Shadows form and Unform

Within the crystal ball,

shadows are forming.

Chapter 1 - The cauldron is brewing

The Good Faery Tiffany and her accompanying troop, swept up the tall snowbound mountain with wings crafted from the finest spider webs. They radiated the colours of the rainbow and, as if she had a paintbrush in her hand, she waved with a flick of her wand, the scene from winter to summer and the larks sang upon branches where the golden pears, hung, ripe and juicy - begging to be picked.

A gentle breeze from Mrs Wind Junior, caused the crocuses to stir and chat amongst themselves whilst not far away in another Kingdom, trouble was brewing for the King of Larkspur, had taken to his bed and was thought to be very ill. The heavy curtains blocked the light from his chamber and shadows formed in corners as his sour-faced Queen sat beside him, saying prayers upon her pearl rosary. A servant fanned him with a peacock feather, and senior Ministers stood upon either side of the bed, all wearing solemn expressions upon their bearded faces.

Gossip in the Court was that he had lost the will to live. He in all innocence was unaware of the mumblings and the pointing of fingers. The Instigator was his second wife, the Queen, who was mumbling the words of ‘die – you fool,’ over and over again, under her breath.

One Minister , however, had drawn the Doctor aside and asked him to take a little stroll to discuss the situation. He announced that “My opinion, is, and you will keep it to yourself my kind sir, is that he has lost the will to live and I think perhaps a little food poisoning along the way has expedited the situation.” The eyebrows rose upwards on the thin face of Advisor No 1, and he looked anxiously about him in case they had been overheard. “That is my opinion Sir, but there is no need to cause alarm, yet,” he stressed, as he waved his finger at him.

“No, no, quite,” the Advisor No 1 said. The Doctor, squat and round confided in a soft voice, “ Do not allow the Queen to be in the same room alone with the King. That is my advice. I will call before the sun sets and sit awhile, yes!” He twirled his imposing curled moustache, in a conspiratorial fashion. They both nodded and he placed his hat upon his head murmuring, “Good Day.”

The Advisor No 1 stiffened and felt for his smelling salts in his embroidered velvet vest. He was quiet at the mention of ‘poison, and it worried him exceedingly,’ for if that was true, it would not end there. To maintain his cool he took several sniffs allowing the wave of intoxication to impact him, shook his head and when composed walked back to the King’s Chamber trying hard not to acknowledge the Queen. Distancing himself from her he carried across a hard backed chair and sat down on the opposite side of her and crossed his legs.

The Queen simpered, but played her role singing quietly to herself, “It will not be long now, it will not be long now,” and pretended to be saying the required prayers. ’ He is a fool and had been easy to manipulate, she sniggered to herself, quite forgetting where she was. Now, her behaviour was being observed. She smirked recalling how she had contrived to have the heirs removed – seven sons all gone in a puff of smoke as she said the words, “Go forth, you ill-begotten sons, as the seven protesting brothers were hurled out into the wilderness to perish. Little did she know, that they were transformed into large ravens , due to the Good fairy Tiffany, daughter to the Fairy Queen whose role was to aid the family. They departed leaving behind Daphne, the bereft sister, who cried until the valleys ran with her tears. The unhappy King, still reeling from his first wife’s death and his sons’ removal, on a charge of attempting to overtake the throne, was no match for the second wife, the Witch. Initially, his Ministers had declared it a great match and had brought four children to the household – three of whom were boys. In the Queen’s opinion, the Kingdom was ripe for her eldest son to take over as soon as their step sister was removed too. She plotted and she schemed but acknowledged that would take a little while to orchestrate. She could wait.

Meanwhile, these Four children, attended by their Nanny, plus Daphne played with their toys and quarrelled with each other in their quarters unaware of what was occurring in another part of the castle.

Daphne, the eldest of the children, lavender coloured eyes set in the shape of ripe plums shed a tear. She tossed back her flowing hair of deep chestnut twined into ringlets about her face and her long plait tied by a velvet plum ribbon swished back and forth. She stood apart from the others and at times, covered her ears from the noise. 18 years of age was she, and according to her step mother the Queen, ripe for marriage and whilst the King refused to give his opinion to it his Advisors had been encouraged to step in and confer with the Ambassador Herr Schultz. His task set , he made his way to speak with the Princess who was waiting for him wearing her favourite lemon coloured gown, studied with blue peonies and white daisies and looked the image of prettiness and youth, but her heart was heavy it beat fast and loud.

He said, in a pompous voice, “I have come to deliver a message to you,” and sat down next to her revealing a shiny bald head, and removed his dark blue hat with a feather to match onto his lap. As she stared at his matching silk jacket fitting over a wide girth and knee high pantaloons he crossed his knees revealing his white silk stockings sitting in his buckled black patterned leather shoes that shone like a mirror. From time to time, he brushed his hand down his blouse, where lace served as a collar. Such a figure of splendour was he but his skin was sallow and his thin like eyes darted hither and thither as he spoke in a condescending booming voice. “I am, my dear , your beloved father’s confidant and it is his dearest wish that you marry, and I have been giving the honour of arranging it.” Behind him stood a bevy of the learned men and those who held rare Parliamentary privileges. She listened most attentively to his announcement but her mind was elsewhere knowing her father was ill, and that she had not been allowed to see him, was weakening in her decision to ignore them.

