It’s worth a. Try

 Knocking on Fairie door Chapter 37

I quicken my step and head for the hostel, as I turn into the doors the stench in my nostrils fades.  Thank goodness for that. My tummy is so sensitive to the smell. 

The rest of the afternoon drags by, my mind is not on  after school activities at all, my only concern is to get back to the dormitory and retrieve my opalescent orb, to send the message about my discovery to Nanny and Mr Bowfinger. Tick tock tick tock.. 

At last!! The end of the afternoon activities, now just to wash up and head to the dining hall, have my dinner and get to the dormitory.

I am so anxious about the book of runes and needing to get the message home, I am concerned about what the Queen will say about my find. I can’t even begin to think what perils may befall me, if I’m made to retrieve the book from Mrs. Lawley’s office. Oh what dread... my stomach is in knots again.

Dinner was served, I ate, I can’t recall what I ate as I didn’t pay any heed. 

Great it’s time to go back to my dormitory, light is starting to fade, slowly. I bide my time, considering my next move. 

Knocking on Faerie Door Part 29

Sliding down the door, emotionally and physically exhausted, I look at the girls are looking directly back at me. How do I start? If I start at all? There are questions swimming in my head, so many questions.

How did that window break? Who broke it? How lucky was it that her glass of water was knocked over too, and from that distance? Something was afoot, something doesn't make sense. Oh it's all too much!! My head hurts.

"Come on then Winnie, what did Mrs Lawly ask you to do?" and "Winnie, why were you running?"
all these questions and more come at once. Tears begin streaming down my face, I am not even aware of them until I feel the splashing on my arm. My attention is suddenly back in the room, the girls are now closer and I feel their arms around my neck, words of comfort now falling around my shaking shoulders. Great now my sobs are uncontrollable!! Unable to stop myself from crying, and not responding to my friends, the tears stream for ages. My friends are clearly confused and thankfully concerned, they sit and wait for the tears to run their course.

Feeling better and holding back the last few sobs, I look imploringly at my friends as to ask them not to probe. I promise I will tell them later. This promise is enough for them to leave me with my thoughts, as they gather up their wash bags to prepare for bed. I wait in the dormitoory for a while before following them to the oblutions.

We all walked back to the dormitory together, it was pleasant. Discussions about the day and their travels and holidays echoed through the corridors, sounds of girls giggling and laughing and chattering. Happy sounds. It dawned on me that it'd been a long while since I last laughed and  felt carefree. It was a great feeling, one that I'd missed.

The bell sounded and the lights were promptly switched off,  it was sleep time, official. The sound of those heels click clacking down the corridor as each light in turn was switched off, sent shivers down my spine. The slight crunching sound of glass still very distinct with each foot fall.
It was her doing the rounds tonight. Great !!! That makes me feel so nervous. Just how will I get to sleep now. My mind still awash with all the thoughts from earlier, I become aware of the even breathing of my dormitory friends, they are all sound asleep. Turning over to try and get comfortable and turning my pillow over so that my head can rest on the cool side, something catches the corner of my eye.

Butterpetal Bloom!! What are you doing here? Her Gossamer wings are beating inches away from the window pane. Climbing out of my bed so quietly and carefully, I open the window and in flies BP. My heart skips a beat, so happy to see her yet petrified that the other girls will wake and see her.

"Oh BP!" I whisper as softly as possible."Why are you here?"

"I've come to help you a little"

"The window, that was you?"

"Indeed it was"

Wow! How great that I have some help and support. My heart is suddenly filled with hope and joy.

"BP do you know that the Lawly's are the new Housemaster and Housemistress?"

"That's why I came, the elves sent word"

"Ive been so worried, not knowing how I was going to do this on my own"

Knocking on Fairie Door Part 28

I retrieve the note from Mrs Lawly and with shoulders sagging and feet dragging I edge my way to my desk. The words upon the paper seem to jump up at me in a mocking way. Those dreaded words...

Faeries don't exist, so therefore they cannot make me late again.

My pen scratches on the paper line after line, word after word, sentence after miserable sentence the ink from my pen scratched across page after page, as if in protest.

"Winifred." My blood turns to ice once again. “Bring me your work." Unwilling legs move in slow motion in the direction of the instructor. Standing before her, my eyes downcast, my palms clammy and my nose filled with putrid fumes.

Her voice low and menacing, she says “Can you read that sentence to me Winifred?" the glee in her voice, like honey dripping from a comb. She was sure she could get me to deny that faeries exist.



Crash!!! The glass shards flying, the water splashing, her dress now soaked. What was that? What happened? Mrs Lawly is clearly furious, her nostrils are flaring as she walks in the direction that the projectile flew in from, the classroom window is shattered. The glass under her heels crunching, her demeanour is not inviting.

I think to myself that I'm fortunate that I'm not going to be blamed for that!

Mrs Lawly is enraged; she turns on her heel and stares down at me. I shrink back to avoid her glare, it doesn't help. Her voice now a bellow “Get out and go to your dormitory!!!"

I don't have to be told twice, I head to the door in double fast step, once the door is closed behind me I run as fast as I can, straight for the dormitory. Panting and trying to catch my breath I threw myself through the dormitory door and slammed it behind me. Still gasping I glance up at the five sets of eyes staring at me questioningly. Oh Dash it all.... they expect an answer.

 

 



 



 



 



Knocking on Faerie Door Part 26

 

Before long it was suitcases on the bed, clothes strewn about in an orderly way of course, long lists to tick off. You guessed it, packing for boarding school.

The list is long and boring, just knows this; it takes a good 2 hours to make sure I have everything, Nanny helps check and recheck. We cannot just pop back home if something is forgotten.

