Chapter Three
(Atheness)
A lone bat did lazy loops in the early morning, searching for a meal before the sun came up. A splash of color came up just below the tree tops, making the bat screech and fly off into a nearby cave.
Katie was awakened by a little girl tugging at her shirt. She opened her eyes and sat up until her eyes adjusted to the dark room.
“Kaia said that danger is near, and you must leave us now.” The little girl handed Katie her backpack, which was now filled with extra food for their journey. Chait jumped onto the bed and rubbed against Katie. The little girl led Katie and Chait to the edge of the village to bid them farewell. “Goodbye, I know you will be able to save my village and the rest of our world.” The girl said, smiling up at her with big brown eyes. Katie began to feel a little nervous. How can she save this child’s village when she didn’t even know how to save herself? She shrugged and looked at the girl again.
“Where do I have to go? I don’t know what I have to do.”
“Well, if I were you, I would try the forest. I always find my little treasures there. Maybe you’ll find someone who can help you; good luck.” The little girl said, holding up a shiny rock and a perfect pinecone. These must be her little treasures, Katie thought.
Katie and Chait began to walk away, feeling a bit uneasy about the whole thing. The villagers weren’t much help and what was this danger they were always talking about, anyway?
The sun had just begun to rise over the hilltops, but the land around them was still very quiet and covered in shadows. They walked in silence for a long time, not really knowing what to say about the whole situation.
Katie finally broke the silence. “I don’t know if we are going the right way to the forest.” She stopped and sat on a large boulder next to the path they had been following. The path now broke into two different paths. But which one will lead to the forest? Katie thought as Chait jumped up on her lap and got comfortable. Katie began to stroke his back.
“We need a break anyway; I think the forest is only a few miles ahead. I don’t really want to go; there are much bigger animals in the forest that would consider me a tasty snack. Why couldn’t we just have stayed in the village?” Chait said, yawning.
“They told me we couldn’t stay with them, that I am a danger to them when I’m there. I don’t get it, though. My husband James gave me the necklace as a gift a few days ago for our anniversary. How could it have chosen me? Did he find the necklace instead of buying it for me?” Katie asked, fumbling through her pack for a granola bar. Suddenly, the large boulder began to shake. Chait flew off Katie before she could even stand up. The boulder grew bigger and bigger until Katie could make out arms and legs and finally a head.
“It’s alive!” Katie shouted, ready to run away.
The rock creature shook off the dirt he had been laying in. He turned and looked down at Katie. Katie was frozen where she was. She was too afraid to run or even scream. Chait pulled at her leg which broke her from her trance. She backed away slowly and then turned and ran. She didn’t know where to run or if was even worth it. Could she out run a rock monster?
“Wait! Don’t go. I won’t hurt you!” The monster yelled in a deep voice, trying to keep up after them. He left deep foot prints in the ground as he ran. Katie stopped and turned around to face this odd creature. A few yards ahead, Chait was still running. He turned to see Katie walking back towards the monster.
“I didn’t mean to scare you. I just don’t get many visitors. So many creatures are hiding now. No time to sit and enjoy life.” The rock monster said in a loud but pleasant voice.
Katie stood there puzzled for a moment before she spoke. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mr..? I’m sorry; I don’t know your name.” Katie said, relaxing a bit.
“I have been called monster by so many people, I have forgotten my name. Now let’s see, what was it again…Oh yes, my name is…wait! I lost it again. Oh well, I guess monster is ok with me. It kind of grows on you after hundreds of years.” Monster said in a booming laugh that made Katie almost lose her balance.
“I was wondering if you knew which way it was to the forest.” Katie asked, pointing to the fork in the road.
“The forest is a lovely place to go. Just be careful of the Oglaire. They aren’t dangerous, just annoying. You will take the path to the right. The path to the left leads straight to the ocean.”
“Thank you so much. I won’t forget your kindness. If I come by this way again, I will make sure I say hello to you.” Katie said, putting her backpack back on and looking around for Chait. She found him crouched down in the tall grass, trying to stay hidden.
“Chait, it’s alright! You can come out. I know which path to take, now.” Chait slowly crept out and hid behind Katie’s legs, looking out at the monster. The monster laughed his booming laugh again.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, young lady, and I hope we do meet again. If you ever need me, you know where to find me.” The monster then yawned and began to lie on the ground until only his back was visible again. He looked like nothing more than a boulder. Katie smiled and then began to walk on the right path, as Chait followed behind.
