Stella and the Golden Crystal

Chapter 1

An Ordinary Squirrel

The forest was dark, though the sounds of dawn’s approach stirred throughout the valley. Stella busied herself with her task, feverishly burrowing her small claws through the bed of fragrant pine needles, seeking an overlooked kernel. The sweet heart of the pine cone was her favorite meal, but of late, she had had little time to spare for the necessary search. Her duties as an apprentice to the Queen filled her waking moments, and only in these early hours could she garner a brief reprieve. But, in her mind, it was well worth the shorter night of sleep.

Stella was a squirrel, the small ordinary gray kind, though Stella was smaller than most. Yet, in spite of her size, she knew she was anything but ordinary. Besides having a fiery nature that belied her diminutive stature, she had a knack for seeking out adventure… and a gift for staying out of harm’s way.

But, there is such a thing as tempting fate…

The Magic Forest was a dangerous place for a solitary young squirrel, but the allure of the cool shadows of dawn was too much to resist. Stella relished any chance to escape the rigors of her studies, craving all opportunities to find gaiety and freedom in her highly controlled and serious world.

Her nurse, Maya, had once said, You’re from a long line of gypsies, m’dear. Never forget that. Therein lies a great gift, a gift of courage in the face of adversity, no matter the span of your tail. One day, you will understand.

Stella, being an optimistic youngster, paid little mind to her nurse’s prophetic tirades. There was too much fun to be had in the rare hours between her assigned duties. Still, Maya made it impossible to forget much, like the need to be back to the safety of the castle inside the old tree before the sun rose above Lookout Rock.

A shadow had been growing over the Woodland Realm for years, though its origins were vague and steeped in foggy legends. Only those trained in the complex histories of the forest, or better still, those favored with the Sight, knew from whence this nameless threat came. The Queen, Ariana, was one of the gifted ones. She was old and wise, and though her once beautiful fur had faded somewhat, the power of her presence could not be denied. She came from a distinguished line of royal squirrels, each of whom had been endowed with the great mythical gifts of the forest.

The ability to influence other beings through the control of thought alone was enough to tempt many to strive to learn the skill of Sight. The world pulsed with an energy, a river of power that flowed beneath, through, and around all existence. With carefully perfected skill, one could alter realities and influence beings, honest and otherwise, all of whom rode the tide of life’s force. True, the talent needed tending and training for the subtle nuances to be honed to a useful art, but few realized, or refused to accept, that the gift was bestowed by mere chances of heredity, not strenuous book-learning. Some believed that to possess the gift of Sight was to hold the fate of the Woodland Realm in one’s grasp. Thus, Ariana’s role as Queen was an enviable position.

Stella knew that her life, and the lives of those of the Queen’s other young charges, were tied somehow to the Ones who had come before her, but her memories only hinted at a distant knowledge, long buried beneath a mantle of a childhood cloaked in mystery. Her training with the Queen was an attempt to reforge that link to the past that had been squelched on the horrible day when her beloved parents had met their tragic fates.

Stella was an orphan, one of dozens of youngsters who had been rescued and brought to the safety of the old Palace Tree on the night the Mighty Wind had ripped a destructive path through the Magic Forest. Stella had been just a juvenile, though an image of her parents’ faces stirred in her dreams when her mind was at rest. A vague recollection of an unusually nomadic lifestyle lurked at the corners of Stella’s mind. Her parents had kept company with an odd assortment of creatures, each of whom had been seemingly content to travel along the very fringes of woodland society. All the members of the small band of gypsies had been well-versed in the ways of the forest. Rumors had even surfaced that some among them smelled heavily of the Sight, though the gypsies rarely lingered in one place long enough to warrant a second glance. They stayed out of trouble, and kept to themselves, but they were said to have an uncanny knowledge of the healing powers of the woodland’s abundance of plants and herbs.

Forest dwellers were often in need of a restorative cure, and thus found themselves, secretly, of course, searching out the gypsies for small linen packages of medicines and unguents. But, associating with the unproven talents of the elusive members of the small troupe of healers was frowned upon, so the gypsies were simply tolerated, and were soon forgotten… but not by Stella. She relished the flashes of unexpected memories that surfaced occasionally, and searched among their gossamer fragments for a clue to her connection to the great circle of life in the forest.

Meanwhile, she had to content herself with the fact that her laborious studies would one day serve as a means of repayment to her beloved guardian, the Queen Ariana. Knowledge was the key, Ariana insisted, knowledge of the ways of the Woodland Realm. The ancient scrolls of Saone held much knowledge of the past and of the great riving of the beings of the Magic Forest.

