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tale of a fairy who enlists her friends the forest animals to help find a future husband |
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©A Fairy’s Tale The butterfly Princess   Written by Lisa Ann Noe  May 27, 1997  In dedication to: My loving mother, Wanda L. Noe,  for her encouragement and love There is a place, almost a magical kingdom that exists in the Appalachian mountains. It is a quaint little place where the ground is covered with a blanket of shamrocks and is dotted by a colorful variety of wild flowers. For all the unique qualities of this village, named Mount Pleasant, probably the strangest of all is known as the colony. The colony is nothing more than butterflies, which are too numerous to count. They unite and fly together to create a shield resembling a stained-glass window, and they block the entrance to the Golden Cavern. The butterflies are not the only inhabitants of Mount Pleasant, they are the protectors of those who live there. To be exact, the colony is located at the foot of Mount Pleasant at a place called Rainbow rock. Rainbow Rock was justly named for it is a bed of brightly colored rocks that came together to form a bridge across a sparkling stream and leads to the entrance of the Golden Cavern This is where the colony forms a shield to protect the kingdom within the mountain. Mount Pleasant lies inside and all the way to the top of the mountain. The top of the mountain is transparent from within, allowing plenty of fresh air and sunlight to the inner kingdom. *************************************** Without a doubt, the most well loved inhabitant of Mount Pleasant is Tamari, the Butterfly Princess, Tamari is the fairy of the forest. She has solid gold butterfly wings, which contain magical power. Tamari has the appearance of a young lady, yet her wings keep her from venturing to human habitats. Fear could make them capture her, for she is surely unique. Tamari is a good fairy, who loves all creatures of the forest, she spends her time healing those who have been attacked by bees, for only magic and her heart-felt words can heal those who have been stung. “Princess Tamari, Princess Tamari,” A voice called with enthusiasm. The Princess smiled as she looked toward the direction of the voice and spotted a tubby little raccoon running to greet her “Good morning, Einstein, how are you doing on this glorious day.” “Dear Princess, the life of a raccoon such as myself could never be enjoyable with out catching a glimpse of my fair butterfly princess,” The raccoon replied. ” I need your help, Einstein I’m planning a trip into the habitat of the humans and I need a ground scout or two to assure safe passage. Will you help me?” “But of course princess , you needn’t even ask ‘ I will do anything for the fairest of all creatures, “ bragged Einstein.” “I was thinking to ask Joshua, the rabbit to aid me as well; perhaps the two of you can meet at the mirrored pond to discuss the details, and I’ll join you there at the noon day,” Tamari suggested.” Of course if that is how you planned it that is how it will be princess, but if I may make a suggestion as to your choice of the rabbit Joshua. I truly believe that he is not needed,” pouted Einstein. “Now Einstein” the princess scolded,” you know better than to let jealousy creep into your life. Joshua is a perfect choice, no one else can avoid the sweet honey traps of the bees. He is an excellent choice indeed.” “Your wishes will be met,” said the embarrassed coon. “I will meet the rabbit at the mirrored pond at the noon day.” At that moment ,Princess Tamari gave a flap of her wings and caught the wind to find the rabbit Joshua. She glided effortlessly around the mountain until she found Joshua feeding on the shamrock carpet on top of Mount Pleasant. “Good morning Joshua, how are you?” the princess asked. ”Oh princess what a wonderful surprise to see you” the bunny replied. “I’ve come to beg your help, I am planning a trip to the habitat of the Humans and I am seeking two ground scouts to attend,” She explained. “Say no more, for I am honored to attend such a noble thing.” The bunny stated. “I have already spoken to Einstein the Raccoon,” said Tamari, “and he has assured me of his help, we shall meet by the mirrored pond at noon day to discuss the trip.” Joshua, being a rabbit, is quick, and was down the hill and out of site before Tamari could thank him. Every one in the village knows the sweet history between Joshua rabbit and Tamari, the Butterfly Princess. When Joshua was a young bunny of three weeks old his mother left him, never to return; a swarm of bees came down upon the young one and began to sting him repeatedly with their poison. At the same time Tamari came flying over the forest and saw the great swarm of bees---as she went closer to investigate, she saw Josh trapped in his burrow, unable to escape. She whistled to get the attention of the Bee’s, knowing full well that they would forsake a useless little bunny and swarm in to capture Tamari for Matilda their Queen. Queen Bee, Matilda yearned to possess the golden magical butterfly wings. This was a great risk the princess had made for she could not fly as quickly as the bees and their stings even as few as five could make her paralyzed into a coma. Yet Tamari is exceedingly bright and she had a plan to charge to the center of the swarm and fake as if she had been stung. This would cause her to fall quickly to the ground where she covered herself and baby Joshua in the burrow with a stone over the rabbit hole. The bees could not enter were baby Joshua her magical water and spread her wings out to cover him she then began to sing her fairy song. “The love that I have falls upon you the feeling within me I share, My hope for the future as bright as can be, I will give you to you a little of me, and love shall improve you and make you happy as can be.” For two days they stayed hid in the rabbit’s burrow and they came to know each other well. Joshua , who had no mother to care for him was surely taken with the beautiful princess which rescued him and nursed him to health. Tamari was certainly very fond of this dear little creature who stared at her with his big blue sensitive eyes. Yet she could hardly allow him to become her own; therefore she assembled the family of rabbits, which inhabited the out skirts of Mount Pleasant, the village of flowers. She requested the female rabbit who was the chief of the burrow, to welcome the orphaned Joshua into the family to be taught of their ways. They complied with the wishes of the Princess for all of the forest’s creatures except the bees, the rats, and the snakes, were truly mesmerized by Tamari. At Noon day Joshua had already arrived at the mirrored pond and made wait for the others, so after, Einstein showed up with a mouthful of flowers to give to his forest fairy, Tamari. “What is that you have in your mouth?” asked Joshua. Einstein, full of pride, grabbed the flowers from his mouth and replied,” there now this is wild flowers that I stopped and picked for Princess Tamari. Can you not see them with those big eyes.” Now Joshua being a very sensitive little bunny, swallowed his pride at the rudeness of the raccoon