From the other side of the foliage came a scratching and snuffling sound followed by footfalls that were getting louder. Someone was running towards her. She stood frozen in place unable to move. Into the clearing ran a gnome wearing a cloak that shimmered faintly. She couldn't make out his features. It was like looking at a reflection in a pool when the water is slightly rippled. He stood panting in the middle of the clearing, either not seeing or not acknowledging her presence.
Out of the bush came a large, terrifying, creature walking on four legs, and covered in fur except for a long naked tail. Small menacing eyes looked out of a face with a pointed nose. It turned its head from side to side, sniffing the air and trying to catch the scent of its prey. She didn't understand why it couldn't see the gnome, and was terrified that at any moment it would turn and see her. The gnome stood motionless, covered in a luminous mist.
She tried to scream, but the cold air took her breath away and only a small whimper came out. The breeze swirled the leaves on the ground, and she shivered with cold and fright. With the shifting of the breeze the animal caught the scent of the gnome, and focused its attention in his direction. She could smell its fetid breath as it barred its teeth.
She screamed in horror. Instead of hearing her own voice, she heard a terrifying screech of some creature in the air. Above her a knocking noise drew her attention. Looking up she saw the branches in the tree above her creaking and rattling together. Forcing herself to look back at the ground, she saw the animal charging toward the gnome.
Just then a shadow passed overhead. Large powerful talons descended out of the sky, and fastened mercilessly on the animal. Huge wings briefly blotted out the Forester Constellation as it flew off carrying the limp body into the night.
The branches above rattled again. She woke with a start, but the noise continued. The sun had gone down, and her cozy warm corner was now cold and dark. Dazedly she realized it was evening, and someone was knocking at the door.
CHAPTER 5 - THE PIXIE WOODS
While Morley was preparing for his adventure, Travis was entering the Pixie Woods. He walked along the path through tall, ancient oak trees. Their wide trunks prevented him from seeing very far down the path. A layer of decaying leaves covered the ground adding a fine earthy smell. There was very little undergrowth. The whole area was deeply enchanted from all the pixie dust that had accumulated over the years. The dust kept away harmful insects, and only a few weeds could be found. Travis stepped carefully so he wouldn't stir it up. Unwary travelers who breathed in too much of the dust found themselves lightheaded and talkative.
Every so often he came to a clearing where the trees had separated. Opaque shafts of sunlight shown down revealing hundreds of tiny sparkles from the pixie dust floating in the air. It was in these clearings that Travis would find the small, delicate flowers called Wing-Buds. Every morning their four, leaf-shaped petals opened like pixie wings. The color varied depending on the type of pixie dust they grew in.
These clearings were also where the pixies ate and had their parties, when they weren't having their merriment in someone's garden. They also had water parties on the river that ran through the woods, when they floated on water lilies and teased the fish.
Wing-Buds were only found deep in the forest, and Travis passed several of the clearings before coming to one where he heard the singing and laughing of tiny voices. Mostly concealed by the trunk and branches of a tree, he peered into the opening.
In the center, a group of pixies was dancing and playing a game of water tag. They were in pairs except for one who had a cup of water. He was waiting for the right words in the song when he would throw the water at one of the couples. If he was successful in getting them wet, they would join him as Water Pixies.
Others were sitting on mushrooms and clapping and singing:
When pixie dust with iron is mixed
Those nearby are firmly fixed
And held in bonds - they cannot fly
However hard that they might try.
Tell me now what do you think?
Where does water get a drink? (splash!)
The Water Pixie threw his water at a nearby couple soaking them. They separated, grabbed full cups from under a mushroom and ran back into the fray.
Sparkling dust floats in the air
Trapping those who don't take care
When metal is red with spots of rust.
Careful, careful with Pixie dust.
Tell me now what do you think?
Where does water get a drink? (splash!)
How can a Pixie brave and bold
Break the bond and free the hold?
Stronger than iron it falls from the sky
Soft as a tear drop in your eye.
Tell me now what do you think?
Where does water get a drink? (splash!)
When the last couple was doused with water, they shook their wings scattering drops of water everywhere, and creating a small rainbow. A thin gold band was placed on each of their heads, and they were declared prince and princess of the evening.
Travis was enthralled by the scene, and didn't notice the pixie buzzing about his head until it landed on his shoulder, pinched his ear, and said,
"I've found a big one
Who's come to join our fun."
Travis laughed and said, "Hello Thistle. I was hoping to get some Wing-Buds, but didn't want to interrupt the fun."
Thistle flew into the circle calling,
"Hey ho
Join the show
Travis has come
For flowers and fun."
The dancers stopped and turned to face him. Della and Mari had been giggling together. Now they turned to see the intruder, and Mari sang,
"You have to pay
If you want to stay."
A tall pixie named Briar jumped down from the mushroom he'd been sitting on. His copper colored wings had a dull glow in the soft light.
"What did you bring
To hear us sing?"