There had been a devastating battle, a battle that threatened to end all the ages. The powers of good had triumphed, but at a tremendous price. The vanquished, a sect of revengeful sprites, had slithered away into the bowels of the mountains, taking with them the greatest treasure of the Woodland Realm, the great Crystal D’Or. These fantastical creatures, small but brutally cunning goblins, had vowed to return, once the secret binding the powers of the Crystal was broken, and those immense powers could be turned against the inhabitants of the Realm, including the descendants of its maker, the great woodland enchantress, Saone.

Some said the legendary storm that had taken so many lives, including those of Stella’s own parents, had been the first hint of what was to come if the resourceful goblins discovered the true depths of the Crystal’s secret. The Mighty Wind had upended the roots of massive trees, centuries old, leaving their noble and ancient limbs strewn throughout the forest like discarded kindling. This had been a taste of the horrors that would be unleashed if the magic of the Crystal became fully functional while in the possession of the goblins and their equally malevolent allies, who had spirited it away so many years before.

As the temperature rose slightly with the first hints of the sun, Stella thought little of this perilous mystery that had hovered over the region for so many years; she only worried whether the sentries would still be snoring in their small gatehouse beneath the old tree. Crunching one last kernel between her teeth, she lifted her nose to the air, and sniffed. A tingle of crisp spring air pinched at her nostrils and her eyes began to water. Rubbing her nose between her paws, she emerged from the deep night shadows and turned toward home.

There was stirring in the brush beside her, and a deep voice muttered, The reckless lass is out again, I see. Should be minding your elders. A small black shrew, his eyes shining brightly, peered out of the sharp branches of a low juniper bush. In my time, there was no disobeying, my dear, none at all. The shrew sighed morosely and blinked his sullen eyes slowly. He was an old fellow, much past the prime of his life, and he had grown bitter and was quick to temper.

Nonetheless, Stella was fond of Beauregard; she knew his words were spoken out of a desire to see the Queen’s pupil safe and sound. I’m headed home now, dear Beauregard. Please, not a word to the Queen. I would not have her disturbed for nothing. Honestly, I was just taking some fresh air. Stella sighed and looked up at the lightening sky. Beauregard grunted doubtfully at her side, but gave no answer. Best of slumbers to you, Beauregard. Stella added, smiling her sweetest smile.

Well, my lass, you just mind yourself, you hear? grumbled Beauregard. There is a darkness stirring that does not come from the lack of a moon to light your path. He ambled ahead of Stella toward the palace gate. Oh, yes, there is much to watch out for.

A cold shiver raced along Stella’s spine, and she shook the morning chills from her thick fur. The unexplained tingle subsided, though a general unease remained to cloud Stella’s otherwise lovely morning of freedom. Grumpy old sod, he is, that’s all. the young squirrel muttered to herself. Best get back in, though. They will be lighting the fires in the Great Hall soon and I will be expected. Stella loped slowly toward the massive tree, now a dark shape looming against the pink sky.

Stella, you know you will be given extra kitchen duties if you are caught out so early! whispered Petra, a young squirrel who was Stella’s bunkmate and closest friend. Why would you want to risk that? Are there any kernels you would find out there sweeter than those from our own stores? Really, Stella, you should think of these things more often. Petra rambled on, shaking her head from side to side as the two friends navigated the crowded passages of the tree’s many intersecting tunnels. Stella no longer heard her friend’s prattling, nor did she care; she had never been one who worried about getting caught.

The Great Hall was already alive with activity. Servants to the Queen scurried to and fro, each absorbed in his or her designated task. Large branches of sweet-smelling spruce were being heaped upon an already smoldering fire, and loud hisses and pops punctuated the murmurs of voices as the flames licked eagerly into the fresh fuel.

The fire pit was a marvel of woodland ingenuity. Lined with many layers of thin shale, it dominated the center of the Great Hall, cleverly sending the long plume of pungent smoke swirling up toward the lofty innards of the old hollow tree trunk. Throughout the trunk were side passages that led into some of the greater traversing branches, which were the living and working quarters of the many residents of the castle. The heat from the fire permeated the entire structure, yet the royal passages were remarkably free of the smoke.

The Great Hall was the warmest part, aside from the Queen’s own private rooms. These spanned a spiral loft that ran the entire ring of the inside of the trunk, directly above the Hall’s main chamber. Only the Queen’s personal attendants were allowed entry, but the rooms were said to be of great comfort and decidedly fit for Her Royal Highness.

Stella gazed up wistfully at the lofty interior of the old tree. The heights of the tree glowed with the first tendrils of daylight, the sun having already warmed the frosty morning air. There were so many corners of her home that she longed to explore, but most levels were off-limits. They were reserved for the Queen’s scholars and the faeries, who had been granted places of honor in the Queen’s court since the days of the Mighty Wind.

It had been the faeries who had saved the offspring of the forest creatures during the big storm, skillfully gathering them up beneath their delicate, but powerful, wings, and carrying them to the safety of the palace. Since the faeries remained out of sight, being solitary and shy creatures, Stella remembered only fragments of these elusive beings, though any memory of their brief presence consisted of wonderment and beauty; the faeries were fabled to be among the most spectacular and revered living things in all of the Magic Forest.