and proceeded to compliment the thoughtfulness of the deed. “Did you not bring an offering to the Princess or any thing,” Einstein sarcastically asked. Joshua was clearly embarrassed by his oversight and Einstein was quick to point out that he planned to win the heart of the forest fairy. At that time, Tamari descended from the tops of the oak trees and in between the two. Einstein wasted no time at all in giving the Princess the flowers he had picked. Tamari kissed him on the cheek and thanked him. Einstein was so pleased with himself that he held his head high and lifted his little nose up in the air at Joshua, hoping to make him jealous. “I thank you for meeting me, you are both trustworthy companions. I must go to the habitat of humans today. I received a message from the white dove, it says there is another like me, who is being held captive somewhere in the forest. I must get myself to the township of my people and seek out the recorded documents in the royal archives at the bottom of the mirrored pond. There is a cavern that is hid by water and up inside it exists the archives of my people. These are the papers of ancient times that are wrapped in the skin of trees. I must find out if it is possible for another like me to exist.” Tamari finished with silence. As Tamari told of this fantastic discovery, Joshua and Einstein were dumb-founded, they didn’t know exactly how to react. After a moment of silence, Joshua spoke up saying, “I will make this long journey down the mountain. I will cross the habitat of humans, I will go through the Kingdom of Sod, the land of the bees for the Princess.” Wit the promise of her friends help, Princess Tamari made plans to leave from the inside of Mount Pleasant and met her companions at the Golden Cavern. As quickly as she had arrived, Tamari lifted herself magically to the top of Mount Pleasant and disappeared inside a volcanic opening. Joshua and Einstein began their long journey down the side of the mountain. Each of them was fearful of such a long trip, for they knew there were many obstacles to overcome. The first of which was—how could two small critters such as a rabbit and a raccoon cross the cavern opening where the bears made a den? How could they pass through the area inhabited by wild cats? Another concern was that of the snake, which was silent, sneaky and deadly with a bite. Einstein as appropriately named, he was a clever coon. He made him a sack of grass. Woven together and he filled it with eggs and with honey, and with raw meat of a mouse. He handed Joshua the honey; for to Einstein it was a great temptation. He loved to eat honey. These items would save them from harm until they got to the bottom of the mountain. The two had barely begun their trip down the mountain when they encountered a bear on their path; when the bear saw the tiny critters, he growled big and loud and would not let them pass. At that point, Joshua took the honey he had in a sack and flung it into the bear’s cave and the bear watched him. He studied the two he then decided to run inside the cave and eat the honey; he paid no further attention to the companions. So they ran as fast as their tiny little feet would take them until they came upon a wildcat high above in the trees. The cat was stalking them as he was stalking a prey, the pair were terribly frightened. All at once, the cat jumped to the ground, snarling and growling and showing his teeth. Joshua and Einstein looked at each other in terror, knowing from the size of the wildcat, he would never sacrifice a coon and rabbit dinner for the bit of mouse meat they had brought to distract him with. At that moment Einstein shouted for Joshua to run and find a hole, and Joshua took off running faster than he had ever run before. He saw a hollowed tree stump and he dived inside to hide. At the same time Einstein Jumped straight up the side of a tree and began jumping from tree-top to tree-top like a monkey. Einstein dropped the mouse meat to the ground at about the second tree in the hopes that the smell would cause the wildcat to be confused. The wild cat took off after Einstein, who was the nearest to him, luckily the plan worked and the wildcat was confused by the smell of the mouse, so the wild cat lay down under the second tree to have his meal of mouse. Meanwhile; Joshua sneaked quietly away from his hiding place and ran down to the stream to erase his scent. Einstein had the same idea and the two of them reunited to continue their journey. At the Golden Cavern, Princess Tamari had already arrived, she was surrounded by the flapping of butterflies, which swatted in and out about the opening of the cavern. The great number of butterflies and caterpillars that surrounded and blocked the entrance to the cavern proved to be an adequate deterrent to the bees, who were much fewer in number. Although the bees were poison and could kill a single butterfly they could not destroy such a large colony. Beyond the Golden Cavern lies the home of Princess Tamari the Fairy of the forest. All the way to the top of the mountain within the cavern lies her palace. The colony was formed to protect the butterfly princess and to assure the bees could never enter the Golden Cavern to attack Tamari. “Princess we have arrived”, Einstein and Joshua came across the hill, running toward Tamari with great enthusiasm. “We had a horrific experience with a wild cat , Princess, but I was able to trick him so we both escaped his supper.” Oh dear, Einstein, I’m truly thankful you are both unharmed,” the Princess said. Across the stream from Rainbow Rock, lies a deep dark unexplored forest known as the land of Sod. This was a huge risk and a dangerous adventure for the three companions. Sod is the home to the bees the rats and the snakes. In preparing for their adventure, Einstein packed a grass sack with cheese, eggs, and string to use in the his clever tricks against his foes. Joshua also prepared a defense to bring along, he wove together the horse grass that grew near Rainbow Rock and created a shield, he chewed down the cat tail plants from along side the stream and sharpened the tips of them with his teeth to create a spear. Princess Tamari also armed herself with a sack of sand stones, a quantity of her magical water. As the three companions began to cross the stream a peculiar feeling overwhelmed the princess. “something is wrong, I smell a wilting flower, I can’t leave until I find it” “find what?” Asked Joshua. “One of the flower children has been stung and if I don’t go to it at once it will die. You two go ahead with our plans, take off into Sod and I will catch up to you when I have done my duty.” The princess went back into the Golden Cavern to seek out the stinger upon her flower children. The closer she came to Mount Pleasant the stronger the smell of wilted flowers became and she knew that there were many who had been stung. When she came to the village of the flower children she saw that each one had a stinger in them and was wilting. Princess Tamari immediately took out her vial of magical water and began sprinkling it on each child and sang her magical song. “The love that I have falls upon you. The feelings within me I share, my hope for the future as bright as can