“What if my brothers were to return,” she pleaded with him her lavender eyes blurred with sadness.

“It is impossible I am afraid we have sent out troops, we have scoured our realm, sent out our armies to look beyond our borders which, “ as he wagged his finger at her, is not to be taken lightly Princess. “But why cannot my father tell me this?” she had added one more attempt. “He is much indisposed at present, and cannot waste his time on such matters when he is unwell can he? She shivered. Beaming down at her, in a condescending tone, chin first then his long nose secondly . “But,” she cried but her cries had gone unheard and the Ambassador, patted her on the head and said, We will seek a suitable husband for you.” She had shaken her head in frustration and returned to the schoolroom, amongst the squabbling siblings.

Now that the agreement had been settled enterprising knights were sent to the kingdoms in the East where the winds blew strong, to the North where the Dragons curled upon in the heat, to the West where the mermaids dwelled under the sea and to the south, where the mists covered the land and the wizards lived in large castles and everything rang like clockwork , the crops flourished, fat lambs kicked up their heels and the hens laid golden eggs.

Their King was well pleased with their results for he had taken to sitting up behind puffed pillows and was allowed to eat broth. Princess Daphne, was not permitted to see him and she was much distressed. So , her fate was sealed, locked within the embrace of a crystal ball. The King of the North had three sons, and they were well inclined to wed the pretty young Princess – thus arrangements were made.

She sat by the window, wringing her hands this way and that. ‘What could she do, and where were her brothers. If only they were here, they would not have allowed such an event to occur, ’ she mused and brushed back her hot tears and sought for her handkerchief. In the corner of it, a golden key had sewn into it by her own hand. One night when she had been more upset than usual when all was quiet and the frogs were asleep the good fairy Tiffany, the fairest and sweetest of all, appeared in what she believed was simply a dream and handed her a gold key. “Keep it close to you for it will unlock the door of Fairy, where your brothers must pass through. Guard it well, allow no one to touch it nor to see it. In time, help will come,” she whispered. With that, she waved her wand sending gold sparkles and fairy dust throughout her room and vanished. When she awoke, and saw the key, she played the message over and over again in her mind for days to come. She clung to this experience, she clung it when she was low, and she clung to with tenacity to be strong. This key, she removed nightly kissing the key and whispering ‘Good night,’ to each of her brothers in turn. She kept them fast in her heart.

Upon one night a blight descended upon the land. The once lush crops became limp. Once hereto fat cattle and sheep sickened. The bees in their hives were not happy ceasing to gather the pollen. All was not well in the Kingdom. The King was much distressed.

The flowers in the once magnificent gardens were despairing and Mrs Daisy, family and neighbours were considering leaving and were slowly packing their baskets full of seeds.

Upon such a day, Princess Daphne had been called to present herself to the three brothers who had travelled far, for such an audience. From the south were they and were wealthy with castles of their own, but all missing a Queen to place in them, like china dolls. The elder brother, whose name was Prince Olaf, was tall and handsome, but whose eyes, kept darting about him as if summing up the values about him and her and the kingdom which alas was not looking its best.

The second was short and a little on the plump side by name of Dimitri, who spoke of his beloved horse and Polo. The third, by name of Pavel, was of medium of height, thin and who stuttered and whose voice was rough as if he was sawing a log. They all declared she was the fairest of all. The Ambassador, was well pleased and was edging her to make a decision. In her gown of palest camel, dyed and spun by the spiders and kept for important occasions.Even the lace that had been sewn into it was of the same colour. Her hair had been curled and twisted in long ringlets that fell down about her and had been tied with a ribbon made of the same lace. Her heart was heavy, her spirits low as she was called upon to make a decision. They waited, the Ambassador and his entourage waited. As the Princess, delivered her decision their was a deafening silence in the room. She said, “ Whilst I am delighted to receive such flattering and heartful declarations of love, I am afeared. that whilst my father remains ill I cannot, in all fairness make a decision that is worthy of such sincere and worthy devotions of love. I am afraid, that I must decline all your offers until at such time I may converse with the King and receive his blessings. I would like to say that I have thought of whom I would like to be my husband, but I beg more time.” She paused as she thought of how to bring the Interviews to a close, noting that she had crossed a line and had to be prepared to honour her decision – even to her detriment. She dug her fingers into her hands and stood tall, for she was of medium height having grown quite a lot and much taller than the average women, her father was a giant of a man as were her brothers.

Finally, the Ambassador, red of face, and eyes that glared, spoke. “My good Princes three. I am much afraid that the Princess has been under much strain and is incapable at this present moment of making a proper decision. I suggest that we adjourn this meeting and convene again when that time does arise or a little earlier when The Princess is of a different mind.” The Princes, one, two and three, stood up and whilst flushed in their faces, could do naught but accept the decision. Each of them, kissed the hand of the Princess and left the room.

Afterwards. the Princess had been escorted to her Chambers and the door was locked behind her. With a sigh the Princess sank down upon her bed and cried, until the sun fell down taking the colours of the land with it. In her heart, as she sat up and listened to the sea of small animals that also shared her chambers she knew that there would be no next time. There would be a decision made and she would not even see them, but the betrothal bans would be announced and she would be married the following week. In the meantime, she would be kept a prisoner and not permitted to leave her chambers.

