
Ever Shade
A Dark Faerie Tale
ByAlexia Purdy
Table of Contents
PrologueChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter SixChapter SevenChapter EightChapter NineChapter TenChapter ElevenChapter TwelveChapter ThirteenChapter FourteenChapter FifteenChapter SixteenChapter SeventeenChapter EighteenAbout the Author
Ever Shade
This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, duplicated, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher's prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
Text Copyright © 2012 Alexia PurdyAll rights reservedISBN-13: 978-0615603629
ISBN-10: 0615603629
Published byCrushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, LLC.Algonquin, IL 60102
This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious and are products of the author's imagination and any resemblance to actual events, or locales or persons, living or dead are entirely coincidental.
Edited by: S.J. DavisFor Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
Cover by: Para Graphic Designs
I want to thank first and foremost, my husband Joshua Purdy, whom without your love and strength; this could not have come to be. To my family, who are always by my side through all things. Thank you to all my co-workers who read my stories and believed in me no matter what. I want to thank Scott Prussing for all your help. With all of you, I've been able to make the dream a reality.
This book is dedicated to my grandmother Edisa Salas. I love and miss you, everyday, with all my heart for you taught me to believe and now I dance because of you.
~Alexia
One long pause and the man pondered the choice he had just made. He watched the woman and her new husband as they laughed and chatted away inside their house. Her long honey brown hair shone in shimmering waves down her back and swung around her, as her husband twirled her around the kitchen, dancing to the music from the radio that sat on the windowsill. He did not realize the pangs of jealously that swirled in his stomach; he had made the decision and had to let it play out now. She would be safer this way.
The child would grow without knowing him, without knowing her powerful potential. He would not be there to teach her the ways of their magic and life. This was the way it was to be and he could not change it, no matter how much he longed to. For the safety of the child and the love of his life, he had erased her memory of him, forever. He watched the man, watching the happiness spread across his face. He had handpicked him for the woman. He made sure that this man would be a great father and love the woman more than life itself. Even love the child like it was his own.
The faery closed his eyes, feeling the breezes of the cool winds graze his face. He had never wished to leave her like this. He longed to hold her, be the one to swing her around in a flowing dance. His heart ached and his breath seemed to arrest in his throat. He glanced towards her one more time before turning away, and running with the wind towards the forest.
"You didn't really mean that, did you?" Shade said as she stared at her friend, Brisa, whose face was reddened with frustration.
"Rachel had it coming; she was the one who started it!"
Shade looked at her friend's ruined shirt, streaked with red strawberry smoothie remains. The red substance was sticking to her, and it felt cold; her top was no longer the color yellow it once was. "She's a dumb idiot anyway. She shouldn't be calling you those names. I only said she was 'dumb as a wall and a self-diluted bitch' in self-defense. I said it for you, besides, it's only the truth."
Brisa frowned and gave up rubbing the stain with a washcloth and soap. She pulled the shirt over her head and let it slip to the ground. Glaring at her locker, she realized her only other shirt was her gym T-shirt. Figures, there is nothing else to wear. She sighed.
"She shouldn't have thrown her smoothie at me, the next time I see her she is gonna pay badly." Brisa sighed and looked at Shade. "You're not a freak, don't ever believe anything she says, she's wrong!"
Shade peered at her friend. Brisa rarely got along with anyone. Not a day went by that she wasn't in the principal's office, cleaning chalkboards, wiping down desks or doing some other tedious job she had received as a punishment, for whatever it was that she was in trouble for, instead of hanging out with Shade.
Still, Shade had known Brisa since they were toddlers and would stand by her through anything. She was the only one who knew about Shade's strange abilities. The only one Shade trusted.
"It's alright, Brisa. I guess I would think I was a freak too if I didn't know that I had weird powers, like hearing strange voices in my head that tell me everybody's secrets or order me to do their every and 'so annoying' bidding. It's my fault for blurting out what they said about her. Who would have known she was cheating on the final, if I hadn't said anything? I was just telling her so she would wise up. Well, at least you didn't smash her nose in; you only need one more fight to get that suspension they have threatened you with already. Your mom will hang you!"
Brisa grinned with a slight shudder at the thought of her mother. Brisa's face was smooth, olive skinned with bright blue eyes. Her dark brown hair flowed lazily in waves to her mid back. She wasn't gorgeous, but she was not bad looking either. She rarely had makeup on and preferred to wear her hair in a low ponytail instead of letting it flow free around her shoulders. She was as much as a tomboy as a person or girl could get.
"Like I need help in that department." She pulled her hair out from the collar of her gym shirt and smoothed the wrinkles down. Brisa and her mother rarely got along. She tended to spend more time at Shade's house than at her own. Shade pulled out her cell phone, it was getting late and their afternoon class was starting in two minutes. She dropped the phone back into her bag, then scooped the bag back up, and tapped her friend's shoulder. "Gotta go. Do you wanna to be late? Ms. Temor is gonna lock us out! Chop, chop!" Shade said, as she turned and sprinted towards the locker room and shoved the heavy metal doors out of her way.
