The Lost Secret of the Green Man:
The Crystal Keeper Chronicles Book 2
By Tiffany Turner
Cover Art and Illustration
by Rich Wallace
Copyright 2011
Smashwords Edition, License Notes:
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase or use the sharing option through the Smashwords website. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the Smashwords.com website and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Kirkus Reviews April 2010:
" A gentle, colorful magical adventure, with enough creepiness and kindness to sustain a series."
Dedicated to my husband and family that support me, my friends that have heard all the ideas and said, “Go for it”, and to my students. They are my inspiration.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. The First Day of School
Chapter 2. First Meetings
Chapter 3. Adventures in Friendship
Chapter 4. The Crystal Store
Chapter 5. School Vs. Keeper
Chapter 6. The Fairy Paths
Chapter_7. An Uninvited Guest
Chapter 8. The Hidden Cave
Chapter 9. The Green Man
Chapter 10. Secrets Revealed
Chapter 11. Priorities
Chapter 12. Riding the Paths
Chapter 13. Meeting Old Friends
Chapter 14. Choices
Prologue
Rupert entered through the oak tree’s rounded door. He spotted Castrotomas staring into his far-seeing crystal. It began to grow cloudy as Castro’s tail swished back and forth. Rupert’s grey tabby fur was full of dust and small twigs. His master was a cat who focused heavily on his work. And what was before him was an important matter. Castrotomas hadn’t torn away from the seeing crystal in two days. Small bowls of food stood uneaten. The workshop within the oak tree was cluttered with books, notes, and leaves.
Rupert looked over at his Master’s meals. It was a shame to waste such good fish and fowl. He sighed as he looked around the workshop. It was his chore to keep things tidy being the Master’s apprentice. When Castrotomas didn’t eat, it made his job harder. There wasn’t much else to do when Castrotomas was engrossed in his work.
Rupert moved over to interrupt Castro. When Castro forgot to eat, the only thing that Rupert could do was pester. It sometimes worked to howl once or twice to get his attention.
“Master, you forgot to eat again.” Rupert tried to hide the irritation.
Humph. “Don’t bother me unless you have something that is important to your studies.” Castrotomas didn’t look away from the crystal, but swished his tail in a twitch-like fashion.
“Master, is there anything more on the flow of energy and did you eat anything today?” Rupert turned his golden eyes to look expectantly. There was no answer. He was feeling a need to howl when he noticed the swirls in the far-seeing crystal start to slow. The rounded shape took on a green glow.
“There.” A whisper escaped Castro’s lips. “A small opening in the flow of energy. “It’s as if...” Castro pulled back his whiskers. “It is being drained for some purpose.”
“But to where Master?” Rupert put a paw forward, the fight over eating forgotten.
“I know not, but we may find out all too soon. The shadow is growing day by day. Ever since the Shadow Sorcerer, Balkazaar, escaped his bonds I have noticed a change in the flow of energy. It could be him affecting the flow of energy in the World of Fairy and with the humans. But unless I can see some source connecting the two, I will not know.”
“What can we do Master?” Rupert’s fur started to bristle.
“There is nothing to do but wait. I’ve been watching the training of one promising Crystal Keeper. Her name is Wanda. She was made a Crystal Keeper in the World of Fairy in the Western Realms. Her training has progressed well this summer.
She has already faced a trap by Balkazaar. She had to face her Crystal Keeper challenge unaided in a shadow trap maze. She defeated the trap and freed the Fairy Queen and past Crystal Keeper. Impressive for a beginning Crystal Keeper.
She has taken to her studies of energy direction nicely. But the Fairy Queen has told me much is still needed before she is completely ready. Her Cat Sorcerer, Brewford, has been overseeing some of her Crystal Keeper Training, as well as the elves. But it might not be fast enough to stop Balkazaar.”
Castro stopped to gaze back into the far-seeing crystal. “There, another bee just entered through the Fairy Paths. I still can’t follow it well enough to determine its reason for demise.” Thump. His tail struck the stool he was balanced on. Thump. Castro jumped down and headed for his bookshelves. “I think I remember a book talking about the Fairy Paths and how they relate to energy transfer somewhere around here.”