Their healing powers were legendary, and they symbolized the very essence of the magical world of the woodland community. Saone, had been of the faerie race, the most skilled of her kind. Under the enchantress’s dominion, the Magic Forest had experienced its longest era of peace and prosperity since the dawning of the age of the Mystic Ones. But, Saone had feared for the future. Forces of darkness had forever lurked on the very boundaries of their world, eternally searching for points of weakness. To control the powers of Sight, with evil intent, would mean domination over the wayward and trusting minds of the woodland beasts. Often, it had been only Saone’s benevolent power over the realm that protected its numerous inhabitants. Thus, knowing this vulnerability, she had actively worked to ensure the future of her subjects.

The faeries, since the time of Saone, had been generous in the sharing of their gifts for magic, though Saone had believed that a glimpse into the world of enchantments would be permitted only to those who exhibited a talent toward the mystical arts and who, most importantly, proved through trials of character that they were worthy of such a powerful knowledge. Ariana was a descendant of one of the few known Ones who had been endowed with the abilities so revered in Saone, herself.

Stella was in awe of her Queen. Ariana was all-powerful, the strongest of the Ones remaining. The line of Mystic Ones had all but died out; few knew the names of those who still lived, save the handful of faeries residing in the castle as guests of the Queen. The Great Battle had spared no one. The loss of the Crystal D’Or had put a rift in the Great Circle of Life, leaving the legacy of Saone hanging by a thread. Only by the retrieval of the Crystal could balance be restored.

Meant to be a powerful force of nature’s goodness, the Great Crystal D’Or had been lost, hidden away for generations, lorded over and guarded by goblins and other malfeasants, who, in the course of the Great Battle, had seized the powerful gem. Since that fateful day, they had been intent, every waking hour, on discovering its secrets. But, the heartbeat of the Crystal’s proximity still pulsed tantalizingly throughout the Magic Forest. Many had tried to locate the lost Crystal, but to no avail.

From time to time, Stella had fantasized about the gem, the beauty of which was fodder for poetry and song throughout the realm. The little squirrel would often stretch her body out upon the soft moss of the forest, hoping for a tremor of the Crystal’s pulse. Clenching her eyes tightly shut, she could see its radiant sparkle, hovering just out of range in her mind’s eye. She would reach out with her thin paw, convinced it was within her grasp, only to be jolted back to reality by the giggles of her companions, who were staring at her odd behavior in wide-eyed amusement.

Stella’s nurse, Maya, often chided her charge about her fondness for daydreaming. Having your head in the clouds, Stella, will not keep you in the favor of the Queen. I know that she insists you show great promise… but, I wouldn’t interpret that as a go-ahead to dance recklessly through your imagination. Stella had tried to focus her mind on her studies, though she had never been one for structure. But, this morning, even with a belly full of pine kernels, she knew she could focus on her breakfast. There were many long hours of work ahead.

Mingling with the fragrant spruce boughs in the fire, drifted other scents—steaming rose hips and mushrooms, the aroma of each competing for prominence in the comforting heat of the chamber.

Come on, Stella, over here! called Petra, who had just commandeered two seats at a table, the length of which was spread with the delicious variety of foods the Woodland Realm had to offer. Stella’s stomach rumbled at the sight of the meal before her. My goodness, you are moving slowly this morning. Where is your head, Stella? We must be ready… today is the examination! Petra muttered, shaking her head.

I know, Petra, I know. Good grief, we’ve had nothing but words on that test for weeks! grumbled Stella, as she cast about the platters for her favorite morning treat—tart black currants, dried from last season’s harvest. Gathering a small pile of the fruit in front of her, she proceeded to suck on each one slowly, relishing the pinch of her cheeks as the succulent berries dissolved in her mouth. They had been very ripe when picked, a delicacy.

Well, anyway, Stella… your mind is elsewhere, you must admit. Petra muttered, her mouth full of her own savory selection from the spread of food.

Stella sighed, staring for a moment at Petra, and wondering—not for the first time—how different the two young squirrels were from each other. Petra had always been predictable and reliable, almost to a fault; her idea of an adventure was to sit a little closer to the fire during mealtime. Stella, on the other hand, was restless, unsettled. Her heart longed for excitement, and even though Maya insisted this regrettable trait sprang from her hot-blooded ancestors, Stella knew there was more to it than that. There had to be.

Whereas Petra was content with her lot in life, Stella felt as if an immense chasm loomed before her, binding her to the tedious safety of the palace grounds. Her hours were regimented and defined by the needs of the palace council, but she craved a boisterous romp to the farthest reaches of the Magic Forest—and beyond.

