FLAVIA SANTI is a WRITER: Fantasy - Spiritual - Psychology - Fable - Superhero - Aphorism - Poetry - Literary

Monday, August 11, 2025

The Four Tears - Part 25 of 25

 


The Four Tears

Fantasy Tale

Part 25 of 25

 

The Four Tears - HOME

 


The Nymph, refraining from giggling, said “Really? For you, Rjonov is a kind of jester…”-

"That's right... it amuses me and relaxes me...” concluded the Sovereign, scrutinizing the squire who ran in the distance, chased by the tiger-pig.

Fawnier while staring at some polymorphic animals, enunciated to the Nymph "Without you, I don’t know how we could have overcome, the barrier of the guardians" Fawnier finished happily, to an increasingly radiant Nymph.

"This is just the beginning... the most important and delicate phase of the plan, is still missing. All this, thanks to the advice that the Fairy Handmaids have given you” remarked Nuvjel, while was looking at some guardians of the Ruler, who have become polymorphic animals.

Pintaqua was still surprised by what she had just seen, and smiled as she saw some polymorphic animals jumping, while other animals ran carefree, in the vicinity of the castle walls.

Mauram while trying to put the wax plugs on his ears uttered “I thought I had seen everything… but this is really incredible! Anyway… now we have no more soldiers who bother us”.

"So, you got it right?" enunciated the Nymph addressed to Amista and the Sovereign Horjon, who were in front of her.

"Of course, Nuvjel" replied Amista, with a somewhat anxious expression.

Behind them, Mauram and Pintaqua could be seen, watching the scene with apprehension and with wax plugs on their ears.

Fawnier all of a sudden, enunciated “I trust the words of the Fairy Handmaids… however I have not yet understood, why the medallion of the Four Tears, can negatively affect my mind… despite having the body of a deer. In short... after all, I too am half an animal...”-

"I don't know exactly, Fawnier...” Amista replied, with a thoughtful air "But I think that perhaps the reason lies in the fact, that the spell that has been done to you since birth, it involved subjects yourself to the evil powers of the medallion... While with all the other animals, no spell has been performed”.

"Enough with the chatter" Nuvjel declared, a little restless "Now stay calm and remember... try to force yourself to think of animals with wings... understand? And you Amista don’t worry... this time you’ll become a polymorphic animal, different from what you became long ago. Also, as I explained to you on the way here… you’ll certainly be able to speak without chanting. If nothing else, for the first few moments…”-

“We have understood. Now sing… the more time passes, the more agitated I get…” Horjon said, trying to concentrate.

And so, the Nymph began to sing. Fawnier helped Pintaqua and Mauram to plug their ears well. Meanwhile, both Amista and the Ruler Horjon began to transform into two strange and unusual polymorphic animals. However, to everyone's surprise and happiness, it was found… that they possessed gorgeous enormous wings.

Amista had become a strange cross-breed; in fact her face was that of an elephant with a trunk, the body of an eagle with portentous crystal wings, and the legs were that of an ape. The Princess tried to fly, and she immediately saw that her wings didn’t break. Nonetheless, she intimately, felt a slight pain in her eagle's wings. But she said nothing, so as not to worry anyone.

Sovereign Horjon, on the other hand, had the face of a rhino, the wings of a stork, and the legs of a zebra.

They were so ridiculous and hilarious, that Pintaqua and Mauram, as they took off their wax plugs… scrutinized them with a chuckle on their faces.

"Well done... both of you can fly!" Nuvjel said, with a satisfied voice "Now, try to speak... begin calmly, then you’ll see that you’ll be able to express yourself, more quickly".

Sovereign Horjon started to say a word, but a strange sort of grunt came out. Amista articulated an incomprehensible “Ghht… now… ghht… I try agh to say… ghttt… something… ght…”-

“Our plan has failed! How will they be able to speak in this way, and make themselves understood?" Fawnier whispered, with his usual impetuousness "Nuvjel, can't you see they can't even say a simple word, with complete meaning?”-

"Calm down, Fawnier" declared Nuvjel, a little agitated "We knew that all this wasn’t without its difficulties... we have to be patient. You’ll see that in a few moments, they’ll be able to express themselves correctly... They just have to do some practice”.

“Yeah… but as you well know, we don't have all this time. I say, we have to act differently” the Prince finally declared, impatient.

Mauram and Pintaqua observed the scene with apprehension.

Suddenly, Fawnier exclaimed "I have an idea" after which the Prince approached at Amista and Horjon; later he started making strange sounds and grunts. In essence, the Prince spoke with them the language of animals; to help them express themselves correctly.

After a few moments, to everyone's surprise, Amista and the Sovereign Horjon also made strange nebulous noises… then finally, Horjon uttered “I understand… egghh… I have to concentrate more… Egght… so you hear me, right”-

The Nymph exclaimed happily “Fawnier you were fantastic! Good! Sovereign Horjon keep on talking… you are doing very well”.

Pintaqua patted his brother on the back. Fawnier, after giving her a smile, added "Now it’s time for Igryn, to go and find in which hall of the castle our mother is...”- And as he uttered these last words, they heard in the distance, the roar of the battle that he was resuming.

 


The room called simply, the War Room, seemed to have recovered from a long mourning. In fact after long years of rest, dozens of soldiers could be glimpsed resolutely entering and exiting by the huge hall.

Queen Liorz at the head of a long table, full of topographical maps and multicolored turrets… which looked like chess pieces that had escaped from the chessboard; she was demonstrating to the soldiers... of her shrewdness in directing the fate of the battle. That's right, Queen Liorz had regained her usual boldness, and she commanded the soldiers firmly, on what was the best way to defeat the enemy “Here you see? Just surround them on this side… they certainly won't expect an intervention, from this side!”-

"For sure my Queen...” replied a General behind whose back, you could see an ancient armor "We had thought of that, too. But on that side of the field… there are numerous hollows and quicksand, which prevent us from crossing it”.

"That's the point, General!" reiterated decisively Liorz "Just have a little forethought and determination, and we'll have them in hand! All this because they’ll not expect such a move… Remember, Sovereign Horjon's soldiers are better trained and in better shape than all of you! We must also take some risks… don't you think”- Then in a sustained voice, the Ruler ordered “Now you can go. And I recommend carrying out all the orders that I have given; without oversights and transgressions. Did I make myself clear, General?" the tail leaped excitedly, from one side to the other.

"As you wish, your Highness" then the General made a military salute, and left the War Room, followed closely by other soldiers.

The Ruler, as soon as the fighters had left, made a slightly worried expression "If this plan doesn't work... we can only hope for Issurjot. Who knows what he’ll have in mind...?" but she didn’t have time to reflect further, that from the window... two very strange animals could be seen; which flew in a weird way, up to enter the War Room.

The flapping of the wings of Amista and the Sovereign Horjon actually seemed somewhat awkward... but they finally managed to settle on a writing table inlaid with gold veins, positioned near the Queen.

Faced with that unusual visit, Liorz didn't know what to do... whether to scream or run away. But then, she thought to herself “What if, they are Issurjot's animals? Was this then… his strategic plan”-

"Mother... gtthhrr... it's me Amista...” the Princess promptly pronounced, trying not to fall from the writing table "I know, you don't believe what you see... gtthhrr... but this is the only way to try to talk to you. Stop this war… as soon as possible… gtthhrr… please…”-

"Amista?" exclaimed the Ruler, with a surprised and troubled expression, while her tail seemed in trance “And who treated you like this? It’s by chance a spell of the Sovereign Horjon... isn't it?" the tail of the Ruler began to drum excitedly on the floor.

