Ambrosia's Story

by Tammy Marie Rose

  Three days after Nog’s escape, Majik climbed to the top of Troll Mountain with Ambrosia on his back. When they reached the cave the sight of a hole in the portal silenced Ambrosia’s laughter. Majik could still smell the lingering scent of troll.

  “Nog.” Ambrosia said. Majik shook head and ran as fast as he could and went in search of his father.

  Finding him in the meadow father and son quickly went in search of the Fairy Princess.

  * * * *

  Hearing Jollah’s voice in her head Mirabella turned to watch him approach. She could clearly sense his apprehension. “What is it, Jollah?”

  “Princess, Majik has just returned from Troll Mountain. There is an opening in the portal opening.”

  “I could smell the lingering scent of troll. Something either got in or someone got out!” Majik explained. Ambrosia got down from Majik’s back and watched the silent communication between Mirabella and the unicorns.

  “Nog!”

  “We don’t know that for sure, Princess, but yes it is a good possibility,” Jollah said.

  “We have to return to the mountain. We must be certain of what has happened,” Mirabella said. “I will find Bean and Rom. Meet us at the waterfall. We must keep this to ourselves until we are certain of what we are dealing with.”

  “I must share this with Nadia,” Jollah said.

  “Of course, Jollah, I will meet you at the waterfall. Ambrosia, return with me to the village, you must stay there where you will be safe, but speak of this to no one.” Mirabella fluttered off in search of Bean before Ambrosia could respond.

  Mirabella found Bean with Raz carrying apples into the church basement. “Bean,” Mirabella called.

  “Princess, what is it that has you looking so troubled?”

  “Nothing,” Mirabella said as she smiled at Raz. “I just need Bean’s help with something.”

  “Of course, I am almost done here.”

  “This task will also take Rom’s assistance. I will find him and meet you back here.” Mirabella turned as she went in search of Rom.

  Mirabella found Rom with the children. He was spinning a tale about a magic wishing tree. She felt a pang of guilt in having to interrupt this spirited moment, but she had no choice. “I am sorry to interrupt children, but I need to steal Rom away for a while. Ambrosia will take over telling you tales while he is gone.”

  Their small faces looked up at Ambrosia with excitement.

  Once the children were far behind Rom asked, “What is it Mirabella, what is wrong?”

  “Majik has returned from Troll Mountain. The cave is open. We must return to the mountain and see what danger we are facing.”

  “If it is Nog, his forces have dwindled, but he will still be a great threat.”

  As they headed for Troll Mountain Mirabella could not help but think of the great battle that had taken place with the trolls.

  When they reached the top of the mountain and stood before the cave all were silent. Mirabella felt sick to her stomach as the reality of the situation struck her. They all knew in their hearts that nothing had gotten into the cave, but clearly, something had gotten out.

  Majik walked around the flat stopping here and there and taking deep breaths. It did not take him long to catch the scent. He neighed loudly.

  “Majik says that they went that way. They are most likely searching for shelter. Rom, is there any place nearby that they would feel safe?” Mirabella’s fear was clearly reflected in her voice.

  “There are many crevices and caves along that path down the mountain. They could be anywhere along the trail. They would most likely find a place big enough as quickly as possible and they must be hungry so they would want somewhere with good hunting close by.”

  “Let’s return to the village. We must inform the others about this. Then we will discuss what we need to do next. We must act quickly.”

  They made the journey off the mountain in silence.

  As they returned to the village, they were greeted by the sounds of laughter and joy. Mirabella felt such sadness knowing she would soon shatter that joy.

  As they entered the center of the village, it did not take the others long to sense their fear and dread. They began to gather around them.

  “We have just returned from the Troll’s Mountain,” Mirabella began.

  “The rocks sealing the troll’s cave have been disrupted and we believe that Nog and others now walk among us again. We have no way of knowing how many of them may have survived.”