She knew there was a beyond; Theo bragged that he had seen it. Ah, but one had to be careful when listening to Theo. He had a reputation for telling tall tales. But, then again, his parents had been from the beyond, at least before the Mighty Wind. The faeries insisted that Theo, a young adolescent squirrel at the time, had been discovered unconscious not far from the palace gate, beneath a toppled tree, in which, apparently, he had been living for some time. But, perhaps he remembered the great beyond from his childhood, thought Stella—or maybe only from stories his parents had told him.

Either way, it mattered little, Stella said to herself, as she reminded herself to ask the young rascal again about the big world that lay beyond the forest perimeter. Tall tales or not, Theo’s stories fueled her imagination… and her imagination ruled her world.

As she continued to stare in wonder at Petra, who had now commenced a laborious grooming of her claws and whiskers, Stella noticed a slight vibration in the soles of her paws. She coughed softly, refocusing her attention onto the room.

That’s odd. She twitched her ears in concentration. She looked down at the floor, seeing nothing strange in the shadows beneath the long table. The vibration had grown to a soft hum, sending tickling tremors through her hind legs. Stella glanced about nervously, wondering at the calm in the Great Hall. Everyone was engrossed in his or her own meal, stuffing cheeks full of morsels for later consumption. Do you feel that? Stella whispered, looking again at Petra.

Eh, what? asked Petra, who had now completed her toilet and was brushing the crumbs of her meal on to the rushes. Feel what?

Ah, never mind. Stella stuttered. We should be going. She stood up unsteadily, the hum now rising to a jolting buzz through her entire body. Are you certain you feel nothing? she gasped, stepping clumsily away from the table.

Gracious, Stella. What has gotten into you? Petra sniffed. We must be off. We don’t want to be late for the exam. Come on.

As quickly as it had begun, the tremors ceased, leaving Stella’s legs quaking uncomfortably. Stella passed a shaking paw across her brow, wiping the sweat off her fur. Too many pine kernels, that’s all. They must have been too green. She turned and followed Petra from the room, dodging a pair of young voles who were wrestling joyously in the rushes.

If the youngsters had looked closely, they would have seen that under the long table, directly beneath Stella’s seat, there had appeared a crack, no bigger than the breadth of a whisker, but it was the first crack ever to appear in the foundation of the old tree, which had survived for centuries, unscathed even after the Mighty Wind.

Chapter 2

Rites of Passage

Stella and Petra hurried through the crowded hall, jostled by the throngs of tree-dwellers intent on their own urgent destinations. The morning was the busiest time in the palace; the dew needed to be collected before the sun rose above the forest, the spiderwebs needed to be harvested of their fine silks before they became laden with sticky squirming flies, and the food stores needed to be replenished to the required daily level. Keeping the Woodland Realm running smoothly was a great responsibility, but Ariana insisted that each inhabitant, noble-born or otherwise, did his or her share. Dwellers of the palace, above all, had to accept more work, but all did it willingly, knowing the enviable positions they were in, living under the same roof as their beloved Queen.

Few homes were as grand as the Palace Tree. Its branches were bigger than the trunks of most of the other trees and the bark was gnarled and dense, framing the occasional window or balcony of the higher chambers. One of Stella’s tasks was to climb to the first ring of windows and trim away any crumbling bark that might impede the spectacular views of the lower canopy.

In addition to their allotments of simple chores, Stella and her friends were required to study. With their heads buried in musty old books and their small paws scrabbling through piles of yellowing scrolls, the chance to run an errand for Ariana was considered a rare treat. Thus, the young squirrels raced up the spiral passage of the old tree, hoping to be the first to greet their Queen and teacher.

Ouch! Theo, you stepped on my paw! squeaked Petra, as a scruffy brown figure stumbled into them from behind.

Sorry. mumbled a squirrel, who was now crawling around the crowded floor, dodging disgruntled paws, in a desperate attempt to retrieve a bundle of books and papers that had tumbled to the ground. I am so sorry, Petra! Good morning, Stella. Theo added, before sticking a stub of a heavily chewed pencil behind his left ear. Theo’s other ear was useless for such a task. Instead, it flopped charmingly toward his shoulder, never having recovered from being pinned beneath a fallen branch—most likely during the Mighty Wind, though Theo couldn’t remember. He was self-conscious about his injury, which he felt was an unfair disfigurement, though Stella repeatedly insisted it gave him an air of mystery—battle wounds, so to speak, fuel for embellished stories around the fire. Right up his alley, she told him.

Here, let us help you. sighed Stella, easily forgetting the strange morning at the familiar sight of her bumbling friend. The was notorious for his clumsiness, his limbs seemingly insufficient for the big plans he was always hatching. Oh, Theo, give me those. Stella giggled, grabbing the jumbled pile of papers from Theo’s trembling paws.

