The Fairy Diary Day 662 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We are finally down from Gilgorgon’s mountain. We were held up unexpectedly by a breakdown of one of wagon’s wheels. It was necessary to remove the bell while it was worked on. Noralei with the help of Rugis and Strukul repaired it in a very short time. 

I have noted a change in demeanor in the pair. So perhaps Merlin is right that they are no longer a threat. At the same time it makes me wonder if their recent demeanor was their own or the result of influence from her former majesty – who now, I believe, has given up hope along those lines. 

I admit I am still wary. And will be, until we leave them behind at the next border. 

Merlin entered the Caretaker’s cage to check on his complaints about injuries he sustained in the bumpy ride down the mountain. According to the wizard it was all a ruse in order to speak to him out of earshot of her former majesty. The renegade fairy is fearful for his future as we grow increasingly closer to the Faerie Kingdom. Merlin told him that he is not the one to speak to on such matters, and that he must wait until he can speak to Tinadell or those in his government. 

How I long for this trip to be over. 

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The Fairy Diary Day 661 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

We all were elated by the good news. Not having to be over watchful sped us along at a swifter pace. Still, we sent Dunfallon up on Cluyjil. We trusted that if there were any problems left out there he would spot them. 

I caught Merlin for a talk about Clemjil. I explained that our dragonling is showing signs of maturing and wondered if he could procure an igniter stone for him. Then, from his voluminous robe the wizard withdrew a gleaming red stone. 

With a twinkle in his eye, he said, “This should do quite nicely. But…” He paused, then added, “…I believe we will defer to Gibley in this matter. And if you agree, we will wait on his timing – when we are together once again.”

I did agree. 

Then Merlin did something he has never done before. He removed his outer robe and surrounded us in its tent like folds. He said what he had to tell me needed to be in private. In his recent interaction with the Frost Fairies they told him that they were waiting for two dwarves that had promised to deliver to them an unbeatable weapon. I knew without speaking it outloud that he meant (and they meant) the current leaders of our dwarfish escort – Rugis and Strukul.

The wizard continued by pointing out that we should not have to do a thing about them, as it is clear the reason for them to steal the bell had been removed. 

We parted and upon laying eyes on the two dwarves again, I vowed to stay alert.

The Fairy Diary Day 660 #TFDbyRWOz2

Meribabell writes:

Merlin left before we even arose this morning. He left word through Gilgorgon that we should follow as soon as we were prepared. Knowing we wanted to be on our way as soon as possible, the dwarf king kept the parting ceremony brief but meaningful. As always he looks forward to our paths crossing again.

Dunfallon and Noralei switched places once more. The pixie took Cluyjil up hopefully to be on hand for the wizard, if necessary. And Clemjil for the first time, accompanied them. Noralei harnessed Rayjil once again to the wagon. And as in the past Rumble and I walked along on either side with Dunfallon’s “army,” keeping pace. They looked fit and shiny… and deadly.

The dwarves with us on the way up the mountain have been assigned also to accompany us down this side. With one difference – Herblas has remained behind, there being too much for him to do to get away – and in his place of leadership are two dwarves, Rugis and Strukul. Rumble recogized them as the two dwarves he thought had an unhealthy interest in the Crack of Doom. I must say that I have never seen a more shifty-eyed pair.

Our prisoners were ensconced in their normal spots. Her former majesty was uncharacteristically quiet in her cage. Instead, the Caretaker, who has hardly uttered two words together, complained about every bump on the road that we encountered. I do believe that on one stretch before a switchback, Noralei intentionally hit every rock and pothole on the roadway.

As the shadow of the mountain behind us began to lengthen, the other two dragons showed up. Dunfallon was on Clemjil and Merlin on Cluyjil. They brought exciting news with them. The way ahead is now clear of living obstacles. Merlin had encountered the Frost Fairies waiting in ambush on this side, and successfully convinced them to return to their home in the north under their new commander Tublain.