  The looks upon the faces of those she loved broke her heart. Their fear pulled at her heartstrings. There was nothing she could say to ease their fears or to make them feel safe. Fact was they were in grave danger. It was of utmost importance, however, that they now band together, much as they had two years ago and face this head on. Nog had a head start on them and every minute that passed was to his advantage.

  “I know that all of you are afraid. I am afraid, but we do not have time to dwell on those fears. Nog has had two years to plot his revenge and he could strike at any time.”

  “Tell us what we need to do Princess,” Bean said stepping forward, always the bravest soul among them.

  “We need to work together. The first thing we need to do is try and locate where Nog is now hiding. Rom, I will need to counsel with you and see if we can determine where he may have sought out shelter. Bean and Raz you must pull together all the gnomes and elves and seek out hiding places for the children. We must stock the hiding spot with plenty of food and water. Ellie I need you and Serena to send pixies and sprites to trees along our boundaries to keep an eye out for the trolls.

  No questions were asked as everyone quickly went about their duties.

  “Mirabella, how can I help?”

  Mirabella looked up at Ambrosia whose eyes were filled with kindness and concern. “The children will need you Ambrosia. Would you mind watching over them while their families prepare for Nog?”

  “I can do that!”

  Mirabella was so proud of her and her desire to help them.

  “They will be in good hands.”

  Ambrosia beamed with pride.

  “Rom and I need to talk now so would you gather the children and keep them in the safety of the village while they others search for a hiding spot.”

  “I'll keep them safe I promise.”

  “She is an amazing little girl,” Rom said as he watched her go.

  “When this is over she will need much of our attention,” Mirabella said. “Her heart will need aid in healing. For now, we need to concentrate on Nog.

  Where do we start Rom?”

  “I wish I knew Princess. Nog has been locked up in that cave for two years. He will be hungry for revenge, but his numbers cannot be that large so he has to think things through. He will most likely find a place to hide with only one way in. There are three or four different caves that I would choose. I will make my way up the mountain and scout things out.

  “Please be careful Rom, Nog will surely be plotting revenge against you.”

  “I will be fine.” Rom started off, but stopped and spoke, “Mirabella If Nog discovers Ambrosia is living among us he may go after her thinking he can use her to force us to do as he commands.”

  “I will make sure that someone is watching over her at all times.”

  Mirabella watched with a heavy heart as Rom headed back toward Troll Mountain. She hoped beyond hope he would discover where Nog was hiding and they could end all of this before it started. As he disappeared into the trees, Mirabella returned to the village.

  In her mind, she relived the dreadful night Nog had led the trolls into the village. As she re-entered the village she stopped to watch her friends prepare to live that night all over again.

  * * * *

  Rom was checking out the last of the large caves. Quietly, he crept toward the entrance. The sound of a snapping twig distracted him, but he did not react quickly enough.

  Before he could defend himself, two trolls lung
ed at him pinning him to the ground.

  “Rom the Trader!” a voice bellowed.

  Above him, Nog stood smiling evilly. “I have been expecting you. Tie him up outside the cave. It will not be long before his so-called friends come looking for him.”

  Nog laughed, his plan was falling into place. Rom was predictable, though Nog still could not grasp why Rom would continue to risk his life to protect Mirabella and her wood folk.

  Nog watched as they tied Rom up. Once Rom was tightly tied up, Nog ordered the trolls to catch him some dinner. “By morning your little friends will search for you and then it is just a matter of time before I destroy them and take over the forest. I will pluck the wings from your lovely Mirabella then make her my bride.”

  “You underestimate your enemy,” Rom said.

  “No, it is you who underestimates me.” Nog kicked Rom in the stomach before returning to the cave for a nap.

  As the sun began to set, Mirabella knew Rom was in trouble. Going after him at night would be far too dangerous. The trolls roamed at night and Nog knew every inch of Troll Mountain, but they did not. They would have to wait for morning. As darkness enveloped them, Mirabella knew it was going to be a long sleepless night.