Feeling excited yet apprehensive on the morning of my departure, I bid Mother, Father, Nanny and Mr Bowfinger farewell. The train is full of young people struggling with their heavy bags. Parents waving on the platforms, some staff are standing back from the platform, some with teary eyes and heavy hearts too.

As the train leaves the station I settle into my seat after waving goodbye from the window.

Suddenly next to me appears my very good friend Bethany Beaulie, a beautiful girl with very fine features and green eyes that seemed a little too large for her face, but somehow made her even more beautiful. Beth had locks of hair that cascaded over her slim shoulders. Beth is not aware of her beauty, which makes her that more attractive.

“Good afternoon Winifred”

“Hello Beth, it’s lovely to see you again, did you have a good summer?”

“Yes thank you, Winnie”                            

At this stage I am hoping that Beth does not ask me what I’ve done this holiday, oh goodness, whatever am I going to tell everyone. They will all be exchanging tales of their most wonderful experiences when we are all together in the dormitory.  I can hardly say “I met faeries and have been tasked by their Queen to keep them alive.”

Whatever will they think? Whatever shall I say? Subconsciously I tap the velvet pouch that is tucked away under my winter coat. My heart is beating so loudly I’m sure Beth can hear it.

Beating her to the question I ask “What have you been doing this summer, anything interesting?”

Beth hardly misses a beat and goes on in rather too fine a detail about her holiday, telling me an almost day to day account (as if she’d been rehearsing her answer, in anticipation of the question)  of her very busy and exciting holiday.

Pleased at my keen interest on her doings over the holidays and keeping her chatter really animated, she drew in the other two students who joined us in our cabin. The newcomers to the cabin were also girls of similar age. The 1^st girl introduced herself as Patricia Harvey, she was very well spoken and from Dorset. She is slender athletic built girl with dark curly hair and beautiful brown eyes that were framed by ample lashes. Her mouth is full and generous, and she is easy to smile. The second girl is perhaps a year younger and doesn’t seem quite comfortable in her own skin yet. She introduces herself as Vanessa Townsend, she is pleasant. Her feet are larger than you’d expect from someone with such a small frame and her clothes seem slightly odd on her. Her mousey hair is tied up high on her head and appears slightly greasy, she has a few spots on her face and her shoes on those somewhat large feet are unpolished. She has grey-blue eyes, which are mostly downcast, and a shy smile. There is something about her I muse to myself.

Before we know it, we have arrived at the station and are transported to the schools boarding house. There has been rumour of a change of house mistress and house master over the summer break. I wonder what they may be like. I mostly hope they are kinder than the former disciplinarians who held those positions.

As I step down from the carriage, lugging my very heavy suitcase behind me, I happen to glance up. My heart turns to lead and drops.

NO!!! It’s impossible… It can’t be??? Can it??

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Knocking on Faerie Door Part 24

This time proceeding with more caution than before, I head towards the playroom. Once I enter I am again taken aback at just how beautiful a room this really is. There are tall ceilings and crystal chandelier, high windows draped in tapestry type curtains depicting a little girl chasing a ball. If I recall correctly Nanny had said it was specially woven for me.

In the far corner is a beautifully handcrafted rocking horse, the tail and mane of which are real horse hair. There is a dresser and a crib and a wardrobe full of little dresses for my special doll Abigail, whom I’ve had since I was three. She has golden hair, blue eyes and lips like a strawberry. She is beautiful and made from porcelain. I have always been told to treat her gently.

On the other side of the room is a little table which I’ve since outgrown, with four little chairs and I’ve outgrown them too. On the polished table top stands a china tea set, daddy said it was hand painted by a special lady, Clarice somebody.

I do love this room it always makes me smile, but I smile most of all when Nanny is in here with me. We shared many a laugh and a tear. In this very room I learned to love Nanny and grow with her guidance. I am so pleased to see her in here, and wonder how she knew I’d be coming as I have seldom set foot in the room this school holiday. Suddenly a thought comes to me… School!!!! I’ll soon be going back to boarding school. How on earth am I supposed to complete my mission when I’m tucked away at my very privileged school which is steeped in hundreds of years of history and tradition? How am I supposed to excel at my exams when I have my mission to worry about?

I see Nanny and run towards her, again my heart is light and I’m so excited to share my news about how I tricked the silly smelly old trolls.

I am caught up in a pillow of arms, swung around and a great big juicy kiss placed squarely on my cheek. Nanny says “You’ve done it!” “Well done my darling, I’m so proud of you for working that out and getting the better of those mean creatures”  

I am glowing with pride; Nanny’s praise is my crown. I am truly pleased that I have made Nanny happy.

I remember and a veil of displeasure slowly descends on me.

Nanny has noticed and says “Winifred my love, whatever is wrong? You were pleased as punch a moment ago, what is troubling you?”

“It’s school Nanny”, I reply honestly “What am I meant to do when I’m at school, and how will I complete my mission or concentrate on my studies with all this going on?”

“You’ll find a way my child, remember you’ve been chosen, so you will find the right path”

Her words sound reassuring but they are not.

I need to think, so I bid farewell to Nanny and head outdoors. I am drawn to the old Oak tree.

My mind is awash with variations of the same topic, me at school. How am I going to manage all this? School it’s only a few days away and I’d almost forgotten about it all. My friends, who would believe me? Who could I trust? Anybody? What of the teachers? They all have the notion now that fairies are nonsense, and anyone speaking of them or I suppose thinking of them will be frowned upon. Father and Mother will not be best pleased if they get reports of me speaking about faeries. It could ruin fathers’ reputation in business. I could be put in an asylum….

Oh dear me… what am I to do?

