Fairy Magic: The Forest Wars of the Fairy Princess and the Goblin Witch

Chapter 10

Despite her reservations, Ali sat on the bed and listened to the toy.

"My name is Merlin."

"Mr. Wilkin's toy."

"Yes. Indeed. I served as Jay's guardian for quite some time." Merlin stroked his plastic beard. "First you must understand that your quest must begin now." He raised a finger. "Tonight."

Ali cocked her head to the side.

"Quest?"

"To save your sister. She's in grave danger. If you don't get her by dawn, the Shadow Queen will drain her essence."

"What do you mean? What Shadow Queen?"

"Luna, The Moon Mistress, and leader of the Shadow Goblins. She has taken your sister."

"Gabby? Have you seen her?"

"No child. But I know where she is. We don't have a moment to lose."

Gabby stood up. "Alright, I'll get my dad we can get going."

Merlin raised his hand.

"You mustn't tell your father."

Don't tell Dad?

"Why not?"

Merlin's forehead crinkled. "There's no time to explain. Suffice to say, our magic doesn't work in the presence of adults."

Our magic? Does he mean the other toys?

"First we need a team." Merlin pointed his staff at Ali. "You must pick a handful of toys to help you along the journey."

Ali cocked her head. "But, can't we just bring them all?"

"No, the shadow goblins have targeted your house. We must leave guards to protect it."

Ali chewed on her cheek as she examined the room. Toys littered the area.

Okay. But which ones do I pick?

"Can't you just chose them?" Ali asked.

"They're your toys. She's your sister. This responsibility falls on you, young lady."

Ali pursed her lips. Not exactly the response she hoped to hear. But, Gabby needed her. She rolled up her sleeves and walked into the closet. "Okay, does it matter who I pick?"

The wizard stroked his beard.

"Small extraction team. Pick toys that have different skills."

Ali dug through the toy box. She sifted through dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, and more. Making a decision proved to be more difficult than she thought. There were so many toys to choose from. Merlin tugged at her pajamas. "We don't have much time. Every moment we waste here, puts your sister in jeopardy."

Ali nodded.

First Ali picked Amos, her old stuffed owl. He was pretty much the only toy she had with wings. As soon as she touched the owl, it came to life. Amos yawned, then blinked. Next was Ultraman, an action figure her cousin Ron left at the house last summer. According to Ronny, he was a super strong hero from the comics. Once she tapped him, he leaped out of the box and picked up a stack of books ten times his size. "Don't worry, we'll get your sister back safe and sound." After that, Ali chose Sandy, her old Ragdoll. Sandy saluted. She didn't look like much on the outside, but that doll was tough. Last, she chose Pippy the cowgirl, who came equipped with a horse, squirt gun, and a lasso. Pippy spoke up. "I'm the fastest draw in these here parts," she said with a flourish. Remembering what Ben said about the goblin's aversion to light, Ali also grabbed her flashlight.

"Okay, I've selected a toy for flight, strength, defense, and speed." She gestured toward Merlin, "And wisdom of course."

He smiled, then pulled out his wand. "To go on this quest, you must undergo a transformation."

"Will it hurt?"

"No, but it might feel funny."

Ali nodded. "Anything that we can do to bring Gabby home." She felt bad that Ben would miss the adventure, but she couldn't waste any more time.

Merlin closed his eyes and slowly turned his wand. After mumbling a few words he opened his eyes and pointed the stick at her. Sparkling lights surrounded Ali and her body tingled from head to toe. Before she could say anything the room seemed to expand. Her dresser became the size of a skyscraper. The lamp was as tall as a tree.

Whoa.

Ali was the size of a soda can.