  ~ Chapter Five ~

  When daylight broke Mirabella, Bean, Raz and Jollah were ready to head up Troll Mountain. The three of them sat upon Jollah's back.

  Ambrosia watched them go, her heart filled with fear for Rom and for them. As though sensing her need Majik appeared at her side. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she buried her face into his fur finding comfort in the warmth of him.

  * * * *

  As the friends drew closer to the mountain, Mirabella could sense Rom's presence somewhere above them. “He is alive,” she said with great relief.

  With great caution, Jollah made his way up the rest of the mountain. He took the hardest path because it provided the most cover. They all knew that Nog would be expecting them.

  “When we reach the top we will be out in the open,” Bean said.

  “I know my friend, but we have no other choice, we must find Rom.”

  Moments later, they arrived at the troll's original cave. “Rom said the most likely caves would be along the path.”

  Jollah started down the path, which slowly descended. Two caves later, they could see Rom tied up and laying in front of a large opening in the mountain.

  “They are using him as bait,” Raz said.

  “It will be easier for us to hide on our own,” Mirabella said as she flew to the ground. “Jollah, please return to the brush while we see how close we can get.”

  Mirabella told Bean and Raz to hide behind a boulder. “I’m going to fly to the top of that tree,” she said pointing. “I’ll have a look around and see what we are up against.”

  With Jollah safely hidden Bean and Raz watched Mirabella go. She perched high above. Far below her Rom twisted trying to free himself from the ropes that bound him. She had to let him know that they were there to help him so she flew high above and flapped her tiny wings as quickly as she could.

  The motion sent fairy dust into the air and it fell all around him like snow.

  As the glittery dust fell onto his face, Rom looked up and their eyes met. Rom nodded his head toward the cave opening. Mirabella cautiously lowered herself. As she drew just a few feet above Rom, she could clearly hear the sound of snoring from inside the cave. Just a few feet more and she would be close enough to Rom to use her magic to set him free.

  As she drew just inches from his head, Mirabella waved her tiny wand whispering words that Rom could not here. A moment later, he was free.

  Mirabella landed on his shoulder.

  “Are you all right,” she whispered.

  Rom nodded. “We need to go quickly and quietly.”

  Before the duo could move more than a few steps from the cave, a net dropped on top of them knocking them both to the ground.

  “Foolish fairy,” Nog said. “Did you really think that we would be sleeping knowing you would come for the trader here? I am disappointed. I thought you would give me more of a challenge.”

  The two other trolls were tightening the net as Nog gloated.

  Rom tried to get free, but the more he struggled the more entangled he became.

  “Capture the fairy before she finds a way to escape,” Nog ordered. One of the trolls went about straightening out part of the net and began freeing Mirabella. Soon he held her tightly in his sweaty hand.

  Nog stepped into the cave and returned with a tiny cage. He opened the door of the cage and the troll stuffed Mirabella inside. Mirabella pulled on the wooden bars of the cage. She was just about to use fairy magic to free herself when Nog threw a white powder all over her. Mirabella collapsed.

  Bean rose to his feet. “We have to help them!”

  Raz grabbed his friend’s shoulder and pulled him back down. “There is nothing we can do. If we show ourselves they will capture us too.”

  The sound of Rom’s voiced stopped their conversation. “What did you do to her?” he shouted at Nog.

  “Just a little sleeping powder, I want the Fairy Princess well rested for our wedding ceremony.”

  * * * *

  As Nog prepared to take a wife, his two cohorts chased after a rabbit drooling with hunger.

  Bean and Raz jumped on the chance to free Rom. Raz pulled a small flint knife from his pocket. It took several minutes, but together they were able to cut enough of the net for Rom to squeeze through. As Rom was finally freed, Nog stepped from the cave. In his right hand, Mirabella began to stir.

  Rom stepped from the cave just as Rom stepped free from the net.

  “Trader!” he screamed as he tackled him.

