Believe

by Allyson Giles

  “Help! Herbie! The Dark Ones! They poisoned her!” he shrieked.

  The gnomes heard his cry and trudged faster toward him. The gnomes lifted Deliah up above their heads.

  “If there’s any hope for her at all, it’s in the crystal cave. Hurry!” They trekked quickly to the west for about a quarter of a mile. Their short arms were getting tired, but they were hard workers and never once complained. The crystal cave had been around for centuries; it was the home of many miraculous healings.

  “Hurry!” Ostephen shouted worriedly. “She hasn’t got much time!”

  The gnomes finally approached the healing cave and rushed Deliah in. Hands held high above little gnome heads, they continue to carry her in as though they were a well–formed assembly line.

  The cave looked like the aurora borealis, and the colors kept changing: red to orange to yellow to green to blue to purple and back to red. Merely being inside the crystal cave caused Ostephen’s fears to subside slightly. The cave’s healing powers were written about centuries ago; it was legendary. It just had to help her. Slowly fluttering along, his eyes blinking with trepidation, Ostephen knew all would be well. They’d come this far. He felt certain that the universe would not disappoint them.

  A rich green hue took over the cave, and the gnomes stopped and gently placed her on the crystal ground. The green lights encircled her entire body, swirling in all directions until her body lifted from the floor, and the green light entered her mouth, her eyes, and her ears. Her body was wrapped in a cocoon of emerald green crystal. Herbie, the head gnome, let a tiny squeal of awe slip from his lips. Ostephen sat on Herbie’s shoulder, his little blue hand held to his heart in hope.

  Suddenly, Deliah disappeared as a thick mist of green clouded everything and everyone. The mist began to fade, and the gnomes shuffled forward anxious for some sign of life. The mist continued to settle, but there was no sign of Deliah. Ostephen’s hand fell to his lap, and Herbie patted it lovingly with compassion. The cave had returned to its normal kaleidoscope of colors. The gnomes looked from one to another with saddened faces, not sure what to say or do.

  Herbie finally said, “I’m sorry, Ostephen.”

  “Ostephen!” they heard Deliah’s voice shout enthusiastically. They looked toward the opposite end of the cave. Beyond a blinding white light, they made out a tiny figure running toward them.

  “Deliah!” they shouted in disbelief. “It worked! It truly worked!”

  Herbie and Ostephen ran to embrace Deliah, and they bombarded her with questions.

  “Are you okay? What happened? How do you feel?”

  “I’ve never felt better!” Deliah exclaimed. “I saw this glorious green light, and then a beautiful fairy with curly blonde hair, draped in an exquisite gown of green velvet healed me. Her name was Elvina, and she said I was to come back and go to the hills of Nuverny, and she gave me this.” Deliah reached in her dress pocket and pulled out a clear crystal wand. “Then I saw you guys!” Herbie let a tear slide down his cheek before wiping it away embarrassed.

  Deliah looked around from wall to wall at this unbelievable crystal cave, seeing it for the first time.

  “Wow! Thank you,” she said quietly with deep appreciation for the crystals.

  Bright lights shot toward the end of the cave, and there was a marvelous echo as if the cave were saying, “You’re welcome.”

  The gnomes introduced themselves to Deliah, and she patted each of her rescuers on the head and shoulders. They led her toward the forest. When they arrived outside the cave, Deliah and Ostephen thanked the Greenland gnomes for their help. They brushed their feet on the grass and blushed bashfully.

  “Aw, shucks! It’s nothin’,” Herbie said. “Deliah, let me see that crystal wand for a second, will ya?”

  As Deliah handed it to Herbie, he wrapped it tightly in both hands and mumbled, “Greenland gnomes, where ya be? Greenland gnomes, I be needin’ thee.”

  He held up the crystal, then handed it to Deliah. She stared at it in amazement.

  “It’s you! I can see you all in the crystal!” she exclaimed.

  “That ya can,” Herbie replied. “If you ever need us again, Dearie, you just hold that wand there and you’ll know where we are. Just ask it for our help, and we’ll come a runnin’.”

  “A runnin’!” they all echoed, nodding their heads affirmatively.

  Deliah knelt down and kissed Herbie on the cheek. He turned deep red, kicked at the ground, and stuffed his hands in his pockets. She blew the rest of the Greenland gnomes a kiss and waved goodbye as Ostephen graciously bowed before them with respect.

  Then the little blue fairy and the little brave girl journeyed onward and upward toward the hills of Nuverny.

  Chapter 8

  Butterflies, dragonflies, birds all take flight.

  The eagle soars through the clear, blue sky.

  Close your eyes, lie back on the grass.

  In the sun and beauty, you shall bask.

  Nuverny was known as one of the most promising and glorious places in the realm. It was home to the Great Ones, the Wise Ones, and the Elderly. It was rumored that Merlin often made unexpected appearances there. Nuverny never had many visitors, as only old souls were even aware of it, and they must be greatly respected to be allowed entrance. The hills of Nuverny were plenty and very green. Even disrobed, they could easily qualify as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Each high–reaching hill hovered above you. They were colossal and sky scraping. The Great Ones, Wise Ones, and Elderlys all sat atop their own hill and appropriately appeared that much closer to heaven.

  It was evident that if someone made their way up the wrong hill, he would be quite tired by the time he got back down and found the correct one. Not sure exactly why Elvina had told her to go to Nuverny, Deliah decided to turn to the wand. Standing at the bottom of the hills of Nuverny, she pulled out her wand and silently asked what she should seek. The wand began to light up, and she quickly saw long, flowing grey hair under a pointy hat. A very tall man in a long, dark blue robe covered with silver stars was sitting atop a hill mixing potions.

  “Thank you,” Deliah said, putting the wand away.

  “It’s Merlin,” Ostephen said in complete awe. “Deliah, this is such an honor. Merlin doesn’t appear for just anyone. He only takes students who go through years of training. This means we are getting close. If you’re ready for Merlin, you’re‥‥Well, you’re just plain ready!”

  “Whoo!” Deliah let out a deep breath, preparing to meet one of the greatest wizards of all time.

  Ostephen flew up above the hills, buzzing left then right, scanning for a pointy hat. He flew back to Deliah.

  “This way!” he exclaimed and headed left, then forward. “He is the last hill on the left side. He’s making a potion,” he said impressed.

  Deliah and Ostephen reached the bottom of the hilltop and looked at each other frightfully. They both let out a long sigh.

  Ostephen asked, “Ready for this?”

  Deliah nodded, and placing one foot in front of the other, began to climb the steep hill. She looked at Ostephen hovering in front of her and trying to be encouraging, but all she could think was I wish I had wings.

  She was nearly out of breath when she reached the top and heard a gentle yet powerful voice say, “Deliah, I’ve been expecting you. You’re right on time.”

  There was a narrow cave, and Merlin stepped forward to the entrance and gestured them inside, the tip of his pointy hat grazing the top of the cave as he turned. Deliah and Ostephen followed him inside. The cave sparkled, and there were several dragonflies providing the light. She looked into Merlin’s icy blue eyes, which you could almost see through, and felt overwhelmed by his presence, but she could still sense his friendliness. He handed her a vial and gestured for her to drink it. She gulped it down and was amazed at the sweet taste of it.

  “It’s like candy!”

  Merlin laughed and said, “That will help energize you after the climb.” He ges
tured to a large, colorful, spotted mushroom across from him and said, “Have a seat.”

  Deliah politely sat, and Ostephen settled into his usual front pocket of the cloak. He remained oddly quiet while he observed Merlin in awe.

  “Well, dear child, you have done well, very well. I’ve been watching you, and I’m here to prepare you for the next stage of this journey. You are about to encounter some very dangerous things. You need to be aware at all times.”

  Deliah’s focus was suddenly broken when she felt a tickle on her ankle. Bending down to scratch her leg and fix her sock, she shrieked at the sight of two blue, smiling eyes and jumped up. Merlin gave a low chuckle.

  “Maury doesn’t like to be left out.”

  Deliah, who was now standing close beside Merlin for protection, was staring at the large mushroom in shock.

  “Go on, Maury. Introduce yourself,” Merlin said. “I’m almost finished mixing Deliah’s potions.” And with that, Merlin turned his back and continued filling several vials.

  “Hi! I’m Maury, Maury the mushroom.”

  “Nice to meet you, Maury,” Deliah said quietly.

  In a very deep, low voice Maury slowly continued, “Merlin’s been working all night long on your potions.”

  Deliah smiled. There was something about this mushroom. He was just so harmless and friendly that she instantly liked him.

  “I’m sorry I sat on you,” Deliah said.

  “Oh, don’t be,” Maury replied in his slow drawl. “That’s what I’m here for.”

  “You’re the most colorful mushroom I’ve ever seen.”

  “Why, thank you,” Maury replied. He was a bright orange mushroom with white spots and little blue eyes. “I help Merlin grow some of the herbs and oils he needs in his magic,” Maury said proudly.

  “Speaking of which,” Merlin interjected, “I am done.”

  He closed the lid on a tiny wooden box full of vials filled with brightly colored liquids. One was a glowing, sparkling pink. It immediately caught Deliah’s eye.

  “Have a seat,” Maury said, leaning the top of his mushroom cap in her direction.

  Deliah gently sat atop Maury the mushroom, dangling her legs over the side. Now that she was aware that the mushroom had a face, she was much more comfortable.

  Just when I thought I’ve seen it all, Deliah thought to herself.

  “Indeed,” Merlin said aloud, “there is a whole world just waiting to be discovered.”

  Deliah was taken aback. She was sure she hadn’t said that out loud.

  “Yes, I’ve learned a few things over the years, dear Deliah. Telepathic communication is just one of them,” Merlin exclaimed. “It’s more natural than speaking in fact, but like everything else in this realm, it will be awhile before that is uncovered by your kind.”

  “Wow!”

  Deliah was impressed, but she was now extra careful to watch her thoughts. Merlin chuckled, sensing this.

  “You see, Deliah, there are no secrets, no mysteries if man were just to trust in what he seeks,” Merlin declared. His tall frame leaned over to put the box of potions in her hands. She looked at them, wondering what they were for. “These are healing potions. They will come in handy; you will know what you need.” Winking oddly in Ostephen’s direction, Merlin continued, “There is so much love to go around. There is so much light to be illuminated. Be the match to ignite the flame. For soon, there will be no igniting left, as only light shall remain.”

  Deliah stood before this very tall, very wise wizard and suddenly found herself speechless.

  Saved by the mushroom, Maury interjected with a slow drawl of “Now, girl, you are to head north of Nuverny and through Tiki–Tal. Merlin’s been giving you signs; you’ll know where to go from there.”

  With a swish of Merlin’s robe and a snap of his fingers, he produced a tiki torch and handed it to Deliah. With a knowing wink, he closed his eyes and vanished.

  Ostephen led Deliah out to the mouth of the cave. She awkwardly half–climbed, half–ran back down the hill, Maury’s words still echoing in her mind.

  Chapter 9

  A deer, rabbit, fox, or bear;

  A friend of Mother Nature to protect and care;

  A raven, wolf, or dancing light—

  There’s always a guardian in the forest at night.

  As they made their way into Tiki–Tal, Deliah felt it might be time to broach a certain subject with Ostephen. It was clear that Rosella had eyes for Ostephen, and she was curious to see if the feeling was mutual.

  “So Rosella sure is nice,” Deliah said.

  “Oh, yes, she’s wonderful,” Ostephen agreed. “We’ve been dear friends ever since I can remember.”

  Clearly, Ostephen was blind to the adoration Rosella had for him, yet Deliah had easily picked up on it. She was sure everyone else in the realm had as well and was just waiting for Ostephen to wake up and see it for himself. Deliah was sure Rosella was right when she had said, “He loves me. He just doesn’t know it yet.” Ostephen carried on about Rosella’s many remarkable qualities, and he didn’t even flinch when he mentioned the many suitors she had. Somehow he was blind as to why Rosella never seemed interested in any of them.

  “Perhaps she wasn’t interested because she was feeling a little blue,” Deliah joked.

  “Hmm, perhaps,” he replied completely unaware.

  “You know, when we are done saving the kingdom and all, you should come back and perhaps enjoy a nice holiday together,” Deliah urged. Deliah had liked Rosella the very first time she met her; Rosella was a content, beautifully simplistic fairy. She really did have love for Ostephen, and Deliah prayed he would realize it before it was too late.

  Just then, a fairy dressed rather cupid–like shot an arrow into Ostephen’s little blue behind.

  “Ow!” he cried, pulling out the arrow, dropping it to the ground, and rubbing the assaulted cheek.

  “The love fairy,” Deliah said giggling with surprise before dashing off to find her.

  They both looked around but didn’t see anything or anyone. Ostephen assumed it was a practical joke.

  “Very funny. That hurt! It was probably the bush people; they get bored and like to make me the butt of their jokes,” Ostephen reasoned.

  Realizing the humor in his own statement, they both fell over in laughter but quickly regained composure at the sound of an all–too–familiar buzz. Darting behind a tree, they watched as a slew of Dark Ones and Kahorgis stealthily crept by. They could hear the pack leader say, “We have to stop them before they reach you know what. If they reach it, we lose power and force, and the Dark King will be irate and unforgiving.”

  Ostephen and Deliah looked at each other and mouthed “Reach what?” in unison. As soon as the path was clear, they came out of the trees and continued on their trek.

  Making their way to Tiki–Tal, Deliah couldn’t help but ask, “Ostephen? What would you do if you never got to see Kristoff again, if you had in fact lost him forever?”

  Ostephen looked into her big brown eyes and saw a lingering grief.

  “I suppose part of me would be forever changed, forever missing. Nevertheless, I would meet each day anew and try to live life the way Kristoff would have wanted me to, the way he did, to the fullest.”

  A single tear escaped and slid down Deliah’s cheek.

  “Sometimes I feel so alone and so tired. I just want things to be the way they were when Papa was with me, the way they were supposed to be.”

  Ostephen sat on her shoulder and wiped away the tear, leaving a trail of blue sparkles behind it.

  “Love has many forms, Deliah. They may not always last physically, but I can assure you that when one has experienced the kind of love you and I have experienced–you for your father and I for my brother–well, that love doesn’t just vanish. It remains the same; it just changes form, I suppose.”

  “Yeah, I suppose. It’s strange, but I feel closer to Papa being on this journey than I have in months.”

  “Ev
erything is exactly as it should be,” Ostephen said.

  Deliah thought he might be right.

  • • •

  Snilly the snail swooshed along ever so slowly. Deliah watched, wondering if he were indeed moving at all.

  “So, you see,” he said, “Tiki–Tal is one of the warmest and most relaxing places to live.”

  Ostephen began yawning again; this snail was putting him to sleep.

  “Look, Snilly,” he said not at all surprised that Snilly’s Tiki–Tal tour business venture had backfired, “can you please just point us in some kind of direction?”

  Snilly sighed and embarked on another lecture, “Well, define direction. I mean, direction can be perceived…”

  Ostephen rolled his eyes, looked at Deliah in desperation, and asked, “Have you received any signs? Anything from Merlin?”

  “No, I can’t think of anything.”

  Deliah wracked her brain. Frustrated, she hated that she was supposed to know something and had no idea what it was. She wanted to prove that she had what it takes to fulfill the prophecy. She felt like she needed to prove it to herself.

  “It’s okay. Don’t worry. We’ll figure it out when the time is right,” Ostephen assured her, trying to ease her tension. “Sometimes when you stop thinking about something, it has a tendency to appear. That’s why fairies never stress. We just play and forget our worries, knowing that eventually everything comes about.”

  She gave him a small smile, admiring his positive attitude.

  Snilly slowly slid alongside them. Unable to keep up, Snilly eventually waved goodbye and asked them to come back for a full free tour of Tiki–Tal when they had the time. He was still talking as they walked off into the distance.

  “I think Snilly is sweet,” Deliah remarked.

  Ostephen grimaced. “Well, we know where to go if we ever have trouble sleeping,” he retorted, faking a loud snore. They giggled and began humming Papa’s favorite Irish tune as they skipped onward down the bend.