Quest For The Key

Chapter 19: Fire

It had been an hour since the event and Jack still had not come to. Pepper and Maple knew that it was only a matter of time before the queen sent guards to look for them, so, they had to keep going. The two could see the volcano in the distance as they trekked back through the forest.

“ Who’s’ ever’s idea it was to build their secret castle inside a bubbling volcano wasn’t very smart’ thought Maple. 

Fifteen minutes went by, twenty, twenty-five, half an hour and the view hadn’t changed a single bit. Grass, grass, grass was all there was and trees and trees and more trees. Just then they noticed that the grass around and along the dirt rode was greyer and dead. The tress were normal but the grass was dead. To there disbelief right in front of them appeared a burning bush and nothing like the tiny one mentioned in the bible. This bush was massive, high and wide with fire that seemed to reach up and kiss the sky. What was strange though, was that there were sparks circling the bush in mid air. Just going around magically, sweeping, swaying almost dancing around each bend and corner. The sight was amazing. Both girls could not believe what they were seeing.

During the next few minutes Pepper examined the bush to make sure it was safe then they came a little closer. Nothing happened. They were about to leave when a part of the fire detached itself from the bush. It glided above the ground toward them. Maple grew very still and quiet. The fire started to take shape.  The flames turned into cloth. Bright red embers stuck together and swirled over there head. There were some feet, then legs. The skin was tanned but gentle and smooth.  There standing before them not long after was a woman with long blonde hair and a small face, with green eyes. She looked like a human until a bright red light started to form that the two had to shield there from eyes. When they looked back she a hot firm wings, billowing in the wind behind her.

Pepper , Maple and the stranger stood there staring at each other for a long time.

“ Spark” whispered the stranger.

“ Pard-d-d-on” shuddered Pepper.

“ That’s my name” whistled the girl. Her voice seemed to come and go with the wind. The trees rustled and the girl flew forward.

“ Stay back” shouted Maple and the girl frowned.

 “ The boy” she said pointing to Jack. “ He is sick my friend may be able to save him”. She swayed with the breeze , side to side.

“ We seek the five elements. Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, Magic. This is Maple and her brother Jack, the one who you say is deadly ill. They are on a quest. The Quest Of the Key. Surly you must know of the key of destruction as some may put it.” spoke Pepper bravely stepping forward.

Spark moved away from them when they mentioned the key. She too like the earth fairy seemed scared. “ I would love to help you, please  except my gift. I will bestow the element of fire upon you.” said Spark.

“We would love that” Maple cried enthusiastically. Spark covered her ears . 

She started to speak out loud in fairy language. Pepper was the only one who knew what she was saying and added along in agreement. Spark held out her hands and maple and Pepper watched as her smooth beautiful skin became engulfed in flames once more. It swirled around in what looked like a small wave pool then a red hot cole seemed to come out of her hands. It came from nowhere. One minute it wasn’t there the next it was. The hot coal floated in the air for a minute or two while her hands returned back to normal. The coal no longer defying gravity fell into her hands. Spark took a deep breath and she blew cold breath onto the coal and it became cold and black. She handed it to Maple who put it along with the bean.

“ Thank you” smiled Maple.

“Don’t forget to see my friend. She dose not live far. You will find her in the pond of life. Be carful of mermaids though. They are very dangerous. They have sinister plans and hate all creatures . They will surly kill you if you get to close. My friend is under the water to the right. Swim down deep and there should e a cave. You humans breath air...” spark instructed.

“ I am a fairy you know” Pepper defended.

“ Well sorry. You human and fairy breathe air but, do not fear for in the cave it opens up and there is air in there. That is were you will find her . Hopefully she will be able to save your brother. Go quick for he hasn’t long left to live. I’d say  there’s about two hours before he’s gone” Spark finished and Pepper thanked her again. 

Together with two out of five of the elements Pepper and maple walked away from the burning bush. Maple turned back just in time to see sparks body mold back into her home.