The Sapphire Fruit

Wizard

Prologue

A long time ago, there was a great Sorceress named Alya who traveled the world to learn about the cultures and histories of others. During her travels, she encountered three young orphan girls. One had reddish-brown hair, the other light brown, and the youngest one white. She took them in and raised them as her own. The three girls grew up as sisters, and as time went on, the Sorceress tutored them in her craft; they became very skillful at it. Whenever they reached a town, they would use their abilities on those that sought help. The oldest exceeded in her abilities while her younger two sisters had trouble. Alya recognized her oldest daughter’s learning capacity, and she allowed her to learn more advanced spells. When the oldest had completed her apprenticeship, and there was nothing else for her to gain from Alya, she was allowed to venture out into the world. She said goodbye to her two younger sisters and left. As the other two continued with their studies, they too desired to travel the world. One day, the youngest was in the Sorceress’s room cleaning, and she discovered an old book. Curiosity got the best of her, and she opened the book and began to read. She came upon a page that spoke about a unique fruit that would grant any wish. She told her sister about it, and they both agreed to create the fruit, so the youngest crept into the Sorceress’s room and stole the book. The two sisters gathered the ingredients and began the process. However, it was a difficult task. Producing the fruit required a great deal of energy and the ability to heat and cool the items at the same time. It took the talents of both sisters to form the fruit, but they were able to do it and were pleased with what they had accomplished. As the sisters looked at what they had created, they argued as to who should have the first wish. The Sorceress heard the commotion and went to see what was happening. When she entered the room, both sisters were using their spells against each other. The youngest blasted fire, but her sister blocked it with a wall of ice, then she tried to electrocute the youngest. When they were not able to hit each other, they transformed into beasts and charged one another. The Sorceress became angry at their fighting that she encased them in a cage to stop the fight. The Sorceress asked what was going on, but they said nothing. The Sorceress noticed the fruit on the table and grabbed it. She held it towards them and asked who stole the book. The middle sister began to blame the youngest with the white hair, stating it had been her idea. The Sorceress asked the youngest if it was the truth; she nodded while staring at the ground. The young sister told the Sorceress everything; she would take the punishment. The Sorceress smiled and handed the fruit to the youngest and said that the wishes were hers. She thanked the Sorceress, but the middle sister with light brown hair was not thrilled and pilfered the fruit. She tried to make a request, but the fruit never granted it. Seeing that it was not meant for her, yet still not wanting her younger sister to have it, she hid the fruit inside a tapestry. The Sorceress was upset with the middle sister and threw her out. The girl pleaded for forgiveness, but the Sorceress would not listen to her words. So, the middle sister packed her things and walked into the wilderness. The youngest watched her sister leave, wishing she had never discovered the book or conjured the fruit. As the middle sister vanished into the world, the youngest sought to find the fruit to undo her actions. However, the task would create more trouble than she realized.

Chapter One

In the Kingdom of Aires, there resided a seamstress named Melanie. She was respected by everyone in the village for the high quality of clothing she created. The dresses were splendid, but she wished to become the most excellent seamstress in all the land. She dreamed of creating marvelous garments that would bring customers from different parts of the world. One day, Melanie was outside picking apples from the tree. She climbed up and saw only a few on the branch. Melanie found one that was shriveled and brown and wondered if she would end up just like the rotten apple. Closing her eyes, Melanie said her wish out loud. As the seamstress said those words, an older woman overheard the request. She stopped and watched the girl as she threw the old apple to the ground. Melanie sat there looking at the other apples when her mother came out of the house and told her to head to the village to purchase more supplies for the store. The maiden climbed down from the tree and headed towards the gate. As soon as she walked out of the garden, she heard someone calling out.

Is there anyone here, who would be so kind as to help an old woman carry this basket of corn?

The maiden saw the woman struggling with a large basket filled to the brim with corn; some of them fell to the ground. I will carry the basket for you, Melanie said.