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Knocking On Faerie Door Part 23

Taking the poem in my hand confidently, I clear my throat to gain everyone’s attention.

I start by saying “A Poem about Faeries” written by Grungy Grimm.

Fairies are supposed to fly

Make wishes come true

I don’t know why?

People believe in these creatures

Why should I?

Fairies make friends with animals

Who would do such a thing?

They have wands and make magic

I think believers are rather tragic

Do I believe in Faeries….?

Let me tell you true.

 

At this point I could see all the guests sitting upright, their full attention on me and hanging on my every word. They clearly thought that they were a short sentence away from victory. More fool them.

With a swish of the wand I cast my spell, so silently no one could tell.

Once my spell was cast, I jumped with glee, and clapped my hands 1, 2, 3!!

With a start the guests along with mother and father all fell into a rapture of applause as I beamed and said

Of Course I do!!!

The trolls were pleased as punch and for good reason too; my spell was made to erase their memories of what they’d wanted me to do.

I hastily bow and excuse myself from the room. Mother agrees that I may retire to my play room. Slowly making my way to the door and to freedom, the adrenaline coursing through my veins, I am so full of joy that if I’m not careful I may simply explode! Opening the huge door quietly my inside all a jingle, all I want to do is run and find Nanny to tell her how my idea had outsmarted those stinky old trolls.

With the door now closed behind me, I set off at pace to my play room. Admittedly it’d been much underused this school break as opposed to last year.

BOOM!! Teacups and saucers and silverware and a huge oval tray went hurting through the air and landed with a headache inducing thud! Oh dear!! I’ve run straight into Mr Bowfinger who was carrying the tea through to the drawing room, where all the guests were due after their meal.

“I’m so dreadfully sorry, Mr Bowfinger!” I said, my excitement now completely quelled, “I was in a hurry to tell Nanny my news”

Mr  Bowfinger simply winked at me and without a word his magic began to work, the splintered Chinaware the polished silverware the hot liquid and even the honey all started pulling themselves together and melding as if nothing had happened!! Right before my eyes Mr Bowfinger was indeed magical, how did he manage that?? He never even moved his lips. As I stood there gawping and rubbing my eyes in disbelief, Mr Bowfinger bent over and whispered to me, “run along then and tell Nanny your news”

 

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Knocking on Faerie Door Part 22

Pulling the dress over my head and sobbing uncontrollably, my head feels like busting and my chest is tight. The tears and snot are running freely. Nanny wipes the snot and tears with a tatty tissue that she takes from her bosom.  

“Sweet child you need to calm yourself” I hear Nanny’s soothing voice and feel her arm envelop my shoulders she continues “You must not let them know that you are aware of their plan.”

“Why Nanny” I ask but more to delay the inevitable than to get a reply.

Nanny replies “They will really turn on the pressure if they know that you’ve worked out that they’re trolls”

Sitting on the bed, Nanny is combing my hair. Nanny takes a length of pretty red ribbon and makes a picture perfect bow in my hair. It does look lovely and I’m pleased, because I must make it all seem normal when I go down to breakfast.

I’m fidgeting with the embossed paper full of its swirling looping script, the words etched in my mind, I feel the sting return to my eyes and blink it away feverishly.

I steel myself and once my socks and shoes are on, I head down the passage to the landing and down the stairwell towards my doom. My heart is heavy yet I can feel it pounding in my throat. How am I going to get out of this situation? I am really worried; I think maybe I should feign illness, no, that won’t work.  I simply must think of some way to get out of this mess. Those trolls have most certainly used a clever ruse. I hope I can outwit them.

I am closer to the dining hall the cooking smells reach me and suddenly I’m ravenous.

I take a deep breath, and confidently open the door and stride into the expansive room.

All heads turn and look at me, I suddenly feel a lot less confident.

“Thank you Mrs Lawly, for the beautiful dress” I manage to utter. I hear a slight quaver in my voice and pray that the guests did not.

Mrs Lawly seems very pleased with herself; mother and father both thank her for her ever so generous gift.

The breakfast passes with a lot more small talk and chatter politics. I was able to eat quietly and try being inconspicuous.

My mind was on other things, like when will BB see me again? Do I have anything at my disposal to help with my situation? My wand!!! Of course…. I’m sure this is a good enough reason to use it!

“Mother, please may I be excused from the table, I have forgotten something in my room?”

“Of course my dear, but do come back quickly”

“Yes mother” I reply

I get up from the table and walk briskly to the door, and as soon as I’m through it I run as fast as I can reaching the stairs in record time, racing up the stairs two at a time and across the landing and down the passage I enter my room.

Before you could count to three, my wand was firmly in my hand.

My mood lifted me now skip back to the dining hall, and enter it with even more confidence than before.

“Oh you’re back dear, what did you forget?”

“The poem Mrs Lawly would like for me to read out to you all this morning mother” I reply, supressing a strong urge to giggle.

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Knocking on Faerie Door Part 21

Knocking on Faerie Door Part 21

Sleep did not come easily this night. My thoughts kept retracing every word those hideous creatures had spewed out onto my poor unwitting parents. My parents were good people albeit a tad too socially pre-occupied. They were good, kind people who wanted to be like and respected by all, which made them sitting ducks for the trolls’ onslaught of lies.

The time passes slowly; I hear the chirping of the dawn chorus. Thinking to myself what a pity it is that so many people miss this melodic welcoming in of the new day, as they slumber.

My mind still not quietened by the roar of last night’s conversation, I rise and head towards the window from which BB led me all those days ago. My chest feels tight and I need to open the window for fresh air. The window seems stiff tonight, but I realise that it’s my fatigue preventing strength from coming  to my limbs.

