by K. Dzr
* * * * *
Just as it was for Tahir when he first arrived, Gavin was unable to see all that was Elysi. He was intrigued, but not surprised; Tahir warned him that this was part of the magic. He stood mesmerized as waves of magic slowly revealed one image after another. He watched Oraden and Tahir excitedly talking to no one.
Ramah looked beyond them to the stranger.
“Ramah, this is Gavin. He’s the one we went to meet. He trained us to compete in England,” Tahir explained.
“Why do you feel it necessary to bring every human you meet to Elysi? Are you not aware of the danger you put us all in?”
“But he’s not a threat to us, Father. He’s Demetrius’ friend, remember? He just wanted to see Demetrius again, and to see Elysi, that’s all.”
“I don’t care. I don’t like it. You know how we feel about humans.”
“You accepted me,” Tahir responded.
“You were an orphaned child when you came to us. This is an adult male, which makes him a threat.”
“Father, he’s our friend. Demetrius…”
“I don’t recall Demetrius instructing you to bring him here.”
“I’m sorry. We didn’t think you would mind. He really is a nice man.”
“You’ve known him for such a short time! You think that’s long enough to determine a human’s character?”
Gavin stood listening to Tahir’s words. He understood that they were talking to someone, perhaps a leader, who did not welcome him here.
“Tahir, tell him that I mean no harm. I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused. If he would allow, you might take me to Demetrius and I will be on my way.”
Tahir relayed the information.
“I suppose it’s too late to do anything else. Tell him he is not to wander off alone. You two are responsible for him until we meet with Demetrius. I will make arrangements.” Ramah stormed away.
“Who was that?” Gavin asked when it became apparent the conversation was over.
“That was Ramah, Oraden’s father.”
“From what I could tell, he was a bit angry was he not?”
“We should’ve known,” Tahir answered. “But he’ll calm down as soon as he talks to Oraden’s mother. She has a way of…handling him.”
“Yeah,” Oraden added, “she’s the only one who can.”
They stood in silence for a moment and then Oraden suggested, “Let’s go see the sprites, that way we’ll stay out of sight.”
“Good idea! Tahir turned to Gavin to translate.
“Sprites? Those are the wee folk you spoke of?”
“Yes, but first we’ll stop at my treehouse to drop off our things. We don’t need any weapons here.”
While Tahir led the way to his tree house, Gavin took in the sights, sounds and smells of this enchanted forest. He was seeing rare vegetation, some birds and other animals, but no unicorns. He saw nothing out of the ordinary for a large oasis in the middle of the desert. He was impressed however, with the way Tahir made his home high in the large tree. He left Bounty tied to the tree below Tahir’s house. Oraden explained, via Tahir’s interpretation that Bounty would be safe in the meadow, free to roam. But Gavin didn’t want to take any chances of his faithful horse running off by getting spooked by magical creatures.
Along the way to Rhykell, Tahir described how the sprites taught him and helped him build it. He pointed out a few pixie dragons chattering above their heads, but Gavin saw nothing. That didn’t stop him from asking questions though. And Tahir was more than happy to answer them. He was reminded of his first arrival here. Oraden could tell from the one-sided conversation that Gavin was asking questions; it was easier to let Tahir do all the talking.
When they reached Rhykell, they found the sprites singing, dancing and playing music. The sprites stopped mid-motion and ran to greet them. All were talking at once.
“Tahir!”
“Oraden!”
“Where have you been?” Figg asked.
“Hi guys! We’ve been on an adventure!” Oraden answered.
“We figured that, but you’ve been gone for so long we didn’t think you were coming back!” Bennie said slurping on a juicy berry.
“Why didn’t you tell us you were leaving?” Meelix asked.
“Where did you go?”
“Who’s your friend?”
“Alright, alright, wait a minute. We’ll tell you everything. This is Gavin. He is a friend we met on our adventure…Oh! And guess what? I know my magic now!”
The sprites shrieked with delight. Oraden and Tahir told their friends everything that happened since their last meeting; beginning with their visit with the wizards.
Gavin was quite disappointed to find that he couldn’t see the little people he heard so much about. He knew he wouldn’t be able to see everything at first, but didn’t expect it to take so long. He waited, and tried to focus on where Tahir seemed to be addressing the sprites, desperate to catch even a glimpse of them. From hearing Tahir’s side of the conversation, they seemed to be friendly and accepting of him.
