Daisy Takes Charge Read online

  But no fairy could fly as fast as a magpie, and Melody had a long head start. Determined not to let Maggie down, Daisy opened her locket and took out her magic boots. Closing her locket again, she waved her wand over the boots and whispered, ‘Undo.’

  The boots sprang back to full size. Daisy slipped them on. Now she could catch up to Melody. If she knew where she was.

  But Melody could be anywhere. Even with her magic boots, Daisy couldn’t search the whole forest.

  Vu chittered something in Daisy’s ear.

  ‘Good thinking, Vu! Magic can do the searching for me!’

  Daisy closed her eyes. She imagined Melody flying through the forest. Holding the image firm in her mind, Daisy swished her wand and chanted, ‘I need to know where she could be. Send a guide to help me see.’

  A tiny ball of silver light danced in the air before her. It darted to the right, then stopped, as though waiting for Daisy to follow.

  Knowing what was coming next, Vu dug his claws into Daisy’s dress, holding on tight. Daisy took a step forward. The light took off, whizzing through the forest. Leaping forward, Daisy followed.

  The forest whizzed past in a blur of dark shadows. Daisy ran and ran, dodging around trees and leaping over ferns, chasing the darting, silver light. Then the light changed direction, streaking upwards, hugging the curves of a tree trunk. Fluttering her wings, Daisy followed it.

  Melody was huddled miserably on the branch of a gum tree, her beak tucked under her wing. Daisy landed beside her.

  ‘Melody!’ Daisy cried. ‘Thank goodness I found you.’ Melody looked up, confused and surprised.

  ‘Don’t be sad,’ Daisy implored. ‘What Grevillea said wasn’t true. She just wanted Boronia to win the Festival.’

  Melody warbled uncertainly, but Daisy pressed on, aware that time was against them.

  ‘Maggie is good friends with both you and Stormy. Of course it was hard to decide who to perform with. But she chose you, Melody, and she was so happy that you were singing together. Please, don’t let her down now. She needs you.’

  Melody didn’t answer.

  Disappointment welled up inside Daisy. Maggie would be disqualified from the Festival, because she had said too much to Grevillea.

  From his spot on Daisy’s shoulder, Vu chittered that it was obvious Melody would be no help, and maybe he could sing with Maggie? Daisy wondered if Vu had lost his mind.

  Then Melody warbled indignantly that no beetle was going to replace her! She launched herself into the air, flying in the direction of the Tea-Tree House Gardens.

  ‘Yes!’ exclaimed Daisy.

  With Vu’s chuckles echoing in her ear, Daisy fluttered her wings to follow. But Melody was too quick! Knowing her magic boots would be faster, Daisy dove to the ground and ran. Using all her energy, Daisy bolted through the undergrowth. The forest whipped past around her. Daisy crossed her fingers, hoping and wishing that Melody would make it in time.

  Daisy burst into the clearing just as Ash finished a lively duet with a kookaburra. Slipping off her magic boots, Daisy waved her wand over them and chanted, ‘Magic boots of green and brown, to fit my locket now shrink down.’

  Slipping the tiny boots back inside her locket, Daisy weaved her way through the tables to where her family was sitting.

  Nen raised an eyebrow as Daisy took her seat, but Maggie was already on the stage so there was no time for questions.

  Daisy bit her lip with worry as she took in the scene around her. Melody was nowhere to be seen. Nelli had not returned. And Grevillea’s table was empty.

  Could Grevillea have stopped Melody from coming back?

  On stage, Maggie searched the skies for Melody, confusion and worry etched across her face.

  Waratah flew up to join her. The two fairies talked earnestly for a moment, then Daisy saw Waratah shake her head. She stepped forward.

  ‘I’m afraid that one of our songbirds has failed to appear . . .’

  Then Melody flew through the trees. With a wild swoop, she landed above Maggie on the fallen log, warbling loudly that she was ready to begin.

  Waratah smiled and left the stage.

  Overcome with exhaustion and relief, Daisy slumped into her chair. Her eyes glistened with tears as the air filled with the beautiful warbling harmonies of Maggie and Melody.

  It seemed but a moment and the music was over. The fairies in the audience cheered and whistled as Maggie was replaced by Queen Jasmine.

