Chapter (part 4)

Tempest simply nodded. He figured that the situation was out of his hands. For the most part, that is. He still needed to reverse what Flora did so he could help Glory out with her ridiculous quest. She certainly was of no use as a mushroom. Well, unless he got hungry. However, there was no way of telling if she would taste all that great or not.

The helmeted fairy led the way as most of the group of ten dispersed and were reduced to two. Up many ramps and across a few bridges, they managed to stop just out side of what would be a large one story tall house for a fairy. Decorated with the same nature bound materials as the rest with the hint of metal. It stood with a large opening covered by a single leaf. Two guards, much like the ones that had their weapons fixated on Tempest, stood on either side of the would be door. The helmeted one saluted, but stood his ground. One of the guards saluted back and stepped inside the door. Within a few minutes he came back out assisting an old man.

His hair and beard was long and white. He wore a gray cloak over dull green robes. He even had a staff that he used along with the assistance, perhaps out of habit. His wings were a tad different then the others. Instead of sticking semi upright, they drooped close to his bent back. As he stopped, the other guard disappeared inside and reappeared with what looked like a short, squat stool. They both helped the old fairy sit back on it and then returned to their positions. He looked over at Tempest, still holding his staff upright as he sat. “Is this the one?” he asked in a hoarse voice.

“Yes elder… This is the one she brought.” the helmeted fairy responded.

“Very good, Birch. Where is the dragon that is being spoke of?” the old man fairy asked coughing to clear his voice a bit.

The fairy now known as Birch turned his head to look at Tempest and nodded, “You may come up and show him.”

Tempest stepped closer to the old fairy and reached into his bag. The guards behind him and the ones by the door seemed to prepare their fighting stances. They stopped midway as Birch held his hand up in reassurance that it was alright. They relaxed a bit as Tempest took out the white and gold mushroom and presented it. The old fairy looked at him, “Is this is it?”

“Yes, that’s her.”

“Her?” The old fairy chuckled slightly and then stretched out his hand, “ May I see her please?”