The sun rose upon a cold and deserted plain. No one could have known that twenty years ago this was a beautiful, thriving city. Yet that was before the time of the wars. Many will not talk of those times, it is too painful to remember how lovely this land used to be. Even now twenty years later the unicorns and Pegasus are just now coming out of hiding. There are even times late at night when the stars are bright you can hear the beautiful songs of the phoenixes. I remember those days I was just a child yet I was blessed. See my father was a knight of The Protectors so I was always surrounded by all the wonderful creatures. I learned how to ride upon a unicorn's back. My mother used to tell me I had a voice that only the Phoenix could surpass then she would joke saying maybe that is because they taught you how to sing..
So I guess it was only natural that I too became the Protector of all the creatures in the land. Now at the age of 25 I could weave spells of enchantment. It really wasn't that hard. All you had to do was have the dust off a fairy's wing and the moisture off one kiss from a fair maiden. I could now do spells that made me appear invisible to all that meant me harm. So with this new magic I decided the time was near for the world to be returned to it's former beauty. I cared not of the price, for I too wanted to have children and for them to see the beauty I once knew. Even though the sun had risen the day was still cold. There never seemed to be any other type of weather. Just the cold. The sun, although it shined brightly, had no warmth to offer. Now was the time to take on the evil ones. No one really knew who they were, they only knew to defy them meant a fate worst than death I didn't understand that. To me living in this world void of all the creatures of the woods and the fairies was a fate worst than death. I think that most people just didn't care enough to see what was missing.

I knew the time had come. It was now or never, for whenever the unicorns did brave the world always The Evil Ones would come and take them away. I couldn't bear to see another one die or run in fear. As my Grandma always said "Anything worth living for is worth dying for" I decided that early tomorrow night I would begin my travels. Today was the day I must fast and make peace with my inner demons for all knew The Evil Ones turned your worst enemy against you, yourself. As I began my chant of old to invoke the fairies and their wisdom a thought passed in my mind. 'What if I only make things worst? I'm not the best at magic. In fact I truly had to work hard to make my spells work' As the doubts began to overcome me a vision came to me. All I saw in the vision was a man, a very old man. He must have been 200 years old. All he did was smile and nod. With that vision came a power so strong it took my breath away. It was like I had an inner strength growing from within me and with that power came a calming voice. "You are the one. If you do not dare the challenge, forever will we be trapped in a land of logic and solitude." Then suddenly my vision changed. In it was a world I had never seen. There were metal flying birds that seemed to feed upon humans, as one could see into their stomachs. The skies were no longer a bright blue but a cloudy blue as though someone blew smoke over all the skies. The unicorns had no horns of gold, in fact they had no horns at all and they were used as tools. Families seemed to obey a square box that other people ran on. These were just a few of the horrible things I saw. With the passing of these visions of horror the old man once again appeared to me in the vision. I did not see his mouth move yet I heard him all the same. "This is the world's future if you do not fight The Evil Ones. No longer will fathers teach their sons how to farm. Daughters will no longer be passed the secrets of magic. The world will be only a place to exist with no living going on. There will be no beauty, for none will stop to see it. Go to your fate and know you ar the one that can save us all"

The rest of the day I rested and looked upon my land. Never were the visions of that horrifying land far. I could not imagine a world where families didn't sit together at the dinner table. Nor could I understand why any would want such a world. If that was to be the fate of this world so lush and green I would rather die trying to protect it than to live in that lonely world. I began to gather berries and nuts for my journey, humming a tune that my grandmother taught me. I could not remember the words yet the tune soothed me and made me see the beauty that was still around. As I finished with the gathering I slowly walked towards the shed knowing that I would have to arm myself well. I could not bring a sword, for all weapons I did bring I must be able to hide beneath my gown. I looked at the many weapons my father once had by his side and tears were brought to my eyes as I remembered the day The Evil Ones took his life.