Thank you so much. The older woman smiled. I am heading towards the market to sell them.

Then you are in luck; I am also heading there.

The maiden untied her apron and wrapped the top of the basket to keep any more corn from dropping. Gripping the handles, she lifted it onto her back. It was a bit heavy for her, but Melanie managed to balance herself.

My, you are very strong.

Thank you, but I am amazed that you were able to carry this by yourself.

I know. Oh, by the way, what is your name, dearie?

My name is Melanie.

Ah, such a lovely name for a lovely girl.

Melanie smiled at the compliment. Thank you, and what is your name?

Why do you want to know an old woman’s name?

It would be rude of me not to address you by your name.

You are a very polite girl, but my name is not as precious as yours.

That is not true. Every name is precious, especially when a mother cared about you.

The woman smiled at Melanie and stared directly into her green eyes. My, what a curious creature you are. Very well, if you insist, I am known as Alya.

Alya. That name is just as lovely as mine. I have never heard the name before. Where do you come from?

From a far place. Alya winked. But we should get going.

Melanie nodded and followed her towards the village. Alya did most of the talking while Melanie listened politely. After some time, they climbed to the top of a hill and were able to see the entire village below. It was not as large as the others around the Kingdom, but it was big enough to have its own Lord. There were several shops, and a new blacksmith had arrived about two days earlier. Melanie and Alya entered the hectic market; everyone was buying as much as they could, for the day of frost was approaching. The entire village would gather to celebrate the coming of winter. Melanie told the woman that her mother had been selected to create the new tapestry for the event, and she was thrilled because she would be participating. Alya asked what the pattern was going to be, but Melanie and her mother had not thought of one. Alya pointed to a run-down stand at the far end of the market. Melanie thought it was strange that the stall would be this far, but she placed the basket on the ground. When she touched the table, it wobbled a bit. Melanie realized it would not be able to hold the heavy load, so she placed a few ears of corn on the stand.

Thank you so much for your help, Alya expressed in a delighted tone. And if you can help me sell a few ears of corn, I will repay you.

Oh, that is not necessary. It was my pleasure, Melanie answered. However, I cannot help you sell the corn because I have to buy some things and—

Nonsense, my dear. Alya held out three ears of corn to her. You must help me.

I would love to, but I must buy my items before it gets late.

I understand, but could you at least help me sell these three ears of corn?

She looked at them and nodded. Taking the corn from Alya, Melanie walked up to every person in the market, but no one was interested. As the sun began to set, Melanie returned to the older woman and saw that the whole basket was empty.

How did you manage to sell all of the old corn?

Ah, my dear, it is a secret. But I see that you were not able to sell any of what I gave you.

Correct, Melanie admitted with disappointment. It seems that no one wants to buy them.

That is fine. You tried your best, and that is what matters. I thank you. Most people would have left, but you stayed until sunset, and for that, I will reward you.

Oh, you do not have to do that.

Poppycock! She took out a large bag and rummaged around inside. After a while of digging, she found what she was looking for and held it to out Melanie. I give you this fruit.

Melanie gazed at the fruit that resembled three grapes. The color was a blue hue that sparkled like a gem in the sun. Melanie was shocked to see such an odd berry.

Now, this is no ordinary fruit, the older woman said. This was created by my own hands with magic. When you bite into each of the three pieces, you will be granted one wish from each.

Three wishes? But this fruit is too beautiful to be eaten.

It is, but what would be the point of keeping it?

I thank you, but why would you give me something this precious when all I did was help you carry a basket? Also, I was not able to sell any of the corn.

Melanie looked at Alya and noticed that she was changing from old to young. A glow came from Alya as she spoke. I overheard your wish, so I wanted to test you. You showed kindness and tried to sell these old corns. You did not ask for anything in return, and I saw that you have a good heart.