Whatever were you doing, running so quickly? chided Petra, with a slight sniff. She stood to the side, her paw tapping impatiently, as she watched Stella and Theo sort out the last few books.

Trying to get to class, like we were, of course. said Stella, an indulgent grin on her face. Which is what we better be doing now. Come on. The three squirrels were silent as they navigated the remaining curves of the upper-reaches of the spiral, their voices numbed with the reverence that they always felt as they approached the tower chamber, the site of their many long days of learning.

The breeze through the knothole tempted and teased at Stella’s fur. She gulped a mouthful of the cool air, and struggled to focus her mind on the rippling wave of words streaming from the Queen’s mouth. Now, remember, my children, to focus your mind on that pulse, that delicate pulse; it is one of the most desired skills of a true descendent of the Ones. To be endowed with such a gift is to be in tune with the very heart of the Woodland Realm… Ariana paused dramatically. The dozen or so youngsters who crouched before her looked at one another in awe; all knew what was coming next, but the anticipation was palpable in spite of how often they had heard it.

The Queen continued, … The great Crystal D’Or… Yes, my children, to feel that pulse is to feel the Crystal, the beloved Crystal. Ariana’s dark eyes took on a faraway look, as she gazed into the smoke swirling playfully up through the opening in the floor.

The back of Stella’s neck tingled with excitement, as it did every time the Crystal was mentioned. She sighed deeply and shook her head to rid herself of the sensation; she was having a difficult enough time concentrating as it was. As always, the very thought of the magic Crystal sent her mind racing in a complex stew of unexplained emotions, unanswerable questions, and glorious fantasies.

Concentrate, my dears. That’s it. Now, close your eyes and tune into the sounds around you. Feel the soul of the forest. whispered Ariana, her own eyelids delicately trembling over her wise brown eyes.

Stella tried to focus her thoughts beyond the shuffles and murmurs of those around her, but the greater her effort to rid her mind of the distractions, the louder the noises in the room became. Petra stood at her side, repeatedly clearing her throat with a raspy sigh. Theo squirmed audibly across the room, bumping occasionally into another annoyed student. This slightly older squirrel, Rose, began huffing loudly into her whiskers, disgusted, as always, at the level of immaturity around her.

In spite of herself, Stella smiled. Rose had been the oldest orphan rescued by the faeries after the Mighty Wind, and she seemed determined to prove to Ariana that she was one of the long-lost Seers. Her confidence oozed from every proud, and often rude, syllable she uttered. But, Stella knew better. Rose was clearly the least gifted of the young pupils, including the clumsy Theo.

Stella opened her eyes, and found the Queen staring intently at her, though her face was filled with kindness… and amusement, Stella thought. Stella gasped and forced her eyes closed again, but her heart continued to flutter. She hated to be caught daydreaming.

Now, my dears, we will begin the exam. Please, spread out. Ariana said, softly, keeping her eyes on Stella. But, the Queen’s gaze was no longer reflecting amusement; to Stella, it now seemed calculating, as though Ariana was trying to take the measure of her young student. Stella gulped nervously, twisting her paws in her lap. Find a quiet corner for yourself. Take out your pencils. Ariana continued. The other youngsters opened their eyes, blinking sullenly in the rays of light streaming in through the fissures in the old tree. Stella moved to a corner, taking from her pouch a small bark pencil, its charcoal tip having been neatly sharpened for the examination.

Around her, everyone shuffled restlessly, hoping their long hours of studying would be enough to complete a satisfactory exam. Ariana moved gracefully among her charges, handing each a small folder of papers. Stella briefly met Theo’s eye and she returned his tentative smile. He grew immediately serious and began to gnaw a sharper point on his much-harangued pencil.

Alright dears, you have two hours. said the Queen. The more complete your answers, the better. But, don’t linger too long on each question. You want to make sure you have time to complete the entire test. Then weaving slowly among the students, she added, Remember, with this exam you will determine your role in the Woodland Realm. Ariana suddenly fixed her gaze, once again, on Stella. You will discover your future path, whatever it may be. Now, proceed.

Stella opened her folder and read the first question. What is the significance of the Crystal D’Or, and how may one feel its pulse? She smiled to herself, thinking fondly of the many hours she had spent imagining that very thing. Soon, the scratching of her pencil joined the others, while the sun crept higher into the sky.

Two hours later, Stella stretched her aching limbs and, with a sigh, placed her blunted pencil next to the closed exam folder. She ventured a glance around the room. Only two others were finished—Rose, of course, and Petra, who smiled wearily at Stella. The others continued to scribble furiously, aware that the seed grains in the hourglass were almost depleted.

Ariana began her collection of the folders, smiling sweetly at each pupil in turn. When she reached Stella, the Queen patted her gently on the head, and said, So, my child, how did you find the exam?

Stella handed Ariana the folder, answering, Well, I think I managed well, My Lady. Stella paused, her grip tightening on her exam. My Lady… she ventured.

