The Amazing Land Of Fae Book 3 The Weather Orb Prolog Things were all peaceful in the Land Of Fae. Alexa helped Diego to find a new home that happened to be just a few houses from her's. Tempressa was enjoying her new life and making friends and even putting on ice shows for the children in the North Town. Alieta sent out messengers to Alexa to keep her updated about events in Fae Land and told her that Oaklyn was pregnant and how both of them were very excited to know that they were going to be proud parents of a baby centaur. Ktara was doing great and had Alexa over to cook her a great meal in her big kitchen that turned out perfect and Diego was very impressed with her cooking skills. Titus and Paisley announced that they were now engaged and hoped that one day Alieta would marry them but they were not ready yet to take the big step. Alieta told Alexa that Archie and Cinthia were now engaged plus also and living happily together in the big mansion. News came to Alexa that Alieta had taken over the town of Codora, where Hanable used to control and made it part of the Land Of Fae government where no one was ever taxed and people there were happy and prospering plus food was once again plentiful. All was good so what could go wrong in this great Land Of Fae. The thing about tranquility is that it never lasts forever... Chapter One The Weather Storms Diego and Alexa were out in a big field on this nice sunny day. Diego was teaching Alexa how to use a bow and arrow properly. The only thing that he was worried about was that she might become better than him. After he saw her first three shots that all missed the target that was just fifty feet away by a lot, put his mind at ease but he just wondered if she was doing it on purpose. They were getting ready to pack up and go to Alexa's place for some lunch when all of a sudden dark clouds rolled in unnaturally very fast so they decided to pack up faster before it started to rain. They were half way home when lightning started to jump from cloud to cloud. Looks like we are in for a big thunderstorm so we better pick up the pace before we get soaked, said Diego. Just as they reached Alexa's door, the lightning stopped and it started to snow. What is with this? asked Alexa. It has never snowed here before. It is the middle of summer and we are too far south anyways. Just a freak storm I suppose, said Diego. It won't last long. They went inside and Alexa made some lunch as Diego looked out the window and saw it was still snowing but it was not staying on the ground because it was still too warm and melted as soon as it hit the ground. Alexa was wondering what was going on, then there was a knock on the door. Illustration 01 goes here Alexa went and answered the door and saw a very cold looking elf standing there grasping her chest and shivering. Alexa quickly invited her in then asked why she was shivering. It is freezing out there, said the elf. When I left it was nice and warm but soon it got colder and colder plus the snow started and now it is starting to stay on the ground. I only have on my elven top and skirt plus sandals. Diego went outside and saw it was getting very cold and the snow was now staying on the ground as the elf said. This is unnatural, said Diego. Seasons do not change that fast and as you said we are too far south anyways. Rain and thunderstorms yes but snow and cold, never. Illustration 02 goes here It was getting cold inside so Diego put some wood in the fireplace and got it going and Alexa took the elf into the livingroom to warm up and made her some hot chocolate. So I am guessing Alieta sent you here, said Alexa. Yes she needs the team to come to the palace as fast possible, said the elf. No problem, said Alexa. Drink up and I will take you to my room and get you something warmer to wear. Illustration 03 goes here Alexa took the elf upstairs to get her some warm clothes to put on. She had no boots that would fit her but she had an idea. She put several pairs of socks on her feet that will do for the ride back to the palace. Diego had gone back to his place and put on some long underwear and a t-shirt then put his clothes back on. When he returned he saw that they were both dressed warmer and Alexa had her sword in her hand ready to go. Alexa went and got her horse and lifted the elf on behind her. She turned to the elf and said "You are so light, you can not be more than seventy five pounds". Close said the elf, I am seventy two and a half pounds but that is normal for an elf. You lifted me with one hand like I was nothing, there must be lots of power in you cute little body. Alexa smiled a t her. Diego turned and said let's get going and they all headed to Tempressa's house that was not too far away downtown. When they got there, Tempressa was already dressed and ready for battle. I figured something was up so I suited up, said Tempressa. Shouldn't you be wearing something warmer? asked Alexa. Tempressa just laughed and said, silly girl I am the Ice Queen and this is nothing but I did pack a sweater just in case. There must be something wrong with Mother Nature, she