Gwendolyn, the Emerald Fairy

GWENDOLYN, THE EMERALD FAIRY

By Eileen Telford

Cover and Illustrations

By Jayleen Telford

Copyright 2015 Eileen Telford

Artwork Copyright 2015 Jayleen Telford

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

About This Version

Chapter 1: The Fairy Kingdom Divides

Chapter 2: Prince Kelvin in the Mortal World

Chapter 3: The Blood-Red Crystal

Chapter 4: The Blue Crystal

Chapter 5: The Quest to the Mortal World

Chapter 6: Emerald Goes Through the Change

Chapter 7: The Hawk and the Snake

Chapter 8: Trouble in the Cave

Chapter 9: More Trouble in the Cave

Chapter 10: The Rescue

Chapter 11: The Forbidden Mountains

Chapter 12: Nefaria’s Enchanted Castle

Chapter 13: Gwendolyn Arrives at Nefaria’s Castle

Chapter 14: The Castle Ball

Chapter 15: The Wedding Waltz

Thank You, Dear Reader

Acknowledgements

About Eileen Telford

About This Version

Gwendolyn, the Emerald Fairy began as a bedtime story I told to my children when they were small. In 2002, I decided to self-publish it; you can still find paperback copies online. The version you now hold has been revised and updated, and it is a much stronger story. In 2010, I published another version of this book called Prince Kelvin and the Emerald Fairy, but it was and always will be known to my family as Gwendolyn, so the original title has been restored.

In this version, my daughter Jayleen Telford illustrated the story with five full-color pictures plus line drawings at the beginning of each chapter. The illustrations are delightful and truly add to the story.

I hope you enjoy reading this story and looking at the illustrations. Happy reading!

Dedication

ET: To my sister Sue Wiggins, and the children in her fifth grade classes since 2002. She has read this story to them faithfully every year.

JT: For my parents, who never gave up hoping that I would illustrate this story one day.

Chapter 1: The Fairy Kingdom Divides

Opal paced back and forth in the throne room. Her eyes darted between the open doorway and her father seated on his throne.

He should be here! Where is he?

Opal's long black dress rustled and swished with her rapid steps. Her silver wings glistened in the light of the thousand candles illuminating the room.

I thought you wanted both of us here.

Be patient, Opal. It is still early. Your brother has only been married a few weeks.

Yes, to that horrid creature-wife!

Silence, Opal! King Kronin scolded. Do not refer to Golden’s wife as a creature. She is a fairy just like you and just like every other fairy in my kingdom.

Opal glared at her father. She is not like me, Father, and she is not like any other fairy in our kingdom! Where did Golden get her? Where did she come from? Answer me that!

King Kronin slowly shook his head. I do not know, Opal. All I know is that she is a fairy and that is all that matters.

That is not all that matters to me! Something is very different about her – and I want to know what it is! If you ask me, I think she is really a mortal!

Stop that kind of talk this instant! King Kronin ordered. What you talk of is forbidden, and if it is true, Golden and his wife will be banished. I will not sit here and listen to these idle tales and allow you to make false accusations about your older brother. Golden can speak for himself when he arrives. Do you understand me, Opal?

Yes, Father.

She pivoted and marched over to an elaborately carved golden bench. A male fairy reached for her hand and pulled her down next to him. He whispered to her and an evil smile crossed her face.

Thank you, my friend. Your information will serve me well.

Just then Prince Golden and his lovely bride, Silvery, waltzed in holding hands.

I trust you slept well, my children, King Kronin said.

Silvery blushed and Golden smiled. Yes, very well, Father.

Golden led Silvery over to another ornately carved bench opposite Opal and her companion.

King Kronin drew a slow, measured breath then he stood up.

I have called you together, my children because it is time to bequeath the kingdom upon one of you.

Golden squeezed Silvery’s hand and nodded.

At the same time, Opal looked over at her male companion, smiled and nodded.

King Kronin continued, I love and admire you both and feel that each of you would do well as the next ruler in the fairy kingdom. However, as I have pondered and studied the matter, I feel that Golden is the best choice for our next king.

Golden and Silvery beamed with happiness and kissed.

At that same instant, Opal shot out of her seat, her hands clenched in anger. Father, I demand that you give the crown to me – not Golden!

But Golden is my firstborn child and rightful heir to the throne. There is no reason to doubt his worthiness to rule in my stead, King Kronin stated firmly.

But Golden broke the law! He went to the mortal world during the Change and brought back that creature wife! Opal shouted as she pointed an accusing finger at Golden and Silvery.

