The two girls soon arrived at a large lake. The water was clear enough that the girls could make out the pebbles at the bottom. The surface of the water was a mosaic of dark and light green mixed with gray and various hues of red, purple, and white, for, the tall trees stretched their limbs to entwine into a canopy above the water. Flowers were visible on the branches. Below, on the undisturbed banks of the lake, several flowers swayed in the gentle wind that blew across the breathtaking scene.
For a moment, the girls could only gaze at the beauty around them. However, they were forced to wake from their reverence when the Swealing once again shook the forest with its piercing cry. Though the sound was muted where the girls were, it was enough to remind them of the task at hand. For a moment, the girls discussed what they should do.
Once a plan was devised, the girls set off. Zoey climbed up one of the trees that was a fair distance from the clearing. Her stomach clenched unto a tight ball as she seated herself on a branch. Taking deep breaths to control her panicked mind and body, she muttered a short prayer not to die on this mission.
Maria walked through the forest until she came to the cave of the Gothil. She knew this was the most important part of the plan, for if it went awry, everything would be lost. Thus, when she stepped into the dark cave, she forced herself to assume a calm demeanor. Near the end of the cave was the reptile, curled up with the box in its hand. Walking over, Maria stopped a foot away from the Gothil.
“What do you want, human?” The Gothil growled.
“We need to lead the Swealing to theLake ofLife, and we need your help. Perhaps you have a rope or net we could use? Or the item in your box. You keep it hidden when the Swealing arrives. It seems to me as though you are trying to hide it from her.” Maria put some emphasis on the last word.
“So what? This is none of your business, and I could care less about that bird, You’re not going to get my help,” The Gothil retorted.
“Perhaps the box is not my business, but the bird is every bit yours, as it is every living creature on this planet. Should The bird not be purified, the whole word will lose its water. Everything needs water, you included. If you do not help, it could mean your life.”
A few tense moments of silence followed Maria’s outburst. Finally the Gothil stood up and walked to the entrance, its hard scales brushing Maria’s arm as he passed. She shivered and turned to see the Gothil grab a net. He walked back, and Maria tensed.
“Fine, you pathetic two-legged. Here is a net to catch the bird, and here…,” The Gothil opened his box and took out what appeared to be a toy fish. “…Here is a charm. It will draw the Swealing to you, but be careful that she does not eat it, for it will poison her and perhaps even take her life.”
Maria nodded, taking the gifts. “Thank you, this means a lot to the world and me.” She walked out and started towards a hill not far from the lake.
The Swealing circled the forest, her mood dark and windy. The feathers on her wings burned with acid, and bits of trash were stuck in her normally clean body. She wanted to destroy the town below, to disintegrate all the hateful humans and their trash. As she circled, a sudden urge to go to the hill below gripped her. Changing her course, she dove down towards the hill.
Maria watched as the bird hurled down with a screech. Her hands were shaking, but otherwise she appeared calm. Holding the charm tightly, she waited until the bird was only a few feet above the ground. Then she took off down the hill, running towards the trap that Zoey had hopefully finished building.
Zoey perched on the tree near the hidden net. She once again checked that the snare was flawless, then waited for the bird to come. The plan had seemed simple enough when Maria and her had gone over it, but now, she realized all the mistakes that could occur. Zoey was saved from imagining all the horrific ways the plan could go wrong by a sudden shout and screech. Tightening her grip on the string, she prepared herself for her part of the plan.
Maria burst through the trees, the Swealing close behind. The trees rustled as the giant bird rushed through the branches, knocking down tree-dwelling animals and branches. As she neared the clearing, she gave a shout, though it was drowned out by the Swealing’s screeching. As Maria passed through the trees entering the clearing, she heard a faint whoosh as the net fell and trapped the bird. Turning, she helped her sister drag the heavy load to theLake ofLife.
A large splash followed as the bird was thrown into the water. Droplets or cool, fresh water fell in the twins as the bird thrashed. Soon, a ghostly white mist appeared, surrounding the bird as it slowly stopped fighting the water. A few minutes past, during which the girls gaped at the slow tornado of white mist tainted with purple and gray. Soon, the colors faded until a clear cylinder of water formed, encasing the Swealing in a water cage. She was still now, floating in the air with her wings spread out and her talons just meeting the surface of the lake.
After, the wall collapsed and the bird flew upward with a trail of rainbow water behind it. Then it slowly descended until it alighted a few feet away from the awe-struck twins. For a moment, they stared at each other. Then the Swealinl said, “Thank you for saving me. I am in your debt. If ever you are in need of me, simply call and I will come. However, I will only come three times, so chose wisely.”
With that, the bird flew off into the clear sky of the setting sun. With smiles on their faces, the girls walked hand in hand towards their home.