Yes, dear? Ariana answered, oddly expectant.

What does it mean, when… Stella faltered, knowing her next words would sound peculiar, but her experience at breakfast had been nagging her all morning.

Yes?

… When, well, when there is tremor… a tremor that only I can feel? Stella blurted, dropping her voice to a whisper. What does it mean? She stopped, suddenly feeling very foolish.

Ariana’s eyes widened, and the paw that had reached out to take Stella’s folder went, instead, to the Queen’s throat, where it fluttered nervously. Come to my chambers this evening, my dear, and we will discuss this further. Don’t let it trouble you now. Ariana answered, kindly, though her voice, too, had dropped to a whisper.

The Great Hall was even more lively for lunch, as the youngsters knew the long hours of study had come to an end. Now, the practical experiences of life in the forest would begin. Each pupil would be given a task, chosen to reflect his or her greatest strengths on the exam. The youngsters would then fulfill their obligations to their guardian, the Queen, thus beginning their lives as full members of the forest community.

I do so hope that I did well in the ground-keeping section of the exam. mumbled Petra, her mouth full of crunchy kernels. I would so much like to spend my days tending to this wonderful palace.

Stella shuddered. The very thought of a life spent solely within the confines of the palace perimeter made her throat constrict. She needed space; she needed adventure… but, the best she could hope for would be to be assigned to the treetops with the harvesting crew.

Theo plopped down at Stella’s other side, his paws already reaching for the nearest pile of berries. Stella, he began, looking sideways at her from beneath his flopping ear. Stella, what does Ariana want with you?

How did you know she wanted to see me?

I just noticed that she seemed very interested in you today, that’s all. Theo answered. And what do you mean; she wants to see you?

Oh, well, it’s just… Stella felt stupid, with her two friends staring at her. How would it sound, describing a sensation that no one else could feel? Well, I don’t know; I suppose it is only to discuss my exam. Stella ventured, though she knew that Petra, at least, would not find that a satisfactory answer.

Oh really, Stella. There it came. You always do well. Though, I wonder why, of course; your head is so often in the clouds. said Petra. Well, never mind. You will have to make your best impression. It is not often that one gets a private meeting with the Queen.

Stella’s heart froze. That was true. No one was called into Ariana’s private chambers unless it was for a very good reason. Come to think of it, why had the Queen been so interested in Stella’s stuttered ramblings about unidentified tremors? Perhaps, it was merely an excuse—an excuse to summon Stella for a reprimand. Had her morning excursions been discovered? Had Beauregard turned her in, after all? Just what was the penalty for unauthorized jaunts into the forest?

Stella pushed away, untouched, the small leaf, upon which sat the golden button mushrooms that were to have been her lunch. Her appetite had vanished.

Stella tapped almost soundlessly on the thick door that blocked the threshold to Ariana’s chambers. The guards had paid her little mind, as though they had been expecting her; this had unsettled the young squirrel more than anything. Theo had begged to accompany Stella, at least to the doorway, but Ariana’s first steward, Thesper, had insisted that none other than Stella would be allowed to pass.

Stella cleared her throat, shifting nervously on her paws. The vast door swung open before her with a creak.

Enter. came a voice from within.

Stella clutched her trembling paws together and hopped forward, resisting the urge to let her mouth drop open.

The chamber was immense, almost as large as the Great Hall. Stella had been expecting the grandeur; after all, these rooms belonged to the Queen. Instead, what immediately captured her interest were the maps and paintings that covered every inch of space on the walls, or at least on the walls that weren’t groaning with overflowing shelves of dusty worn books and forest artifacts.

A tapestry, woven of the finest spider silks, loomed upon the far wall, fitting perfectly between two floor-to-ceiling cupboards that seemed to have been built for no other reason than to frame the magnificent piece of art.

The tapestry’s threads sparkled in the light of the setting sun, now slanting in through several large windows. In the very center of the cloth glimmered the stitching of a stunning golden jewel, a gem that Stella realized, with a shiver of excitement, could only be the Crystal D’Or, itself.

It’s magnificent, isn’t it? said Ariana, from Stella’s shoulder.

Oh! Stella cried. She had been blind to all else in the room, once her eyes had found the tapestry. I’m sorry, My Lady! She curtsied quickly, realizing that her knees had gone week. Yes, yes, My Lady… It is so very beautiful! Stella’s eyes shimmered with tears; she had never seen anything so wonderful in all her life. I’m sorry. mumbled Stella. awkwardly dashing the tears from her eyes with a trembling paw. I don’t know what’s come over me.

There, there, child. cooed Ariana, softly, resting her paw on Stella’s shoulder. It warms my heart to see you moved thus. It renders the decision I have made less painful. I now know that I do the right thing. Ariana’s voice dropped to the faintest whisper. You are the One.

