Max Hamby and the Amethyst Guardian

1

Davi blinked at his reflection in the mirror. It blinked back at him. He scrunched up his face and leaned forward, staring at his colorless eye. Do you think it’ll ever go back to normal?

I don’t know, said Snoop, turning away from the window. Do you feel different? Can you feel the air stone?

Davi shook his head and grimaced. No. I don’t understand why Ventis did it. He turned away from the mirror and stared at his twin. They had a similar style, mannerisms and even combed their hair in a similar fashion. There was never a time when they were different, until now. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. Can you feel the water stone?

No, but I can tell my magic has changed, said Snoop. He looked out across the grounds of Merrihaven. It gave him a clear view of Dunmere. The trees surrounding the lower half of the tower were too dense to see what Isolde was up to. He scanned the tower. Every now and then, the shadows seemed to darken in the narrow window near the peak. I wonder if she’s watching us.

She is, said Davi, joining his brother at the window. But how do we trap her again? Even the adults are afraid of her.

She’s going to do everything she can to get the stones, you know, said Snoop, solemnly. If something happens...

Don’t talk like that, snapped Davi.

Snoop sighed and studied Davi’s eye. He didn’t care if his brother had one eye, no eyes or grew horns on the top of his head. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing his twin. If something happens, you need to save yourself. Run as fast and as far away as you can. Davi scrunched up his face and turned away. We have to face facts. Isolde is coming for us and she won’t stop until she gets what she wants. Milo is proof of that."

Davi sniffed and wiped his face. Snoop was right. More than anything, he wanted to wish it all away and go back to the way things used to be, but that wasn’t going to happen. Isolde would do anything to get the stones back. It was only a matter of time. He swallowed hard and bowed his head. His feet blurred through a watery gaze. The same goes for you. He walked away to stand in the center of the room. Snoop looked out across the Downs and froze.

We should go see what the others are up to, said Davi.

Snoop gripped the window sill and stared at an opening in the trees that was empty earlier. Tommy was stared back at him.

Do you think Ventis would change it back? asked Davi.

Come here and look at this, said Snoop, not taking his eyes off his older brother.

What about an eye patch? asked Davi. Arrrgghh.

Snoop reached out and yanked his twin over to the window. Look at that. He pointed to the Downs.

Look at what? asked Davi.

Snoop stared at the spot where Tommy was mere seconds ago. It was empty again.

What did you see? asked Davi.

Snoop scanned the Downs for movement, then shook his head. Nothing. He ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath. My mind must be playing tricks on me. I thought I saw... He scanned the trees one last time. There was no sign of Tommy anywhere. Nothing. Never mind.

Davi leaned toward the glass. I don’t see anything.

It doesn’t matter. Let’s go downstairs, said Snoop.

They stepped out into the hallway, closing the door with a thunk. Davi whacked Snoop on the arm and pointed at the crayon covered door.

No one can save you now. Alice’s voice rang out. The twins rolled their eyes.

Not interested. Go torture your doll, called Davi.

Oh, that’s not very nice. Is it? she asked. Besides, you two are the ones who are about to be tortured. She’s coming for you next. She hummed off key. The twins shivered. Snoop pushed his brother toward the stairs. A floorboard creaked and the humming stopped. She’s making plans right now. Water and air. Water and air. In the garden is one who is dead, yet alive. She giggled. The ones we love make the best tricksters. The giggle turned into a chuckle. The one you seek is close by. You’d better find her before you die. The twins were long gone.

▪ ▪ ▪

The scrap of shuffling feet echoed through Dunmere tower, followed by a raspy cackle. I see you. Yes, I do. Those stones will be mine and your pain will be severe. Little thieves. A bent, craggy old woman appeared at the bottom of the stairs and slowly made her way through the main hall. They will all suffer, she said, placing a gnarled hand on the wall and stepping through to the outside. She ignored the Gix tethered to a post not far away. The giant black bird scratched at the ground with its thick claws. The old woman kept walking. The Gix stomped its feet and ruffled its feathers in irritation.

Oh, shut up, the old woman grumbled.

