Arsenic stared into Crispin’s blue eyes and waited for him to say something. Crispin stared at Arsenic, not really seeing him but staring off into the distance at the waves crashing onto shore. Finally Arsenic could tolerate the silence no longer and carried on with sharing his plan.
“If you haven’t noticed, there is something unique and special about the new girl child that showed up when Catha moved back. She sees fairies for a start and she is incredibly smart from the conversations I’ve overheard her having with Flavia. She is gentle and funny and I think she could be a great help to us.”
“Us?” Crispin roared. “Who says there is an us? I haven’t even agreed to work with you and now you are talking about bringing in a human child?”
“Well, actually two human children. The Alchemist’s son, Flinn, has that same affinity for the unseen world around him. I’ve had several conversations with the lad when I go over there. He is an incredibly funny and curious child. I think he is a bit older than Hermonia but I think both children can help expand the work you do under the covers of darkness.”
Crispin sprang to his feet and his eyes were flashing in pure irritation and anger. “Now it isn’t just one child, it’s two in addition to you. How on earth do you think this is going to work? You can’t lift anything more heavy than a flower stem and yet you think you can help me aid the village? You want to bring in two children who haven’t yet made it through their first ten years of life combined into helping? How precisely do you think that is going to work? What makes you think that Hermonia and Flinn would be capable of keeping a secret?”
Arsenic listened to the highly irritated rumbling issuing from Crispin and silently acknowledged that he made a couple of good points. As soon as Crispin finished, Arsenic settled to the ground and his wings grew still. Their crimson flash was still as he settled amongst the rocks and ground covering.
“I have the one thing you don’t have and that is unfettered access to anywhere in the village. I am not seen by villagers and thus I don’t have a reputation amongst the villagers. I know of problems and issues that need solving that aren’t necessarily easy to see by a dragon who is known as ‘The Terror of the Village’.”
Crispin stared down at Arsenic, the truth of his words rang true and to himself Crispin acknowledged that he did in fact need help. But really, help from the worst flower fairy in the history of flower fairies? There was far too much truth in his words to deny what Arsenic said but was he willing to admit that to Arsenic and agree to his plans?
Arsenic just waited patiently, for the first time since he emerged from his flower three years ago. He was confident and sure of his plan. He knew he was meant for something more significant and life affirming than tending flowers and gardens. He knew there was something special in the children and that the three of them, along with Crispin, could improve the lives of those around village.
“Alright, say I agree to this incredible plan of yours, and I’m not saying I agree. I was just wondering what you thought the first step might be when we return to the village.” Crispin’s voice held a hint of curiosity and intrigue.
“The first step is very simple, we fly back to the village and met Flinn. Late afternoon’s he loves to roam the herb garden that grows near the spine of Buttercup’s tail. He and I regularly talk and he is quite funny. He is bored and looking for things to do. His mum, Ciara, doesn’t think there is anything especially magical or special in Flinn in comparison to his older sister, Robyna.” There was a tinge of excitement and anticipation in Arsenic’s voice.
Crispin settled on the ground in front of Arsenic and looked the fairy in the eyes, he could see no trace of deceit or treachery. He was sincere and excited about the prospect of helping the villagers and the two incredibly special children that lived in the village. The only question that remained for Crispin was whether or not to trust Arsenic.
The two former combatants stared at one another for what seemed an eternity. Eventually, Crispin made his decision and nodded his head and Arsenic scrambled aboard and the two took flight headed home.
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