I Wish

• Erin Gaby
• Short Story
• 2009

My life was perfect until one night I had a fight with mum. We were out by the well at the back of the property, my favourite thinking spot, when mum announced she would be taking it out.
“It’s unsafe, especially with the baby coming.”
The baby. That’s her excuse for everything now. “I’m sorry but you have to move into the small bedroom. The room you’re in now will be the nursery.” Of course, I protested. Her reply? “I’m sorry Clair, but I have to be close to the baby.”
This one night, I lost it.
How much do I have to give up for this stupid baby?” I screamed at mum, “First my room, now my thinking spot. What’s next, my horse?!”
“You don’t have a horse,” she reminded me gently.
“Yeah but I’m sure if ‘girgle’ wants one he or she will get it! I wish I was in a land where no one talked about the baby and I could have anything I want!”
I felt a pull, a twinge, and I was suddenly very dizzy so I closed my eyes.

~~~~~

“E-e-excuse me,” stuttered a small voice. “Are you OK?”
“I… I’m fine,” I said, feeling a bit better. But when I opened my eyes to see who had spoken (it hadn’t been mum!), I was surprised to see a beautiful girl about my age. Then I noticed: I wasn’t in the garden with mum anymore. I was in a beautiful meadow full of flowers, birds, bees and all kinds of animals.
“Where am I?” I asked dreamily. The girl smiled.
“You don’t know? You’re in Nethtia, a land once known for its peace and tranquillity,” she replied.
“It looks pretty peaceful to me. I mean, it looks like a wonde-”
“Don’t say it!” the girl cried, alarmed.
“Why?” I asked, “Surely I can compliment the lands beauty?” she sighed.
“Let me explain. This was once a prosperous, tranquil land. The people here were filled with joy. All except one that is. His name is Zemthia, and he was heir to the throne.
“What happened?” I asked.
“Zemthia married Bellamine; a happy young girl just turned 17. Now the country’s rulers, Zemthia’s parents, were old and died soon after the marriage. Zemthia and Bellamine are now King and Queen. Bellamine has not had a child and until she does we are not allowed to use the word for the youngest form of child or that word which you nearly said before.”
“Why? How could he stop you?” I asked.
“He will kill all living things in the space you mentioned or kill the child you mentioned. He will also plough the ground.
“That’s horrible!” I cried. “I don’t think I know your name, did you tell me? I can’t remember.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t. I’m Sarafine. What’s your name?”
“Clair Wilson, from Port Sorell.”
I swatted a bug away, and was surprised to hear a small, indignant voice say “Excuse me!”
“Mirabella, this is Clair. She is a stranger to these parts and you know people think you are a bug if they haven’t seen you,” Sarafine said kindly as a tiny, glowing fairy appeared.
“I am Mirabella, shimmering fairy of light.” she said grandly.
“In training!” said Sarafine with a laugh.
“Yes, but do you know any fairy who can do this?” she asked while making her wings change colour.
“Wow, I’ve never met a real fairy before!” I exclaimed happily, “I thought they were just a myth!”
“I most certainly do exist!” said the fiery little fairy.
“Make way for the King! Make Way! MAKE WAY!” a crier insistently called. Mirabella hid and Sarafine veiled her face and pressed hard against a tree.
“Make way for King Zemthia! Make way as he mourns for his wife! He will now choose another!” He called, getting ever closer.
Sarafine gasped and I heard her mutter: “The Queen? Dead?” in a shocked voice.
I stared as a young man on a litter and the crier approached. She had never seen such a magnificent sight! Such rich clothing, so much gold and expensive cloth! It was like something from a fairy tale!
“HALT!” called the king, “Who is this girl who stands unveiled in the presence of the king?”
“Majesty, forgive her for she does not know the laws!” Sarafine said urgently as I stood and trembled.
“YOU!” said the king to Sarafine, pointing his finger at her, “What is your name and age?”
“I am Sarafine,” she said timidly.
“Your full name, I must know! And your age to!”
“Sarafinellita Meltorana Kemmedil, daughter of Kipiono and Talah of the Kemmedilian royal line. I am 16, your highness,” she replied.
“Of the royal line?” the king muttered thoughtfully. “GUARDS! Take her and the other girl to the palace at once!”
I was amazed. Sarafine didn’t look 16 but more around 14. We were hurried along by the guards to a palace with gems and precious stones inlaid in the gates and doors.
Three days later it was announced that Sarafine had been chosen as Zemthia’s bride. We had in these few days been in an odd looking but comfortable room in the palace but Sarafine was moved into a luxury room to await her marriage. I spent the next week on my own.

~~~~~

BANG! BANG! BANG!
I awoke with a start at the loud knocking on the door. Hurriedly I pulled on an over tunic and veiled my face as I had learned was appropriate.
“Come in!” I called, wondering who in this land would come at this hour of the morning. I mean, it was still dark!
The door opened. Two guards marched in followed by what looked to be a maid, carrying a large bundle of both under and outer garments.
“His royal highness King Zemthia 2 requests you to appear in his presence (in the throne room) in precisely one hour. You will hear a bell ringing to tell you when to come.” With that the guard marched out, followed by the other.
“And you are?” I asked the servant as she helped me dress.
“I am your servant, Bekiyrah,” she answered in a submissive tone.
“Please,” I asked, “Do you have any idea why I am being kept here or what’s going on?”
Bekiyrah looked stunned.
“Have you not been told? Why, his majesty and honour King Zemthia’s wife, the beautiful Queen Sarafine, has requested that you and a young glow fairy, Mirabella, be her personal assistants. It is a great honour!”
“But I…” I stuttered while holding back tears, “I just want to go home!”
“Don’t say that!” Bekiyrah said, alarmed. “If someone hears you then you will be thrown into a dungeon!”
But it was too late.

~~~~~

I was cold, wet, tired and scared when I heard the dungeon gate creek open, admitting a guard, then clank closed again. I stared at the guard. He stared at me. I looked away and he spoke.
“You were lucky. The king loves his new wife and offered her a gift of her choice. She chose to set you free and help you get back home.”
“But why would Sarafine…” my voice trailed off mid-sentence.
“Our Queen is kind and has not slept well since you were put in here. She begged for the King’s mercy,” he answered.

~~~~~

“Tell me how you got here,” Zemthia said regally.
“Well, your majesty,” I stated nervously, “It all started when I had a fight with my mother…”

~~~~~


“I made a wish, felt a little dizzy and I was here in Nethtia.” I finished the story.
“A wishing well? Why did no one tell me this before? Easily fixed. We could have had you home long ago!” said Zemthia happily.

~~~~~

“Goodbye, your highness. Goodbye, dear Queen Sarafine. Goodbye Mirabella. I wish you all luck and many blessings!”
“Goodbye Clair!” They all cried.
I wish with all my heart I was home where I belong!
Another tweak, another twinge, and I was dizzy again.

~~~~~

“Clair? Clair, can you hear me?” I awoke in a hospital room to hear my mother yell excitedly “Go and get the doctor, she’s awake!”
“Why am I here?” I asked, confused.
“You fell and hit your head,” she said soothingly. “It’ll be ok.”
Had I just imagined Nethtia? I may never know, but it is so good to be home with my new sister, Meredith Anne… Where I belong.