The Sentinel Archives

Chapter Six

"Council called to order." A high-pitched voice announced.

Kai dared another look only to find his dream taking a worse turn. Kai blamed Wynn and Pops for this. If they hadn't been going on this morning about a faerie party in the mushroom patch, this dream never would have happened. Yet his gut told him to simply add this to the rabbits talking, and the snake hissing threats. And who should he blame that on?

A brown mouse perched on the largest mushroom before a stern-faced man with glowing wings trailing down his back. It cleared its throat, then announced, "King Sileas will now hear the petition of M. Rumbus Mole against one Thalia Rabbit, who is here in representation of his warren. The matter being said rabbit warren has dug too close to Mole's burrow, and now he is experiencing cave-ins."

The "king" who was as tall as the mouse, stood from his throne made of woven rose vines. Long, wavy hair flowed from beneath a golden crown shaped like tiny leaves. His clothes were a deep shade of purple and green as if made from the tall cattail grasses that grew beside the creek. He held a staff made from a birch stick ending in a glowing, amber-colored ball.

Four fierce-faced faeries surrounded the kingly one. Each wore leathery pants, leafy vest and held wicked-looking sticks tipped with a thorn or sharp point.

Off to the side of the enclosure, Kai spotted a group of the strangest creatures he never would have wanted to imagine. They each wore a red, pointed cap on their heads covered in bristly, long, white hair resembling cotton fibers. Their skin was the color and texture of a kiwi. Each was dressed similar to the winged beings in clothes made from natural fibers of grasses, webs and leaves.

The little red-capped fellows were about the size of a blue bird and had claws for hands, similar to a bird's. They were playing pipe-flutes, drums and strange stringed instruments made from the shells of various nuts. Their tune was lively and Kai's foot tapped to the beat. He forced himself to stop, somehow knowing he shouldn't let himself get carried away by their music.

Faeries of different sorts gathered around the mushrooms, like diners at a classy restaurant. Some sipped from cups made of hollowed out pebbles and nibbled on berries and seeds. As the music died, everyone took their places and settled into an expectant quiet.

King Sileas leaned close to the mouse and asked, "Is this the only case tonight, Mertyl?"

Before the mouse could answer, another faerie, with curly yellow hair and wearing what looked like an outfit made from old spider webs, answered, "No, Sire. The snake Ceressea says she has a grievous complaint to present to this council. She is seeking justice concerning a murder." She held up a piece of bark-like parchment covered with odd scribbling on the smooth side.

The king scowled. "Ceressea has been informed that her clan may not cross Sir Richard's land. What happened is grievous indeed but cannot be helped. Let her know this council will meet with her at a later time to discuss possible relocation."

The faerie's wings drooped. "Is this the King's final stance on this matter?"

"Yes, Daffin, that is my final stance on this matter. Bring in the mole and rabbit."

The mouse gave the messenger a worried, yet sympathetic, look while it scooted beneath the leaves, disappearing into the shadows.

"Yes, Sire." Daffin bowed and flew away. Kai tried to watch where she flew to, but her light disappeared as soon as she left the rose bush enclosure. The musicians began playing again, a quiet, lullaby type of melody.

King Sileas motioned to one of the warriors. "Atrullo, you may need to assist Daffin while she speaks to the snake. Be sure the serpent minds her manners."