My Lady? What… what did you say? Stella answered, puzzled, turning finally to face her Queen.

Yes, my dear. You are the One. Ariana said slowly and almost soundlessly.

I’m sorry, My Lady. I… I’m afraid that I do not understand. Stella muttered, searching Ariana’s beaming face, which was now streaked with tears. What do you mean, if you pardon me? I’m the One… for what?

Ariana suddenly folded Stella into a warm embrace. Ah, so young! I didn’t dare imagine it would be so soon. But, the fates have written it so. She stepped back and held Stella by both her shoulders. You are, indeed, young, but, nonetheless, you are the One.

Stella continued to stare, her mind racing with confusion, as she tried to stumble over her Queen’s meaning.

I’m sorry, my dear. I’m scaring you, though that is not my intention. I am just surprised that this day has finally come. I had meant to be more prepared for it—but no matter. Ariana said, moving gracefully across the room, a sudden spark in her eyes.

Stella forced herself to look away from the restless Queen; her head was beginning to throb. Instead, seeking a focus that would calm her pounding heart, her eyes were drawn again to the tapestry. But, in the instant that she looked upon the artist’s rendering of the Crystal, Stella’s knees began to quake.

My Lady! she cried, reaching out to a nearby chair for balance. The room began to spin around her, the floor itself vibrating beneath her paws. Suddenly, Ariana was at her side, holding her trembling shoulders, her words reaching Stella as though through a thick fog. With the Queen’s touch, the jolting ceased as instantly as it had begun.

Sit. Sit, my dear. whispered Ariana, her voice shaking slightly. There, there. she added, as though to an infant, all the while running her paw soothingly over Stella’s forehead.

What is happening to me, My Lady? Stella gasped, tears brimming once again in her panicked eyes.

Calm yourself first, Stella. Ariana said. Then, I will tell you all you need to know.

Stella’s trembling subsided slowly, though she wondered if the remaining symptoms, the uncomfortable dampness on her forehead, and the vice-grip of fear around her heart, were a result of the unexplained tremors, or the unease she felt at Ariana’s cryptic words.

Ariana guided Stella gently to a nearby chaise-lounge. It was of a rich burgundy mossy fabric, dyed the color of the finest mountain berries, and it enveloped her in softness as she collapsed ungracefully upon it. For the moment, though, its elegant comfort was lost upon her. Her knees were still shaking weakly, and she fought to ease the pounding of her heart.

There, there, dear. Ariana whispered again, her voice warm and soothing. I am afraid I have confused you.

Stella stared up at the Queen, wondering at the impossible demeanor of calm she always seemed to possess.

But now, faced with the long-anticipated chance to talk with Stella about the future, Ariana, for the first time, seemed to falter. A shadow crossed her brow for a moment as she gazed down at Stella, and this glimmer of worry made Stella’s heart skip a beat. The hint of unease passed, though, as quickly as it had appeared, and like a pond’s surface settling again after a brief gust of wind, Ariana’s features resumed their familiar tranquility.

Well, I must prepare you, mustn’t I? sighed Ariana, patting Stella’s shoulder gently. May I? she continued, gesturing to the free space at Stella’s side.

Stella nodded dumbly, not trusting her voice. Ariana seated herself gracefully at her young pupil’s side, taking Stella’s small paw between her own.

You know the story of the Crystal, my dear? Of course you do, I know that. You have always been a very attentive student. I suppose that should have been my first clue. she said. Well, Ariana continued. The world as we know it will crumble without the restoration of the Crystal, Stella; it is that vital to the security of my Realm. For generations all events have been drawing to a time of upheaval, a time in the future—a time of which I know very little, save the knowledge that there will be One who will come along who could restore the Crystal D’Or to its rightful place here in the palace of the Woodland Realm. Ariana paused, her gaze so penetrating and powerful that Stella gasped. You are that One.

No! cried Stella, finally finding her voice and jumping up, though her legs were still trembling weakly. No! That can’t be right! I am just an orphan, a silly orphan. I’m nothing more than a squirrel with a weakness for early morning pine kernels. She gulped loudly, feeling suddenly guilty and unworthy of her Queen’s attention and praise. She frowned, adding glumly, I can’t be the One. I just can’t!

Ariana chuckled, smiling fondly at Stella. Ah yes, the kernels found beyond the gates are sweet. But, my dear, I know that you will find the kernels awaiting you even further away from here sweeter still. Ariana nodded knowingly, adding, You have the heart of an adventurer. It is in your blood, after all. Ariana rose from the seat and joined Stella, pulling the reluctant squirrel across the room, and positioning her directly in front of the tapestry.