would never let anything like this happen. There is a real Mother Nature? asked Alexa. Yep there sure is and I know her well and it was her that named me The Ice Queen, said Tempressa. They left the house and got on their horses and all headed out to get Ktara then Oaklyn and Taiyo. Illustration 04 goes here Chapter 2 Off To The Ice Palace. When they reached Ktara's place she was already dressed in her new battle ready gear. I knew you would be coming with all this weird weather happening and I have been dying to put on this new gear Alieta sent over to me, said Ktara. What do you think? Much better, said Alexa. Now you look like a warrior! Now they headed towards Oaklyln's and Taiyo's place to get them. When there they were also ready just wearing coats but were ready to set off to the palace with them. Now we just need to get Titus and we are all set, said Alexa. Well Paisley too, said Oaklyn. Really, she wants to join the team too? asked Alexa. Oh ya, you should see the moves she can do in battle and is getting pretty good with a sword too, said Taiyo. Wait until you see the outfit she had made for her at the palace. Really, she has battle gear too? asked Ktara. Yep, she looks like a beautiful warrior princess, said Oaklyn. That is is not all looks and is smart as a whip also. Okay so we will be a team of eight now, said Alexa. Lets go get them. When they got to Titus's place the two of them were in the front yard dressed and ready to go but practice fighting together. Hi Titus and Paisley, we are all needed at the palace, said Alexa. We kinda figured that was going to happen said Titus. So Paisley, are you sure you want to join the team? asked Alexa. That is one very hot outfit you have on. Well I designed it myself for the seamstresses at the palace to make for me, said Paisley but where ever Titus goes I go! Okay but things do get very dangerous on our missions, said Alexa. Titus smiled, Paisley's hands and feet are like lethal weapons, watch this. Titus grabbed an apple and tossed it into the air then Paisley jumped up and did a roundhouse smashing the apple into pieces with her boot. Wow! Okay that girl has talent, said Tempressa. Yep I agree, said Ktara. Pretty dangerous and I mean that literally. Okay then welcome to the team, said Alexa. Get your horse and lets go Titus. I have my own horse now, said Paisley, Titus bought me one. Yep got to take care of my girl, said Titus with a smile. Illustration 04a goes here About half way to the palace they saw the two trolls were standing in the open shivering. Then the male troll asked if this was your doing Ice Queen. No, said Tempressa but we are going to see who is responsible. Alexa told them to go home and keep the fire going to stay warm. The two of them disappeared into the woods. They soon arrived at the palace were they were greeted by elves and took their horses to the stalls to stay warm. The elf messenger was then taken to the fireplace to warm up. Inside Alieta greeted them but looked sad and worried. Alexa never saw her look that way before and new that something was very wrong. We are in great need of your team's help, said Alieta. Mother Nature appeared to me and said a wicked warlock had stolen the weather orb that she uses to help her control the weather all over the world. She did not know how he did it because her home was invisible and the orb is protected by an energy shield that only she could turn off. The warlock must have strong powers to be able to break through that energy shield. Why do you think he is doing this, asked Alexa. I am unsure but evil is evil, said Alieta. Man he must be bored or something, said Ktara. Alieta got six elves to size them up and then took off up the stairs. Seeing that this warlock has strong powers you are going to need shields to protect you from his power streams, said Alieta. She sent two elves to the armory then Alieta got some elves to prepare a small lunch for them. Alieta turned to Oaklyn and congratulated her on being pregnant. So are you up to the quest? asked Alieta. Oh ya, I am not even two months along and a centaur takes seven months to give birth, said Oaklyn. You can barely see I am pregnant unlike humans and elves. That is good then, said Alieta. Just be careful. Illustration 05 goes here Just then the two elves returned with the shields and placed them on the table. Awe good, said Alieta, you made excellent choices. Now these eight shields will protect you from anything that is sent at you. They will even protect you from a lightning bolt which is the strongest energy charge known mankind. Leave the shields here and I will have the elves clean and polish them seeing they have not been used in a long time. Go upstairs with this elf to the wardrobe room and pick out a jacket to wear, you are all going to need one especially you Paisley. I see you have joined the team. Oh ya, that girl has skills, said Alexa. They went upstairs and picked out a coat but Alexa was having a hard time finding one small enough for her to wear. Here put this one on, said the elf. Looks way too big for me, said Alexa. Trust me, just put