Peter's Orders (Free Fantasy Short Story)

When the fairy women and children emerged from hiding, the forest creatures ventured from their own hiding places as well. There were quiet greetings and thanks, and no small amount of wide-eyed surprise, though that was quickly smothered.

Beenie, who had hidden her shaking hands in her skirts, looked about for Troy and his parents. Surely they'd be around here somewhere? If not Troy, then his parents. They might have sent him back to the catacombs, but they would want to be here - wouldn't they?

Hard as she looked, she couldn't see them. There were other squirrels, and chipmunks, and birds, and even a deer that leaped lightly over the walls of the new fort. But she didn't recognize anyone. Her stomach clenched. The deer, a graceful doe, was kneeling so that the injured could be tied to her back and carried inside. Had they been hurt and taken inside already?

Beenie's wings fluttered with her agitation. She looked around carefully, and, once she'd discovered that she wasn't being watched, left the group. They didn't see her go.

She flew up and over the wall, and into the fort.

Inside, the forest creatures were moving even more frantically than they were outside. But this movement had a different purpose. The creatures who crossed the Ring were carrying bandages and plants used for healing in their arms and hands.

Beenie still couldn't see Troy or his parents, and her stomach clenched. What if they were hurt?

Her eyes cast about for any familiar figure, and landed on Peter, who was still at the head of the Ring, his muzzle resting on the grass. She made right for him. If anyone knew what had happened to her friends, it would be him.

She lighted on the grass before him, and waited hesitantly. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was heavy.

"Peter?" she said. His eyes opened, and when he saw her, there was a light of recognition in them.

"Beenie," he said. "Have you done as I asked?"

"Yes, sir," she replied. "The fairies are here."

"That is good."

"Peter," she blurted. "Where is Troy? And his parent - are they all right?"

A weary smile crossed his face. "They are well," he said. "They are tending the wounded in the infirmary. Wait."

His last command stopped her from rushing off again.

"You and the other fairies are to report to the birds," he said. "There will be time for you to greet your friends later."

"The birds?" Beenie said, regretfully turning back to face him. "But - why?"

"The birds are putting together a fighting wing. The fairies can fly, and will therefore be of use in that particular endeavor. We have some time, and you must all be trained to work together. Your friends are safe, and you have no reason to fear for their well-being. Go now, and report to Mort."

His speech seemed to have exhausted him, and his nose drooped to the ground again. Beenie considered saying something more, but his eyes had closed, and she couldn't bring herself to disturb him again.

With one last glance at the tired unicorn, Beenie took to the air again, and went in search of the bossy robin. Despite her impatience at being unable to see her friends, a thrill of excitement roiled in her belly.

She was to be part of a fighting wing!