be, I will give to you a little of me and love shall improve you and make you happy as can be.” As Tamari’s glorious voice filled the air, the flower children began swaying in the wind and they became strong and joyful and wilted no more. Princess Tamari knew in her heart that this was a plan of the bees, to sting the flower children and separate her from her friends. When it was clear to the Princess that the flower children were safe from harm she rushed to reunite with her friends. Tamari was concerned that the bees had plans to harm she and her friends. Meanwhile Joshua and Einstein had crossed the stream and began their journey in to the land of So0d. “Josh, I can’t see even a foot in front of me,” said Einstein. “Don’t be bothered by the briars, it’s the snakes I worry about.” Said Joshua. “I do hope the Princess can find her way safely to us,” At that moment, Joshua lifted his ears as if he had heard a small noise. “shhh…Did you hear that Einstein?” “Hear what, I didn’t hear anything,” Einstein replied. Well be quiet and listen carefully, I heard a peep and a shuffle from behind,” said the confident little bunny. The two companions took a few steps and stopped to listen and see if they heard a noise. “Well Joshua it looks like you have a wild imagination, with those big ears of yours you are probably hearing something from a long distance.” At that moment a sharp peep and a shuffling of the grass caused both of them to whirl around to catch a glimpse of something in the tall weeds. They immediately decided to flee the situation and ran deep into the woods with out looking back. As they were running through the forest, Joshua came upon a de of some kind and when he saw what was inside the den he froze from fear. Einstein climbed up onto a tree limb to cross over the denned area, but poor Joshua had no way around, for he had stumbled by mistake into a snakes den. A poor rabbit has no defense against such a creature. The snake noticed him there and slithered near him. Little did the snakes know that Einstein was above them in the trees. Einstein knew that the only chance for Joshua to escape was to distract the snakes with movement. Poor Joshua was motionless with fear. Einstein knew that the snake would leave Joshua if he felt threatened in another direction. He took an egg out of his grass sack and tied it with a long string at one end and tied the other end of string to the tree limb. He then took seven tiny tree sprigs and threw them at the snake to get his attention. When the snake saw an egg fall from the tree and move back and forth he left Joshua and lunged for the egg. Einstein then swung across the den on a vine to get Joshua’s attention by telling him run quickly and don’t look back. Joshua ran from the den and continued to run until he reached a spring of water. Einstein proceeded swinging from tree to tree until he saw and joined Joshua at the spring. Princess Tamari was unable to fly through the forest due to the closeness of the brush. Therefore; she walked beneath the trees and was slowed by the tangled vines. The ground of the forest was as a jungle to little Tamari. As she was trying to cross over a fallen tree, Tamari saw a swarm of bees in the rotten stump, so she quietly nestled behind the tree and made not a sound. In an hour the bees had left and she felt safe to continue. Joshua and Einstein had jumped on a log and floated down stream until they arrived at the path of concrete. Neither had ever seen this site, yet they had been told of it in legend, they knew that this was the Habitat of Humans so they swam to the cement side. From the legend they knew to be frightened for it was said that humans were the worst of all threats. They are more powerful than bears, more fierce than the wild cat, sneakier than the rat, and more sinister than the snake. These human’s it’s been said are even trickier than bees. Einstein began “Rabbit, I fear that these humans are such, that every creature in the forest heeds the warnings to keep away.” “I do hope we don’t see any in our journey,” stated Joshua. The two of them decided to stay on the edge of the stream until Tamari arrived. It had been hours since they had last seen her and they were becoming worried. All of a sudden they heard a fluttering behind them and as they looked around, Tamari was flying above their heads giggling at the scare she had given them. “Hi fellows, I see you made it just fine, of course I never doubted you would,” Tamari mused. Joshua ran and hopped high to grab the toe of the princess, bringing her down to the ground tumbling into the two. He proceeded to nuzzle her under her chin with his head, as is his way of declaring love. “Princess I was so worried for your safety,” said the relieved little rabbit. “oh my dear Joshua you are my precious little bunny and I am equally grateful that you and Einstein have been kept from harm. “Well!” said a confident Einstein, “It is thanks to my great intelligence that the rabbit was not devoured by the snake; therefore if anyone deserves you attention it is I, for I saved your Joshua.” “Oh Einstein, I’m sorry if you feel left out, thank you for taking care of my friend Joshua, remember you are also my friend. I warned you earlier about your jealousy, there’s no need for that, you are both endearing to me.” The three friends joined arms and descended from the weeds at the edge of the concrete path; they were careful to look all around as far as they could see to make sure there was no human around. “Princess Tamari, is this the Habitat of Humans? “Yes Joshua , I believe it marks the start of their village. I think we should stay on this concrete path until we arrive at a town. “A town Princess, you mean with humans?” exclaimed Einstein. What if they see us? How can we get through without being spotted?” “Calm yourself Einstein, we’ll devise a plan when we come to the edge of town. “shhh, I hear something.” What is it Joshua? Tamari asked. “I heard it once before on this trip. There it is again, did you hear it?” asked Joshua. At that time both of Joshua’s companiond\s heard a small peep followed by the shuffling of grass. “You there come out and show yourself, commanded Einstein.” “I am Princess Tamari the Butterfly Princess and the fairy of the forest, you come out of the weeds and show yourself to me, I command you with my golder wings.” At that moment a mouse came scurrying out of the weeds to present himself to the Princess. “Princess, lease believe I seek not to harm you,” claimed the frightened little mouse.. “What are you doing? Have you been following us?”” ask the Princess. Princess, I was hungered for days and had no food when the bees offered to feed me honey if I would tell them of your adventure.” The mouse explained. “He’s a spy for the bees, exclaimed Einstein. Then you do plan to bring harm to us,” stated Tamari, “For the bees wish to sting me with their poison until I am in a deep sleep. Then they will bring me to Queen Bee Matilda, so that she may possess my wings.” But princess, “ exclaimed the mouse, “I was starving, what could I do?” “You could have come to Mount Pleasant, I would have given you food, as I do all that enter there in.” “What shall we do about this?” asked Joshua. “I say