The Guardian of the Well

By Celia Blake

Billie Gwynn discovers a three-thousand-year-old family secret: they are part-Fairy, and Billie is to become the next Guardian of the portal into the parallel realm. She and her two friends, Holly and Vivian, cross over into the world of Fairy and discover its beauty.

After that, Billie must pass an initiation quest on her own in order to become Guardian. During her quest, she sees strange creatures and meets new friends, including a wise woman who gives her a magic knife and teaches her how to move objects with it. Billie also learns she has the ability to astral travel. She meets a Druid in an area she had dreamed about before she even knew Fairy existed. They surmise that someone must have called her to Fairy from her dreams. Now, Billie wants not only to finish her quest, but also to find out who had called her to Fairy and why.

After rescuing a troll named Pavlik, Billie and the little guy develop an unlikely friendship and end up going on another rescue mission. Pressed for time, they come across some danger.

While Billie and Pavlik are crossing into Troll, her friends at home are worried about her and decide to cross into Fairy to find her. During their trip, young Holly falls in love with a Fairy boy named Nick. Also, one of the Fairy Priestess teachers hears her singing and wants her as a student. Meanwhile, Vivian discovers the Lady of the Lake is her aunt and wants Vivian to be her successor.

This is the first novel in the Friends of Fairy series written by Celia Blake. It is about 99,000 words (200 pages). The second, titled, "The Bard of Wild Rose", is also available for purchase.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Celia Blake
• Release date: Jun 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005210373

Celia Blake

While at the University of Wisconsin—Waukesha, I served as the literary magazine editor. I earned my Bachelor's of Arts degree in English from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Since then, I have continued to write.After self-publishing two poetry books (under a pseudonym) I wrote a novella, followed by a middle-grade novel, then "The Bard of Wild Rose" (now available in Smashwords), a novel for young adults and older. I have recently completed a short story collection which will be published soon. My future plans include writing a third fantasy novel.

Book preview

Prologue

I was worried that the town and the school would bore me to death. Did I ever imagine that moving from the city into the country could be so much more exciting? Never. The magic of city life-- all the lights, fine dining with my parents, violin lessons with my handsome tutor, and the diversity of all the people in the city; it was nothing compared to what my two new friends and I found in the woods behind the cottage on the hill.

These girls were smart, too. Fifth grade was the beginning of new beginnings; and, I had two new best friends to share it with. It was marvelous. But this isn't my story, really. It's Billie's. Did I ever imagine I would meet a girl like her out here in the boonies? No. But, I'm glad I did.

Chapter 1

Billie counted five moons hovering in the bright lavender sky. Soft grass tickled her skin while a light breeze swept across the warm ground. The air smelled like roses. Along with the flowery scent came a strange sensation, a feeling of confusion and wonder.

Something is different. What is this place? I'm lost.

Hooves trod in the distance, Billie could hear the horse gallop somewhere nearby. She sat up.

Why was I lying on the ground? What the heck? What am I wearing?

She touched the soft material of the simple blue dress, then stood up to get a better look at it. Sleeveless with thin straps, like a drape it fell below her knee. Tied around her waist was a white sash belt. Over the square neckline and hung around her neck was an old fashioned key on a long gold chain.

She studied the key. It was three inches long with intricate designs etched throughout, and it was warm in her hand. Made of heavy copper-like metal, probably bronze, it had two teeth for the key hole of whatever it was meant to unlock. It began to radiate a golden glow.

What on earth? she said, releasing it. The glow faded. It didn't burn, but it had startled her.

The horse was getting closer, its gallop sounding faster. She looked around, a bit frightened.

Dazzling green trees with a shimmering white, moss-like substance hanging from the limbs grew around the land that sprouted the most colorful array of some of the strangest flowers she'd ever seen. She was standing in the middle of a clearing surrounded by five tall stone pillars. They reminded her of Stonehenge as she saw it in a library travel book about Europe, but she was pretty sure that wherever she was, it wasn't London; and it wasn't Wild Rose, Wisconsin either.