King Kronin leaned forward and peered at Golden.

Is this true, Golden? he demanded. Have you broken our immutable fairy laws and married a mortal?!

Golden stood and lifted his fairy bride by the waist and slowly turned her around.

She has fairy wings, has she not? Her name is Silvery. That is a noble fairy name, is it not? He gently put her down and then addressed his father.

Silvery is a fairy – and was a fairy when I married her.

How did you do it, Golden?! Opal demanded. How did you turn that creature into a fairy?!

Opal lunged at Silvery with her hands like outstretched claws. Golden leaped in front of Silvery and pushed Opal aside.

Leave her alone, Opal!

I’ll tear her wings out!

Opal, control yourself! King Kronin shouted. Guards!

Opal crossed her arms in front of her as the guards rushed toward her. They stopped in their tracks in fear and then retreated.

All I want is justice! she shouted. Golden broke the law. He went to the mortal world during the Change!

Is that true? King Kronin asked. Choose your words carefully, my son, for the fate of the Fairy Kingdom rests upon them.

Golden squared his broad shoulders and his bronze muscles tightened as he spoke.

It is true, Father.

A gasp went out from the fairies in the courtroom and Opal folded her arms across her chest. She gloated in victory.

What did I tell you, Father? You have no choice but to bequeath the Kingdom to me!

But I have learned much of the mortal ways, Golden cried in defense. I know more about the poor mortals than any fairy alive!

How did you gain so much knowledge in one week, dear brother – or have you been to the mortal world more than once during the Change?

Opal looked over at her companion. He nodded and Opal smiled, awaiting Golden’s reply.

Golden stood tall and firm. I have been to the mortal world five times during the Change.

The fairies in the courtroom cried out at his bold declaration. Even Opal shook her head in amazement.

Five times! Father, this is worthy of banishment!

King Kronin drew a slow, measured breath. Son, I am afraid I have no choice but to...

Father, it is true that I visited the mortal world five times during the Change, but I gained so much knowledge and understanding of the mortals. I am better able to help them than anyone else. He moved over to King Kronin and knelt before him.

Your Majesty, isn’t it true that our purpose as fairies is to give aid and help to the poor mortals on earth? I know how they think and feel! I know their frailties! I know how to help them!

Opal rushed over and stood in front of Golden. Father, the mortals are weak and we are strong! They don’t deserve our help! I say we band together and destroy the mortals and sweep them off the face of the earth!

Hear, hear! shouted the fairy sitting on the golden bench, and others joined his cry.

Silence! shouted King Kronin, rising to his full majesty and power. It is the sworn duty of fairies to protect the mortals on earth – not to destroy them!

He looked down at Opal and Golden. Whoever sits on this throne must swear likewise.

Golden bowed his head before his father. I swear to protect and give aid to all mortals.

Opal, King Kronin asked, do you so swear?

Opal stood defiantly and stared at her father. I do not.

Then I have no choice but to give the kingdom to Golden.

Opal gasped. Father, this is an outrage! Golden broke the immutable fairy law! He should be punished – not rewarded!

Opal, what you say is true – and if you will swear to uphold our laws and protect the mortals, I will grant the kingdom to you. King Kronin paused and gazed deeply into Opal’s dark eyes. Daughter, do you swear it?

Opal turned away. I cannot.

Then the kingdom goes to Golden.

No! Opal cried. No, Father! The kingdom belongs to me! I deserve it!

Then swear to support the mortals!

"I cannot– and I will not!

King Kronin took off his crown. Then the kingdom belongs to Golden. He bent over and placed the crown on Golden’s bowed head. Opal, bow to your new king!

Opal shook her head fiercely and moved backwards.

No! The kingdom is mine! I deserve it! Father, I have done everything you have ever asked me to do!

That is true, Opal, until now.

But, Father, I pledge my eternal support to all fairies. I will serve and lead them well.

And to the mortals, Opal? Will you pledge your support to them as well?

Opal shook her head. No, Father, I will not. They are weak – and I loathe them.

Then Golden deserves the crown.

Opal stared defiantly at her father. If Golden wears the crown, I will never obey him!

Then you will be banished!

Opal drew a quick breath and her eyes darted over to her companion on the bench. He nodded at her.

Then so be it, Father! Opal fumed. I will take the fairies that follow me and start my own kingdom! I will be known as Black Opal, Queen of the Dark Fairies!

No one will follow you.

To his great surprise and astonishment, a large number of fairies in the throne room moved over and stood by Black Opal. Others filed in from the hallway.

We want Black Opal for our queen! shouted one.