we use him as a defense, to divert attention from our direction. The humans will see this mouse and while they try to capture it we can get through town.” The mouse’s eyes grew wide and he began to tremble at this prospect, even he had heard of the human ways. “Einstein, that’s quite enough, I can not do such a cruel thing, it isn’t within me,” said the Princess. “Respectfully princess I say to you that we can not trust in this mouse. We should bind his hands and force him to stay in our sight until our mission is complete, unless the bees get their hands on him and he tells of our plans,” said a skeptical little rabbit. “Joshua’s right,” the Princess agreed. “Einstein bind his hands with your twine and keep him close at you side.” Einstein did exactly as the princess commanded and down the road they began. Now the princess decided their new companion needed to have a name, and since he was a sneaky little spy and a mouse, she gave him the name Peeper, For he was always peeping about. When they reached the edge of town they were amazed at what they saw, it was even more spectacular than the legends. Peculiar machines emitting smoke, dozens of humans, of all sizes rushing about, strange sites and sounds and smells. Rushing toward them was an odd type of creature, which was a dog, who chased after the quartet of friends barking and snarling and showing his teeth. Einstein rushed up the side of a tree, pulling Peeper behind him swaying in the air. Joshua used the cat tail sword he had made as a spear and threw it, hitting the dog in the nose. The dog yelped and turned to the other direction. Tamari flew to the sky and across to the other side where she met up with Joshua. The dog turned his attention back to Einstein and Peeper, who were still cowering high above in the treetops. The dog tried to climb the tree but was unsuccessful and eventually he got tired and left. Einstein climbed through the trees of the town and swung down to the other side as Peeper dangled by a piece of twine that tied the two of them together. No human had seen them, for now they were safe. They looked around to decide where the lake might be, when the saw a stream of water they decided to follow it and sure enough it emptied in to the lake of water. “This is it”, said the Princess. “we must make it back before the sun leaves footprints in the sky. I will go under and find my ancient archives of the Royal Heritage. You all wait her until I return.” Princess Tamari dove from the rocky cliff into the lake and disappeared into a cave. The entrance was below the water, however the cave extended upward inside a mountain, out of the depths of the water. After she descended from the water she flew to the top of a cliff where another tiny cavern went deep into the wall of the mountain. Thecave was very dark but she had magical wings from which light radiated so she may find her way. At the back of the cave was a wooden door with a solid gold lock. Tamari knew the only way the door would open was for her to match the spots of her wings with the spots on the lock. When she did this the door opened automatically. As Tamari entered, she found a large trunk wrapped with the skin of trees. As she began unwrapping the trunk she noticed a peculiar thing; a crest, different from her own was on one side of the trunk, while her own was on the other side. Tamari wandered to herself what the two crests could mean. Could it be the white dove was correct in his information, and this royal descendant is being held captive. With this thought in her mind Tamari unlocked the trunk and opened it. Inside was a golden vial which she removed and sprinkled with magic water. She then commanded the ancient spirit of her people to appear. The vial fell to the floor and from inside came forth a beautiful fairy surrounded by a glow of light. “You have come to seek knowledge?” The spirit asked. Princess Tamari was so surprised by the spirit that she fell flat down on the ground in amazement. “Fear not my child, for I am your link to the past, what trouble do you find yourself in that you would call upon me?"asked the spirit. Oh my, are you real? I’ve never seen a more lovely image”! Tamari exclaimed. I am quite real in a dimension unknown in your world Tamari, I know you, and I knew those before you and I shall know those after you as well, I am the keeper of the Pond of Knowledge of all Mount Pleasant for all time. “I came here to find the truth, I’ve been told their may be another like me.” The day has come, as I knew it would. Three years prior to you birth Prince was born to govern Dogwood Valley, However, on the evening of your birth the Kingdom came under attack by a swarm of bees, the bees captured James Larry and carried him into what is now called the Kingdom of Sod. This was the very same raid that claimed the lives of your family and the other royals when the forest was caught on fire.” Princess Tamari was amazed by all she had heard. The spirit then brought forth a pond on the ground and called for the past to present itself. “Princess look deeply into the pond of water as I recall history,” said the fairy. Seventeen years ago you were born and from birth you were promised in marriage to the young prince of Dogwood Valley. You see, Tamari At that time Mount Pleasant was not divided, there was no Kingdom of Sod nor a danger of bees. That area was then known as Dogwood Valley and fell under the rule of the second royal family, and the entire forest was peaceful. Prince James Larry is your promised husband. That particular day of your birth, the bees the Kingdom came under attack by a swarm of bees, even blanketed the forest and began stinging the inhabitants. A fire started and spread quickly through the homes and an explosion destroyed the lower castle. The bees were trying to capture all of the royals for their Queen Matilda. They knew they could combine the wings of the male and female fairies and have all the powers of the forest. That’s why Queen Bee Matilda wants your wings Tamari. By the time Matilda found out the royals were magical only James Larry was left. You were not in the forest at that time, you were here with me in this cavern, having you birth registered for the archives. Poor James Larry was captured on that day and has remained in the dungeon of the Queen’s hive till this day. Princess Tamari was pleasantly surprised at the existence of a companion and she was eager to meet him “oh, Great Spirit of Knowledge, what can I do to free the Prince from the bees?” asked Tamari. “You must go to the Queens Hive and free James Larry, then the two of you are to be married in the presence of the flower children on top of Mount Pleasant. When this is accomplished the bees will no longer be a threat to you. They will fear your power and flee. Beg of your friends to help you locate the hive. You may use confusion to defeat the bees. With that being said, the spirit and the pond evaporated and Tamari was again alone. In the meantime, Einstein and Joshua found themselves in yet another predicament. As they sit at the lake entrance awaiting Tamari, they caught a glimpse of a human coming their way. Einstein was alarmed, for he had heard about the human hunter, who carried a weapon of