Rupert stepped forward and nodded upward. “I think it’s on the second shelf master. The title if I remember was ‘Energy Transfer and Fairy Paths: Guides and Reasons’. Isn’t it written by the Master of Unicorns?”
“Yes Rupert. You remember your studies well. The Unicorns are still the main guides along the fairy paths. “ He looked intently at the volume as it pulled itself out and lowered itself to the floor. Castro turned the pages slowly. “There. Yes, I was correct. Fairy Paths are a direct link to energies as well as paths to other Worlds of Fairy. Now, if I can only find why the bees are disappearing down them.”
“Maybe the Unicorn Master can help?” suggested Rupert.
Castrotomas paused and looked up for a moment from the dusty volume. “Perhaps you’re right. It might be time to ask others for help in this matter. And maybe to start directing this new promising Crystal Keeper to help us as well.”
“Wonderful Master. Now that it is all settled, how about you have some food?” Rupert smiled at his master and Castro answered with a long-winded “Bah.”
The First Day of School
Thump. Wanda, are you going to get up now?
Fur rubbed against my arm after the initial pounce. I pushed Brewford off as he scampered towards the door of my bedroom. He looked back at me and then exited, tail raised. I started rubbing my eyes, the grass allergies from late summer driving them crazy as usual. Leaning back on my elbow, I tried to put off the inevitable. The first day of school loomed before me. All I had to do was get out of bed to start it. That was the problem.
If I just stayed in bed it might not happen, right? I could lay all day, reading that new series I found in the library last week about the girl who had secret powers and had to save the universe from an evil space-magician. Or I could get up, and just live it. After all, I had just become a Crystal Keeper, and danger was my game. My life was the plot in just about any fantasy book I could find in the library.
But the truth was I still didn’t know where Balkazaar was, the Dark Sorcerer who was now free somewhere in the World of Fairy. I’m sure he wasn’t happy with me for freeing the Crystal Keeper he’d caught last summer. I still didn’t know how he had imprisoned Jordan, the old Crystal Keeper, so easily.
A lot had happened since I first followed that Crow-Fairy into the tree trunk. I’d discovered the World of Fairy was real, and now I was a caretaker to that World, or at least in my realm of the West. I’m what is called a Crystal Keeper. I, Wanda Stewart, was in charge of helping and saving the fairies when needed. Elves were helping to train me as well as promising to help with my homework. The Fairy Queen was helping me learn the different Fairy Realms. Our realm in the West was just one of many I was still learning about.
Then there were the other fairies, like the Brownies, Lavendora and Malik. They could enter the Real World in their animal forms, as a cat and a crow. Also, not to mention the fact that my own cat was a Sorcerer. Apparently, he is a Master Cat Sorcerer, which he all too frequently points out in my studies.
Anyway, I figured out that the mind trap had been linked to weaknesses. It kept bringing up all of Jordan’s problems and not letting him look at the positive things. Poor Jordan got stuck in his own negative perspective of growing up. But I helped him come out of the mind trap by pointing out the positives, like going to college. It was the least I could do.
It was Balkazaar that had figured out Jordan’s weakness. All I had to do was keep my own weakness a secret. As far as I knew, I didn’t have any but one. Pretty simple.
I was still working on fixing my worst weakness. At least I knew what it was now, my confidence. I don’t have much. But being a Crystal Keeper is helping some. I feel like I can solve a problem if I put my mind to it. Which brings me back to my current problem, getting out of bed and facing the first day of school. It wasn’t going away.
Are you coming or not? Brewford’s cat accented voice echoed in my mind. He added that stern cat-tone he always does when he’s irritated.
“Yeah, Brew, I’m coming. Keep your whiskers on. You know, it’s not always the easiest thing to get out of bed.”
I know. Cats deplore it. But you have to get up so food can be given to you. Speaking of food, your mother is still in the glass box that sprays jets of water. Mental shudder. I know how you humans allow water to be sprayed on you like that, but it just doesn’t seem like a proper grooming.
His head reappeared at the doorframe, ears peaked and twitching. He gave a quick shake to accent his thoughts. Then, he let out a loud “MEOW”.
“All right, just hold on you ungrateful, fat cat.”