"Wait up!" Brisa called as she stuffed her ruined shirt into her backpack and stumbled behind Shade, and cleared the doors just before they slammed shut.
\*\*\*\*\*
Shade sighed. She swung her legs down from the ledge she had propped herself on, a stone slab, by the main entrance of the school. Might as well start walking, she thought. Her backpack was heavy but not as much as some days when her homework was piled high. Today was a light homework day. The warm air rippled along Shade's face. The final bell had rung ages ago, yet here she was, sitting on a rough concrete ledge because her ride was late, again. Brisa rode the Portland, Oregon city bus home and was long gone; and Shade wished she had hopped onto that bus with her. Her mom had forgotten to pick her up again; it was a long walk home. This had been happening too often lately. Mom has too much on her plate, Shade thought. Her full time job, two sons and Shade's sister kept her so busy; and Shade, being the oldest, was on her own.
The streets were quiet, as she walked home. A slight breeze swept up some litter and it floated right past her. She was feeling good, especially compared to how she had felt a couple of weeks ago. She had caught pneumonia, probably from kissing that boy at the skating rink. He was gorgeous, with blonde streaked hair that fell over his eyes in just the right way. He had chatted a lot with her that day.
A real-life true skater boy. Even his name was incredibly skaterish, Chris. 'Chris' was flirty and attracted tons of girls hanging at the rink every Saturday. For some unknown reason, he had nuzzled with her one weekend and kissed her ever so softly over and over again. He definitely was someone who had kissed many times before.
Unfortunately, it had come to manifest into the form of a nasty, relentless pneumonia, which he probably was immune to since he didn't look one bit sickly. It had caused Shade to miss a lot of school, and her grades had taken a beating; and she had been feeling down for this past month. Now, she wasn't so sure she would be able to get caught up enough to raise some of her D's to B's and A's again. One class was still an F. She squeezed her eyes together, gritted her teeth and tried not to imagine having to endure getting an F for the first time in her life. She would graduate either way but the drop in GPA was not going to go over well with her. Shade sighed and looked ahead; she would have to thank Chris for his little germ sharing smooches the next time she saw his pretty-boy face; that is, if she didn't smash it in first.
The bright sun was glaring and beating down on her face; and it reflected off the white concrete sidewalk, like a floodlight on a stage. Her little brother, James, had smashed her last pair of sunglasses just two days ago, while playing one of his infinitely, highly imaginative games. She wished that she had replaced them. She passed the main streets of the city and continued walking down the sidewalk. As the roads turned into longer stretches of periodic houses and empty lots, the tall and worn brick buildings faded behind her.
"Only a whole mile or so to go," Shade mumbled to herself. Both her feet ached a little. She was thankful she had worn tennis shoes today, instead of her usual thin flats because she would have been in a world of pain if she had. Still, she was not used to walking so much since it was just her third day back to school. She started to feel that one of her shoelaces was loose and it began to whip her calf and flop around; she then stopped walking and bent down to retie it firmly. Pausing, Shade looked up, scanning the street and the warehouses that were around her. The cool autumn breeze was whirling around her, causing the fallen leaves to float in the wind; slinging dust into the air. She squeezed her eyes shut and let the ground dirt and dust blow past her.
Standing up, she sucked her breath in. Did she just hear something; was it footsteps? It was like someone scurrying about, or running, but they were trying to be quiet about it. Shade peered around her, surveying the area. Whatever it was, it seemed to have come from the abandoned warehouse that was to her right. She studied the dilapidated, brick structure; it was the only tall building for miles, and it gave her the creeps. She listened hard for anything to betray itself, nothing. The windows were mostly boarded up and weeds littered the ground all around it.
Go inside, now.
Shade paled, she hadn't heard the voices sound so desperate in quite a while and this was not good.
It was not like her inner voice, or her conscience. It was very different, like someone else whispering into her ears, but she was the only one that could hear them. Shade had never been able to explain this, it would just sound crazy. They were some sort of entities who spoke to her and asked her to do their bidding and she never understood the reasons why. The voices would become clearer and stronger when they wanted her to do something specific. It wasn't ever anything absolutely insane, like killing someone, and that comforted her, but nevertheless, she cringed at the sound of their voices tingling in her ears. No one knew of this ailment except Brisa.
Shade shuddered. No way am I gonna be locked in a nut house for telling the truth, like I'm some paranoid schizophrenic teenager! Oh heck no, I'm not gonna go to any loony house, where they pump me up with drug until I'm comatose. No one would understand or even look at her like a normal person again if she told anyone about it. She'd become another institutionalized psychotic, hormonal teenager.
Hurry, said the voices.
Hurry to what? Shade thought. There is nothing here!
Quick, they told her with urgency.