I decide to press my face against the cool window pane. It feels refreshing. As my eyes close and reopen there is movement down below that catches my eye. Placing both hands on the window pane, I try my best to get a look at the goings on down below.

Trolls!!! This time in their natural form, all huddled in a group and very clearly discussing something of major importance. This is evident from their serious expressions and animated movements. They may even be having a quarrel.

Again I try and open the window pane, but to no avail. If I were allowed to curse, now would be the time to do it. “Oh bother!” I blurt out aloud. Suddenly below me is a flurry of activity and then nothing. Had I not known better; I would have guessed it to be a whirlwind playing with the leaves that had fallen from the trees.

My bedroom door opens and my heart nearly stops! Swirling around I see Nanny enter my room. Nanny is holding a special box, the type in which very expensive and usually very pretty dresses are delivered. Wide awake I rush at Nanny. Nanny smiles and steps aside, so that I cannot run into her.

“Sorry Nanny” I say yet clearly I don’t mean it. Nanny can see the excitement etched on my face. Nanny smiles and says “Who is the luckiest girl I know then?”

“Me!!” I exclaim excitedly. Nanny holds that beautiful box aloft, as I try and jump to reach it. After of teasing for a few minutes, Nanny finally lowers the box onto my bed. I scramble over to the bed, and more importantly the box!

Nanny holds up her had as to halt my progress. It works.

“What is it Nanny?” I enquire, “Do you not wish for me to have a lovely new dress from father?”  My excitement was somewhat quashed.

“The dress, my dear girl is not a gift from your father.” Nanny’s tone is cold. I am confused.

“Who else would buy me a dress then, Nanny?”  “It must be mother!” I exclaim.

Nanny simply looks downcast and shakes her head.

“Please tell me Nanny, I can’t bear waiting.”  Nanny says one name “Mrs Lawly”

Oh no!! I can’t possibly accept anything from troll-woman, what was I to do? Thinking out loud I say “Well I don’t want anything from that woman/troll.”

Nanny places her hands upon her ample lap, looks sternly at me and says “You have to accept this dress Winifred, it would be considered very rude and impolite to turn it down and your parents would be mortified and socially disgraced”

Never having recalled Nanny ever using a string of such important words all at once, the severity of such a decision dawned on me like a yolk about my neck.

“There is more,” says Nanny “She has written a poem for you to read at the breakfast gathering this very morning.” Nanny continued “You will find it in the box with your new dress.”

I did not like the sound of this, no, not one little bit! Gingerly I move forward that box is no longer a prize but a poison. It comes not from my loving father, but from my nemesis! My feet feel like lead and my heart the same. How am I to show gratitude for something I do not wish to have nor wear?

Nanny urges me on “Go on Winifred, open the box and see what the dress looks like, I’m sure it will be beautiful” her voice still cold is not convincing me at all. Yet to satisfy her I reach out and open the box.

The dress is simply fantastic! It has embroidery of scarlet roses all along the hemline and the puffy cuffs. The embroidery must’ve taken absolute ages, its exquisite! The dress is snow white and pure silk, with a huge sash bow to fit around my waist. I secretly love the dress.

“Nanny, I suppose I have to wear this to save face.” I say not very convincingly yet I’m sure Nanny understands.

I sit down on my bed next to Nanny; I turn to look at her. “I need to tell you what I heard last night Nanny” and go on to tell her all I’d overheard whilst hiding behind the oak door. I also tell her what had happened before she strode through the doorway, this morning.

Nanny looks very worried. Our thoughts together turn to the poem I’m meant to read at breakfast. My stomach does flips and I’m feeling positively ill. I am turning pale. Nanny sees this and brings over a glass of water.

Nanny puts her hand in the box and removes the embellished paper, with the most ornate handwriting either of us has ever seen. There are a lot of curls and loops and swoops in this handwriting and it takes a while for my eyes to adjust to the text.

NO!! NO!! NO!! I simply cannot and will not read this poem! I burst into tears and cling to Nanny in sheer desperation.” Nanny they want me to read aloud. They want me to say those words!!! What am I to do??? Please help me Nanny!”  

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Knocking on Faerie Door Part 20

Creeping down the passage on tip toes, and placing myself with my back against the wall at the top of the stairs, I strained my ears to hear what was being said.

There were the gruffer tones of the gentlemen entwined with the more melodic tones from the ladies, more than one conversation was being had. I couldn’t decipher one from the other. This annoyed me, as I desperately wanted to know what was being said and if anything was being said about me!

I despise these trolls and there is nothing ever in the whole wide world that could make me like them, my mind made up that they were the worst of worst creatures that ever could exist.

They were mean, they were deceitful, and they were horrid, stinky, foul and just plain old deplorable! I will not be caught out, for if I utter those terrible words (I’m not even going to mention them now) the whole mission would be off, and the consequences dire. I couldn’t even bear to think about it.

Silly me! How could I say those words when I truly know that faeries do in fact exist?

This thought has put my mind as ease, for now.  Edging closer to the staircase my back still firm against the wall, my attention is once again on the conversation from the dining hall. Oh curse the size of that room; it all seems rather pointless sitting up here so far away from the action. Plan in mind I tiptoe quietly to the dining hall, managing to remain undetected as the adults enjoy their animated chatter, I hide behind the big oak wood door.

It comes to me clear as a bell “Winifred simply must be told that Faeries are for silly girls and not one of her standing and intelligence and it would be seen as simply disgraceful for her to admit in proper company that the fanciful creatures are real.”

Mothers voice was polite in return; “Why thank you for your words of advice, it would be simply awful for Winifred to return to her boarding school with such tales, especially as the subject is in proper circles considered preposterous, I will make sure she is aware not to mention faeries to any of her school friends, as I’m sure she’d be embarrassed in front of them.”

