Chapter 33- Wicked Forest

The trees became fewer giving way to a large grass clearing with mountains in the distance. In the middle of the clearing a Dragon laid, he looked to be sleeping, his blue scales shined in the sunlight. He was a magnificent creature. One that she owed her life too, and hopefully her freedom, she could feel it, the hope return.
As they drew nearer it became clear to Crystal that they would be taking a flight on the mighty beast. She felt fear prickle at her skin.
“Don’t worry,” Levi smiled at her as they came to a stop. Crystal gulped and jumped back when the dragon lifted his head.
“This is Dregon, dree this is Crystal,”
“Nice to meet you,” Crystal’s hand shot to her head. Dregon hadn’t spoken the words out loud rather in her mind.
Levi grinned at her shock and confusion. He helped her onto the back of Dree. Crystal wrapped her arms around Levi and dug her nails into his skin.
“Crystal?”
“Yeah,” she asked in a strained voice.
“I still need to breathe and would like some skin attached.”
“Sorry,” she muttered loosening her gripped.
“Ready?” Dregon’s voice echoed in her mind and within an instant they shot up into the sky. Crystal could have sworn she had left her heart and stomach on the ground as her belly did back flips.
Once the initial fear wore off, she found herself enjoying the ride, from above the forest looked more stunning than before. The rivers shined in full glory and the mountains stood tall. She smiled as she watched the trees lean for the sunlight.
The journey was quick. Levi helped her down, Crystal would have liked more time in the sky. She looked around and was amazed at the sight before her. She was on a small island. Three wooden bridges connected the island to the forest. Surrounding the island was a large river. In the centre stood a large tree, it was different than the others with its sliver branches and huge trunk. It screamed magic. She could feel the static energy in the air.
Carved in the bark of the tree were gold swirling runes. She glanced up at Levi. His eyes were full of sadness and pain. She gave him a small smile. They were going home, yet it didn’t make her happy. Guilt rushed over her; Drake was still out there with the snake lady. But it was the path he had chosen for himself. She had to keep telling herself that.
Sighing Crystal moved closer to Dregon. “Thank you,” she whispered and kissed his scaly head.
“You’re most welcome my lady,” Dree bowed his head in a show of honour making Crystal blush.
“Ready?” she asked Levi taking his large hand in hers. He nodded then gave the forest one last glance.
“Wait!” both of them turned around to see Margon. Levi let go of Crystal’s hand and gave her a hug.
“Thank you, for all your help,” Margon gave him a friendly slap on the arm.
“Anytime boy.”
“Crystal, I want you to have this,” Crystal stepped forward and glanced at a sliver object that lay in the palm of Margon’s frail hand.
“Do you accept my gift,” she asked looking deep into Crystal’s eyes. Crystal examined the object, it looked like a sliver bracelet made from the finest materials. She could see tiny blue gems and shook her head.
“I am sorry, I can’t accept a gift as beautiful and expensive as the one you are offering me,” Crystal had seen her small home, deep within the forest and danger. If she sold the bracelet surly, she would make enough money for a decent home and a life less fearful.
“This, my child is not an expensive gift,” she sighed, Crystal caught the quick action between Margon and Levi. She had glanced at Levi who had nodded. Crystal had a feeling they were having a silent conversation.
“Sit my child,” she followed Margon’s lead and sat crossed legged on the ground.
“I am guessing you know the story of how our kind became exiled from this place.”
“Yes, the prince who seduced the wrong girl. My guess is it was Levi.”
Margon laughed. “That would be correct. What about the legend?”
“Yeah, Levi filled me in on that too.”
“Good, as we don’t have much time. When they forced our kind out of this world I created a spell, one that would save us and help bring our people home.” Crystal gasped.
“Yes, it was me. You see you are the one. You Crystal Rose Hudson are my granddaughter and destined for remarkable things. I made this bracelet for the day the child that holds the power comes to me. This bracelet was made especially for you,”
Crystal stared at the woman who claimed to be her grandmother. Questions swirled in her mind.
“That can’t be, you have wings,”
“Indeed, I do, that is a story for another time. Pay attention child, we will cross paths again. But for now, you need to leave. So, I will ask you again. Do you accept my gift?” standing and brushing of her clothes Crystal stood straight.
“I do,” Margon clasped her wrist and snapped the bracelet in place. Pain shot through her arms. Instinct took over and she gripped the bracelet, wanting nothing more than to remove it. The pain vanished. When she glanced at where the bracelet was, she could see two prongs had embedded their self into her vein.
“What the…” Levi’s tone was harsh.
“Now, now, Levi. All will be revealed in time,” Distant sounds of voices could be heard.
“Hurry now,” grabbing Crystal’s hand he gave Margon a look that told Crystal he was unsure.
“Come with us,” he said holding out his hand.
“My place is here. These old bones would never make it through. Go now. I can take care of myself.”
“Goodbye, and thank you,” Crystal said with tears in her eyes.
“Take care of yourself,” Levi added.
She nodded, as her body began to fade away. Crystal watched in awe.
The sounds of horse’s hoofs on the hard floor became louder. Crystal traced the golden rune and just like before it glowed as her finger moved. A bright flash of light swallowed them whole. Her body felt like it has been pulled apart as she free fell into nothingness. Suspended in blackness, the excitement she thought she would feel at going home was non-existent. Instead, her mind was riddled with questions and confusions, and she knew that one old lady held all the answers and she had left her behind in a world she would never return too.