The Guardians

By Renita Norton Graves

East of the Dark Mountains and between the rivers of Afon and Belle lies the hamlet of Tanglesni. Small and quaint, it is surrounded by oak forests that had for years guarded the hamlet from plagues and wars that ravished the countryside. But a dark magic now threatens its existence, a magic that not even the fairies have power over. It falls to a girl to stir the guardians of the land to bond. And it all begins when the girl comes home to find her mother and sisters missing. Her mother's friends want to protect her and so hide her out, but the girl goes off on her own to find them. Along her journey, she is tasked with a troublesome fairy who guides her through the Dark Mountains, a place already tormented by the dark magic. A wise and benevolent witch informs her of an impending war, and a man on a white horse, the Death Grabber summoned by the banshee, threatens her very life. Meanwhile, her mother's friends, who have also set out in search of the mother and sisters, meet a number of creatures who are determined to help, but no one knows how to do that, leaving the women intuiting what to do.

This is the story of Piper and that troublesome fairy who may or may not have let the dark magic seep in.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798885056298

Book preview

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Thrust and Parry

Chapter 2: They Be Witches!

Chapter 3: Snatch and Go

Chapter 4: The Sleepover

Chapter 5: Traveling Unawares

Chapter 6: The Persistence of Learning

Chapter 7: Mother and Daughter Reunion

Chapter 8: She Who Has Luck

Chapter 9: Dance Perchance to Dream

Chapter 10: Bewitched and Bewildered

Chapter 11: Just a Little Talk

Chapter 12: Grave Matters

Chapter 13: A Scheme of Small Arrows

Chapter 14: Dawnings

Chapter 15: War Rumblings

Chapter 16: The Things We Do for Love

Chapter 17: On Little Cat Feet

Chapter 18: Fire and Rain

Chapter 19: Slings and Arrows

Chapter 20: Worth the Keep

About the Author

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The Guardians

Renita Norton Graves

Copyright © 2023 Renita Norton Graves

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used facetiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

ISBN 979-8-88505-628-1 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88505-629-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

For Rick.

Just because.

Chapter 1

Thrust and Parry

Piper was only two miles from home when a screech caught her attention and forced her to stop dead in her tracks. Crouching suddenly, she looked up, then to the forest, and then back to her immediate surroundings. Relieved at finding nothing, she stood once again and bent down to retrieve the tin whistle she had dropped. No sooner had she straightened back up than she found herself tumbling down the hill and sprawled on the ground below with a fairy on top of her. And it wasn't a wee sprite, Piper intuited as she struggled to free herself.

Get off! she heaved breathily and pushed at the being atop her chest, startling the sprite into a standing position.

Oh, me sakes and glory! The fairy looked at the girl who lay at her feet and placed her hands on her hips. What's all this? she demanded.

Piper slowly rose to a standing position and glared at the fairy. I should be asking you that.

Well, the fairy demanded again, what ye be doing here, Missy?

Piper straightened herself. I'm on my way home, she said indignantly.

Ah, sure, the fairy said crossly and righted the garland in her hair. Didn't ye hear me screaming to get out of the way?

Is that what that was? Piper said. I don't understand fairy talk.

'Twant fairy talk. 'Twas. The fairy faltered, searching for the right word. 'Twas the international scream for ‘Get out of me way!'

Piper grinned, knowing there was no such scream, and let out a short giggle in spite of herself.

Why ye be laughing?

Ohhh. Piper shook her head. I'm not laughing.

The sprite arched an eyebrow in annoyance. Hmm. I kin see that, Missy! She gathered her skirts, tucked her feet under her, and floated down the path, looking back only once.

You're a fairy! Piper marveled.

And who told ye that, Missy? She turned around and eyed Piper.

Baffled, Piper frowned and turned her head to avoid the fairy's stare. I-I've heard stories, she told the fairy, her tone on the defensive. Yet she straightened herself, mirroring the fairy's stance, and under her breath, she added, My first time meeting a fairy, and this is what I get!

Argh! What is that ye say? the fairy smirked. Me ears are aflame. Piper took a step back. Ahhh, that is right, Missy! I kin hear just fine. But ye are a sassy one, I see. The fairy smirked. Well, lucky fer ye that I like sassy. She pulled the tin whistle from behind her back and offered it to Piper. I presume this is yers.

