The Secret of the Stone
Chapter 10

The gnomes assembled themselves together and headed off through the town and the cage followed after them. We were paraded out of the town to a large lake. The gnomes gathered around the muddy lake shore and sat down. Two female gnomes approached the cage, their eyes started glowing and the next thing I knew Josili and I were standing on a rock in the middle of the lake. We looked across the water to the shore where the gnomes chanted wildly and Cloud was alone in the cage. Some of the gnome children began to taunt Cloud and poke at him with sticks.

“Leave him alone!” I yelled at them.

“If I were you I would worry about myself,” laughed the king and his entourage snickered at his joke.

We looked down to see the water began to bubble as if something big was coming up to the surface. Josili bolted into the air in fright as the villagers stared at the lake wide-eyed in anticipation of the main event.

“I can fly,” she said, and I can use my powers.” She flew high into the air. The gnomes didn’t seem to mind. For them, it was all a part of the show.

“Josili!” I yelled after her terrified and alone. A huge slug arose from the water with one terrible eye. I looked in horror at it from the small rock island. “Help me!” I cried. Josili hesitated for a moment but she must have thought it was too risky to help and she didn’t come back. I watched her fly away higher and higher into the sky.

“Violet!” Cloud yelled helplessly from the shore. The giant slug looked down at me, his long tentacles whipped through the water. One grabbed me and carried me towards its large open mouth and razor sharp teeth.

“No!” I yelled. I covered my face by crossing my arms in front of it to shield myself from seeing the last moments of my horrible end. Then something began to happen. I could feel a surge of energy all around me. I was not sure what was happening but the energy shocked the slug and it dropped me. I fell into the water. The slug threw back its head and roared in agony. I swam back up to the surface and treaded the muddy water. The slug’s long tentacle came down towards me again. I screamed as I struggled to stay above the thrashing water as the crowd of gnomes cheered from the shore. Just as the tentacle was about to reach me for the second time the slug drew back suddenly. Then I could see Josili, she had come back and was hitting it with as many lighting balls as she could muster up. While the slug was distracted I managed to swim back to the rock amidst the waves created by the jolting of the huge monster. Josili continued to fire at it. The slug stretched forth another one of his tentacles and grabbed her. He dipped her in the water. “Josili!” I screamed. Then the slug screeched again in pain. I saw that he was being attacked as rays of light scorched his back and Tem appeared over the slug.

“Violet,” He shouted continuing his attack. “Somehow I knew you wouldn’t miss all the fun!” The slug dropped Josili in the water and I swam out to retrieve her. She came to when we reached the rock.

“Josili are you okay?” I asked. She pulled herself up on the rock.

“I am fine.” She said as she coughed up some water. “I have just about had it with this giant fish bait!” After she composed herself briefly she returned to the air to help Tem shoot bolts at the slug. The slug bobbed up and down out of the water and the waves splashed over me as I struggled to stay on the rock.

“Violet! Hold on!” said Cloud. I stood on the rock and crossed my arms in front of me the force field returned and shielded me from the waves. The slug took a final dip into the water and Tem and Josili flew down on the rock.

“Violet, let’s get out of here!” said Tem. I released the force field and the two fairies lifted me in the air. We were almost to the other side of the lake when we heard a loud crash from the center of the lake. Tem looked back to see what was happening as a beam hit him and he fell into the water taking me along with him. The slug monsters’ eye was now glowing and he was shooting beams at us. Josili returned fire as I swam close enough to Temy to put up a force field around us. Josili lured the slug away and I pulled Tem out of the water.

“Cloud!” I yelled to Josili. “We have to get Cloud!” He was on the other side of the lake where the gnomes were booing and jumping into the water angrily at the turn of events. Tem shook off the effects of the beam.

“Violet you distract the slug so Josili and I can get Cloud.” He said pulling himself to his feet.

“How am I supposed to do that?” I cried. Census then emerged from the woods with a cross bow in his hand and shot an arrow at the Slug.

“I got him!” He said. The fairies flew after Cloud. The slug headed towards the shore still shooting at us with his eyeball. I stood near Census blocking the slug’s fire with my force field between shots.

Tem and Josili headed towards the gnomes who were also firing at them. Tem created a giant shield and Josili rained on them tiny machine gun like bolts that sent them scattering in all directions.

“You little pip squeaks are no match for two fairies!” Josili cried and she and Tem used their combined power to blast a hole in Clouds cage. Their powers were able to penetrate the cage from the outside. Cloud jumped out the cage with a vengeance and began to chase the gnomes in his path. They hurried out of the way of the angry rabbit. He was so fast they could not get a lock on him with their powers as he weaved from side to side.