"No, Queen Liorz... gtthhss...” replied the Sovereign Horjon, trying not to stumble with that strange tongue that he now had "It's a long story... gtthhss... a Nymph made us like this... So, we want to put an end, to this absurd battle? Gtthhss... Many of our soldiers are paying a very high price... it all depends on you... we know with certainty, that the Wizard Issurjot has deceived you... gtthhss... it wasn’t me who created the potion, which made your husband a mummified being…” the Sovereign tried not to lose his balance, helping himself with his enormous stork wings.

"A no...?" replied the Ruler, now extremely restless. Her tail was moving angrily. Then, with her right hand as if by instinct... she grabbed the magic pendant, and she turned it towards the two monstrous beings, shouting peremptorily "Now throw yourself on the floor, and sleep... go ahead!" but to her astonishment, none of them did what she commanded.

“Mother… gtthhrr… so, do you want to understand or not? Don't you realize that the Wizard by means of the medallion of the Four Tears gtthhrr… keeps you under his evil control? He makes you act and operate, as he… gtthhrr… please mother… awakens from this fatal sleep…” the Princess's trunk swayed nervously. Suddenly, Amista saw a slight crack on her crystal eagle wings, and immediately realized that she couldn’t remain in that state much longer.

However, the pleas of her daughter had no other effect, other than to make the Ruler even more furious. In fact, with extreme dexterity and speed, Liorz grabbed the Sovereign with her lion's tail; who didn’t have time to flutter away.

"Now, let's see what you’re capable of doing, with your sorceries... my dear Sovereign Horjon!" cried Queen Liorz angrily.

"Mother, stay away from him!" bellowed Amista, taking off with her eagle wings… so as not to be caught "He has nothing to do with it! It was Issurjot gtthhrr… who brought our two kingdoms to defeat!”-

But the Ruler hears no reason; and she forcefully took poor Sovereign Horjon with her hands as well, and she began to try to strangle him.

Without wasting time, Amista flew towards her mother, until she managed to grab the pendant of the Four Tears with her elephant trunk; and then she forcefully tore it off her neck. Finally, still through her long trunk, she put it around her neck; but only after making a small knot, on the golden chain. Right in the spot, where she broke off.

At that point, Queen Liorz screamed, and instinctively, she let go of the Sovereign's grip… which hesitantly began to flutter with his stork wings, away from the clutches of the Ruler.

“My pendant…! Amista, give it to me, now!" the Queen shouted at the top of her voice, extending her lion's tail out of proportion towards her daughter "You have no right to grab him!”-

Amista flew in and out of the arched window of the War Room, as if to attract someone's attention. In reality, it was a clear and precise signal, addressed to the Nuvjel Nymph.

Meanwhile Queen Liorz was trying with the help of her lion tail, to grab at least the Sovereign Horjon; who clearly perceived that between the two, was the one who had the greatest difficulty in flying. Also due to the fact that his rhino face, was heavy and bulky when compared to his stork wings.

 


In all that turmoil, like a sudden gust of wind, she heard a sweet and graceful voice singing a beautiful song; even if veiled by a gentle sadness. It was the wonderful voice, of the Nuvjel Nymph.

At that precise moment, both Amista and the Sovereign Horjon, resumed their human form again; and magically they also got their sumptuous clothes. Of course, the saber magically appeared to the Sovereign, studded with blue diamonds. Amista immediately took out her rhino leather gloves from a big pocket, and put them on. But not before she notice further fractures, on her crystal hands.

Queen Liorz remained as if enchanted to observe that spell; in fact, the Ruler liked spells.

"Mother, that's enough now!" Amista finally declared “Don't you think you have pushed yourself too far? You have made our kingdom of peace, a huge strainer saturated with victims and horror! All this… just to follow Issurjot's crazy plans…!”-

And without leaving time for the Ruler to reply, the Sovereign Horjon pressed “Do you want to understand or not, that I don't want to conquer your kingdom? If I wanted to, I could now kill you and become the Ruler of Arkovia!" Horjon grabbed the hilt of his blue diamond-encrusted saber, but without pulling it out "So? Do you want to stop with these antics?" Horjon concluded authoritatively, starting to point an accusing finger at the Queen.

Liorz definitely didn’t know what to do... now she was without her medallion, and she certainly couldn’t do anything, against an angry warrior Sovereign. Besides the rest of her, now as if by magic, her inner vision was becoming clear again… For a moment, she remembered the paintings of Pintaqua, and what they depicted.

Finally, in a hesitant voice, Liorz replied “I don't know… at the moment, I don't know what to do. The medallion... Since you took it from me, I seem to be different... Maybe... that it’s another of your tricks, Sovereign Horjon”-

"Tricks...?" Horjon was furious “But don't you understand that Issurjot has subjected you to him, by means of that damned medallion? I don't know exactly... but I dare to say, that he gave it to you... Isn't that so? Come on, answer!" the figure of the Sovereign, loomed over a now confused and bewildered Ruler.

After a few moments of silence, the Queen as if dazed, observed the pendant hanging from her daughter's neck, by the golden chain “Yes, you’re right; Issurjot forged that medallion for me. Many years ago… just before Pintaqua was born… my first daughter” the eyes of the Ruler seemed to pant as she scrutinized the fairy medallion.

At that precise moment, numerous guards following the General burst into the War Room, with warlike intentions towards the Sovereign and Amista. In fact, the gruff and agitated voice of the Sovereign had alerted them.

But before they could make any gesture; Queen Liorz peremptorily ordered “Stop! Get out of here, now!”-

"But, your Majesty...” mumbled indignantly, the General "They are our sworn enemies, who have decided to...” the sword of the General, was dangerously close to the Sovereign.

“General, enough…! This is an irrevocable order! Get Out!”- The gaze of the Ruler was granite.

After all the soldiers and the General had gone out, the Queen resumed speaking saying "Amista... before I proceed with the narration of everything that has happened, in these long years... I want to know with certainty, if the Sovereign, you and yours brother... are plotting against me, and against your father. For various reasons that I am not here to explain to you now, King Conrab is victim of another spell by the Wizard Issurjot… or rather, of Vampjria…”-

“Yes, we know” Amista promptly enunciated “Mauram told us everything. But tell me mother, how could you have allowed that slimy being of Issurjot to hurt our father and your beloved husband?”-

“Calm down, Princess Amista” Horjon testified in a restless tone “Of course, all this has to do with the Four Tears medallion. You know well that your mother must have been under the ominous influence, of that damned pendant”.

"Precisely... that's what I'm beginning to think too” the Ruler mumbled disconsolately; as she stared undaunted at the medallion around her daughter's neck “Everything Issurjot said, seemed fair and just to me. Sure… sometimes I've tried to rebel against his foolish ideas. But after a while... it’s as if I could no longer carry out a personal thought... or make a decision that was mine alone..." her tail jumped intermittently on the floor.

“Well, that doesn't surprise me, mother. Seen and considered that you too… have used the medallion, to make us perform actions that we didn’t want to do”.

Liorz, understood from the tone of her daughter's voice, that what she was saying... wasn’t just an accusation. In fact, a veil of sadness showed in her tone of voice.

After a short pause, Queen Liorz resumed saying “It's true… I didn't behave like a good mother… and maybe, not even like a valiant and diligent Queen. In any case, I want a sign from you… let's say a demonstration, which takes away all the doubts I have”.

