Elements

Chapter 14

As Ira explained what happened at the vaults, Mother Nature sat on her throne, trying to process everything. She was already tired from the day's work of checking on the kingdom, helping to put up forces to guard the castle...and now this just made all of that seem useless. Whoever the Destroyer was, they were dangerous and deadly. And they were targeting her beloved daughter, Ira. 

But why? Mother Nature thought. Why does this man...whoever he is...loath us so much? What could I have ever done to upset someone this badly? It just doesn't make sense. And the fact that he stole back all of his records doesn't help. Then it hit her. She knew exactly what to do.

When Ira finished, Mother Nature stood up from her throne. She signaled to one of her worker fairies and they fluttered up to her immediately. He had golden hair and deep blue eyes, and he reminded Ira of a super-model. 

"Yes, your Majesty?" He uttered.

Mother Nature replied with a frown, and replied, "Bring me the Enchantress."

"Yes, your Majesty." The fairy fluttered out of the room, leaving a chilling silence. Jane stared at Mother Nature, who was descending the steps from the platform where her throne stood.

"Remind me to get you all thrones after this is all over," Mother Nature proclaimed bitterly.

Jane responded, "Yes, Mother. But what do you possibly think the Enchantress will know? What if she gives you incorrect information?"

"I trust her. And so should you. If you think you're so clever, why don't you just become the queen?" Mother Nature whispered, her eyes glowing dangerously.

Ira could tell Mother was distraught, and she signaled to Jane to stop. Jane looked at Mother Nature, then looked away quickly. Mother Nature narrowed her eyes and muttered, "Much better." She strode towards the archway door, her long green dress billowing behind her, looking a bit darker than usual. Her children followed her, and Ira swore it was colder than before.

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Mother Nature and her children stood in the garden behind the castle, waiting for the Enchantress to arrive. It was warm out here, the sun radiating down on the beautiful flowers and plants. The sky was remarkably clear, with lustrous blue color and specks of clouds floating here and there. A cool breeze swept through Ira's hair, making it fly all around her.

Ira squinted her eyes against the sun and spotted two faint gray spots in the distance. As they came closer, Ira could make out the face of the beautiful enchantress she had met so long ago (well, not so long ago). With her was the very good-looking fairy, who fluttered over to Mother Nature and whispered into her ear. Mother Nature frowned and nodded, and the fairy fluttered back into the castle.

"William says that you're a bit weak," She gave the Enchantress a warm smile. "Why is that?"

This was the second time Ira had seen the Enchantress, yet she was still breathtaking. Her crystal-blue eyes searched Ira, just like they had done that day in the forest. Her silky blonde hair was dappled with sunlight, and she looked full of kindness and magic. Yet, Ira could see in her eyes that she was tired, and indeed growing weak.

"The Destroyer," She managed to say, trying to stay on her feet. Mother Nature noticed and crafted a chair out of the plants growing around her feet. She sighed and sat in it, and gave Mother Nature a grateful nod. 

"He is trying to take control, to learn more about Ira. To learn more about the Kingdom in general," She choked. "He's using his magic to force the information out of me. I have resisted, but it is very difficult. He grows stronger and stronger." 

"The pain you're enduring must be ineffable," Mother Nature comforted her. "But we need your assistance. The Destroyer, as you know, is growing unsurpassable. We need to hear a prophecy for me. You have given one for the Destroyer and Ira that state very crucial information, yet don't solve the whole puzzle. However, only if you are strong enough."

The Enchantress nodded, "Of course I'll tell you. It is my job." She cleared her throat and began:

Powers beyond imagined,

Greed so strong,

If only everyone understood,

The surprises in life,

At the last word of the gong.

The Enchantress gulped in some air and tried to stand up. But Mother Nature pushed her back down.

"No, you rest. One of the fairies will take you to one of the guest rooms. William?"

William popped his head out from the door, "Yes, your Majesty?"

"Escort the Enchantress to the finest guest room we have, and make it snappy."

"Yes, your Majesty." William fluttered out to the Enchantress and lifted her up. He carried her back inside, while she cherished her luck to be lifted up by such a handsome fairy and swooned.

"The last gong." Jane pondered. "What gong? And what does she mean by "surprises in life"?"

Jackson added, "Greed so strong? Powers beyond imagined? Maybe she was talking about the Destroyer."

"Maybe," Mother Nature replied. "However, let us go inside and ponder this. Ira, you should go check on your family. I don't want them to go to Jane's house to check on you and find you nowhere to be seen. That'll cause more drama than we need at the moment."

"OK." Ira pulled out the stone Jane gave her earlier and felt its smooth texture. She stopped at the tree made of ice etched into the middle and pressed and held it. She disappeared, and the rest of her family headed inside. But what they didn't know was that the Destroyer was already starting to take his plan into action.