Fat, who said fat? Nicely rounded and healthy I would think. He pointed his rump at me, tail up, and started to trek up the hall. I slid out onto the side of the bed, gave a nice stretch that started a yawn. Brewford turned and sat looking at me from the doorway of the bedroom. I don’t have all day.
That is the one thing about helping the fairies now as a Keeper; I get back talk from my cat. I don’t know who was worse now, Mom or him.
“Hey, sometimes we humans need a good stretch.” I slid off the side of the bed and started towards the door. Brewford did a neat turn and almost tripped me as he rubbed against my legs. “Meow. Meow.”
“Why all the fanfare Brew? You can just tell me you’re hungry now.”
We must keep up normal appearances. We can’t let your mother or others know that things have changed. Being a Keeper has its responsibilities and secrets. “Meow. Meow.” He led me down the hall, stopping at the opening to the kitchen.
“Laying it on a bit thick?” I whispered back at him.
Thick? How can I be thick? Is that another reference to my size?
No, just that you are acting almost too cat-like.” I reached for the cupboard where the cat food was stored. “Meow. Meow.” I pulled the loop to open the can, and reached in the silverware drawer for a spoon. “Meow. Meow.”
“Brewford sounds ready for his food," announced Mom as she came around the corner in her robe. She rubbed her wet hair with a towel as she stopped to see what I was doing. I feel like I’m always under the watchful eye.
“He is acting like he’s starving again. You’d think he wouldn’t since he’s so FAT.”
“MEOOOWW!”
I smiled down at him and he rubbed up against my legs one more time for effect. Scooping a few chunks of wet food, I plopped it into his bowl.
“How does it feel to be starting your first day of Middle School?” Mom switched to the other side of her head, shaking a bit to get her ears clear.
“I don’t know, like starting last year. But I have a feeling it’s going to be a lot different this year.” I looked down at Brewford who had started to gobble with small grunting sounds.
She’ll never know how different it’s going to be. His mental voice held a timbre of humor.
I smiled at the thought. I didn’t know how things were going to be at Middle School, but I knew they would be different. I was a Crystal Keeper now. I had secret powers, but I still wasn’t sure how they worked even in the regular world. I still relied heavily on my fairy friends for help to enter and exit the Fairy World. I was getting better at it on my own. But I still needed help concentrating. The Fairy Queen had said I was coming along fine in my new powers and would be ready for new responsibilities soon. I didn’t know what those were going to be either.
I opened another cupboard and got down the cereal. Looks like it was going to be a Cheerios day. I put the box onto the counter and went for the milk. The light of the refrigerator flickered as I opened the door. That had been happening a lot lately. Light bulbs popping; electrical items loosing power. Brewford said it was the energy output I had now as a Crystal Keeper. I could drain items of energy or overload it. I was supposed to get used to it. Well, I guess eventually I would.
I made my cereal and sat at the kitchen table. Mom threw the towel over a chair and started to make her own bowl. She looked at me with one of her far-away looks. “I remember my first day of Middle School. The school looked so big with so many kids. I felt like I was going to get swallowed up. It’s so different than elementary school.” She looked at me between bites of cereal. “Just remember, you won’t get swallowed up, honey. It should be a piece of cake.”
I nodded. Gotta humor your Mom, right? I wasn’t really too worried about Middle School, except for running into Jessica. As long as Jessica Newark wasn’t around, it would be ok. I’d had enough of her weirdo comments in Fifth Grade. I didn’t want to run into more. Of course, that was elementary school. Maybe Middle School would be different.
I wonder if I’ll be in James Murphy’s class? Dang, I hadn’t thought about him in a while. I could just imagine his green eyes staring at me during Math last year. But as long as I stayed away from Jessica, I figured I would be OK.
Of course, it didn’t hurt to have a new tactic. I’m wearing black more. Black is a good color for me. It helps me feel like I’m invisible or at least less noticeable. I wonder if the fairies could actually teach me to be invisible? Being not noticeable was a good idea in dealing with Jessica and her cronies.
Not truly invisible. Brewford’s mind speech buzzed through my head. Though they could teach you how to blend in. So much so, that you’d seem invisible. It’s what they do when in the physical world themselves. But you need to concentrate on getting to school. I’ll miss taking my naps with you.
“I will too Brew.” I scratched under his chin and a purr sounded through the kitchen. “You’re a cat, so how could you know about the first day of school?”
I’ve studied Cat Magics Wanda. There was a first day of school for me there. He had his especially huge Cat Smug Stare directed at me. I knew better than to fight that.
“Fine.” I stopped scratching his chin. Brewford yowled his protest. “I have to start the First Day of School now, remember?” He did another cat yowl and got in a begging stance by the table. I wiped my mouth and got up from the table.
I think Mom was used to my one sided conversations with Brewford. She nodded. “Well, I guess it’s time to pick out what to wear for the first day.” Mom smiled and pointed to the direction of the hall closet. “Some of the outfits we got at the mall are hanging in the closet.” We always put the special outfits there.
I’d chosen burgundy and black, my new power colors. The elves said it was a good idea to pick something that gave you strength. So, the color pattern was my new armor, and most of my new school clothes had the colors in them some how.
I got to the closet and picked out a plaid skirt and black turtleneck. Mom told me already you had to make a statement on the first day of school. Ok, whatever, because looking dressy was what Moms made you do on the first day, right? So, I picked a skirt that would go over well with teachers. Dressy is always good in that regard.
“Yeah, mom. I’ll see you in a sec.” I grabbed the outfit and scooted to my room. I saw a tabby tail enter as I pushed the door shut. “Heh, I could use some privacy.”
You haven’t before. Brewford looked up from his licking. His back leg posed in the air.
I gave him a weird look. “Nice look for you Brew. Really, things are different now that I know you can talk. I need privacy. Come on Brew, just for a moment.”
Brewford’s tail swished back and forth as he meowed by the door. I opened it, and he slid through. I tossed the clothes on quickly, and brushed my hair. Looking in the mirror, I did a quick inspection. The black turtleneck highlighted my crystal pendant. It gave a sparkle back at me as I picked it up. A voice started to buzz in my head as the crystal pendant warmed to my touch. My crystal fairy always talked to me when I held the crystal pendant. It was a symbol of being a Crystal Keeper. She was also a big helper, and always knew when to give the right advice.
The crystal fairy’s voice tingled as she spoke in my head. Ready for the first day? Remember you won’t be alone.
“Yeah,” I thought back, “that’s the one thing that I’ll never forget. I’ll never be alone again.”
Chapter 2
Drexel Middle School loomed before me from the car window. I could imagine spires attached to the drab stark buildings. It looked more like boxes with windows than a school. Basically, it hadn’t changed since my grandparents sent my parents there. It was almost prehistoric. Mom drove to the drop off spot and I opened the door.
“Remember to call me after you’ve walked home from the bus. I’m sorry I can’t come get you, but now that you’re in Middle School I can work longer hours.”
“Yeah, I’ll call you.”
I closed the door. She started to drive away and looked back. I waved to keep her going. Parents could be so stifling. If only she knew what I’d fought and done to save the fairies. I think she’d trust me to be ok. But of course, if she knew, it could make it worse.
I grabbed my binder in the closed arm stance. The world seemed easier to face if you had your binder enfolded in front of you to face the world. I looked at the stream of kids entering the school and swam in. I glided next to Bethany Smith. I didn’t know her very well, but at least it was someone to talk to. Better than the silent death of entering school by yourself, especially on the first day.
“Have a good summer?” I was hoping that she’d answer back. But she shook her head and moved a little faster. “Freak.” Jessica Newark’s voice rang in my ears as I looked behind me. Jessica moved closer with Marla Logan beside her.
Jessica continued. “I didn’t know that it was time for the weird and strange to return from the jungle too.” They broke up into an avalanche of laughter. I grabbed tighter onto my notebook and looked for a way out, away, anywhere.
My feet went into overdrive. I found a break in the masses of people and headed left. I still heard laughter behind me as I started looking at the room numbers. I tried to find my homeroom.
Ok, found Building F. Check. Now, looking at the door numbers I counted down. F-1, F-2, F-3. There, F-4. Luckily, it’s the first thing I memorized off my schedule. I ducked in.
I sat down at the nearest desk hoping the safety of homeroom would keep anybody from noticing I was there. I got out my current fantasy novel, and didn’t look up when other kids came in. I heard Jessica’s voice come through the door. I glanced back to see her sit next to Carla Sanders. Great, Jessica and her clique were in my homeroom.