Shade pressed her lips together. She had to; she had to obey. The voices would not leave her alone if she defied them, and she couldn't handle that. She'd tried not to listen to what they wanted once before and it had dire consequences; three nights of relentless chatter in her head was enough to drive someone to a nuthouse. She could not go through that again. Okay already!!
She bent over and slipped through a hole in the fence that was nearest to her. The building looked even scarier up close. The wind howled around her, it whipped her hair up and caused it to smack her face, as if taunting her decision to inspect the building. The front door was boarded up as well, with thick bolts and two by fours. No one was meant to enter or leave this place, apparently.
There's no way in, where do I get in?
The basement, the voices said together.
Shade gulped. It would be dark in the basement and whatever was in there would not welcome her. She had no flashlight to use in the pitch-black interior. She walked around the building towards the rear, inspecting for any openings.
There it was, a small, dusty and rusted window near the ground. She knelt down, the rocks crunching under her feet and they dug into her knees. She frowned, as she lowered and leveled herself with the window. The dust and earth stuck to her jeans and fingers. Ewww!
The window was small, probably just big enough for a small person to fit through. She sighed. Just like me, and she cringed at the thought. It would be a tight fit but she thought she could probably make it. She pushed on the pane but nothing happened. It was years since anyone had moved this frame, and now it was stuck. Maybe, I should give a good hard push?
Shade scooted onto her bottom and got closer to the window, pressing her feet into it. She gave it a good push and heard a loud screech as the metal frame screamed its protest as it opened to the world. The dust bellowed around her in a cloud, causing her to go into a coughing fit. She dusted her clothes as she groaned, and there was no doubt that she would need a shower tonight. She looked inside but it was a deep void of darkness. Oh boy, this is gonna suck, she thought to herself. She shimmied into the frame and heaved herself through the opening.
She crashed into the floor. Ouch! That's definitely gonna leave a bruise! She rubbed her arms and scanned the room for signs of movement; there was nothing but dark and dust to greet her. She stood up and dusted her jeans off again.
There was a dim light coming from the now busted window; but her eyes had begun to adjust to the darkness of the room. The small room was basically empty, except for a worktable at one end of the basement and an old bicycle, in pieces, at the other end. There were also a few pieces of junk strewn across the floor. Even in the poor light she could see there was a staircase in the middle of the room. She walked to it and grabbed the thin metal banister. She placed one foot on the bottom step and heard a sound that made her stomach tighten.
The footsteps were fluttering above her but then faded, she felt like they had stopped to listen for something or someone and were probably listening for her movements. She didn't move for what felt like a millennium, her heart pumping quickly and loudly in hears. She held her breath because she feared being heard.
The time ticked on, but Shade didn't hear any more noises. She slowly ascended the stairs to the door at the top. Her hand gripped the old brass knob as she paused, still listening for anything that might be waiting for her beyond the door. She gulped back her fear, praying that no one was waiting on the other side.
She turned the knob as quietly as she could; the slow creaking moan of the door echoed in the silence. The wind was still howling outside the basement window, shaking the glass until it shook closed. Her stomach tightened as the window slammed shut. Claustrophobia must feel like this, thought Shade.
Shade opened the door and looked around the gloomy building. Some light streamed in through the boarded up windows, as she peered into the long hallway that was just beyond the door. The place was vibrating from the forces outside; everything creaked and sighed, like a ship tossed about in an angry sea. Shade wished more than anything to be home, snuggled in her room, safe. She stepped out into the hall and closed the basement door behind her, as quietly as she could. Now what? Which way do I go? She hated having to listen to the voices for an answer. At least she knew if she had to ask them something, they would answer her, guaranteed. She just hoped it wasn't an answer she didn't want to hear.
Upstairs, follow the stairs on your right; take them now, the voices commanded in unison.
Shade turned to her right, the hallway ended by a small banister that could be seen near the wall. She could see another window frame at the end of the hall. The light came through the glass and lit the bottom of the staircase. The dust particles swam in the rays and danced all around.
Here we go, thought Shade. Please don't let there be a crazy person up there! She swiftly walked to the stairs and looked up; she heard nothing but the wind that made the walls creak and moan. She moved slowly over the loose floorboards that were driving her mad with fear. She reached the landing quickly when she heard a crash. Her eyes widened and she fought the urge to fly right back downstairs. Something's up there. I can hear it moving...it sounds strong and very big. I don't want to meet that. She couldn't move and listened again but nothing else banged around upstairs. She craned her neck to hear better, it definitely has stopped. She took a breath and continued up the stairs.
Don't ever ask me to do this again!! She muttered under her breath as she reached the landing and peered down to her left. There was another hall, and it opened into a big room, that must have been the warehouse's office area. There were cubicles and papers strewed everywhere on desks, with old chairs turned over, as if they were thrown across the room. Um, not pretty. She looked around, whatever had been up here might still be here, lurking and hiding from her. It wouldn't be too hard with all this furniture upturned and scattered throughout the room.
Shade didn't have to wait too long before she was diving for cover. A bolt of lightning shot across the room to her left, smashing into one of the bookshelves that lined the wall. She had ducked under a desk with the top still intact, covering her from the flying debris. What was that? She tried to pace her breathing. She was having a heart attack right there. What if she died and no one would ever find her? Her remains would be there for years in this desolate place. Shut up, she told herself. Now, voices, come on, why am I here, to get killed? You better tell me soon, cuz I am about to hightail it out of here!
She peaked above the desk to look around the room. A boom knocked her onto her back and debris flew all around her. The sound had come from a different direction than the lightning. Is there more than one person here, what the hell? She stayed down and prayed they didn't notice her in this mess.
"You can't hurt me Jack. I know all your tricks, and they are pointless against my magic. You can't break through with your light and fire power; my magic will always endure against you." The woman cackled with a spine tingling voice. She sounded like the Wicked Witch of the West.
"Give it up Vange, you don't have it in you; we are banging our heads against the walls. I can have reinforcements arrive in a heartbeat, give it up before I am forced to make you." This was a voice of a man and it echoed with strength in the large room.
Ok, this is getting complicated, thought Shade. I hope they don't know I'm here.
"Not so fast, Jack," she said his name like she was speaking of garbage. "You trespass on my domain. I didn't know you liked hanging out with ordinary folk now. You might frighten one of them as you speak. You should return to the forest and mountains, you claim as your great domain. The cities are mine." Another boom and crash shook the room.
Shade held her breath. Well, now I know she knows I'm here. Now he does too! Great!
"She is of no concern to me. You should stop right now before I hurt you. The queen wants you alive but I am sure that if you were wounded, she would understand that it was a matter of life and death. Or you could just give me the talisman back and we call it even." Jack sent another lightning rod, or so that's what it looked like, toward the left corner of the room and jumped from his spot. Shade peered over at him as he ran forward and ducked behind a large wooden beam. He glanced at her for a moment, now he knew just where she was.
What now? Shade turned and looked down the hall to the flight of stairs. If only I can get to the stairs, and get the hell out of dodge. She glanced back at the scene before her. Jack had hunched down to the level of the desks and crept towards the woman. He paused periodically to listen and look for her. The woman was hiding quite well behind an office divider, if she was still there.
Don't run, the voices said.
What am I supposed to do, die? Shade's heart raced and sweat beaded on her forehead and neck. She gulped and felt lightheaded. What could she do? They would see her if she bolted. She hung her head down wishing to be small and out of sight. She heard Jack curse as another crash smashed a window on the north end of the building. Shade jerked her head up in time to see Vange smiling at Jack.
"I'm truly sorry, Jack, but this isn't your day. My queen will love this little artifact. Its powers will truly add to our array of weapons against your precious queen." The woman then sprinted toward the shattered remains of windowpane and jumped, no, she flew out the window and disappeared.
"We will finish this some other time, Vange." Jack stood at the windowsill and stared into the light of the day. The cool autumn breeze wafted in and stirred up the stale air inside. He shook his head, sighing and cursing under his breath.
Shade stood and peered at Jack; he had yet to turn to her. She turned to leave when he suddenly caught her by her shoulder. She screamed and she was quickly spun around and forced to face him. His eyes pierced hers as his hands gripped her upper arms. "Let me go!" She wriggled around in his grip.
"Oh quit it. Who are you? Why are you here?" Jack questioned relentlessly as he stared at her with searing eyes. His grip did not falter but squeezed just enough to make her cry out.
"I don't know, I don't know! Let me go!"
He sighed and let her go as she pulled away, sending her crashing to the floor.
"Ow!" She grabbed her elbow; it was streaked with blood after scraping it on debris.
"You said 'let me go.'" Jack turned and picked up some of his weapons from the floor. He had taken hold of his sheathing that hung on his belt and put his knife away. He then began dusting his clothes. He wore a tight black shirt with a leather belt tightened around his waist, multiple items strung onto it, including a sword. His face was strong yet portrayed a radiance of youth and looked about twenty-five. He had no stubble but did not look like a teenager. His dark black wavy hair was short by his neck; but his bangs covered some of his olive face. His eyes gave away a look of someone who had ancient wisdom and gave way the fact that he had seen too much for one lifetime.
He's not bad looking though. Shade stood up and dusted her clothes as well. She peered up at him, wondering if she should try to run.
"Who are you? Who was that or what was that woman? How do you throw lightning like that? How did she fly like that?" Shade couldn't hold back the torrent of questions running out of her mouth.
He stared at her quietly. It seemed as if he were trying to decide whether or not to answer. His piercing grey eyes examined her, making Shade flush as she stuttered. "Don't worry. I'm not going to hurt you, if that's what you're thinking. I'm Jack, and I can throw lightning because it's what I'm made of." He paused, watching her face go blank in disbelief.
What the...
"Okay then that explains you, I think, but what about her? What the heck, how did she fly like that?" She asked again. "What kind of a person makes the room explode in a sonic boom? What do you mean you're made of lightning? Uh, that's not possible." Shade shook her head, squeezing her eyes closed, then, opening them and blinked nervously. This strange young man just stared at her and cracked a smile. He seemed amused just listening to her rant on and on.
"That was Evangeline. Vange is what everyone calls her; she's an elemental fire witch, but not just any old witch, a hybrid offspring of a witch and a faery. She is a nasty fighter and she has taken something from my queen; I was sent to get it back." Jack then started to walk towards the staircase, leaving Shade stunned in silence.
Okay, that was unexpected. She watched him leaving. Now what? What was the purpose of her being here then? Why did she have to witness all that for, The Voices?
Why oh why did I have to listen to the stupid voices! Why can't they leave me alone! All they have ever done for me is get me into a lot of trouble.
"Wait! Why was I led to you? Stop! Don't walk away from me, I need answers here! The Voices told me to come in here, and this is what I find? You have to tell me why. Why did they do that? What am I supposed to see or do here? Stop already!" She cried out again. She scurried to keep up with him; he was already at the front door studying the nailed-in boards and about to tear one down with his hands. His muscles rippled as he held one plank and pulled. It crashed to the floor as he went for another one. She grabbed his arm to get his attention but he spun around grabbing her wrist instead and squeezed it tight. Shade whimpered, surprised from the pain.
"Don't touch me, I might inadvertently electrify you."
Her eyes widened as she stared at his hand squeezing her wrist. He let her go and sighed, his lips tight with discontent.
"I don't know why you were brought here. You say you hear voices? Only oracles can hear voices, strange," he said more to himself than to her. "Anyways, I am made of lightning and blue fire. I guess I have to show you because if you happen to touch me when I am not shielded enough with this glamour, I can hurt you, and it could be fatal." He stared at her, with some concern in his eyes. He stepped back from her and seemed to shake a bit, as though dusting himself off; the air around him seemed to liquefy. His glamour melted away and the brightness of his skin illuminated the dark hallway.
Shade gasped, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets. He still looked like Jack but his skin glowed with a blue aura; Blue fire flickered all over him and electricity crackled along his entire body. Yet he did not burn. His eyes blinked at her, smiling at her awe.
No way!
"You see, I am made of electricity and white-hot blue fire. One touch and I can zap you to high heaven." He closed his eyes and like liquid pouring on him, his glamour reappeared on him like a drizzle of honey. He opened his eyes and drank in her face. Shock was what he saw.
Shade could hardly stand. She looked confused, stunned and in sheer disbelief. "How do you do that? What the, no can't...how?" She leaned on the wall, her legs dangerously feeling like jell-o. No way could this be.
Jack straightened up and narrowed his eyes at her and the air was still shimmering around him. He pulled it tighter around him and solidified whatever it was that formed his glamour. The glow was all but gone. His skin lay smooth, tanned and flawless. Turning, he pulled the rest of the boards off the door and swung it open. It screeched on its hinges, letting the still, bright dusk illuminate the doorway. He stepped out onto the steps and turned to look at Shade. "I suggest that you come with me. I don't know why your voices led you here, but the oracle where I live might be able to help you. You would have to follow me right now though; what do you say? Maybe she has the answers you seek." He watched her slowly step outside.
She breathed in the cool autumn air and felt more orientated. She gazed up at him and nodded. This seemed like the only solution to her predicament, Might as well.
Jack began walking, and stopped before he reached the sidewalk. He turned toward Shade and paused with concern. "You cannot tell anyone what you see, where we go, nothing. Understand?"
She stared at him. "Of course."
He nodded, proceeding onto the sidewalk and headed the opposite way from home.
They walked for what seemed like forever, reaching the edge of the woods at the city's end. Entering the quiet forest made Shade more aware of how alone she suddenly felt. Should she trust this stranger? Where were they going? She peeked over her shoulder as the city faded; engulfed by the shrubs and trees the farther they went. She shivered as the breeze caressed her and the forest came alive with leaves rustling and branches swaying. The day was fading and up above her, the sky swirled in colors of orange, pink and blue with the sunset. She suddenly felt panicked, she didn't have a flashlight and the night was quickly approaching.
"Um, Jack?" Her voice seemed loud in the open air. He kept going.
"Yes, what's up?" He pushed branches aside and avoided tripping on the thick roots gnarled across the forest floor.
"It will be dark soon, are we near yet? I don't have a flashlight, do you? Maybe I should come back tomorrow, in the daytime?" She ducked under a low branch as the forest around them thickened, as if they were being swallowed.
"We are quite near. Don't worry. The dusk is nothing to fear. Just don't go near any little faeries you might see. They like to enthrall you, suck you into their charms, and they won't release you."
Her eyes widened, as she dug her heels into the dirt. "What did you say? Did you say 'faeries'? Are you kidding? You don't really believe in them, do you? They aren't really real..." Her voice trailed off as she examined her surroundings more closely. What the heck is he talking about?
He chuckled. "I'm not joking, they really do exist. What do you think I am? I won't trick you or charm you like the tiny demi-fey do. The farther you go in to these woods; the more and more you'll see. It's a whole new world out here, things you could never imagine. This is our territory, away from the cold iron cities, faeries can't stand iron you know, and it's our kryptonite." He pulled his sword by the hilt that was tied to his back and began whacking at the thick vegetation that surrounded them.
Shade crept forward, more wary than before, Faeries aren't that bad I guess, things could be worse. Could be a tiger, lion, or a snake! She hurried to keep up with Jack. She pulled her sweater tighter around her because the sun had gone down and the heat had faded. "Jack?"
"Yes, Shade?" A slight impatience tainted his voice now.
"It sounded like Vange knows you, like, more personally. Do you know her well?" Shade fumbled over a root sticking up from the dirt.
Jack pressed his lips together as his pace hesitated for a moment. He furrowed his brow as she waited.
"I did know her, personally I mean. That all has changed now. We were, well, lovers I guess. I loved her very much. We were to be married. Then the Lonares Court started raging war against the Guildrin Court of Faeries, where I reside. She changed then, switched sides, started using dark magic. I'm not sure what made her choose to change but she up and left one day and never returned. She became one of the Unseelie Lonares' Queen's top lieutenants.
'Now, she has been stealing magical artifacts from our clan; probably trying to beef up their armory of weapons and magic against us." He stopped, breathing in slowly as the memories washed over him.
"So you were in love and she just left, just like that?"
"Yes, I'd rather not talk about it anymore."
Shade sighed, scanning the darkening woods. Jack seemed nice enough and she did not want to get on his last nerve, especially not when the woods looked to be so ominous.
Jack came to a sudden stop in front of an enormous oak tree; it looked ancient, like it had lived longer than anything else in the world. He reached towards it, mumbling something under his breath. With his outstretched fingers he touched numerous knots on the tree's thick trunk. At first, nothing happened.
Shade looked around and up into the tree, something swatted her calf and she jumped. She then began scrambling around to get a better look at the forest floor. Fluttering near her was what appeared to be a small fly. Its wings batted like a hummingbird and had a snarled smile from on its lips. Lips? Flies don't have lips. She narrowed her eyes at the creature; it had a soft golden glow to its skin, like a small tiny elf, with white cottony hair and long pointy fingers. Its face filled with a malicious smile painted across it.
"Um, hi, how are you? I'm..." She didn't get a chance to finish her words for the wind flew out of her as her arm was jerked back. Jack gripped her wrist hard and furious.
"Stop, don't speak to them! The demi-fey are not very merciful or nice. They like to play games and mind tricks that can kill you. There is almost no way to snap out of their enchantments; they can make you dance till your feet are bloody stumps! Weren't you listening? And never eat or take anything they give you, you understand? You will belong to them forever!" Jack let go of her arm and angrily turned back to the tree.
"Endora, philis montie!"He touched the tree knot again and then the earth began to move near the roots. They vibrated alive, snaking, moving, and parting like tentacles. An opening with steps widened at the tree's base, and they were all made of stone. The vibrations ceased and the ground remained open. Shade had to close her mouth, which was hanging open like a flycatcher. She had never seen anything like this in her life.
"Follow me and stay close. Humans are usually not welcomed here." Jack stepped down into the darkness, holding onto small roots sticking out of the crumbly walls like parts of a banister. Shade followed reluctantly, silently wishing she never got out of bed this morning, descending into the void as the grass and trees disappeared from sight.
When they had almost reached the bottom of the staircase, she heard a loud rumble and felt shaking as dirt trickled down onto her from above. Her arms instinctively flew up over her head waiting for a cave-in that did not come. She looked up when the noise died away. The hole in the forest floor had closed above them.
She now stood in what appeared to be a hallway made of dirt and there were smooth stones all around them. Roots dangled from above and the only light came from lamps hanging on the walls. Slowly, in even intervals each one magically flared up. The lamps gave off an eerie flickering glow as Shade held her breath in the dim light.
Jack dusted his shoulders and shook the dirt off. He started walking down the hall and Shade had no choice but to follow, while attempting to breathe in and out slowly and deeply. The floor was flagstone, nestled in the soft moist dirt. It was cool in the dark tunnel, but not uncomfortable; there was no wind to chill her down here.
There were many tunnels branching off from the main one. She stayed close to Jack, afraid to lose him in the dim maze. Dangling roots gripped her hair, like fingers catching her strands and pulling hard as if they were alive. She used one hand to cover her hair, to keep it from catching the snarled roots. Her other hand was stretched out to help her balance against the cool smooth dirt walls. She hoped that wherever they ended up, that they would be there soon.
There was soft glowing light up ahead, growing brighter as they inched closer to it. Voices could be heard, echoing in spurts down the hall. The hall abruptly ended and opened into a large round room. Shade began to realize that the voices were coming from the many bodies fluttering around in the room. Most looked human from what she saw, but others, she wasn't sure what they were. Their faces glared at her, an intruder from a world above; somehow, she had a feeling that they did not see too many strangers down here.
Shade felt naked under the dozens of eyes that were scanning her like a tourist. She stumbled behind Jack, who seemed oblivious of the commotion around them. That is, until a large troll stood in front of them, blocking the path.
"Out of the way Renny, I must see Ilarial immediately. I have some strange news about Vange. I brought someone who needs to see her." The Troll narrowed his eyes behind Jack, boring his glowing, yellow spheres into Shade. She felt herself shrinking under that glare; he was monstrous and one of the scariest things she had ever laid her eyes upon.
"Can't do that Jack, no strangers allowed without prior approval, you know that. We have to be sure she is not a spy; the forest is crawling with them. They could only be so lucky to have you waltz one right into the center of our residence. I have to tie her up now." The troll pushed past Jack and reached for her. His large hands were hideous and reminded her of moldy green cheese. They looked burly, and if he got a hold of her she didn't know how she would break free, even if she tried.
"Jack?" She stepped back as he came closer. "I'm not a spy! Don't touch me! Jack?" She peered around for him as the troll's fingers grabbed her arm and squeezed, digging hard into her flesh. The next second, the Troll was on the floor staring at the ceiling, blinking in disbelief and surprised. Jack had his sword to the troll's throat and his foot pressed down onto the massive chest.
"I told you Renny, we must see the oracle Ilarial. I vouch for this girl. She is no spy. Now stay out of my way or the next time this blade will find your throat all the way through."
He pushed off and looked at Shade. She trembled as she let out a breath, which she had stifled in her chest. He motioned her to follow him. She nodded and stepped past the troll, who glared at her with his burning yellow eyes. She turned away, scurrying over to Jack as he continued walking down another corridor that was off the main room. She didn't let her gaze deviate from the room until it was out of sight. Shivering, she hugged her arms around herself even though the room wasn't cold; the chilling feeling that overwhelmed her sprouted from fear.
"I apologize for the security around here; we've had a lot of breakins and Queen Zinara is not pleased. You must understand if I even suspected you of being a spy, you would not be standing here with me at all."
Shade gulped. She was feeling most unwelcomed.
"Ah, here we are!" Jack stopped at the end of the hall and tapped on a wooden door. It had deep carvings that curved and twisted throughout the ancient wood, smoothed over by time and use.
"Come." A female's voice commanded. Shade hoped she would be friendlier than the bunch they had already encountered.
Jack heaved the door open and let Shade go in before him and closed it behind them softly. She studied the room; it glittered in the dim candlelight illuminating from the center of a round wooden, table that was near the floor. There were also several large pillows tossed about the room that were probably used for seating.
From behind the table, a platinum-haired woman stared at her. She smiled and lifted her arms, motioning them to sit near her. Her gown flowed around her like liquid ice, white and sheer. Her hair glistened in the light, her eyes were like grey pearls shinning. The oracle's eyes brought out the smoothness of her face. Her lips were dark pink and nothing about her seemed old. She almost looked like an angel without wings. Shade tried not to stare, hoping she hadn't been rude.
She settled on a large blue pillow, which was soft and comfy.
She noticed several objects on the table before them; stones of different colors and markings were scattered on the wood. There were also some small animal bones, bleached white and spread across, mingling with the stones. Whatever these were, Shade had no idea what they were for.
"Please, take my hand." Ilarial brought her slender pale hand towards Shade, her long white robe flowing from the thin white arm.
She took the hand, finding it soft and surprisingly warm. "Um, hello, I'm Shade, Jack brought me here because I..."
"I know who you are and why you are here, Shade. I have been waiting for you a long time. I was hoping that you might run into someone like Jack a little sooner, but this will do. I am Ilarial, Lady Oracle of the tribe Guildrin." She smiled. Shade felt warm and suddenly very calm. The woman was full of magic and it irradiated around the room like a warm fire on an icy night.
"I know you are confused. I have known of your existence for some time. You say you can hear what you call voices in your head from time to time?" The oracle asked kindly.
Shade nodded, she was in awe of Ilarial. She could not shake the weirdness of the room's atmosphere. Was she under a spell? Being in Ilarial's presence was like being drugged or sedated, it filled her with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Ilarial smiled deeply, her eyes crinkled, exposing some age to this woman, but it was impossible to tell just how old she was. Her long hair draped around her shoulders and down her back like a thick rippled curtain, shining in the dim candlelight.
