Farewell to Fablehaven Kendra and Grandpa reclined in the wagon while Hugo pulled them down the road at a leisurely pace.
The morning was clear and bright, with a few thin, high clouds barely clinging to existence, accidental brush strokes on a blue canvas. The day would be hot, but for now it was pleasant.
A couple of fairies drifting alongside the wagon waved at Kendra. She waved back and they sped away, weaving around one another. The garden now teemed with fairies, and they paid Kendra a lot of special attention. They seemed pleased whenever she acknowledged them.
We haven't really gotten to talk since it all happened, Kendra said.
You were sleeping half of the time, Grandpa replied.
It was true. She had slept for two days and two nights straight after the ordeal-a personal best.
All those kisses knocked me out, she said.
You excited to see your parents? asked Grandpa.
Yes and no. It was the third day since Kendra had awakened. Her parents were coming to pick them up this afternoon. Going home will seem bland after all this.
Well, you'll have fewer demons to worry about.
Kendra smiled. True.
Grandpa folded his arms. What you did was so special, I don't know how to speak about it.
It barely seems real.
Oh, it was real. You mended an irreparable situation, and saved all of our lives in the process. The fairies have not gone to war for centuries. In that state, their power is virtually unrivaled. Bahumat did not stand a chance. What you did was so brave, and so doomed to failure, I can't think of anyone I know who would have even tried it.
It felt like my only hope. Why do you think the Fairy Queen helped me?
Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe to save the preserve.
Maybe she sensed the sincerity of your intentions.
Your youth must have helped. I'm sure fairies would much rather follow a little girl into battle than some pompous general. But the truth is, I never would have guessed it would have worked. It was a miracle.
Hugo stopped the cart. Grandpa climbed down and then helped Kendra. She held the silver bowl that she had taken from the island. They started down a faint path toward an archway in a tall, unkempt hedge.
Weird how I don't have to drink the milk anymore, Kendra said. On the morning she awoke after the fairy kisses, when she went to the window, she saw fairies fluttering about. It had taken a moment to register that she had not yet consumed any milk that day.
I'll admit that it worries me somewhat, Grandpa said.
Creatures of whimsy are not solely confined to the preserves.
The blindness of mortals can be a blessing. Take care where you look.
I'd rather see things how they are, Kendra declared.
They passed under the archway. A group of satyrs were playing tag with several slender maidens wearing flowers in their hair. The paddleboat was adrift in the middle of the pond. Fairies skimmed the surface of the water and soared among the gazebos.
I'll be curious to know what other changes the fairies wrought in you, Grandpa said. I've never heard of such a thing. You'll let me know if you discover any other oddities?
Like if I turn Seth back into a walrus?
I'm glad you can joke about it, but I'm serious.
They walked up the steps to the nearest pavilion. Just toss it in? Kendra asked.
I think it would be best, Grandpa said. If the bowl came from that island, you should give it back.
Kendra threw the bowl like a Frisbee. It landed in the water. Almost immediately a hand shot up and snatched it.
That was quick, Kendra said. It will probably end up down with Mendigo.
The naiads respect the Fairy Queen. They'll make sure the bowl ends up where it belongs.
Kendra looked at the pier.
She may not know you, Grandpa said.
I just want to say good-bye, whether she gets it or not.
They walked along the boardwalk until they reached the gazebo adjoining the pier. Kendra walked out to the end of the pier. Grandpa stayed a few steps behind her.
Remember, not too close to the water.
I know, Kendra said. She leaned forward to look down into the pond. It was much clearer than it had been at night. She jumped a little when she realized that the face looking up at her was not her reflection. The naiad looked like a girl of about sixteen, with full lips and a profusion of golden hair swirling about a face shaped like a valentine.
I want to talk to Lena, Kendra said loudly, over pronouncing the words.
She may not come, Grandpa said.
The naiad kept staring up at her. Get Lena, please, Kendra repeated. The naiad swam away. She'll come, Kendra asserted.
They waited. Nobody came. Kendra studied the water.
She turned her hands into a megaphone around her mouth.
Lena! This is Kendra! I want to speak with you!
Several minutes passed. Grandpa waited with her patiently. Then a face rose almost to the surface of the water, right at the end of the dock. It was Lena. Her hair was still white with a few black strands. Though she looked no younger, her face had the same ageless quality.
Lena, hi, it's Kendra, remember?
Lena smiled. Her face was barely an inch from the surface.
I just wanted to say good-bye. I really enjoyed our talks. I hope you don't mind being a naiad again. Are you mad at me?
Lena motioned for Kendra to come closer. She put her hand by her mouth like she wanted to share a secret. Her almond eyes looked mirthful and excited. They did not match the white hair. Kendra bent down a little.
What? Kendra asked.
Lena rolled her eyes and motioned for her to come closer. Kendra crouched a little more, and in the same instant that Lena reached up for her, Grandpa Sorenson pulled her back.
I told you, Grandpa said. She is no longer the woman she was back at the house.
Kendra leaned forward just enough to peer over the edge again. Lena stuck her tongue out and swam away. At least she isn't suffering, Kendra said.
Grandpa walked her back to the gazebo in silence. She told me she would never choose to return to life as a naiad, Kendra said after a while. She said it more than once.
I'm sure she meant it, said Grandpa. From where I stood, it didn't look like she went willingly.
I noticed the same thing. I worried she might be suffering.
I thought maybe she needed us to save her.
Are you satisfied? Grandpa asked.
I'm not even sure she remembered me, Kendra admitted.
At first I thought she did, but I bet she was faking, trying to get me close enough to drown me.
Probably.
She doesn't miss being human.
Not from her current point of view, Grandpa agreed.
Much like how being a naiad did not sound very fulfilling to her from a mortal perspective.
Why would the fairies do that to her?
I don't think they saw it as a punishment. Lena was probably a victim of good intentions.