Sleeping Fairy

Chapter III

Back in her tree, Rose laces up her nightgown, away from the world. Slowly, an unwelcome thought creeps its way into her mind. You know you're in love with him. If you weren't, why did you let him turn around so he could fight you better? Why didn't you just attack him more? Explain that. I am not an unrespectable person. Rose thinks. You do not keep attacking an unarmed person! You've done it before, why not do it again? That was in war, and it was the enemy whom I was attacking like that. You've attacked other people. What do you call all those immature teenage boys who came to taunt you? They came to taunt me. They had to be punished. But did you do right to take the law into your own hands? No, I guess not. Rose sighs mentally. Now wait a minute! Rose cries out, How am I speaking to you in my head, because I know that I'm thinking at you! I am the spirit of the first Queen of

Faylinn, your seven times over great-grandmother. Tilia, my mother's namesake? The One Who Ran? Y-y-your Majesty! Rose says in her head, curtsying quickly in all directions. I apologize if I sound rude, but how in Faerie did you get into my head? I am with you from the day you are born. I only reveal myself if need be. You have that need. But, how did you know that I'm-I'm... In love with Derek? Yes. Rose sighs, conjuring up a hairbrush. Absentmindedly brushing her hair, Rose says, I never thought anyone could love someone like me, a one-off 'accidental curse', as many put it. Everyone is loved at one point or another in their lives. I bet you couldn't tell that Derek is falling for you. "WHAT?!?!" Rose whisper-shrieks, "You're lying to me. Why should I believe you?" This is your trouble. Whenever someone says something you don't want to believe, you pretend it doesn't exist. Der-

All of a sudden, the spirit's voice is cut off. Grandmother? Grandmother, where are you? Rose thinks. Immediately after the voice stopped, a howling wind screeches through the clearing. Afraid, Rose shelters higher into the tree, behind thick foliage. An old, bent fairy comes flying in on a gust of wind, carefully landing on the ground. Looking around, she calls out,

"Rose, Rose, it's your Aunt Extie. Come out so I know it's you." Since her parents never told her about the curse, but warned her never to trust strangers, Rose stays in her tree. Before her eyes, the old lady changes shape, unbending herself to change into a beautiful young woman. Aware that only witches of black magic can do such a thing without a potion, Rose climbs higher into her tree, carefully hiding herself further. Unwittingly, she loses concentration and releases Derek from the wind bubble. Looking up, the woman smiles wickedly and says, "There you are, Rose. Come on down and say hello to your Aunt Extie. "No? Oh well, I guess I shall just have to pull." Instantaneously, Rose is yanked from her perch and tossed to the ground! Disoriented, Rose is very grateful when the woman comes over and offers her a cool glass of water. Little did she know that the "water" is drugged. The last thing Rose sees before she fainted dead away was Extia's face leering over her, saying,

"Now you are mine, you little wench! I shall finally be able to wreak my revenge on your cursed family! Mwa-ha-ha-ha!"

"Oh, my head..." Rose groans, sitting up. With a start, Rose realizes that her ankles are bound to the ground with heavy chains. Looking around, Rose discovers that she is inside a cave, with no visible exit. As she stands, a sharp pain suddenly pierces her spine, causing her to double over in pain. Turning swiftly, Rose sees Extia's face just before she chokes on air and falls to the ground, just as Rose takes flight. Collapsed on the ground, Rose struggles against Extia's magic that forces her to stay where she is. Struggling for breath, Rose faints.

Meanwhile:

"Rose? Rose? Where are you, girl? This is not funny!" Fluttering up to her tree, Derek sees the marks of a ripped-off branch. Following the path that it should have taken, Derek sees the outline of a body. Partly buried under the dirt is a beautiful golden feather. Looking further, he sees the track of a dragged body leading far away.

"Rose." Derek hisses. "I'm coming."