  The two trolls rolled across the ground wrestling each other. Seeing their opportunity Bean and Raz ran to Mirabella. They struggled to open the cage as she began to shake off the sleeping powder. Slowly she rose unsteadily to her feet.

  Nog and Rom were still engaged in the heat of battle when Bean and Raz were finally able to free Mirabella. Seeing her friend in combat Mirabella cried out his name, “Rom!”

  As they rolled across the ground like incensed tumbleweeds Mirabella’s scream echoed inside Rom’s head. Moments later Rom landed a hard blow to Nog’s face. Nog screamed in pain and released his grip just long enough for Rom to slip free and get to his feet. He realized his blow was in the nick of time for they were just a few feet from the cliffs edge. Thinking of his friends he took his eyes off Nog for what was but a second, but it was a second too long.

  Nog had gotten to his feet as a stream of blood fell from his nose. With a cry of rage, he tackled Rom. Rom hit the ground hard with Nog on top of him. They rolled kicking up a huge cloud of dust...

  * * * *

  “No! Rom!” Mirabella shouted as she watched the two Trolls fall off the cliff's edge. She flew to the brink and she could see Nog and Rom as they continued to fall toward the rocks below. “No!” she sobbed.

  Bean grabbed her up gently and pulled her back from the edge. “Don’t watch, Princess,” he said as he held her close to him. “I am sorry, but there is nothing we can do for him.” A single tear rolled down his chubby cheek. He and Rom had become close friends in the two years he had lived among them. He would miss him greatly, but right now, he had to be strong for Mirabella. She would need him now, for she loved Rom so.

  For the second time in two years, Rom had risked his life to protect hers. This time he had made the ultimate sacrifice. Mirabella’s sobs filled Bean’s ears. He cradled her gently to him, he wanted to say something, but realized no words were adequate. So instead, he just held her and let her mourn.

  After several minutes, her tears slowed, and she leaned her head on Bean’s chest. “He died because of me.” Tears still trailed from her deep green eyes and down her too pale face.

  “No, Princess, he died for you.” Bean looked down at her. Mirabella could see his tears threatening to over flow.

  “I th
ought that I could better his life, instead I have taken it.” Mirabella had such a terrible ache in her heart.

  “Oh, Princess, you did better his life. You freed him from the darkness. None of this is your fault. Rom would not want you to feel this way. He sacrificed himself for what he loved most in the world...you.”

  * * * *

  That night Mirabella fell into a deep sleep brought on by the vast forlornness that weighed down her heart. She dreamt of Rom. She heard him calling her name, reaching out from somewhere far, far away. “I am here,” he called. “Do not forget me. I am here.”

  Mirabella sat up covered in sweat. “Rom is alive!” she cried out into the dawning day. She rushed from her mushroom in search of Bean.

  Waking him from sleep Bean looked at startled. “Don’t look at me like that Bean! He is alive he called out to me. I can hear his heartbeat inside my head. It is faint, but it is beating. We must search for him as soon as the sun greets the day.”

  “Mirabella we cannot cross beyond the mountain’s edge. If Rom is alive, he has crossed into the human world. There we have no powers. If we go there will be defenseless even against the smallest of animals that call the forest home.”

  “Come, we must talk with the others. There must be something we can do. If we work together we can do this, we can.”

  ~ Chapter Six ~

  No one doubted that Rom was alive. Mirabella’s senses were strong, but they sat quietly, uncertain how they could do something that no one from the Mystical Forest had ever done...cross into the world beyond.

  “I can go,” Anastasia said breaking the silence.

  “You are just a child, Anastasia, but I thank you for your bravery.”

  “I can do it, Mirabella. I have taken care of myself for two years. I can find Rom and bring him home. It is the only way.”

  Majik stood at Ambrosia’s side. He would go with her, his neighs told Mirabella. She hated the idea, but Ambrosia was right, they had no other choice. Rom had to be hurt and suffering.