“That’s very good, Florence” responded the troll woman Mrs Lawly. As if she’d imparted some very important topic to be avoided in polite company information to my poor mother who was clearly feeling “out of touch” now.

My cheeks grew ever hotter as I stood behind the door and heard how the trolls each subtly took turns in trying to persuade mother and then father as to the very difficult position they would find themselves in socially, if I were to speak to anyone about faeries.

How dare they do this? They are so manipulative!!! I was furious as I heard each one of those sneaky, despicable creatures try and work their persuasions onto my unwitting parents with such sheer ease and impact.

“Faeries... no! never mention faeries; they are indeed made up in the minds of lunatics. You wouldn’t want people to think she’s lost her mind and for her to be put in an asylum? Would you?”

And “Socially it’d be suicide, folk would think your daughter is an uneducated fool.” And “Not to worry, as long as Winifred never mentions faeries, life will continue to be good both in business and socially, as no self-respecting business man would consider dealing with the father of a lunatic, as they would not want the social stigma of being associated with one who has such delusions.” Then Father agreed and laughter followed. I was really mad now!

Well they most certainly are crafty underhanded and (did I mention smelly?) creatures I have ever set my eyes upon in my entire 11 years on this earth!!

I have a plan, I will simply never utter the word “Faeries” in front of my parents, then they will never have to ask me if I believed and they wouldn’t insist on me never mentioning faeries to anyone. I snuck back to my room with one very happy thought;

Problem solved!!!

Or so I thought………

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Knocking on Faerie Door Part 19

Slowly I feel myself drifting back and see that I’m surrounded by adults, all looking rather puzzled as to how I came to be lying on the floor, when just minutes earlier I was perfectly fine.

Matilda, the apprentice cook, lifts me to my feet and hastily takes me from the room. Matilda was clearly embarrassed at being in such “elegant” company. As we make to leave the room, mother’s voice reaches me “Rest now my little one”. I love when mother speaks to me. We are just about to reach the door, when it dawns on me…. My orb!! Where is my orb?

My eyes dart about the room like a fly against a window pane, I glimpse it just as we turn the corner, it’s rolled into the middle of the room, under the huge dining table. How the relief swept over me. For two reasons; one thing I knew my orb would be safe and the other thing I knew was that I’d averted that very direct question about believing in faeries.

Lying on my bed, my mind wandered all over the place. Why had Nanny and Mr Bowfinger not returned to serve the dinner guests? What were the guests doing at my home? Did the subject of believing in faeries come up by chance or on purpose? Will my orb be safe?

There was a knock at my door, Nanny walked in. “Are you feeling better now, Winifred?” she asked kindly as she sat on the edge of my bed and stroked my hair.

“I’m fine now, thank- you Nanny” I replied. I noticed how much older and frailer she looked, almost as if something, some inner spark or glow had been put out.

“Nanny, I asked are you feeling alright, why is it that you and Mr Bowfinger never returned to serve the rest of the dinner?”

“Mr Bowfinger and I both started feeling very unwell” she replied

“We both became rather faint and felt like the very life was being drained from us”

I jumped to my feet excitedly exclaiming “Nanny I know why!”

“You know why?” Nanny looked perplexed.

“Trolls” I blurted out, “The dinner guests were trolls, Nanny” I explained

“But how do you know this Winifred?” asked Nanny

“I was given an orb by Butterpetal Bloom, it allows me to see the truth” I continued to explain how I’d hidden behind the vase and from my deductions and spying I surmised that we were entertaining trolls, every one of them except Mr & Mrs Steele.

“You must have felt the trolls’ presence in the room and that’s why your inner lights grew dim, and you both became ill” I confidently concluded.

“That must be it, but why are they here? What do they want with your parents?”

“I’m not certain, but I think they wanted me to say that I don’t believe in faeries, fortunately I became faint and did not have to answer”

Nanny said “That’s it! You must be on your guard at all times now, they must know about your mission to save us.” “They are going to do their best to get you to say you don’t believe in faeries, and if you ever do, your mission will be over and all fairies lights will fade away”

I knew this meant that it’s up to me to keep the faeries alive!veronicastewar4.blogspot.com

Knocking on Faerie Door Part 17

As I reach the bottom of the staircase, the sounds of voices from the entrance hall reach me.

My plan is hatching fast; there is a vase as tall as me standing to the side of the staircase. It’s a special vase, Nanny said it was Ming or Ning or something of the sort. I’m not sure but it sure is huge and conceals me perfectly as I hide behind it. The orb is nestled in my palms and I hold it up to eye level, eager to view the first of the important people.

My heart is pounding and my palms are sweating (or glowing, as girls don’t sweat, according to Nanny) my breath is short and shallow. Here they come! I crouch a little and spy around the vase. The lady is wearing a mink coat, which is dragging on the floor. She looks like she’s floating as I can’t see her shoes. Her hair is so pretty. Her dark locks apart from a fringe are drawn back off her face, and make a cascade of ringlets down her head and to just between her shoulders. This shows off her diamond earrings and necklaces perfectly. Wow, she looks just lovely. Secretly I hope I look like that when I am a grown up lady.

Perfect! I hear the gentleman speaking in hushed tones to father, I was so in awe of the lovely lady I’d forgotten to use my orb! Silly me! I most certainly won’t allow this opportunity to pass.  This elegant gentleman is wearing what is expected, a starched white collared shirt, a black waistcoat with kerchief in the pocket, and top hat with black tail coat. His kerchief is definitely made of silk, I can recognise silk anywhere.

Watching the gentleman and father engrossed in conversation, slowly I lift the orb level with my eye. Expecting to see nothing other than father and the gentleman, I look through the orb, much in the same way mother looks through her racing glasses or father through his monocle.

Uurgghhh!! I quickly put my free hand over my mouth and swiftly move behind the vase to be completely concealed. Knowing my voice had echoed through the vast entrance hall and walkway, I slide slowly down to crouching position. Realising that the hushed discussion had momentarily ceased, I hold my breath. Ten to fifteen seconds pass, Oh good!! they have started conversing again; I release my breath in a slow steady way. I now sit cross legged on the floor behind that vase.

What I have just seen, takes a short while to manifest in my mind. That tall elegant gentleman is nothing other than a slimy, green, skulking TROLL!!! Oh my!! What am I to do? Should I tell Nanny & Mr Bowfinger? I come to my senses, there are to be more visitors. Four more couples. I make up my mind to use my orb on each and every one of them.

Holding my breath and my orb, I see each couple as they come in, I see their true colours. It appears that only one couple are human and the rest are all trolls. As I’ve not used my orb on the 1^st guest I’m just guessing she too was troll.

What were they doing here? Do they know what my mission is? Are they here to try and stop me from helping the faerie folk?

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Knocking at Faerie Door Part 16

With my resolve firmly set in my mind, I go and wash ready for dinner. Nanny has said that mother and father want to see me tonight at dinner, as they have guests joining them. I devise a plan immediately. I need to find the whereabouts of my orb and then, it shall accompany me to the dinner. Hopefully I will be able to try it out on all these important people.

It will be grand to have dinner with mother and father again, I know Nanny will be serving in her stark white, freshly starched pinafore. I love seeing Nanny in charge with the silverware shining (I always find my reflection in the cloches very funny) and the crystal glasses sparkling under the silver candle lit chandeliers

Emerging from my bathtub, all pink again, I realise that I must’ve been deep in thought as I had not noticed that Nanny had been in and laid out my clothes for the dinner party. I know how privileged I am to have the fabulous dresses I have. Father has really spoilt me this time around. The dress is lilac, my very favourite colour!  It is a sweetheart neckline with short puff sleeves, and a bask waist, the hem is at calf length and fringed with pretty handmade lace. Oh the feel of satin against my skin, it’s just divine. As soon as the dress is over my head, I hear the familiar footsteps of Nanny. My head is now through and I see Nanny sitting on the edge of my bed, her hands are folded over a white box. Curios I ask “Nanny what is in that box?”

Nanny says with a sly smile “It’s a surprise young lady”  

“Please tell me Nanny!”  I just love surprises and Nanny knows this. She teases me further by stroking the box them drumming her fingers on it and rolling her eyes skyward.

“Nanny” “Don’t tease me! Please, please tell me now” my voice has a whine to it. Nanny doesn’t like whining I know this.

Patting the bed Nanny motions me to sit beside her, I immediately do so, and my stomach is turning summersaults; I need to breathe. What could possibly top my lilac dress?  

Nanny was slowly lifting the lid of the box and peeking inside, then dropping it down again, and shrugging her shoulders at me.

“Please, please, please!” Nanny I begged with a mock smile and clasped hands. I was bouncing up and down with what was a mixture of pure delight at the prospect of what lay within the box and absolute anguish at not being able to get at its contents.

Finally Nanny slid the lid off the box one agonizing centimetre after one agonizing centimetre. There in that cold white box I saw tissue paper, there was a hint of something peeking out beneath. What can it be? Nanny opens the tissue paper and nestled in it lay the most wonderful pair of shoes I had ever been privileged enough to set my eyes on.

White patent leather!!! Sooooo excited.  Nanny says “that’s not all!” “Not all?” I am so overwhelmed by the gifts of the dress and the shoes that my eyes are welling up. Surely there can’t be any more. Nanny puts her hands in her pinafore pocket. And slips out a little packet she opens it for me, out of her hands roll a pair of hose!

“Mummy and Daddy have decided that you are now old enough for your first pair of hose” Nanny informs me. Tears stream down my face; I am so blessed to have all this luxury given to me. “Dry your tears sweet girl” and get your silk gloves from the drawer, Let me show you how to put these on without putting ladders in them.”

Nanny with gloved hand pushed he fingers to the tip of the hose, and then pushed the hose down her arm, and holding onto the roll that this formed Nanny instructed me to put one foot after the other in, her gloved hands then unfurled the hose up my legs and around my bottom and snapped it against my waist. They feel so smooth against my legs. I feel all grown up. Nanny ties my hair up in a pretty ribbon before leaving my room.

Momentarily I had forgotten my plan, but before I leave it dawns on me.

Quietly I stand in the centre of my room and think “Orb, I need you.” And within seconds there is a weight in my hand; instinctively I know my orb has arrived.

I skip off down the corridor towards the staircase, orb in hand and plan afoot. This should be so much fun.

Knocking on Faerie Door Part 15

“Winifred, Winifred!!” I hear Nanny’s voice; slowly I begin to focus on my surrounding. My mind rushes back to Goblins and Trolls oh my word! At the same time I chastise myself for always fainting when my mind goes into overdrive.

“Yes Nanny” answering timidly, not sure what else I’m about to hear, and seriously beginning to curse my inquisitive nature.

“There, there dear, I know that it’s all overwhelming” “Let me tell you all about it” Nanny continues. “You see many years ago there was peace and harmony among the fairies, goblins and trolls. Until the Goblins and Trolls started to take advantage of us fairies” “It all started with little things like us helping them with their laundry and looking after their babies and helping with all sorts of things really” “Then they started expecting us to do it for them, and started treating us badly” “Our Queen, whom I believe you’ve met, began taking umbrage to the way her subjects were being treated, and when our queen made her feeling known the trolls and the goblins became very angry and said that they’d put out all our lights if we didn’t continue working for them!” “Our queen tried to explain that we’d only been doing them a favour and that it wasn’t our job to work for them, they however would hear nothing of it. They are very lazy and very unkempt you see, and they knew that if we stopped looking after them they would be in their caves surrounded by garbage and smelling the same.”