My father was always a laughing man, a smile was always quick to his mouth. He never harmed any and would only slay what his family needed to live. With each slaying my father would kneel upon the ground and place his offering of incense to the creatures that died for his family could eat. My father never discouraged me to learn all the ways of a Protector just because I was a girl-child. He always carried me high upon his shoulders when the heavy rains flooded the fields. He was my hero. Then the day came that brought The Evil Ones. All changed in minutes. "So you call yourself The Protector? Come and protect us. We need your food and your skins. Forget about the creatures, they belong to us. No longer will you kneel before the creatures of the woods. They are nothing. You are to kneel only before The Evil One. You will now give us all your magic. We demand that you call the unicorns for we may have their horns of gold." was what the Evil Ones said. "Never will I bow before you for you are the death of all goodness. I will never call the unicorns nor will I call any of the creatures. You are nothing. You are just a scared little man that has no life, no family to call your own. BeforeII bow to you or your likes I will die." I heard my father reply. "Then you will see your family die before your eyes. When we are done with them we will kill you and take what we want." the Evil Ones said. "Do not kill my family I will call the unicorns" my father said. I felt my heart sinking at those words for I could not believe that my father would do such a thing. Didn't grandma always say 'anything worth living for is worth dying for'? Little did I know that these were foolish men and had no idea that my father did not call the unicorns.
He spoke to them in their own language, a language he took pride in teaching me. Then I heard my father speak in the language of the unicorns "Take my daughter and hide her well. Do not let the Evil Ones have her. I know you cannot save my wife or mother but save her, she is the one. Know that never would I betray you. I will never call you to your deaths" As I went to scream in denial the unicorn closest to me laid her hoof upon my shoulder and speaking to me in quietness
"You must do as your father wishes. You are a good daughter and you never disobey. Now is not the time to start." she begged "But my father and mother what is to become of them? My grandmother is old and cannot fight. I cannot stand by and let them die!" The unicorn then did call for more of her herd and within minutes I was surrounded by many. As the circle of unicorns closed around me I felt a soothing sleep overcome me. I was then abruptly awakened by the cries of my mother saying "Thank you my love. I would never want to live with people such as these" the last of her words were spoken as her head fell to the ground. "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" my father screamed. "You will all die for this." With that my father began to call the creatures of the night. My father had always respected them so in turn they came to his aid. I saw the fatal arrow strike my father. I saw his blood pour to the ground. As I saw this happening I cried out, yet no sound did I make. As the Pegasus came to fly me to safety the unicorns stopped him, "No not yet. Let her see what the creatures will do. Let her know that her father's death will not go unpaid"

With those words I saw the zombies, the bats, I saw some creatures that I always thought to be just myth come to kill those that murdered my family. I never did see what had happened to my grandmother but I was sure she too was dead. Then the Pegasus placed me gently on his back and away we went. I fell asleep on his strong back feeling alone and sad. I was not sure of what was to come of me , yet I slept. When I awoke I was in a cave of some sorts and within it was a fairy and gnomes wiping my head with sweet smelling oils. "Where am I, what am I to do now?" I said with tears in my voice. "Relax little one. You are safe and soon after you rest we will talk. Do not fret. All will be fine in the end." Maxie the fairy said. "Now sleep and let the dreams lead you to your fate." The next thing I ever remembered was 10 years later with me being 20 years old. Even though I do not remember anything of those ten years I knew in my soul that someday I would have the answer to all the questions that ran through my mind late at night. When I came back to this world I was in shock at all the damage that had occurred while I was sleeping. All I know from those years was that I could weild any weapon as well as any man although I do not remember ever learning them. When I came around from the deep sleep, as I called it, I knew I had a mission in life that I could not deny. I spent many hours trying to remember anything of those years all to no avail. I knew that whoever or whatever cared for me those ten years did teach me much of the ways of the creatures. I also knew I must have been treated with kindness and love for I felt no fear of the dark nor did I worry of ever being taken into that abyss again.

Enough with reminiscing. Time to choose my weapons. As much as I loved my father's sword I knew that it was a weapon I could not take, so instead I chose a thin 6 inch blade dagger. Along with this I chose a mace that was specially made to fit into a boot. I was sure I could hide that beneath my gown. Then I picked up a paring knife my grandmother always used, although it did not seem as though it would offer much protection I felt a great need to take it with me. I also gathered up all the herbs I would need for the spells I did know how to weave and gently wrapped them into a linen cloth to hide beneath my cap. With this done I knew that in less then 18 hours I would be on my way to what seemed a hopeless mission. May the Gods smile down upon me.

