“While Jay and a few others were out scouting, we head a horrible rumbling noise. It was something that we had never heard before. Then we saw flames coming through the trees. Although we had never seen a creature of this nature before, we realized that it was a dragon.”

  Jay, Michael, Edie, and Abbie gasped in unison.

  “Wow,” Edie said aloud. Her thoughts turned to Parvack, who was resting back in the forest. In response, she glanced over her shoulder at the trees. Then Edie returned her attention to Max’s story.

  “I had to make a difficult decision very quickly. I told the sprites who were still at camp to grab anything they could and leave. I could not risk a dragon finding the entire tribe. We left swiftly so that the remaining ones of us could stay together. I hated having to leave before we knew where Jay and the others were, but I had to keep as many of the tribe together…and alive as I could. I’m so sorry, Jay,” Max said, his eyes glistening with tears.

  “Don’t worry about it, Max,” Jay said as he put his hand on Max’s shoulder reassuringly. “Everything has worked out fine for me. In fact, it’s worked out better. I found Michael, Michael and I found all of you again, and now we have a new tribe that we can join with if you’re willing. Things have worked out quite well from what I can see. I have a feeling that the other scouts will eventually find us.”

  “That’s very true, Jay,” James agreed. “Now will you tell us how you came to find us?”

  Edie could tell from the expressions on their faces that Michael, Abbie, and Jay had been thinking the same thing about Parvack that she had. After a few awkward moments of silence, Jay began to tell their tale. Jay began by telling how he, Edie, Abbie, and Michael had gotten to that point in the forest. The four sprites told the entire story of how they had enlisted Parvack’s help and flown for many days.

  “Wait,” Max said holding up a hand and taking a deep breath. “Let me get this straight. You asked a dragon to help you find us?”

  “Yes, it was my idea,” Abbie answered respectfully but honestly. She told him briefly of Parvack’s promise to help them but skipped the part about him holding her hostage.

  Edie, Abbie, Michael, and Jay looked at Max. Max had his eyes closed and seemed to be gathering his words while calming himself down.

  “Abbie, I do have to commend you on having used your resources well. I’m glad that the dragon has kept his word and helped you,” Max told her. “However, I’m still concerned with the safety of the tribe. Is the dragon around here?”

  “Yes, he is, would you like to meet him?” Michael replied.

  “Yes, I would,” Max replied with a nod to support his statement.

  “Max, we have nothing to fear from Parvack,” Jay said quietly.

  Max hesitated for a minute before saying anything. “I would still like to meet him, Jay.” Then Max turned to follow Michael. Everyone else followed him.

  Abbie helped to smooth the introductions and explained everything to Parvack. Abbie finally convinced Max that Parvack was not a threat to them. The next thing to do was to decide what Parvack should do. After briefly discussing it, Max and Michael decided that Parvack had fulfilled his promise. The sprites would not all be able to ride back on the dragon’s back, and they did not want to split up again.

  So, Abbie thanked the dragon for his helpfulness and for keeping his promise. Parvack did not reply to Abbie’s thanks, but he told them the general direction in which to fly to get them back to the Ashcroft Forest. Then Parvack jumped into the air, started flapping his wings, and took off into the night. When he had gone, the sprites headed back to the clearing.

  Abbie lingered in the spot where Parvack had been, lost in her thoughts. She heard a noise beside her and realized that Jay had come back to check on her.

  “Is everything OK, Abbie?” Jay asked gently.

  “Yes. It’s just been a very long day, Jay,” she replied.

  “I think you handled that wonderfully. You had a great idea, you stood up for your decision, and you made peace between Parvack and Max. When Michael came to the Ashcroft Forest, you befriended him and stuck up for him. You also helped Edie and the rest of the sprites when Charlie turned everyone into animals. You’ve done very well, Abbie,” Jay told her.

  Abbie looked at Jay and sighed. She suddenly felt the weight of the last few weeks. Abbie swayed slightly and then leaned forward to put her head on Jay’s shoulder. He pulled her into a tight embrace and gently stroked her hair. Jay rested his head on Abbie’s shoulder for a few moments before she pulled away.