Piper gasped and strode the few steps to reach the fairy. Yes! Piper said, snatching the instrument. H-How did you—

I have me ways. But do not play that thing anymore. I shall run ye over again if ye do.

So you admit it. You did run me over! Piper said smugly.

I admit nothing, said the fairy.

Piper made a sardonic face and put the tin whistle up to her lips to play.

The fairy covered her ears. Do not play that thing!

Then we shall talk, Piper said and put the tin whistle into her pocket. Are you going my way?

Which way would that be now?

To the east, but I will skirt the forest, if you don't mind.

No. I don't mind at all. The fairy glanced behind her at the forest she just left. But I will fly if ye don't mind.

Piper gave her the once-over. How do you fly without wings?

I can do many a thing without wings.

Ah. I see. You are magic.

You do have a knack for the obvious. So what is it that yer mother calls ye? Something bright, I'm sure.

Aren't you the cheery soul! Piper wagged her head in admonishment and then teased out a grin for the fairy's benefit. My mother calls me Piper. And you?

Aye, I should've known. You play that thing so well.

Piper straightened her back with indignation, and her grin became a look of scorn. Most people would say that I do.

And what do humans know about music? Tell me that, Missy!

As much as the fairies!

Oh, saints preserve us! And with that remark, the fairy threw up her hands in exaggerated surrender. Highly unlikely since we fairies invented the amusement.

I will give you that, Fairy, Piper told her and nodded. But we humans perfected it.

The fairy stood back, caught off guard. "Touché, Missy, said the fairy and rubbed her chin, sizing up the young girl before her. And yet I've heard ye play."

Piper scowled and reached into her pocket again. Then you shall hear me again. Listen closely this time, Fairy!

The fairy covered her ears. No!

Piper returned it to her pocket. You are in a beastly mood! she noted.

The fairy looked over her shoulder toward the wood, causing Piper to also look behind them. Nothing there, Piper noted and eyed the fairy suspiciously.

Did you lose something, Fairy?

Aye, said the fairy. Me patience. And off she flew, back the way she came.

Piper looked around, and seeing no sign of the fairy, she shrugged. Good! she declared and pulled out her tin whistle once again, this time playing a lively tune to clear the air of the foul mood the fairy had distributed.

Moments later, the fairy returned and bumping again into Piper who dropped the tin whistle, said, I think I may be going yer way after all.

Piper eyed her disdainfully. The fairy only smiled half-heartedly. No apology, Fairy? She bent down to retrieve the whistle.

He doesn't believe in apologies, she mumbled and stepped closer to the girl.

Piper shook her head in wonder. Nudging the fairy aside, she again put the tin whistle in her pocket only to have the fairy crowd against her once more. Ahem, Piper said loudly. The fairy again smiled half-heartedly but didn't move away.

Piper rolled her eyes. Very well, she said. But if you want to walk this close to me, I must know your name—if for no other reason than to notify your next of kin should the time come. She nodded toward the forest.

The time won't come, the fairy told her matter-of-factly. He has left us, and I don't reckon he'll be returning soon. The fairy gave her the once-over. Are ye wearing a cross perchance?

No.

It must be that yer human then.

They walked in silence for a spell before Piper reminded the fairy that she hadn't given her name. And still, the fairy did not say. You don't want to talk then? Very well. It's nothing to me. I will just play my whistle again.

Don't. She covered her ears. I will tell ye me name only if ye promise not to play.

Done.

She calls me Gwyneth.

Gwyneth? That's not a fairy's name.

Sure 'tis. I am a fairy, and that is me name. By logic, 'tis a fairy's name.

But not a very fitting one. It means ‘fair,' right? Piper cheeked.

The fairy rolled her eyes. She found it on a tombstone, she said.

Ha!

And what does that mean? Gwyneth demanded.

Nothing, just ha! Piper smirked.

And ha be it to ye, too!

Piper made a guttural sound. You are quite annoying! Why don't you just make amends and let me be?

That I kina do.

Why not? Pray tell.

I kina say at this time.