death called a gun. He had heard the tales of coon season and being a coon himself caused him to panic and run in circles trying to hide behind himself. Joshua tried desperately to calm his companion, as did Peeper. However, Einstein was in a fierce panic and went running toward the hunter, dragging poor Peeper behind him kicking and screaming once again. The crazed coon jumped on the hunter and ran up his body until he reached the top of his head, the hunter was shocked and fell backward onto the ground and he let out a scream of fright. Einstein pulled the hunter’s hat down over his head, thee two of them jumped into a tree and traveled across many tree tops. Joshua, who was still at the lake entrance dug himself into a hole and hid inside. The hunter was left scratching his head and wandering what in the world had just happened. When the hunter looked around for what was responsible for his dilemma, he saw no one. The gang had hid themselves well. The human walked over to the lake an washed his hands and face and he took a few moments to look around again. He found nothing and left as quickly as he had come. Joshua was now alone and tucked snugly into his hole. He was concerned with the fate of Einstein and Peeper. What seemed like an hour had passed since last he had seen them. Finally he heard Princess Tamari drag herself from the lake near to where his burrow was. “Is anyone here? Where are you guys?” Tamari shouted. At that moment Joshua charged out of his hole and leaped into Tamari’s arms smothering her with sweet bunny kisses all over her face. Tamari giggled at the tickling of Joshua’s whiskers. “Oh Princess I’m afraid something terrible may have happened to Einstein and Peeper.” …”Joshua what are you saying? Where is Einstein?” Tamari interrupted with a deluge of questions. “Princess over an hour ago a human came with a death tool, Einstein thought he was looking for coons and went mad with fear. He attacked the human and climbed to the tree tops and I haven’t seen he or Peeper since, said Joshua. “Oh did the hunter get them? Asked the worried Princess. “Not that I saw, however I have heard nothing from them since the incident.” Joshua dropped his head and moaned with uncertainty. “show me the way they went, I’m confident we will find them,” said Tamara. Joshua took off running in the direction he had seen Einstein take and Tamari lifted her wings and flew to the tree tops, they called out to their lost friends. As princess Tamari flew above the trees, in the distance she saw an object shining from below. She flew down near to the object and she heard a familiar whine, Einstein? Yes It was! It was her friend, but he had been taken in a trap and was locked in a wire cage with no escape. Princess Tamari immediately flew to the ground to rescue her admirer. “Einstein, I’m so glad we found you,” said Tamari. We were terribly worried.” Einstein was so grateful to the princess and so frightened by his ordeal that he could do nothing but faint. At that time Joshua showed up at the trap and he and the princess freed their companions. Peeper was beside himself with joy and clung closely to Joshua, dear Princess,” Peeper begged, “I wish to beg of you that you tie me to the rabbit and release me from this crazy coon before he awakes and drags me off again. This I will do, Joshua take custody of the mouse before Einstein gives him a heart attack. We must leave this place at once, this trap was set by human hunters and they will certainly be back to claim their catch. I have obtained the information I came for, now we must find our way back to rainbow rock where we will have much to discuss. The four of them started their journey back to mount Pleasant. Danger was still a huge factor on their trip, once again they had to cross the Human Habitat and then find their way back through the Kingdom of Sod. They had been lucky so far the swarms of bees had been uninformed by their spy, Peeper. Their second trip through the Habitat of Humans was disastrous. The quartet was nearly out of the Habitat when a small boy caught a glimpse of Joshua hopping through his yard. The child ran toward the bunny yelling for the other children in the neighborhood to join in the chase. The four of them ran inside a huge barn to try and hide from the children. Tamari and Einstein went to the top of the barn and Joshua and Peeper concealed themselves in the horse’s stall under the hay. Princess Tamari had much charm with animals and was able to convince the horse to keep the children from his stall. The majority of the children gave up the hunt and returned to their usual play, however they did leave one boy at the barn door as a lookout. This was a problem for the friends for there was only one door in the barn. Princess Tamari decided she would have to take a chance, she would use herself as bait to distract the child while her friends ran for the Kingdom of Sod. Tamari flew down in front of the boy and whistled in his face, he immediately jumped to his feet and tried to catch her. She was much too quick for him to actually catch so she played tag with him to annoy him. The others ran quickly and unnoticed from the barn and disappeared into the tall grass, Tamari joined them there after fleeing from the child. The sun would soon set and leave the Kingdom of Sod entirely black from the darkness. Princess Tamari told the group they would have to find a site to camp for the night. She knew that travel by the Dark was impossible for her friends and that the glow of her wings would call attention to every creature in the kingdom. Just before dark they took the idea of the rabbit and dug a hole deep inside an embankment, making sure it was large enough for them all to fit comfortably through the night. When the hole was complete, Tamari covered the entrance with a rock to keep out curious spectators. At dawn Tamari woke the others and gathered them together for a meeting. “My friends,” Tamari began, “you have been much help to me in my endeavor. I now know who I am, and what my purpose is. I must find and rescue my promised husband, who is a royal like myself. He was captured many years ago and taken to Queen Matilda, who seeks my wings to combine with the mystical power of the prince. She can then rule all of Mount Pleasant. It is my duty and my desire to free my promised prince, James Larry and marry him in the midst of the flower children.” She finished. I will be at your disposal to serve you any way I can,” promised Joshua. “I don’t like this my lady. Where has he been? I’ve been your soldier, your scout, your friend, and even your admirer. I desire your heart and your hand. No ma’am I don’t like this plan.” Einstein was terribly upset by the news and ran away from the Princess after declaring his disapproval. Tamari understood his frustration and followed him from the hole. “Einstein, the Princess called gently I know you are upset and I feel awful you have been here for me always and have honored me greatly; no one makes me feel so loved and wanted as my dear Einstein. You must understand James Larry is a Royal like me, he and I were promised in marriage when I was born. It is the way of my people, it is the future of Mount Pleasant. By myself I am weak with the prince we can bring back Dogwood Valley. I have not chosen him over you, he and I were always meant to be one. You, you are my friend , I love you because I choose to.” Einstein ran to Tamari with tears in his eyes and hugged her, she picked him up and kissed him on his nose and they returned to the hole. Tamari continued to convey all of the information she had learned from the spirit when she finished her tale her companions, each one volunteered themselves to help in the Prince’s escape. Even Peeper the spy mouse who was sent by the bees, had a fabulous idea of how he could help. “My fair Princess, said Peeper, I know you don’t trust me, but I want to help you. If I go back to the swarm as if I were still their valuable spy I could throw them off by sending them to an out of the way location. I’ll tell them you are headed to the mountains beyond the Cavern Lake. That will buy you a lot of time and it will get rid of many bees, as they will go to follow the trail on which I send them. At that moment Einstein jumped over the mouse and pushed him to the ground saying “you have come to us a spy for the bees and now you wish that we send you back to them, with all that you know of us.” Peeper pleaded with the Princess to give him a chance to help. “I told you what happened, I was starving to death and I live in the Kingdom of Sod, I didn’t know the Princess was so kind, we in Sod have been taught that she would use a spell on us to harm us. I now realize that Tamari can bring the Kingdom of Sod into the light and make it a happy place. I would do nothing to cause her harm, If she succeeds my own life will also improve. You must trust me, you are all my friends even that crazy coon, and I promise you can count on me, “ The little mouse spoke. “Well I guess that’s the way it will be, but I’m warning you mouse, if you double cross us you’ll be supper for the wildcats,” Einstein threatened. With that decision made, Peeper left his friends and headed out toward the Hive. The other’s remained behind in the hole to discuss plans of finding the prince. “ I think we must enlist help from other forest creatures,” Tamari explained. “This is terribly dangerous and so important for our future. There are far too many bees for us to compete with, we would surely meet with defeat. At this time I request the two of you return to Mount Pleasant and explain our situation to the flower children. Have them round up all that can serve,” Tamari completed. “But Princess we can not leave you alone in the Kingdom of Sod,” Joshua pleaded. “This is not a request that you may refuse,” Tamari insisted. Joshua dropped his head and swallowed deeply as if to fight back tears, he kissed the hand of the fair Princess and reluctantly walked away. Now Einstein smothered Tamari wit a deluge of traps that she could use to protect herself. The coon kissed her cheek and told her he would see her soon, and he backed away until the two of them were out of sight. As soon as her friends were no longer in view, as Tamari also left the hole where they had made camp for the night. She was very anxious to find the Bee’s Hive, she had never seen it before. Tamari was frightened of the bees but she could not sit still and wait for the others, so she began to seek the Hive. As she was flying low to the ground, she heard a buzzing sound from above. She had heard bees before, but never so many so closely; she found herself beneath three hives swarming with bees. Her eyes grew as big as the sun and her heart raced like chariots of horses, her wings failed in flight from the shock and terror of the sight she beheld. She fell to the ground with a thump and quickly jumped to her feet in a panic and ran for high grass. She was running quickly she could barely see what lay ahead of her and she ran face to face with a snake. Poor Tamari stopped dead in her tracks as the slithering serpent stuck out his tongue. “What are you doing on my path,” asked the serpent. “I-I-I’m lost, d-d-do-don’t harm m-me,” pleaded Tamari. “Do I know you? Are you not a fairy or something, where do you come from? The snake inquired. “I am the fairy of the forest, my name is Princess Tamari. I bring good things to my people,” explained Tamari. “Well then, “ said the snake slyly, “if you are a true fairy you should possess magic.” “But I do, Tamari confirmed. “If you possess true magic you shall be able to get yourself out of this predicament with me, can you?” asked the snake. “I am looking for the hive of Queen Bee Matilda, she holds captive my future husband; when he and I combine our powers even the Kingdom of Sod will be under our rule. For now I am alone , my power is weak on Mount Pleasant, however this will soon change. If you are a friend to me now I will remember you then, and if not, you shall go the way of the bee,” Said a confident fairy. “And what of the bees ?” asked the snake, what if they are victorious against you? Where will I be then,” asked the snake. “Snake, the bees will never know of your involvement, just let me pass now and I shall remember you always.” The snake lowered his head to the ground and slithered away into the tall grass without speaking another word. The Princess let out a sigh of relief and climbed upon a rock to rest a bit. Peeper had made his way to the Queen’s hive and was greeted by a group of worker bees. “I am the mouse in which the queen’s servants sent to follow the forest fairy. I have come to report my findings to the Queen of Bee’s,” said Peeper. “You follow me, “ said a bee of some stature. Peeper was terribly nervous for although he was larger than the bees, they far out -numbered him. As he looked around the hive he noticed thousands of eyes staring back at him, and it caused cold shivers to come upon him. “This is the Queen’s out chamber,” said the be of some stature, “you stay here while I inform her of your arrival.” Twelve bees were left to guard Pepper, and they did not appear to be friendly thought Peeper. It took near twenty minutes for the bee to return and announce the Queen and when she emerged the bees brought Peeper to his knees as a sign of respect for Matilda. As the Queen began to speak, Peeper could almost hear the beating of his own heart, he was so frightened. “You have information for me. You know the where about of of that fairy creature? Tell me what you know of her, “ the Queen demanded in a harsh voice. Peeper tried to make a reply to the Queen, yet fear had left him dumb-founded. The Queen clearly had no patience and slammed her fist upon a table, smashing a jar of honey. Peeper was sweating and struggled to speak, Matilda yelled loudly and it echoed throughout the hive, the walls vibrated at her wailing…”Where is that Fairy? “ “What have you seen? What does she know, if anything? Talk to me mouse or I’ll feed you to the snakes.” The walls thumped with the sound of Matilda’s voice. With that threat Peeper let out a yell, “I followed her and her companions, they traveled a long distance, their destination was to the mountains beyond the Cavern lake. I know this because I heard them they seek a stone of some sort that has some magical power. It is on top of those mountains.” Peeper continued his story to throw the bees off of the true location of