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

Chapter 12

There were no more injuries as they made their way around puddles and moss clusters. The puddles were like lakes and the moss was too thick to walk through. It made the journey to find Gabby treacherous. When they arrived at the rabbit hole, it looked like a bottomless pit. On Merlin's orders, they slid down. It reminded Ali of sledding down the snow. Finally, the team came to traps and tripwires in a clearing by a mound of rocks that seemed to be a fortress of sorts.

"I'm not tall enough to see over the wall," Ali said. "I have a feeling Gabby is on the other side of this rock wall."

Ultraman kneeled and pointed to his shoulders.

Ali smiled as the others helped her onto Ultraman's shoulders. When she peeked over the wall, an army of goblins surrounded the area. Gabby laid on an altar next to Sola, the Sun Queen doll. Ropes kept them tied to the altar. Her sister seemed to be sleeping. She could tell because her chest still moved with each breath. That was a good sign. Beside her a witch-looking woman spoke in language Ali didn't understand. The old crone was hideous. Her nose came to a point and her black hair the was pulled back tight. Her fingernails looked like talons. Ali cringed. This wretched monster must be the Shadow Queen that Merlin told her about.

Ali climbed down to tell the others.

"Gabby is in some kind of trance."

Merlin stroked his beard. "Yes. The Shadow Queen has initiated the ritual."

"Goblins outnumber us by far. Any ideas?"

"We have no choice but to storm in the enclosure. The battle will be fierce but we have the element of surprise." He pointed to Amos, "You provide air support."

Amos hooted in agreement.

"What about me?" Sandy asked.

Merlin turned to Ali. "Is Sola in there?"

"Yes, but she's tied up with string," Ali answered.

Merlin pointed at Sandy. "You and Ali untie Gabby and Sola while the goblins are distracted."

Sandy nodded.

"What about the door?" Pippy asked.

"I'll handle that," Ultraman said.

Merlin nodded. "Good then. I'm hoping Sola can help us once she's free. Everyone else distract the goblins."

Merlin gestured toward Ultraman.

The muscle-bound toy charged at the door and broke it down with a single blow. The door came crashing down on the goblin guards. Those nearest reared back in shock. Others retreated. As Ali walked through the opening, the Shadow Queen hissed in a snake-like voice, "Attack them you imbeciles."

The rat-like goblins looked at one another then charged.

The team jumped into action. Ali watched the scene unfold as she followed behind Sandy. Merlin used magic to turn most of the creatures into ice. Ultraman picked up a stick and swung at the goblins as if they were pinatas. Amos dropped rocks from above, knocking several of the goblins to the ground. Pippy used her squirt gun to spray the creatures in their eyes. She blinded many and tied up others with her lasso. Sandy and Ali raced to the altar.

As they dodged and weaved through the battle, one of the Goblins grabbed Ali. Its scaly hands took hold of her shoulders. Fear trickled down her spine. She tried to wiggle free, but it was no use. The creature was too strong. As she fought against the monster's grip, she felt her flashlight dangling from her belt. She switched it on and pointed it at the goblin. The creature hissed then evaporated. Ali fell to the ground, free again. She scrambled to her feet, then used her flashlight to cut through the rest of the Goblin forces.

Once they reached the altar, Ali and Sandy, unbound Gabby and Sola.

"We're not done yet crew because look over there," Merlin said as he handed Ali the wand from the Sola Doll. "The Shadow Queen is undaunted and she's coming this way."

Fear showed in the eyes of Ali, Owl, Pippy, Ultraman, and Sandy the Ragdoll but not in Merlin's eyes. He was on a mission and willing to sacrifice himself for his troops. Merlin was determined. He was going to distract the Shadow Queen long enough to let the others escape.

"Ali it's your duty to take this magic wand to Sola, The Fairy Goddess. She's the only one who can bring back to your original size and allow the fairies to retake their form. They will no longer have to take shape of toys," Merlin insisted.

"I'm not leaving here without my sister."

"You won't have to because you brought strength in the Ultraman."

Ultraman looked at Ali and Merlin. "I'll carry Gabby on my back. Amos can fly ahead to lead us out of here."

"Um, the Shadow Queen is almost here guys so it's time to jump into action," Sandy the Ragdoll said in a shaky voice.

As Shadow Queen advanced with her gross claw fingernails leading the way, Merlin jumped in front of the crew and distracted her long enough for them to get away. The Shadow Queen rushed towards Merlin but he knew that as the older and most experienced part of the group that it was his duty to protect. He was not scared and he looked forward to a showdown with the Shadow Queen.