Rani smiled. “We’re not far from Havendish Stream! We’ll walk there—slowly,” she said, seeing Ronan wince, “make a leaf boat, and sail back. After that, it’s just a short walk.”
“Good idea.” Ronan nodded.
The two headed toward the stream, pausing to eat one blueberry each along the way. It wasn’t a famous box lunch, but the berries were sweet and juicy and filled their bellies nicely. Rani laughed at Ronan’s blue lips, and he pretended to be upset.
Once at the stream, they picked the strongest, sturdiest leaf. Rani settled herself on it as Ronan pushed them off the bank with their oar, which was made out of a twig. The currents moved them along quickly. On the way, Rani pointed out interesting sights—a school of Never minnows, some extra-huge lily pads, an old bullfrog with the funniest croak, and a dragonfly with purple wings.
They talked about favorite books and songs. They discussed Ronan’s talent. Rani was surprised to learn that there were so many different polishing methods—the clockwise stroke, the up-and-down, the back-and-forth—and lots of cloths to choose from.
They talked about Rani’s talent and the amazing water snake she had made. They wondered about poor Hawk, who must have been absolutely terrified to have left them like that.
“I hope he’s okay,” said Rani.
“I hope he hasn’t died of embarrassment!” said Ronan.
They imagined the various terrible things that Vidia would make Rani do if she won. “It won’t be as bad as all that, will it?” Rani said. After a moment, she added, “You know what? I don’t even care anymore! It’s only for a week, anyway. Today turned out to be such an adventure, it was worth it.”
Soon the little leaf boat bumped against the shore in Pixie Hollow. Ronan flew onto the bank, then reached down and gave Rani a helping hand. The two walked through the woods toward the Fairy Circle.
“For some strange reason I feel nervous,” Rani confessed. “Even though I know we’re last.” The whole time, Rani had been wondering about the note from the Zebra Hickory. What could the rest of the queen’s message be? And why did it sound so familiar?
At last, they reached the Fairy Circle. Queen Clarion stood in the center of a group of fairies and sparrow men. A hush fell over the crowd as Pell and Pluck, two harvest talents, flew toward the queen. She smiled. But her face fell when Pell and Pluck flipped onto their heads. “Oink! Oink!” they cried.
There was a moment of silence, then a great roar of laughter. Each and every fairy had done the same thing upon their return. Some had said “Oink, oink,” while others had snorted. Some went so far as to imitate the squealing of a pig in danger. Everyone enjoyed watching their fellow fairies repeat their mistake.
For her part, Queen Clarion was fairly certain it hadn’t been such a good idea to leave the last clue anyplace where the Lost Boys could get their hands on it. Never in the history of the Fairy Treasure Hunt had there been no winner!
Nervously, Rani and Ronan stepped forward. If only I could remember the end of that message…, Rani thought.
“Ah, Rani and Ronan,” the queen said. “You are the last team. Do you have anything to say to me?” The crowd leaned forward. Smiles twitched at the corners of their mouths. Ronan cleared his throat. Rani took a deep breath.
“‘I would happily…,’” they began. The queen’s face lit up. But their voices trailed off. Then, suddenly, the words came to Rani, as clear as day. “‘…fly with you to the farthest reaches of Never Arbor and to the top of Torth Mountain if you asked,’” she finished, her voice strong and confident. Ronan looked at her, his mouth open in shock.
“I read it last night when I was doing my research,” she explained, hardly believing it herself. “And it just came back to me.”
The queen’s face broke into a wide smile. She turned to address the crowd. “Congratulations to Rani and Ronan—the winners of this year’s Fairy Treasure Hunt!”
The crowd gasped. Then cheers erupted. “Hip, hip, hooray!” the fairies shouted.
Queen Clarion clapped her hands with delight. “I knew you could do it! I knew the two of you would make an excellent team!”
Just then, a dove landed nearby. “Hawk!” Rani cried. “What are you doing here?”
The little bird looked dreadfully ashamed.
“Don’t feel bad. We’re just glad you’re okay, Hawk,” said Rani.
That night, at the moonlight picnic, Rani and Ronan ate twice as much as any other fairy. Fairy after fairy had asked Rani to sit with them, but she wanted to share the moment with her partner.
“How did you do it?” Tink wanted to know.
Rani smiled at Ronan. “Teamwork,” they said together.
“And patience,” Rani added. “My partner taught me to take my time and think things through.”
Rani and Ronan lay back on their blanket and watched as the light talents put on a show in their honor. Then the music talents sang for them. It was a fantastic evening, one Rani would never forget. But the next day would be wonderful as well. First she and Ronan were having lunch with the queen. Then they were going to see the Fairy Jewels.
“Excuse me, darling.” Rani looked up to see Vidia bearing a plate of Rani’s favorite dessert—blackberry cupcakes. “Is there anything else I can get for you?” she asked with a sneer.
“A cup of elderflower tea would be nice,” replied Rani. She tried hard not to grin. “With a teaspoonful of clover honey, if you please.”
Vidia sighed and turned to go.
“And breakfast in bed tomorrow morning,” Rani added with a twinkle in her eye.
“But of course,” Vidia said through gritted teeth. She shook her head and flew away as fast as a fast-flying fairy could go.
Rani and Ronan watched her, then settled back onto their blanket. “Today,” said Ronan, “was an amazing day. We saw so many incredible things.” He paused. “But that is probably the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen!”
Disney Fairies: Four Clues for Rani Page 4