“She took out her key and was nursing it when the good Fairy appeared again. “Tut, tut, tut, my dear. You must leave this castle instantly, plans are afoot and marriage will be upon you. before you know it. I will change your form. You must have faith in what I am prepared to do. It is the only way. Princess Daphne nodded, her eyes red and swollen. She knew the Good Fairy spoke the truth.

“Please put your key away as I transform yourself, maid and your chambers into miniature forms.” She nodded and pleaded. “I cannot leave my little friends here,” gathering them to her. “They shall come too of course,” she laughed. “All ready, sit together and everything was being rearranged into an expanding turnip as her wand lightly caressed her with magic fairy dust She was now the Turnip Princess existing in a Turnip.

When the change had occurred, the good Fairy , holding the precious cargo, and her fairy troop flew out of the window to where Mrs Daisy was packing her seeds. They stopped and the Good Fairy spoke to her. “I have a task for you, Mrs Daisy as she handed her the turnip. Guard it well and plant it where I show you. Go now, it is time to leave this foul place. You will not be safe.” Where shall we travel to,” Mrs Daisy cried? “Why to Fairy land of course,” and she gave her directions. “The journey may not be without danger, but know that I and my fairy troop, will not be far from you. She waved her wand again and said, “This fairy dust that I do sprinkle will give you courage and strength to reach my destination. Go now with my blessings.”

Upon this night over half the garden flowers, shrubs and trees, led by Mrs Daisy vacated the castle grounds, shuffled along by the light of the moon, seeking their new destination.

Just as the sun was rising a strange shape, flew above them cloaked in a dark black cape that folded outwards like a sail blowing in the wind. “Mrs Daisy looked up and cried out. “Oh dear, Oh dear, it is the Witch. Turn your petals upside down and stand perfectly still.” The rock trolls kept the expressions upon their faces very still. The birds shivered in the trees for the Witch, who was Queen of the land, brought cold to every living being. Frightened all the flowers and shrubs obeyed her. Their little hearts beating fast. Upon her broomstick, the Witch glided and turned her head left to right as if she was searching for something or someone. From above, the good Fairy and her troop whisked down and they waved their magic wands causing them to be invisible from her view and stood guard over them. With the immediate presence vacating they hurried as quickly as they were able , their roots, scuffling over the earth and grass. It was daybreak when they reached the Realm of Fairy and they climbed the hill to it. in front of them stood a door. It was lichen green in colour and stood in a wall of never-ending stones. In the centre of it was around flower knocker which when opened by the Good Fairy revealed a Fairy village. Shuffling down the other side they crossed a wooden bridge, under which flowed a clear stream, gurgling as it flowed along. They entered the pathway, that wound around large trees where climbing roses and Canterbury bells grew . Each tree, housed fairies who stood at their windows and doors to watch the procession pass through. Mrs Daisy oohed at a house in a tree above her as it was painted pink with white flowers painted on it. It had a pointy hat similar to the small pixies who also stared at them as they shuffled through. Rabbits hopped by and coloured snails crawled with them. “The field is just beyond the last tree house “ called out he Good Fairy. See yonder.” The path opened to a field of flowers of all kinds, shapes and colours. Sweet scents and aromas wafted past them and several flowers were walking about talking to each other. Amidst this stood several trees of Oak, Ash and Thorn, all occupied, by small folk. Around and beyond, were fields of flowers and herbs. Under a tall Oak tree, in dribs and drabs they all put down their baskets and hung their heads, leaves and petals. From above them a light shower of rain fell upon them and to the earth below. The damp air revived their senses, and their roots itched to be in the damp soil. The journey was over and they felt blessed. Silently they offered up prayers and gratitude to the Fairies about them.

Mrs Daisy, remembering her manners being in the land of Fairie, glided towards patches of Rosemary, Rose bushes and purple crocuses. She nodded her head with respect and said.

“We give thanks for the kind invitation to squat with you all here. We assure you we are of the old kind, respect our betters and are honest citizens. “ The tallest of the purple crocuses lifted her roots and moved forward at a pace faster than a snail and welcomed them and showed them an area under two Elm trees and thereabouts. Muttering their thanks, they made for their destined area aiming to be squatted in new soil as soon as possible. Lazily, at the foot of two elms, two dragons one , a youngster coloured green , with red dots and hearts about it. Its scales were red as was its underbelly, dark blue wings surrounded it and the other its mother whose snake like coat was mauve with pink stripes running along its back, curled themselves around the bottom of the trees their heavy eyes closed, but not asleep. In one of the trees, sat the seven ravens content now that their sister was below them.

The sun rose in the sky and smiled down upon the land and to the flowers that had been through great upheaval, and at last the air was pure again, the flowers smiled, some singing to the butterflies that hovered about them and the birds set up a chorus of songs.

And so they settled into their new environment and later Mrs Daisy, planted the Turnip that she had brought with her and thought back to Larkspur, the land of plenty,’ that it was once known,’ with sadness and relief. She raised her petals and thought of the Princess of Larkspur now residing in a turnip, close by and that her brothers were watching over her.

She had often seen the Princess when young crying miserably in the garden as she was missed her brothers dearly, but had no means to find them which she never ceased to do. In the meantime, she accepted her lot in life. How life had changed she thought .

Meanwhile,, in another realm and in another time space, the Prince Igor, was in disgrace and was preparing himself to have an interview with his father the King.