"And would that be?" Sovereign Horjon asked.

“I want you to return King Conrab, in good health as before… as a testimony that you are not involved in a sinister trap, for the conquest of the kingdom of Arkovia. So, what do you answer?" said the Ruler, staring at Amista with a searching gaze.

Amista was stunned… in fact she didn't know anything about enchantments and spells.

On the contrary, the Sovereign readily declared “As you wish, Queen Liorz. But first… stop this useless and absurd war immediately; then I’ll bring in my expert Druid, who will surely know how to treat your husband. This is my final sentence”.

Liorz paused for a moment to reflect, and then clapped her hands twice, saying “General. Come here immediately”.

Shortly after the General appeared, which making his way between two soldiers, entered in the hall. The General said "Yes, here I am your Majesty; I am at your command”.

“Order all fighters to stop the battle, and prepare for a second truce… up to my specific order. Let it be implemented immediately, I explained”-

"Of course Majesty" replied the General, a little surprised.

Horjon, speaking to the General, said “General, get my Commander to come. I have to give him further instructions, on the truce”.

"Okay” the General uttered dryly, who after a brief military salute to Queen Liorz, left the door of the War Room.

 


A few moments later, the General entered in the War Room, flanked by the Commander, of the Sovereign Horjon.

The Commander, after having made a military salute to Horjon, asked "Should our troops stop, my Sovereign?”-

“Of course” Horjon replied in a firm voice “Go back to your camp, and await further orders. But first of all, have the Druid come here… that I must communicate a fact of extreme importance to him”.

After having nodded his assent, the two leaders went out; but not before giving a military salute, one last time.

 

For the benefit of all, the Druid of the Sovereign Horjon, rummaging in his carriage filled with medicinal herbs, stills and other strange oily essences… managed to obtain some dried Hjnjon roots, coming from the distant lands of Holmert. Highly prized roots, which were just what he needed to restore King Conrab to health. In fact... in a short time, the monarch of Arkovia woke up from that apathy caused by Vampjria; and with a still somewhat subdued voice, he asserted to the Ruler that was near his Royal bed "Liorz... what happened? What have you done to me? I feel all upside down…” his huge rabbit ears were asleep.

“You had a bad illness, my dear…” the Queen replied affectionately “…but now things will change; I promise you” the lion's tail made a caress on the King's face.

 

Queen Liorz, after that just and loyal gesture of the Sovereign Horjon, finally understood that she had been deceived and made fun of... by the Wizard Issurjot. And it goes without saying that the truce became a pact of common alliance, to defeat the deceiving Wizard. In addition to the rest, the Ruler sent back to the neighboring kingdoms, all the warriors who had joined her army. In fact, it wasn’t necessary to further involve the neighboring kingdoms, in a war that no longer had as its main enemy, the Sovereign Horjon. At the same time… the legions of the Sovereign, joined at the soldiers of Queen Liorz. All this, to defeat the real enemy of the kingdom of Arkovia: …Issurjot.

 


In the end, Liorz brought her four sons, the Nymph and the Sovereign Horjon, into the Audience Hall. The meeting of our heroes in the Audience Hall took place only after the four sons had greeted and embraced King Conrab again; who, lying in his Royal bed, was quickly recovering. Even Queen Liorz embraced Mauram, Fawnier and Pintaqua again, with affection. And also the Nanny Resell, greeted everyone happily. Of course, the various excuses, justifications and customary pleasantries… had their rightful moment. And after a change of clothes and a frugal meal... they all sat around the huge marble table, positioned in the center of the Audience Hall.

Mauram and Nuvjel sitting close together, were tasting a silver liqueur, brought there for the occasion, by a smiling Nanny Resell.

Naturally, the medallion of the Four Tears had been placed in a silver-tinted silk bag, which Amista kept in a pocket of her sumptuous dress. Apart from the rest, the Princess didn’t tell anyone that her effort with the crystal wings had caused several cracks in her hands. Amista was aware that to achieve a result, it was necessary to make some sacrifices. Besides, she didn't want to bother anyone.

After the Nanny Resell had served goblets with liqueur and other sweet essences... a brief silence fell in the great hall; interrupted only by the curious glances of the Nymph. She was all intent on observing the many mirrors with gilded borders, the precious tables next to the walls... filled with precious elongated vases. In addition to this, in the huge Audience Hall a large skylight could be glimpsed, made up of elaborate crystal compositions.

Shortly thereafter, the Queen uttered “The time has come for you all, to know the truth” she took a deep breath, and then continued “The Four Tears Medallion… it was forged by Issurjot. Actually, it was a gift from him for the birth of Pintaqua…”-

For a moment, everyone turned their gaze to Pintaqua, who blushed slightly.

"Mother... but why?" asked promptly, Amista “Why did you ever have a pendant made, that ensnares the hearts and thoughts of all of us? What reason did you have for performing such a spell?" the Princess finished, in a slightly strained voice.

And clearly… this was the question, which everyone was asking.

The Ruler without changing her expression continued “Do you want to know why? The answer is simple… Loneliness… Indeed, the Wizard foretold me that I would have four children... he also told me the time of your birth. In short, he satisfied all my curiosities about how you would grow up… how you would have changed over time… and how, unfortunately… one day, you would have left me alone…”-

“But so, it wasn't” Fawnier interrupted her uneasily “…and in any case, it would have been part of our destiny, and of our free choices in life. Don't you think, mother?" the Sunjel gem, positioned on the Prince's forehead, made a slight blue glare, which no one noticed.

“I was afraid, that you would abandon me forever! In short, what Issurjot predicted to me... is that you would become people overflowing with pride and selfishness... Also, he reiterated that internal wars would happen in our family, for generations and generations. And so I submitted to him…” the Ruler's tail stood motionless, as if waiting for a feeble response.

"Believe me... in my opinion, she’s telling the truth...” Nuvjel declared, staring at Fawnier with apprehension "The sorcerer Tojrussi Drago is terrible... Even when he kidnapped me, he sentenced many lies even to my now deceased mother...” and in remembering those sad events, one could observe her slumped face.

"Go ahead, mother... and then what happened?" questioned Amista, with a burning desire to know the whole truth; as she felt her crystal hands, creak.

There was a deathly silence; it was clearly perceived, that what the Queen had to tell… was certainly not something to be proud of. Shortly after, in a slightly tremulous voice, Liorz resumed “The Black Book… the Wizard Issurjot, explained that everything he had declared… was confirmed by the words written on the Black Book. And in the end, I condescended more and more… to his blandishments…”-

“The Black Book…? And what the hell is that? I've never heard of it” Nuvjel uttered with a surprised expression and at the same time… worried; while she finished sipping the liquor.

To that question, Amista answered “The Black Book is an ancient book, which collects multiple laws and wisdom suggestions... in addition it groups together numerous prophecies, regarding our people. Often, our ancestors have benefited enormously…”-

"I can see it?" added the Nymph, in a calm tone.

"I think there are no problems...” answered Amista, turning an inquisitive look to her mother.

The Ruler clapped her hands twice, and Nanny Resell entered in the Audience Hall.

“Resell” Liorz said concisely “Call the Page, and tell him to bring me the Black Book. Hurry up".

"Certainly, my Queen" and with speed, Resell returned shortly after with the Page, who handed over the black-wrapped book to the Ruler.

And after the Nanny and the Page left the Audience Hall, the Ruler showed the Nymph the Black Book.

