9 The Fairy Queen

9 The Fairy Queen "We can't give up," Sprite said. "I don't know what else to do," Violet answered. Suddenly, Sprite's magic bag began to glow. A soft purple light shone through the bag. "What's happening?" Violet asked.

"I'm not sure," Sprite said. "This has never happened before." Sprite slowly and carefully reached into the bag. Violet held her breath as Sprite pulled out a glowing purple stone. The light on the stone faded. Then a picture began to appear. Violet leaned in to see it. It was a woman's face. She had long, wavy pink hair and brown skin. Her eyes were purple, like Violet's. She wore a shimmering crown on her head. The woman smiled.

Sprite bowed. "Queen Mab," Sprite said. "I am at your service." Violet gasped. It was the fairy queen! The queen who sent Sprite to this world. Violet had never met a queen before. She bowed, also. "I am at your service, too." Leon pushed his way in front of Violet. "I'm thirsty," he complained. "Leon!" Violet said. "It's the fairy queen!" "Does she have any fish food?" Leon asked. Sprite bowed before the queen again. "Your Majesty, I'm sorry about the boy. He's under a spell."

Queen Mab laughed. Violet thought it sounded like tinkling bells. "I understand," the queen said. "It is not his fault." "Thank you," Sprite said. "I must speak with you, Sprite," said the queen. "And you, Violet. You two must not give up!" "I'm sorry, Your Majesty," Violet said. "But I can't think of a way to stop Aquamarina."

"And I can't come up with a plan, either," Sprite said. "You must be very angry with me." He hung his head. The queen shook her head. "Of course not. I am very proud of you," she said. "You and Violet have already tricked two fairies—Pix and Jolt." "But we still have twelve more fairies to go," Sprite said. "You will do it," said the queen. "But there are strong forces against you. Finn knows you are here." Sprite's pale green skin turned even paler. "Finn? Is he in the human world?"

The queen nodded. "Who's Finn?" Violet asked. "Finn is a powerful fairy. A great wizard," Sprite answered. "It was he who led the other thirteen fairies in the escape," added the queen. "He is in your world. When he found out you sent Pix and Jolt back to the Otherworld, he was not happy. He has been helping the other fairies hide from you."