Believe

By Nita R. Scott

Trouble has come to the wee folk who inhabit the forest. As time has progressed, humans and other foreign animals have moved deeper and deeper into the woods that have been home to the creatures of lore. An unfortunate accident has claimed the lives of a fairy and two pixies, proving that their homes are no longer safe. Everyone must be ready to move by morning.

Outside the forest, the humans have their own problems. Many of the villagers are happy to see their village growing so much. There are a few who know the price of their expansion. They know that their actions have consequences, and that great misfortune will meet them because of it. Indeed, the village is met with misfortune, but not everyone believes its due to the actions of the community. Some believe there are witches among them, and they will do anything they must to destroy them once and for all.

Unwilling to harm the forest creatures, a group of humans leaves the village to find a place where they can live in harmony with the wee folk. As soon as they leave, however, their lives are endangered. Its up to a group of outcasts from among the forest creatures to help the humans and learn to believe in themselves in the process.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abbott Press
• Release date: Oct 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781458217837

Nita R. Scott

Nita Scott has had an interest in writing since a young girl. She returned to college in 2008 where she took several writing courses and was published in the college journal. Nita enjoys retirement in Abilene, Texas with her husband, Terry, and two cats. This is Nita’s first published book.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

YOU CAN DIVIDE people into three groups when it comes to magical creatures. What do you mean by magical creatures you ask? Well, I will tell you. I mean fairies, elves, pixies, trolls, and wizards. I think you get the picture, so I will continue.

As I said, you can divide people into three groups. The first group is those who do not believe. They never have and never will. If you broche the subject with them chances are they will laugh at you. Some will proceed to tell you how these things were simply stories made up by parents to entertain their children. No matter what you say or do, you will never convince them any magical creatures exist.

The second group is actually made of two smaller groups. One of these groups believes that these magical creatures existed long ago in far off lands, but they no longer exist. The other group, when asked, will say they may have existed, why not, but it was so long ago who can be sure.

The final group truly believes. Not only do they believe that they existed long ago in far off lands, they believe they still exist in our world and time. The people will make small areas in their yards and gardens where the little ones can live. They leave food and gifts for them. In return, the little ones will leave gifts. Those who believe are able to open their imaginations and dream to all possibilities. They realize that just because you cannot see something does not mean it does not exist.

The little ones, or wee folk as some prefer to call them, have not changed throughout time, but the wizards have. No longer do they have long flowing hair and beards. Their robes and cloaks are now Levis, t-shirts and business suits. That is right; they have conformed to fit in with the modern world. Those who believe know that today’s wizards are among us and help us through rough situations. They are responsible for much of the good luck we experience. Who knows, that man sitting at the next table at lunch or next to you on the bus just might be a wizard. Take time to smile and say hello. He will remember you for your thoughtfulness.

Therefore, when you are out in your yard or garden, or taking a walk and see a flash of color or twinkle of light out of the corner of your eye, you need not be startled. It just might be a little one who is curious about you. Stop and carefully look around. If you stand quietly one might appear for you. If they do, you are very lucky.

You just have to Believe.

CHAPTER

1

IT ALL BEGAN in a beautiful clearing deep in a forest not so long ago and not so far away. The clearing truly was one of the most beautiful ever seen in any forest. Not only was it beautiful, it was magical. Tall thick trees surrounded it. The shades of green in the leaves varied from very light to a rich dark green that looked like velvet. In the early mornings as the sun peeked over the eastern horizon the tops of the trees sparkled as if covered with diamonds.

The ground had a carpet of soft thick moss. Scattered throughout the moss were small delicate flowers white as newly fallen snow. The sweet scent of them filled the clearing day and night.

Near the back was a pool of clear cool water. A large rock formation towered above the back of the pool. Nestled throughout the rocks were small gems that winked and sparkled in the sunlight that filtered through the trees. There was amethyst, sapphire, ruby, emeralds, gold, and silver. A waterfall fell from the very top of the tower of rocks to gently splash in the pool below. The water was so clear you could see the bottom lined with small colorful pebbles and greenery. There were flashes of silver and gold as small fish darted in and out of the underwater foliage. There was no stream flowing from the pool yet the water never overflowed the edges.

Never once did any creature attempt to remove a gem from the rock. Many would admire them, but never were they touched. No one ever questioned where the gems came from. They were just part of the clearing. They always had been and always would be for you see there were unseen guardians in the clearing. They protected the clearing and everything in it.

More often than not, there were fairies, pixies, and elves playing in and around the pool. Soft breezes would make the trees sway allowing sunlight to fall upon them for short periods.