“Both of you are going to England?” Lodell asked.
“Yes, I told you, Demetrius said we’re going to be a team,” Tahir answered.
“We’re going to miss you. It won’t be the same around here without you,” Reeny said.
“I want to go with you,” Meelix announced. “For years I’ve been listening to your talk of going to England and I’ve wanted to go with you from the very beginning.”
“You know you can't leave, Meelix!” Figg said.
“Yeah, I don’t know about that, Meelix.” Rassine agreed. “I’m not sure if there are gnomes or sprites in England.”
“There must be sprites there, don't you think Oraden?”
“I don't know, Meelix.”
“There must be a way! You can put me in your pocket, or I can ride Oraden, so I won’t slow you down. I don’t eat much; Well, not when compared to your appetites. I won’t be any trouble. Take me with you, please. I, I…Don't any of you guys want to go with me?” Meelix looked around at the sprites. They avoided eye contact.”
“What do you think, Tahir?” Meelix pleaded.
“I don’t know, Meelix. Rassine’s probably right. There may not be any other sprites or gnomes in Englad. Won’t you be uncomfortable? Plus, it’s possible we may never come back.”
“Meelix, aren’t you happy here?” Little Naurel asked.
“Of course I’m happy here, Naurel. And I love you very much and I’ll miss you dearly. But I want to travel, see new places, have adventures too, that’s all.”
“Meelix, you belong here with us,” Sudlin argued.
“Oraden belongs in Elysi with his parents and friends, but he’s going isn’t he? There may not be any unicorns there either.”
“He’s got a good point, Tahir,” Oraden said.
“Without sprites in your life there will be nothing to keep you from turning into a monster!” Dell reminded him.
“You know that’s not true!” Sudlin scolded.
He doesn’t know that!
Can’t he tell that he looks different from everyone else?
He should just stay here.
He’s supposed to leave.
But I don’t want him to.
Me either.
Yeah.
But he has to.
Alexander will take him, eventually. He might as well go with them.
Let’s give him a crystal!
Yes! A crystal!
Then he can go, and will never transform!
He’d be more helpful if he did transform.
But then he won’t want to play anymore.
Nayani will give us a crystal.
We just have to make her think we’re being helpful.
“What do you mean?” Meelix asked. “You know a way to keep me from becoming a…monster?”
“Yes…” Bennie exchanged glances with the other sprites. “All you need is a crystal. A very special one, inf
used with the magic of sprites, then you can go wherever you want.”
“Really? Did you hear that, Tahir? The sprites will help. Now there’s no reason why I shouldn’t come!”
“Wait, what do you mean ‘turn into a monster’?” Tahir asked.
“We don’t like to talk about it.” Meelix sighed as he lowered his head; clearly embarrassed to have to have this conversation with Tahir. He took a deep breath, motioned Tahir away from Gavin, and explained the situation in the simplest of terms. “Gnomes turn into ogres without the magic of sprites. That’s why we always live close to each other. They help us be of sound mind and, you know, not be crazy monsters.”
“Wow! I had no idea. That’s…that’s scary.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“I’ll tell you what, Meelix,” Tahir said. “You think about it, talk it over with the sprites and gnomes, and when we meet with Demetrius we’ll ask him. He knows everything. If he says it’s alright, and if we can find you a crystal, then you are more than welcome to come with us to England.”
“Promise you won’t run off and leave me?”
“We would never do that! We’ll come back to say goodbye to all of you before we leave,” Oraden promised.
“Hey, have you seen Jeverre lately?” Tahir asked.
“Yeah, just the other day he took the girls out for a ride.”
“That was dangerous for you to go without me.”
“We didn’t go far,” Hallen explained. “We stayed right here in the river. It was so much fun!” Naurel added.
“Well, if you see him again, tell him what’s going on. I don’t want to leave without saying goodbye to him, too.”
“When are you leaving?”
“Probably in a couple of days. I’m really not sure.”
“We’ll know after we talk to Demetrius,” Oraden added.
“You let us know as soon as you know so we can plan a farewell party,” Naustin said.
Gavin sat in the grass listening to Tahir’s words, and was able to understand some of the conversation. And, ever so slowly, he was able to see the sprites materialize. Gradually, more became visible: butterflies and flowers that he hadn’t seen before, and a faint twinkling of lights that hovered overhead. He enjoyed watching the sprites prance about; but he was disappointed that he couldn’t understand their spritish language. Through his years of traveling he’d gotten used to picking up foreign languages and was able to speak many of the tongues spoken here in Northern Africa. The sprites’ language was similar to that of a village southeast of here. He listened intently for key words; he learned a few names and several phrases that he practiced saying in his mind. He was sure, given a week or two—and especially with Tahir’s help—he’d be speaking sprite fluently.
Oraden and Tahir decided to spend the night with the sprites. It made sense; they could stay out of Ramah’s way, and wouldn’t have to deal with Kodah’s bullying or Roddy’s nosy questions. They felt more comfortable with the sprites anyways, and wanted to have as much time with them as possible before leaving.
Gavin made a bed under one of the poplar trees. He watched Tahir and Oraden sing and play with the sprites as twilight approached. He was satisfied. This truly was a magical place where human, sprite, gnome, unicorn, dragon, and fairies lived in harmony. Nowhere else on earth could be as harmonious as this.
Gavin awoke while all others still slept. Daylight was not far away. He resisted the urge to take an early morning walk, do some light exploring. He didn’t want to upset his new friends by disobeying Ramah’s warning. So he sat, leaning against a tree, watching the sunrise. Soon Rhykell was a busy place once more. The sprites and gnomes went about their business, singing as they began their chores.
“Can I go with you to see Demetrius?” Meelix asked.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. He is a very powerful wizard and probably very busy. But I promise I will ask him if it’s safe for you to travel with us,” Tahir replied.
The sprites walked with Gavin and their two friends to the edge of the woods. They waved goodbye and Oraden promised to return as soon as possible for the farewell party.
“I’m really going to miss them when we leave,” Tahir said.
“Me too. Plus, I’m kind of concerned about what you told Meelix.”
“What did I say?”
“Remember? You told him it might be uncomfortable being the only one of his kind in England. What if I am the only unicorn?”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Tahir was quiet for a moment, pondering Oraden’s dilemma.
“At least we know there are horses there. That’s almost the same.”
“Maybe to you.”
“Gavin, are you sure there are no sprites or unicorns in England?” Tahir asked.
“I can’t be sure of anything. If someone told me there were unicorns and sprites in Africa, I would’ve laughed at them. I wouldn’t know if there are magical places like this anywhere else, let alone England.”
“We’ll ask Demetrius,” Tahir said. “If it turns out that you’d be the only unicorn, would you change your mind about going?”
“No, I still want to go. But it would be nice if, wherever we end up, there were other unicorns. I know there will be other humans.”
“Would it really be that bad? I’ve been the only human here for years and it hasn’t been horrible for me.”
Oraden shrugged.
The three continued on through the paradise of Elysi toward the meadow. They found Diamond and Ramah waiting for them near the river. By the look on Ramah’s face, Diamond indeed had been able to calm him down.
“Hello Mother!”
“Good morning, Diamond. Hello, Ramah,” Tahir called out.
“I can’t believe you didn’t come to see me when you got back yesterday,” Diamond scolded, but clearly happy to see her children again.
“We were going to look for you, but…” Oraden started.
“Oh, stop it and come here. Let me look at you.” She licked her son’s face and nuzzled his mane.
“I’m a warrior now, Mother,” Oraden squirmed away from her tongue, “you’re not supposed to lick me anymore.”
“You are never too big or too strong for your Mother.” She teasingly licked his ear, and then turned her attention to Tahir. “You too, Tahir. My, my, it feels like you’ve been gone forever.”
Tahir wrapped his arms around her neck.
“Look at you! You’ve both gotten so much stronger.”
Oraden held his head high.
“You must tell me all about your visit with…with Gavin?” she said, looking toward the stranger.
“Oh, yes, this is Gavin. We learned a lot from him. He’s a very nice and trustworthy man. I’m sure Demetrius wouldn’t have sent us to him if he weren’t,” Oraden declared.
“I’m sure you are right, Oraden.”
