41: Thetis’s Power
“Lady Faye,” said Queen Thetis, “You must learn that the powers of your element are not limited to the mind,”
She lifted a hand and rocking waves of the pool formed into a stream that swept towards the golem and encased in a spiralling cyclone of water, spinning at violent speeds.
“Water erodes,” said the Queen, raising her other hand towards the grey clouds, “And when concentrated, it carves,”
At first the rain began as a drizzle, but then it began to pelt down like a million tiny needles, merging until they formed a thousand jets. Even with her limited sight Phantasia could see the ethereal power at work. Blue lasers pierced through the twisting mass of water that trapped the golem, its physical body crumbling away from the water’s strength and its dark power dissipating from the ethereal assault. When the Queen ceased her attack and the waters receded back into the pool all that remained of the automaton was a pile of sodden dirt.
“That was an unexpected intervention,” said Faye.
The ethereal form of Queen Thetis turned and hovered over to the two faeries, the discerning frown on her blue lips melting to a smile. She knelt and brushed a hand along her Princess’s reconstructing arm.
“I apologise that I did not act sooner,” she said, “Like Faye, I also wished to analyse the golem’s abilities. As I also wished to analyse your own actions.”
The Queen helped Phantasia to her feet and ran her fingertips along her hair. For the first time Phantasia noticed it had developed a blue sheen, as if reflecting the Queens own sweeping ocean of hair.
“It would appear that replenishing you with our element has left you incomplete,” said the Queen, “But at least you are alive. However, I cannot save you every time you face an overpowering opponent. You must learn to develop your own strength – both of you,”
“Had I anticipated such an occurrence, I would have taken precautions,” said Faye, “I apologise for my lack of insight and thank Your Majesty for her timely intervention,”
“I was watching this place even as I made to leave this world,” said the Queen, “Had I not noticed these events in their infancy, I would not be worthy of my position as Queen of the Water faeries. Next time you will not be so fortunate. Depend on one another, work to cover each other’s weaknesses and enhance each other’s strengths, but always keep in mind that a time may come when you must fight alone,”
The Queen turned to face the Academy as the shadow of the storm rolled over its dark roof. “It is indeed a tangled web that encompasses this place, Princess,” she said, “I can understand your desire to break it. Whether Faye understands that, however, is up to you – and whether she breaks that web is up to her,”
“I will do everything possible to protect the Princess and ensure that others are not brought to reckless harm,” said Faye.
“Then I can leave you knowing this situation is in capable hands,” said the Queen.
As she began to walk back towards the water, several teachers came crashing through the wooden gate into the pool area. Azarat Haan fell to one knee without hesitation, followed by a confused Ms Clarke. Ms James shrugged and remained standing, casting an unhappy glance at the golems remains.
“I wanted to blow something up,” she moaned.
“Stop your whining,” snapped Mr Haan, “You are in the presence of divine Royalty,”