Travis sat down on the edge of the clearing and said, "As pretty as you sing that's not why I came. I brought you cake in trade for some Wing-Buds."
An old pixie named Forrest quavered out
"Sweets are nice
But they won't suffice."
The stocky pixie with the short curly hair chimed in:
"But a story will do
And we'll eat cake too."
Briar laughed, then sang,
"Buckleberry's in the mood
For tasty treats or fancy food."
"A story?" Travis frantically searched his mind trying to think of a story.
Spikenard flew over his head. His beating green and brown wings looked like falling leaves.
"Here's pixie dust
To end the fuss
To clear your mind
And save some time."
As he sang he scattered green dust in the air, and it drifted down on Travis.
"I wish you wouldn't do that Spike. It makes me light headed. I can see how going through a door into another world would make one dizzy. Probably filled with pixie dust," he said disgustedly.
This statement made them all buzz with excitement. Pixies love a good story and are inclined to believe any tale that is well told.
Della tilted her head to one side and looked at him quizzically.
"Of this we'll hear
You have our ear.
Don't make us guess
Now tell the rest."
Travis said, "There's more to this tale than can be said - In one short night, and that before bed." He groaned. "Now you've got me doing it."
There was much laughter. He cleared his throat and started, "Once upon a time?" but he was interrupted by Buckleberry who shouted:
"Let's have the cake before you start,
And I wouldn't mind a pie or tart."
Travis put down his backpack, carefully brought out the cake, and set it on the napkin. As the pixies descen
ded on the cake, he told them the story of a door into a world where everything was of gigantic size. He described the flowers, trees, and herbs, adding imagined details when he ran out of facts. They were delighted with the tale, and pestered him to know where the door was. He shrugged, and said he didn't know.
They allowed him to dig up some flowers, and he carefully wrapped the roots in wet moss to keep them alive. He chose a gold Wing-Bud for Telah. After dining on cake, the prince and princess graciously allowed him to also dig up some truffles to take home.
When it was time to leave they escorted him out of the woods, buzzing around his head and singing. Sparkling dust floated everywhere. By the time he got to the end of the forest his head was buzzing, and he was glad to be back in the fresh air. As the jumble of words and rhymes floated around in his head, a clear voice rang out above the rest. It was Spike.
"When the door you find
Keep us in mind."
With that the pixies darted back into the woods, and Travis made his way to the village. It was almost dark when he arrived at Telah's house, and knocked on the door. There was no answer, and he knocked again. Telah was just waking from her dream. She was dazed and white when she opened the door, and stared in amazement at him. He was covered with pixie dust, and his pants were spotted with mud. There were cake crumbs on his shirt, and his hands were stained from the flowers.
"You look white as a ghost," he said. "Are you okay?"
She had recovered from the dream now, and laughed a little shakily. "You don't look so good yourself, Travis. You're a mess." She brushed the dust off his shoulders. "I'm not sure you should be visiting the Pixie Woods."
"Aw, it's okay. I'll be all right as soon as my head clears. I brought you a flower. It reminded me of the little golden pixie, Mari." He handed her the golden Wing-Bud which had closed up for the night.
"A Wing-Bud. It's enchanting." She gave him a quick hug. He blushed and said, "Just don't smell them. All that dust on them will make you light headed and you'll be talking in your sleep. Goodnight."
He turned and hurried down the path. Telah isn't silly like the other girls, he thought. She understands about the Pixie Woods and cake. Her grandfather was a bit weird, but he did write interesting stories.
Telah shook the dust off the flower outside, and then placed it in a vase in her room. It was kind of romantic getting flowers from a boy. The terror and vividness of her dream was forgotten.
CHAPTER 6 - THE CAVE
Several days later, early in the morning, Travis stopped by Telah's house. Tomorrow night would be the Harvest Gala. Everyone in the village was talking about it, and getting ready for the big night.
Kendra was in the kitchen preparing to bake her special spice cake and herb chicken for the party. Morley was overseeing as chief taster for the delicacies.
An old swing hung from the large maple tree in the backyard. Its wide weather stained, wooden seat was cut from a piece of hickory. Carved into the wood was a tree with many branches, and tiny chickadees perched on the boughs. Travis and Telah sat on it together, discussing his trip to the Pixie Woods.
Travis was saying, "Well, after Spike dropped pixie dust on my head, I couldn't think of anything except what you told me about your book. They were clamoring for a story, so I told them about the door, and the gigantic plants."
"But I didn't tell you very much of the story. What did you tell them?"
Travis looked a little smug. "Well, I just sort of filled in the parts I didn't know with new stuff. Turns out I'm not too bad a story teller in a pinch."
Telah looked surprised and said, "What did they think of the story?"
"You know pixies. They like to believe anything - and it is a good story, even with my additions. They pestered me something fierce about where the door is. I don't remember you telling me that part of the story. Where is this door supposed to be anyway?" he laughed.
Telah paused before answering, "It doesn't really say?.but?I have a theory."
He snorted, "You mean you really think there is a door?"