“I spoke with Alexander. He will see us today,” Ramah announced. “He also said to tell you to ‘bring the little one’. What does that mean?”
Oraden and Tahir looked at each other and shrugged.
“Little what?” Tahir asked.
“He said you would know,” Ramah answered.
“Tahir, is this another test or something?” Oraden asked. “We must be sharp when dealing with wizards.”
“I hope not. What do we have that’s little?” Tahir thought for a moment and then looked to Gavin. “Demetrius told Ramah that he would meet with us today and that we should bring the ‘little one’. Do you know what that means?”
“Hmm,” Gavin scratched his head and searched the clouds for the answer. “Didn’t one of the wee fellows want to come with you?” he asked.
“Oh! Of course! Meelix!”
“Meelix is the gnome that lives amongst the sprites, isn’t he?” Ramah asked.
“Yes.”
“What does he have to do with this?”
“We told the sprites of our plans and Meelix wants to go with us. Tahir told him that he didn�
�t think it was a good idea, but promised that he would ask Demetrius. I guess that isn’t necessary any more.”
“This gets stranger by the day. Alright. I was hoping we’d get an early start this morning, but now you’ll have to go back for Meelix. Oraden, you go; I need Tahir so I can communicate with Gavin.”
While Oraden raced to Rhykell to fetch Meelix, Tahir translated for Ramah as he interrogated Gavin about England, his background, and if there were any dangers they should know about before allowing their son to embark on such a journey. Gavin answered as best as he could; he hoped to win their trust. Ramah appeared to be satisfied with his answers.
“Is there anything you want to ask, now that we have this opportunity?” Ramah asked his mate.
“Tahir, please ask him if he will be traveling with you to England. I would feel much better if I knew a…another person was along to watch out for you until you were settled in with the King.”
“I hadn’t mentioned that idea to the youngsters, but I’d like nothing better than to have a reason to visit with my dear friend again.”
Diamond smiled and nodded as Tahir repeated Gavin’s words.
“Very well, then,” Ramah said, “that is all for now. Tell him thank you, and that I apologize for my behavior yesterday.”
The other unicorns knew something extraordinary was about. They knew of the secret meeting with Demetrius, followed by the disappearances of Oraden and Tahir. Now they have returned with an adult human.
Tahir walked Gavin around the meadow, introducing him to the unicorns. They asked questions but Tahir was careful not to speak of their plans. He thought that he and Oraden should share that news together.
When Oraden arrived, with an overly anxious Meelix on his back, the three unicorns, two humans and a single gnome headed straight for the secret house deep in the woods.
Gavin was the first to greet Demetrius. They hugged and slapped each other on the back. Then he did the same to Alexander, who was once again in his scruffy human form. After the warm greetings, Demetrius offered the humans a seat at an outdoor table.
“How was the training?” Demetrius inquired.
“They are both quick learners and very eager; with a little more practice they will be an outstanding team. What is your plan for them?”
“Haven’t they told you? They are going to be knights in England.”
“How does that involve you? And why was I brought into it?”
“As for myself, well I think you know better. And you, of course, were the best man to train them.” Demetrius then turned to Tahir.
“How do you feel about your training? Are you ready?”
“Yes, Sir. Like Gavin said, we could use a little more practice, but I think we are well prepared,” Tahir agreed.
“And have you gained control over your ability to become invisible?”
“Yes, Oraden helped me.”
“Have you learned any other skills that may be of interest?”
“Well, I learned how to use a sword, and…I learned how knights are supposed to behave and things like that.”
“Hmm.” Demetrius nodded. “Very good. And what of you Oraden? Are you in agreement? Are you ready?”
“Yes Sir.”
“Good. Now we come to the matter of the little one. Meelix, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Sir,” Meelix spoke up.
“Tell me, Meelix, why would a little gnome want to travel so far from home with Oraden and Tahir?”
“I’ve listened to them, especially Tahir, talk about going to England for so long. I’ve always been the adventurous type. Fighting those hyenas stirred something up inside me. I never felt so alive! I want to fight. I want adventure! What better adventure than to go to England? An opportunity like this doesn’t come along very often.”
Alexander smiled.
“No, I suppose it doesn’t,” Demetrius said. “Aren’t you a bit concerned about your size? That you could be mistakenly left behind?”
