Daisy's Secret

by Jodie Wells-Slowgrove

  ‘What will we be doing?’ asked Daisy.

  ‘No hints until after breakfast,’ said Queen Jasmine. ‘I don’t want you too excited to eat.’

  A smiling fairy in a bright yellow dress was just heading out with the empty dishes when the double doors burst open and three striking fairies flew into The Gathering.

  The first was tall and thin with not a scrap of hair on his head. With his brown skin and matching suit he gave the impression of a giant wand, weaving its way towards them.

  ‘Guardian Rhyme!’ whispered Pea, clinging to Daisy’s arm in excitement.

  Pea’s Calling was music and when she had performed recently in the Songbird Festival it was Guardian Rhyme, the Guardian of Music and Magic, who had presented her with her wooden flute.

  On either side of Guardian Rhyme were two short, plump fairies. Their identical faces marked them as twin sisters but their splendid outfits could not have been more different.

  One wore an ankle-length dress of brightly coloured rainbow lorikeet feathers. A string of eggshell pieces circled her head like a crown, standing out brightly against the dark green curls of her hair.

  The other wore a skirt of interwoven leaves that spread out magnificently in a circle around her, the colours blending with her green tights and perfectly complementing her top of purple hyacinth orchid petals.

  ‘Aah, Guardians, so good to see you again,’ said Queen Jasmine, smiling in welcome as the newcomers landed on the platform. She gestured to where Daisy, Pea and Cricket sat watching. ‘Here are your charges for the morning. Pea, could you move to the front of the table please?’

  Hardly able to contain her excitement Pea pushed back her chair too quickly, rocking it onto two legs. Daisy reached out to steady Pea and help her to her feet.

  ‘You remember Guardian Rhyme,’ said Queen Jasmine as Pea made her way to where the Guardians stood. ‘He’ll be helping you this morning with your flying technique. I hear you could do with a little practice?’

  Pea blushed and hung her head.

  The touch of a smile played across Guardian Rhyme’s lips. He cupped Pea’s chin in one hand, gently lifting her head until her eyes met his.

  ‘Chin up, young Pea. By the time we’re done you’ll be somersaulting through a wombat’s yawn without even grazing its teeth. And after that there’s a piece of music that I’d like your thoughts on. I think it would go well with that lovely voice of yours.’ He gestured towards the door. ‘Shall we be off then?’

  Pea nodded eagerly, giving Daisy and Cricket a happy wave as she followed Guardian Rhyme to the door.

  Daisy eyed the two remaining Guardians with curiosity, wondering which one would be helping her and what she was going to learn.

  ‘All right, Cricket, your turn,’ said Queen Jasmine.

  With a barely disguised grimace, Cricket came forward. Queen Jasmine shot him a stern look.

  ‘You are very fortunate today as you will be learning from both Flora . . .’ the fairy in the leafy skirt grinned, ‘and Fauna.’ The feathered one nodded in acknowledgement. ‘Flora and Fauna are the Guardians of Plants and Animals. I believe you may have an affinity for the living things with which we share the forest. With the Guardians’ help you may even find your Calling.’

  ‘I can see right away that he’s an animal lover,’ said Fauna.

  ‘Are you sure?’ asked Flora. ‘He looks like a planter to me.’

  ‘I guess we’ll soon find out,’ Fauna replied. ‘Come along Cricket, we have much to do.’

  Cricket glanced back at Daisy, a look of mock panic on his face as Flora and Fauna took hold of his hands and flew with him from the room.

  As the doors closed behind them Daisy turned to Queen Jasmine. There was a worried frown on the Queen’s face.

  ‘I’m terribly sorry, Daisy. The other Guardian hasn’t arrived. He’s never late. I don’t know what could have happened.’

  Daisy stared at Queen Jasmine in dismay. Another Guardian was to have come for her, but he hadn’t shown up! She was about to ask which Guardian it was when once again the double doors opened.

  A wizened old fairy, with pale-brown and grey clothes layered like paperbark, fluttered into the room. His wavy grey hair and beard reached almost to his waist and he flew with the shakiness of old age.

  ‘Melaleuca!’ exclaimed Queen Jasmine, standing as the old fairy landed beside the table. She greeted him with a warm embrace. ‘My dear friend, what brings you here today?’

