Excerpt: The Eye of Atchooah

“I am Renzi of Coralraeiou,” she said as she approached. The creature’s scowl slowly left his face. “I’m told you are a pixie though you look rather tall for such.”

“I am the king of pixies!” he said. Renzi looked back at her companions who gawked at one another at this announcement. “I am humbled and honoured at your presence, king of pixies.”

“Yeah, whatever,” said the king of pixies. He dropped his sword to his side. “You can call me Kevin.” His hair, Renzi now realized, was only part green and part brown - in no particular pattern. His green skin betrayed the odd streak of pink in places - mostly on his face. His features were soft and youthful. His garb appeared only to be a stretch of leafy vine, wrapped around his midsection.

Renzi saw his eyes dart over toward her companions and she sensed them slowly approaching. “May my friends join us?” He nodded. “My friends,” she addressed them as they gathered around, “I introduce to you: Kevin, King of Pixies.”

Tourette was the first to dismount and he immediately dropped to one knee. “I am honoured, your grace.”

Ichabod saw this and immediately followed suit. “Your grathe,” he said. Lance and Kleptivo traded glances then did likewise. Snuggaroot remained silent atop his pony, Blip.

“Why do you strike the trees, Kevin, King of Pixies?” asked Tourette.

Kevin looked down at his wooden sword. “To wake up the tree spirits within,” he said. Now is not the time to sleep.”

“Why ith your thword made of wood?” asked Ike. Kevin seemed a little embarrassed at that.

“Because Pixies do not draw blood,” said Tourette. “It is not their way. Am I correct, Kevin, King of Pixies?” Kevin nodded.

“The sword is more a ceremonial instrument,” said Renzi. “Like a sceptre?”

“That’s right,” said Kevin. “And it is my wand too. I use it to cast magic spells.”

“Like my staff,” said Kleptivo, gesturing forward with his staff.

“We have hope that you may show us a kindness,” said Tourette. Ike had risen to his feet and now he circled Kevin, gazing down at him. “We were told to watch for a green man. That it would be some sign in our quest.”

“What is your quest?” said Kevin. Ike reached down and plucked a leaf off of the pixie’s garment. Kevin looked up just in time to see Ike take a bite from the leaf. “Hey!” he shouted. He raised the wooden sword and whacked Ike on the hand.

“Ouch!” said Ike.

“Don’t eat my pants!” said Kevin.

“Ichabod, honestly!” said Lance. “Don’t eat the King’s clothing. Where are your manners?” Ike pouted.

“Our quest is to find the legendary Eye of Atchooah,” said Tourette.

“Gazundheit,” said Kevin.

“The Gazoon heights?” said Kleptivo. “I am somewhat familiar with Mount Gazoon.”

“As am I,” said Snuggaroot. “And I believe it does lie to the south south east of Bikkelburg.”

“It does,” said Renzi. Ike began wandering away from the conversation. “The Eye lies there? At Mount Gazoon?”

“Is it guarded by something beastly?” asked Lance.

“Or is that where we will find the next sign?” asked Kleptivo.

“That is where you must go.” There was a silence. They inferred that the King of Pixies meant to tell them ought else. “But first, you must consider making an offering to the Pixies of Riverland.”

“Pardon me?” said Renzi.

“The Pixies of Riverland to which you owe your gratitude. Without us you wouldn't have shit to go on, would you?”

The party had no response to this.

“What sort of offering might the Pixies of Riverland appreciate?” said Renzi.

“They’re fond of sweets,” said Kevin. “And copper.”

“What do pixies do with copper?” asked Renzi.

“They buy sweets with them,” said Kevin.

The four of them began routing through their pockets and purses and turning up copper pieces. Snuggaroot remained motionless atop Blip while Ike stood beside a pear tree happily eating pears. Kevin’s eyes bulged at the tidy pile of copper pieces produced by Renzi and her friends.

“How will you carry it?” said Renzi. “You have no pockets.”

“Magic,” said Kevin, with a shrug.

“Can you tell us anything else about the Eye of Atchooah?” asked Renzi.

Kevin turned and looked far off into the southern sky. “Just one thing,” he said as he turned back to them. “It sees you coming.”