THE ENCHANTED GROVE

THE KEY AT LAST

Viperis was in rage. Some guards immediately ran out to look for Zephyr because they knew what was going to happen if Viperis lost control.

Meanwhile, Zephyr, whom I had told the guards about her appearance, was busy pretending to be one of them. The mirror was folded in her pocket and she couldn't help but be afraid when she saw a lot of Viperis' guards chasing after her.

She ran but wasn't fast enough. They cornered her and dragged her to the king's throne.

She tried to make eye contact with me but I immediately turned my face away.
When she got in front of Viperis, she panicked so hard she began to change forms to different animals. From a snake to a chicken to a goat and on and on she transformed until she turned back to an hawk.

She realized she was exposed and tried to escape. They caught her but she transformed into a grasshopper then a tiny fly.

They searched for her but couldn't find her. By then, the king was already burning with rage.

He opened his mouth and out went a black venom that sprayed like a can. The venom destroyed a lot of objects and sadly, some of the guards and servants died in the process.

The others ran for their dear lives. It was a very powerful venom and was destroying things very quickly.

I knew where Zephyr was long before. I had spotted her on the wall as a tiny fly but no one could see her. Her transformation happened to change the size of the mirror as well.

" She's over there! " I shouted on top of my voice for every one to hear and pointed to her direction.

Zephyr immediately tried to fly away. The entrances were locked and Viperis venom was still spraying around and accidentally killing his comrades. The venom lacked aim and couldn't target the fly properly.

The fly was tiny enough and wanted to pass through the bottom of one of the doors. Then I saw a familiar yellow beam. It didn't miss and went straight for the fly who was turned to a nut.

It was Bushytail who was holding her branch-like wand. She picked up the nut and smiled to herself.

At her sight, Viperis stopped spraying his venom.

" B-bushytail! " He exclaimed In surprise.

" She tricked you again? " Bushytail was now teasing the king.

" Well, we wouldn't have caught her if not with the help of Lyra. " He acknowledged me.

Well, I always knew it would end up like this. Now they'll have to reward me with something. Stupid Zephyr. Did she really think I'd remain on her side?

" Uhm, Bushytail, can you release Zephyr from the nut? " It was me asking.

" Why? "

" She's with the mirror of vision. "

" Oh! " She turned the nut back into Zephyr who was held by the present guards.

" You betrayer! " She looked at me intensely but there was really nothing she could do. I was on the side of the more powerful Viperis and Bushytail.

The mirror was collected from her and handed over to the rightful owner.
" You don't know how much this mirror is to me. It has being passed down for years from my great great grandfathers. If I loose it, it's like loosing my life. Thank you. "

" You're welcome. "

" Zephyr would be placed in the forever cage. " Viperis declared.

Some of the servants dragged her out of the palace and I could hear her sobbing loudly.

" I trusted you! I have been betrayed!! You'll regret it!!!" I didn't take her words to heart.

" Thank you so much. Finally, we have taken care of the threat. " They thanked me heartily.

" I haven't forgotten my promise to reward who ever finds it. What do you want as a reward? " King Viperis offered.

" My request is very simple. Just give me the key to the enchanted grove. "

" Done. " Bushytail dropped the key in my hands.

" Oh, and here is something Zephyr took from you. "

Bushytail gave me my knitted purse which I had brought from home. I put the key inside it.

" It's late. You might want to spend the night here. "

" Oh, yes. I'll go tomorrow. " I was filled with excitement. I was eager to see the enchanted grove.

This was the fourth day I had spent and I had twenty six more days to go. I guess there was still time.

***

That night, I didn't sleep well. My thoughts roamed around and I couldn't wait for the next day. Time seemed to pass by slowly and I couldn't sleep.

I walked around and explored the palace. Almost everyone was asleep but there were still some guards on guard.

I remembered the mirror and went to the hidden safe. I could still remember the password and I typed it in. 5629. It opened.

I saw the mirror in all it's glory and folded it in my purse. It was going to be useful in my journey.

As I was about to pick it, I remembered Viperis words. He said he could die if he lost it.

He'd be so sad if I take it. I could just ask him.

I pondered for a while and hesitated.

But, if I ask him, he won't let it go. I just hope Viperis doesn't find out now or I'm going to be dead meat.

I returned back to where I sleepig and morning came.

***

It was the next morning and I was prepared for the journey. I checked my purse to see if the key was still there.

I had put the mirror under my shoe just in case they had to check my purse and I was still guilty about it.

It will be until I leave that they'll check the safe, I guess.

" Lyra, king Viperis and Bushytail have something to tell you. "

I hurried to where the servants directed me to.
King Viperis and his accomplice were at the entrance of the hole waiting for me.

" When you get into the enchanted grove, you'll find a beautiful tree in a particular place. "

" Where is the tree? " I asked.

" Just go straight into the grove. You will follow a trail of orange leaves. When you get to the tree, you'll meet a Wizard there. He'll tell you what to do next. "

Bushytail directed me to the gate.
I felt relieved. All that trouble I had gone through just to find the key. And I hoped I'd find something to eat.

I put the key into the lock and, at last, it opened.

A/N : Finally, she will enter the enchanted grove in the next chapter. A whole new world.