“Wow, I didn’t realize how powerful those two were.” Census remarked about the fairies.

“They are magnificent!” I said in awe.

Angry that the evening’s entertainment had been ruined the gnome king squirmed in his seat before ordering the gnomes to attack. Cloud dashed around the perimeter of the lake heading towards us. A slew of gnomes followed after him. The two fairies flew back to our side of the shore as Cloud came running towards us.

“Hop on!” He yelled as he reached us. Census and I jumped on his back and we raced through the woods. The fairies right behind us. The gnomes followed us through the woods disappearing and reappearing to block us at every turn. I broke off a tree branch and began to bat at them when they came too close and Census shot at them with the cross bow. All of a sudden Cloud came to a stop skidding forward a few meters before coming to a complete stop. We rolled off of him landing on the ground with a thump. Up ahead was the gnome king and several of his minions. They somehow headed us off.

“Did you actually think we were going to let you escape,” the king laughed as we struggled to our feet. “No one escapes from Enin!”The king shot a bolt at me but Cloud jumped in front of me absorbing the blow. He fell unconscious to the ground.

“Cloud!” I yelled as he shot at us again I quickly put up a force field around us. The beam bounced back and hit the king knocking him to the ground.

“Attack!” shouted the king as the head gnome, the king’s assistant tried to help the king stand up. All of the gnomes attacked at once hitting my force beam. I tried to keep the force field up as longs as I could. I glanced over at Cloud who lay lifelessly on the ground and everything seemed to go in slow motion. I saw my friends shouting at the gnomes but I couldn’t hear them. I couldn’t even feel the tension of the beams against my force field. Then all of a sudden I was losing power. I felt dizzy and weak. The force field fell.

“Violet, Violet” said Cloud. Cloud Census and Josili were standing over me.

“Cloud!” I was happy to see he was alright. I rushed to hug him but I felt weak. I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck but even that was to rough for him.

“Ow! Ow!” He cried still sore from the gnome kings bolt.

“I’m sorry Cloud are you alright?”

“I’ll be okay,” said Cloud. “Are you okay?”

“The gnomes,” I cried still feeling somewhat groggy.

“It’s okay we are safe,” said Josili.

“What happened?” I asked them. “How did we get away?” The three of them exchanged glances before Josili finally answered.

“You don’t remember?” Josili asked. I shook my head no.”You did it, girl!” said Josili. “All of those silly little gnomes knocked themselves out when their beams reflected off your force field.”

“I did that.” I couldn’t believe it. “What about Nayr and Cordum! Where are they?”

“We are right here Violet!” said Nayr. I turned around to see Nayr, Tem and Cordum’s smiling faces. “And guess what we’ve got?” Cordum unfolded a cloth he was holding. I looked inside.

“The crystal casing!” I smiled, “but how did you…?”

“While you all were “distracting the gnomes” Cordum and I walked right into the city museum and swiped the casing. We had to put out a few gnomes in the process but all in all the mission went rather smoothly.”

“That’s great!” I smiled.

“Violet, you used a lot of power to defend us against the gnomes. You had better get some rest,” said Tem.

“You’re right.” I agreed. Barely able to keep my eyes open, I was soon sound asleep on the mat. For the first time I had some peace of mind because we had escaped from the gnomes and seeing the first part of the casing as well as discovering more about my power gave me hope that we might have a chance of succeeding against Julian.

I slept for most of the afternoon in the camp. When I woke up in the middle of the night I could see that the others were sleeping all except for Census who sat by the dim light of the campfire poking at it with a stick. I saw a log nearby I manage to get up and picked it up and took it to the fire. I sat down beside the campfire to warm up.

“What are you doing up? You should be resting.” He asked. He continued to watch the fire.

“I could ask you the same question.” I replied.

“I am keeping watch.” He said shortly.

“Do you think the gnomes might track us down?”

“I don’t know.” He replied.

“We did great today didn’t we?” I continued.” We have the first piece of the casing only two more to go, but we don’t have a clue where to replace the next piece.”

“Nayr is running a test on its composition we can use our scanner to track similar elements in the area?” He still didn’t look at me just at the fire.

“Is something wrong?” I asked finally.

“No,” he said still looking at the fire.

“Fine,” I couldn’t believe he could be so cavalier after our great victory today. I was too tired to entertain one of his moods so I decided it would be wise to go back to bed.

“I am sending you and Cloud to Nevele tomorrow.” He said finally.

“We are going to Nevele?” I asked confused.