After walking almost a mile, the path they stood on soon became covered in thick green grass. Despite the missing path, they agreed to continue going in the same direction they had started. A few trees started to appear around them along with a few more bushes. The travelers saw a few signs here and there, warning them to turn back. In hopes of finding answers and a way home, they continued into the forest.
The forest was rich and green. The soft songs of birds filled the air, and the scent of sweet grass filled her senses. Katie took a deep breath of the freshest air she ever breathed in her life. She almost felt like singing a song, like the maidens do in the movies she’d seen. But nothing came to mind. Chait’s mood seemed cheerful as well, as he trotted next to her.
“A cat can really breathe out here. Isn’t the air just perfect?” Chait commented, taking another deep breath.
“I was just thinking the same thing. I don’t think I have ever been in such clean air before. I never knew I could tell the difference until now,” She told Chait, laughing a little. Then she paused and looked over at Chait.
“I see someone ahead. It looks like someone is standing next to that cart.” She pointed at a small cart that was drawn by a sickly looking goat. A cloaked figure stood in front of it. Katie looked over at Chait. “Should we go over to him? Maybe he was the person we were looking for.”
“Sure! Maybe he has some food. I haven’t eaten since last night.” Chait said, licking his furry lips.
“You should have told me; I have food in my bag.” They continued to the stranger in silence.
“Welcome, traveler!” The cloaked figure said, taking off his hood and straightening out the wrinkles in his cloak. Katie tried not to make a shocked face at the creatures’ appearance. His skin was the color of mint ice cream; his ears were large and took up most of his face and his large nose curved slightly at the tip. He smiled and his teeth came to a slight point at the tip. “Are you buying or selling today?” The creature asked Katie.
“Neither, sir, I’m just passing by.” Katie declared, realizing that the creature was a traveling salesman. He glared at Katie.
“Surely you have something in the bag of yours, which is worth a shilling or two.” He asked, looking over at her backpack.
“Well, let me see.” Katie started opening up her bag. “I have an apple, some dried meat, extra clothes, a toothbrush, a brush and a granola bar. Anything look appealing to you?”
“Well, let’s see here. This; what is it for?” He asked, picking up the toothbrush. Katie smiled a little, looking at his yellow teeth.
“It’s for cleaning your teeth. It helps make them smooth and clean.”
“Is that so? Well, I’ll give you two shillings for it?” He said, handing two shiny coins to Katie. She took it and placed her things back in her bag hopeful that she could be on her way. Her necklace slipped out and became visible from under her shirt.
“What about the jewel around your neck? I’ll give you five shillings for it.” The creature said, licking his lips.
“Sorry, it’s not for sale. I really must be on my way, sir.” Katie said, trying to push past him. He grabbed her arm to turn her around.
“Everything is for sale or trade! There has to be something on my cart that you would be willing to trade for such a beautiful jewel. Come, come take a look.” He led her back to his cart. He started pulling out random things that look like they may have been stolen. Other things he pulled out looked like they had been found in the trash.
Katie shook her head, as he showed her his last item in his cart. It was a teddy bear with a missing eye. “I really must be going. I thank you for your time.” Katie picked up Chait and began to walk very fast past the cart.
“I’m sure we can make some sort of a deal, here. How about 10 shillings? Now, that’s a great deal!” The creature yelled after Katie, who was now almost out of site.
“Why would anyone put a store in the forest? No wonder he is having bad business.” Chait said, jumping out of her arms and trotting next to Katie.
“I think he was one of the Oglaire that Monster was talking about. Now, weren’t we supposed to be looking for something?”
“For help, but I don’t see how we are going to find help in the middle of the forest. That crazy sales guy wasn’t any help. We should just look for a place to stay for the night.” Chait said as he stopped to stretch.
Katie sighed, “Yeah that makes sense. I hope there is another village nearby like the one we stayed at last night. However, we may need to hide my necklace. I don’t want to cause any more commotion.”
“Good idea. That lady said danger was near because of it. If they don’t see it, maybe we will be safe… for a while, anyway.” Chait said, becoming very aware of his environment. He froze where he was and very calmly whispered, “Don’t move…we’re not alone.”
Katie looked around as far as her eyes would let her without moving her head. She saw figures of what looked like women, quickly running from tree to tree, watching them while trying to stay hidden at the same time. What amazed Katie more was, that their ears were pointy, like elves and their skin was a pale green. She very much wanted to meet these lovely creatures, but at the same time, knew that they could be dangerous.
