Chapter Eighteen

The Ram’s Horn Blows, the Flags Unfurl

Slashes of blood red and deep orange split the morning sky as the seventh sunrise dawned in Farlandia. Although a bright sun soon illuminated the landscape, the air was cold. Word spread that Boardmore and Smiley were loading their supplies onto their horses.

Ozette and Gizmo dug out their pouches of fairy dust and quickly reviewed their uses. They carefully sprinkled the various dusts on rocks, soil, bushes and trees. Because all of Farlandia had a stake in what happened, it was important that the elves, fairies, animals, each blade of grass and each stone–all the elements that made up the realm of Farlandia–were alert and in tune with one another.

Ozette watched proudly as Gizmo sprinkled sand-colored fairy dust on a small bush before he reached into his pouch to pull out a chunk of rose quartz. He slowly moved it in a clockwise direction over the bush to enhance its energy. Farlandia seemed to radiate with a glittering light when they were finished.

Ozette put her paw to her head in thought. There was something they’d forgotten, but she couldn’t remember what it was. Ozette heard a ram’s horn blow, chasing the thought from her head. She looked skyward, her eyes wide. She clutched Gizmo’s paw tightly and looked east. Queen Beatrix sat upon a white, winged unicorn. Her long, red hair blowing in the breeze, she held Duchess Zorina in front of her. DZ held a white flag emblazoned with a red heart with a green evergreen tree in its center. Across the bottom in black letters was the word Farland.

Looking south, Gizmo tugged at Ozette’s paw and pointed. Princess Abrianna, wearing a deep scarlet gown, flew through the sky on a black unicorn Ozette didn’t recognize. Ozette shaded her eyes to get a closer look. She covered her mouth with a paw and gasped. The princess was holding a red flag. In the center was a white squirrel. Farlandia was written across the bottom. Cassady sat proudly behind her.

Flying above her, elves and fairies, many carrying small pails, were ready for action. As nervous as she was, Ozette couldn’t resist a small smile as she recalled the hours they had spent gathering poke berries, drying them, and grinding them into a powder. Instead of mixing them with water and using them for ink this year, they had a higher purpose. She spied Oliver, and he gave her his famous grin and a thumb’s up.

Ozette heard a clattering of hooves from the north, and Maxwell slid to a stop near her tree. He held something in his mouth and motioned to the squirrels. When Ozette approached, he handed her a green flag. She carefully unfurled it. A simple golden acorn had been embroidered in the center of the flag with the words Queen Ozette of Farlandia neatly stitched below the acorn. Maxwell knelt so that the squirrels could climb onto his back. Gizmo held tightly to the flag, as it fluttered in the breeze.

Ozette heard a rush of wings to the west. She spied an elegant, pure silver unicorn bearing down on them. She squinted into the sun to see who was riding this magnificent beast. As the unicorn came closer, she noticed an elf perched on the unicorn’s back. He was no one she remembered seeing before. His wavy, silver hair was neatly tucked under a silver cap, and he wore a crisp silver tunic, snug silver britches and shiny silver boots. He nodded at Ozette and then took his position. Maxwell reached back and whispered, “That’s Koshi WorldDreamer.”

Ozette’s eyes widened. So this was the elusive elf who had thought this realm into existence. Ozette wondered if he planned to help them. As if reading her thoughts, Maxwell said, “This is the first threat we’ve had here. He’s here for moral support and to see how the events all play out. I don’t think he’ll interfere.”

They all took their positions. Ozette and Gizmo were well camouflaged by the trees, and they focused on the trees’ faces. Ozette almost smiled when a small maple tree winked at them. She looked around and couldn’t see any of the other unicorns or their riders.

“They’re all hidden, Ozette,” Maxwell whispered. The unicorn lifted his head and frowned. “We should be hearing the flutter of wings. I knew we shouldn’t have trusted those magpies. Timing is everything,” the unicorn said, looking around worriedly.

Before Ozette had a chance to respond, she heard the sound of hoof beats coming toward them. Two horses wove through the trees and headed toward Ozette’s nesting tree. Ozette recognized Delaney and Celestine immediately. And their unwelcome riders.

“Here they come,” Maxwell whispered, listening for the sound of wings. Nothing. “Timing is everything, Ozette,” he repeated. This time with more frustration in his voice.

The hoof beats were coming closer, when all of a sudden a tree branch formed itself into a noose and settled itself firmly around Boardmore’s neck, jerking him from his horse.

“What the...” Boardmore yelled, as he hung by the neck from the tree, his stubby legs kicking futilely while his horse wandered away snickering softly.

Smiley turned when he heard his brother’s cry. “I know that branch wasn’t there when I went by. I told you this place was eaten up with strange happenings. Now do you believe me?” he asked, freeing his brother from the tree. Suddenly a root sprang out from a bush and wrapped itself around Smiley’s leg. Smiley fell onto his knees, looking stunned. Just as quickly, the root unwound itself. Smiley stood up cautiously and scanned the silent forest.

“Just be quiet, Smiley,” Boardmore commanded. He rubbed his neck and looked nervously at the tree, which stood silently, the picture of innocence.

“We’ll start here,” Boardmore said gruffly. “It’ll take some time to clear this area, but by the time the queen figures out what’s going on, it’ll be too late. Can’t exactly glue the trees back onto their stumps, now, can we?” he sneered, punching his brother in the shoulder. “I know how to handle Queen Beatrix.”

“I still don’t feel good about this, Boardmore,” Smiley said, removing his hat and running his rough fingers through his hair. “I’ve heard stories about Farlandia...”

Without warning, a trio of fierce-looking dragons, flames darting from their mouths, dove toward the men. Horrified, the men ducked but still felt intense heat as the dragons bore down on them, swerving at the last minute.

“Fire! I’m on fire!” yelled Smiley, running in circles.

Boardmore grabbed his brother’s arms. “You’re not on fire. Those dragons just got off course. Stop that nonsense and let’s get cutting. You start over there,” Boardmore said, pointing to the large hickory tree that Ozette loved to use as a lounging area, “and I’ll start with that elm.”

Ozette caught Maxwell’s look of fear as the men, axes in hand, headed for the trees.

“I’d hoped they were bright enough to get the picture early on and would give up,” Maxwell muttered. “Where are those magpies?” he fumed, stomping his feet.