“Yes,” said the Captain. He finally looked at me with a stern look on his face.

“I don’t understand why we are going to Nevele. We have the first part of the casing! Everything is going according to plan.”

“No, it’s not!” He dropped the stick on the ground.

“What is the problem now?” I asked him.

“You disobeyed my orders for the last time. Cloud is hurt and you could’ve been killed and then what are we doing all this for? It won’t matter if we have the casing or not!” He stood up.

“Okay, look I admit it may not have been the best idea at the time but everything worked out. So why don’t you just chill!”

“I told you to stay in the forest!”

“You don’t tell me what to do!” I yelled. I’m not one of your soldiers!”

“That is your problem, you think this is a game,” he continued. “You don’t understand that if we fail a lot of people are going to suffer including Celestia and I am not going to let that happen because of some childish, spoiled, little brat!”

I was surprised by his words just when I thought I had finally won the tiniest bit of his respect. I glimpsed at the others who had awoken from the noise all eyes were fixed on me.

“Childish-spoiled,-brat!” I repeated. “Nothing is ever good enough for you! “I walked toward my mat. I could feel my eyes began to water.

“I have to do what’s best for the mission.” He said dryly.

“What’s best for the mission?” I repeated. “You are such a jerk! You don’t have to wait for tomorrow! I’m leaving right now!”

I could no longer hold back tears. I gave the mat a swift kick and grab my pack before stomping off towards the forest and when I was out of sight I began to run. I ran through the woods, I ran and ran as fast as I could. The thorns from the tree branches sliced against my skin. I ran into puddles of mud that splashed against my princess’s robes. I finally tripped over a tree stomp and slammed into a large puddle. The fall did not hurt as much as my anger and pride and the tears would not stop flowing.

Meanwhile back at the camp, the others stared at Census in silence.

“Census!” said Nayr astonished at the cruel words of his friend.

“What!” he shouted turning to the crowd of spectators.

“Why did you say all those mean things to Violet?” Cloud asked angrily.

“Violet,” he repeated. “I am not going to allow her to ruin what little chance we have. She has to go!”

“No! It’s you who’s going to ruin everything,” said Cloud. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself the way you’ve treated her.

“I told her not to go into Enin! It was too dangerous. She’ll be safer in Nevele.” said Census.

“Did you forget your duty to the King of Enos, who ordered Violet on this mission.”

“That’s all I care about is this mission and replaceing Celest and that’s just what I am going to do, and don’t forget I’m still in charge here.”

“Maybe you’re mad at yourself because you think there was something you could have done to protect Celest, but that doesn’t mean you can take it out on Violet!” Cloud was now inches from his face. Cordum and Nayr tried to pull them apart but Cloud would not budge and Census barely moved. “You think you are the only one that misses Celest!” said Cloud. “I miss her too! They miss her!” He pointed to Cordum and Nayr. “Violet is not the enemy, Julian is? She has done more than anyone could ever ask her to do.”

“She can’t follow orders and she almost got us killed tonight.”

“We all agreed to go into Enin, because we were worried about our friends.” Josili added. “Cloud, Violet and I, we decided to come. So, if you’re going to be mad with someone blame all of us.”

“Violets right. He is just a selfish jerk!” Cloud interrupted. “You’re taking your guilt for Celestia out on poor Violet. And I have had enough of it Census! And you know what?

“What!” He glared at Cloud.

“Celest would be ashamed of you, too.” Census paused when Cloud mentioned Celestia. “Don’t worry about us. We will leave here in the morning as you wish, captain.” The captain didn’t respond. “Now, I am going to go look for Violet and when we come back you better not so much as look at her the wrong way.” He growled before he ran off into the woods. Tem and Josili gave the captain a hard look before following after Cloud.

Census was speechless. He looked at Cordum and Nayr for support who both shared a look of disappointment. Seeing that he had none he darted off in the other direction. Nayr and Cordum followed after him.

“Census wait,” said Cordum as they ran to catch up with him.

“You two think he’s right, don’t you?” Census asked. “He just thinks he can substitute Celestia for that impostor!”

“What are you talking about?” Cordum asked. “No one has forgotten about Celestia.”

“Celest is Celest and Violet is Violet. Yes, they look alike but they are two different people and I care about them both,” said Nayr. Census continued to look towards the woods.

“Census there is nothing you could have done to prevent Celestia from being captured! There is nothing that anyone could have done,” added Cordum. “Julian is too powerful. Instead of blaming Violet…”

“I don’t blame Violet!” said Census.