  Melaleuca looked solemn. ‘Guardian Hide sent me. There’s activity on the borders.’

  The joy drained from Queen Jasmine’s face, replaced by a worried expression. ‘Is it serious?’

  ‘We’re not sure yet, Your Majesty. The Guardian is assessing the situation. I have an early report for yourself and Raven.’ He glanced at Daisy. ‘If I could request a private audience?’

  ‘Yes, of course,’ said Queen Jasmine. ‘I shall send for Raven at once.’

  ‘I could fetch him for you,’ said Daisy, eager to make herself useful.

  ‘Thank you, Daisy.’ Queen Jasmine shook her head. ‘But it would take you too long to find him.’

  ‘I have magic boots,’ said Daisy, ‘that run faster than a fairy can fly. Let me show you.’

  Opening her locket, Daisy took out the tiny boots, then held her wand to them and whispered, ‘Undo.’

  The boots sprang back to full size.

  Melaleuca smiled. ‘Raven was right. This one could be a real asset to us.’

  ‘Can you remember complex directions?’ questioned Queen Jasmine. ‘There are several places that Raven might be.’

  ‘No need,’ Daisy grinned. ‘I know a spell that will lead me straight to him.’

  Melaleuca chuckled. ‘Quickly, Daisy, put on those magic boots! I need to see Raven as soon as possible!’

  Out in the hallway, Daisy drew her wand again. Picturing Raven’s face in her mind she chanted, ‘I need to know where he could be. Send a guide to help me see.’

  A tiny ball of silver light shot from the tip of Daisy’s wand and went zooming down the hallway. With a leap of her magic boots, Daisy followed it.

  The walls swished past in a blur of wood. Daisy zipped around the corners hoping that no one would be coming the other way. Melaleuca had said she would be a real asset to them. Maybe when she found Raven they would allow her to stay and listen? She’d always been curious about the borders and what was on the other side. What could be happening there that would cause this much excitement?

  Raven frowned as he limped around a narrow corner. Zooming forward, the magic light burst against his chest. Raven’s eyes flew wide. His mouth dropped open in shock.

  A nervous giggle escaped Daisy’s lips. Oh no, she thought. Now I’m really in trouble!

  ‘What in the wilderness are you doing?’ shouted Raven, recovering quickly.

  ‘I’m so sorry,’ said Daisy, remembering the importance of her message. ‘It was the fastest way to find you. Queen Jasmine needs you urgently in The Gathering. Melaleuca has a message from Guardian Hide.’

  ‘What’s happened?’ said Raven, striding towards her.

  ‘Something on the borders,’ answered Daisy. ‘He didn’t really say.’

  ‘Better you don’t know,’ muttered Raven. He grabbed Daisy by the shoulders and turned her towards a side passage. ‘Down that way is the kitchen. Look for a set of swinging doors. Tell Cook Cherry that Melaleuca is here and we need some of the calming tea that he and Queen Jasmine are so fond of. Then find something to occupy yourself. Don’t leave the Tea-Tree House but don’t come back to The Gathering unless Queen Jasmine or I send for you. Understand?’

  ‘But I could help!’ Daisy protested. ‘Melaleuca said I could be an asset.’

  ‘Maybe one day, Daisy,’ said Raven. ‘But not today! The best way for you to help right now is to not get in the way. Now go and find the kitchen.’

  Raven flew off, leaving Daisy alone in the corridor, wanting to cry with frustration. Som
ething exciting was happening in The Gathering! But Raven had sent her to fetch tea! She knew she could be useful if they would just give her a chance but she’d learned from experience not to give help that was unasked for.

  With a sigh of resignation she flew off in search of the kitchen.

  Daisy stopped beside a set of double doors, leaning in to examine the engraving of nuts and fruit that spread across the centre where the two doors met.

  Suddenly, the doors swung outwards. Daisy jumped back as a fairy carrying an empty basket stepped into the hallway. The fairy smiled in greeting before continuing on her way. Grabbing the still swinging door, Daisy stepped through the opening into a busy, steam-filled kitchen.