For the rest of the day I walked around my childhood home and swore that one day this land would be as before. If not, I would die trying to restore it to it's former beauty and to rid the world of The Evil Ones. I would avenge my family's death. I would live only in a land where all were free including the creatures of the forests. I refused to live in a land that fear was all one had to rely on. Where no happiness or hopes were allowed to grow. My father had placed the seeds of dreams and visions of love and beauty and I refused to let those seeds die.

As I walked around my house I once again tried to remember what had happened to me in the years I was in the deep sleep. It seemed at times I could almost hear a voice telling me not to fret when the time was right I would know all. Yet, I knew that it was only my own mind trying to calm my worried soul. The day seemed as though it would never end. I fought with doubts and insecurities for I knew that one little doubt could mean the end of me and the chance of the world. I knew that I was just a lone female in the times of males. I also knew that I would have to fight my greatest demons which was myself. I worried the most of my lost time for how could I prepare myself against any demons that I didn't remember? I knew that no matter the odds I had no choice I was chosen, my destiny was laid before me and I could not change it. So with confusion and doubts I saw the night begin to fall. When the darkness fell I once again heard the Phoenix' song and with it all my fears began to abate. For some reason I knew that all would be ok. That somehow, someway I would find the strength to win.

That night I had many dreams of unrest. I dreamt of pain, torment, and death. I saw unicorns brought by the millions beheaded for their horns of gold. I dreamt of the forests becoming cities of steel that reached to the heavens. Along with these dreams of horror I dreamt of the greenest meadows, songs so sweet, and skies bluer than any I had ever seen. I dreamt of love so pure that it made my heart ache to feel such a love. I dreamt of children laughing without a care. I saw families celebrating with great joy in their hearts. Needless to say with such dreams I slept late into the morn. When I awoke the sun was almost at half. I knew that soon my journey would begin. Yet strangely I felt no fear, this day it was as I learnt something in my dreams which I couldn't remember. The story of my life. I decided that the dreams were meant to tell me what would happen if I did continue with my destiny and what would occur if I did not. In my heart I knew that soon the world would be different. I only hoped it would be for the better.

After fasting yesterday I knew today I must feast of the herbs and fowl. For today I must have all my strength. As I went into the kitchen I smelled a familiar scent, one I could not quite place. From the corner of my eye I saw a fairy dash away. I wondered what was that scent, but as my stomach began to rumble the thought quickly disappeared. I feasted on hazelnut pudding and stuffed fowl. I drank heartily of the milk of the unicorns. I ate as though I had never eaten before. With each bite I felt a strength growing beyond that of regular eating. It was almost as though I was eating of some strange power or magic food that held strength and knowledge. After eating my fill I went out to practice some of the magic I would be needing and today I seemed not to have the same troubles I usually did. The spell of enchanting worked so quickly I had a cougar eating right out of my hand. Then I went to the village to see if the magic of appearing as a man might work. It did, and with such ease I transformed myself into a man. This surprised me for this was one of the spells I had the hardest time with. The transformation was so complete that I was even allowed in the room that only the manliest of men were allowed.

In that room I did learn that The Evil One had closed his castle to all he did not know. Rumors were that he was afraid of something, but that was just a rumor. I also heard that men of all status were being offered a reward of a lifetime if they could find the one the seer spoke of. See there was this seer who once all the people would travel miles to see and she was always right. When the wars came she turned to The Evil One and offered her services to him and him alone if he would spare her home and her family. He being no fool accepted her offer but as soon as he had her in his grips he ordered for her entire legacy to be put to death. When this was carried out he brought to her the head of her son telling her that if she did not obey him that all of her children to come would meet this same fate. Her being a weak woman has chosen to serve him all these years. Well, the rumors I heard in that dark back room that night amazed me. What the seer had told The Evil One was that a young female who was raised by the mystical creatures of the forest would mean the death of him if ever she gained access to him. Also I heard that The Evil One laughed at such a claim, but that didn't stop him from locking his doors at night. Also rumored was if any man brought this so called female child raised by creatures to his castle all the riches in the world would be theirs. Yet most did not believe in his promise so only the truly wicked and desperate were entertaining the idea of capturing this woman.

