As his voice died down, he stepped back from the edge of the water. He looked about cautiously. Then his heart gave a leap. He had heard a tiny sound. It was not the lapping lake. It was not the wind in the trees.
It was surely a fairy. And as he was thinking these thoughts, he saw her.
She came gliding over the ground like a rainbow. Her gown was lavender and blue, flowing and billowy. Her dainty little shoes were snow-white. And her hair was spun gold.
A many-colored scarf twined about her neck and fluttered in the breeze. There was a beautiful perfume in the air as she appeared.
The boy backed into the bushes. He stared out at the lovely vision. His eyes were wild with fear.
HE STARED OUT AT THE LOVELY VISION
The beautiful creature came closer. She held out her hand and smiled. Her hand was snow-white. Her smile was a sunbeam, with a dimple in it.
"Do not be afraid," said her clear, sweet voice. "You called the fairies, son of Shaun O'Day?"
John nodded, but could not speak. His mouth was dry.