The light became so bright that Melanie covered her eyes. When it was safe to open them, she realized she was back in her garden. Melanie stood there wondering if it had been a dream. She felt something in her hand; she still held the fruit. Melanie remembered what Alya told her about the wishes, so she closed her eyes, thought for a moment, then ate one of the pieces. She did not feel anything; therefore, she decided to see if her wish had come true. Immediately, Melanie ran to her sewing room and began to work. An hour later, she gazed at a beautiful dress—it was magnificent. The fabric was soft and appeared as if it had never been touched. The colors were rich and went well with each other. Melanie called out to her mother, and she was surprised that her daughter had returned from the market. Entering the room, her mother examined the gown. She was astonished at what her daughter had made. She asked Melanie where she had found the fabric and how much it cost her. Melanie explained what happened that day, except she never said a word about Alya or the fruit.

* * *

A few months had passed, and Melanie continued to create beautiful garments. She became famous for the clothing, and for turning any cloth into a new fabric. One day, a young knight arrived at the village to visit the renowned seamstress to see if the stories were real. He saw that most of the women in town wore fabulous dresses. He stopped by a house and spotted an old man sitting in a wooden chair.

Pardon me, the knight said. Where does the seamstress with the incredible gift to create beautiful garments dwell?

She lives up on the hill over there. He pointed to a house.

The knight glanced in that direction and noticed the trees that surrounded it. He thanked the man and rode up the hill. When he got closer to the dwelling, he saw many people waiting to see the seamstress. He dismounted from his horse and made his way inside. He saw a woman behind the counter and asked her where the seamstress was; she told him that she was upstairs working and was not to be disturbed. He went outside and searched for a way to enter the second floor. As he rounded the back of the house, the knight noticed an apple tree close to a window. He climbed up, and when he reached the window, he saw the seamstress. Melanie ran from one side of the room to the other grabbing fabric and supplies. When she had everything she needed, she sat down and began to stitch. He observed her work and was astonished at the garment she was assembling. The knight silently climbed through the window and removed his helmet.

Hello. He spoke softly. You must be the famous seamstress that everyone speaks so highly of.

What? Melanie turned her head, surprised to see the young knight standing there. She rose, pointing at him with her scissors.

I am sorry; I did not mean to startle you, the knight responded as he held his hands in the air to show he meant her no harm.

Melanie saw that he spoke the truth, so she lowered the scissors. They stood there looking at each other as if in a trance, and it was love at first sight. He gazed at her sparkling green eyes, which complemented her long black hair and admired her beauty. Melanie looked at the knight and saw that he was light-skinned with reddish hair and green eyes like hers. The knight placed his helmet on a table and looked at the garments. He asked her how she was able to create them so quickly. Melanie smiled and began to explain it to him, but she never mentioned anything about Alya or the fruit. They spent time with each other, and a few days later, the knight asked for her hand in marriage. Melanie agreed, and they held a wedding underneath the apple tree.

Chapter Two

A year had passed, and Melanie was pregnant. Her mother was so pleased that she would soon be a grandmother. One day, Melanie had a sudden desire to eat something sweet, and she remembered the fruit that Alya had given her. To satisfy her sweet tooth, Melanie went to the cupboard in her room and grabbed the second portion, ate it, and thought of a wish. But before she could think of one good enough, she was distracted and forgot about it.

A few months later, the weather outside had become cold, and Melanie desired to eat the fruit again. She asked her husband to fetch the last piece from the cupboard; he did so without even looking at it. Melanie ate it and became relaxed, but then felt a sharp pain. She screamed because of her discomfort as her husband ran outside in the cold to fetch the midwife. Her mother came in to calm her while they waited. During that time, the weather had become frigid, and the winds had grown powerful. It was as if the storm felt Melanie’s discomfort and was reflecting it back at her. The storm raged with fury as her husband finally arrived with the midwife. They heard Melanie shouting, and the midwife told the husband to wait downstairs. As the hours went by and the winds blew, a faint cry came from upstairs. The screams became louder as the storm outside passed. The husband stood by the stairwell watching as his mother-in-law poked her head out of the room and told him to come up. He went upstairs and walked towards the bedroom to see Melanie in the bed, holding their newborn child. He smiled at her and walked over, but he noticed that the baby’s hair was different. It was purple. He stood over them, and Melanie whispered to him the child’s name: Amethyst. They were both excited about their daughter; the knight smiled at the baby, and she yawned. The midwife, however, had been surprised by the baby’s appearance and left without saying a word.