As he entered the circular drive way to his home, he was greeted by his groom, who took his horse as he slowly walked into the Castle. As he did so, the forbidding Butler greeted him, and bowed. “Your Highness, follow this way please ,” he said in a condescending tone.

When he entered the library, where books from the floor to the ceiling were housed along two walls and one was not to touch them without entering their name into a huge book and stamped by his father’s man servant. One wall only was a mass of glass where his father could see across the grounds to the forest beyond where the deer grazed.

The atmosphere change immediately as he entered the King’s Chambers. The King, of Gooseberry Meadows, waited until he was in front of him and he hung his head as was his practice in front of his father. The cold, unreadable eyes of his stared at him as if he were an ant. He spoke to his son in a low voice, until suddenly he raised it and leaned forward in his chair to speak further. His voice deepened and was rising as he spoke. “What began as a day of enjoyment was marred by you, and your disgusting performance. Everyone could see your grey hunter, had cleared the fences with ease and all was well. The vermin fox was within our grasp, the baying of the dogs was of excitement to us all. We were in for the kill and there were calls of ‘Tally-Ho,’ and what did you do, I would like to know?” He bellowed and stood up to emphasise his point. “The fox was in the bag,” and he brought his fist down upon his right hand as a demonstration. “ I will never live it down. My son, the future King, is now branded as a coward. That is all I need,” his face had turned to a strange colour of puce and his cheeks puffed out, his dark blue eyes bulged in an alarming manner. “Your punishment will be given to you in the morning Sir there is no returning from this I am afraid. “ he said and for a moment the Prince thought he would spit and him as he stormed out of the Chamber and he fell into a heap on the carpet as he recalled the event.

He had not wished to participate at all, but he was expected to. His horse was the pride of al the young men in the Kingdom. It had been imported from the lands of Sorrow for him. He liked to ride and excelled in it. Easily he had cleared the fences, and his horse loved to canter and gallop. He had sat low upon him when they were closing in on their prey until he saw the frightened fox. His stomach churned. He could not do it – would not do it and he had dashed forward upon an impulse and picked up the frightened fox, dashing off with it to the astonishment of the riders behind him and the baying dogs. They pursued him for a ways through the forest, twisting and turning, through the bushes, and trees, this way and that, until they reached a stream and with a tumultuous stride forward his hunter leaped across and galloped forward. At that point, the leader of the hunt, called ‘a stop,’ allowing the frustrated dogs to have a drink before turning, silently for home.

He had not thought of anyone else but the plight of the fox. He could not bear to have seen it torn to pieces, and it pierced his heart at the thought of it. But he also knew that he had made a stand against his cruel father the King and that there would be consequences. It was not like rescuing small birds, or kittens when he was little. Those acts had been tolerated but this performance, and in front of consequential men and women of the county, was not to be forgiven. He had crossed a line. He took a deep breath in but he was not ashamed of his act. He could not tolerate cruelty. He accepted that he was different, from all the other Princes and influential people that his Father brought to the Court. He shook his head and he knew the punishment would be severe.

Meanwhile, The red, corkscrew curls of the Good Fairy Tiffany, flew about in wild disarray when she given the news by the blue bird, who had nested in the ivy by the rooms of young Prince Igor that that he had been beaten once more by his Governess for a misdemeanour. He had merely accepted the beating, not because he thought it was right but that his father had demanded it.

“ Bright buttons,” she moaned, her sweet face taking on lines of concern, and her pale, green eyes flashed to blue and backed again. “Marigold, Sweet Pea and Geranium, we have work to do!” As she told them her news, they looked at her with disbelief and mutterings came forward of “What can we do,” and “How horrible,” she assembled them to accompany her to see for themselves. With concern she said in disbelief, that he has performed an act of kindness that has much angered his father the King. We must find out what he did.”

Her curls bobbed back and forth as she admitted, “He has proved such a disappointment to his wicked father. He is not like him. I fear for him, I really do and we know that he was a changeling at the Castle for when the twins were born, they were stillborn and that before his mother , who was a fairy, passed into the Spirit world, she begged us to find a substitute for the King would be furious and take his anger out on others. With the aid of the nurse, we buried the twins and brought our young Prince Igor of Briar Rose in as a substitute. “ The other fairies looked wide eyed at such information being given them. She added, “That is why he is different from the rest of his siblings for as we know that King married again very quickly after that and there are other children but Igor is still heir to the throne, if he wants it. He does not know of his past and we are honour bound to the Fairy Queen to aid him. Come now.” The Good Fairy knew she had to act quickly, so with speed, she replaced her flowered tiara of peonies and violets and placed the small bird that had made a nest upon her shoulder into the apple tree and they all lifted themselves into the air and swept up the tall mountain, whose peak was still snow clad. When they passed through the Portal to the other side, the dark clouds were curled up like sea waves, and they sped into the darkness.

She quickly informed her troop of what they needed to do to be of assistance as they flew between the trees and above on their search for the Prince.

“When I spoke to Mrs Daisy she had been interrupted by a hunting horn when she gave the message to Mrs Lark, who chirped it to me. We are unsure as to which Castle we will find him in at present so we may have to fly very quickly to all four, so let us fly like the wind with our wands up high.”

When they reached the north, where salamanders walked on hind legs, and crimson fires leapt in and out of black mountains that spewed out lava, down to the earth below, they spoke to a smouldering rock, and it said, “ He could not be here unless he changed form. “ They flew to the sea flying down deep into its lapis lazuli waters where they spoke to King Poseidon. When he opened his mouth to spoke, great gusts of water spewed over them. “No, no, he would not be here at this time of year, besides he has to change to be a merman, or he would not survive. “ he uttered stroking his trident as they bit their lips in disappointment. Down to the south, where it was cold and snowing, the Wizards were lazily flicking their wands at the wood in the fire. “No, he dwells not here.” The last castle begin in the East, they were told by a friendly hare who spoke in a most educated voice as he stroke his whiskers plenty. ’That this is the castle of King Angletwist, the terrible. The Prince is in residence, but not for much longer for he had it on good authority that the Prince had been interviewed in the library.” He twitched his whiskers to the left to show them the direction. Bowing backwards and thanking him profusely. They were just in time to see him being hauled off to his quarters and from whispers from the servants they learned of his fate.

When The Prince was resummoned to learn of his fate he was bid to sit still like a dog and he did so. His long-legged father, had removed his crown and looked distastefully down his long nose at him for a few moments, his red faced cheeks spoke of “I should beat the living hell out of you now, but I know it will be of no use. You are nearly not my son.” He opened his legs wide and placed an elbow on his knee and said “What do you have to say for yourself then. A whole lot of codswallop I’ll be bound. “ The Prince knew from that time forth he was dead to The King, who in a voice as cold as the grave said quite clearly, “You disgust me sir so tomorrow morning, you will travel to the Airport with James and take a plane to Sweden. There you will take another small plane to a village called ‘Seaburg,’ and then motor to a boarding school, high in the mountains where you will remain until you are 18 years of age. It is an excellent school academically and also places great regard on physical training where you will be expected to participate in. When you return and depending upon your reports, I will then decide your future. You are the heir to the throne or I can change that at a whim, with four young brothers at your heel, don’t forget that. If, and I say if, you are to be King you must learn to act like one. If not, then I will give the title to your nearest sibling. Do not disappoint me, I will know each day of your progression.” He stood up and went to shake hands with him but changed his mind and nodded for him to leave. Prince Igor backed out knowing that he never showed feelings of any kind, indeed if he had any at all. His manservant opened the door and he walked through it into the coldness of life, his heart heavy.

In the morning He had hoped his mother would see him off but no one of the family came and so his new life commenced. And icicles entered his heart. However, the Fairies, vowed to watch over him, for the school had a dreadful reputation. This they did for many years until it was time for him to return home once more, but due to a mishap with the flowers, they had been caught off guard until he was put on board the ship.

His school days, presented him with challenges each day, and for several years he bore the brunt of prefects, and older boys, who sought to mock him and humiliate him at every turn. Though he had his guardian with him, they sought to find him when he was alone. But he would not give in to them, he refused to bow to them, to become a follower. In time they left him be, and he did not know which was worse, the coldness or the humiliation. He studied hard and had a natural aptitude to music and languages and natural sciences in which he excelled. His lack of prowess in the athletic side was balanced out by his intelligence.

Upon his return to his home, his father greeted him with a show of a smile, and apologised that his mother had taken to bed with the vapours and unfortunately would not see him upon this occasion. “ Though you have excelled in your studies your mother, the Queen and I think you need more experience in controlling men thus you will remain in our service, which will be the navy, until you have acquired the rank of Captain. Do I make myself clear boy and if you do not make a name for yourself - you will not be returning home.” Though the King had aged somewhat, as grey hairs appeared on his beard and hair, he had not changed. He clicked his fingers and a servant, dressed in black and white, appeared and waited for instructions.

Prince Igor, gave in though his heart was already broken, for he had tried everything he could to be a good son, to make his father proud of him, but alas he had not. He stiffened his shoulders to his full 6 feet, in height, bowed and backed from the room as the servant escorted him to his quarters. Little did he know that the elves that surrounded him glided him out so he would not disgrace himself.

He was so shattered he hardly knew which foot to place in front of him first and he knew he had until the morning before his ship sailed and his training would begin.

That night he suffered a dream, in which he was escorted to his ship by his father’s men to ensure he stepped aboard but as the gangplank was hauled aboard and the visitors departed, the ship seemed to raise itself above the waters and very much like Peter Pan it sailed away into the night sky and thus he was lost forever to his former life.

He awoke sweating, his long blond fringe dangling over his eyes, and his eyes wild. Surely, it was just a dream. Surely such a thing could not happen. As he pondered upon this dilemma he failed to see a figure entering his room, a figure by name of the dream deva, sticky with cobwebs and floating spiders. He carried with him a vial of murky beige coloured liquid which swirled around it. He did not see the shadow creep across the room for it had no shadow and was too late to see the needle filled with the liquid and the Dream Diva, held it high and plunged it into his arm. Too late, he felt the impact and his eyes drooped and he fell back into his bed as if he was having a seizure. There he lay in this pool of forgetfulness and his blood changed to a sickly green. When he awoke in the morning, he rose like a thing possessed and allowed his valet to dress him, to organize him to take him to the carriage and put him in there. Before long they had arrived at the docks and he was escorted aboard. The gangplank was raised and slipped into its resting place upon the ship. It glided forward from its resting place and he hung over the railing to watch the departing of it from his home, life his family.

Before long the land was no longer visible and the sea licked the ship as it rose up and down upon the waves. No one approached him, no one acknowledged him at all. In fact, if felt as if he was invisible which indeed he was. He had become invisible to life itself.

Food was brought to him in his cabin, he wanted for nothing but when the ship crossed the date line, an interesting happening occurred When he came out of his cabin he was no longer invisible to the crew, to the officers and was addressed as Prince Elfman. When he protested the words remained stuck in his throat and was invited into the dining area for dinner where he sat next to a hearty looking captain, that resembled a bear.

His language was old fashioned as was for all who were upon the ship. When he looked at the sky through the portals he observed it as being as strips of streaked mustard and yellow patches with brown circles as if someone had sewed them to be the sky, Through it green streaks emanated from the sun. The dinner was not his usual meals but of fruits and bread, and lots of green looking vegetables which he avoided for he could not eat of them. Delicious small cakes were piled in golden trays in front of him, and he ate them all. A wine glass with a curled mermaid’s tail on it appeared in front of him, and was the colour of sapphire. Within in a pink liquid bubbled, tempting him. He did, sipping it slowly, waiting for it to have an effect, but it did not, so he took another. That was his mistake for the cold liquid was silky falling down his throat. Later he took a walk, or to be more correct ,the walk took him as he balanced precariously upon legs that had no substance. Learning upon the railings, he looked across at the dark waters that resembled peaks, of crème, and the mustard sky had changed to that of a sickly green. It was then he felt a hard push and he was flying, flying down, down upon the waves that like giant clams rose up and claimed him. “No, he cried, but it was too late, and the ship was no longer there, when he surfaced, spluttering and gasping until he was pulled to the bottom of the sea. The captain was well pleased for the done deed and had no regrets. A sackful of gold was awaiting him when the ship docked.

The night, spun a web over him, and a mermaid danced him upon her back and a seal of gold, glided them into the shorelines, where crabs promenaded, hand in hand, and the rocks were stitched up by hand. He did not feel the seal step on him forcing him to expel the water lodged in him, nor the mermen lying him down on his stomach and once knowing that he was safe, slid into the silky waters again and swam out to sea.

During the day when he opened his eyes to his new surroundings, he found he was surrounded by a tribe of crabs. Wondering if he was dreaming he pinched himself and slowly he sat up in the centre of them in a scene that could only be described as surreal as though someone had stitched it all together under a mustard sky, enveloping the heaving sea, and violet clouds swept by him. Above him the sun was bright red, shining upon orange lopsided waves and he, if he recalled his name, was Prince Elfman. He scratched his head. ‘Was that right, it did not seem so, but it was the last name he could recall when on the ship. He had paid his respect to the Captain who was a bear.’ Anything else was hazy as he stared at the crabs and wondered if he could step over them or would they let him pass. Around his neck hung a huge nail attached to a red thread. ‘Whatever is this for,’ he wondered as he attempted to stand. Staggering a little, he heard a small voice coming from the crabs themselves.

“ The Fairy Queen has asked you to keep the key on your person and to follow instructions from her. They then stood aside and let him pass through.” Thanks,” he said turning around but they were no longer there. ‘This is a strange place, that’s for sure,’ he muttered.

Sometime later, traipsing through a forest, he did not know where he was going or what the land was and what he was supposed to be doing there. The forest was dark, and of different colours than he was used to. He had no food and long shadows were forming, so he guessed it was approaching nightfall. He came across a hillside and thought of climbing it but upon searching around in the undergrowth he found a cave. Peering at it he heard a shuffling nearby. This sent him to do something quickly and he crawled in and curled up by the entrance as he was not sure what was in there. Though hungry he was so exhausted he finally succumbed to mother nature and fell fast asleep. Light streamed through the aperture in the morning, and as he looked about him as he wondered if anyone was in the cave. A few minutes later he came face to face with a giant brown bear, who stood up on his hind legs and biffed him with his paw, he ducked when a second one came to him. What could he do, he couldn’t get out in time and his body ached. Hastily, he looked about him and to his astonishment there was a woman in the cave too. She called off the bear, and they stood back looking at him and the woman spoke to him in a tongue he recognized but was not sure what it was.

“Who are you and why are you in our cave?” the small, grey-haired woman wearing a blue striped peasant dress and white blouse asked. A kerchief had been tied around her head. The bear stood growling slightly.

He gulped and tried to explain his situation. “

“I see, she said and asked him to partake of some bread, honey, fruit and wine.

He was so hungry, he could hardly stop eating until he realized he may be eating all their supplies and apologised profusely to them. She did not seem worried and replied, “We have plenty more where they come from. Do not be concerned, but thank you for your regard.”

He took a little more then sat back looking at them and asked. “Can you tell me where I am. What realm or country is this?

She chuckled, showing that she had most of her teeth as she looked at the bear. “ I do not know what you mean by country, but this is the realm of Fairy.”

“Fairy you mean it exists,” he said looking puzzled. “How on earth did I get here and how do I return to my realm? That is my concern.”

She wiped her hand across her mouth and shook her head. “I cannot answer that, but as to how you arrived here think back to your time on the ship?”

He leaned back and rested his head upon the cave wall. “Was it a normal experience that you could identify with?”

He first thought of the mustard sky, and the heavens where everything appeared to have been sewn together. “No,” he added quietly.

“And what is your name pray tell?” He thought for a moment. “They called me Prince Elfman. Mr Elfman.”

“Is that you real name. Where do you come from?”

“Er, I don’t know!” “I don’t know!”

“You don’t find that strange?”

She leaned forward, and spoke quietly. “You don’t know where you came from. You don’t know your true name and you don’t know where you are going?”

“No. I don’t.” he added in a bewildered tone. “ I cannot remember anything.”

“Ah,” she said, then you were drugged, and probably kidnapped, and how did you fall into the sea?”

“Er, I remember feeling strange after a drink I was given, and I leaned out over the railings and I felt a push. Yes, a push and the next moment I was in the sea. I managed to reach the surface and called out for help but the ship was no longer there. It had vanished.” He was quiet for a moment as the probability sunk in of what had happened to him.

Emotion took over him and he shook violently for a few minutes and gradually calmed down.

The old woman and the Bear watched him until he was calm again and she said. “It seems to me that the ship vanished because they thought you were dead. Someone wanted you dead so it would appear you have enemies. This means you cannot return, for if you do you will be killed.”

“Yes,” he said quietly.

“So you might as well join us.”

He looked up and at them and the thought struck him of ‘why not,’ and they didn’t seem so bad and he would have a roof over his head and food. What could he do to repay them.”

He posed the question, and she told him, “You may gather wood for the fire at night, that is important and that food came to them from other means.”

“ Very well, I will start now then. “Do not go too far, or you will be lost in the undergrowth. Stay close and we will call you ‘Seaman,’ because you came from the sea, and I am Martha, the tinker woman and this here is Bear.” He grinned and when he did, for a moment he reminded her of someone, but she put it out of her mind, for it could not be true and he went off to find wood.

She in the meantime, called to a ‘hand,’ to make more bread and cook a stew and dumplings. she would see if she could find some blackberries and mushrooms. She took down a large cooking pot and from a bucket poured water into it, and called another hand to light it and connected it to a pole with a hook attached to it in the middle of the cave.

Several weeks had passed, and they spent their days following their varying occupations. Seaman had made himself a bed of some kind by weaving bark together and placing some logs underneath him. He offered to make Martha one but she said she had her bed thanks and the Bear always curled up by the fire at night.

Martha was uneasy in her mind, she stewed over where she had seen that face before and thought back to her past. She once had been a governess, to the King and Queen of ‘Gooseberry Meadows,’

until trouble brewed. That was a long time ago, now. The King had been a very handsome man, as many a fairy woman had known. The Queen, kind and beautiful. There was some sort of scandal, she remembered and a fairy prince had been given as a substitute for twins who had died. It nearly broke the Queen’s heart and she had dismissed her servants and she was one of them. In time she had more children, and hired new staff but Martha could not return. The baby was a boy and called Igor. The more she looked at Seaman, the more she believed she saw a face that she knew. He was tall too. It worried her, so she decided to do something about it and made up her mind to find the Good Fairy and take her troubles to her.

In the meantime Mrs Daisy had planted more seeds, amongst some sunflowers and marigold flowers as well as a few more turnips. About them small fairies built peaked houses, with many windows and rounded doors. They each had a garden and path ways leading up their front doors. They guarded the turnip, when she was not around as did the ravens and dragons.

The good fairy had heard from the grape vine, that a servant had discovered the Princess’s entire chamber was missing, and the grounds had been searched, and it was thought that she had been kidnapped, and that the search had been discontinued. The Queen, had informed the Court that in lieu of this her eldest son would be heir to the Throne. So when Martha had sought her out, and informed her of the situation the Good Fairy’s mind went back to the past. In a small voice, she asked if she could see him on a pretence of some kind. She would know immediately and then. She stopped and thought and then what?

It was a few days later, that she flew in to visit Martha who had asked the ‘arm’ to make fresh bread with strawberries and blackberries to accompany it and a plain cake with rose petal icing. She had traded some flour for tea, and had the kettle brewing.

The Good Fairy and her troop flew to the aperture and crawled in. The Bear stood up and Martha came to greet her. Seaman was out, not far away, gathering logs. “He will be here presently,” Martha said apprehension building up in her at what the outcome could possibly mean as they partook of the bread and blackberries and tea.

Presently, Seaman poked his head in placing the logs in front of him and crawled in and stood up with a look of surprise and delight at the delightful picture of the fairies greeted him.

“Seaman,” Martha said, “let me introduce you to The Good Fairy, Sunshine, Poppy, and Snap Dragon.

He smiled and the Good Fairy dropped her saucer. “Oh I am so sorry,” she wailed. “It was so careless and she sat down on a pillow that Martha immediately found for her.

Bear growled and picked up her wooden mug and poured her another one with his paw like hands, which she received gratefully. She looked at him for a moment and thought it can wait. Seaman, aware that something was afoot was unsure of what to do.

“Seaman, you said your name was ,” she said smiling up at him.

“Er, well I’m not sure really. I seem to have a mental blankness about myself and my background.”

“Would you like me to tell you,” she said. “Pardon, what do you know about me – or could you know about me?” he questioned, looking a little baffled by the assembly. About them, there was not a noise, not a whisper from the other small creatures who resided in them.

The Good Fairy, flashed him a dazzling smile and took his arm and sat him on a stump they had prepared for him and like the Queen she would become told him of his life.

Sometime later, when she had finished her tale, she asked Martha to add in her own information.