  ‘How lucky we are to have such talented fairies in our midst,’ said the Queen. ‘I congratulate you all on your efforts.’ She turned back to the audience. ‘I have a difficult choice ahead of me. One that I do not take lightly. While I think over the performances, I urge you all to enjoy the bounty that our beautiful forest has to offer.’

  On cue, an endless stream of fairies fluttered down from the star-speckled sky, bearing platters of delicious food. There were water-ribbon roots, silkpod beans, bullrush pollen cakes . . .

  The contestants were given their own special table. Daisy relished the joy and anticipation on Maggie’s face as she tucked into the food before her.

  Boronia didn’t relax, even as she chatted to the others. She kept glancing at her mother’s empty table. It must be so difficult, thought Daisy, to have a mother like Grevillea.

  It would be even harder for Boronia if the others found out what Grevillea had done.

  ‘May I be excused?’ Daisy asked.

  ‘Again?’ said Nen.

  ‘I left Nelli on a grevillea in the forest I should bring her back before Queen Jasmine’s announcement.’

  ‘Be quick,’ said Efa.

  ‘As fast as I can,’ promised Daisy, hurrying towards the trees.

  Grevillea and Nelli were just where she had left them, Grevillea sitting cross-legged on the branch, a vengeful scowl on her face.

  ‘Thank you, Nelli. You can go now,’ said Daisy. ‘It’s too late for her to cause any more harm.’

  With a contented chirrup, Nelli flew off towards the clearing.

  The moment she was gone, Grevillea jumped up and reached for her wand.

  ‘Is that Grevillea?’ demanded a voice from below. Daisy looked down to see Nen flying towards them, a shocked expression on her face.

  Nen landed on the branch beside Daisy, turning to face Grevillea. ‘Why are you pointing your wand at my daughter?’

  Daisy quickly told Nen what had happened and how she had cast a spell on Grevillea.

  Nen pointed her own wand at Grevillea. ‘If you want your voice back you’ll drop your wand.’ Grevillea glared at Nen but put the wand down. ‘Reverse the spell now, Daisy,’ Nen said. ‘I need to speak with Grevillea.’

  With a swish of her wand, Daisy chanted, ‘Undo.’

  Nen watched Grevillea. ‘The same old tricks you pulled when we were children. Grevillea, when are you going to grow up?’

  ‘You always were so righteous, Nen,’ Grevillea snarled. ‘But I’m a better mother. I’ll do anything to help my daughter,’

  ‘That’s not being a good mother,’ said Daisy. ‘The best mothers are proud of their children, even if they don’t win.’

  ‘Quite right,’ said Nen. ‘Now, Daisy, I think you should head back to the Festival. Grevillea and I need to go and chat with the Queen’s Keeper.’

  Grevillea’s face went white.

  She reached for her wand but Daisy was too quick, snatching it up and handing it to Nen.

  ‘Thank you, Daisy,’ Nen smiled. She took hold of Grevillea’s elbow. ‘Right, let’s be off then, shall we?’

  As Nen and Grevillea flew towards the Tea-Tree House, Daisy and Vu hurried back to the Festival, arriving in time to still have some dinner. Daisy tucked in with pleasure, suddenly ravenous.

  Efa leaned towards Daisy. ‘Did Nen find you? She was worried.’

  Daisy nodded, swallowing a chunk of damper. ‘She found me just in time.’

  Efa gave her a questioning look, so Daisy told the tale again.

  �
�Well, you’ve certainly made up for your earlier mishap,’ Aunt Acacia laughed.

  Vu chittered loudly in agreement.

  ‘Yes,’ said Efa. ‘Now, who do you think will win the prize?’

  ‘Even if she weren’t the best, I’d have to say Maggie,’ Daisy answered. ‘But she was the best, wasn’t she?’

  ‘I certainly thought so,’ said Aunt Acacia.

  ‘Whether she wins or not, I’m so proud of her,’ beamed Efa. ‘So proud of both of you.’ He reached over to ruffle Daisy’s hair.

  Thinking about Grevillea and Boronia, Daisy felt very grateful to have the family she did.

  ‘Attention please, everyone!’ Waratah called above the chattering voices. ‘Queen Jasmine will now speak.’

  Queen Jasmine moved to the front of the stage. A hush of anticipation spread through the crowd.

