Free Believe by Allyson Giles Page A

I’ve learned a few things over the years, dear Deliah. Telepathic communication is just one of them,” Merlin exclaimed. “It’s more natural than speaking in fact, but like everything else in this realm, it will be awhile before that is uncovered by your kind.”
    â€œWow!”
    Deliah was impressed, but she was now extra careful to watch her thoughts. Merlin chuckled, sensing this.
    â€œYou see, Deliah, there are no secrets, no mysteries if man were just to trust in what he seeks,” Merlin declared. His tall frame leaned over to put the box of potions in her hands. She looked at them, wondering what they were for. “These are healing potions. They will come in handy; you will know what you need.” Winking oddly in Ostephen’s direction, Merlin continued, “There is so much love to go around. There is so much light to be illuminated. Be the match to ignite the flame. For soon, there will be no igniting left, as only light shall remain.”
    Deliah stood before this very tall, very wise wizard and suddenly found herself speechless.
    Saved by the mushroom, Maury interjected with a slow drawl of “Now, girl, you are to head north of Nuverny and through Tiki–Tal. Merlin’s been giving you signs; you’ll know where to go from there.”
    With a swish of Merlin’s robe and a snap of his fingers, he produced a tiki torch and handed it to Deliah. With a knowing wink, he closed his eyes and vanished.
    Ostephen led Deliah out to the mouth of the cave. She awkwardly half–climbed, half–ran back down the hill, Maury’s words still echoing in her mind.

Chapter 9
A deer, rabbit, fox, or bear;
    A friend of Mother Nature to protect and care;
    A raven, wolf, or dancing light—
    There’s always a guardian in the forest at night.
    A s they made their way into Tiki–Tal, Deliah felt it might be time to broach a certain subject with Ostephen. It was clear that Rosella had eyes for Ostephen, and she was curious to see if the feeling was mutual.
    â€œSo Rosella sure is nice,” Deliah said.
    â€œOh, yes, she’s wonderful,” Ostephen agreed. “We’ve been dear friends ever since I can remember.”
    Clearly, Ostephen was blind to the adoration Rosella had for him, yet Deliah had easily picked up on it. She was sure everyone else in the realm had as well and was just waiting for Ostephen to wake up and see it for himself. Deliah was sure Rosella was right when she had said, “He loves me. He just doesn’t know it yet.” Ostephen carried on about Rosella’s many remarkable qualities, and he didn’t even flinch when he mentioned the many suitors she had. Somehow he was blind as to why Rosella never seemed interested in any of them.
    â€œPerhaps she wasn’t interested because she was feeling a little blue,” Deliah joked.
    â€œHmm, perhaps,” he replied completely unaware.
    â€œYou know, when we are done saving the kingdom and all, you should come back and perhaps enjoy a nice holiday together,” Deliah urged. Deliah had liked Rosella the very first time she mether; Rosella was a content, beautifully simplistic fairy. She really did have love for Ostephen, and Deliah prayed he would realize it before it was too late.
    Just then, a fairy dressed rather cupid–like shot an arrow into Ostephen’s little blue behind.
    â€œOw!” he cried, pulling out the arrow, dropping it to the ground, and rubbing the assaulted cheek.
    â€œThe love fairy,” Deliah said giggling with surprise before dashing off to find her.
    They both looked around but didn’t see anything or anyone. Ostephen assumed it was a practical joke.
    â€œVery funny. That hurt! It was probably the bush people; they get bored and like to make me the butt of their jokes,” Ostephen reasoned.
    Realizing the humor in his own statement, they both fell over in laughter but quickly regained composure at the sound of