With this new knowledge instead of the fear one would expect to fall over me I felt a calming peace throughout my body. I knew now that I was truly the one and if I did die then that was what was to be. With only a few hours before I had to go I said my goodbyes with some lame excuse that some maiden asked me to come to her home after her father was asleep. This was met with good natured laughs and digs of good wishes. Some even saying that they hoped that her father did not awake for I would be truly missed. With all the seriousness I could muster I said I too would hate for the father to awake and that I would be back soon. To me it was so funny that to leave as a man without suspicion all you had to do was mention a maiden and OK we understand. If only they knew. Slowly I walked home to look around at my family's home vowing that when I return all would be back to the time before the time of the wars.

As the hour grew closer I saw the very unicorn that of the day my family was killed appear. "My little one how you have grown. I see that you were shown the ways. Remember my cherished one that all the answers you need are within you. Never doubt your strength for you have more strength than you know." she so sweetly said. "Tonight you will feel an emotion that has no explanation. It will be your inner light. Follow your heart, never doubt what it tells you to do. For following your heart is how you can win." Before I could ask any questions she was gone. When will I ever know these answers they all speak of, I was wondering. Now the time was here. Time to go meet my fate. Never in such an unsure situation had I felt as though I knew what to do

I carefully checked all my weapons and supplies before I started out. I double checked my herbs and potions to make sure I didn't forget any for the spells I might be needing. As I headed out I stopped, not sure which way to head. I supposed that I should go towards The Evil One's castle for there is where the one lay that I must slay. I headed eastward following the stars. I was humming a tune to myself when I felt eyes upon me. I turned around yet I did not see anyone. I dismissed it as jitters. I mean I was a lone female barely 25 on a mission that truly seemed foolish.
As I was thinking of the dangers that lay ahead, softly at first, I heard the Phoenix song. So sweet and soothing I felt a pull towards the song. Fearing that I might be being tricked by a siren I removed the amulet from my pack and gently placed it around my waist. This was an amulet that protects one's ears from the dangerous siren songs. Yet I still heard the song and remembering the unicorn's advice of following my heart I decided to continue in the direction of the Phoenix.
I followed my ears for hours, then at daybreak I saw a house. Just a simple little house. One that looked so inviting, warm and cozy. I knew I couldn't afford to dally so I just kept following the music. Funny thing was that the music led me right to the house and there it stopped. I looked gingerly into a window and there was an elderly woman. To my delight it was my grandmother, the very one I was so sure had been killed by The Evil Ones. I knocked on her door with butterflies in my stomach, hoping she'd know it was me. She slowly walked to the door and opened it wide with such strength it belied her age. "Grandmother it is me Qweenity, your granddaughter." I exclaimed. "I have no granddaughter, she was taken away 20 years ago. I never saw her again. Who are you to try to trick an old lady?!" she said with contempt. "It is me grandma. It truly is me. Remember, you used to teach me spells of old and I was the worst pupil?" tears threatening to fall. "If it truly is you Qweenity where is my precious gift? For only she would have such a prize" Grandmother replied. With that I reached beneath my shirk and pulled out her paring knife, the same one I felt so compelled to bring. "Oh my darling one it is you! Come and sit. Let me go and get you some nourishment." she said with love so evident in her heart.

My grandmother looking as she did before. Silently I offered my thanks to the Phoenix that led me here. "My sweet granddaughter you must tell me what has happened to you. How you found me. Where you have been why you didn't come when I called you when The Evil Ones left. Who took you in ? How did you not die that day?" my grandmother asked in that ever so strong voice of hers. Oh how I had missed that voice, so forceful yet so loving. "Grandma I cannot tell you much." Then I went on to tell her of the unicorn and the cave. Of how I couldn't remember ten years that it was as I was in a deep sleep. I told her of how without any recollection on my part how I knew how to fight with all the weapons of men. "My little lost one. Don't you fret soon you will have all the answers that have plagued you all these days. But first I am sure you are famished. Please eat I picked them with my own hand and sweetened them with honey just as you love them." Grandma said . With that she held out a bowl of strawberries. So red and ripe, looking so good. I reached out and took the fattest one I could see. Honey was dripping off of it just like I loved them. I couldn't remember the last time I had eaten a strawberry soaked in honey.

