She was awakened by a gentle tap on her hand. Wide awake, she saw the chamber had transformed into a brightly lit banquet hall. A long table filled the room. It was set with a crimson cloth on which sat golden place settings in front of each chair. Bowls of strange, exotic fruit and flowers decorated the table, and footmen holding steaming bowls and platters were positioned around the room. At the head of the table sat the evil one dressed in a golden cloak with a crown on its head. The major domo escorted her to the seat on its right and filled her glass with a golden liquid. Tiny flecks of gold were suspended in it. Footmen appeared at her side offering platters of foods that she did not recognize. She had a fleeting thought that perhaps the food was poisoned. When she saw the other guests enjoying the food on their plates, she chased the thought away and took her first forkful. It was delicious. Astonishing desserts arrived and were consumed with great gusto. Silence rained.
The evil one stood and raised its hand for silence. “Isla,” he said, “we are here to offer you the benefits of choosing our clan. You will then go to the second chamber and hear what they have to offer. The third step is to enter a peaceful chamber where you can deliberate both choices, and advise us of your decision. This chamber offers you untold wealth which will enable you to travel the world, and purchase anything your heart desires. The pot of gold will never run dry. Should you desire male companionship, handsome, attentive men will be offered to you. The choice will be yours.”
Isla ingested all that it had to say. At first, it seemed idyllic, but, upon further thought, it all sounded very superficial and hedonistic. The evil one continued its explanation. “However, there are certain conditions you will have to meet. They will be given to you one at a time, you will not know the second until you have completed the first. Also, if you choose our offer, you will be transported to an earthly paradise from which you will never return. As much as you love them, you will never physically see the person, your dog and the things that are important in your life again. However, you will be able to see them in your mind’s eye. It is time to go to the second chamber, and listen well.”
Suddenly, the brightly lit room morphed into its original horror and she was transported into a beauteous place. There was a myriad of soft pools of gentle green waters. Whispering trees abounded. Singing waterfalls sang their merry way over rocks into channels where they wended their way into the pools’ waters. Flocks of sweetly singing birds flew from tree to tree and small animals gamboled around in the verdant grasses. The air was perfumed by wildflowers. Under a tree was a small table set with a pitcher of liquid and tiny morsels to tempt the appetite. Two chairs flanked the table. On one of them sat the lovely Naiad.