Tamari. Peeper was very convincing and had an answer for every question the Queen thought to ask him. Matilda was cautious and asked why Peeper did not stay near the group to follow them to them to the mountains. But Peeper was quick to explain about their episode with the human. How he was trapped and separated from their group and how he could not pick up their trail. Matildsa quite believed the story Peeper had told her. She called to the bee of some stature and told him to assemble two swarms and meet her at the out entrance of her hive. Matilda gave orders also to the twelve bees guarding Peeper, she commanded he be in their custody until she captured the forest fairy. In a few moments more a thousand bees were assembled as the Queen requested. “My subjects I order you to separate yourselves into two swarms and go to the mountains above the Cavern lake, blanket the mountain and bring to me that fairy and her friends. If you fail at this task,” the queen threatened, “then you will be enslaved to the bears” With that being said, the great swarm ascended from the trees to blacken the sky on their path. Matilda then screamed for the guardsmen to deliver the mouse to the dungeon. Peeper was dragged to the deepest pit of the hive and thrown into a dark hole behind iron bars. There the bees left him. Peeper sat quietly alone in his cell he heard a strange sound, from the other side of the wall, a noise he could not describe, yet he recognized its tune. “Hey now what is that sound, who is there?” asked Peeper. “Fear not I play a tune on the mandolin, my name is James Larry, a voice called. Peeper jumped to his feet in amazement and hummed with the sound of the strange instrument. “I am sent to aid you Prince, Tamari has learned of you, Peeper informed the Prince. “For years I have been here with no escape, the bees sting me each morning and evening to weaken me. The magic that is left in my wings, I forget how to use. I fear that if Tamari comes here she will be captured. We must stop her you must escape and warn her away from this awful place,” said the Prince. “I’m sorry,” Peeper replied, “but I cannot disobey my Princess Tamari, I have made her a promise to aid her in you escape and I will keep it at any cost, but never fear Prince, I have fooled the bees, by throwing them off of Tamari’s trail. I sent them way off in the distance to distract them,” Peeper confessed. “I am sealed inside this wall, I don’t know how you will manage an escape for me. The only way in is only large enough for a bee,” the Prince told Peeper. Back on Mount Pleasant, Joshua and Einstein had gathered the flower children and had enlisted the help of the creatures of the forest. Joshua explained to the listeners all they had learned of Princess Tamari and the history of the forest. The flower children were enthusiastic at the idea of a wedding between the Royals. The creatures of the forest wanted to help in which ever way they could. Einstein and Joshua called forth the wild cat and with him they called a truce, the wildcat would lend them a ride to the Kingdom of Sod, for he was very fast and could make good time. Meanwhile it was planned that the flower children prepare for the royal wedding, the butterflies where to close the village by creating a great shield with their bodies. The bear followed along behind Joshua, Einstein and the wildcat, it would be the bear’s job to sniff out the bees hive. Bears have great instincts for finding bees hives, for honey is their favorite treat. The bear was not stopped by the bees stings, the bees are afraid of the bear. Once in the Kingdom of Sod the bear, Dandy, began sniffing out the fragrance he so desired, and in no time he came upon their first hives. The bees spotted Dandy and fled the at once, while Josh, Einstein and the wildcat, Screech, hid beside a rock and concealed themselves in the vines. Dandy proceeded to rob the hibes of honey and in the process destroyed the hives to where the bees would have no place to hide. A t the same time about 100 feet away was Princess Tamari, unknown to the others. She had fallen into deep trouble; bees had come upon her suddenly from with in a tree stump near where she rested. Tamari was stung and she screamed. Joshua and the others heard her call and rushed to her; again she was stung and again, three times. Tamari was terrible weak and unable to protect herself or even run away. The bear broke through the thicket of bushes and weeds to frighten the bees into the stump; he uprooted the tree and threw it across the forest in anger. The bees raced from the scene. Einstein and Joshua helped Tamari on to screeches back. Einstein took the magical water that the Princess kept with her and gave it to her to drink. Many times, had Joshua and Einstein heard the magical song that the Princess sang to those with the stinger upon them. All four of the travelers repeated her magical son,” “The love that I have falls upon you, the feelings with in me I share, my hope for the future as bright as can be I will give to you a little of me, and love shall improve you and make you happy as can be.” “Oh my friends,” sighed Princess Tamari, I-I don’t know what is to happen, but this cure will not work on a royal. I need time but there is none. We must, If there is to be a future, free James Larry. He and he alone can strengthen me. Send the bear to find the main hive of the queen, then we will find a way inside.” Said a weak, sickly Tamari. Dandy the bear did just that, he led the group to the Queen’s hive. He showed himself to be an adversary for the bees. The majority of the bees chased after Dandy to frighten him away from their queen. Little did the bees know however, that Einstein, Joshua and Tamari were waiting to rush inside the hive. Screech was left as a look out and was waiting for their exit so that he could rush them back to Mount Pleasant for the wedding ceremony. Once inside the hive, Einstein and Joshua had to assist Tamari due to the stings she had received. Tamari heard a sound in the distance, she was unsure of the sound yet at the same time it was her sound her song. “We must follow the sound and there we’ll find him,” said Tamari. Sure enough after a few moments they came to a door and entered, to their surprise there set their little mouse. “Princess Tamari you made it, I knew you would show up. Einstein , Joshua I’m so happy to see you.” Peeper was overjoyed by their arrival, he began shouting, ”Prince, Prince your Princess is here. Now you guys break me out of here. The Prince is on the other side of this wall. But we must be quick the swarms will return in anger.” Einstein had come prepared, he took from his bag a rock with a sharp flat edge and a mallet he had fashioned from sticks and stones. Einstein had asked the Prince to play his instrument loudly, as to cover up the sounds of his banging, in a little while Einstein had freed the mouse and opened a path to the wall in which the prince was sealed behind. However Einstein’s tools were of no use in digging through wall. At that point Joshua came forth with the idea that he could burrow a hole through the wall to free the Prince That is precisely what happened. Now James Larry could help Tamari. He came to her side and rubbed