The Gix tilted its head with wide eyes. A rumble started deep in its throat. It opened its pointed yellow beak and squawked at her with enough power to send her sailing halfway across the Downs, but she didn’t move. It snapped its beak and charged. It came within inches of her before it was yanked back by the chain around its leg. It raged and opened its wings as wide as they would go and reached for her. She remained just out of reach and that angered the bird even more. The Gix bit down on the chain, then attacked the post. When that didn’t work, it bit down on its leg, but quickly let go with a pained screech.

The old woman turned around. Are you finished? It squawked and snapped in defiance.

If that beast could get free, it would tear you to pieces and I cannot say I blame it, said a voice behind her.

Is that right? she asked, glancing over her shoulder. A young boy with greasy dark hair and pasty white skin strolled past her and stopped in front of the Gix. He stuck his hands in his pockets. The bird calmed at the sight of him and stuck out its head. Its large yellow eyes pleaded for its freedom. The boy stared at it through red-rimmed black eyes. The bird bobbed its head and stuck out its leg, but the boy turned away.

Your little games are wearing thin, old woman, he said, in a voice much too deep for his age.

You cannot do anything, demon. The old woman chuckled. You are stuck in that child’s body and from the looks of him, not for much longer.

I will find another host, Isolde, said the boy. And then...

And then what, Orlath? You will show me your true power? she asked. That idiot, Sepitus, never should have brought you back. You have no power and your choice of host is disgraceful."

The boy clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. You will see, old woman.

Yes. Yes. I will suffer the wrath of a superior being from the underworld. It is not the first time I have heard that, Orlath. She straightened up and glared at him. No one can hurt me, not even you. No one is going to get in my way of getting those stones. She wagged a finger at him. Play nice and I might let you live. Now, leave me. Go help the girl with the Cagon. We need more flying Trith. She rubbed her hands together. Report back when you are done. I have a job for you. She turned her back on him and walked away muttering about water and air. The boy smirked and nodded his head, then walked away in the opposite direction. The Gix watched him disappear behind the tower, then hung its head and settled down in the grass.

2

Max stepped out onto the patio and settled down in one of the overstuffed chairs. The Spriggan was asleep on a chaise lounge at the far side of the room. Deep worry lines stretched across his forehead. His breath came in short, quick gasps and his body trembled.

Max rested his chin in his hand and watched the Spriggan. Milo had been in the time stop for a full twenty-four hours. He doubted the Spriggan would ever be the same without him. The residents of Merrihaven took turns trekking down to the Oak tree to check on Milo and make sure no one else had gotten stuck in the time stop. Rose and Violet spent the most time there with only a few short breaks in between their vigil. It took quite a bit of convincing to get them to forego their plan to camp out by the tree. He shifted in the chair. How many times had he passed Milo in the halls at school without saying a word and the countless times he’d refused to sit with him on the bus because he was different. They’d become close since Milo had snuck into Merrihaven. Who’d have thought the weird kid with all the allergies was really the Earth king; the protector of creatures great and small.

Max smiled to himself and remembered the days after Milo had been discovered hiding in a kitchen cupboard. Animals and creatures had come for miles and settled on the lawn to wait for a chance to meet him. He had been patient and kind to everyone, but he couldn’t protect them now. If they couldn’t figure out a way to get his stone back, nothing would be the same without him. He swallowed hard and did his best to choke back the sob that threatened to escape his lips. He covered his mouth so he wouldn’t wake the Spriggan. Isolde was in control of the Earth and shadowstone. Who would be next? He grabbed the arm of the chair and squeezed. The thought of losing anyone else set off a deep ache that pulsed in his chest. Footsteps thumped down the hall toward the patio. He wiped his face and dropped his hands in his lap.

Bonedread crossed the room and placed two thick sandwiches on the table beside the Spriggan, then sat down on a padded stool. The goblin eyed the trembling Spriggan, then reached behind the chaise lounge for a blanket and covered the small creature up to his chin. Max bit his bottom lip as he watched the goblin handle the Spriggan with care. Bonedread shifted his weight on the stool, picked up the sandwiches and held one out. Max declined with a shake of his head. The goblin shrugged and returned the second sandwich to the table before chomping down on the first. He was halfway done when he wagged a finger in the air. It might be a good idea to pay a visit to the half-giant. You might get answers out of Bertha quicker than this one here. He jabbed his thumb at the sleeping Spriggan. She might be able to tell us something so we can help the little one. I’ve tried everything I can think of to bring him around. He won’t even eat. In two bites the rest of the goblin’s sandwich was gone. He rested his hands on his knees. Your grandfather is a very persistent man and if I’m honest, a pain in my backside.  He reached for the other sandwich. I might try taking the Spriggan down to the tree. It might jog something if he sees his friend fade in and out.