The wee folk were not the only ones to enjoy the pool. Animals of all types came to drink and rest near its edge. Deer would stand and gracefully dip their heads to drink. They would raise their heads quickly at a noise only to relax and continue drinking, once seeing it was just a wee folk or an animal joining them at the pool.

Life was peaceful and all were content in the clearing until one day they began to hear strange sounds.

At first the animals and wee folk had no idea what was making the noise. As it continued the tension in the clearing and surrounding forest grew. One day an elf came rushing into the clearing and the fairies and other wee folk gathered around to hear his news. It was not good.

Trouble has come to the little ones who inhabit the forest. The leaders of the clans called a meeting for all the fairies, pixies, and elves. Present for the meeting is a fairy by the name of Fairianna, a pixie by the name of Parsley and an elf known as Earless. Little do they know that in a short time, their lives will change and along with a troll and a wizard, they will have a great adventure and become the best of friends.

The leader of the fairies, known as Father, by all the fairies was to speak to the large group that had assembled. Looking around the clearing, Father clears his throat and speaks. "The time when we could roam throughout the forest, in peace and safety, has passed my friends. As time has gone by more humans and other creatures have moved further into the forest. As they move deeper, they clear large sections, put up buildings and hunt. They force us all to move closer together to the point that we have very little space to call our own. Their hunters, not knowing we are nearby, let loose their arrows. Just yesterday, those hunters caused the deaths of one of your fairy friends and two pixies. After speaking to the humans, Wandar the wizard assured me it was just an unfortunate accident. However, to prevent further incidents Wandar does recommend we move deeper into the forest. The leaders of the pixies and elves were present when Wandar made his recommendation and they agree that we should all move. Although we are friends, we feel it best if each group move in a different direction. This will ensure that we will have space and can remain there for some time.

The fairies will move north, the pixies will move west and the elves east. Everyone is to begin immediate preparations for departure at first light in the morning. I realize that this news is extremely upsetting and many of you have questions. I am ready to answer those questions at this time, but please try to keep you emotions in check."

The group sat in stunned silence. Never before had Father been so serious or spoke of moving. This had always been their home and they all thought that it always would be. Finally, a fairy stood and spoke.

Father, surely you cannot expect us to get all of our belongings ready to move by first light. A move such as the one you speak of will take weeks to prepare for. There are carts to build to transport everything and what about the elderly and young. They will need assistance. Something like this needs planning. We have to think about the dangers we might face and make sure we can handle them if they arise.

Others in the group nodded their heads in agreement and mumbles broke out throughout the clearing as they spoke among themselves.

A pixie stood and raised his voice above the clamor. I would like to know if anyone has stopped to think about just where we will be going. What will we do once we do reach a good spot? We will not have all of our belongings. We will be completely alone, where before we had others like the fairies and elves to turn to. Have you leaders thought about that?

As Father raised his hands for silence, he sadly shook his head. My friends, I realize this is quite a bit to take in at once. Due to the importance of speed, only take what belongings you can carry on your backs. As a group, everyone will help collect and carry things for the elderly and very young. This applies to everyone fairy, pixie, and elf alike. We can hide what we must leave behind, and hopefully one-day return for them. I am sorry to make these demands on you but the seriousness of our situation requires it. I beg of you to be understanding and begin your preparations at this time. After we have started our move I will try to answer more questions as will the pixie and elf leaders will answer questions for their pack and group. Having said this Father turned and slowly flew away.

The crowd dispersed and began walking or flying back to their homes. Some walked alone. Others walked in small groups, talking about what they must do. Some were in shock, others were excited, and a few were angry. Those who were mad could be heard saying, how could this happen? Why didn’t the leaders pay closer attention and act sooner?

Mother, Father’s mate, was frantically looking around the clearing and the surrounding trees. As she searched she called out, Fairianna where are you? Please come to me at once. This is not the time to be playing games. There is too much to do.

Hearing Mother calling out, Father approached her and asked, What is your problem dear?

I cannot find Fairianna. There is so much to do and if the danger is as great as you say I want to make sure she is by my side from now on.

Patting her arm to reassure her Father replied, I am sure she is nearby. You know how difficult it can be to see her, considering her extremely small size. Moreover, you are upset and that is not helping. She will show up any minute. Just then, he heard something in the tree above and looked up. There sat Fairianna looking through the leaves at them.

