Free Believe by Allyson Giles

forward. “He is the last hill on the left side. He’s making a potion,” he said impressed.
    Deliah and Ostephen reached the bottom of the hilltop and looked at each other frightfully. They both let out a long sigh.
    Ostephen asked, “Ready for this?”
    Deliah nodded, and placing one foot in front of the other, began to climb the steep hill. She looked at Ostephen hovering in front of her and trying to be encouraging, but all she could think was I wish I had wings.
    She was nearly out of breath when she reached the top and heard a gentle yet powerful voice say, “Deliah, I’ve been expecting you. You’re right on time.”
    There was a narrow cave, and Merlin stepped forward to the entrance and gestured them inside, the tip of his pointy hat grazing the top of the cave as he turned. Deliah and Ostephen followed him inside. The cave sparkled, and there were several dragonflies providing the light. She looked into Merlin’s icy blue eyes, which you could almost see through, and felt overwhelmed by his presence, but she could still sense his friendliness. He handed her a vial and gestured for her to drink it. She gulped it down and was amazed at the sweet taste of it.
    â€œIt’s like candy!”
    Merlin laughed and said, “That will help energize you after the climb.” He gestured to a large, colorful, spotted mushroom across from him and said, “Have a seat.”
    Deliah politely sat, and Ostephen settled into his usual front pocket of the cloak. He remained oddly quiet while he observed Merlin in awe.
    â€œWell, dear child, you have done well, very well. I’ve beenwatching you, and I’m here to prepare you for the next stage of this journey. You are about to encounter some very dangerous things. You need to be aware at all times.”
    Deliah’s focus was suddenly broken when she felt a tickle on her ankle. Bending down to scratch her leg and fix her sock, she shrieked at the sight of two blue, smiling eyes and jumped up. Merlin gave a low chuckle.
    â€œMaury doesn’t like to be left out.”
    Deliah, who was now standing close beside Merlin for protection, was staring at the large mushroom in shock.
    â€œGo on, Maury. Introduce yourself,” Merlin said. “I’m almost finished mixing Deliah’s potions.” And with that, Merlin turned his back and continued filling several vials.
    â€œHi! I’m Maury, Maury the mushroom.”
    â€œNice to meet you, Maury,” Deliah said quietly.
    In a very deep, low voice Maury slowly continued, “Merlin’s been working all night long on your potions.”
    Deliah smiled. There was something about this mushroom. He was just so harmless and friendly that she instantly liked him.
    â€œI’m sorry I sat on you,” Deliah said.
    â€œOh, don’t be,” Maury replied in his slow drawl. “That’s what I’m here for.”
    â€œYou’re the most colorful mushroom I’ve ever seen.”
    â€œWhy, thank you,” Maury replied. He was a bright orange mushroom with white spots and little blue eyes. “I help Merlin grow some of the herbs and oils he needs in his magic,” Maury said proudly.
    â€œSpeaking of which,” Merlin interjected, “I am done.”
    He closed the lid on a tiny wooden box full of vials filled with brightly colored liquids. One was a glowing, sparkling pink. It immediately caught Deliah’s eye.
    â€œHave a seat,” Maury said, leaning the top of his mushroom cap in her direction.
    Deliah gently sat atop Maury the mushroom, dangling her legs over the side. Now that she was aware that the mushroom had a face, she was much more comfortable.
    Just when I thought I’ve seen it all, Deliah thought to herself.
    â€œIndeed,” Merlin said aloud, “there is a whole world just waiting to be discovered.”
    Deliah was taken aback. She was sure she hadn’t said that out loud.
    â€œYes,