Max looked out the window and stared at the tall hedges that surrounded the garden. He disagreed with the goblin. It might do more harm than good if the Spriggan were to see Milo now, but he’d keep that to himself. Bonedread and the others could take care of the Spriggan. The earth stone was his main priority now. The goblin did have a point, though. Bertha might have the information he needed to get Milo’s stone back.

A door opened with a bang. Heavy footsteps pounded through the house. Alfie and Cynric Pinkstone appeared in the doorway. They were covered in soot, which wasn’t unusual, but the brown mouse sitting on Cynric’s shoulder was. Cynric's head bobbed up and down as the mouse chittered in his ear. Any other time the similarity to a bobble head would bring a laugh, but not today. Alfie held up a vial filled with pea-green liquid. Glowing yellow flecks hit the glass every time he moved. Eoin asked us to create something that will help the Spriggan and I think we’ve done it.

Bonedread raised an eyebrow at the vial. And what might that be?

"It doesn’t have a name, but this potion should calm the Spriggan and hopefully, stop his nightmares enough to get some answers.

Cynric held up his hand to quiet the mouse. My little friend will dump the contents of the vial down the Spriggan’s throat. The rest of us will take a limb and hold him down. There may be side effects. Bonedread’s eyebrows came together, as he glared at the brothers. Cynric sucked his teeth and rolled his eyes. What? There are always side effects. I am sure they will be minimal. Now, grab the little fellow. Bonedread grabbed the leg closest to him. Alfie and Cynric each grabbed an arm. The mouse jumped down onto the Spriggan’s chest.

Max, come on, said Alfie, with a wave of his hand. Take the other leg.

Max eyed the brothers’ concoction and hesitated. I don’t think...

It will be fine. Come on, said Alfie, pointing to the leg. Our little friend will be back to his old self in no time.

Max held the Spriggan’s leg down and watched the mouse pour the potion into the Spriggan’s mouth. The Spriggan’s body bucked and sent the mouse into the air. It landed hard on the Spriggan’s chest, which jolted the vial. A spray of pea-green sludge with glowing yellow flecks dotted half the patio and everyone standing around the Spriggan.

Oopsy-daisy, said Alfie, taking the vial away from the mouse.

Bonedread growled at the brothers, as he wiped the sludge off his face. Oopsy-daisy? I’ll give you an oopsy-daisy you won’t soon forget.

Max let go of the Spriggan’s leg, as a tickle spread across his cheek and worked its way around his head. He scratched and wiped to get the potion off. The Spriggan’s eyes popped open.

There. You see, said Alfie. Right as rain. He high-fived his brother and smiled proudly, but the smile didn’t last long. Tiny green mushrooms with glowing yellow tops popped out all over the Spriggan’s body. The Pinkstone brothers stared wide-eyed at the small creature, then at each other.

What did you do? hissed Cynric.

Me? Aren’t you the one who skims the ingredients lists? You never read anything through, growled Alfie.

The brothers quickly descended into an argument and ignored what was happening in front of them. The gibbering mouse hopped across the Spriggan to get away from the mushrooms. Bonedread’s mouth hung open in disbelief. The Spriggan looked at his hands, then felt his face and whimpered.

Max whacked the brothers to get their attention. The Spriggan was turning into a living forest. The mushrooms stopped, but tiny green leaves sprouted from anywhere that had hair. Stop. He whacked Cynric. Do something. The brothers ignored him.

Shut up, you blithering idiots, shouted Bonedread. The Pinkstone brothers clamped their lips shut. You need to fix this and quick. I promise you’ll look a lot worse than that if you don’t. Alfie and Cynric nodded and ran out of the room. The goblin grabbed the Spriggan’s hands to keep them away from his face. Go see the half-giants. No one is going to bother this one anymore. Max turned to leave. And tell your grandfather. He hurried from the room and almost collided with the very person Bonedread was grumbling about on the patio.

