The morning sun had been up for quite some time, now. Empress Sadie was later than usual rising for her morning breakfast. She was just snuggy in her bed happily remembering all the wonder happenings of the day before. Just as she was thinking about getting out of bed, she heard a knock on the door. "Come in," she calls out. The door opened as Periwinkle quickly sped into the room. "Periwinkle, what's wrong. You look terribly upset!" "Oh, yes, I truly am. I just received word that King Fernwood can not find his amulet. This is a terrible day. All the fairies have all been looking for hours. It was Ruth who suggested that you might help. We do need your help. There is no time to loose!" "Oh, this is terrible," exclaimed Sadie. I will dress and send for Emperor Harwell. We will meet you and Ruth and the little piglet, Loolie, at the Grand Table in fifteen minutes. Periwinkle curtsied and hurried left to find Ruth, as Empress Sadie rose to get dressed.
By the time the threesome arrived at the Grand Table, they were surprised to see Sadie and Harwell approaching from the opposite direction. Sadie did not have her usual cheery smile and Harwell was almost frowning. Harwell said in his usual stately manner. "Periwinkle, Empress Sadie has told me all about King Fernwood's amulet being lost. I know that in the fairy township the amulet is highly treasured. It is passed down from one fairy king to the next. Great power is stored in its emerald. At King Fernwood's coronation the secret of the stone was passed on to him. He must find it!" "What can we do to help?" ,asked Ruth. "You and Loolie should go with Periwinkle to King Fernwood's court," answered Sadie, "perhaps when you hear how this all came about, you can help the fairies find the amulet." Ruth bowed to the royal couple and prepared herself for the journey to the Fairy Court. Loolie was thrilled beyond belief to be included in the adventure. Being only a little piglet she had no idea what could lie ahead.
Ruth, Loolie, and Periwinkle waved good bye to Emperor Harwell and Empress Sadie and headed north on the path leading out of the village. They passed the well-groomed vegetable gardens. Each row was perfect. All kinds of vegetables were growing in the Pots' gardens. There were rows of yellow corn, white beans, black eyed peas, green okra, yellow squash, red tomatoes, and purple eggplant. In among the rows, there were brightly dressed Pots taking care of their portion of the garden. Each Pot's apron was exactly the color of the vegetable she or he tended. Soon Ruth, Loolie, and Periwinkle arrived at a bridge that crossed a river. The river was so clean and clear that Loolie could see the different colored rocks lining the river's bottom. Along the river's edge Loolie saw small fairies dressed in blue. "Look," said Loolie, "those fairies are polishing the river's rocks!" "They are the river fairies. Their task is to keep the river's bottom clean and neat," responded Periwinkle, "The white fairies over there are keeping the water sparkling clear. We help others keep their waters clear, too. We have been doing this for years and years. Unfortunately, sometimes pollution has made us give up this task. It becomes just to much for us. But, we hope to go back someday. The wonderful thing is that if the inhabitants start the clean up of their waters, then we, fairies, can help them keep it that way."
Crossing the bridge, they took the path to the right. It didn't take long to reached the Enchanted Forest. Even Loolie knew it was enchanted because it had shiny green lights twinkling in the tree branches. "Those lights remind me of Christmas lights." "The only difference is that they move from branch to branch," said Ruth. "There is another difference, too," responded Periwinkle. "They are the tree fairies. If you look very closely you can see they are checking each and every leaf. It is their task to make sure the trees stay healthy. Trees are very important to all of nature. They are houses for birds and squirrels. Their wide branches offer shelter to all of the forest animals. They also provide food for some of the animals of the forest to eat. And the most important task for trees is they help make air for all of us to breathe. We fairies try never to cut down any more trees than is absolutely necessary. Without trees we all would be in terrible trouble."
Ruth, Loolie and Periwinkle followed the path east until they came to a most amazing sight. Nestled in a clearing among the trees was a little town. It shimmered and glistened in the afternoon sun. The town reminded Ruth of a box of beautiful emeralds, rubies, diamonds, sapphires, amethysts, and pearls. At the end of the path was the palace of King Fernwood and Queen Lily. "I don't think I have ever seen anything so beautiful," said Ruth as they three came to the gate of the palace.. "They look so worried." "I have ever seen them look like this, Your majesties," said Periwinkle as she and Ruth gracefully curtsied before the royal couple. Loolie immediately curtsied too. "Rise up and be seen," commanded King Fernwood. As he turned to face Ruth and Loolie, he continued, "We are most appreciative that you have come to our aide. We have looked and looked for the amulet, but alas, to no avail. We must find it, or our kingdom will suffer greatly. The Wisdom of the Ages is trapped inside the emerald. Without the amulet our fairies will not remember what their task is each day. This would be terrible because each fairy helps keep our world in order. The river fairies would let the rivers grow dirty. The tree fairies would let our trees become sick and die. The woodland fairies would not check to make sure all of our forest animals have enough to eat. The garden fairies would not be able to help the Pots tend their gardens and orchards, so the Pots would go hungry, too. The gray would descend and the light would go out of our world. I am at my wits end as to where the amulet might be."