"Hush?," she said quickly. "Not so loud."
"Why?" he whispered. "Are the pixies going to hear?" and he smirked.
"No, but Kendra and Morley might." She lowered her voice, "I think they know where the door is. In fact - I think they might have even been to the other side."
"Aw, come on. It's just a fantasy story that your grandfather made up. What makes you think it's real?"
"Ever wonder where Kendra gets the spices for her cake, and the seven secret herbs and spices for her chicken?" Telah said mockingly. "And what about the skeletons in the village museum? We've never seen animals that big around here."
Travis shrugged it off and said, "Those are from prehistoric times. And of course Kendra doesn't want to share her secret recipes. Her cooking is certainly delicious and everyone raves about it but it's not - " and he paused for effect, "other worldly."
"Okay, Mr. Practical, but you should see the flower she has in her bedroom. She doesn't know that I saw it. But it's strange - and huge. Not even your father or the pixies could grow something like it."
"Really?" he said suspiciously. "You're not making this up?"
"Really," she said emphatically.
"Well..," he drawled. "I'd have to see it before I could tell for sure that it wasn't from our world."
"Always the skeptic, huh? We can't go upstairs, but this tree has a limb that gets pretty close to the house. The flower is on the dresser right next to the window. You could climb up and have a look."
"Oh sure. And Kendra would come in and see me looking in her window. That would be a fine mess."
"Nonsense. She and Morley are in the kitchen. I can hear them talking. I'll let you know if they leave the room. Up you go and don't fall."
"I would never fall," he said disgustedly. "And don't push." He scrambled out of the swing and up the tree. As he walked nimbly along the branch towards the window, he glanced down. Telah signaled that all was okay. "Okay for her," he thought. "I'm the one who's going to be in trouble if we get caught."
He knelt down and crawled along the branch to look inside the window. There on the dresser was a flower with large orange petals and brown spots. They were wide at the bottom where they joined the stem, and then tapered to sharp points.
He had never seen anything like it. Working with his father, he thought he had seen every flower there was that grew in the area, including the Pixie Woods. This was definitely something new, and it was huge. He was puzzled and excited as he turned and climbed back down to the swing.
"Well?" Telah said smugly.
"Are you sure that's a real flower?" he asked.
"Of course I'm sure. When Morley gave it to her a couple nights ago, I heard her tell him he shouldn't be bringing back things like that. He just laughed. Now, where do you suppose he was bringing it back from?"
"Okay, so you think there's really a door and they know where it is. How do you plan to find out?"
"She'll be going with Morley soon to get herbs and spices. She'll need them to cook this morning. I say we follow them, and see where they go."
Inside, Morley was sneaking a taste of the cake batter while Kendra was at the sink finishing up the dressing of the chicken. She placed it in the pan and covered it. "Ready for the magic ingredients," she teased turning around.
Morley finished licking the spoon, and dropped it in the sink. "Excellent. Let's head for the cave. Everything should be dried and ready for use by now."
Kendra called out the back door, "Telah, we're going out. We'll be back in a bit." She waved goodbye in answer.
As soon as Telah heard the front door close she turned to Travis. "Come on. We can cut through the backyard and watch them from the trees."
Jumping off the swing, they slipped through the garden, over the fence, and into the woods on the other side. Morley and Kendra were deep in conversation as they walked up the path. The kids were surprised to see them pass Mor
ley's house and head around the back. Cautiously they peeped around the corner just in time to see them reach the end of the path and disappear around a large lilac bush. Travis looked puzzled. "Where are they going?"
"I don't know. That's why we're following them, silly. Come on. We'll lose them if we wait here."
They bounded up the path and peered around the lilac bush. To their surprise they saw the mouth of a cave.
It was hard to hear anything distinctly, but they caught snatches of conversation about "rare spices," and "herbs drying nicely," and "quite a haul," and something about "another trip in a few days."
They hid themselves in the lilac bush and waited. After awhile Morley and Kendra came out carrying a small basket full of what looked like leaves and twigs. As they paused, the two children held their breath, hoping they wouldn't be seen. They were so close that Travis could have reached out and touched Morley. But after rearranging the herbs in the basket they headed back down the path.
Travis whispered, "Let's go see what's inside," and he started towards the cave.
Telah grabbed his arm and hissed, "We have to get back home before they notice we're gone."
He hesitated, looking longingly at the cave, and then reluctantly agreed. Speeding down the path they raced past Morley's house, through the trees, and over the fence. They were just settling into the swing when they heard voices coming from the kitchen.
Kendra looked out the back door, and noticed their red faces. "You two look out of breath. Been racing around the yard?" She didn't wait for an answer but continued, "Why don't you head up to Moore's dairy and get a dozen eggs so we'll have something for tomorrow's breakfast? While you're there you can each get a Honey Dunk. There's money in the box." She went back into the kitchen.
When they arrived at the dairy, Elder Moore was sitting on the porch with his grandson. He was bouncing him on his foot and singing: