The Black Sceptre of Supremacy

(Background info: A royal political body in the higher world of fairies is deciding whether or not to vote on the Queen’s proposal to repeal the Act of Suppression and reopen the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale, which essentially means that in this day and age fairies are forbidden to visit earth because it now has a corrupting influence so strong that even the fairies are endangered by coming here. But should this Act of Suppression be repealed and should the S.Q.D. (School of Qualified Descenders) of Shorniavale be reopened, seeing as the Firstborn Princess is currently in the Lower World (having been summoned there by the wicked power of a Dark Witch) and already a juvenile criminal and inwardly disconnected and shut off from her true home world?)

“This is something I will leave you to discuss among yourselves while I take a recess,” said the Queen. “When I return, I will take your votes.”

The Queen then stood up and the guards with their Kemple Forged armour, positioned themselves at either side of her. Vanessa Lumingale then clapped loudly and all the members of the R.S.U. (Royal Spokespersons Unit) stood up. She then clapped again and they all made their swift and profound bow to the Monarch.

All the fairies under Lumingale’s leadership remained in place, standing to attention and facing forward. That palpable tension and suspense was still hanging in the air. But with Vanessa, proper order was everything. No looking about, and no exchanging glances or whispers until the Queen and her escort had left the room. While on duty, no form of misconduct whatsoever would go without reprimand or correction under the long, silky black-haired leader with the luminescent blue eyes, and they all knew it.

They watched patiently and solemnly as the Queen finally disappeared through the great double doors of the colossal room.

Vanessa then cautiously looked around at them. They looked back at her in silence and with several shocked and dismayed expressions.

“Well?” she said, breaking the silence at last, “You may all speak freely, but no one is to speak over anyone else. Remember, no improper behaviour, whether or not Her Majesty is among us. Is that clear?”

Some of them began nodding. But there was still silence. Then some of them began whispering among themselves, trying to find out what each other thought before speaking out loud. But they weren’t supposed to do this and it only served to annoy Vanessa.

“I said, is that clear?!” she shouted as that familiar indignant and serious look briefly transfigured her otherwise flawlessly beautiful face once again.

“Yes, my Lady! Yes, Lady Vanessa!” they all burst out.

“Speak then! Who is first? Say what is on your mind. That is why you are here. Do not feel like you have to agree with what the Queen proposes, or with one another. She has asked for your feedback and you will each give it in full honesty.”

She continued to look around at them until one of them named, Beautalinlaca, but more commonly called ‘Beauty’ for short, felt ready to speak.

She briefly cleared her throat and said, “So, obviously, she is our Queen, but, um… Well… Okay, I’ll tell you what. You see, the thing is, my Lady…”

“Come on, Beauty. You must stop fumbling about like that and stumbling over your words. You are a Palace Official – a Royal Spokesperson, operating in the highest governmental body. Not a teenage girl from the Lower World. Please start again.”

Beauty flushed a little, struggling to cope with the pressure. She then began again, this time making more effort, “I was shocked at first by Her Majesty’s proposal. I’ll admit that. But after some reflection, I am now of the opinion that it is good for at least some fairies to connect physically with the Lower World, even though it can be dangerous. Princess Stephanie is very important since she is next in line for the Throne. We should probably just vote yes to what the Queen proposes and have a competent fairy or two, sent down there to bring her home. Just offer her all kinds of good things and tell her she’s being foolish to stay there. Or ‘silly’ as I believe they say in the Lower World. She is probably rather earthly by now but wait till she sees what a proper and magnificent fairy really looks like!”

After saying this, she looked around to see the reactions of the others. Many of them seemed to approve of what she said.

“Thank you, Beauty,” said Vanessa. “Now, who else wishes to weigh in here?”

Turner, a green eyed and long dark brown haired saltor from Vondoga, the Capital of Roldervale, stepped forward in his magnificently decorated tunic and scarlet red cape, and said, “Haven’t we forgotten how difficult such a mission is in this age? It seems to me that we need to be better informed before taking such a vote.”

This comment was more or less ignored. He then looked about for any signs of approval and agreement but there was only a few raised eyebrows and shrugs, together with a rather out of place smile from one of the fairies, as if she were more interested in him looking at her than whatever his opinion was. One of the other two saltors seemed to be concerned about the time and was already getting bored. At first, he nodded in approval but when looked at by Vanessa, he too shrugged and said, “This day grows no younger. Let us press on.”

“What is that supposed to mean, Barwin?” she asked.

He slapped the side of his leg and threw his head back, “Haha! You have me cornered like a rodent!”

“Pardon?”

“He is not listening, my Lady,” said the third saltor in the unit, named Joalkin. He then added, “I am inclined to vote no, because I have heard too many bad things about the Lower World and its impact on our kind. Let the Princess make her own way home when she is ready and with a little more pressure from Raymond.”

To this, there were some signs of general disapproval.

Elora Brightgaze of Maracynthiavale, who was older and wiser than most of the others said, “I believe that a yes vote makes the most sense. How else will we bring the Princess home? It will be challenging for any fairy to descend to the Lower World, but we cannot just leave everything to Raymond Ashford. She isn’t cooperating with him. We need to step in. We just need to make sure that the new teachers who are appointed to the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale are as sharp and expertly trained as were those of the past. And even more so. We need experts on the Lower World as it is today. Not how it was either before or during Earth’s Seventeenth Century when the Act of Suppression came into force.”

Many other members began nodding in approval at this and one said, “Yes. We must do what we can. I intend to vote in favour of the Queen’s proposal.”

Vanessa continued looking carefully around at each of the members. She then said, “Well? Are there any more no voters here? Come on. Speak up if you disagree. This is a delicate and very important issue.”

One of them named Philatheen, swallowed hard and said solemnly, “I’m afraid I feel I must vote no.”

Rosemagenta rolled her eyes, then turned to her and said, “I knew you were going to say that, Philatheen. Is that just because you don’t want to be sent down there yourself?”

“What?! How dare you!”

“How dare I what? What kind of a fairy are you? I am shocked.”

“It is my political opinion!” she answered, feeling hurt but also embarrassed as everyone began to stare at her. She then continued, “And it is based on the fact that I do not want anyone else getting hurt! The Princess will find her own way back to us in time!”

But Rosemagenta continued to look at her with an expression of disappointment and reproach, “You don’t want anyone getting hurt, but especially not yourself. That’s not being political Philatheen. It’s just ‘protecting your own skin’ as they say in the Lower World, and at the possible cost of others. Very human and selfish behaviour, don’t you think?”

“Oh, I am sorry…” Philatheen blurted out and then buried her face in a purple cloth that had extremely intricate floral designs masterfully embroidered onto it. Next, she melted into tears and gave herself up to a full-blown sobbing fit, crying without any restraint in short, heartrending bursts, as she dramatically admitted that she was really only scared for herself and that this was indeed very out of character for a fairy. All were tongue-tied as she continued to lower the entire tone of the meeting by shaking and breaking the hearts of everyone in the room, and another fairy swiftly hurried to her rescue, throwing her loving arms around her. One by one, the others turned gravely to Vanessa who cast her eyes down and slowly shook her head, trying desperately not to start chewing on her lower lip while cringing at the pitiful scene. They would all have to be reminded that this was no playgroup.

“You all need to mature more, you know,” she remarked gently. She then sighed and added, “This is a governmental body. The Lower World would be laughing itself stupid if it could witness this meeting.”

At this, the sobbing gradually faded into silence.

Next, Philatheen’s tearful outburst suddenly turned into joy. “I have changed my mind!” she announced, smiling like never before, “I will vote yes, my Lady!” She then dried her eyes while continuing to smile radiantly and cheerfully and many others smiled with her including Rosemagenta who remarked, “That’s more like it! Well done!”

To Vanessa, it was no secret that, compared to humans, the vast majority of fairies were embarrassingly childlike and naïve, even those who served in high-up governmental positions. They really had no idea of what they were dealing with when it came to the Lower World. Their innocence level was off the charts compared to that of mankind.

“Oh! Wait. Lady Vanessa?” said another member of the unit, almost as if the entire previous incident had never happened.

“Yes, Quintessa?” she answered, hoping it would be a sensible question.

“Does Princess Stephanie carry a shooting device?”

“What sort of question is that? Do you mean a gun?”

“Yes, yes! I believe I mean one of such devices. One with metallic shot.”

“No. Don’t be silly. She’s far too young.”

“But she might have one by the time one of us gets to her, don’t you think?”

“I’d be surprised. But if she does, then make sure you get out of her way if she points it at you,” said Vanessa rather sarcastically. “Alternatively, it’s usually recommended that you put your hands up.”

“It’s true isn’t it, my Lady. Humans have more advanced weapons than we do, don’t they?”

“Physical weapons, you mean?”

“Yes, my Lady.”

“Yes, that is in fact correct. I’m afraid so. They do indeed have more terrible physical weapons than we have. The reason why more deadly weapons exist in the Lower World is because its people are far more prone to violence among themselves and that is why they put their minds to the creation of destructive things. They also love putting their minds to making their lives easier and more comfortable. Hence, technology.”

“Oh. And what if Princess Stephanie wants to teach us about technology when she comes back? Or, what if she refuses to come back and tries to throw a bomb at one of us? Can a fairy be trained to get out of the way quickly enough?”

“Shhh! Just stop, Quintessa. Enough. Here’s a proposal for you: If we get her back, we might just let her keep a little gun under her pillow for a while if it makes her feel safe. And you can be the one to load it up, polish it and hand it to her before night. Tuck her in carefully, and if her weapon malfunctions, try putting petals down the barrel or kissing the bullets. That usually works. How does that sound?”

“Oh, no!! That would terrify me, my Lady!”

“Then stop being so curious about guns and things that go ‘bang,’ and let’s get on with this meeting, shall we?”

“Okay, my Lady. Yes, I will still support the Queen’s idea, despite the fear it places in my heart. We must reach out to the Princess with all the power we have.”

“Very good.”

“On that note,” said Elora, “Do we know which specific training materials and excuse me for mentioning it here, but also which magical powers will need to be taught to whomever qualifies to go to the Lower World?”

“No magical powers,” said Vanessa without hesitation, “Definitely not. And may Her Majesty forbid any wands. Or En-keels, as they used to be called. I imagine that if someone is qualified, the main thing they will be taught is how to transition from here to there. The less inherently powerful candidates are, the better. Training materials? The school will know what to provide.”

“I see. Yes, of course, that makes sense. We can’t have a wand-wielding fairy going rogue.”

“Indeed. Also, it’s more common for us to use the term ‘Forms of Energy Harnessing,’ rather than the typical human term, ‘magical powers.’ You do know that, don’t you?”

“Oh, yes. Forgive me. I quite forgot.”

“Oh, please my Lady,” said Quintessa, “May I ask just one more question on that topic? I am a descendant of eminent relatives who once used En-keels, but I don’t even know how an En-keel works. I have never even set eyes on one.”

“That is okay Quintessa. Very few of us have any first-hand experience with such things. They are very much a feature of the past now. But do you know what they keep in the fifth and deepest vault of the Palace?” 

“Ah yes. The Crown of Power.”

“No, that’s in the third one. I’m talking about the fifth.”

“Oh. I don’t actually know.”

“There is a chamber and a sealed case down there with guards on perpetual watch. The box, or case, is called The Heritage of Monarchs. That’s what is written on it.  Inside that gold sealed case is an ancient red cushion made of highly durable materials, and resting on that cushion is something so valuable that it is said to be equal to the combined wealth of two entire Provinces. But others say that in truth, it is priceless. It is Queen Aerilyn’s wand. And you mustn’t tell her I said this but she doesn’t actually know how to use it and has never even set eyes on it. It is passed on to whoever is the current Monarch, which means that one day it will be inherited by Princess Stephanie.”

“Amazing! What does it look like and why doesn’t the Queen look at it and hold it?!”

“I think it’s a dark green rod, shaped like a sceptre. Ah yes, that’s right. It’s in two parts. The top part screws onto the lower part and there are various different fittings for the top piece. I greatly love and respect Her dear Majesty, but the reason why she won’t go anywhere near her own wand or even utter its name, is because she is afraid of it, and I don’t blame her. It does indeed have a name but I’m not permitted to say what it is. It is also sometimes referred to as The Wand of Monarchs, though that’s more of a title and isn’t its real name. In the past, some negligent princess is said to have dropped it and left it on the ground which later led to a ferocious earthquake. So, it is clearly not something to toy around with. I believe there are nine wands currently in existence, and Her Majesty’s is one of them. Most wands go through about three to seven enchantment processes. But Queen Aerilyn’s one has been through a total of twelve long and dangerous processes of enchantment over many generations. Out of all the wands on record, her one is said to be the most powerful by far. Before its creation, there was another mighty wand which was named Alpha Jewel Supernal. That one used to be the greatest in existence. But it has long since been surpassed it by Queen Aerilyn’s wand. Oh, and that’s right; I recall now that her one was originally black in colour, which is rather unsettling, but during one of the enchantment processes, it picked up that kind of glossy dim green colour. It isn’t actually known whether there is ultimately something evil about it. It was also once known as the Black Sceptre of Supremacy, and as you can imagine, there have been some heated debates about whether the troubling historic piece should be destroyed. The Queen however, fears that something terrible will happen to her and likewise her descendants if any attempt is made or any order is given to break the power of the wand. When an object like that is so aged and so enchanted, it can become hauntingly problematic, so that what was once looked on at close range and with joyous pride, is now kept seven-thousand feet under the ground in a sealed box, and regarded rather with alarm and terror, than with pride and joy.”

“Oh, my Lady, no more! I do not want to hear this! Please, the next time you speak in private with Her Majesty, assure her that she is right to just leave it alone and have nothing to do with it.”

“Yes, well I don’t want to scare you any further, but it has been said, though not proven to my knowledge, that a Monarch is supposed to have a kind of bond with his or her assigned sceptre of power. If it is as great as the one that is now deep underground, then Her Majesty needs to tame it and take control of it. If she doesn’t, it can become hostile. The longer she leaves it lying there on its own where it has no contact with her whatsoever, the greater the risk becomes. It has even been rumoured that the whole reason why Princess Stephanie is missing and growing up corrupt in the Lower World is because Her Majesty is neglecting to take responsibility for that supreme sceptre of power.”

Vanessa then sighed. Everyone was silently listening to her with forlorn faces.

She then continued, “In fact, come to think of it, that might well be the real problem here. I have said this to Her Majesty but she does not think it is true at all. That leaves me feeling worried about two things: Firstly, the Queen, because of her prolonged fear and neglect of the wand in her possession, might have become truly blind to the truth at this stage. Secondly, if we do begin sending fairies down to the Lower World in an attempt to bring back Princess Stephanie, those fairies whom we do send, might well end up becoming corrupt themselves, despite all the training and precautions we provide them with.”

Turner took a breath and sighed nervously, “Are we therefore to vote no to the Queen’s proposal and suggest that she consider instead the very strategy that she is most opposed to? Namely, descending into the Fifth Vault and taking up her sceptre of power?”

But for a while, Vanessa was silent and all members stared at her as a strange, rather frightening whiteness came over her already pale face.

She then began casting deeply fearful looks at the other fairies; something that wasn’t like her at all.

Quintessa was beginning to feel extremely uncomfortable and at last said timidly, “Are you okay, my Lady?”

With a strange and troubled look on her face, Vanessa slowly placed her hand on her forehead, feeling unsteady. “Something’s wrong,” she murmured. “I shouldn’t have awoken it… I said its name quietly to myself. I also shouldn’t have called it the Black Sceptre of Supremacy. But it is too late now. That wand is out of control. You must vote no to the Queen’s proposal to send fairies to the Lower World and instead urge her to reclaim her sceptre of power.”

Still intensely worried, Quintessa said, “Oh, my Lady, I think you should sit down and refresh yourself with some Jelsa juice or Kasser Flower water.”

But the next moment, great shock and alarm struck the entire assembly as Vanessa suddenly dropped backwards and fell to floor with a thud, her luminous eyes shooting about in all directions to the loud screams of other fairies, and those same beautiful eyes quickly growing darker and darker as a violent seizure came over her for a few moments, further shocking the unit members who now all froze, eyes and mouths wide open in stunned horror, and all desperately trying to process what was going on. Then, in the blink of an eye, all movement from Vanessa ceased.

“Oh, my Lady!! Lady Vanessa!! Quickly! Someone help her!” cried out one of the many frantic voices in the commotion.  

They all began to rush over and gather around her, but Elora Brightgaze, who was known as a Crisis Healer who could heal other fairies with surprising rapidity and efficiency, shouted out, “No! Move aside everyone! Now!”

They did so instantly. She then focused all her energy and swiftly thrust out her hand and placed it on Vanessa’s forehead, immediately initiating the revival process to save the fallen leader before she slipped definitively into fatal darkness. Elora’s eyes were now so bright and commanding that they frightened all who looked at her as she wrestled with all her might against the precarious, unfathomable power of Queen Aerilyn’s wand. But against the unknown malady that was afflicting and ruthlessly suffocating Vanessa, Elora suddenly realised that she wasn’t nearly strong enough to produce a cure and her attempt abruptly backfired on her, sending her first shooting up into the air to the sounds of more horrified and traumatic outbursts of screaming and yelling, before sending her reeling backwards and crashing to the floor where she began skidding helplessly while spinning like a cartwheel on her back until she knocked her head against one of the glowing kalper stone pillars. She then lay motionless in an utterly defeated and frightful condition, badly bruised, bleeding, and out of her senses, some fifty feet away from Vanessa.

There was no doubt about it now. Whether it would bring the Queen to her senses or throw her into a fit of fear, tears or indignation, her proposal to repeal the Act of Suppression and reopen the S.Q.D. of Shorniavale in an attempt to send fairies once more, down to the Lower World, would most assuredly meet with a passionate and unanimous No Vote. And that fearful strategy of taking up her most terrible sceptre of power, something that she had deeply dreaded from the very first day she became Queen, might quickly become her only option.

The Queen Sends for Her Wand

Veronica Garlandwood sensed that her friend Vanessa was in deep trouble. She immediately looked over at the Queen who was feeling the same thing. They were both close to Vanessa.

“Take us back to the meeting room!” said the Queen, and abruptly rose from her chair.

Her regal garments flowed behind her as she briskly strode back the great room accompanied by Veronica and the two guards.

It was soon discovered that Elora had managed to recover somewhat and was sitting up. But Vanessa remained paralysed.

The R.S.U. members each did their best to explain what they thought was the cause of the two traumatic and mysterious accidents.

The Queen then slowly bent over Vanessa and began talking to her, hoping that she would be able to hear her and respond using her mind.

“Vanessa? Your Queen speaks to you. What is the current nature of your condition and what must we do to rectify it?”

All fell silent. It didn’t seem like Vanessa was responding but the Queen closed her eyes and remained very still for a few moments. She then said gravely, “Vanessa says she will not survive this.”

At that, Veronica immediately gasped. “What?! No! Vanessa!! Vanessa!” Tears then rushed to her eyes as she hurried over to hold her in her arms, but she was stopped by one of the guards at the Queen’s signal.

“Shhh! I have not finished, Veronica!” she snapped. “Stay back. We do not want another accident. Now, Vanessa will only not survive if I do not act.”

She then turned to one of the guards and said, “Bring me paper and ink. I will sign a document mandating and giving you permission to bring me my wand. Take as many assistants as you see fit. Bring me also the manual of instructions and take also the box containing the wand to this very room.”

The guard looked at her as if to say, ‘Are you sure about that?’

“Do it now,” she said firmly. “Remember, you will also need the keys to unlock the box. Do not lay a hand on the wand itself, but allow me to open the box when you get it here. Bring also healing materials for Elora.”