Nuvjel took it in her hand, and took a quick look at the contents of the book; after which, she declared in a calm but at the same time decisive tone "Queen Liorz... from what little I have read, it really seems to me a laudable book and full of words of peace, serenity and love... How is it possible that these teachings can be understood in a reprehensible way?" asked the Nymph, leafing through the book curiously.

Suddenly, the gem on Fawnier's forehead, it began to flash greenish sparks "What's happening to me?" the Prince asked with a surprised expression, trying to touch the magic gem on his forehead.

Everyone turned to him, and gasped as they saw the unusual fairy sparks, which came out with such vigor from the Sunjel gem.

Only Amista remained to observe that unusual scene, without losing her calm "Don't get upset, Fawnier" whispered Amista to her brother "Now we must have faith, in the gifts that Elrjana has donated us... don't you think?”-

But the Prince didn’t have time to answer, that a very powerful flash of light... came out of the fairy gem... striking hard the Black Book... which was in the hands of the Nymph. Of course, the Tome ended up on the golden floor.

 


Liorz gave a short scream, and promptly went to the Black Book, with the intention of picking it up from the floor.

Meanwhile, the beam of light emitted from the Sunjel magical gem, suddenly ended.

The Ruler, grabbing the Tome in her hands, said in surprise “Look… that beam of magical light, it damaged the Black Book. Fawnier, now you owe me an explanation” concluded Liorz, while was holding firmly in her hand, the Black Book.

“I… I don't know what to say, mother. I can only apologize for what happened…” the Prince retorted, in a strangled voice.

"Excuse you?" Amista promptly said, approaching her mother “But don't you see, that the Black Book is not ruined? The magical beam of light only tore a little... the black wrapping of the book" then Amista told her brother to completely remove... the tattered cover of the book.

Fawnier, took the Black Book from his mother's hands, and began vigorously to tear off its dark black cover.

The Ruler was somewhat outraged by that gesture “Fawnier, what are you doing? Don't you dare tear up the Black Book!" the tail wrapped around her son's arm.

“Don't worry, mother… I'm just taking off this dark black cover. And look for you... do you sees now? Observe what a splendor!”-

And after removing the last flap of the cover of the Black Book, she saw underneath the actual wrapping of the book... which was a fairy ivory white; shining to the point... that the Prince's hands were slightly luminous.

Everyone except Horjon sighed in euphoric surprise. The Ruler without saying anything, took it from Fawnier's hands, and exclaimed “IT'S AMAZING! I've never seen anything like that… All this time, we never realized that the real cover of the Black Book… is of such rare beauty and brightness…”-

"Have you seen?" Amista said with certainty "The Black Book, being a tome that brings peace and brightness... it was very difficult to perceive it with a cover, which emanated only darkness and death".

"What you mean, is that the Black Book was clouded and annihilated by the Wizard Issurjot... exactly as he did with our minds?" Fawnier asked as he stared in surprise at the splendor.

"That's right" replied Amista "Mother... if ever there was a need... this is further proof, of the numerous lies, that Issurjot has committed in our minds and in our hearts. In essence, that perfidious Wizard used the words of love and truth of the Black Book, for his shady selfish purposes. And to do this, he made the sapiential words of the Black Book, obsolete and poisonous… which by now, I would no longer call Black… but White Book”.

"Excellent idea" expressed the Sovereign Horjon with a smile; who had a calm and serene expression.

Subsequently, Queen Liorz took the White Book in her hand, and as if pushed by a greater force... she opened it at random, and began to read “...and the day arrived, that the light won over the darkness... and love covered hearts, through its sweet honey…”- And after closing the White Book... the Ruler wept.

For a few moments, everyone was silent. Then Pintaqua approached her mother, and hugged her. And so did Amista, Mauram… and finally Prince Fawnier.

It was clear that the Ruler wasn’t at ease with her in the midst of all these mergers; even if she was happy with it.

Finally, to everyone's surprise; Queen Liorz wiping a tear with her tail, uttered "Wait to give me affection and love... you still don't know the whole truth, about the medallion of the Four Tears...” and with these words, she placed the White Book, on a marble table.

“Mother, don't try to apologize…” Mauram said, to console her “The Wizard Issurjot, deceived us all… Remember, what he did to me? He made me a monster, which yearned for revenge and death... Now, there’s nothing left but..." but the Ruler interrupted her with a peremptory voice, saying "Mauram, listen to what I have to tell you... and what I am obliged to say to everyone... Have you ever wondered the reason for your and my… physical oddities”-

"And you ask us?" Fawnier answered abruptly “We have been looking for answers to this dilemma, for years. We don’t know the truth, or the origin... But I am sure about one thing... certainly Issurjot is involved in all of this. It’s not so?”-

"Exactly" pronounced the Queen, with a voice veiled with sadness "The Four Tears of the medallion... in reality they represent the four of you...” Liorz concluded dryly, while with her tail, pointed to the four descendants of her.

"What…? What do you mean, mother?" Amista asked in a startled voice, flanked by an astonished Nuvjel. At that juncture, Pintaqua and Fawnier looked at each other with a perplexed expression; while the Sovereign stiffened.

The Ruler continued “Remember, what I told you a little while ago? I was afraid... even terror, that Issurjot's prophecies would come true. And then, I decided to do as he suggested. In short, I agreed to do a very powerful spell, which would not allow you to perform the wickedness, which the Wizard had foreseen... In short, Issurjot said that with this medallion, I would have bound you all... under my authority. But there was a price to pay... in a nutshell, you would have had physical deformations... and this also for me, and your father..." the tail wisely twisted around a chair.

 

A lightning launched with fury, on a flowery meadow. This was the overwhelming result of those revelations, in the minds of the four children of the Ruler. Pintaqua fainted, but was suddenly taken by her brother, just before touching the cold golden floor. Amista nervously bit her lips. Mauram was looking for words, to express her anger... but she didn’t come up with anything. The Nymph and the Sovereign Horjon, looked at everyone without opening their mouths... indeed, they didn’t know what to say.

 


Queen Liorz had her back to everyone; …this is because she didn't have the courage to look them in the face. She was terribly ashamed of what she had accomplished in the past. Even her tail went static… as if it was petrified.

A few moments passed, of feverish stillness. Pintaqua recovered almost immediately, and with a gesture of her hand, thanked her brother for the help received. After that, she went back to her chair and sipped from a goblet, the liquor Fawnier offered her.

But that deathly silence was interrupted by a sudden knock, given to the door of the hall.

"Come on ahead” said the Ruler, in a tone of apparent calm. And in the Audience Hall, the General of the Queen's legions entered "Honorable Majesty, excuse the inconvenience... but there’s a rather unusual and disturbing event, which I must communicate to you".

"Come on, go ahead” replied Liorz, still turning her back to the General, and staring at an ancient silver armor.

"I don't know how to describe it...” the General quickly reported, visibly upset "Here... how to say... dozens of huge scorpions and multiple bewitched hornets that seem to emit small lightning bolts... and also a huge and dark cloud, with seven enormous swords wedged into it... they head towards the castle. And they don't seem to have good intentions…”-

At those words, the Ruler turned abruptly towards the General, and with an authoritative expression, she said “Are you mad? What do you want to insinuate? What the hell do you think you… but… wait a minute… Did you say seven swords?" the Ruler finished in a feeble voice; her tail began to drum hysterically on the floor.

