Chapter 28: Orange Haven

The Princess stares at the slope ahead. The rocky slope is just a bit inclined but not too sharply. Princess Ava pauses a while to test if anyone is bound to approach or attack their group.

The others wait for Princess Ava's next instruction. She motions for them to split into two groups towards the opposite sides of the slope. Half of the rangers under Cleon's command move carefully towards the right, to the direction where Caspian is positioned ahead. The other half led by Ailsa, marches to the left of the slope, where Cleo is.

Everyone crouch when they reached the top of the slope. Caspian, Cleo and Aramir take a peek down the rocky terrain below. The surrounding land seems to blaze with fire. Rocks appear red orange in color contrasting the dark silhouette of a mountain-like structure of the realm of Fire fairies.

The area appears deserted for the ordinary eye. But for the rangers, they are aware of magical spell casted here. There are three fire fairies sentries present at the moment. Each one stands apart from the other two. They seem relaxed in their stances considering they are designated guards if ever intruders are afoot.

The trespassers remain crouched above the slope. Their aim is to observe and that is what the mission is about. They can sense that the sentinels are obviously aware of their undeniable presence. However, the three fire fairies show no sign of alarm or distress.
            
Princess Ava stands but Aramir is quick to pull her back to crouching position again. The Princess looks at Aramir in disapproval but the earth ranger shakes his head to warn her not to disagree. So, they remain observing the fire fairy lookouts.

After a while, the fire fairy in the middle walks casually towards their direction. This particular one takes his time to approach, with his hands up to convey the message that he meant no harm.
           
When he is just a meter away, the group notices that something is strange in the fire fairy's demeanour. The eyes of this fairy are a bit odd. Instead of yellow irises, like the rest of his kind, his were coal black! This only means one thing. He is under a spell to follow any command of whoever put that particular spell.
           
There is no doubt that this is the work of the Dark Fairy. Surely, the other two fairies left down there are also under the same spell. Only the strongest of fairies can accomplish this kind of magic over other fairies. A fairy cannot easily be subjected to this manipulation without difficulty. Any fairy has the ability to negate this magic because each has the power to create or deflect an illusion. Only very dark magic can put one in this status.
           
Aramir allows the Princess to stand. The Dark fairy must have sent this one to relay a message.
            
Princess Ava comes forward and Aramir joins her. The rangers stay crouched.
            
"Greetings, my fellow fairies... I can see that you would like to have a look around."

The voice definitely is not of this fire fairy.
           
"Alirion, whatever you have to say, speak now and release this poor fairy from your control!"

Princess Ava demands bravely.
           
"My Princess Ava, How gallant of you to demand that from me... You are one feisty Water fairy. You could have just been a fire fairy like me!"

The puppet fire fairy laughs loudly in mockery.
           
"You all came here in the first place. Maybe you are the one with a message for me?"

He continues to tease, showing a smirk on his face.
            
"We are here to find out what you plan to do. Why are you hiding there?"

Princess Ava angrily points towards the mountain realm. She is already losing her patience.
            
"My darling Princess...I have every right to be here. This is my home. I am a fire fairy. However superior I have become, I am still one of them. Even Lord Hakan is amazed over how strong I have come to be. He is literally speechless."

The fairy gives a delirious laugh once more.
            
"What did you do with the King?"

The Princess lets out a shower of rain all over the fire fairy in front of her. She finally lost control. The poor fire fairy is all soaked with rain water.
            
"Princess Ava... That is enough!"

Cleon steps between the Princess and the drenched fairy. He makes a slight swish of his hand that automatically conjures a gust of wind to dry the unfortunate fire fairy.
            
Apparently, the fairy does not seem to give any care on whatever transpired. The Dark fairy resumes his discourse through him, sounding more entertained than ever before.
            
"Lord Hakan is indisposed right now. He refuses to help me with my plans so I locked him up underground, in the deepest darkest dungeon of his own fortress!"

The Dark fairy sounds so vengeful.
            
"Actually, Lord Hakan volunteered, as long as I spared his people!"

He adds with a bit of sneer.
            
"Where is the Prince?"

It is Aramir now who asks because Princess Ava is too furious to say anything.

She is trying to control herself as of the moment. She fears she might accidentally hurt the fairy.
            
"Prince Hagan you mean? That worthless, spineless son of his is not even worthy of his title! I took care of him already. By the way, to solve everyone's puzzle, Hagan helped me escape from that wrenched tree you banished me into. I thought he was my friend but sadly, he helped me out of his weak heart! He was still in love with my sister after all this time."

The fairy smiles menacingly.
            
It is Aramir's turn to lose it. He suddenly punched the fire fairy on the face.

Cleon swiftly grabs the fairy to keep him away.

The fairy merely laughs, not even caring for the pain that the punch afflicted on him.
            
"What do you want, Alirion?"

Cleon asks calmly, while shielding the fairy from Aramir and the Princess.
            
"What do I want? It's revenge of course! What else is there now?"

The fire fairy turns his back from them and casually walks back to the other two fire fairies outside the mountain fortress.
            
Aramir is about to follow but Cleon grabs his arm to stop him.
            
"Let him go Aramir. There is nothing else to be done. Clearly, the dark fairy has a magical hold on those fire fairies."

He reminds him.
            
"We got what we needed. My apologies for losing my control back there."

Princess Ava declares more calmly now. She walks back to the slope without another word.
            
Aramir and Cleon follow the Princess, as she signals the rest of the rangers to retreat. Her face is full of mixed anger and sadness over the information that the dark fairy mentioned.
            
Not even one among them is in the mood to say anything. The death of a fairy is a truly sad affair, especially a Prince. They might belong to different realms but they remain a kin to each fairy.
            
Princess Ava motions to all her company to gather around her. The other rangers follow without question.

After making sure that each one is in position, the Princess whispers a short chant. Afterwards she flicks her index finger.
            
"It is time to return to the Blue Haven." She announces in a sharp voice.
           
The Air, Water and Earth fairies abruptly vanish in thin air, as if they were never there at all.