A dirt path off the clearing widened into a narrow road that curved into the mysterious forest. Because it was the only path around, Billie figured the horse must be coming directly toward her. She moved out of the center and toward one of the white stones. The grass beneath her bare feet was so soft it felt like a bear skin rug.

Where am I? she wondered again.

The rock felt warm and let off a very faint vibration. She hid behind it as the horse approached. The hoof beats slowed to a stop.

Helena. Helena are you here? a woman's voice called. The feast is beginning, Helena, you don't want to miss all the fun now do you? Helena?

The woman did not sound threatening at all, which eased Billie's worries.

Curious, she took a chance and peeked around the stone. A woman of stunning beauty sat straight and regal upon a brilliant black mare. She had short brown hair and wore a headband made of twigs and flowers. They wore the same garb, the blue dress with white sash.

As the woman scanned the forest she noticed Billie peeking out from behind the stone. Come out from there, she said in a neutral tone.

Billie moved away from her cover, slowly approaching the woman on horseback.

You look like Helena with those long blond curls. And you have her eyes, but you're not her. Who are you, child?

My name is Billie.

The woman noticed the key around Billie's neck. She looked at her closely; her eyes lit up in understanding. Oh, she said, you're an Initiate. You should keep that key secured beneath your dress. You don't want to loose it, do you?

Billie tucked the key into her dress, it felt warm against her skin. She didn't know what to say to this woman. On closer inspection she noticed the petite lady looked very small, mounted on the large horse. Her ears were shaped different, with small points at the tips.

She has a headdress like mine, but with pink flowers, and well, she looks like you.

Who? asked Billie.

Helena, she answered. Have you seen her?

No, ma'am.

"Ma'am? You call me? You are new here. My name is Eden. You look quite young. How did you cross over? Where did you get that key?"

I don't know, ma'am, Eden.

You don't know! She dismounted the mare.

Billie took a couple steps back as Eden entered the clearing within the stones.

This circle is charged, said Eden. Wait a minute. You don't know how you got here or how you got that key, and you're so young. I think I know what's going on here. I stepped into your dream.

Billie sat up abruptly. The morning sunlight shined into her bedroom. She took a deep breath.

Wow. What an incredibly visual dream. She sniffed the air, smiling. I can still smell the roses.

She rubbed her eyes and sat up in bed.

Billie! She heard her grandma yell from downstairs. Billie, come get breakfast. The school bus will be here in half an hour.

Reality came pouring back into her mind. Today was the first day of school, the first day of the fifth grade. She was very glad to go back. It would keep her mind off her mother. And, she would be able to see Holly again. She hoped Holly was in her class, but wasn't sure because she hadn't spoken to her lately.

She jumped out of bed and hurried downstairs for breakfast.

Chapter 2

Billie tried not to cry. She stood on the stairs in front of the school. Her watery eyes made the long line of school buses blur into a huge yellow caterpillar. A tear escaped down her cheek. Using her shirt sleeve she quickly wiped it away, clearing her vision. It hadn't been such a great first day of school. Holly wasn't on the morning bus and she wasn't in her class either. Plus, Billie still had moments of sadness that were difficult to overcome.

Many schoolmates piled into their buses, but Billie couldn't see anyone who had been on her morning bus. Most kids wore jackets, which made it more difficult to spot a familiar kid. Billie thought it was nice outside, so she had stuffed her jacket into her backpack.

Which bus is mine? I'm running out of time.

She was afraid it would leave without her, or she would be unable to find an empty seat. She considered going back into the school to find Mrs. Drew. Her teacher would help her.

This was the first year Billie had to ride the bus on a regular basis. Her mom used to enjoy driving her and picking her up everyday. But now it was just Billie and Grandma living at Cottage Hill. Her mom was in heaven.

She began to feel the crying pains in her throat again.

This is bad. I've cried so much all summer long. I'm not going to cry anymore.

Determined, she turned away from the buses and started up the steps heading back into the school. However, she didn't get very far before bumping right into Mrs. Drew.

There you are, Billie. I've been looking all over for you. The teacher brushed bushy gray hair out from her eyes.

Hi, Mrs. Drew.

Billie, this is Vivian. She's new this year and lives down the road from your house. Will you take her on the bus with you?