  ‘If the contestants would please join me.’ Queen Jasmine smiled as the contestants flew to the stage, an enthusiastic Grebe bounding up the stairs. ‘As you all know,’ she continued when they were gathered behind her, ‘the winner of tonight’s competition was promised a secret but momentous prize.’

  ‘Have I missed the announcement?’ Nen whispered as she slid into her seat.

  ‘You’re just in time,’ Daisy answered, glancing at Grevillea’s table. The troublesome fairy was back, looking quite shaken up and remorseful. Boronia gave her mother a quizzical look, worry creasing her face.

  Queen Jasmine held out her hands in a gesture of welcome as a tall, thin fairy with brown skin and long, sheer wings like a stick insect flew up to join her. When he landed, his wings folded against his back, almost invisible against his fitted brown suit.

  ‘Nine sacred Guardians oversee the Fairy Callings,’ Queen Jasmine continued. ‘And the greatest honour that can be bestowed upon a fairy is to become the apprentice of a Guardian. Tonight, I shall appoint an apprentice to the Guardian of Music and Magic, Guardian Rhyme!’

  The gathered fairies cheered and clapped as Guardian Rhyme bowed gracefully. Daisy looked at Maggie. There was longing in her eyes.

  Expressions of hope, nervousness and pride flickered across the contestants’ faces. Watching them, Daisy felt wistful. They were so passionate! She hoped that one day she too would feel like that.

  Queen Jasmine addressed the contestants. ‘You were all tremendous! But I must make special mention of our two youngest performers, Grebe and Pea, for the passion and joy that they brought to their performances.’

  The audience applauded Pea and Grebe, while Pod and Lark vied to outdo each other, whistling, stomping and cheering for their family members.

  Daisy smiled, but inside she ached for Maggie.

  ‘If Grebe and Pea could come forward . . .’ Queen Jasmine nodded to Rhyme, who stepped towards them, bearing two small wooden flutes.

  Daisy’s heart lurched. Maggie seemed calm but Daisy knew her sister would be devastated if Queen Jasmine chose another fairy as the winner. Music was all Maggie lived for.

  Rhyme spoke. ‘These flutes, infused with magic, will be an open door, to rhythm, beats and melodies that will see your music soar.’

  Awestruck, Grebe and Pea came forward to accept this wondrous gift – Pea, for once, not tripping over her feet.

  Gesturing for them to return to the other contestants, Queen Jasmine continued, ‘And now, for the momentous prize!’

  Nen reached over to clasp Daisy’s hand, all nerves and excitement. Daisy gave her a quick smile then turned back to the stage.

  ‘It is with great pleasure that I announce, the new apprentice to Guardian Rhyme is . . .’

  Daisy held her breath as Queen Jasmine paused, drawing out the suspense.

  ‘Maggie!’

  Daisy leapt to her feet as the clearing erupted with cheers, whoops and whistles, accompanied by deafening applause.

  Maggie stood frozen with a stunned look on her face.

  The other contestants nudged Maggie, pushing her gently forward.

  ‘Congratulations,’ said Queen Jasmine, taking Maggie’s hands in her own. ‘Your diligence and delight in your Calling is a wondrous gift.’

  With one last squeeze of Maggie’s hands, Queen Jasmine let Guardian Rhyme take her place. He held a necklace from which swung a small silver flute

  ‘I invite you, Maggie, to be my apprentice, to join with me in safeguarding the magic and music of the forest. Will you accept this charge?’

  Maggie gulped as the enormity of what was being offered sank in. Taking a deep breath, she whispered, ‘I will.’

  With grave solemnity, Rhyme placed the chain over Maggie’s head. ‘Let this flute be a symbol of your commitment,’ he said. ‘Wear it always and play it with pride.’

  Lifting the flute to her lips, Maggie played a joyous melody.

  The other contestants crowded around, hugging Maggie and patting her on the back before joining their families below.

  Daisy smiled when Grevillea clasped Boronia in an awkward hug. Maybe there was hope for her after all?

  Then Maggie was flying towards them. Daisy ran to meet her, grabbing Maggie’s hands in her own. ‘You did it! I’m so proud of you.’