  A rather large fairy, with bright pink cheeks bustled amongst her helpers, tasting each dish and sprinkling extra herbs where needed.

  ‘Delightful! Delicious! Ooh, not quite there,’ she exclaimed as each fairy waited anxiously for her verdict.

  That must be Cook Cherry, thought Daisy as she stepped inside.

  Cook Cherry’s gaze whipped over to the door. ‘Stop right where you are!’

  Daisy froze mid-step.

  ‘Now, explain what you’re doing in my kitchen.’

  Daisy relayed Raven’s message about the tea.

  ‘Oh dear!’ cried Cook Cherry, looking frantic. ‘I’m not sure we have any left.’

  ‘Just the tiniest bit,’ called another fairy, stepping out of the pantry with a brown, lidded bowl in her hands. ‘Enough for one pot.’

  ‘Thank goodness!’ said Cook Cherry, a hand on her heaving chest. ‘Prepare it quickly, Cabbage. We can’t leave Queen Jasmine waiting. Lilli, place some cakes on a tray – the ones just fresh from the oven. And you!’ She pointed to Daisy. ‘Sit at that bench. No roaming or knocking things over.’

  ‘That’s okay,’ said Daisy. ‘I was just leaving anyway.’

  ‘No you’re not,’ said Cook Cherry. ‘You’ll be helping Cabbage to carry the trays. I can’t lose two kitchen hands while we’re so busy baking.’

  Daisy opened her mouth to argue but closed it again when the fairy called Cabbage, standing behind Cook Cherry, vigorously shook her head.

  The next thing Daisy knew she was fluttering down an undecorated hallway, trying to hold steady the large tray of cakes that had been placed in her hands.

  ‘I really should go back,’ said Daisy. ‘I was told I’m not allowed near The Gathering today.’

  ‘Best not to upset Cook Cherry,’ said Cabbage. ‘No one will see you. Only the kitchen hands use these hallways and once we get there I can take your tray. Just help me get to the doorway.’

  Daisy nodded. ‘Okay.’

  They flew in silence for a while until Daisy heard voices up ahead.

  ‘Here we are,’ whispered Cabbage, stopping at another set of swinging doors. Turning sideways, she balanced her own tray on one hand and held her other hand out for Daisy’s. ‘Stand back so you’ll be hidden.’

  As Cabbage used her shoulder to push the doors open, the voices fell quiet. Daisy heard the trays being put on a table and the tinkling of cups and saucers.

  ‘Well, well,’ said a voice that sounded like Melaleuca. ‘My favourite tea! And Cook Cherry’s cakes as well! This is my lucky day!’

  ‘Thank you, Cabbage,’ she heard the Queen say. ‘We’ll serve ourselves.’

  A moment later the door swung open and Cabbage was back.

  ‘I must return quickly to the kitchen,’ she whispered. ‘If you keep following this passage, the fourth door on your left comes out near the guest rooms. Listen before you exit and no one will ever know you were here.’

  ‘Thanks,’ smiled Daisy, waving as Cabbage headed back.

  She was about to move on when she heard Raven’s voice. ‘How many humans did you say there were?’

  ‘At least ten,’ Melaleuca replied, ‘mostly young. They crossed the river in their boats early this morning and have set up on the beach.’

  ‘We’ve never had that many in this part of the forest before.’ Queen Jasmine sounded worried. ‘In other places, yes, but not this close to us.’

  ‘Where have they landed?’ asked Raven.

  Melaleuca was grave. ‘On the beach below Hakea College.’

  Daisy’s heart began to pound. Ten humans! Near Hakea College!

  Hakea College was where her sister Maggie was living while she studied for her Calling of Music. If she was in danger, Daisy needed to know. She pressed her ear against the door, afraid to miss a word. The door opened ever so slightly into the other room. In a panic, Daisy pulled back. The door closed a little too quickly. Daisy froze, listening for a sign that someone had noticed.

  There was a quiet murmur of voices and the tiniest sound of a chair scraping against the floor. Daisy imagined Raven flying across The Gathering. Any moment now he would fling open the door and pull Daisy into the room.

  It was far too dangerous to stay here any longer. Holding in her frustration Daisy flew as fast as she could down the hallway and back towards her room.