“I trust them very much. They would never leave me, deliberately or by accident.”
“You may not be able to keep up with them, Meelix,” Alexander added. “Even if you do make it to England…what then? I do not think you would succeed as a warrior.”
“I’ll do whatever I can. Once I get there, I’ll find a place for myself.”
“And what of your condition?”
“The sprites agreed to give me a special crystal that will keep me from transforming. They are working on it now.”
“Yes, yes. Then I guess you’ve thought of everything. I admire your courage and strength; your trust in your friends and their trust in you is admirable, as well. I have no worries about you accompanying Tahir and Oraden, so long as they are willing to accept the responsibility.”
The meeting was brief; after a few more questions and answers, the group was dismissed. It was determined that Tahir, Oraden, Meelix and Gavin would leave for England whenever they were ready.
Oraden and Tahir spent a few days relaxing and being with their family. Together they told the other unicorns they’d soon be leaving for new adventures. As promised, on their last day in Elysi, the sprites and gnomes threw a farewell party. All the unicorns, gnomes, sprites, Jeverre, and even a few mers were in attendance. The sprites sang of heroic adventures. Unicorns, sprites and gnomes gave toast after toast, praising Oraden, Tahir and Meelix, and wishing them the fairies’ protection. Finally, the adventurers were stood before the fire, where they were dressed in beautiful feathers, war paint, and armor crafted by the gnomes and sprites. Tahir received a new bow, elegantly decorated with matching arrows. Meelix was given a spear and a crystal infused with a drop of magic from each of the sprites. Oraden’s headdress was decorated with shining stones that the mers found in the mouths of sea creatures.
Ramah and Diamond beamed with pride watching their sons honored before all of Elysi. They could hardly believe it; the boys had been commissioned by Demetrius himself to become knights in a faraway land.
Eventually the party transformed from a joyous occasion to a sorrowful one. Tahir picked up as many of the little sprites as he could hold and hugged them gently, choking back his tears. Oraden, too, knelt so the sprites could pet him one last time. Meelix was hugged and kissed by his family and friends. The basket; packed with all of the supplies they would need—was already attached to the back of an enormous and powerful dragon. Bastien was commissioned by Alexander to transport the travelers safely to England. In addition to being a friend of Jeverre’s father, Bastien was a trusted and fearless Dracara. Gavin and Bounty were already on board. Diamond waited by the water’s edge.
“Come, my sons,” Ramah said, nudging Oraden and Tahir where they still knelt hugging their little friends. “It is time.”
He walked with them to the river’s edge; Oraden on his right, Tahir to his left.
“Look at your reflection in the water, both of you.”
When Oraden saw himself next to his father, he realized he no longer stood smaller than Ramah. His mane and tail were full; his long horn shimmered like the black pearls in his headdress. His muscles were visible, as were the scars from his previous adventures.
Tahir’s image was that of a muscular young man. He’d been so lean from his primarily vegetarian diet and the days of swimming and running through forests, but now his strength pressed against his clothes. He too, was taller; his head rose well above Ramah’s shoulders. Oraden and Tahir smiled at each other’s reflections, stuck out their chests and held their heads high.
“You are no longer a young colt, Oraden; and you Tahir, are no longer a boy. You are old enough and wise enough to make your own decisions and take care of yourselves. You’ve been doing it for years now anyway, long before you should have. Driving your mother and me insane with worry. But I know you will take care of each other and do what’s best. I’m very proud of you. Don’t be afraid to come back home.”
“I won’t, Father,” Oraden said.
“Thank you, Ramah…
Father, and Mother, for everything,” Tahir sobbed. “You have both been so good to me. I will not forget.”
“You two be careful. You too, Meelix,” Diamond said between sniffles. “Take care of my sons and come back home one day.”
Tahir hugged his surrogate parents one final time and the small party boarded the dragon bound for England.
“Are you ready?” the dragon asked.
“We’re ready,” Tahir answered.
“Hold on tight, this might be a little shaky!”
No one expected what the dragon did next. He stood upright and stretched his wings, showering water on the observers. Then, with a few powerful flaps and a billow of smoke, he lifted off; creating a gust of wind that sent the little people tumbling. He flew in a circle above the small camp to let his passenger’s wave goodbye. With a roar, they were gone.
PART III