Fairianna led a pampered, sheltered life. After all, she was the youngest offspring of Father, the leader of the fairies. Many of the fairies in the group felt Mother was too protective of her. She wanted to keep her by her side at all times and would panic whenever Fairianna wandered off, which was quite often.

Father tried to convince Mother that Fairianna would be just fine if allowed to do the same things as the other young fairies, but Mother would not listen.

You see, Fairianna was extremely small, even by fairy standards. The average height of grown fairies is three feet for a female and four feet for a male. Of course, when they are in flight they are all about the size of a dragonfly. Fairianna, who is full grown, stands a total of one and a half feet. When she is in flight, she is the size of a fly.

Just like all of the other fairies, Fairianna knew to show respect and never to argue with Mother. There were times when she found this difficult to do and would often question Mother’s constant warnings to stay close.

Since she never questioned Mother around others, all the fairies assumed she was completely happy with her life. No one took the time to look closely and see the unhappiness in her eyes. Father was the only one to know how Fairianna truly felt. Nothing would change Mother. He would sit patiently and listen to Fairianna complain and show her frustration. He could only pat her on the shoulder and assure her that someday things would change.

It was true that Fairianna was unusually small, but her small size could not hide her incredible beauty. Her straight blonde hair which shown like gold and was as soft as silk reached down to her waist. Her face was heart shaped and her skin the color of fresh cream. Her eyes were the most amazing color of blue gray. Her perfectly shaped nose was perched above a smiling mouth the color of ripe strawberries. There were no flaws to been seen on her skin. When she spoke, her voice had the sound of small tinkling bells and her laughter even put the sweet singing birds to shame.

As Fairianna flitted down from the tree, where she had been sitting, she greeted her mother and father. I had to get into the tree to keep from being stepped on, as the crowd broke up. As she gracefully settled onto the ground, she looked around then up at Father. Father, as some of the folks were leaving I overheard them talking. They are blaming the leaders for the bad situation. That is not true, is it? You are not to blame for this, are you?

Looking down at this beautiful little creature before him Father replied, No my dear. There is no blame for anyone. This is something that just happened. You need not worry about it little one, just go with Mother and help her get our things gathered. I will be along shortly to help. Look at this as a great adventure my dear, and it will be fun.

The frown that had been on Fairianna’s face disappeared and she smiled once again. If Father says everything is going to be all right then that has to be true. This was going to be a great adventure and she was looking forward to getting started.

After Fairianna and Mother left, to prepare for their adventure, Father stood staring off into the distance. He could hear those around him doing as they were told but he could also hear something else. Far off and very faint he could hear sounds from the human village. He had never noticed it before. This caused him to question himself. Have those sounds been there for some time? Should we have reacted sooner? Am I to blame for our situation? I just hope it is not too late for us. He finally turned and flew slowly to his home to help with their preparations to move.

Before retiring for the night, the three leaders met for one last time. They discovered that they were all asking themselves the same questions about not having done something sooner. It made them feel better knowing that they were not alone feeling the way they did. After several hours, they had finalized their plans and agreed, once settled, to send out scouts to find the new locations and determine they were all safe, and settled in their new homes. With everything in place, they returned to their own groups saying a prayer that all would work out and they could be safe and happy again very soon.

CHAPTER

2

FIRST LIGHT CAME with a leaden sky and a light misty rain falling. All of the fairies gathered in the clearing carrying what they could of their belongings. Ten of the strongest males were staying behind to make sure what had to be left behind was properly hidden. Wizards had agreed to help them find places and to guard the spots. It was obvious that the mood of the fairies was like the weather, gray and heavy hearted. Even the most active youngsters were subdued. Many, young and old alike had tears in their eyes.

Father, Mother, and Fairianna appeared in the clearing. Father looked around at the sad faces and cleared his throat to speak. I will not lie to you my friends. I am certain we will encounter a myriad of dangers and difficulties on our journey. However, as a group, working together, we can overcome whatever befalls us. Once we begin our journey, I ask that you not look back. Instead look to the north, to our new home and life. With a firm nod of his head, Father turned to the north and flew away. With a thunderous cheer from the group, they too began to fly. Not one fairy turned to look back.

As the morning progressed so did the severity of the weather. The sky grew increasingly dark as black fierce looking storm clouds gathered. The mist from early morning had turned into a steady rain, with large drops, that hit the fairies. The normal light breeze was growing in intensity, making flying increasingly difficult. Father moved the group to different levels trying to find a more secluded area for them. The stronger started helping the weaker members. The storm worsened and Father finally directed the group to seek shelter. We will settle in and wait out the storm, he declared.