I turned back fast and kept my head down. My continued reading seemed the safest option. I wondered when I could get the fairies to help me become invisible.
“Nice crystal. I thought those were from the 80s? You like retro stuff?” I looked over at another girl sitting near me. She had short blonde hair, and was wearing a black t-shirt with jeans.
I nodded. “Yeah, I like crystals. Do you?” She nodded back and moved one desk closer to me. She set her binder on the desk in front of me. She had on slightly baggy clothes that looked just like they were from a thrift store. You know, the real retro-thing. She had blue eyes to go along with her short, straight blonde hair. A stream of freckles covered her nose, and there was a slight red tinge to her hair. Strawberry blonde I think it’s called. Her favorite color seemed to be black, highlighted with cranberry.
She reached out her hand to me. “Hi, I’m Edina, but everyone calls me Eddie. I really like 80s music too. I think I was born in the wrong decade or something. You get the crystal at the Goodwill Store or something?”
I hadn’t thought of an excuse of where I got my crystal yet. I didn’t think people would notice it. It looked like normal jewelry. I held it for a moment under an impulse and a voice buzzed in my mind. A store downtown specializes in crystals and crystal pendants. Say you got it there.
“I got it at a boutique downtown.”
“Breath of Avalon? Yeah, I like that store too.”
The door opened and a man walked in with a suit. He had to be our teacher, Mr. Trenton. Everybody started shuffling to face forward, and the girl turned away.
He moved to the front of the class, deposited a briefcase on the desk, and motioned for us to be quiet.
“Welcome to the first day at Drexel. I’m Mr. Trenton. I’m your homeroom teacher and your Lit. Teacher for the semester. You’ll have me the first two periods until you switch for your next class. This is a 6th grade homeroom class, so if you’re in another grade; you’re in the wrong room.” He looked around to see if anyone was going to exit.
“Ok. Then, let’s start attendance.”
***
“Heh, what’s your next class?” The reddish-blonde girl was following me down the hall. I stopped to let her catch up. I couldn’t remember her name from talking before. Names are not my strong point, but I was too embarrassed to ask again.
“Math, I think. I have to look at my schedule.”
She stopped next to me. “I memorized mine. It’s easier than carrying it around. I got Science next. Then, Math. Then lunch. My favorite subject.”
I laughed as she smiled back. “Yeah, me too.”
Then, maybe I’ll see you later, ok? At lunch?” She looked expectant as her blue eyes focused on me.
“Yeah, sure, I’ll see you later.”
“Cool. Hope you survive Math.”
“Me too.”
I started down the hall towards the numbers labeling the Math wing and she started down the other way. Funny thing. This isn’t what I expected the first day. I might have made a friend.
***
The cafeteria was a crowded mess. Wall to wall kids talked at volumes that could make elephants deaf. I was navigating the lunch line when Edina found me in front of the mashed potatoes. “How was Math?” She looked at me for an answer.
“I survived. You?” I answered while placing some applesauce on my tray. It looked the least dangerous.
“Yeah, Science turned out to be one giant project after another recited in order by our Science Teacher, Mr. Sanchez. The good thing is we only get pass or non-pass grades. It’s this new way of teaching he’s trying on us. Makes me feel like a guinea pig. Hmmm. Cinnamon Crumb Cake.”
We stopped and both dove into our food score. After sliding through the lunch check out, we headed for a table. Laughter stopped us. I saw Jessica pointing with her gang of cronies, Morgan and Carla on either side. Jessica swept up to us before we had a chance to escape.
“Looks like the weird-one has found an escort. Nice pair, I think.” Giggles followed Jessica’s statement.
I was frozen like a deer in headlights. Edina answered for us both. “Get lost, trendy losers.” She tried to swing away another direction, but got blocked by the trio.
“Not so fast weirdo. Wanda picked a good match up for a friend. I didn’t know she could make a friend, after being such a loser at gymnastics class.” More laughter followed.
“Do you know this idiot?” said Edina motioning towards Jessica.
“Back in elementary school,” I said rolling my eyes a bit following her lead. We were like two players at charades already. I could get her drift that fast.
