, come on up.” Dan buzzed Ally into the apartment lobby.

  Dan answered the door, Ally stepped in recognizing the strong scent of coffee, “What’s going on?” inquired Dan.

  Ally walked towards Dan’s bedroom, Dan smiled and followed her, "What the hell are you playing at? Two visits, this is really odd."

  Ally raised her finger to her lips again, "Shhhh," she said, an attempt to gain control of his rising annoyance. She waited, letting him stew in his confusion for a few seconds before she explained. "Sit down and listen to me,” like a trained dog Dan sat, instantly admiring how fine Ally looked with her sparkling eyes and excited state.

  "Last night the Crocodile Queen came to me again, this time in my dreams, she told me that we were both in grave danger, she was insistent. Look Dan, I'm still shaking," Ally said, stretching her hand out as her fingers wobbled in the air. "I don't know how serious this is getting, but from the tone of her voice, I'm telling you, she meant it. I think we need to listen to her message. The Crocodile Queen told me to come here immediately; I haven't even showered for god's sake! Immediately, she said. Tell Dan to activate the Dream Cane, he'll know what to do." Ally paused - "Do you?"

  Dan could tell Ally was scared, he tried to calm her with a show of confidence, "
Yes, I know what to do." He moved towards his bedroom closet and retrieved the Dream Cane. He sat on the edge of his bed holding the cane between his legs. "Come here," he instructed Ally, "get on your knees facing me and grip the cane with both hands just below mine. Whatever happens, promise me you'll never let go, ever." Ally nodded and knelt on his carpeted floor before him. She looked into his eyes to make sure this was real and not some childish joke. Ally dropped her gaze to the cane, staring at the ornately carved wood. Dan had both hands firmly placed upon the ancient cane. She leaned back on her haunches, before lifting her arms and gripping the cane with both hands. The silver orb starting to spin, and a deep crimson glow erupted deep within the spinning handle of the Dream Cane. Shards of crimson light streamed through the rubies as they illuminated the room, the orb lifted from its setting, floating into the air. At that moment Ally felt faint and tightened her grip on the cane, determined not to let go, not to break her promise, and not to disappoint Dan.

  A strong wave of energy swept through Ally as the room began to spin uncontrollably, the crimson lights danced upon the walls, and she felt sick to the pit of her stomach. Ally clenched her eyes shut, trying not to vomit or let go. She lost consciousness passing out in a brilliant crimson haze that seemed to fill her head and her brain. A strong, unpleasant odor mercilessly filled her nostrils, jolting her back to consciousness. Ally shook her head, instinctively removing her nose by jerking it to one side from the offensive smell.

  "It’s smelling salts, to help you wake, my dear," a soft female voice explained.

  Ally gradually opened her eyes, her vision was blurry and unfocused, she tried to adjust to her unfamiliar surroundings. Her body felt heavy, as she slumped into a large ornate, plush and padded, wooden chair, "Where am I?" she questioned, as a large room came into focus.

  Dan's face was a welcome sight, "You're safe, and we’re here with the Crocodile Queen on Crescent Island, in the Sixth Realm. Congratulations Ally, you've just completed your first journey between realms. Trust me, you'll get used to it, but it always makes you feel sick at the start, we all felt like that. At least you’re not in a Ricar body or some other animal, that would really freak you out, trust me, I know. Because we’re in our normal form it means we have to stay in the castle at all times, and stay out of sight."

  Ally was regaining her senses, she straightened her posture and stared at Dan as he came into focus, Ally switched her attention to the small child standing at Dan’s side dressed in the golden colored silk gown she'd seen in her dreams. She moved her gaze rapidly around the room to determine if they were alone, "You’re the Crocodile Queen?”

  The child approached slowly, “Ally, I remember our meeting in the rain-soaked park, the chat we had at that little coffee house. I remember telling you about the witches of Pendle Hill and sharing with you your gift, being a white witch. In this realm, I choose to be a small child, but don't be fooled by my appearance. I have powers, knowledge, and strength, that never goes away in this realm. My disguise has served me well, as my potential captors often look for a fierce woman warrior," she said, broadening her infectious smile.

  "I don't mean to be forward," said Dan, "but you said we were in grave danger?"

  The Crocodile Queen paused thoughtfully, "You may want to pull up a chair Dan and listen to me very carefully." Dan obliged, pulling at a heavier than expected chair, and scraping it across the large stone tiles. "Ready?" she inquired, waiting for Dan to stop making so much noise. Ally shot Dan a look, the one she uses to great effect when she wants to show her displeasure.