“They then set about infiltrating the humans’ homes and school rooms and started spreading nasty rumours that fairies don’t exist. They know that as long as children believe in us, our lights will shine and we can live our naturally long lives.”

“So that is why you must be very careful, they are deceitful and sly. They will stop at nothing to get their revenge on us, even though all we ever did was helping them and being kind to them.”

“Nanny” I replied “I’m sure that I will easily be able to recognise a goblin or a troll”

“Don’t be so sure, they are masters of trickery and disguise, they shape shift to look just like humans!”

“How then Nanny, am I supposed to recognise them?”

“Use your orb, my sweet” “All you do is look through the crystal orb and the person’s true identity will be revealed”  “Thus driving the message home”

Another piece of the puzzle falls into place, my quest ever clearer. My resolve to help the fairies is concrete.

“Thank you Nanny, I will do my best” I replied to Nanny; incensed by the audacity of those goblins and trolls. “I will make them sorry and help the fairies lights glow brightly once more”

Knocking on Faerie Door Part 14

There is so much information for me to take on board, I’m quiet overwhelmed. At last I have the answers I was looking for. They are maybe not the best answers but they are my answers none the less.

Wobbling slightly on my feet when I rise, I say thank you to BB, and she leads me back to the door. As I leave I look back at all these magical creatures and it all seems quiet surreal, apart from the fact that I am looking at faerie folk, they all seem so sad. One faerie wave’s farewell to me, I’m not sure if the wave is reluctant or hopeful.

What a huge responsibility I bear. Right I cannot let them down; I have to come up with a plan.  I must tell Nanny that I know her true identity and that of Bob Bowfinger. They will surely help me to work out what the best plan is.

The first thing is to work out why the lights started to dim and die, and the faeries along with them. What or who could have caused such a terrible thing to befall the faeries?

“Nanny!!” I called as I reached the top of the stairs leading onto the sun terrace. I loved the terrace it was big and the wooden floors looked splendid, we had white wicker furniture with puffy cushions and huge plant pots with all manner of fern tree dotted about. Sometimes I’d sit out on the chairs and read the latest story book that daddy occasionally brings home for me from London.

I call again “Nanny!” and race through the hallway towards the kitchen; there I almost knock poor Nanny off her feet. “Winifred! How many times have I told you not to run in the house?”

“Sorry Nanny” I said, and hastily added “Oh Nanny I know everything!!”

“Everything?” “Whatever are you talking about dear girl?”

“Nanny we can’t talk here, can we talk somewhere private?”

Nanny lead me off into the pantry, it was a large room which was off the side of the kitchen and held all our dried foods, cereals, rice, sugar, coffee and the like. There was more than enough space in there for another three or four people to fit comfortably. Nanny carefully looked around to make sure the kitchen staff were still on their break, then without any further ado, pulled the door closed. We were in total darkness, I blinked and my eyes slowly adjusted to their new dark surroundings.

“Nanny I know all about your people” I whispered. Nanny looked down at me with a wry smile. “I’m sorry” she said “For having deceived you all this time” “Butterpetal sent me word that you know” “Mr Bowfinger and I will help you anyway we can” “Please be careful my dear” she followed on. “Those dreadful goblins and trolls are not to be messed with”  she said now staring at me with intent through the inky blackness in the pantry.

My mind snapped over suddenly goblins and trolls no one said anything about goblins and trolls. I feel like the ground is opening up beneath my feet again…..

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Knocking on Faerie Door part 13

BB brings over a cup of nectar, which she informs me was harvested early morning by the army of bees that work for the Queen. The nectar is so sweet and warm it slides like liquid gold down my parched throat. I sigh a thank you to BB. Her beautiful gown and wings dazzle, she walks effortlessly towards her chair, just to the right of me, and taking up her own cup of nectar takes a long swing. Thinking to myself that BB probably needs sustenance to work with the like of silly little ol’ me.

“You have questions, Winifred” she says. “That’s completely understandable”. “Let me start by saying; we were rushed, and we never expected the lights to start fading as rapidly as they have!”

“We thought we’d still have a few years to ready you for all of this” she says matter of fact, shrugging her shoulders. “It was never our intention to drop all of this on you with no proper preparation, I apologise”. She continued “The Queen is not good at humility, given her status I’m sure you can see why.” “This must be awfully difficult for you, as you are still so young. Please believe me when I say to you, my folk had no other option. You were chosen you see, before you were even born.”

Taking another long drink of my warm nectar, and glancing up over the rim of my cup I acknowledge that I understand.

BB continues “Thirteen years ago, at around the turn of the season from autumn to spring, we started to notice that a few our lights had started to dim, not many, but enough for us to notice. We tracked the trend and what started as only five faeries lights dimming, quickly multiplied to twenty five, which then multiplied again.” “Fortunately for us there are millions of faeries in this garden and the fields and meadows beyond, however we started to hatch our plans to secure the future of Faerie Folk in case it became worse.”

“Our worst fears became reality after only a few short months, and action was urgently required!” “Fortunately your mother had just learned that she was to become a mother, so we placed Delores Daffodil with sparkling references, at your mother’s door, just as soon as your mother was thinking about getting in hired help, to assist her in taking care of you”

“It was with great joy that we celebrated your birth in our Kingdom, knowing that you would be the child who would bring our lights back!” “How we danced and sang and fluttered the night away, we even had unicorn races in the adjoining field at midnight. Humans had reported seeing fireflies in the meadow late that night. Oh how we all laughed, as we are so often mistaken for fireflies.”