it on, said the elf. Alexa put the coat on and did it up then suddenly it shrunk and fit her perfect. Alexa looked up and said, more magic right? The elf just smiled. They went back downstairs back to Alieta in the dining room where the shields were all cleaned up and ready for them. Now do you have any questions? Not really, just one thing, how do we find Mother Nature, asked Alexa. I told her to go to Tempressa's Ice Palace that is not far from where Mother Nature's place is, said Alieta. She is kinda secretive to where she lives and keeps it hidden from sight. Tempressa will lead you all there. Now it is time for you all to go because it is a long ride to that palace in the north and I am told the snow is getting deeper. With that they all left the palace and the elves had wraps on the horses to help keep them warmer. They all got on their horses and took off following Tempressa to the Ice Palace as fast as the could in the snow that was getting deeper every minute. It started to get slow going as the snow got deeper and deeper and Alexa thought this was going to take forever to get there at this rate. They all looked up and saw two flying objects coming towards them and as they got closer she could see they were green dragons. They all raised their shields except for Tempressa. Don't worry, they are Mother Natures pets, said Tempressa. The two dragons just swooped past them then turned and passed them again. They saw the dragons blowing out large busts of fire at the ground, melting the snow fast to the bare ground. Now this is going to make the trip a lot faster so let's put it in high gear and we should reach the palace by the middle of the night, said Alexa. Just keep back from the dragon breath as much as possible as not to get burnt. The two dragons kept melting the snow in front of the team and after a few more hours it was almost midnight. Illustration 06 goes here Tempressa told them all to stop. Why are we stopping here asked Alexa, I see nothing. Tempressa just smiled and got off her horse and told them to watch. She raised her arms high in the air then yelled out something in an elven language, then the palace started to appear. She then walked up to the palace then spoke again in an elven language then waved her hands in front of her. The two large doors appeared and opened by themseves. Okay, follow me, said Tempressa. The others were in awe and did not know Tempressa was that powerful. That is some powerful magic you have there, said Alexa. No, not my magic, said Tempressa. That is the magic of the palace. When I found this abandon palace, I got Mother Nature to help me figure out what the words said on the wall. It was just in simple elf language. So what did all those words mean? asked Ktara. Just "Palace Appear and Doors Open", said Tempressa. They all followed Tempressa into the palace. So where is Mother Nature asked Alexa. Without answering Tempressa just called out for Mother Nature and she appeared in front of her. Tempressa then turned to Alexa and said, "Here she is". The two of them hugged then Mother Nature turned to the team and welcomed them. Illustration 07 goes here I know all your names but you must be wondering what my name is. Well it is Mother Nature of course, said Alexa. Well yes that is who I am but not my real name but Mother Nature will do and sounds more official, said Mother Nature. Mother Nature then told them the story of how the evil warlock entered her domain some how he tried to kill her but she just kept disappearing. He just gave up and some how opened the orb room door then again was able to turn off the energy field surrounding the orb. I screamed, "What are you doing?" but he just wrapped the orb in a towel then ran out past me and out of my place. I followed him from above, out of sight to see where he was taking the orb. He entered a cabin just east of here where two of my friends live. I hope he did not kill them because they were very nice people. Mother Nature started to cry in front of them and her ice tears hit the ground. She cries ice tears like you Tempressa, said Alexa. Cheer up Mother Nature, we will get it back for you. Yes I was hoping you would say that, said Mother Nature. I know nothing will go wrong with my little sister Tempressa helping you. "Sister!" exclaimed Alexa. You never told us you were Mother Nature's sister. Well you never asked and I figured you wouldn't believe me anyways, said Tempressa. So I hope my two dragon friends did not scare you too much but they are like pets to me and follow my orders to a tee, said Mother Nature. Just at first but they were a great help clearing the way for us, said Alexa.So where is the cabin he went to? Well it is not far from here, just one hour due east, said Mother Nature. His name ia Malak. The name means dark lord master that suits him perfectly. Now it will not be hard to find because I will send one of my pets to melt the snow for you seeing he has enough dragon breath left to get you there. I sent the female dragon back to her cave to recharge for your trip back to Alieta, seeing that females have less fire than