Where are you going in such a hurry? asked Eoin. I thought we’d have a chat with the Spriggan.

I don’t think that’s a good idea, Grandpa, said Max. The Spriggan is not himself.

He hasn’t been himself since he returned, said Eoin.

He’s not up to talking right now, said Max.  Alfie and Cynric were just here.

Eoin pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed heavily. Please tell me, they didn’t mess up the potion. It was only supposed to calm the Spriggan.

You’ll have to see for yourself, said Max.

Eoin nodded and moved past him to the patio.  What in the world? I’m going to... Bonedread shouted back. They quickly descended into an argument. Their voices mingled with whimpers from the Spriggan. Max didn’t wait around. He needed to find Basil and the twins. He paused in the entryway. If all four of them went to see Bertha that would get the attention of the adults. If he went to Eldham alone, it would take him straight to Bertha and Wunder in no time and he’d be back before anyone noticed he was gone. But, what about Isolde? Now that she was free, anything could happen between Merrihaven and Eldham. An icy shiver ran down his spine. He didn’t want to admit that he was scared, but he was. No one really knew what Isolde was capable of. He crossed the entryway to the dining hall and peered in. No one was in there, except for Milly and she was sleeping in her rocking chair by the fireplace. He glanced at the Ostium in the corner, then back at Milly. Would she wake up and tell the others if he left now? It wouldn’t hurt to see what Basil and the twins had to say, besides they could cover for him if his aunts and grandparents started asking questions. He turned around and headed upstairs to the bedrooms. The twins’ bedroom was a disaster area. Clothes were strewn all over the place. Plates, cups and bowls were piled on the bedside table and the dresser; remnants from their midnight excursions to the kitchen. The two things the room did not have were the twins. He backed out and closed the door. Basil’s room was right across the hall. He didn’t need it, because he never slept, but he had one anyway. He opened the door to find it empty, too. The room was neat and tidy, but dotted with piles of books from the dining hall, which doubles a library. He closed the door and stood in the hallway. Where were they? Come to think of it, he hadn’t seen anyone else for some time. The kitchen had been unusually quiet. That was not like Mrs. Pitt or the gnomes. They could be tending to the Bayard in the stables or the Lumprotter and Wimplewooflewog. He shrugged his shoulders and headed to his room. He grabbed his satchel and reached in to make sure the watch and hourglass were still inside. Satisfied, he stepped out into the hallway. The door thunked closed and humming started. He’d forgotten that Alice and her doll had returned. He winced and tiptoed down the hallway. The floor creaked and Alice giggled.

Oh dear, sweet, stupid boy, she laughed. You are in terrible danger and yet, you are off for a quick jaunt to see your friend. She sucked her teeth and muttered to herself. His hand tightened around the strap of his satchel. He wasn’t even going to ask how she knew he was going to Eldham. There was no time for her games or weird riddles. He straightened up and walked toward the stairs, but her door flew open. Time for tea, she sang, with a wave of her hand. He was yanked inside. Her bedroom door slammed shut behind him.

3

Alice hovered several inches off the floor. Her long, dirty nightgown swayed around her ankles like a bell. Her hands were balled into tight fists at her sides and her matted brown hair looked like she had stuck her finger in a light socket. But it was her eyes that made his breath catch in his throat. They were red and glowing. She smirked and they changed to solid black. He’d never seen her do that before. You will have tea with me.

He shook his head and backed up. I can’t, but maybe later. He tried to take a step, but his feet were stuck to the floor. He growled in frustration, flung the strap of his satchel over his head and called to his magic. The red glow of the Blood Diamond ran down his veins to his fingertips.

You have gotten stronger, said Alice. But, not strong enough. She reached out and yanked at the air. He slid across the floor to the child-size chair waiting for him. She moved her hand in a downward motion and he plunked down hard onto the small wooden seat. Alice lowered herself to the floor and casually strolled to the table. Her eyes were still black, instead of their normal green and her lips still held that odd smirk. From the first moment they'd, she was creepy. This was a whole new kind of creepy and it made him want to run as far away from her as he could get. He tried lifting