After a pause, the guard said, “At once, Your Majesty.” He then hit his chest with his fist, bowed swiftly, and headed for the exit. He swallowed hard, unsure as to whether he should have told the Queen that without her being physically present during the removal of the ancient wand from the vault, it might sense a threat, as though it were falling into the wrong hands, and who knows what then? It might destroy them all. His blood ran cold as he continued to carry out the command despite his reservations. Orders were orders, and the Queen wasn’t stupid. Nor did she suffer contradiction lightly. Many times before, he had overestimated how dangerous certain situations could be. This could just be his overthinking mind. But it would be a long, dim and narrow path down to the Fifth Vault, where the controversial and unpredictable object closed up in its box lay, and he certainly wasn’t looking forward to it.

“Please, Your Majesty,” said Veronica, after the guard had left, “Let me hold Vanessa. I’m sure it will be okay if I do.”

“You most certainly may not. Are you out of your mind, Veronica? Stand to attention and be silent. Unless you would risk being thrown across the room like Elora.”

Veronica sighed and stood there, quietly brushing away tears while looking at the motionless body of Vanessa.

After some time, the guard returned. He had the healing materials for Elora and eight more guardsmen. He had also changed his mind about leaving without the Queen.

“Your Majesty, do pardon me but we strongly believe that you should accompany us for this process of removing your wand from the vault.”

“No. I sense that Vanessa needs my presence with her. She is now too weak to speak to me, even with her mind. She is dying and I will not risk having her carried all the way down into the vault with me. You have your orders. Either follow them or I will ask one of these members to volunteer. No harm will come to you or to your men because we are doing what is required to restore Vanessa and Elora, as well as solve so many other problems in this realm.”

But they were silent.

“Move!” shouted the Queen. “Bring me my wand!”

“I cannot obey that order, Your Majesty, much as it pains me to tell you this. Nor will we allow any other fairy or saltor to pass through the doors of this room.”

“Follow your orders Bormelfi. I will not tell you to do so again. You will assuredly become an outcast if you defy me once more. If I use its name, am I not also capable of drawing down the wrath of my wand remotely? Now, listen! Do not provoke me any further with this public insolence!”

At this, many were heard gasping in fear. There was a long pause. But finally, the Queen got her way. Slowly, Bormelfi prostrated himself on the ground and said, “Then your will shall be done, Your Majesty, and if this is my last official task before my resignation, or indeed my death, and that of my fellow guardsmen, then so be it.”

“Rise, Bormelfi. Let the document be written up and signed. Then, take those who are with you and retrieve my wand from the vault. Return here successfully, and I shall not only forgive your defiance, but will willingly promote you to a higher rank among the High Court Guards.”

Bormelfi rose and bowed. He then gave the prewritten document to the Queen, who signed it without hesitation. A thought then zapped through him, telling him that his last day had arrived, and that of his guardsmen. He should have stood his ground and refused to go down into the vault without the Queen. But he did his best to shrug all that negativity away.

He then turned, throwing his fist up in the air and shouted out to the other guards, “Ready yourselves, Guards of the Royal Court! We march to the Fifth Vault!”

“Eye, Leader! To the Fifth Vault!” they shouted back in response. Bormelfi then saw another image flash through his mind. It was an ugly image of the rodents and other unpleasant creatures in the vault who had now grown large and extremely pernicious due to the air of enchantment surrounding the ancient wand. And the guards assigned to stand near it were now changed and so corrupt that they would be ready to slay and eat the flesh off all who came near the ancient instrument of power, which would itself cause the rocks and stones to collapse on and crush every living being that breathed anywhere near it. But perhaps that was just his mind being over-dramatic again, and perhaps fooling him.

The guards then all struck their breasts, bowed and abruptly withdrew. One of them briefly glanced with a mild sadness at Veronica, just before they all turned and departed.

Veronica felt a huge and sudden bolt of intense fear and sadness, and did her best to hold back even further tears as she watched them march resolutely out of the great doors, their scarlet cloaks flowing behind them, and all bravely determined to carry out their Queen’s request. Who knew whether or not the Queen might be suffering from some kind of inner blindness. Looking at the near-death state of Elora and Vanessa, Veronica couldn’t help worrying that Bormelfi and his earnest and devoted guardsmen might never return.