“Instead of arguing with Violet,” Cordum continued, “it would be more beneficial for all of us if we teach her what she needs to know to survive.” No one is going to be able to defeat Julian not you or me, only Violet and if we don’t replace the princess she is our only chance.”

“Celestia would want you to help her in any way you could.” Nayr added. The captain thought about what they said before he took a long sigh.

“Your both right.” He admitted as he put an arm on each of their shoulders.

“Violet, Violet!” I heard Cloud calling my name. “I am over here.” I sighed and quickly tried to wipe the remaining tears from my eyes. Cloud ran towards me followed by Tem and Josili. I sat in the mud hole, covered in mud and scratches. Tem was controlling a light he created from magic that shined on me as they approached.

“Ew,” said Josili at the sight of me. “You want some advice? He is not even worth all that, honey.”

“Violet are you okay!” said Cloud. He grabbed the back of my collar with his teeth and pulled me out of the mud hole. Tem and Josili looked at me awkwardly for a moment before they burst into laughter. Cloud gave them a hard look. I imagined how I must have appeared and I started to laugh too.

“Maybe Census was right and I shouldn’t have gone into Enin? I asked them.

“Violet, we did the right thing,” said Cloud tenderly. “You are one of the most selfless people I know. You risked being captured by the gnomes to help us replace the first piece of the casing.”

“Yeah!” said Tem. “Don’t worry about what Census said. He is just jealous.”

“Jealous of what?” I asked.

“Uh, I don’t know that’s what people usually say to make someone feel better.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Oh, thanks,” I said not really meaning it.

“Look,” said Josili sitting on one side of me and Tem on the other. “He just misses his girlfriend and you look like her, it’s all very confusing.”

“I can’t help that I look like Celestia.”

“Of course not,” said Cloud. “Come back to the camp, Violet. I promise he’s not going to pick on you again.”

“I can’t go back. Nothing I do is ever right!” I could feel my eyes begin to water.

“We wouldn’t have made it this far without you Violet! And plus, you should have seen the way Cloud set Census straight he wouldn’t dare mess with you!” said Tem.

“Cloud, you defended me?” I put a hand on his shoulder.

“He was totally out of line,” said Cloud. “Don’t worry we are not staying here a minute longer. Tomorrow we are leaving. I’m taking you to Nevele.”

“Yeah!” said Josili. “Tem and I are coming too, to make sure you and the rabbit get to Nevele in one piece.”

“Really,” I said in disbelief . “You would come with us? We have the casing now. You two are free to go.”

“Well, what are friends for?” said Tem.

“You guys are the best!” I said as I reached out to hug them.

“Ah, wait,” said Josili! She waived her hand in a circle and all the dirt from my clothing detached and flew back into the mud hole. I looked sparkling new as we embraced in a big group hug.

When we reached the camp Cordum, Nayr and Census were sitting around the camp fire. Cloud the fairies and I ignored them as we made our way to “our side” of the camp.

“Violet!” said Census as we approached he stood up from the fire. I pretended not to hear him. “May I speak with you?”Cordum and Nayr stood up too.

“Why don’t we leave them alone and let them talk?” Nayr said giving my friends a reassuring look. Cordum, Nayr and the fairies began to walk to the other side of the camp but Cloud stood his ground and growled at Census.

“Violet, you don’t have to talk to him!”

“It’s okay, Cloud.” I said.

“Alright,” Cloud said hesistantly, “but I’ll be watching you?” Cloud gave him one last warning.

As Census approached, I crossed my arms in front of me defensively. I refuse to look in his direction.

“I am sorry that I yelled at you,” he said.

“Is that’s all you have to say?” I looked toward the camp fire.

“No, I,” He let out a nervous breath, not sure what to say next. “I have to admit that it has been a little” he cleared his throat, “uncomfortable for me, your resemblance to Celest. It’s frustrating because I don’t know where she is, I don’t know if she’s hurt and,” he paused. “The more I see you the more I think of her.”

“That’s not my fault Census! I can’t help that I look like her. I don’t’ want to be here either. I just want to go home,” I huffed. “But I really hope you replace Celest.”I finally looked at him.

“I know, look, I have no excuse for the terrible way I have been treating you. I hope you can forgive me.” I took a long sigh and sat down on a large rock. He sat down beside me.

“And ?” I rolled my eyes impatiently.

“And, …?” he thought for a moment. Then he finally realized what I was hinting at. “Oh, and, we couldn’t have gotten the first piece of the casing without you.” He said gritting his teeth.

“Well, in that case,” I looked away trying to keep from smiling. “Just don’t let it happen again!” I waved my hand at him dismissingly.

“Of course your highness.” He took a short bow before returning to the others.