Are you the girl that lives in that neat cottage on the hill? asked the girl.

Out of the corner of her eye Billie noticed a butterfly. It flitted around them. Yes. It's nice to meet you, Vivian.

You, too. Call me Viv, she replied while attempting to wrestle her long brown hair out from beneath her heavy book bag.

Mrs. Drew, Billie said, I don't know which bus is mine.

Oh, Billie. I'm sorry. I forgot this was your first year riding the bus. Her wide eyes and wrinkled forehead, followed by a head tilt, conveyed concern and sympathy. I'll be right back. She walked away to speak with another teacher.

The butterfly landed on Vivian's shoulder. A monarch, she said while slowly moving her hand under it. It flitted onto her finger.

Cool, said Billie.

When Mrs. Drew returned, the butterfly flew away. The girls giggled.

It's that bus right there, she said, pointing to the second bus in the line.

The girls stepped up and into the bus. Where should we sit? asked Vivian, searching for an empty seat.

Billie! Billie! Come sit over here, a young girl with bright red hair yelled from a seat near the back.

Billie's eyes lit up. Oh, that's Holly! Holly McCarthy. Her mom, Heather, was my mom's best friend. You'll like her, she said to Vivian.

The girls made their way toward the back of the bus. Billie felt relieved to find a seat, but even more, she was excited to see Holly again. When they reached her, she gave her friend a huge hug.

Holly removed her backpack from the seat and placed it on the floor. Sit here both of you. Hello, she said to Vivian, I'm Holly.

Hi, I'm Viv. She smiled back.

She was smaller that most girls Holly's age and reminded her of a pixie she saw in a movie she had watched the week before. She wondered if Viv was also in the fifth grade.

Who's class are you in?

Mrs. Martin's.

Holly was satisfied. Mrs. Martin did teach the fifth grade. I'm in Mr. Hecker's class. He's kind of weird, a real bookworm, pocket protector and all, but nice enough. Billie's in Mrs. Drew's. Right, Billie? That's what Sally said when I was looking for you. I was late for school. First day and I'm late! And I couldn't find you all day. You must be in first lunch. I'm in second lunch and didn't see either of you. It's too bad we can't all be in the same class or at least the same lunch hour.

Yeah, that bites. But it'll be okay, said Billie. We can still all be friends.

Very true. Do you want to come over after school tomorrow? We can make candy apples or something fun.

I can't tomorrow, said Vivian. She was surprised she could get a word in. She thought Holly lovely, but she sure was talkative. I have violin lessons on Friday.

I'll ask my Grandma to call your mom about it. It should be okay, Billie said to Holly.

Great!

The three girls talked on and on the long bus ride to their homes.

Chapter 3

After school on Friday, Billie and Holly made the most delicious caramel apples with the help of Holly's mother, Heather.

Okay, girls, eat only one. Monica wouldn't want you to spoil your dinner, Billie, said Heather, referring to Billie's grandma. I have some laundry to finish. Would you two clean up?

Sure, Mom, replied Holly. She bit into an apple, juices dripped down her chin.

Billie giggled, You have caramel on your nose!

Holly laughed. Mmm, these are so good. Boy, I've missed you, Billie.

Me, too. Maybe you could sleep over tonight. She took a bite of her apple.

I'll ask my mom later. She wiped her face, then took another bite. Not wanting to talk with food in her mouth, she finished chewing before telling her friend what was on her mind.

Billie, when I was on vacation this summer and we talked on the phone, well, I said I was sorry to hear about your mom, but I really want to say it again and let you know you can talk to me anytime.

Billie put her apple back down onto the sheet of waxed paper. She held back the tears she felt the moment Holly brought it up, tears she shed all summer long. She didn't want to fall apart. She wanted to have fun with Holly. If she could manage it, she wasn't going to cry anymore, not for a while anyway. So, she got up from the kitchen table and went to the sink to start the dishwater.

Sorry I didn't call much. I didn't want to talk to anyone. She took a deep breath and added soap and dishes to the flowing water before sitting down again.

Staring past the half-eaten caramel apple, Billie spoke softly. Some mornings I forgot. Until I was wide awake. Then it would hit me, and I'd cried again. I didn't talk much in the beginning.