“If the truth is to be told there had been an overindulgence of nectar and fairy cakes that night too, many faerie children complaining of tummy ache, and some of the adult faeries complaining of similar ailments too.” “We were all just so pleased, you see, for your arrival. It was indeed the best party I have ever attended.”

BB went on to say “there has been little since that day to celebrate, our faeries lights are going out and their lives with them.” A silver tear dropped from her reddening eyes. “Millions of faeries now stand at merely tens of thousands, this figure is dropping daily” “we are trying to encourage our lights not to glow too brightly so they can be sustained, that’s why we are using artificial light” “This however is not an answer and daily our numbers are dwindling” “Can you see my dear child, why we need you so?”

My heart feels like a stone in my chest.

veronicastewar4.blogspot.com

Knocking on Faerie Door Part 12

Butterpetal Bloom all at once dissolved her temper; it fell from her like the leaves on an autumn tree, caught in a wisp of wind. Her arms circled the back of my neck. A feeling of pure peace cocooned me.

All was still.

“I’m sorry” the words slid from my mouth like a serpent in the hot desert sands.

“Don’t worry little one,” her soothing tone further calming my now peaceful spirit. “You have been chosen: this is your destiny!” Suddenly I was no longer at peace, my stomach does somersaults, and my palms are clammy once more. “Every single one of us wishes you well in your quest!”

The questions I need answering are about to rush out, when Butterpetal Bloom holds up a finger gesturing me be still. “Come” she says, meekly I follow her (I recall how this mess all started) into that wonderful little door, which had so intrigued me.

This time we move more slowly, the smell of cookies and cinnamon fill my senses. Butterpetal Bloom, or BB as I’ll call her from here on in, sees my reaction to the smell and says quiet nonchalantly “yes, we all smell like that” How enchanting and bewildering I find it all.

This space which I had previously been rushed through, I can now take in. All is a wonder, even more opulent than the dreams I used to have before my 1^st real visit.

The Faerie folk were busily getting on with their chores. The tailor was measuring yard upon yard of the finest silk, seemingly woven from pure gold. The cobbler was banging his latest pair of faerie shoes together using what appeared to be solitaire diamonds, only little ones to be fair, but wow!!

As we meander slowly along the ever winding passages, it occurs to me how much has been going on in that old oak tree, all these years. We pass the farrier who is shoeing …. What? That’s no ordinary mini horse; it’s a unicorn… my heart misses a beat. Unicorns everywhere…they are just beautiful, they are tethered by golden chains, and float and drop as they please until their turn comes for their new platinum shoes. Standing glued to the spot, BB urges me on. Gently she says “come my dear, we need to talk”. Remembering the reason for my visit to the old oak tree, I obediently follow her dainty footsteps as she leads me through passage after passage of magical intrigue.

“Here we are my dear” she says sweetly as she swings open a jewel encrusted door. I enter and take a seat on a goose down filled chair. My tears have dried; my heart feels full of joy. My questions no longer hang like a yolk about my neck. Now they are as matter of course.

Knocking on Faerie Door part 11



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Again my patent leather shoes and knee high socks were at the bottom of the stairs, this time they were not neatly placed, they were shrew about the bottom stair in my haste. My objective is the old Oak at the bottom of the garden. I must see if I can make contact with Butterpetal Bloom once more.



Perhaps she would be able to tell me what has happened, how or why my life as I know it, has been turned up on its head over the last few days. Why? Yes I must know why!! There are so many questions running through my mind.



A thought occurs to me, I should have written my questions down, to order them in my mind and so that I don't forget a single question.



As I approach the last quarter of our immense garden, I find myself in awe of my surroundings. I have never really stopped to appreciate the carefully manicured lawns, the perfectly planted borders. How each hedge is cut to conformity and the sweet scents of the herbs and fruits fill the air.

I reflect for a moment; how fortunate I am to be surrounded by such natural splendour!! But on with my mission, to get the information required. My feet hasten their pace, feeling each blade of grass on this perfect lawn, crease and fold underfoot. It is still moist with morning dew. Droplets form on my feet.

There it is; the tree of whimsy. My pale yellow dress in its satin smoothness caresses my knees as I make my way southward. My knees edge out behind me; hands are placed at the base of the tree on the tufts of grass that hide the door to the faerie realm.

So now I am level with the door, I edge my hand forward, this time without hesitation. The grass is parted I place my lips close to the door and whisper "Butterpettal Bloom", "are you in there?" "We must simply speak"

The door swings open; I hear a very agitated twittering and chirping coming from the ground. With my eyes squinting, the vision becomes clear. Butterpetal Bloom is clearly not pleased to see me! Hurriedly I whisper my spell:



Take me high
Take me low
Make me wings
Make me glow

I dream about
a place to go
how I need to look
I'm sure you know

So take me now
Here I am
I want to be



The familiar feeling comes over me, the jelly feeling, the shrinking has happened. Luckily no wings this time, so no telling off from she who cannot be trusted . Relief washes over me. Explaining rips again.... not something I'd even want to contemplate.

Down at faerie level, I am confronted with equal sized very angry, hands on hips, foot stamping, scowling and very loud Butterpettal Bloom. "Just what are you doing?" she demands of me. "You very nearly caused a quake indoors!" All the babies are crying & their nursemaids are mad at me”. Oh dear I'm for it now.

"Furthermore, she began...."

I burst into tears...

I lay for the second time in as many days, as a rumpled teary mess on the ground, again not in my original form. I want this to stop!! I can't bear much more!