  Dan stopped fidgeting, "Good, then I'll begin." She paused again to collect her thoughts, where should she start? "Elora is the highest ranking and most powerful witch there has ever been, evil forces attacked this land recently trying to use three witches to open a portal and convert this realm over to evil forever. Dan was here, he bravely assisted with the fight, the three witches were slain; one of the witches was Elora’s sister. Many believe that I’m the most powerful white witch alive today, but even I still have a lot left to learn. As a white witch gains her power, she becomes a target, the forces of evil will stop at nothing to eliminate the threat I pose - in other words – they’ll try to kill me. I've known this for a while, its why I assume another appearance, another identity, and why I hide in another realm here on Crescent Island. I fight as bravely as I can for the white light, I try to uphold everything that’s innocent, pure, and good." She stopped suddenly, as if to think about the words she’d just spoken. She moved to the table at the back of the room and poured herself a glass of water letting her words sink in, resonating around the feeling of the Great Hall.

  "Elora is a mean spirited old hag, but she's nobody's fool; anyone associated with her sister's death will eventually pay, they’ll become a target for her revenge - that includes you two. Dan, you assisted in the eradication of those evil witches, you have access to the Dream Cane, that's why Elora punished you through your dreams, eventually, she would have killed you. Ally, well, my dear Ally, Elora will get to Dan through the things he cares deeply about, you being a white witch is just a bonus. Left to your own devices, with no protection, both of you would certainly be killed." She paused again to sip the clear water from her glass, "I was trained by gifted monks, high in the Mountains of Haitden, at the Monastery of Light. Ally, you will recall being there briefly and meeting with Kaan. Kaan, whom you know well Dan, was always there to guide me, and help me develop my special gifts, he was like a brother to me. Kaan helped Dan on a rocky ledge, to fight a beast, a Karcon from the underworld, he helped you fight the witches, and he assisted Raj with numerous missions, he’s served us all with distinction."

  "Why are you telling us this? Is Kaan dead?" blurted Dan, visibly upset.

  "Only one monk managed to escape an attack on the monastery, passing through into this realm and safety. He managed to save himself from Elora's wicked plan, unfortunately the rest of the monks, my entire family, were mutilated by two large beasts," she paused, and sipped at her water, "except for Kaan." Dan raised his eyes expecting to hear good news, "Kaan is neither dead or alive." Dan's eyes narrowed with confusion.

  "Kaan was bitten by a stone spider, a creature from another realm, its venom petrifies a man, but he's now caught in one of Elora's dark spells, neither dead or alive. Kaan's trapped inside a stone shell, allowing Elora access to his dreams, where she can terrify him at will. We must save him, release him, and help him break free from this eternal bondage and incarceration. The young monk who escaped the monastery transported to safety, he’s in shock but has managed to confirm these events. I have visited Kaan’s stone tomb and we must set him free."

  She stared deeply into Ally's pretty eyes; she hoped to see a fire that would burn brightly,

  "Where is Kaan now," asked Ally coldly.

  "His stone shrouded body is rooted firmly to the monastery floor, high in the Mountains of Haitden, in the exact spot that he was bitten."

  Ally looked concerned, Dan joined in with the questions desperate to help his stricken friend, "I need to know, is he dead, or can we save him? Can we bring him back to life?"

  The Crocodile Queen turned the sides of her mouth upwards, finally allowing herself a small smile; she recognized for the first time a determination and willingness to help. "Kaan is not dead; yes, we can save him, but it's not going to be easy. I will need both of you to help me."

  "Anything," offered Dan immediately, Ally was a little more reserved.

  "Kaan would have done anything to protect you both, that's just who he is, the least we can do is to help him when he needs us the most. There will come a day in the not too distant future, when evil threatens your very existence, and trust me, having Kaan around to help you with this fight will significantly increase your chances of survival."

  Appealing to Ally's rational and analytical brain seemed to work, she dropped her gaze and reluctantly nodded, agreeing with the sound logic being presented. Dan's blood was boiling, clearly upset
at the news of his distressed friend. He'd always looked up to Kaan, respected him, and wished he could be him. Dan admired his physique, wisdom, and intellect. The Crocodile Queen had expertly manipulated them to illicit the response she wanted. Dan was ready to do anything, while Ally smiled realizing how they'd both been played.