Ruth asked, "When was the last time you saw the amulet? Maybe if you start at the beginning, we might be able to figure out what happened to it." "The beautiful Pot speaks wisely, Sire," responded Queen Lily, "King Fernwood and I went to bed as usual about two hours after the evening star rose into the night sky." "Yes, we did," agreed King Fernwood. "I removed the amulet, as I always do, and placed it on the crystal night table. We settled ourselves for what we expected to be a comfortable nights sleep. All was well until just before dawn. Suddenly, we were awakened by a crash. The crystal table had been knocked over and the amulet was no where to be found. Queen Lily and I looked very carefully for well over an hour. When we were unable to locate the amulet, we called in the palace guard. They searched and searched, but to no avail. The whole kingdom has been looking for hours now. We even enlisted the aid of the Pots. The day is half over and no one has even come close to locating the amulet. We have to find it by nightfall, or tomorrow the fairies will all awaken not knowing what their daily task should be." "Sire, there is one more thing to tell," reminded Queen Lily. "Oh, yes to be sure. Recently we have seen The Creatures Who Like to Eat Pigs lurking near the forest's edge. Normally they stay hidden in the deepest part of their forest." "Do you think they could have something to do with the amulet being gone?" asked Ruth. "I guess it is possible. They are often looking for a means to become more powerful. I suppose they could believe they would be able to perform some evil magic, if they are in possession of the amulet. Fortunately, this is not the case. The power of the emerald can only be brought forth by the King of the Fairies. Only I know the secret of the stone. No other creature can tap into the Wisdom of the Ages," responded King Fernwood. "That's great! At least we don't have to worry about that, just finding the amulet before the sun sets. Periwinkle can you show us where the Creatures live?" asked Ruth. "I would be most happy to. Perhaps it would be better if we two go alone. Loolie would be in great peril should we happen upon the Creatures Who Like to Eat Pigs," replied Periwinkle. "Oh, no! You must take me. My great speed could help you," begged Loolie. Both Ruth and Periwinkle looked at each other and smiled. They knew that a great deal was riding on the three of them. Since they didn't know what would be needed when they reached the den of the Creatures, Loolie most certainly could help. At exactly the same moment Ruth and Periwinkle nodded their approval. Loolie beamed with joy. She knew that not many creatures can run as fast as a baby piglet..
A wee fairy, and two Pots started their journey west. Soon they reached the river bridge. This time they did not cross back to the Village of the Pots, but continued west along the river's edge. It wasn't not long before they came to a new path heading north into the densest part of the forest. Looking at each other and with a slight shudder, they slowly edged their way into the darkness of the trees. The sounds of the forest changed immediately. Instead of birds singing, an eerie silence surrounded them. The only sounds they heard were the moaning of branches as the wind blew over the tree tops. No one had to tell them to be quiet. It came naturally. It wasn't long before they heard a low, bone chilling growl. They knew they were close to the den of the Creatures Who Like to Eat Pigs. Periwinkle whispered, "Because I am so small, I should go into the den. I can listen to their conversation and perhaps discover if they have the amulet." "Yea, that's a good idea. Ruth and I'll wait here in these bushes. Don't be gone long, OK?" Loolie said with a slight tremble. "I will try to take as short a time as possible," responded Periwinkle as she hurried off in the direction of the growl.
In minutes Periwinkle was right outside the Creature's den. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a sapphire necklace and placed it around her neck. Instantly Periwinkle became invisible. She went into the den and sat down on small ledge just above the doorway. No one was there but one baby Creature who was asleep on fresh leaves. Periwinkle decided to wait, knowing it wouldn't be long before the others came home. Soon she heard the Creatures' deep growling. This time it was much louder and much closer. The Creatures were coming home! When their dark bodies entered the den, they all stopped and lifted their noses in the air. They began to sniff. Periwinkle remained quiet. She hoped she was high enough so the Creatures wouldn't smell her. "Grrrr, I thought I smelled something fresh and pleasant, but I don't see anything," said the leader of the Creatures as he shrugged his shoulders, "We have had good hunting today. Our baby will have her share of food tonight. It must be the luck of the amulet. I, Pumice, leader of the Creatures Who Like to Eat Pigs, am very smart to have stolen the green stone. We will have good hunting from now on. After I learn the stone's magic we can return to the Village of the Pots and feast on our favorite supper, potbellied pigs!" Pumice flung the meat into the center ring. When the meat hit the ground, all the Creatures leapt forward and began to devour their supper. Periwinkle was beginning to feel sick from the sight, when she spied the amulet. There it was, dangling from Pumice's claws. Even in the darkness Periwinkle could tell that Pumice was sneering as he gazed into the green of the stone. Just then, one of the Creatures flew into a rage, snarling and spitting. After placing the amulet under a large rock, a deep dark growl came from the inner most parts of Pumice's stomach. He jumped onto the raging Creature's back. All eyes were on the fray. Periwinkle saw her chance. She went quickly to the rock and with all her might tried to lift it. The rock wouldn't budge. When she realized she was just too small to move the rock, Periwinkle immediately left the den, took off her necklace and hurried back to Ruth and Loolie.