males. You will have to travel in single file though and stay back from the flame as to not get burnt. Okay, no problem, said Alexa and don't worry, we will get the orb back for you. So what does it do anyways? well mostly it helps me control the weather all over the world but it also allows me to watch what is happening on the planet surface. It also indicates to me when something bad is happening like tornados and huricanes. It also lets me keep track of my little sister when she is out with you all. I have watched some of your adventures but I especially like the one when your team took down all those body guards and especially how great Alexa was with that sword of her's. Yes she is pretty fast with the sword, said Diego. Yes and I have seen some of your adventures too but no time for that now. My pet Garth is outside waiting for you and he will tell you how to line up. Alexa's eyes opened wide. You mean he talks? asked Alexa. Yes, of couarse, who would want a dragon that can't talk, said Mother Nature. Alexa just shrugged her shoulders and said, I guess so. The team headed outside but not before Mother Nature whispered in Tempressa's ear, "Your friends have many tallents and I am cetain that they will do great plus they are kinda funny too. Humor is good for the soul". They all got outside and met Garth that told them how to line up. The leader first, that will be you Alexa then biggest to smallest. Alexa was amazed at how soft and gentle his voice sounded, she was expecting something much coarser. He told them all to stand back and he took flight then turned and started to create the path to the cabin for then again. They all mounted their horses and started on they're way to the cabin. Illustration 08 goes here Chapter3 The Fight With Malak Soon they reached the cabin that had no snow on it nor did the ground surrounding it even though it was still snowing out a bit. Taiyo stepped forward and called out to Malak to come out. He came out and asked what they wanted. We are here to get the weather orb and bring it back to Mother Nature, said Taiyo. What makes you weak creatures think you can do that? asked Malak. He then blasted a fire ball at Taiyo that crouched down behind his shield. It bounced off and he could barely feel it hit. Malak wondered what kind of magic that was so he sent a lightning charge and the shield did the same thing. He then tried ice bolts and rock arrows and they also had no effect. Malak decided he was no match for the shield so he decided tried something else. Taiyo rejoined the group as Malak raised his hands high in the air and the wind and snow started to speed up and spin all around the team making it hard for them to see what he was doing. Tempressa sent a bolt of ice at him throught the whirlwind tunnel which took him by surprise and knocked him down but he quickly got back up. "Tempressa is that you, sister of Mother Nature?" yelled Malak. Yes it is and you better give up because we are going to get the orb back one way or another, said Tempressa. Ha ha ha! he laughted, how are you going to do that? Then Mother Nature appeared from above and sent out some kind of charge that slowed down the whirlwind until the team could step out of it. Mother Nature disappeared before he could see her. Man I love my big sister, said Tempressa. So do we, said Alexa. Diego started to shoot arrow after arrow at him but all deflected wide him except for one that hit Malak in the leg. He screamed and got even madder. The team started towards Malak with shields raised and saw him wave his hands and all the arrows that Diego sent at him came back at them all which deflected off the shields except for one that hit Alexa in the front of her shoulder as she was looking to see what Malak was doing. Ouch she screamed. I should of known better than to look and see what was happening, she thought. Illustration 09 goes here This made Alexa very very mad and wanted to charge him but Tempressa stopped her and said I will take over now. She dropped her shield and and pointed a finger at him and sent out a continuous stream of ice at him. He countered with a continuous stream of fire. Things were fairly even for a bit so Tempressa raised her other finger and sent two continuous ice streams at him. Malak countered by doing the same. Things were still at a stand off and Tempressa turned to Alexa that was now bleeding out pretty bad. Everyone started moving back like they did with the evil witch, hoping he will follow so they can circle around then get behind him. Tempressa told Taiyo and Oaklyn to circle around and if he gets far enough away then you two get behind him an give one of those kicks that you do. They continued to move back and luckily he followed them. They both circled around him but Taiyo told Oaklyn that he will only be needed to kick him. You stay to the side and distract him some how. She smiled and agreed. Tempressa told Alexa that she can not keep this up for much longer. They continued to move back and the two centaurs circled around him out of sight at first. Alexa could tell Tempressa was weakening but all of a