“Well, you’re with me now. Let’s go hang out with a better crowd. This is definitely not elementary school.” She bumped trays to get me moving another direction She added over her shoulder, “See ya. And wouldn’t want to be ya.”
We escaped to the far side of the cafeteria among some others of similarly dressed in black. I think I’d found my clique. Double score for the first day.
As we walked up, one girl motioned to Eddie. “Got a place open here Eddie. Who’s your new friend?” We all slid down the bench as several pairs of eyes all turned to us.
“This is Wanda.” Edina waved to everyone around the table. “This is the gang of weirdoes.” They all laughed back.
I laughed too. “Guess I’ll fit right in.”
One of the girls next to me swung around, her black hair covering one side of her face. “So Wanda, who do you like more, Edward or Jacob?”
“What? I don’t know which is who yet. Is one of them sitting across from us?”
“No,” the girl shook her head. “From the book Twilight, which do you like more, the vampire Edward or the werewolf Jacob?”
“Oh, I haven’t read it yet. But I’ve got to get it on my list.” There I think that covered it. I’d only heard of the book in Fifth Grade, but my mom wouldn’t let me read it yet. I was too embarrassed to tell them though.
Eddie gave me a look then answered, “You know Pam, not everyone has read it yet. My mom still says I can’t read the series until I’m like 13.”
Wow, thanks Eddie. She totally came to my rescue. But Pam wouldn’t let up. She looked right at me and said, “But you must have seen the movie, right?”
“Well, not yet. I’ve been busy this summer, and I haven’t seen any of the Twilight movies.” I figured if fairies were real, maybe I shouldn’t be reading about vampires quite yet. They could be coming out of the woodwork next.
Pam flipped the hair out of her eyes again. Her green eyes looked at me very serious. “I am definitely in Club Edward.” She smiled a grin like it was the biggest secret in the world.
“I’m definitely Club Jacob. Werewolves are so much cooler,” answered a girl across from us.
“Clare, you would.” Pam turned to her and continued. “You
always side on anything having to do with dogs in general.”
“That’s
because puppies are so cute. But I do have my Native American
heritage.” She smiled with big brown eyes outlined in heavy dark
liner and mascara.
The bell rang, and I realized I had barely gotten down my food.
“I hate it when lunch goes by too fast,” I said as I stood up with my tray.
“Don’t we all?” chimed in Eddie as we walked together to dump our leftovers in the trash. “I’ll see you maybe after school?”
I nodded.
“Meet me at the front, kay? I know of a cool place we can hang out at after school.” Eddie waved and turned to catch up to walk with Pam. I was left on my own to face my next two classes, PE and Social Studies. I didn’t know which I was dreading the most.
***
It wasn’t hard to spot Eddie after school. Not that many people have strawberry blonde hair, or dress in black to accent the strangeness. I walked up not sure if that friendly person was going to continue talking to me like at lunch. This whole friends business was not my usual thing. My closest friend had been Michelle. We’d been buds since Kindergarten, and then she moved away last summer. Sometimes I’d email her, but it wasn’t the same as talking in real time. The fairies kept me from being totally lonely, but sometimes a Crystal Keeper needs other friends, human friends.
“So how was the afternoon? You survive PE?” She was still smiling. That’s always a good sign.
“Yeah, we mostly just sat around and talked. PE is pretty boring apparently until we start to dress out. That is supposed to be starting next week. Social studies was scary. This teacher Mrs. Wilkinson wants to dump tons of work on us. She’s talking about weekly essays about everything in American History.”
“Typical first day. Scare us into being good and doing our homework everyday.”
I blinked. I’d always done my homework. But I think it was a cue to make a witty come back. So I answered, “Spoken like a true rebel.”
Edina shrugged. “School is one of those things that just has to be. Why be upset by it? There are worst things. Starvation, homelessness, pollution…”
“And who do we have here. The Goth twins. Isn’t that just special.” Jessica walked up with Morgan behind her. “I should have known you’d be hanging out after school. Nobody else to play with, boo hoo.” Jessica’s nasal tone emphasized the boo hoo and she pretended to rub her cheek.
“You know, what is your problem?” Edina’s tone rose sharply. “You don’t have to follow us around, unless you can’t fit in with the popular crowd already. They disown you already trendy girl?”