"Of course, my Queen... seven huge dark Red Swords, entangled in the huge dark cloud; and also multiple scorpions as huge as houses, and hundreds of bewitched hornets which are heading swiftly towards us… What are we supposed to do”-

"Issurjot" Queen Liorz exclaimed in an inexpressive voice "It’s surely the Wizard Issurjot... he told me he had a strategic plan, to stop you...”-

"And then let it reach us too!" Horjon exploded in anger, beating his fist on the long marble table “There are thousands of warriors, who will face this new task, without batting an eye! We are not afraid, of that slimy worm!" instinctively, the Sovereign grabbed the hilt of his saber, studded with blue diamonds.

Taken by curiosity, Pintaqua followed closely by Nuvjel, Mauram and Amista, opened the huge windows of the Audience Hall, to observe what was happening outside. And in short, Horjon, Fawnier and the Ruler, were staring in horror and bewilderment at the dozens of huge scorpions and multiple bewitched hornets… approaching at the two armies. On the back of one of the huge scorpions, Issurjot could be clearly discerned; who with impetus and vehemence incited the scorpions to attack. It could also be seen, how around the Wizard… hundreds of bewitched hornets fluttered with an angry air. The bewitched hornets emitted from their stings, some small and dangerous lightning bolts. It was clear, that the Wizard had magically given at those horrible hornets, the ability to emit bewitched lightning bolts.

The only one, who remained inside the Audience Hall, was the General.

 

Suddenly, Nuvjel's voice shouted "Look up there... that kind of black cloud... it has seven huge Red Swords, stuck on it!”-

Mauram, with a finger pointing in the sky, reiterated "Those seven Red Swords... don't they come from the hill called... of the Seven Swords?”-

Queen Liorz, while encouraged them to enter in the Audience Hall with one hand, uttered "Of course... Issurjot through his magic must have removed them from the ancient temple. And now, he uses them against us! In this way, the Wizard has dramatically increased his magical powers. Quick, let's go back inside… we absolutely have to come up with a plan, to defeat Issurjot! "

And while everyone followed the advice of the Ruler, returning to the interior of the Audience Hall; Fawnier added “Mother, don't forget that there are now two joint armies. You’ll see that we’ll easily defeat both Issurjot and his stupid freak tricks!”-

"Are you men always so impulsive?" Amista declared excitedly, while she tried to conceal a fragment of crystal coming from her hands, which broke it, had rolled on the floor “Do you think the Wizard doesn't know all this already? As you may have understood, Issurjot is not stupid… If he has made this gesture, he’ll surely have completed it… bearing in mind the military forces of both kingdoms”.

The Nymph and Mauram gestured with their heads, which what else was it not... an eloquent consent to the Princess's words.

Sovereign Horjon then enunciated “So what should we do? Should we wait for him, to annihilate us? I'm going out to take command of my army” saying this, he walked to the main entrance of the Audience Hall.

“Wait, Horjon…” Fawnier said promptly “I’m coming with you” and then turning to the Ruler, he declared “Mother, I take command of our army. Together, we’ll easily defeat both Issurjot... and those damned giant scorpions!”-

"Fawnier… wait a minute” Amista said dryly, inadvertently stepping on a fragment of crystal, that had fallen to the floor.

"Why?" asked the Prince nervously-

 


Amista, with her hands covered by rhino leather gloves, took the small silk bag from a pocket of her suit; then she pulled out the Four Tears medallion. Finally, still with the medallion in hand, she enunciated "Fawnier listen... first of all, we must try to break the spell of the pendant... don't you think?" the Princess sensed that her crystal hands were about to break further. But she said nothing about it.

"Pardon…? But, what are you saying? We'll think about this later... now, if you haven't noticed... there’s a mad and insane Wizard, with dozens of huge scorpions and hundreds of bewitched hornets, trying to destroy our kingdom!”-

Amista approached her brother with a peaceful voice, and at the same time, determined “Do you think I’m happy to tell you this? An important fact came to mind... maybe if we manage to break the spell of the magical medallion, as well as return to normal, we’ll soon be able... to destroy the evil power of Issurjot”.

"How can you be so sure?" expressed the Prince, with impetus.

Amista with a firm voice added “Remember what Elrjana told us? That we’ll be able to find a solution, to the curses and spells that have led us to have physical deformations, when we discover the secret of the Four Tears. Now, that we know that the medallion was forged with magic, to submit to the unhealthy wishes of our mother... the only way to break the spell of the medallion... is to destroy it!" another fragment of crystal, tumbled to the ground.

The Nymph turning to the Prince remarked firmly “Furthermore, Elrjana spoke of the defeat of the dragon, which winds through your family. And in your opinion… who else can that dragon be… if not Issurjot”-

After a short pause, Fawnier answered decisively "Okay, you convinced me... But who will lead our army, against Issurjot and his enchanted beasts?”-

"I have an idea" pronounced the Ruler, turning her gaze to Horjon "Sovereign Horjon. At this point, I also give you the command over my army of warriors. Now, it will be you, who will lead the imperial fleets of my kingdom... I wish you a salubrious victory over that miserable being, who for so many years without any mercy... has exercised dominion both over me... and over my family" the tail of Liorz seemed to have awakened from a long torpor... and in fact was swaying with agitation.

“But… your Majesty…” the General of the Liorz fleets promptly expressed “…sorry if I say; but it seems rash to me. Well... you understand well that...”-

“I don't want to hear more, General! What I have just stated, was an order. Did you understand?" the tail was firm and alert.

"Sure, Majesty” argued the General… and after having scrutinized the Sovereign with a defiant expression, he left the Audience Hall with a quick step.

At that point, Fawnier had an intuition "Horjon, surely you’ll also need my deer and hawk friends. As I have stated in recent days, for a short time... I have the magical ability to make my animal friends, understand the language of others. From now on, my animal friends will follow your suggestions and instructions" and in saying these words, Fawnier called the falcon Igryn with a whistle, telling him to follow along with Coryador and all the other deer and falcons, the directions of the Sovereign.

The hawk Igryn, after a slight hiss of assent, perched on the right shoulder of the Sovereign Horjon; who concisely stated “Excellent choice Prince Fawnier. I’ll make sure that you don’t regret, having placed your trust in me" then Horjon, as he left the Audience Hall, took a furtive glance at Amista.

As soon as Horjon and the General had left, Mauram with evident apprehension, announced to Amista “Listen, Amista. I'm curious about one thing… who is Elrjana”-

Amista with a polite voice, replied to her sister "Mauram, later I’ll explain who Elrjana is... now we have to find a way to free the spell, from the pendant of the Four Tears".

"Amista, are you sure what you're doing?" Fawnier asked, approaching his sister "Elrjana's words were so unusual... aren't you deluding yourself?”-

The Nymph answered for the Princess “Listen Fawnier, what have we got to lose? Until now, Amista has never let us down… trust her”.

A few moments later, with no interest in the growing cracks in her crystal hands, which were multiplying; Amista threw the magical medallion on the golden floor, and began to jump on it, with the intent of breaking it into a thousand pieces.

But it was all in vain.

Fawnier furiously took a sword from a royal guard, brought there on purpose. After that, he struck with strength and determination, the fairy pendant. But the sword broke.

Nonetheless, the unusual thing was that from the fairy medallion, a bizarre greenish light came out every time it was struck.