I wish I was there for you.

There was silence. Then Billie spoke again. Then, one day I started to talk to her, like she was here with me. That helped. After that it got easier to talk about it, and Grandma always says the right things.

Holly leaned out of her chair, giving Billie a hug.

Billie squeezed back, but pushed away when she felt her throat tighten up. I don't want to talk about it anymore, if that's alright with you.

Of course, Holly replied. She figured they would talk more about it when and if Billie wanted to share or reminisce.

How was your vacation? Billie asked loudly.

It was very hot in Arizona, especially the last two weeks we were there. I was glad to come home to the brisk Wisconsin wind. That's what my uncle calls it. Brisk. And he's right. It's brisk, crisp in the winter. Anyway, it's refreshing after being in the desert.

I bet, replied Billie, though, I've never been to the desert. Haven't been anywhere, really. She took one last bite and pushed away the wax paper holding her apple core.

It started out really fun. Fourth of July weekend was awesome. Uncle Pete put on a firework show. He loves Independence Day. But, I spent most of the days in the shade by the pool or in the house. Mom made me put on two coats of sunscreen every time I went outside because of my fair skin and all.

Billie, nodded, listening with interest.

Which was really embarrassing around Scotty. Boy, did he get cute.

You like your cousin! Billie shouted.

Shh, said Holly, smiling with bright rosy cheeks.

Billie giggled softly.

He's not a blood cousin! And he has the cutest curly blond hair, whiter than yours, and his curls are tighter. All the other boys down there have dark hair and skin, which is sometimes cute, but Scotty's eyes are so blue! Since my eyes are blue, if we got married someday, our baby would probably have blue eyes, too. And, like me, Scotty sunburns. So, we played a lot of video games inside.

Billie was glad her own eyes were green. She was a bit relieved when Holly's mom came back into the kitchen. She didn't hate boys, but she wasn't nearly as interested in them as Holly seemed to be.

Your father is home, Holly, said Heather.

Holly jumped up to go look out the front window, then ran outside to greet her dad.

Billie loved her grandma, but she terribly missed her mom and never knew her dad. It didn't surprise her how Holly got so excited to see her father. He was gone on business most weeks and usually came home Thursdays or Fridays with a small gift for Holly. Sometimes Holly and her parents danced in the living room to fifties music. If Billie was over, she danced too. Both Holly and Billie were only children, which is one reason why they were such close friends, as close as sisters, just like Heather and Billie's mom had been. While straightening up a bit, she wondered if Vivian had any brothers or sisters. Vivian probably had both her parents. Most kids did.

Billie had never asked many questions about her own father. Her mother had been so vague whenever he was mentioned. All Billie knew was that he was a good man, but he couldn't be with them. Once, when she was very little, Billie had overheard her mom and grandma talking. She was pretty sure they were discussing her father. Her mom had said he couldn't come here, and it was too painful to see him so seldom, that it was better this way. She'd said she couldn't say anything, nor could she lie, so it was best to be quiet until it was time. Billie thought they were discussing her at that point and wondered when the time would come. When would she learn about her father? Why did she have to wait?

Now, with her mother gone, she found herself more curious and considered asking her grandma about him. She had many questions, but still, she waited for her grandma to come to her with the information. However, she couldn't wait forever. Sooner or later, she needed to know.

She went to the sink to help Heather with the dishes.

You don't need to dry these, hon. They can air dry. We should get going, your grandma wants you home for dinner.

Can Holly sleep over tonight? asked Billie.

We didn't discuss that. What does Monica say?

I haven't asked her yet. Can I call her?

Sure.

Thanks, Aunt Heather. Though they weren't related, she grew up calling Heather Aunt.

While Billie was talking to her grandma on the phone, Mr. McCarthy came into the kitchen with flowers for Heather, followed by Holly who was opening up a package of chocolate crayons.

Thanks, Sweetie, she said to her husband. Holly, wait to eat those 'till after dinner. You already had a candy apple.

Ah, Mom.

Do you want to sleep at Billie's tonight?

Really? Yeah!

She's asking right now.

