CHAPTER 11: AGAINST THE ODDS


Andromadus nodded as he sat down. "Of course." He focused on her. "Now, Kendra, what's going on?" She took a deep breath and explained. She told him about how Ronodin had captured the Fairy Realm, how Seth lost his memories. She told him about her being the Light Guardian. He took this all in stride and was a great listener. Kendra was so relieved to have a person to confide in after all this time. At the end, he smiled at her in a grandfatherly way. "Kendra, you've come so far across the years. I was surprised about you being the Light Guardian, but I knew you had it in you somewhere."

She gaped. "So you believe me? He nodded. "Certainly, my dear. There is no reason to doubt you." She leaned back, and relaxed the tension in her limbs. "Well, that certainly is a relief." Andromadus nodded. "You mentioned something about a request, Kendra. What was it?" "As I just told you, the Fairy Realm is under attack from Ronodin's forces. I'm recruiting people to rebel against him in one big battle. Would you be willing to join?"

He stroked his beard, thinking the offer over. Then he winked at her, his eyes twinkling. "As long as I can get a power boost from you, I'd be more than willing to join."

She looked pleased. "Perfect. All of the army are gathered in a room we have named the Union Headquarters. I'll transport you there myself. With a swirl of her hands, she transported Andromadus to the Union Headquarters, and went to the fairy Risenmay's headquarters. Raising her chin high, she confidently walked over to the brilliant light emanating typically from Risenmay. Smiling at the astonished look in Risenmay's face, she knelt. Tilting her head, she said in her angelic voice, "You told me once, it would be better to grovel, than to talk like equals because I am human." Risenmay laughed amusedly. "Rise, my dear Queen. You are now superior to me. I should be the one kneeling. You're not human anymore.

What brings you here?" Kendra put on a fake hurt face. "Are you accusing me of visiting only for your services, milady? Risenmay laughed again, louder. Catching her breath, she gasped, "Oh, I haven't laughed like this for a long time! It's just that when you come to visit me you're in terrible danger and you're desperate enough to ask me for my support and aid." "Your right," Kendra agreed, "haven't you heard? The Fairy Realm is overrun by Ronodin now. He took the position of king forcefully from Queen Molea. Would you be willing to help us?" Risenmay's eyes flashed with humor. "Unfortunately, Ronodin has given me an offer that beats this. He is willing to actually give me something.

I don't see what's in for me in this one. It'll take more to convince me." Kendra thought fast. In exchange for working in the battle, when I win, which I will, I'm willing to make you a Fairy Duchessa. A Fairy Duchessa has more power than a Fairy Princess, but less than a Queen. If it's in me, I will also grant your heart's desire. Will you accept?"

Risenmay looked delighted. "Your offer definitely beats his in comparison. I'm in! How can I help?" "Hmm," Kendra thought it over, "You could be a leader of the army, but I need to promote you." Risenmay nodded eagerly, kneeling. "I, Light Guardian Kendra Sorenson, appoint Risenmay Livingtide with the titles Fairy Duchessa and Lady of the Fairy Realm, allowing her to command all fairies, and along with this, I allow her to enter the Fairy Realm without the explicit permission of the Fairy King or Queen. I appoint her with ¾ of my power and I know that she will use it responsibly, and to the best of her ability for the fairies' safety and interest.

Smiling, Risenmay rose, and swung back her newly long, polished golden blond hair.

Kendra lowered her voice. "After I tell you the name of the quarters, you are officially a part of the rebellion, and a participant in a dark, important secret. There is no turning back. Do you understand me?" Her face was deadly serious. Risenmay nodded, curtseying. "Of course, your Highness." Kendra's eyes softened. "Welcome to the family."

With a quick, rare smile, Risenmay left for the Fairy Realm. Kendra sat down, cupping her face with her hands. Breathing in the fresh air, she tilted her head back in enjoyment.

"Oh what do I do now, Gwerdyn? I am so pleased to be your avenger, my hero. Thank you for choosing me." Stroking the grass in between her fingers and fingering flowers, she enjoyed the few precious moments of peace she could have before rising, sighing softly.

Gracefully weaving her way between humans, she raised her hand forward, and whispered, "to the Union Headquarters," and faded into the landscape which was rapidly changing. The Quintlets and the Fairy Queen were so preoccupied with the battle plans, they didn't notice Kendra until she clapped a hand to Lily's shoulder. Nearly screaming, Lily spun around before uttering a sigh of relief. "Oh, it's you, my lady. I almost fainted."

Grinning, she uttered her apologies. Kendra's eyes sparkled excitedly, as she lavished praise on the intelligent Quintlets. "Your plans are so amazing! You all are doing so well, my dears. I am so excited to get the Fairy Realm back. These plans are indestructible.

The Quintlets smiled modestly. "Anything for the kingdom, Kendra," they said.

She walked towards Bracken's direction, slowly. Noticing her, Bracken smiled warmly at her, his hawk eyes glinting with fire. Kendra noticed that her heart was fluttering, and she smiled back shyly, flushing. He walked over to her, and took her hands gently.

"Hey," he said, "I've been thinking." "There's a lot of things to think about now, Bracken," she teased, smirking, "Whats on your mind?" He tenderly cupped her chin, and brought her face to his. "About you and me. Us. We really like each other. I think we should get together after the battle." Her cheeks reddened, and she looked down, lashes brushing her cheeks. "Bracken… I'll think about it after the war. But, the odds are in your favor."