Why does the child have purple hair? Melanie’s mother asked.

I am not sure, but maybe it is a sign, the knight said as he passed Amethyst to Melanie’s mother.

I hope it is a good one and not evil, her mother declared as she cradled Amethyst in her arms.

She saw Amethyst's eyes were hazel, and she smiled up at her grandmother. Amethyst’s grandmother smiled back and passed her to Melanie, and they all noticed that the color of the child’s hair had begun to change to a light blue. Just then, Melanie remembered about the fruit and the two wishes that she had forgotten.

I wonder if you had made any wishes, she thought as she kissed Amethyst on the cheek.

The news traveled around the settlement, and many wondered why a child would be born with such odd hair. Several villagers arrived to see the newborn, but they were not allowed. The grandmother told everyone that her grandchild was healthy, but rumors spread that the child was a demon and that frightened Melanie. She rarely left the house with Amethyst and the only times she did was when Amethyst’s hair was light red.

A year later, Amethyst was outside playing in a sandbox, when some of the villagers came by. They noticed that the child was average, her hair was a light reddish color. The rumor of the child being a demon vanished as the days passed.

Two years later, the knight was obliged to go into battle. As he prepared to leave, Melanie gave him an armband that had an emblem in the shape of the sapphire fruit.

What is this? he asked.

An armband that I made to give you luck and to keep you safe.

It is charming. Thank you. He kissed Melanie, then looked at Amethyst. I will see you soon, my little girl.

He kissed Amethyst on the forehead then rode to the battlefield.

That would be the last time Melanie would ever see the knight. A few months later, news of her husband’s fate reached Melanie, and she was distressed by his death. She wept in her room while Amethyst and her grandmother went outside to the apple tree and set up a small monument for the knight. Amethyst stared at it with a puzzled gaze and wondered why they were doing this. She heard a sound from above, so she looked up at the tree and saw a strange silhouette of a creature. Amethyst spoke to this creature, and it waved its hand to her. Her grandmother asked Amethyst who she was talking to, so she told her. The grandmother looked up but saw only a blackbird that stared at them and flew away.

* * *

As time went on, Amethyst grew up to be a healthy child, but there was something special about her that no other child was able to do: her hair would turn different colors whenever the weather changed. On freezing days, it would become a light blue that was almost white, and on hot days, a fiery red with portions of black. She also was able to use fire and ice. Amethyst learned it one day while she was playing and revealed it to Melanie. Amethyst would blow air on her hands that would become so hot, one could see her bones. She was able to melt anything she touched and shoot small fireballs. When she chilled her hands, they would be as hard as stone, and she could punch a hole through metal and freeze anything. Her mother and grandmother told her to be careful because of the danger of harming or killing someone with her powers. Amethyst obeyed their requests and would conceal her skills.

However, being a child that loved to play, she would sometimes break her promise. On several occasions, Amethyst went outside and created an ice path which she would use to glide upon. At times, Amethyst would use it to travel from her house to the market and back again. Everyone in the village found out about it, as there were eyewitnesses. At first, the townspeople were alarmed, reverting to calling the child a demon, but Amethyst won their trust; she would help anyone, and she was a person with a heart of gold just like her mother.

One day, Melanie asked Amethyst to head into the village to buy cotton and warned her not to use her abilities to travel there. Amethyst nodded, but once she was far from the house, she went skiing down her ice