In the end, they all understood that the medallion... couldn’t be shattered with conventional weapons. After all, it was filled and imbued with magical energy. Everyone's intuition was unanimous, only Queen Liorz had the ability to destroy the curse, which was inherent in the medallion. All things considered, the spell with which the pendant was full and impregnated also came from the unhealthy desire of the Ruler.

 


Following these last considerations, Amista after grabbing the medallion from the floor, gracefully approached at her mother; and handing her the medallion of the Four Tears, she declared “Mother… try to take the medallion… and think of something that will break it and free us all, from its evil bond. Please... You have seen that no conventional weapon can shatter it”.

Queen Liorz observing the cause of her misfortune… jumped back; after which she in an agitated voice, uttered “What?! But Amista… didn't you see that that nefarious medallion, confuses my mind? That pendant is cursed! If I take it, it will make me return evil and desirous of possession for more. In brief, I’ll be under its evil influence. You can't ask me this!" the tail bounced excitedly, from side to side.

“Mother” Amista insisted “Don't you understand, that the medallion was also forged with your will? I don’t know anything about magic and spells… but I’m sure that only with your intention to break it and to sever the bond that exists between you... we’ll all be free from its evil influence. Do you want to comprehend it”-

Queen Liorz, without adding a single word, turned her gaze to one wall of the Audience Hall.

At that point, Pintaqua took from a pocket of her laced dress, a small parchment and a little pencil; and she began to make a drawing very quickly.

"Look, Amista...” Mauram added in a low voice "Pintaqua wants to tell us something... she started drawing".

After Princess Pintaqua finished the drawing, Nuvjel took it, and as she stared at it, she gave it to Amista, saying "It's really beautiful, but I don't know what it means”.

Curious, Amista examined the drawing; which depicted two claws holding four bleeding doves in their hands.

Without saying a word, Amista gave the drawing to her mother; who, after having scrutinized it, made a slight groan. At Liorz came back to mind again, all the paintings of her daughter Pintaqua... she knew well that those claws symbolized her wrong way of loving her children... who were depicted with the four wounded and bleeding doves.

A few moments passed. The tail of the Ruler had intermittent tremors. Then, still with her tail, Liorz took her pendant from Amista's left hand, albeit reluctantly.

At that juncture, Amista felt another crack in her left hand. In fact, her crystal hands were slowly deteriorating. But thanks to the rhino leather gloves, no one noticed.

“You're right, Amista…” Queen Liorz said in a convinced voice “It was me… who created all this disaster. And it’s right that it’s me... to remedy it”.

Liorz, looked at the medallion of the Four Tears with trepidation, and then shouted aloud “Broken damn pendant! Free my family from all your abominations!”-

But nothing happened. They all examined each other disconsolately; while a dark veil descended in the Audience Hall.

“And this, what would it be? Why is the sky darkening?" Fawnier asked as he walked to a large window in the living room.

Amista, in a voice broken with dismay, replied "Issurjot...”-

 

And that was it. The Wizard Issurjot was on the back of an enormous scorpion, and was also always surrounded by hundreds of bewitched hornets. The Wizard not only ordered the other huge scorpions what to do, but magically controlled the huge Black Cloud, which now dominated the castle. The Cyclopean Cloud of Darkness looked just like a gigantic quilted amoeba with seven enormous scarlet swords. In short, Issurjot together with the hundreds of bewitched hornets, and the huge and hungry scorpions, was reaching the militias of Horjon, joined to those of Queen Liorz.

Issurjot, sought revenge and conquest; and seeing the warriors of the Ruler joined to those of the Sovereign Horjon, he understood immediately what had happened. Just as he had hypothesized and conjectured, the two kingdoms had unified with the intent of destroying him.

After that brief reflection, Issurjot with a voice from beyond the grave, shouted “So… you've finally arrived, to understand the truth! You stupid deluded, it took you some time!" and he finished the sentence, with a mournful laugh.

Finished grinning, Issurjot magically gave a magical command to the huge Black Cloud; which launched a series of dark and shady lightning bolts against some warriors, who were shooting him with fiery arrows. At that precise moment, many bewitched hornets began to fly quickly against the warriors. The soldiers of the Sovereign and Queen Liorz tried as they could to strike and knock down those terrible bewitched hornets. But uselessly… in fact the hornets being tiny and fast, they avoided their weapons with speed and insolence. And also, the bewitched hornets hit the unfortunate with their stings, regurgitating with magical lightning bolts. In practice, the small thunderbolts that were able to magically produce the hornets, were able to injure the warriors… which were forced to fall to the ground, unconscious. It was evident, that their armor didn’t protect them from the lightning bolts of the bewitched hornets. The reason was simple... the fairy lightning bolts of the hornets, were able to magically pass, the armor of the fighters.

In observing his beloved bewitched hornets, Issurjot was delighted amused because he wasn’t in the least injured by any weapon. In fact, just as the Queen had guessed, Issurjot's magical power... had increased and amplified dramatically. All this, thanks to the bewitched energy, which flowed from the huge and red... Seven Swords-

In short, as all warriors could sadly note, the arrows didn’t hurt the enormous scorpions in the least, due to their very hard skin, made up of powerful vermilion scales. But on the contrary, the terrible lightning bolts thrown with such impetuosity from the shady mass… hit many warriors hard, causing them to fall to the ground.

And after catching a glimpse of another scornful smile from the Wizard, Horjon getting angry, shouted "Don't waste too much effort in grinning, you stupid Wizard!" then brandishing his precious saber, he continued "You'll see that sooner or later, we’ll find a way to annihilate you!”-

 

The words of the Sovereign Horjon were not spoken by chance... in fact the troops began to fight the huge scorpions, with success. Some huge scorpions could be observed, which were blocked by the notorious Bubbles of Priam. Other diabolical scorpions were wounded and defeated, by Halykjur's sabers with the magic flame; brandished with courage, by the knights of the Sovereign.

Likewise, the hawks with their fairy armor, had managed to defeat numerous bewitched hornets. Not surprisingly, the terrible fairy lightning bolts of the hornets, nothing could do against the magical armor of the hawks. At the same time, the hawks, thanks to their beaks covered with magical armor, were able to devour the hornets, as if nothing had happened.

In the throng of the furious battle, you could also glimpse the deer headed by Coryador, who dodging the terrifying sting of the huge scorpions, hit their hideous paws, making them stagger. In the meantime, some hawks struck their eyes with their beaks covered with magical armor. In this way, the evil semi-lame and half-blinded scorpions fell to the ground defeated.

In the end, they were left on the ground, all the horrifying and gigantic scorpions. At the same time, the bewitched hornets had been vanquished and devoured by the multiple hawks. Eventually, Horjon along with Fawnier's warriors and animal friends rejoiced over their victory.

 

Issurjot, still riding the last remaining huge scorpion, seeing the defeat of his beloved scorpions and bewitched hornets, with a grin... thundered to the Sovereign "Silly Horjon, the bewitched hornets and the scorpions, were just a diversion! The highlight, comes now!" and always with an evil laugh painted on his face, from the huge Dark Cloud, one of the huge Red Swords was seen... which was thrown against the Sovereign Horjon.

Fortunately, the Sovereign just had time to move away. All thanks to the help of the white deer Coryador, who with a quick leap, pushed him away from the direction of the huge Red Sword.

Nonetheless, when the Red Sword hit the ground, a colossal rumble was heard and the whole castle and with it the entire adjacent area, trembled. It was a sort of earthquake, which unfortunately… didn’t finish with the passage of time.

Many soldiers and warriors fell to the ground in fear; while their battle horses ran away in terror, in the direction of the woods.

