Behold The Faerie Realm Part Five

Part Five

Back at the cottage Rowana after some deliberation opened her eyes following a labyrinth of chaotic dreams. Maneuvering her legs from the covers and stretching, she plumped up her pillows wishing she could carry on sleeping, but knew there was much to do.

Stretching and yawning the witch hurried desperate to know what was going on at the cave of goblins. In the kitchen Rowana went straight to her bowl. It wasn't long before she was again watching the whole scene transpire from inky black water. Being a healer the witch just hoped that this traumatic experience would teach the goblins a lesson.

Having seen enough Rowana left her bowl and crossed the kitchen, opening curtains letting light stream in. Looking out the window she decided it was time to get dressed. Removing her sleeping attire, the witch slipped on her shirt and pulled wings through the slit in the back.

Placing feet into her ballet shoes, the faerie witch stretched out her red admiral wings, it had been a while since she'd flown, mainly because it tired her out, but today it was necessary.

Rowana tasted the delights of fruit collected by her companions the orbs, fresh berries were the witches favourite breakfast as they burst with flavour. When she'd finished eating and placed her bowl in the sink, Rowana then sprinkled herself with fairy dust. The witch scryed her bowl once again. The goblins were still levitated and hovering around their dwelling, she knew the magic would wear off quite soon, so the need to move quickly was urgent, flying was the fastest way to reach the cave entrance.

“Come my little balls of light, we must be away to the goblin cave.” Opening her front door, she stepped out and began to beat her wings, they fluttered as she elegantly ascended with companions accompanying her.

A trail of magic dust fanned out over the village and fields beyond to let the folk know she was coming. Folk going about their morning business stopped what they were doing to wave, her magic dust an enchantment letting them know everything would be all right.

Within a few minutes Rowana had reached the cave entrance. She landed close to a rock and sat down slightly weary from her flight. Catching her breath she took two of the perception seeds from her bracelet and popped them in her mouth chewing and swallowing. Very soon she was entering a trance like state, the orbs ready to shake Rowana out of it if anything should go wrong.

The witches spirit glided down the tunnel, all that was visible was her light illuminating the way. Rowana could hear the goblins arguing, so knew she was close.

Reaching the huge cavern, she floated in gazing up at the suspended bodies. The fairy witch could not be seen, but could throw her voice into the atmosphere so the goblins would know she was there. “In the depths of your cave, I hope you goblins have learned a lesson, as you elevate into the darkness.”

The goblins were too stunned to speak, wondering where the voice was coming from.

“Who is this?” Bellowed Ogrok, a chill circled around the goblin leader, giving churning sensations to his already skinny belly.

“I was once your childhood friend Rowana, do you remember our games of chase, how you hated it when I flew?”

Ogrok recalled those memories and shivered, he remembered the infant fairy bought to him by his mother, how they played as companions. He recollected those childish games of chase, when the young Rowana would fly over sloping roofs of cottages, but now he hated heights and especially flying. Ogrok's mother's words rang in his extra large ears. “Always be careful what you wish for son..” Now they were coming back to haunt him.

It was becoming clear who this voice in the gloom belonged to. What did that witch have knowledge of and how was she concealing her whereabouts? Ogrok listened to the squeaking bats, searching shadows of flapping wings that caused him to reach inside and wonder why he'd ever wanted to fly, it was too much of an inconvenience the goblin could do without.

He clearly realized that the only way to be in charge, was being grounded. The goblin gazed at the floor below, rage boiling as he reflected on the empire he'd built and how this wretched witch could take it from him with her magic.

“I can rescue you from the magical grasp,” Rowana pronounced. “But only on conditions.”

“I DON'T LIKE CONDITIONS!” Bellowed Ogrok. “How dare you enter my cave without permission.” By now the goblin leader was becoming more than agitated, causing him to rise up to the ceiling again. “GET ME DOWN FROM HERE!” He roared in frustration. The other goblins watching on in terror, they'd never seen their leader in such an angry state.

Rowana at once cried out. “All I ask of you, is to leave the creatures of the forest to go about their business without fear of harm. You are fay too and should be respectful protecting each and every beat of a birds wings.” As she spoke the witch healer was becoming tired, but knew she had to see out her task. “Will you promise what I ask?”

The leader tutted and sighed, bitterness in his voice at being held prisoner. “Yes! Yes! I promissssse,” he hissed.

“What about the other goblins, have you learned a lesson too?”

They all looked at their leader unsure of what to say.

“They agree!” Ogrok piped up. “None of the others will create anymore bad malice.”

“I hope not!” Replied Rowana, “because next time I won't be so lenient.”

“Now get us down, we've had enough of flying and floating,” declared Ogrok.

Rowana hadn't finished. “I knew you wouldn't be able to resist the ale, which is why I laced the barrels with a magic potion. I'm glad you've come to your senses. The spell should wear off shortly and you can once again go about your business.” The witch wanted to make sure she had the last word before leaving.

That day as the witch paid a visit to the forest, trees gleamed as the sun shone, the forest floor was carpeted with leaves, trill of birds once more echoing as if they'd never been away. All the fold of faerie realm gathered in the forest to pay their respects to Rowana, for she was not only their healer, but a protector too.

Epilogue:

The goblins remained loyal to their word, though they couldn't resist going to the orchard and climbing trees to pilfer apples their favourite fruit.

In the days that came and went only innocuous echoes filled the air of the forest, the peaceful calm was a respite for Rowana. The healer was now able to turn her attention to taking care of the realm.

All the faerie folk assembled on the village green to celebrate the mysteries of lost loved ones on All Hallows Eve, for the fay folk would want to disappear to die alone, it was just their way. But they also celebrated hopes and dreams for when spring came round once again.

Everyone made merry, dancing to invigorating lively melodies, played on fiddles and flutes, ripe blackberry juice and wine was consumed, as folk told stories late into the night, tales of loved ones passed on to the world of dead, that lived exciting lives, this was how the fay folk kept their loved ones memories alive. Sparkling eyes and glimpses of happiness prevailed dedicated to ethereal music drifting on the air.

Rowana wore a wreath of Ivy, adorned with autumn coloured leaves not yet completely dead, but just fallen. After the feasting, it would be time to call softly for much of nature to hibernate. For those that continued to carry on with life, preparations would be made for the long cold winter.

Behold The Faerie Realm.

Pixabay free image.