Slowly I took a bite savoring the flavor. As soon as I took the bite my head began to swim. The walls began to fade to black. "What have you done to me grandmother. I am sorry I wasn't there for you, I thought certainly that you died that day. " I screamed with disappointment. Then I fell into a deep sleep. When I awoke my grandmother was standing over me. "My darling how are you feeling? Do you remember anything?" With those word suddenly in a wave I remembered everything. I remembered the gnome teaching me the proper way to hold a sword. I remember the fairies spending endless hours with me teaching magic. As I looked back to my grandmother I saw her change into Maxie, the fairy that told me to rest so many years ago. "Sweetness you have passed your last and final test. You followed your heart and when you saw your grandmother you believed that it was she for your heart told you it was so. Many things we taught you for we knew as your father knew that you were the one. Your life was set for you. Always you were special you could always hear the Phoenix. You could always charm the most timid of unicorns. Never did fairies run in fear of you. " Maxie said "Why would you portray yourself as my grandmother, that was so cruel. To make me feel as though I wasn't alone in the world. How could you do such a thing to me?" I yelled in pain. "You still don't quite understand. Let me explain. You are my granddaughter and I your grandmother. I have always been Maxie. Yet I had to hide my true identity for always I knew that the day would come when you would have to defend our way of life. I never meant to deceive you my love. Did you not ever wonder why you could speak with all the creatures of the forest?"Maxie/Grandmother(?) tried to explain. "My father taught me the languages of the creature. That is how i knew how to speak to the creatures." I replied with more than a little anger "No my sweet. Your father only taught you the language of the unicorns the rest you knew. Think back to the times your father taught you the language." Maxie said

At those words it all became clear to me. My father did teach me the language of the unicorns yet I remember now that I knew them when he was talking to them before. I knew now that he never did speak to the Pegasus or Phoenix. Yet I always knew what they were saying. Now I understood I was not just a human. I was one of a kind. I was the combination of the humans and the fairies. It was always prophetic that one such would come to save the world of man and mystical creatures alike. Everything came back to me. I remembered all. I remembered going back to where my mother and father laid in their death and burying them. I remember all the creatures coming and weeping at their death. All the spells that my grandmother had taught me came rushing back. There was so much my head swam with the memories. "Oh my grandmother please forgive me for disbelieving you." With that I placed my arms around her. I hugged her till I thought she would surely break. I cried tears of relief and anguish. For now I knew that it was all true. That my fate had indeed been sealed at my birth. I knew that I must save them all, for if I didn't no one else could.

"Rest now, for tomorrow will be the longest day of your life." my grandmother, the fairy said. As I gave her the look of oh no not the deep sleep again she laughed. What music it was to my ears. "No silly little one. This will not be the deep sleep as you liked to call it. This will be just a sleep for rest of body and soul. Never again will you have that deep sleep for now is your time." Grandma said with laughter. I now knew that all was well with the world. For no matter what happens I no longer had empty time in my head. I would always know that the tales of old were indeed true. I could only do my best and from all the memories my best was good. Very good indeed. No wonder I had such a hard time with my spells. Most that I had learned were hidden from me, but now that has all changed. As I looked out the single pane windows I saw to my amazement that the sun was again at half. Was there some reason that for the past two days I saw the sun as it reached half? I told myself to remember this for it might be the key to save all. As I fell into a deep restful sleep I thought to myself I would never quit I must see this mission to the end no matter the outcome. With a smile upon my lips I slept.

Once again the old man appeared in my dreams. He was smiling widely nodding his head in approval. "Yes you will do fine. All of the secrets of the world have been given to you. You must remember to never doubt yourself. If you can do that you will be victorious. Yes my special one you must attack The Evil One at mid-day when the sun is half. He cannot stand the brightness of the sun. With the sun on your side he will be weakened, he will not be able to call his minions. With only you and him you shall win." the old man said to me. "Also keep the spell of enchantment close. For you will need it to bypass his followers. He is in fear, do not think he isn't weak. He is a very weak man he only has such strength for others in their fear gives it to him. Watch for the seer she is the clue to all his answers. For without her he would never have known of the many that came to kill him. She is a weak woman yet she has a repayment to give to him. Show her that you can do the magic of the fairies. When she sees that you can indeed fight him she will no longer warn him. As she sees that you can do the magic give her a single mustard seed and tell her to sleep with it beneath her pillow under a full moon. Let her know that this will bring her many sons and one daughter to care for her broken heart. Let her know that this spell is from the greatest wizard of all times. She will know who I am. Also let her know that this spell will only work once The Evil One is dead. Be kind to her for she has many regrets and cannot forgive herself. Let her know that I forgive her and always I shall love her." he slowly faded as the last words were spoken. I never again saw the old man, not in life nor dreams.