At that juncture some deer led by Coryador, tried as they could, to get rid of the wounded soldiers. While the hawks led by Igryn fluttered around the terrible Dark Cloud, with the intent of slowing it down. But as you can easily imagine, the hawks were soon driven away, by a tremendous gust of wind, which escaped from the Black Cloud; which threw the poor hawks, against some trees adjacent to the castle.

 

And as if that were not enough, Issurjot... not happy with all this, he threw another mighty Red Sword, towards the ground. And by magic... a greenish fire began to flare up, which began to chase the deer and the remaining soldiers; making them run away in terror.

"What are you doing?" the Sovereign Horjon shouted to the fighters “You must not run away! We must remain united! It's the only way to defeat Issurjot! Stop…!”-

But it was all in vain. Between the blazes of magical fire, the earthquake and the discharges of bewitched lightning... in short, all the warriors and also the falcons and the deer friends of the Prince... disappeared inside the huge forest, adjacent to the castle.

Incredible to say... but only Horjon remained on the battlefield, flanked by Coryador and Igryn; who were certainly not afraid of that huge Dark Cloud, tufted with huge and devilish Red Swords.

 

Issurjot, still on the back of the huge scorpion, shouted to the Sovereign in an acrid voice "Lay down your miserable and ridiculous saber, Sovereign Horjon! Your stupid whim of being a hero can’t do anything against my superb and invincible magic!" from the Wizard's hands, fire-colored lightning bolts were seen. At the same time, the huge sting of the scorpion, fluttered menacingly against Horjon.

The Sovereign, not at all disturbed by those words, and also threateningly raising his saber studded with blue diamonds, replied “Do you think I’m a coward? I'm not afraid of you or your cheap spells!”-

"Good! Then you’ll perish, like a daring and foolish champion of nothingness!" Issurjot answered, laughing mockingly.

The Wizard Issurjot wasn’t joking at all; in fact you could see one of the huge Red Swords, which surrounded the Dark Cloud, which was slowly moving in the direction of the Sovereign. Issurjot's grin became more and more frightening.

 

"So, what happens?" Amista asked her brother with apprehension, which at that moment was peering out of one of the windows of the Audience Hall-

“I don't feel like telling you anything, other than to hurry; Issurjot is commanding the Dark Cloud, to throw one of his cursed Red Swords at Horjon, Coryador and Igryn. At the same time all the warriors, ran away…” Fawnier's voice, was worried.

Afflicted Nuvjel, added "Fawnier, there’s nothing more to be done... tell the Sovereign to surrender. Maybe the Wizard Tojrussi Drago, will spare his life".

"No!" Amista burst out excitedly; then turning to Queen Liorz, she pleaded “Mother… try not to be nervous, and think with love… from the bottom of your heart… that you want to break the curse of the medallion. But this time, don't use anger. But I repeat, use love..." her voice was persuasive and convincing.

Mauram and Pintaqua with a worried expression approached her mother. Fawnier turned away from the window, and after approaching Nuvjel, he stared at the scene with extreme apprehension.

Queen Liorz closed her eyes for a moment... The darkness around them, caused by the advance of the huge Dark Cloud, increased in intensity. Some knocks on the door, made it clear that someone wanted to enter… but Amista yelled “Stay where you are! Let no one enter!”-

The tension in the Audience Hall was palpable

The silence was so narrow and deep, that one could listen to the panting breaths of those present

 

Unexpectedly, Liorz opened her eyes wide... she joined her hands, holding the magical medallion inside them with force... and in a voice filled with unusual calm and firmness; she declared "I formed the Four Tears... from the depths of my pain, and of my despair. I believed I could mold the minds of others, like clay. Now, I understand my terrible mistake. May the fire and the light of love, bring life and brightness back into the darkness of my heart... I wish to give freedom to the sapphires that were born from my pierced soul. I free you fairy sapphires, from the chains of my selfishness. Fly tears… fly without impediment… fly free towards your fate!" her tail swayed noticeably.

All the children of Queen Liorz were stunned and amazed, by those beautiful words. Indeed, they had never heard their mother, speak with such depth of soul. Even from Fawnier's cheeks, a furtive tear fell.

Nuvjel held the Prince's hand tightly, with a slight gasp.

Amista was startled, and stared at her mother's face, with an ecstatic expression; regardless of the growing pain she felt in her hands. Pintaqua and Mauram, also as if fascinated, scrutinized the face of their mother, which even if in the semi-darkness seemed to shine.

 

All of a sudden, the medallion of the Four Tears… lit up with a very powerful blue light with white-gold veins. The Ruler in amazement, let go of the medallion... but inexplicably the medallion didn’t fall on the golden floor, but remained magically suspended in midair.

Everyone was speechless and amazed, by that new and unexpected event.

After that, the medallion of the Four Tears produced a powerful flash… and in the pendant you could see some cracks, while you could hear a faint noise like a mirror breaking into a thousand pieces.

And finally... the four magical sapphires shattered the crystal where they had been imprisoned for years... and were free to fly and soar through the Audience Hall; leaving a vaporous luminous trail of blue light, mixed with gold as they pass. Meanwhile, the golden chain fell to the ground inert, closely followed by the many sliver of crystal.

 


By now, the Audience Hall was brightly lit, since the magical Four Sapphires, better known by the name: the Four Tears… hovered incessantly through the hall, with unprecedented speed. They were indeed of an amazing luminescence. Everyone understood that the Four Fairy Sapphires were living essences with their own precise freedom of thought. In fact, they reproduced the four souls of the descendants of Queen Liorz. Souls extrapolated and seized from their source, and locked up in a cocoon and enchanted chest that was none other than the crystal that had imprisoned and contained them, for so many years.

And so... after making numerous and rapid twirls, the Four Tears quickly made their way to the four children of the Ruler.

 

A sapphire tear magically entered in Amista's heart. The Princess quickly took off her rhino leather gloves, and with enormous amazement, she was looking at her hands… which had now become normal.

The second sapphire tear, it quickly entered into Mauram's heart; and her hair quickly became ash blonde, but without any trace of gold.

Fawnier, when the sapphire tear entered in his heart, became a normal boy… losing his body and deer antlers; which vanished leaving behind a faint fuchsia vapor. And suddenly, Nuvjel hugged him happily.

And finally Pintaqua, after the sapphire tear penetrated inside her heart, uttered again in shock "Have you seen? Better still, have you heard? Now I can talk! It's wonderful!”-

Amista, now with her hands finally back to normal, couldn't resist any longer, and went to hug Pintaqua. Fawnier picked up the Nymph, causing her to spin around in delight. And the sweet Mauram never stopped looking at herself, in a mirror hanging on the wall, her hair now devoid of that unusual golden glimmer.

Then all together, they turned their gaze to her mother... but to their disappointment, they saw that she still possessed her lion's tail.

Meanwhile, the Four Tears magically re-emerged from their hearts, and always flying, they came out of the huge window of the Audience Hall. The Four Fairy Sapphires had just begun their healing mission. In fact, full of the vigorous will of the children of Queen Liorz, they sought with anxiety but at the same time determination, to complete their mission.

In that whirlwind of events, all curious looked out the window; and they saw with surprise, how the magical Four Sapphires called the Four Tears, set off with courage, speed and Power, against the Wizard Issurjot.