Piper eyed her suspiciously. Are you here to do me harm, Fairy? I should know that at least!

That ye should.

Piper waited for more, but there was no other information forthcoming. But you will not tell me.

No, the fairy huffed and glanced at the girl beside her. No harm, I mean.

You are a most contrary one.

'Tis yerself.

Piper glared at the fairy but said nothing. They walked in silence another half mile. The fairy relaxed her position, and Piper was able to put some distance between them. Looking up, Piper noticed a flock of birds overhead and smiled. A faint breeze ruffled the wildflowers and grasses along the path, and the sun was to their backs. The day could still be saved and still to celebrate was her success of getting the payment from Silas Ward, who no one thought would pay. Piper smiled at herself and patted her pocket.

Do you sing? she asked the fairy.

All fairies sing.

Sure, Piper said, sighing, and rolled her eyes. Then you must know ‘The Day Has Come.'

I'll not be singing that song.

And why not, Fairy? Piper demanded. It is a beautiful song and a favorite around here.

'Tis not! 'Tis a burial song. Gwyneth glared at the girl.

Piper frowned. Nooo, my friend, it is a celebration of life and success and appropriate for today. Mr. Ward—

I know no Mr. Ward and couldn't care less about the man—though I'm certain he has his own reward now. The fairy grinned at her own wordplay upon the man's name.

Piper opened her eyes wide, shocked by the fairy's callous wordplay. He is not dead, Fairy, and it is wrong to wish him so.

'Tis whatta 'tis.

Piper shook her head in disbelief and sighed. Okay. You choose.

Gwyneth made no reply, and instead, they walked in silence for a while. Okay, I will start and ye can fall in. But do not play that awful horn, she finally said and in a tone that denoted she had regained her patience.

I won't. Piper promised and pulled out a recorder. I will play this.

That looks like another tin whistle.

No, it is a recorder.

Do not play that thing.

I will.

I can sing a cappella. I have a beautiful voice. So put that away.

No… I will follow your singing. I'm waiting.

Ye are a hard one to bend.

'Tis yourself, Piper said, mocking the fairy's brogue.

They settled on swapping turns: Gwyneth sang a song, then Piper played the recorder. Then topping a hill, Gwyneth suddenly stopped, refusing to take another step. The view below was indeed a marvel, and Piper beamed that the fairy was so taken with what she saw.

The valley below was a tapestry of green fields, the River Afon snaking through, the setting sun throwing out both red and golden beams across the village buildings that were themselves hues of browns and reds and blues. Idyllic, Piper thought and was pleased that Gwyneth was viewing it at its best.

This is yer village?

It was. Now it is only a hamlet. But it is where I live. Piper told her with much pride and held out her arms as if enveloping the whole of the countryside. Welcome.

But Gwyneth was not smiling. Puzzled, Piper dropped her arms and looked down the hill where Gwyneth's gaze seemed to be fixated and then back at the fairy. It is a very fine hamlet, Fairy!

Gwyneth scoffed and looked at the girl. I kina go there—

Sure you can, Piper told her, looking askance at the fairy. You'd be a welcome visitor.

'Tis that the reason ye think I kina go there? She tossed Piper an icy stare. It not be the reason, Missy.

Perplexed and out of patience, Piper sighed and shook her head. Whatever! But you'll be missing a fine celebration. Mr. Ward has finally paid—

But Gwyneth was not paying attention. Instead, her gaze was captivated upward, where a bird circled overheard. Aduantas [ah-dwon-tes] was all the fairy said.

Piper followed the fairy's gaze upward and then looked back down at the fairy. What are you talking about, Gwyneth?

The bird! Gwyneth pointed upward. She always finds me!

Piper looked upward again and then back at the fairy, eyeing Gwyneth suspiciously. What's going on? Tell me, Gwyneth.

Gwyneth blew out her breath and looked away. She took a few steps back and then rubbing her neck, she began pacing. She paced in a circle, becoming oblivious to the girl who stood a few feet away. Ye dunt know what ye be asking of me! she finally said and stopped her pacing. She stared at Piper.

All you have to do is tell me, Gwyneth! I am no imbecile.