After the visions I dreamt of only beauty and peace. It was as though I was being allowed a short respite from all the pain I had experienced. The song of the Phoenix awoke me. The song was so sweet and sad. I wonder if the Phoenix would ever again sing with joy in their voices. As I opened my heavy lids I saw my grandmother sitting in the old rocking chair at the foot of my bed. "Oh Grandmother why do you look so sad?" "My child I am not sad I am so full of pride. You have done so well. I wanted to let you know that no matter what I will always be proud of you. My heart beats for the love of you. I am so sorry I could not let you know all before. I know it caused you much pain but it was the way it was written. I can see the green grass of home. Even now it grows greener, all of nature is rejoicing for you. Know in your heart that never are you alone. In your worst time of despair we will be right next to your side. Yet this is a journey you must complete on your own. Do not fret for I know you will do the right thing. Your heart is pure and we have taught you all we know. Rise now for soon you must get going for the time is running short. I know it seems as though it is the darkest of night yet the days and nights are not as before. You must eat and go forth." Grandmother said with such tenderness. "Grandmother I saw an old man in my dreams I have seen him before. Do you know who he is? Is he a vision of truth or is it just my own mind playing tricks?" I asked timidly. "Never doubt your heart my small one. Does not your heart give you the answer to this question you ask of me?" Grandmother replied in lightning speed.

As I reached into my heart I knew that the old man was a vision. That he was an old and wise wizard. I knew he was the strongest of all the spell weavers. With the opening of my heart I knew a peace fall over me. I now knew that I could win. If only I would believe in myself and that was becoming such an easy task.

I ate of fruits and berries, never did they taste so sweet. I dressed taking extra care of the spell of enchantment. Then I went out to my Grandmother's garden to seek the mustard seed. There alone with no surrounding vegetation I saw the single mustard seed and I knew this was the one. I took also from my grandmother's garden some sweet smelling flowers. For I always wanted to remember the scents of my grandmother. I knew in my heart that this would be the last time I would ever see her in this world. With such knowledge I felt as though I should have sadness yet it was quite the opposite, I felt joy for her. I knew that she would be going to her home. Where the grass was always green and the sun always warm. I wish her only a safe and quick journey. I felt eyes upon me once again. As I looked I saw my grandmother but she was in the form of Maxie the fairy. "My sweetest love I must go soon. I hear the song beckoning to me. Before I go I must give you this charm. I know it seems as nothing but it has the power to make whoever looks, see into the sight of their soul. This is the last defense I give to you. You must get The Evil One to look into this mirror. It seems as though it will be a hard task. But remember that he is vain and hungry for power. If you remember this you will know what to do to get him to look into it. Once he does you must leave quickly. Do not pay attention to any noises you may hear nor stop at any of the sights you might see. When you have done all that you must then leave his castle. If the castle falls you have saved all mankind and all that is special in the world. Now my sweet granddaughter I must go soon. But please do not cry for...." grandmother was saying as I gently interrupted her. "I know grandmother you must go home now. I know there is no reason for me to cry for at home you will be truly happy. I know that you waited here all these years to help me. I thank you my dearest grandmother. I have only two requests before you go. One please tell Mother and Father that forever will they be dear in my heart and second a hug for I can always remember the feel of your loving arms. After that I will go and meet my destiny." Grandmother looked at me with such pride and said in the softest of tones "Your parents know you love them and I will tell them." With that she hugged me and then she slowly pulled away. I started on my way and as I heard the songs of all the creatures in the woods I just had to look. When I turned around I saw such a beautiful light so full of love it had. I felt joy in my heart to know that soon my grandmother would be home. I began to slowly walk away not knowing what laid before me. I heard the songs grow louder then I felt the warmth of the sun. With the warmth of the sun I knew that my grandmother's journey home was almost complete. I turned and looked one last time.

(sorry it's so long. It's start of a story and I have found myself completely stuck for next chapter, all and any feed back would be great and I know I need to proof read this too any help is welcomed)

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