Heather gave her husband a kiss, then searched beneath the kitchen sink for a vase. What would you like for dinner? she asked him.

Hi, Mr. McCarthy, said Billie, walking back into the kitchen.

Hi there, Billie. Great to see you again. His broad smile showed bright white teeth.

Grandma said yes! And come to dinner, too. Is that alright, Aunt Heather?

Yes.

The girls ran upstairs to Holly's bedroom to pack then returned to the kitchen. Mr. McCarthy was ordering a pizza while Heather was contemplating over her wine rack. Don't forget your book bag, Billie, she said.

Bye, Daddy! said Holly, kissing him as he hung up the phone. We'll meet you in the car, Mom.

Heather placed her chosen bottle of wine on the table then placed some candy apples into a plastic container to bring along. I'll be back in a few, Sweetie, she said, and winked at her husband.

When they arrived at Cottage Hill, the girls started to get out of the car.

Wait a minute, said Heather. Holly, be good. Go on up and bring these apples to Monica. I need to talk to Billie for a second.

Holly ran up to the cottage. Heather reached into her purse and pulled out an envelope. She asked Billie to jump into the front seat.

"I thought about giving this to you when I flew home for your mom's funeral, but I decided to wait 'till we got back from Arizona and give you some time with your grandma.

Billie looked at the envelope in Aunt Heather's hand. Neatly written in her mother's handwriting was Billie's name.

I'm so sorry about your mom, Billie. So very sorry.

Her eyes still on the envelope, Billie replied, Everybody says that. They're sorry. You weren't the drunk driver who smashed into her car and killed her.

Look at me, hon.

Billie looked up, her eyes watery.

I'm sorry because I feel your pain, Billie. I love you, Billie, and your mother was my life long friend. Her expression was serious. Her eyes revealed the love and loss, the empathy she felt.

Holding in tears, Billie asked, What's that?

This is a letter to you from your mother. She gave it to me to give to you in case anything ever happened to her. She handed Billie the envelope.

Billie brushed her fingertips across the letters B i l l i e. Thank you.

Put it in your bag for now and read it when you're ready. Billie, your grandma is a strong lady, as you already must know. She lost her daughter, her very special daughter. I feel bad about being away all summer. Would you please tell her that I will be calling her tomorrow to invite you both over for dinner on Sunday night.

Billie stared at the envelope.

Billie?

Oh, ah, she put the envelope into her bag, yes, I'll tell her. She gave Heather a hug and went into the cottage.

Holly and Monica were in the kitchen setting the table.

Hello, dear. How was school?

Fine, Grandma.

Dinner is done. Is stew alright?

Mmm. Holly's tummy rumbled. She loved Monica's cooking.

Yes. It smells good. I'll be right back.

Billie ran upstairs to her bedroom. Sitting on her bed she took the envelope out from her book bag. It was sealed. Aunt Heather said to open it when I'm ready. I don't think I'm ready yet. I'll need time alone, too.

She pulled a shoebox out from beneath her bed. Inside was a photograph of her and her mother. It had been taken when Billie was only four years old. She was straddling her mom on one of the swings of her swing set. They were up in the air, both smiling with their heads back, both with their long blond curls blowing around them. I miss you, Mom.

Also in the box was an opal ring, a Christmas gift from her mom and a family heirloom; but, it was still too big to fit any finger on Billie's hand. She put the envelope into the box and went downstairs for dinner.

After they ate, the two girls went upstairs to Billie's room and danced to Holly's new CD. They played a few games of Uno and Holly chatted on about how she missed Scotty. While Holly wrote him a love letter, Billie drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter 4

Saturday morning the girls woke to the smell of eggs and toast. They ate a great breakfast, then called Vivian over to play.

Monica answered the doorbell. A short, stylish woman stood beside a small girl. Both had the most lovely emerald green eyes.

Well, hello, dear.

Hi, I'm Vivian. This is my mom.

Amanda Cadmus, said the lady. She had a British accent. You must be Billie's grandma. Thanks for having Vivian over.

My pleasure. I'm Monica. Monica Gwynn. Come in both of you. She guided them into the kitchen where Billie and Holly were finishing up the breakfast dishes.