 

The Sovereign Horjon experienced a strange sensation in his heart, and while bravely brandishing his saber against the Wizard and the huge scorpion, he knew that soon... he would lose his life. But what he really was sorry about was losing forever… his beloved Amista. That was the anguished thought of the Sovereign, as Issurjot prepared with a malevolent laugh, to throw one of his enormous Red Swords at him.

Nonetheless, the Sovereign Horjon after dodging the huge sting of the scorpion twice... was suddenly struck by a strange glow... and to his surprise... he saw four bright sapphires, which hovered quickly towards the Wizard.

Even Issurjot, seeing the Sovereign's gaze turn away, turned... and with extreme amazement... he saw the Four Tears, heading swiftly towards him.

Issurjot, immediately lost interest in the Sovereign, and always peering with malice, the luminous Four Sapphires known as the Four Tears, thundered angrily “But how is it possible? Nobody could have broken the spell! No! Not right now!" and with strength and animosity, he magically had one... then two... and finally all the huge Red Swords, which were stuck in the huge Dark Cloud, hurled against the Four Tears. But Issurjot had to surrender to the evidence of the facts.

Indeed, the Four Fairy Sapphires, with each attack of the enchanted swords, like lightning fast arrows... managed to avoid them, and also to gain ground towards their desired goal: ...Issurjot. At the same time, the Red Swords… fell to the ground inert. You could see some fiery red glows, expanding from the huge Red Swords... and then slowly and inexorably... fading and finally disappearing... forever.

And if the magical power of the huge Red Swords had ended... the same event, it didn’t happen for the huge Dark Cloud.

In fact, some mighty lightning bolts coming from the terrible Dark Cloud, tried to hit the Four Fairy Sapphires; but it was all unsuccessful.

The Wizard filled with irritation, finally decided to fight the Four Fairy Sapphires with his magical powers. Thus it was that Issurjot created some spherical globes from nothing, with the intent of incorporating and destroying the Four Fairy Sapphires. Not at all frightened, they quickly deflected the spherical fairy globes, and hit the huge scorpion, which was ridden by the Wizard... causing it to collapse to the ground, lifeless. The Wizard Issurjot wasn’t intimidated, and before he hit the ground... quickly took off.

Climbing up a small hill, Issurjot began with fury and sagacity, to hurl from his hands... some thunderbolts at the Four Fairy Sapphires.

While the terrible enchanted battle continued undaunted, one of the Fairy Sapphires headed towards the huge Dark Cloud; after which the Fairy Sapphire... began to pierce it. Each time the Fairy Sapphire passed the Dark Cloud from side to side... you could see that the huge Black Cloud disappeared; until it dissipates completely.

 

Finished destroying the Dark Cloud, the Fairy Sapphire rejoined the other three sapphires. Suddenly, the Four Fairy Sapphires quickly began to pirouette around the angry figure of the Wizard. The Wizard knew well, that the Four Tears were filled and impregnated with the vital energy of the four children of Queen Liorz. It was he himself many years ago, to perform that portentous spell. Not surprisingly, the will and desire that the Four Fairy Sapphires had to annihilate and destroy him... was none other than the intrinsic desire, of the four descendants of King Conrab and Queen Liorz.

In all that chaos of thoughts and reflections, Issurjot tried with arcane arts and amazing spells, to oppose at the attacks and assaults of the Four Fairy Sapphires.

Suddenly, the Four Tears struck in unison the figure of the Wizard. Two sapphires in the eyes... one in the heart... and the last sapphire pierced the Wizard's head.

Issurjot became completely black; then all over his body, multiple fire red cracks could be seen. Finally... there was a terrible magical explosion. You could also hear a sound of enormous intensity, spread throughout the territory.

In no time at all, the Wizard Issurjot was defeated by the Four Tears. In a nutshell, Issurjot vanished into thin air... leaving as he faded, only some red and bubbling... flashes of ash-colored miasma.

And after having forever dissolved the evil Issurjot, the Four Fairy Sapphires, went out like stars now at the limit of their fate. And so... slowly they disappeared... dissolving after exhaling a last glow, an intense blue color.

 


It’s useless to expose the joy of the Sovereign, and of the whole Royal family. Not to mention the exultation of the armed militias, and the numerous deer and hawks. The Sovereign Horjon, after exulting with Coryador and Igryn, quickly reached where Amista and all the other members of the Royal family were; and he arrived just in time to observe that finally, even Queen Liorz's lion tail, with rapidity… was fading.

Fawnier had an intuition, and uttered to his beloved Nymph "Listen Nuvjel... try to sing... and don't be afraid. I’m sure, that even your spell will have disappeared”.

"Are you certain?" asked the hesitant Nymph "I would not like to turn someone into...”-

"But no... The Wizard who gave you that spell, is now gone!" Amista said in turn, trying to encourage Nuvjel.

And so, the Nymph began to sing; and with her enormous surprise... she saw that none of those present, were transformed into anything. Therefore, for her too, her long and painful torment was over. And hugging Fawnier, she tried to conceal her tears.

 

"So? What is all this uproar?" King Conrab asked, as he entered in the Audience Hall, accompanied by the Nanny Resell. But his words were not in the least accepted by anyone; least of all from Queen Liorz, who as soon as she saw her husband deprived of rabbit ears, happily ran to meet him, saying “Conrab! You’re finally fully recovered! And I see, you no longer have your ridiculous ears!”-

The King, still a bit stunned by all those events, and still not fully recovered from his long illness, enunciated "My ears?" and then feeling his ears in a surprised voice, he said “You're right! Now they’re back to normal… But then, what are we waiting to celebrate”-

Everyone had a healthy laugh, and the celebrations for the newfound freedom, from the oppression of the terrible Wizard Issurjot, began throughout the kingdom.

 

And it’s useless to add, that the Sovereign Horjon married the beautiful Amista, who was happy to know that the other ladies, victims of Elrjana's spell... had returned to normal, after the Sovereign had kissed her.

As it’s easy to imagine, Fawnier also took as his spouse, the Nymph Nuvjel. At the same time, the splendid Sunjel gem, with the passage of time… disappeared; but only after having poured out a light blue flame.

Pintaqua for her part became a storyteller. And her gab was fresh and quick, just like her hands in painting.

Princess Mauram, in addition to apologizing to the man she had made suffer when she was Vampjria... repaid him with treasures and money.

Finally, the squire Rjonov, courted the Nanny Resell... who annoyed, made him deliver a large chocolate cake, with real spiders inside.

Frightened… Rjonov began a drastic diet.

 

But wait... what about Fawnier's animal friends? Fear not… the hawks were admitted to court, alongside King Conrab and Queen Liorz, as additional guardians of the kingdom of Arkovia. While Coryador and the deer, became inseparable friends of the whole Royal family, for numerous generations. Of course, they too were allowed to escort the Royal family, to multiple conventions with other neighboring kingdoms.

 

And you know what…? There was a hawk, which once… spotted a horrible red owl, flitting at the edge of the Arkovia wood. But no one was able to say, if all this... was legend, or truth.

 

#TheFourTears #LeQuattroLacrime #fantasy

#flaviasanti #fable #ecriture

#fairytale #novella

#literary #scrittura #racconto

#art #favola #fiaba #Novel

#Filmmaking #movie

#hollywood #lungometraggio #cinema

#marchen #fabula


No comments:

Post a Comment

Maria Valtorta – Notebooks - December 24, 1943

  Maria Valtorta – Notebooks - December 24, 1943:   Jesus explains the difference between the sinner and the just.   Maria Valtorta ...