her face with his hand, he took her magical water and sprinkled it upon her from top to bottom, he spread his wings wide upon his back and then lowered them to cover his promised bride. Tamari began to regain her strength and before long she was once again normal. So far, the group had been fortunate but they still had to make their way out side of the hive and up to Mount Pleasant for the wedding. By now several bees began returning from their adventure with Dandy, and it was becoming difficult to slip passed them. Just as the Princess and her group entered the outer chamber of the hive, they heard the thundering of Matilda’s voice. She was speaking to a group of guardsmen, telling them of her intentions to rule the entire forest and to rid the place of sweetness of Mount Pleasant. She explained how she intended to enslave all of the forest creatures to serve her needs. The group quietly moved across the room ducking and dodging the bees to slowly make their way toward the exit where they knew screech would be waiting Right at that moment the two swarms the Queen had sent after Tamari returned with distressing news for the Queen. “Queen Matilda we have searched high and low in every corner of the area beyond the Cavern lake and there is no sign of that fairy or of her companions. , “ said a scout bee. “Are you certain,” screamed the Queen. “I’m positive your majesty.” Matilda was furious. “get me that mouse at once,” She commanded . The Queen was so angry that she could not wait for the mouse to be brought forth, she would go to the dungeon herself. As she accompanied the guards to the dungeon, the Princess and her group ran quickly across the room and through the exit, unseen. Princess Tamari yelled for screech to take them quickly to Mount Pleasant and she, the prince, Joshua, Einstein, and Peeper jumped upon screech’s back and they disappeared through the brush. Now by the time Matilda realized what had happened she declared a war with the forest. Scout bees were being assembled to do battle. “they must marry,” said Matilda, “we must stoop them; get yourselves to Mount Pleasant and sting every creature you come upon … I will be the guest of honor at this wedding. Do no try to enter the Golden Cavern, it is a useless waste of time. No one can break the shield of the butterflies. They must marry on to of Mount Pleasant with the flower children being witness and when they come out, Ill be waiting. The Queen and her swarm of bees took off in flight and covered Mount. Pleasant like a blanket, stinging each critter they came to. Matilda headed straight for the flower children and stung them , she and her crew. The flowers began to wilt ant the sweet smell of their fragrance filled the air. Tamari knew immediately what was happening and she knew that with out her magical water and her sweet saving song the flower children would surely die in a very short while. Suddenly Joshua hopped to the princess and stated an idea . “Einstein, and I, If he chooses could pass our selves off as you and the Prince. We can exit at the Golden Cavern and the butterflies will help to block their view. If they thin you are there, they will leave to capture you. Meanwhile you and the prince can rush to the flower children, make them well and have a brief ceremony. By the time the bees realize they have been tricked, the two of you will be married and you will then have power over the bees,” said Joshua. This is a dangerous idea dear Joshua, there is no guaranteed that it will work,” said Tamari. She thought for a short while and reluctantly agreed to the plan. Now Einstein, being a genius himself, decided that he and Josh could enlist the help of butterflies to light upon their backs to give them the appearance of having fairy’s wings. Einstein placed a cap upon his head and dressed himself in the Prince’s clothing, Joshua took a long whiter gown and a veil and dressed himself as the bride. The two traveled down through the mountain and exited at the Golden Cavern. They told the army of butterflies to make a commotion to get the attention of the bees. Sure enough just as they had planned the bees began swarming down on the entrance. The scout bees were fooled by the pair and informed Queen Matilda that they were at Rainbow Rock, both the Prince and the Princess. Matilda was not confident in what she was being told, yet she had to check, and she took off leaving only a few guards men with the flower children. Princess Tamari and James Larry wasted no time in getting aid to the flower children. Each of them took a different child to heal and it was a quick process. They stood in view of the children of flowers anf spoke to one another , Tamari began “I the Royal Princess Tamari, Fairy to all of the forest both high and low have been promised in marriage to James Larry, Prince of my people. DI accept thee as my love always.” James Larry then spoke his piece. “I James Larry Prince of the forest have much love and respect for Tamari, my promised…”Just then, bees swarmed the area and Matilda landed in the midst of the ceremony! “You have done nothing to me, you are now my prisoners, I will have your powers for myself.” At that moment, Peeper the mouse jumped forward and knocked Matilda off of her feet, then he ran quickly down the mountain to hide from the swarm. James Larry took the opportunity to complete his statement, “My promised wife,” he continued. “I give myself as you husband Princess Tamari, James Larry said as he gazed into her eyes. I give my self as you wife Prince James Larry,’ concluded Tamari. The two Royals embraced one another and kissed. Tamari and James Larry held hands and placed a spell on the worker bees, that they would no longer cause problems for the inhabitants of the forest or else face life being enslaved to the bears. The new couple declared the day a holiday and turned the Kingdom of Sod back into dogwood valley. Tamari called out into the forest for her friends who had made this day possible, she wanted to thank them. When they appeared she was amazed at her new found power. All she had to do is think of Joshua, and he appeared, from where ever he was. Joshua, Einstein and Peeper, you shall be my dear close friends and live her in the palace with us. “you will never fear anything ever again, you will be treated as my family,” Tamari promised. As those words were spoken the Kingdom of Sod began to change. The thorns and the thick brush disappeared while dogwood trees in pink and in white blossomed, and the clover sprouted on the ground. Tulips, Irises and Daffodils blossomed in a variety of bright colors such as purple, red and yellow. The sun began to shine on land that had previously been covered by broken trees and vines. Fruit trees filled the valley bursting with fruit for the forest creatures to eat. The spring of water, which had been dammed by fallen trees, ran briskly down the hillside with crystal clear water. Mount Pleasant was surely back to its original state. and Tamari, James Larry, Einstein, Joshua, Peeper, and all of the creatures of the forest lived happily ever after. ** Image ID #1987231 Unavailable ** The End Word Count: 10,845 Lisa Ann Noe, A Fairy’s Tale© |
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