Hi, Viv, said Holly and Billie simultaneously.

This is my mom.

Hi! We're going in the backyard, Grandma. We'll be on the swing set.

All right, girls. Billie, stay in the yard.

Of course.

The girls went out back. Monica offered to make tea, which Amanda gratefully accepted.

Your accent is lovely. Billie said Vivian was new to the school.

Yes, we just moved here from downtown, but I was born in Manchester. I met my husband in Seattle. After we got married, we moved to Milwaukee. I wanted to be in Wisconsin, and he was able to transfer here so as to help this branch of the company grow.

How nice. Did you like living in the city? Do you miss it?

Yes, but it will pass. I miss Manchester more, that will never go away.

I think you'll like it here.

We do. Well, we lived downtown for fifteen years. When Vivian was born he spent half his time working from home. But, we wanted Vivian out of the city, so we finally moved up here. Now he works from home full-time, besides the occasional conference and such in the city.

That's a two hour drive. Not bad.

Two and a half. Amanda wanted to tell Monica that they also needed to be near her family roots. Wild Rose, Wisconsin was the closest she could come to those roots, and her husband could keep his job. But, now wasn't the time.

Monica thought Amanda to be very sweet, and so petite. She knew they would be friends. While they got to know each other some more, over a second cup of tea, the girls were out back on the swing set.

Billie planted all those flowers, Holly said to Viv, pointing to the garden further back in the yard.

It's colorful. Let's go take a look.

I love planting, said Billie, proud of her flower garden. She picked three daisies, handing one to each girl and putting the other in her hair.

It shows. They're all beautiful, said Viv brightly, admiring how the brown mulch really brought out the color of the flowers. I like your stepping stones, she continued as she walked through the garden. With each step she named them, they're stars and moons and a sun.

It looks better in summer when the roses are brand new. I like the tulips in spring. Daisies, the gold mums, are best in fall, Billie replied. And look at these garden phlox. They're also called Bright Eyes, she said proudly.

Isn't it totally humongous? Holly exclaimed.

It sure is. I also like the outline of rocks. Viv looked around the yard. Is anything back there? she inquired toward the woods.

We've never been allowed to go back there, replied Holly. We've stepped in a few times, though, haven't we, Billie?

Yeah, but we usually didn't get very far, she giggled.

Since we were little we've been afraid. But, I'm not afraid now.

No, Holly. Grandma would ground me. She turned to Viv. We did go in pretty far once. We found a path. There's a well back there. Hundreds of plants and flowers are by it. It was absolutely gorgeous and smelled great. There were lots of rose bushes. But we heard a wolf howling, so we ran and ran back to the house. We haven't gone back there since. That was about two years ago.

It could've been a coyote or just a dog, said Holly.

It wasn't just a dog. One night, from my bedroom window, we could hear a few of them howling. It was a wolf.

How far back does it go? asked Viv.

There are forty acres. Used to be more, some was sold. My mom's family has lived on this land for years. They were here even before the Native Americans.

That's impossible, said Vivian. Are your ancestors Indians? You don't look Indian at all.

We're not. It was before that.

Impossible, she repeated. Why can't you go in there? You're not a little girl.

Holly laughed. Devious, Vivian. I like you more every minute.

Not devious, just curious.

You wouldn't be so curious if you heard that wolf howl.

Inside, Monica saw the girls peering into the trees. She called out the patio door for them to stay out of the woods.

Monica wasn't aware that the girls knew about the well. When Billie and Holly were younger, she and Lina, Billie's mom, had been afraid the girls might get too curious and perhaps fall in the well or get lost, get really lost. They'd considered showing Billie all the rose bushes and wild flowers Lina had planted and showing her the well just so she could see it, without yet telling her the history and purpose. But, both of them had been too worried, afraid that if she saw it once, the beauty of the place would call her back and she might venture there alone, without adult supervision. They hadn't wanted Billie to know about it until she came of age.

Monica supposed she would have to talk to Billie about it sometime, but she had nearly two years for that. Heather would give Billie her first letter. Then it was up to her to answer questions and follow through with the next letter. She wished her daughter was