  Then Nen and Efa were there, gathering both of them into an enveloping hug, and Daisy felt that warm special feeling that only a family hug can give.

  ‘What about me?’ asked Aunt Acacia. ‘I want to congratulate my talented niece, too.’ Maggie ducked out, throwing herself into her aunt’s arms, the two of them jumping and spinning until Lark tapped Maggie on the shoulder.

  ‘I suppose you’ll be living with the Guardians at Hakea College now?’ he asked.

  ‘I guess so,’ said Maggie.

  Lark grinned. ‘I’ve just started living there too.’

  Maggie smiled. ‘I guess we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other then.’

  As Nen and Efa exchanged a knowing look, a small, hard stone settled in Daisy’s chest. Maggie was growing up and going away, leaving Daisy behind.

  The moment was interrupted by Pea and Grebe, who had dragged their parents to the table. A lengthy series of confused introductions followed, and Daisy forgot to be unhappy.

  Later that night, when all was quiet again, Daisy lay awake in her hammock thinking about how she would miss her sister. Soft footsteps tiptoed across the floor. Then Maggie climbed in beside her.

  ‘Thank you, Daisy. Nen told me what you did tonight.’

  ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have helped you win,’ Daisy joked. ‘I’m going to miss you when you go.’

  ‘I’ll miss you, too,’ said Maggie. ‘All of you. But I want more than anything to learn from Guardian Rhyme.’

  Daisy sighed and hugged her sister tight.

  ‘Chin up, possum face, I’ll come back all the time to visit. And I bet once you find your Calling you’ll be at Hakea College with me. You’re something special, Daisy. The Guardians would be crazy not to see it.’

  Daisy didn’t know if Maggie was right about her Calling, but she did know one thing for sure. No matter how different or far apart they were, she and Maggie would always be sisters. And, just like Nen and Acacia, they would always be there for each other.

  The Blue Fairy is an orchid and is one of the prettiest flowers in the forest. It likes to grow in the shade and is most often found when the weather is cooler as Blue Fairies don’t like the hot weather.

  Blue Fairies grow between 5 and 18cm high. So the short ones are only the same height as me. I can stand beneath the tall ones, though with their hairy green or reddish stems they don’t feel nice to lean against.

  The flowers have four long, blue sepals to the sides and front with one more standing up at the back. The centre part is called the lip and looks just like a tongue sticking out.

  Sometimes, when I see a Blue Fairy, I stick out my tongue back. But I’m always careful that no one is looking, as it’s not really very polite!

  The Blue Fairy is a perennial flower, so it lives for more than two years. It usually flowers from June to September,
so Queen Jasmine must have used magic to make it flower for the Songbird Festival.

  It’s not often you see blue or purple in the forest, so I’m always extra happy to find a patch of Blue Fairies.

  It’s one of my favourite surprises!

  Guinea is a white parrot called a Little Corella. He looks a bit like a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, but smaller, with a little white crest, not a giant yellow one.

  There are three types of corella found in Australia and Little Corellas are the smallest ones, being only 38cm when fully grown. Which is still giant compared to me!

  You can find Little Corellas in many parts of Australia, often in large flocks, near rivers, creeks or dams, or wherever there is plenty of seedy grass.

  Little Corellas are a lot like fairies. They love to talk and play and can be very noisy, especially when lots of them get together. They don’t sing sweetly like Maggie’s magpie friends, but call to each other in a high-pitched shriek.

  Just like mine, Little Corella families live in a tree hollow. Inside their home is a nest of soft wood shavings, where the mother bird lays her eggs. The mum and dad work together, keeping the eggs warm and looking after their babies when they hatch – just like my parents look after my sister, Maggie, and me.

  Aunt Acacia made Maggie a fancy feathered headpiece for her performance. Follow the steps below to make a simple feathery fascinator.

  What you’ll need

  1 plastic hair comb

  5-6 feathers in varying sizes

  Thread that matches your feathers

  Scissors

  1 pretty button with no holes in the front, just one at the back.

  What to do

  Holding the stems tightly, arrange your feathers like a bouquet of flowers.

  Wrap a piece of thread around and around the stems, tying it tightly to hold them together.

  Place the feather bouquet against the front of the comb, making sure the straight edge is on the left side. Line the bottom of the stems up with the bottom of the comb.