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earindle

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Night had fallen on Darlock forest. Birds went back to their nests, beaks laden with food for their young ones. Squirrels finished gathering acorns to subsist the winter and rabbits entered eagerly their burrows where they would find warmth. All was calm, nothing seemed to disturb this peaceful atmosphere, but all of a sudden deer stopped eating and galloped away leaving an open space. High grass circled a magnitude of toadstools and colourful flowers that seemed to be waiting for someone to arrive. A cold wind disturbed the grass and a river of soft voices slowly flowed to the clearing.

They had gathered again for the second time in history. Faeries were arriving from all sides, like a shower of colours, from every corner of the world to assist at this meeting. All had to be present, it was in their nature. Curious, Faeries learnt everything they could and knew all about what was going on anywhere and at any moment. Now however, instead of that mischievous smile they usually bore, they were serious and extremely silent. The only sound came from the flutter of their wings accompanied by the tinkling of some species. Men with swords approached fervently and murmured comments while women held children’s hands and hushed little ones.

For the hour was grave. The last meeting had occurred about fifty years before and had lead to a dangerous war almost exterminating the Faeries. Many other creatures had also been threatened and Mother Nature had suffered a lot. Horrible memories of famine and death were inlaid in men’s souls and all wished for peace to stay. However, such a meeting meant nothing good.

A richly dressed Faerie arrived followed by a train of soldiers armoured in silver and sapphire. Her long, royal blue dress lightly glided behind and the gold and gems that encrusted it sparkled like the stars high in the sky. She was the Queen Enrëhel whose kingdom, ignored by most beings, held many secrets. Fenraldia, the capital, lay at the base of the Sper Mountains although its exact location was unknown. As she stepped in the middle of the toadstools and flowers the buzzing of the crowd’s voices stopped to let her speak:

“I have gathered you tonight to tell you that it has happened again. Another Dragon was born a few years ago and she has almost become of age. Although we have done as much as we could to protect her from Evil, word has started to spread out between the living beings.

The Human race has started to feel that weird things are going on and we must act quickly if we want to keep our identity. I know we protect their memories but if they came to remember us, they would cry again for their lost family and would probably declare war. Also, groups have started to gather, some whose work will be good, others evil. Clans of Dwarves are working together to forge armour while Elves are formulating all of their magic. But the Brewin are sure to reunite. One of my watches has heard villagers of Waren complaining about their herd disappearing; this used to be our enemies’ hideout.

As for the girl, she shall know when the time is right. At the moment, she is safe in a city but I will not say which one. Who knows whose spy is listening.”

Something moved in a bush where Queen Enrëhel held her gaze. Everybody turned and stared. Soldiers grasped at the bush but the form had already vanished.

“Let us hope it wasn’t a spy of Brewin.

In the meanwhile I want all of you to return home and continue your daily work. Do not speak of this meeting. The Dragon will stay anonymous but she shall come to me when all tension be gone.”

At this someone yelled:

“But we cannot risk our lives again for the sake of a Dragon!”

“Do not worry, Quinsle,” the Queen responded, “she shall find the way by herself. I have set Nature on guard. No Elf, Dwarf, or other shall get in her way. We will not have another war!”

Earindle