sudden Mother nature appeared behind Tempressa and put both her hands on Tempressa's shoulders. The ice streams doubled in strength and Malak screamed, "Hey that is not fair, two against one". Then Oaklyn moved in closer so he could see her and started to sing loudly a popular nursery song. Then Taiyo knew it was his turn to get behind him quietly. He turned and kicked him square in the back knocking him down. Alexa ran out and stabbed him three times but he was still alive and asked her who are you people? She said we are the heros of Fae Land. She then cut off his head then stuck the sword deep into his fore head. Malak's eyes closed and he was finally dead. Alexa fell to her knees as she used the last bit of strength she had to kill him. Ktara ran to her and carried her to back Diego. My wonderful but silly hero, don,t you die on me, said Diego. I will try not to, said Alexa. Then Mother Nature ran into the house and got the orb. She went to Alexa and froze the deep wound to stop the bleeding. Alexa had lost alot of blood and was fading fast. Then Mother Nature told them to stay put then she disapeared and reappeared in front of Alieta. I have good news and very bad news, said Mother Nature. We got the orb back but Alexa got hurt bad and is dying. Get your doctor here fast. Oh my god, not my Alexa! Then Mother Nature vanished again. Illustration 10 goes here Diego was now crying. Alexa looked at him and said, I guess men can get emotional too. He just smiled and said,"You know I love you don't you". Yes, said Alexa and I love you too. Then her eyes shut and passed out from lose of blood. Mother Nature reappeared and grabbed both of them to teleported back to the palace where the doctor was waiting for them. He got the elves to bring a couple of cots over where he had a IV unit already set up. Mother nature appeared right beside the doctor with the Alexa and Diego and he instructed him to place Alexa on the cot and remove her gloves and shoes. He cut open the cloth on her left arm and took a blood sample then put in in a different glass vial and swished it around abit until it changed colour then smiled. Good a common blood type, said the doctor. He then went to Diego and took a blood sample from him and did the same thing and swished it around and it turned the same colour. It's a match, said the doctor with a smile. He instructed Diego to roll up his sleeve and lay on the other cot quickly. The doctor then put one end of the IV in his arm then draped it over the IV unit, then inserted the other end into Alexa's arm. The doctor instucted Diego to start squeezing his hand over and over again until the blood had filled the bag and reached Alexa. The doctor gave Diego's arm a few hard squeezes to get the blood pumping faster then said now we wait. She is in Gods hands now. Illustration 11 goes here Alieta had finally stopped crying and the doctor went over to her and asked if this was the same Alexa that I have heard so much about going on all those quests? Yes she is the one. Please don't let her die, said Alieta. I did my best, said the doctor. We can not afford to lose this one. Now it is up to her and God. My Alexa is a fighter, said Diego. After about half an hour the blood stopped moving into Alexa's arm so the doctor removed the IV from her arm. He instructed the elves to bring her up stairs on the cot slowly and very carefully and put her in the most comfortable bed you have. That will be mine, said Alieta. The elves carefull brought Alexa upstairs to Alieta's room and carefully placed her on the bed and covered her up to keep her warm. The doctor told them that all we can do is wait. Alieta got some elves to bring in three chairs for the doctor, Diego and herself to sit on. No one is leaving her bedside, said Alieta. Downstairs the others had finally arrived and were told by the elves that no one was allowed upstairs. Only Alieta, Diego and the doctor was allowed in the room. They all looked very worried but one elf told them that the doctor was the best in the land and performed his science on her and has never lost a patient. This helped them to calm down a bit so the elves brought in a bunch of happy food for them but they all said they were not hungry. There was many flavors of ice cream plus danishes and cakes with lots of icing on them. After a while Ktara was watching the ice cream slowly melt like the snow outside. She was eyeing the chocolate ice cream and said what the heck, no need to let it go to waste. She grabed a bowl and a spoon and dug in. Paisley had a thing for cherry cake and grabbed a plate and a fork. They all agreed and started eat their favorite desert. When they were finished they all felt tired but no one wanted to fall asleep. But nature took over and soon they were all sleeping in their chairs. Illustration 12 goes here Chapter 4 The Recovery Back upstairs the doctor kept checking Alexa's blood pressure every fifteen minuites. Hmm, he looked a Diego and said the pressure was slowly rising and that is a very good sign. Yes my Alexa is a very strong fighter, said Diego. We have to wait until the blood