Artemis Fowl and the Tigers Den

Chapter 5

Travelling through the mirror was like being turned inside out and back again. Artemis fell face first through the mirror; his momentum caused him to skid a few feet. Holly coughed, dust filling her mouth. Slowly she opened her eyes and a pair of bright red boots greeted her. She stood and pulled Artemis up with her, a snivelling sound alerted them to the fact that Sool had also fallen through and was currently hiding behind them. The red booted man was very tall and would have looked a lot like one of Santa's elves if it wasn't for the many weapons about his person. He wielded a large solid gold pike.

"Who are you and what are you doing in the land of Queen Gorilla?" The man asked.

Commander Sool stepped forwards and in complete contrast to his previous snivelling state said. "I am Commander Sool and where I come from I am in charge! I demand respect!"

Holly and Artemis groaned, talk about an idiot. That wasn't going to make the guy with the pike very happy.

"I am afraid that here your status doesn't matter, also thanks to your tone you your fate at the hands of the great Queen Gorilla!"

With those words they were thrown into a large cage, Sool remained where he landed but Artemis and Holly quickly moved to the furthest corner away from him. A teenage girl was already trapped in there. There was a jolt and the cage began to be pulled along by the guard's horses.

"How did you end up in here then?" The girl asked.

Artemis looked at her. She had long, golden brown hair, greeny blue eyes, a petite frame and she was wearing a flowing blue dress.

"We were thrown in here because he," he signalled towards Sool at the other end of the cage, "decided to forget his manners. We're from a very long way away, I'm Artemis and this is Holly. That pathetic creature over there is Sool."

The girl grinned happily, "My name is Marie, but call me Marz. When another Queen comes to rescue me all will be explained. Until then I will sleep. Please wake me when the land is covered in snow."

With that she began to doze lightly. Holly looked at Artemis and cuddled into his side, he was really warm. As the horses continued to trot along they tried to remember how it all looked so that they could find their way back home.

Chapter 6

A few hours later the land became a beautiful white. The horses had slowed as it was hard for them to move through the deep snow. Holly woke Marz, once again she seemed very happy.

"You are probably wondering why there have been a few queens mentioned." She stated. "Well there are many Lower Queens who impose themselves upon the people, there are 5 Higher Queens who rule the entire Realm and there is the Supreme Queen which is a council of the Higher Queens."

"Are you a Queen or a villager?" Holly asked. "I mean no disrespect by it but it helps me to figure things out."

Marz smiled, she was starting to like them already. Also they were very polite. "I am a Higher Queen, my elements include light and fire. The rest you will find out tomorrow at the Lunch time feast. Soon we will be free. They are coming."

She stood as howls pierced the forest. The horses pulling the cage bucked and tried to free themselves, they failed. Suddenly, a platoon of Snow Wolves emerged from the forest led by a large White Tiger. His dream! It was the same White Tiger he was sure of it. It roared and the Wolves ran forwards as one. They killed the horses quickly and dragged the guard kicking and screaming to the feet of the White Tiger.

Marz sighed. "He's such an idiot; he should have run when he had the chance. Now he will die."

The guard was forced to kneel before the White Tiger, fear was evident on all of his features.

"Guard of Lower Queen Gorilla," The White Tiger began, you could tell it was female by the tone of its voice. "You kneel before me accused of treason by imprisoning a Higher Queen."

"I… am not… guilty!" He replied feebly and stuttering.

"SILENCE!" The White Tiger bellowed. We can see you are guilty just by looking into your cage! The punishment for this crime is death."

With those words she leapt forwards and tore out his throat. She pulled back, her fur dripping with blood and turned her attention to the cage.

Chapter 7

She ran full pelt at the cage door which opened for her. The White Tiger stood on its hind legs and wrapped Marz in a large hug.

"We were so worried Marz, what happened?" She asked.

Marz grinned. "Long story short he locked me up for trespassing on Great Queen Gorilla's soil. Oh and we have introductions to make."

The White Tiger padded cautiously over to Holly and Artemis.

"Hi!" She said cheerfully, "My name's Daisy. Marz seems to like you so do you want to come back to the palace for, um… evening tea and bed? You can stay for as long as you want, besides you have a lot to learn."

With that she began to walk away, but Artemis had something to say.

"A lot to learn?" He asked ignorantly. "What could I possibly learn here?"

Daisy grinned and stood up on her back paws. She pushed Artemis' shoulders so that he was pinned against the cold metal of the cage. She leant forwards to whisper in his ear, her bloodied fur pressed against his face.

"There is much that you don't know," Her fur slowly began to disappear and her features changed greatly until she became completely human. "Much that you will need to know for the future. Suffice to say you do not know everything Artemis Fowl."

With that she walked off, Marz standing directly beside her and the Snow Wolves flanking them on all sides. Her hair was dark brown, straight and reached her knees, she still had blue slitted cats eyes and very pointed canine teeth. She was almost as tall as Artemis and had a slim build with a large chest. Her nails were long and she wore a long flowing black dress.

Artemis was confused, how did she know his full name? He hadn't told her or Marz that. He looked back and saw Sool following them. Daisy seemed to sense this also and she stopped.

"Who the hell are you and why are you following us?" She asked.

"I am Commander Sool and where I come from I am in charge!" He replied.

Daisy smirked, "Good for you!" She said and continued walking.

He looked at her shocked and ran as fast as his legs could carry him and stood directly in front of Daisy, deliberately blocking her path.

"I wish to speak to the Supreme Queen to report your insolence!" He shouted absolutely spitting with rage.

Daisy grinned but then her smile faded, a distant look appeared in her eyes and she began to speak.

"Your Grandfather, you never met him did you Commander. Have you never wondered why you are so oddly shaped for a gnome? Why you lack so many of the things that those around you have? Even you cannot be that unintelligent Sool. Your Grandfather, he was human!"

Sool whimpered and fell to his knees. It all fit perfectly into place, he was part of those he despised so badly for his entire life. Suddenly, Daisy shook herself and blinked several times.

"Okay…" She said. "What message did the powers send through me this time?" She looked down at Sools quivering form. "I presume it was something to do with you, oh well. Follow us to the castle Sool, upon our arrival you will be given duties. The chief of staff will take care of you then."

Once again the odd group set off. The turrets of a distant palace were glistening in the afternoon sun. Daisy looked at Marz and they both grinned, the challenge was just about to begin.