The fairy shook her head and backed away. No! Tossing Piper a final glare, she practically shouted at her, And I dunt be talking to no council! Not now, not ever, a-right?

Piper froze, stung by the vehemence in the fairy's reaction.

Aduantas, the fairy repeated and then turned and fled westward, zigzagging back the way they had come.

Piper stared blankly after her. Gwyn-neth? But the fairy was nowhere to be seen. She looked up quickly. The bird was gone too. Surely, this was some form of fairy mischief. Come back! she yelled. But Gwyneth did not return. Fine then! She mumbled to herself and pushed the recorder she'd been holding onto all this time into her pocket. Fairies are strange creatures! she said to herself and headed to the village.

*****

A mile west of Tanglesni, the River Afon crossed the River Belle. The River Belle arced southward, but the River Afon continued eastward toward the village of Tanglesni, though changing course just before the bailiwick. The path that led into the village was simply called River Road, though the river had been left a mile back. Here and there was some evidence of a stone bridge, which some say had covered the moat back when a castle stood in its watch, but now neither drew up nor down but held fast over the green fields that were viewed from the hill, its chains and pulleys rusted shut. A wooden plaque hung over a pier. The wording on it long weathered away, but the citizens had left it in place, a hope to better times.

Nowadays, River Road was hardly more than a scenic path lined with grasses and flowering bushes, whose blooms were the first signs that winter was over. Just past the bridge, the road split, the fork on the left becoming Bridge Road, and the one on the right trailing off into the forests. Bridge Road itself dead-ended at Melody Lane, which was the best name on which to have a music store, Piper thought.

Piper followed this route, sometimes mulling over the fairy she'd met and sometimes thinking about the reception she would receive when her mother saw that the old miser had indeed paid. But it was the smell of the tarts that she imagined her mother was making that filled her head, enticing her to think more about the reception than about the fairy. So absorbed in these thoughts was she that she missed the alleyway that separated her house from Lady Rhaslyn's and ended up before her mother's shop door. She backed away, not wanting to enter the house there, for the door would ring a bell that served as an alert system when carriers entered.

Instead, she traced her steps back to the alley, waved to the always watchful Lady Rhaslyn, who curiously had sprinkled the path with rue and other fernlike plants, and proceeded to the stairwell at the back of her house. It was the second-level apartments that she and her family occupied situated above the music shop and above the door with the rigged alert system.

*****

Ah, there you are, said her mother as Piper opened the door. She rose from her desk and strode over to the cookpot to stir the bubbly sauce. I have the most delicious surprise for you and your sisters tonight.

Piper took a deep whiff and grinned. I am famished. I've been smelling the tarts since I crossed the bridge. She opened her bag and took out the money. Placing it on the table, she returned to the door and sat on the bench to take off her booties.

Her mother laughed. Having taken a bowl from the cupboard, she began filling it with the sauce. I can imagine that! Ahhh, but what you've been smellin' in your dreams is this saucy soup I've made. Her mother pranced across the kitchen and set the bowl on the table near Piper. Here, take a spoonful. It has the currants and the honey like in a sweet tart, but it's to pour over the parsnips and carrots. Taste it, my dear daughter, and then tell me it's not the food of the gods themselves.

Piper pushed her booties under the bench and scooted over to the table to taste the concoction her mother offered.

Finnia scooped up the coins Piper had left and walked back to the desk where she counted out the money.

Did Headmaster Ward pay in full? She took out an accounting book.

Yes, Mah, Piper said between bites. Ummm, this is very good. It tastes like the tarts.

But there's some missing. Did you count it right? She turned to her desk to make notations in her accounting book and then looked at her daughter.

Yes, Mah. I counted it twice as you said, and he counted it out to me, too.

There must be a hole in your pocket then.

Noooo— Piper caught herself, remembering the fairy that had bowled her over. I had a tumble.

Her mother put the book away in a drawer. I hope you weren't wearing your new stockings. Piper gave her a quizzical look. Her mother pointed to Piper's stocking where a hole gaped open along the knee.

Oh! That's the first I noticed that, Piper said rather quietly. Then to reassure her mother, she added, These aren't my new stockings. I'm saving those for the competition.

"Very