presure reaches normal though before we can know for sure she will be fine, said The doctor. Two more hours had passed and the the doctor smiled after checking Alexa's blood presure again. There we go, the blood pressure is normal, said the doctor. That was a very fast recovery. He moved away from the bed and told an elf it is okay to get the others now. When they came into the room Diego asked what is next? Try giving her a kiss lightly on the lips, said the doctor. He did this with no hesitation. Suddenly Alexa's eye lids began to blink then opened wide. He gave her another kiss and this time she kissed back then looked around and saw everyone smiling at her. She turned to Alieta and then the doctor and said thankyou quitely seeing she was still very weak. Now you will have to rest for a few days to let the new blood get used to being in a new body with no side effects, said the doctor. When you are feeling better and can walk easily then give me a call and I will do some final tests on you. You must get some rest now. He turned to Diego and said that you are a very lucky man to have the love of a very pretty and strong girl. Ktara turned to Tempressa and said the kiss woke her up. Just like in a fairy tale. Well there are a lot of pixies around here, said Tempressa. They look like fairies and this is a land of magic. Yes the magic of Fae Land prevailed once again, said Alieta. After the three days had passed, Alexa was feeling much better and the doctor was summond again. He once again checked her blood presure that was still normal. Very good, now I want you to sqeeze my hand with your left hand, said the doctor. Not bad, nice strong grip, he said. Now do the same thing with your right hand but squezze harder. Alexa grabbed his hand and sqeezed it very hard. Okay okay that's enough, my you are a very strong girl, said the doctor as he shook his hand. That is my girl, said Diego. Then he instructed her to raise both arms up in the air try to put your hands together. She did it easily and the doctor told her she had full movement again. Alexa went to Diego and said now that I have your blood in me you have to move in with me. We are connected by blood. Diego agreed with out hesitation. The doctor told her she should be ready to go home in the morning. Illustration 13 goes here Alexa was feeling great again but she did promiss to take it easy for a while. Just no more quests for a bit please, said Alexa. Okay, replied Alieta but you have to promiss to never scare me again like that again. Suddenly Mother Nature appeared and went to Alexa. You are so lucky to have so many friends that love you and I am happy that you are better now, said Mother Nature. I made the weather orb make things perfect for your trip back home and when you get there, you will find a present I left you in your room. Oh my God, I love presents, said Alexa. Mother Nature went over to Tempressa. So little sister I am glad you have found some amazing friends finally and are being alone in that silly palace of yours. I know, I am much happier here but you have to stop being so distant and to come over and visit from time to time, said Tempressa. Here is my address. Oh my sweet sister, I know where you live, don't you think that I have checked up on you from time to time. Maybe one day I will teach you how to use the orb so I can take a holiday some time. That will be awesome, said Tempressa. Kids and their modern language, you got to love them, said Mother Nature. Illustration 14 goes here The team was all ready and Alexa had her battle ready clothes back on. They said their final good byes and went on their way at a slow pace. Again when they were half way home they saw the two trolls but this time they were playing together. When they saw the team approching they walked over to them and smiled. The male troll told them that they gave up charging tolls to pass. No one ever paid anyways. Can we just be friends? Yes,there is always room for more friends in our lives, said Alexa. He walked over to Alexa and handed her a gold coin. What is this for asked Alexa. It is a luck coin and will help you to be lucky when ever you have it on your body, said the troll. Well thankyou sir, I will keep it in my pocket at all times, said Alexa. The troll smiled then went back to his wife and said, did you hear that, she called me sir. No one has ever called me sir before. Then the two of them started playing again and the team continued on their way. When every one was back home Alexa ran upstairs to her room and saw two packages on her bed. She opened the biggest one first and found a beautiful wedding gown in it and shiny white shoes. She opened the other gift and found a perfectly taylored suit for Diego with shiny black shoes. She put them way back in her closet so Diego would not see them. Way to early for these yet, she thought to herself. Diego came over and told her it is a good thing I don't have much furniture but is it okay if we get a new double bed. Alexa smiled and said make it a king size bed because you are my king and always will be. The End Illustration 15 goes here