Suddenly, Katie heard a sound in front of her which made her look up. What she saw amazed her more than the beautiful green ladies. A lovely creature slowly stepped out from behind the trees as if it were told to do just that. It walked slowly up to Katie and Chait and finally stopped at the edge of the small grassy slope they stood on. Chait’s mouth hung open and he stepped behind Katie. The creature shook it’s mane to one side and looked into Katie’s eyes. Its’ beautiful horn glistened as the sun reflected off of it. Katie reached out her hand and stroked its nose.
“Katie, I need your help,” said the Unicus.
Katie’s hand jumped back. “You’re…talking,” Katie stammered.
“Well, besides the fairies, you’re the first to understand me. They said you would, because of the keys’ powers. You have the key, don’t you?”
“The key?” Katie asked. Then she thought of the necklace. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Katie said, taking a few steps back.
“Well, to you it would look like a necklace, not a key. You have it, don’t you?” The Unicus said, looking for it on Katie.
“I…don’t have anything like that on me.” Katie said, hoping the necklace didn’t slip out from under her shirt again.
“Sure you do; it’s hiding under your shirt, like we talked about.” Chait said proudly. Katie glared down at Chait. He cowered back behind her legs.
“So, you do have it then?” The Unicus asked anxiously. Katie sighed and revealed the necklace that was under her shirt.
“Thank goodness! When Queen Adrianna told me that a mortal from the world of men had the key, I was a little more than worried. I thought, once coming into Atheness, you would sell it for the first shilling that was offered to you. I’m quite impressed that you made it this far. Why would you lie to me about it?” The Unicus asked, as it brushed the grass with its hoof.
“Because I was warned to keep it safe; how do I know you don’t just want it for yourself?” Katie asked, unsure of the Unicus’ motives.
“You humans are just like I pictured you to be, so ignorant. I really am surprised you didn’t sell it to that peddler of the Oglaire.” The Unicus said.
“What do you know, anyway? How dare you talk to me that way! I don’t need this from a horse!” Katie yelled, glaring at the Unicus. She glanced over at Chait, who was still hiding behind her legs. “Come on, Chait, we don’t have time for this horse’s nonsense. We were on a mission to…get home.” They turned to walk away.
“Well, maybe I learned not to trust man. There are very few I do trust, now.” Katie and Chait stopped walking, and slowly turned around, hoping to hear a better reason for the Unicus’ rude behavior. “You may not see it now, but I was once the daughter of a great King and Queen. I wasn’t always a Unicus. Now, as much as I don’t like depending on others for help, I do need yours.
That’s why I came to you. My brother is also a Unicus, but I am having trouble finding him. He ran away from the fairy village of Amos, where we were staying until you came.” She said now pacing back and forth.
“I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier. What’s the name you prefer to be called?” Katie apologized.
“My name is Princess Simona and my brother is Prince Varek.”
“Ok, Princess Simona, so are you…um…were you human before you turned into a Unicus?”
“Well, yes I was. Actually, I was going to be named Queen before …shall we go? We are really wasting time talking.” Simona said suddenly. Katie knew she was hiding something about her past, but knew it was better not to press her on the subject. She did get turned into a Unicus by something, and that had to be a great story.
“Where are we going, anyway?”
“We are going to the lagoon to ask the mermaids if they have seen Varek. He was always fond of them and they loved him, as well. I would have gone sooner, but Adrianna said to wait here for you. We have been waiting a long time.” Simona said, as she motioned with her head for Katie to follow. Katie picked up Chait and began to follow her.
“If you don’t mind me asking, who is Queen Adrianna and how did she know I would be coming?” Katie asked, now stroking Chait’s back.
“Adrianna is the Queen of the butterfly fairies. She is also my godmother, in a way. When I was born, she gave me the gift of courage. But when my parents left, I didn’t have much courage at all. Queen Adrianna is also the original owner of the key.”
“You keep talking about this key. Why is it so important? What’s it for?” Katie asked, looking down at her necklace once more. She didn’t see anything special about it. It was very beautiful, but so were many other necklaces she had seen.
Simona stopped and knelt down. “Come, climb on my back; we’ll get there before nightfall, if I run.” Katie did as she was told and climbed on, holding onto Chait with one arm and onto Simona with the other.
“Hang on tight, Katie.” Simona said as she started to run. She felt kind of bad to have Katie sit upon her without a saddle. She always hated her riding lessons and knew how hard it was to hang on. She was running out of time quickly; Queen Zendra would be named Queen of Adwin in only seven days. If they didn’t stop her, then all would be lost.