  “Thank you, Jay,” Abbie whispered as she moved a few steps back and looked at Jay.

  “For what? I simply told you the truth. Any time you want to talk, I’m right here,” Jay told her.

  “Thank you. I appreciate it,” Abbie replied.

  They stood there looking at each other quietly for a few minutes. “Abbie, there’s something I want to talk to you about,” Jay began.

  Another noise in the woods interrupted what he was saying. Both Jay and Abbie turned to see what was coming. After a second, Edie appeared through the trees.

  “There you two are! We were getting worried about you,” Edie said.

  “We’re coming, Edie,” Abbie told her friend. Edie turned and walked off, satisfied with Abbie’s response.

  Abbie looked at Jay apologetically. “I’m so sorry Jay. We really should get back to the rest of the tribe, so they won’t worry about us. We’ve been through a lot lately, and I don’t want to put any extra stress on anyone. Can we talk about this a little bit later?”

  “Absolutely, Abbie,” Jay replied. He put his arm around Abbie’s shoulders and guided her back to the clearing where all of the sprites were waiting.

  The sprites talked for a while longer that night. Then everyone found a place to sleep for the night, knowing that they would get up early in the morning in order to leave to go to the Ashcroft Forest. The journey would take several days, and everyone would need all the strength and energy they could muster.

  Chapter Eight

  A Walk Through the Forest

  The next few days proved to be very long and exhausting. The sprites flew as long as they could every day. They only stopped occasionally to eat, to sleep, and to let Muzuru walk around. Abbie and Edie took turns carrying Muzuru. They would pick his body up with both arms, and he would wrap his trunk around the top of one of their arms just to ensure that he didn’t fall off. He didn’t weigh much, but after a few days of flying and carrying him, they were both worn out. Muzuru got so cold flying that whenever the sprites stopped to rest, the trunkaloose had to warm himself back up.

  About five days after the sprites all came together, there came an exceptionally rainy day. After trying to fly for almost an hour in the morning, Max decided that everyone should take a day off to get some rest. He knew it would be too hard for the sprites to fly because the water bruised their wings when it hit in the higher altitudes. The sprites were happy to take a break to get some rest. They easily found a shelter, and all crowded in together to keep warm.

  The sprites slept most of the day. Abbie woke up just as the sun was setting and saw that the rain had almost stopped. She stretched her limbs and slowly sat up. When Abbie saw that all the other sprites were still asleep, she decided to go take a walk. It had been nice to be with so many new friends, but Abbie wanted to get a few minutes to herself.

  All the sprites had fallen asleep on their sides or their stomachs. Sprites rarely slept on their backs because of their wings. Abbie looked over the sleeping sprites and smiled at how calm and peaceful they looked. The young brunette giggled to herself when she saw the position that Edie had fallen asleep in. Abbie’s friend had fallen asleep lying on one leg and with the other stretched out awkwardly behind her. The top of Edie’s head was almost lying on the ankle of the leg that was under her torso. Her cheek was resting on her calf, bottom jaw slack, and Abbie could see just a tiny bit of drool on Edie’s cheek.

  Abbie left her friend sleeping and wandered off through the trees, taking in the beauty that surrounded her. In order to save the strength in her wings, Abbie decided to walk. It felt good to exercise her legs and let her bare feet experience the forest.

  Abbie took in the clean, wet smell of the trees and plants as she walked. The fading rays of the sun filtered through the tall trees. Everything looked bright and new, renewed with the fresh supply of water from the earlier downpour. The moss was soft and springy under her feet, and the mud squished between her toes. The only sound that Abbie heard was the soft noise of her footfalls as she walked. Abbie caught a drop of water falling from a leaf above her. It landed on her tongue and tasted sweet and delicious. It reminded her that she was thirsty.