  It didn’t take Daisy long to reach the fourth door on the left. Landing, she paused for a moment to listen. All she could hear was her own heavy breathing. No sound of pursuit behind her, nothing from the other side of the door. She pushed the door open and stepped out into the empty hallway.

  What now? Daisy wondered. The door to her guest room was not far away. With Pea off with Guardian Rhyme it would be a quiet place to think. But Daisy didn’t want to think. Thinking would just make her more worried. She needed to know if her sister was in danger.

  Daisy thought about the book that Queen Jasmine had been reading, Encounters with Humans. Maybe it could tell her how dangerous the humans were? According to Cricket the book was off-limits but maybe that was only to Cricket? Queen Jasmine had never actually forbidden Daisy.

  It’s probably a mistake and I’m sure to get in trouble but I have to do something or I’ll go crazy, thought Daisy as she set off to the library to find the book.

  It was just where Queen Jasmine had left it. Daisy lifted it carefully off the shelf and looked around for somewhere to sit. With the fireplace and candles unlit, most of the room was bathed in shadows but a fairy-sized beam of sunlight shone through a small, knothole window onto a cushioned space beneath the far wall. Daisy made her way over to it.

  She returned her boots to the locket then settled down with the book in her lap. It seemed strangely heavy as though the book held the weight of the secret knowledge within it. Somehow, Daisy felt as though the book wanted her to open it.

  Full of excitement, she peered at the cover. She ran her fingers over the title, Encounters with Humans, which had been engraved into the pale paperbark in large, swirling black script. Then, taking a deep breath, Daisy opened the book to the first page. It was blank.

  Daisy turned the next page and the next. They were the same. Heart pounding, she flipped through the rest of book.

  It was just empty pages!

  Daisy didn’t understand. She knew the words were there, somewhere within the pages. She could feel the weight of them in her hands. There had to be a way to make them appear!

  She closed the book, examining the cover more closely. It was thick, as though many pieces of very fine paperbark had been layered together. Other than the title, there was not a single mark anywhere on the cover. Nothing to indicate how it could be used or even who it was by.

  Daisy refused to be beaten. She just knew there was a way to read this book and she was going to find it.

  Turning once again to the first blank page, she looked at it more closely. There was nothing to be seen.

  Maybe, thought Daisy, the answer can’t be seen, but has to be felt instead.

  Daisy brushed her fingers across the top of the page. It was smooth and uniform. She continued down the page, feeling only that same even texture until, in the bottom, left corner, she felt the merest bump beneath her fingertips.

  A flutter of excitement blossomed in Daisy’s chest.
She peered at the place where she had felt the bump, but it still appeared blank. Hardly daring to breathe she ran her finger across the corner of the page again and felt the bump more carefully. It was a thin ridge that curved up and slightly to the right.

  A letter ‘r’!

  Excited, Daisy turned to the next page. Once again there was nothing visible but as she ran her hands along the centre of the page a second bump brushed against her fingers. She felt it carefully. It was a single straight line, taller than the ‘r’. It was a letter ‘l’!

  Daisy looked around for something to write on. There was nothing. She remembered a spell she’d seen her Aunt Acacia use. Taking out her wand, Daisy chanted, ‘Summon clay, feather and bark, to light a mind that now is dark.’

  Tiny yellow sparks shot from the tip of Daisy’s wand, spinning and fusing together until before her appeared a piece of paperbark, a bottle of ochre ink and a corella feather quill.

  Dipping the quill into the ochre, Daisy wrote the letters ‘r’ and ‘l’ onto the paperbark, then turned to the next page in the book. There was a letter on each of the next four pages but the one after that was completely smooth. Daisy ran her fingers across it twice then put the book down and looked at what she had written.

  It didn’t make sense. She read the letters out loud. Nothing happened! Maybe if she switched the letters around? She moved the r to the end. It looked like a real word.

  ‘Leaver,’ said Daisy, touching the cover of the book with her wand.

  There was no sign of magic and when she checked inside, the pages were still empty.

  Daisy shook her head. She stared at the letters. If only the word would reveal itself.

  Hang on, thought Daisy. That’s it! Holding her wand against the blank page Daisy chanted the word, ‘Reveal!’