"Did you find it?" asked Loolie. "The Creatures have the amulet!" whispered Periwinkle, "Pumice, their leader, has placed it under a large rock in their den. I am too small to lift the rock and get the amulet." The three looked at each other and began to think. Soon, Loolie suggested, "I could make enough noise for the Creatures to hear me, so they would come out of their den. Ruth could sneak in and lift the rock. Periwinkle could get the amulet. I will be very careful. We piglets are extremely fast and smart, you know. The Creatures will never catch me!" "That sounds like a great plan!. We could all meet back here!" said Ruth. Leading the way, Loolie stood about twenty feet from the entrance to the den and began to squeal. She squealed and squealed and squealed. It didn't take long for the Creatures to come running. They were foaming at their ugly mouths. Their red eyes gleamed in the darkness of their forest. They were moving fast because they love to eat pigs, especially the young tender ones!. When Loolie saw them, she ran as fast as she could towards the path leading south to the river. Fortunately, because she was so fast, she was far ahead of the Creatures. At the same time Ruth and Periwinkle hurried to the entrance of the den. They stopped short just to make certain that all the Creatures had run after Loolie. Slowly, they entered the den. Lying by the back wall was the baby Creature fast asleep. Ruth and Periwinkle edged their way forward until they reached the large rock. Periwinkle pointed down. Ruth carefully lifted the rock just enough for Periwinkle to reach in and pull out the amulet. At the same time Ruth lowered the rock back into position, the baby Creature rolled over and softly growled. Ruth and Periwinkle froze. After they made sure the baby Creature was still asleep, they slowly and quietly crept out of the den. They heard Pumice yelling, "You stupid Creatures, how could you let her get away. She is just a little Pot, but she would have been delicious as a midnight snack!"
Loolie was waiting at the bushes when Ruth and Periwinkle arrived. The three hugged each other and jumped up and down for joy. As they turned to head back to the river, they heard an ear piercing scream. It was Pumice! "He must have found out the amulet is gone," said Ruth, "We've got to hurry before they find us." So, the threesome ran as fast as they could, until they were again at the edge of the Enchanted Forest.
King Fernwood, Queen Lily and all the other fairies were gathered in and around the trees. Seeing Loolie, Ruth and Periwinkle moving quickly up the path, they all came out to meet them. Periwinkle was the first to speak, "Sire, we have found your amulet. Here, place it around your neck where it belongs." King Fernwood took the amulet from Periwinkle. "You three are heroines of our times. We will write songs of your great deed. Because you returned the amulet, we can continue to care for our waters and animals and growing things. You have saved the Wisdom of the Ages. For this we are most grateful." Waving to the happy fairies, Loolie, Ruth, and Periwinkle felt nothing but pride and satisfaction.
After a brief farewell to King Fernwood and Queen Lily, the three started back to the Village of the Pots. Surrounded by all of the Pots, Emperor Harwell and Empress Sadie were waiting at the Grand Table. Sadie took Loolie, Ruth, and Periwinkle into her warm friendly arms. With a sunny smile, she acknowledged, "You three have saved us all. Your great courage has put everything back in order. You have given us the opportunity to take care of all of nature. By using our resources wisely and with the aide of the fairies, we can continue to live well with excellent gardens and orchards and clean water and air. This is a most special day." Emperor Harwell proclaimed, "This day shall be remembered as the Day of Freshness and Light. To celebrate this day, I present to each of you, Ruth, Loolie, and Periwinkle, these Golden Apples. This is the highest award of our Empire. Periwinkle when you return to your fairy home, please tell King Fernwood and Queen Lily how very proud we Pots are to have helped you find the amulet. This is truly a great day for all of us!" Periwinkle curtsied to Sadie and Harwell. Then turning to Ruth and Loolie she said, "Thank you for all your help and I will see you again soon." As Periwinkle waved good bye and turned towards home, a great cheer went up from all the Pots!
Copyright © 1996. Kathleen Myers. All rights reserved worldwide