  She wandered a little further and found a stream flowing through the forest. Abbie knelt and cupped her hands in the water for a drink. The water felt cool on her tongue and smoothed the rough sandpaper that she had felt in her throat. Abbie dipped her cupped hands into the water, and once again brought her hands to her face. Instead of drinking the water this time, Abbie splashed it on her face. It felt cold and refreshing on her skin. Abbie took another drink and then sat back on her heels. She looked out across the creek and let her mind roam. Abbie was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t realize someone had followed her.

  “The water tastes so refreshing, doesn’t it?” a voice beside Abbie asked softly and seemingly to himself.

  The sound of Jay’s voice didn’t startle Abbie. It was strangely comforting. She looked over at Jay and smiled. “Yes, it does,” she responded.

  Abbie got up, walked over to a rock, and sat down on top of it. From where she was sitting, Abbie could easily dip her toes in the stream. The water felt good on her toes like it had on her throat and her face. She watched as the water slowly wore away the mud that caked her feet. Jay came over and sat next to her on the rock. Abbie continued to look down at the mud on her feet while an awkward silence fell.

  “Abbie, there’s been something that I’ve wanted to talk to you about for a while,” he said.

  “Oh yes, you mentioned that a few nights ago. I’m sorry that I forgot,” Abbie apologized. She turned to face him, and Jay’s face was very serious.

  “It’s, OK. You have nothing to be sorry for, Abbie. We’ve all been tired at night, and it’s hard to talk while we’re flying,” he replied. Jay looked down at his feet and moved them around in the water, trying to get the mud off his own feet. He was quiet for so long that Abbie thought he didn’t want to talk any more.

  Jay raised his head and looked Abbie in the eyes. “Abbie, you’re such a wonderful sprite. I haven’t been able to get you out of my thoughts for the past week, and I know you feel the same way,” Jay began.

  Abbie’s eyes clouded as she thought back over the last week. She knew that Jay was right. Being around him had definitely been in the best part of the memories she had. Ever since Abbie had met Jay, she had felt a connection to him. He brightened up her day, encouraged her, and looked after her. When she was flying, any thoughts that weren’t on home were on Jay. Abbie’s thoughts snapped back to the current moment, and she met Jay’s gaze.

  Jay continued, “I’ve been looking for someone like you for a long time, Abbie. You take responsibility for things and make wise decisions. You’re strong when you need to be, and you’re a leader. The thing I like most about you is how expressive your eyes are. Your eyes show your emotions, and they show how caring and loving you are.”

  Jay looked down at his feet again, seeming to sift through his thoughts. He seemed to be struggling with something that he wanted to say. Abbie wanted to comfort him or encourage him, but she didn’t know how. When Jay finally looked up again, he looked directly into Abbie’s eyes.

  “Abbie, I think I’m falling in love with you,” Jay said.

  Abbie didn’t say anything for a moment. She looked into Jay’s eyes, searching for something. There was no hint of joking, lying, or any kind of deceit. All Abbie could see was sincerity in his gaze. Jay reached out and took her hand. Abbie could feel the warmth in the way he gently but intentionally took her hand.

  Abbie was at a loss for words. She knew from the look on Jay’s face that her eyes were communicating much more than her words ever could. Jay pulled Abbie into a tight hug. She laid her head on Jay’s shoulder, and he stroked Abbie’s hair just as he had done a few days before. Abbie felt much better than she had in days. The fatigue and stress of the last few days left her.

  Abbie pulled out of the embrace, and the two of them sat there quietly enjoying the peace of the moment. They sat and talked about things that might seem silly to most, but they enjoyed each other’s company.

  Abbie and Jay looked around as they heard chatter approaching them through the forest. They put a few inches of space between themselves and looked down at their feet in the water. Only a few flakes of mud still stuck to their toes.

  Soon, all the other sprites had joined them. They all got a drink of water and then played in the stream. It was fun to be able to relax and have fun after days of flying. Edie enjoyed watching Muzuru play in the stream like a young sprite. He would fill his trunk with water, and then blast unsuspecting sprites with the spray.

  Michael told them that it should only be two more days before they reached the Ashcroft Forest. This raised the entire group’s morale. The end of the journey was in sight.