To hunt the Crystal, one must feel the Crystal, Stella! Ariana intones, her voice dropping to a deep, sonorous whisper, merely a breath of wind against Stella’s cheek. She ignored Stella’s attempt to release her paws, which had begun to tremble again, uncontrollably. You are the One, whether you wish it or not. The fate of the Realm lies in your grasp. The world has been waiting for you, and now you must rise to the occasion. Ariana smiled radiantly, adding, I have complete confidence in your abilities, my dear. With a heart and a will such as yours, you will succeed. You must succeed. the Queen finished.

Stella’s legs gave out beneath her, and she stifled a tremendous sob as she sank to the floor, gazing up at Ariana through a thin curtain of tears.

Did… did you say… hunt for the Crystal, My Lady? Stella muttered, tears now splashing down her nose. How am I to do that? You said never to go out into the beyond, but to stay within the Realm. To search for the Crystal would mean going into the… beyond.

For now, my dear, your mind must rest, for I have handed you a great burden. Ariana said, grasping Stella firmly, and pulling her to her feet. Go now. Rest. She pulled Stella gently upright and turned her toward the door, one paw deftly wiping the stream of tears from Stella’s fur. We will talk more of this in the morning. Now, you rest.

But, My Lady! Stella cried, stopping suddenly and clenching Ariana’s paws fiercely between her own. I can’t sleep now. I can’t!

Ariana looked at Stella fondly, her brow furrowing again, but this time in concern for her young charge. Wait a moment. Ariana moved to a large cupboard, and groped soundlessly within its shadowy interior for several moments, soon emerging with a bundle of herbs secured inside a large aspen leaf. Chamomile, for a peaceful night. It is my own special mixture, my dear. She pressed the small sac into Stella’s paw, adding, I promise you a dreamless sleep. We will talk again in the morning.

Stella nodded wearily, suddenly exhausted from the evening’s events. Good night, My Lady. Stella whispered. She blinked with surprise as her Queen blessed her with a gentle kiss on the forehead.

Rest easy, Stella, Crystal Seeker.

Chapter 3

Revelations

Stella lay awake, her weary eyes tracing the rough ceiling of the bedchamber she shared with the other young squirrels. Crystal Seeker. she mouthed, silently, her tongue rolling delightfully around the fascinating title with which her Queen had endowed her.

The Queen had chosen her… or rather, the fates had chosen her. She was to get her heart’s desire… to travel out into the unknown, to cross the boundary of the Woodland Realm and venture into the beyond. Stella shivered slightly at the thought, which, once upon a time, had been very thrilling in the abstract—when Stella had not truly believed it would ever happen. But, now… now, she was faced with the reality of really stepping out into the world, a world for which she feared she was scarcely prepared. There were dangers out there, most unfathomable to her naive pondering… and then there were the stories, the legends of the Crystal and its fate. Those legends were cloaked in shadow, obscured beneath terrible rumors of vile beasts and evil powers.

She shook her head angrily, refusing to allow dark thoughts to hound her attempts at sleep. I will rest now, as Ariana said. sighed Stella, forcing her body into a calm that her mind refused to acknowledge. She had hastily swallowed a tepid tea prepared from Ariana’s special packet of herbs, but she had barely tasted the promised chamomile in the drink, let alone had the inclination to ponder what other medicinal additives it might have contained. She was certain there had been more herbs in the tea. Ariana wanted Stella to sleep… sleep… sleep. Stella’s eyes closed slowly, as she muttered to herself, Maybe, there was mint, too, or root of valerian. Yes, that’s it… valerian… root.

Finally, she slept.

A soft breeze rustled through the branches, scraping the needles of the adjoining trees against the thick bark of the old Palace Tree. The air was cool, the long days of summer were approaching, and the nights would soon be mild. But, for now, the creatures of the palace were grateful for the thick covers of woven silk, meticulously designed and dyed a range of forest colors by the palace weavers. Stella snuggled more deeply into her soft grass bed, her thoughts and worries forgotten in the peaceful land of slumber.

Stella awoke to a chamber filled with the lavender tint of morning. The sun had yet to rise above the distant mountains, across which it would stretch its creeping arms, engulfing the entire forest in a warming embrace. The last stars of the night were quickly growing pale against the pastel shimmer of the coming day’s clear sky. The day was shaping up to be a perfect one, or so Stella thought, until she shook off the fog of sleep and the remaining effects of Ariana’s bedtime potion, and recalled the previous day’s monumental revelations.

Ariana had called her the Crystal Seeker. The memory of the honor, as Ariana had insisted upon calling it, seemed to return Stella’s head to a hazy cloud of uncertainty and confusion. Was it an honor… or a burden? Ariana, herself, had said Stella was so young, so untested.

Stella gulped loudly, forcing down the mounting panic. She rubbed her face roughly with her paws, leaving the fur around her nose rumpled and untidy. Forcing her heart to calm, she sat up, turning her gaze upon her still-slumbering companion. Petra’s eyelids were twitching with the remnants of a dream, and her face was peaceful. Hummph.