The Prince, seemed to have crumbled into a heap, but soon recovered and began stroking his nail around his neck. This did not go unnoticed with the Good Fairy.

“ Now there is one more thing I have to mention. You were promised to a beautiful young Princess before you were born and , “ she took a deep breath, “ it so happens she is being hidden by us, but her heart is broken due to her brothers being banished from her kingdom and she too, was about to have been. But we intercepted, fortunately.” There was a silence as everyone stared at the Prince. He, by this stage did not know what to think as the Good Fairy spoke once more, “I think that nail that you wear, will open the turnip and I know she wears a key on her person to bring her brothers back.” He clutched it.

“Let’s begin with one idea at a time. I would like you to come back to Fairyland, and open the turnip. Will you?” she begged of him.

“How, can I do that, I cannot fly,” he replied.

She laughed. “I will correct that statement, “You could not because you had not been awakened, but I awake you now. “With a wave of her wand, there was a popping sound, and there appeared a pair of large white wings forming on his back. Brown owl face eyes were etched into each one and edged with dark blue rippling waves. Seaman, in amazement stroked his wings and said, with a touch of pride in his voice. “By Jove, then it is true then.”

“I’m afraid so,” she smiled. Now I suggest we fly back to Fairyland, and Bear and Martha, we would love you both to live in our realm and Bear, would you like to be a human once?”

He growled and the change was sudden. A tall upright man appeared, of medium age. He carried a book in his hands. With a twinkle in his eye he held Martha’s hand fast and they nodded.

“is their anything you want to bring with you. Martha?” She looked about her, and she picked up her cooking pot,’ the hand,’ and several books.

I will change you both into tiny beings. Fear Not!” With a wave of her wand, Snapdragon, picked up her cargo and placed them in her pocket.

“How do I fly,” Seaman said. “You lift yourself up like this and let the wings flutter and stay near us. We will help if you waver. “ He nodded, and felt as if a weight had been lifted from him.

When they arrived in the land of Fairy, Prince Igor, was so pleased to be able to stand upon the solid earth once more he gulped the pure air and stood up straight looking about him in wonder.

Presently Martha and Bear became their normal heights and Martha was longing to see her young charge again. “I will introduce you all to Mrs Daisy, who I might add, carried the Princess all the way here. She has been reduced in size until this moment. Prince Igor, I would like you to take your nail and carefully tap through the green part of it and thus open it. “ He nodded.

“Do be careful many small fairies and little beings live here, I suggest you tip toe. Seaman was tall with large feet, and he walked carefully until Mrs Daisy stopped him, and said, “We go down here, see where the ravens are circulating. ” He acknowledged her and bent down carefully and the ravens drew back and allowed him in and pulled out the turnip and shook it. With his nail he peeled off the green part, and in a instant, the turnip broke in two and out of it two beings appeared in miniature form and wide eyed, he held them in his hands. “Now we must return to the cave, and she waved her wand and they did so.

When they arrived the Prince holding the turnip asked the Good Fairy, what he should do next. She replied, taking the turnip from him. “Take the nail and hammer it through the wall. “ As the nail splintered the rocks and shards fell about them they upheld the transformation of the beautiful young Chestnut haired princess and her maid. Sighing, the Good Fairy said, “We have two more tasks left. Sparks flew from her wand and the troop held hands with the Princess and her maid, on their flight back to open the Fairy Door to open it. Princess Daphne, removed the key from her handkerchief, and as she turned it in the lock, the door opened wide revealing her seven human brothers on the other side. She squealed with delight and ran into their opened arms. Sometime later, the Princess turned her attention to the Fair Prince and he to her. It was love at first sight and they embraced. They were married several days later, the seven young Princes, Princess Daphne, Prince Igor, Martha and Bear as well, were heading towards the old Kingdom of Larkspur. The good fairy assured them that the Witch had been melted down into candle wax and had been thrown onto the fire. She would worry them no more. When her children had noted the situation, they ran from the Castle and were seen no more . The seven brothers claimed their inheritance again for the King had died of a broken heart. “Seven brothers cannot rule a Kingdom, so you will each need to find a wife. That should not be too difficult with our help,”said the Good Fairy. “ The young men looked at each other with hope in their eyes.

She added, “When each of you finds a wife, another castle will appear not far from these walls. In all fairness , Pavel, the eldest is to remain here in this castle, - in this realm,” and she blessed them.

Prince Igor, Princess Daphne, Martha and Bear, were departing for the Kingdom of Briar Rose. Princess Daphne kissed all of her brothers once more, and with many promises of visits, she left with her true love and they all rode upon their fairy horses, that when out of sight, lifted up their wings and flew into the sunset.

The good fairy was well pleased, though she had one more task to perform and that was to visit Prince Igor’s adopted father. “Such a cruel man,” she said to her troop, he needs to learn a lesson. With that in mind, they flew off to attend to the task.

Mrs Daisy, was made the keeper of the flower patch, and she was well pleased, though she gathered seeds and kept them in her basket, just in case.

The lesson to learn here, is that nothing escapes the eye of the Good Fairy Tiffany, and she will seek to ‘right a wrong,’ and like all good fairy tales, those of pure heart lived happily ever after and the Fairy Queen smiled down up a land, that had been through great upheaval, and at last the air was pure again, the flowers bloomed, the produce gleamed with the blessing of the sun and the moon.

FIN