Long live Black Opal! exclaimed another.

Death to the mortals! cried a third.

My subjects! King Kronin shouted, waving his arms. Let us be reasonable! The Fairy Kingdom has never been divided! Let us not divide now!

Then make Black Opal our ruler! shouted a fairy from the back of the room.

She must uphold our fairy laws and protect the mortals if she is to be the queen! King Kronin cried.

Never! Black Opal shouted.

Never! a chorus of fairies joined in.

Then all of you shall be banished! King Kronin firmly decreed.

Black Opal turned to stare at him, then at Golden.

Be gone! King Kronin cried.

Yes, be gone! Golden said firmly in support of his father.

Be gone, O Fair One, Silvery spoke softly, you who held such promise.

Black Opal looked at Silvery and opened her mouth as if to speak, but words did not come. She blinked quickly to ward off the unbidden tears. Pivoting, she turned her back on her father and brother, then looked out at the throng of fairies.

My subjects, follow me! she shouted.

Her silver wings fluttered and she rose up in the air, then flew out of the throne room. One by one the fairies followed her and soon the sky grew dark and the sun blackened as hundreds of fairies flew toward the craggy mountains to the East.

Silvery hid her face against Golden’s chest and cried softly.

King Kronin shook his head. This is indeed a dark day for the Fairy Kingdom.

And for the mortal world, Golden added.

My crown is made of pure gold, my son, but today it feels more like a crown of stone.

Golden nodded. Father, I promise you that Silvery and I – and our children, will yet bring peace and happiness to the Fairy Kingdom – and to the mortal world.

****

Chapter 2: Prince Kelvin in the Mortal World

Prince Kelvin hurled the dagger with lightning speed at the gnarled oak tree. The dagger pierced the mark dead center and sunk deep into the wood. Another dagger stood a full two inches away from the mark.

Drat! You beat me again, Kelvin! a dark-headed, bearded man complained as he spat upon the ground. It’s not fair that you’re taller, stronger and better-looking than me. Do you have to beat me in marksmanship as well?

Kelvin laughed and slapped the man on the back. It's just a game, cousin.

Arthur shook his head as he walked over to the tree and pulled out his own dagger. As he struggled to pull out Kelvin's dagger as well, he found that he could not pull it out.

Kelvin jogged over to the tree and pulled out his dagger.

Show off, Arthur muttered under his breath.

I’m the crown prince, Arthur. I have to be the best.

Look over there! Arthur exclaimed, as he took aim at a small snake wriggling through the grass. I bet I can hit that!

No! Kelvin cried, and swiftly kicked Arthur’s arm. The dagger flew up in the air, and Kelvin deftly retrieved it as it came down again. Never kill snakes!

Arthur rubbed his arm. Ouch! That hurt! Why are you beating me up to save a snake?

Because it could be a fairy, Kelvin answered as he handed the dagger back to Arthur.

Arthur scoffed. Cousin, this is the Sixteenth Century! Don’t tell me you believe in fairies!

My father does, and so do I, Kelvin replied as he turned and threw his dagger next to Arthur’s boot, burying it in the ground up to the hilt.

Hey, watch it! You almost hit my foot! Arthur cried, jumping aside.

I hit my mark – the acorn next to your boot. Kelvin picked up the two halves of the acorn lying next to his dagger and handed them to his cousin.

I never miss my mark, Arthur. Never,

Arthur shook his head as Kelvin placed the dagger in the sheath on his belt.

You don’t really believe that snake could be a fairy, do you? Arthur asked as they walked back toward their horses.

Kelvin shrugged his shoulders. I don’t know. Tradition has it that every hundred years a fairy undergoes the Change and becomes a small, helpless snake for a week. After that, they gain greater powers – assuming they survive.

Every snake can’t be a fairy, Arthur scoffed, and with some effort, he pulled himself up into the saddle of his great Clydesdale horse.

No. But if it is a fairy – and you save it, you could get some wishes granted.

Whoa! Where’d that snake go? Arthur cried, eagerly scanning the grass for the snake.

Kelvin laughed. I thought you didn’t believe in fairies, cousin.

Arthur looked sheepishly away. I don’t, not really anyway. Why do you believe in them?

Kelvin put his foot in the stirrup of his large Clydesdale horse and easily pulled himself up into the saddle. My great-great-great-and so forth-grandfather Maldorf saved a snake when he was a small boy. That snake turned out to be a very important fairy, King Golden.

You’re joshing me, Kelvin.

"I’m not, and as a reward, King Golden gave young Maldorf the