  Although Abbie hoped she hadn’t missed Joneé and Brendon’s wedding, she knew that the big event had probably happened while they were searching for the Dixon Glade sprites. Both of them had basically adopted her as their daughter. She was so happy that they were finally getting married after so long.

  The next morning, the sun was just peeking over the horizon when the sprites got up to begin their journey again. Invigorated, they flew on with speed toward their goal. True to Michael’s word, it only took them two more days to get back to the Ashcroft Forest. Abbie and Jay said nothing to anyone about the talk they had by the creek. Abbie knew that Edie would be upset by the news just like she had been when Edie thought Abbie was in love with Michael. And Abbie had no idea what Michael would think. She decided that it would just be best to keep her thoughts between her and Jay.

  All of the sprites were exhausted and aching to sleep. Edie was so glad to see the Ashcroft Forest. She couldn’t wait for the sprites from the Dixon Glade to join the sprites of the Ashcroft Forest. She was curious to see what had gone on while they were gone. It had been several weeks since they had left, and Edie had begun to miss everyone.

  Chapter Nine

  Homecoming

  Edie and Abbie led the way to Joneé’s house. Joneé was so glad to see that Jay, Michael, Edie, and Abbie had made it home safely. She was intrigued by Muzuru, as she had never seen an animal like him. She welcomed the new sprites to the Ashcroft Forest and quickly went to get Mac and the council who helped her lead the sprites: Steph, Feath, Kirby, and Bebo. She also called Rufus to come and see Abbie after her long journey. Joneé led everyone down to the meeting hall because all of the sprites couldn’t fit inside her house. When they were all assembled in the meeting hall, Jay and Michael took the lead and introduced everyone.

  Joneé, Mac, and the rest of the council welcomed the Dixon Glade sprites with open arms. Joneé instructed Abbie and Edie to find temporary living arrangements for everyone. Rufus, Wayne, and Walt would soon have to build brand new houses for the new residents of the Ashcroft Forest. Michael and Jay would stay with the sprites from the Dixon Glade and prepare them for meeting the rest of the Ashcroft Forest’s residents. Steph, Feath, Kirby, and Bebo had the task of calling the other sprites to assemble at the hall.

  “Joneé, now that Jay is here, we only have one house that’s empty, correct?” Abbie checked before she and Edie left.

  Joneé paused for a moment before she answered. Mac and the council members looked at each other, knowing something, but not saying a word. Joneé seemed to be thinking about how to say what they were all thinking.

  “What is it?” Edie asked, waving her hand in an impatient motion. “Did you and Brendon get married while we were gone?”

  “Fen’s former house is open as well,” she answered simply.

  “WHAT?” Edie yelled, a frightened expression crossing her face. “Did he…did he die?” Her hand flew to her mouth, and Abbie’s hand went to her shoulder.

  “Oh, no, sweetie,” Joneé quickly responded, reaching out to rub Edie’s arm.

  “OK, good,” Edie said, exhaling loudly. She laughed. “You had me worried.”

  “About a week ago, Fen woke up from his coma,” Joneé explained. “We told him what had occurred, and he decided that he needed to go out on his own for a while. Lenk verified that Fen’s body had healed correctly and assured us that he would be able to fly on his own. So, Fen packed up his stuff and left two days ago. We were waiting for all of you to get back before we voted on a new leader for the tribe.”

  “Oh, wow!” Abbie breathed and looked at her friends. Edie and Michael had both gasped and had looks of disbelief on their faces. They all stood there dumbfounded for a moment. Finally, Mac broke the tension.

  “We can settle all of this tonight at the meeting,” Mac interjected gently. “For now, though, we need to get everything set up for the sprites from Dixon Glade.”

  Nobody argued with him. They all set out to do their assigned jobs. Mac left with Michael and Jay to talk to Rufus, Walt, and Wayne. Abbie and Edie were used to making housing arrangements by now. They had experience doing it when the sprites had been cursed and then when the fairies had come to stay with them while the village was being cured of the curse. They were about to leave when Joneé pulled them aside.

 

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