"The voices in your head, they are spirit guides, your ancestors trying to help you on your way. It's difficult to tune into them because you are not trained, but they mean only to help you. You must not fear them, but let them fill you with their power and knowledge. They have led you to find us. You must know now that you are not all human. You are one of us, part faery and part human. This is why you can sense magic around you and it's called you here."
Shade concentrated on Ilarial's words. What the heck?
Impossible. Shade shook her head.
"What? No. My parents aren't faeries! What do you mean by that? That would mean my father or mother is a faery, right? That makes no sense. My mother is not magical. She is a modern soccer mom with 4 kids to feed and a single mom at that! My father is dead, he died two years ago, and there is no way he was a faery!"
Shade was growing agitated, her father a faery? No it couldn't be because he had been so normal. She could still remember his calm voice reading to her at night before bed and the wrinkles that hugged his eyes and his smile. Faeries aren't parents; they don't die in car accidents like her father had. It was making sense to her, not at all.
"I know this may sound impossible. I knew that it would be difficult for you to accept. You are the oldest in your family, right?" Shade nodded. "Your mother was with a faery once; he charmed her into loving him instantly. She had no choice really. That's how she became pregnant with you. Of course, this faery enchanted (the one you call father) almost as soon as he knew there would be a child, to make sure you would be taken care of in ways he could not provide. So your adoptive father fell in love with your mother, married her right away and then you were born. Both were none the wiser." Ilarial paused, watching Shade's reaction. She was careful in not enhancing the details.
"My dad was not my real father? How would you even know that? Who was this 'faery' then? Did he tell you himself? What if you're lying?" Shade stood up suddenly looking down at Ilarial, her heart beating hard within her chest. Her breath caught in her throat, causing it to feel tight and it soon burned.
"Shade, please, sit down, you must listen to her, she knows more than you think." Jack was suddenly standing behind her, taking hold of her shoulders and pressing softly down.
She took a breath, eyeing Ilarial with suspicion. She sighed, deciding it would be better to sit down and listen to whatever was thrown her way. Slowly, she sank down into the sea of pillows.
Ilarial was calm and still as a lake. She was not stirred up so easily but smiled again. The same warm feeling flooded over Shade once more. Calm, it said, so calm.
"I must tell you, faeries cannot lie. Unless of course you are not a full faery like yourself. We can enchant, stretch the truth or work a way around it, but never a straight out lie. I do hope you believe me. I mean no harm to you my child. I only wish to find truth for you." She nodded and looked down onto the table before them. She picked up only the stones and warmed them in her hands. She then dropped them on the table and watched them roll to their places.
"These stones are quite powerful; they are mined from the heart of the earth, deep within crevices never seen by man. They are called seeing stones and the runes on them foretell futures or sing of the past. I see a great journey you must undertake, a misshapen love with a broken heart, confusion..." She pointed to each stone, first a blue stone, then a pink red one, and then blackened quartz. The last three were turquoise, purple, and yellow and they were wedged in a group together. She paused before them, turning her head slightly, as if waiting for them to speak. "Ah, yes, a most special task has fallen to you where your true self shall be revealed."
Shade stared at Ilarial. Nothing made sense to her, absolutely nothing. The stones glistened and vibrated on the table, almost glowing. Shade felt power radiating from them like a nauseating heat that was making her slightly dizzy. "What does that all mean?"
"It means that you have come here in a time of war within our kind. Our Queen demands a force to be assembled. Now as we speak, we must prepare to take a great journey that has not been traveled in a thousand years by our tribe to retrieve the Santiran magic. It is a pool of water; this water holds the powers of the origins of earth. All elements and creatures were born of this spring. It holds life and death. It can be used to summon the powers of earth, it helps the balance between good and evil in our land, and evil will wither against it.
'It is said only the one that belongs to both man and faery can hold this liquid and return it to the great city of Aturine here in Guildrin; where the queen resides. Only then will we be safe from the Lonares attacks and vicious battles." She paused, studying Shade's face. "The stones tell me that someone must be you, Shade."
Shade tried to close her mouth, as if the words would taste bad if they reached her lips. Why was she so special? She was just a senior, in high school, she wasn't even sure if she was going to college. She was also quite unsure of what to eat for lunch most days. Why would she be so useful? "No way, no, um, sorry but you got the wrong girl or something. This is nuts. I gotta go, it's getting late." She nervously chuckled, shaking her head. She turned to Jack as she stood up. He was silent and looking just a bit glum.
"Has the Queen called assembly yet?" He asked Ilarial.
"She is as we sit here, right now. We must go now and listen. This will be legendary to hear the assemblage of the task force. Shade, we must take you there now," the oracle said.
Ilarial stood, and her movement was light and airy, almost as if she were floating. She waved to Shade, as Jack opened the wooden door to the hallway once more. Shade was in too much shock to object; she followed them both down the tunnels, returning to the main room, were Renny had attempted to arrest her. She stood wide-eyed at the scene; it had swelled up with more people or faeries, or whatever the heck everyone was down here. Ilarial pushed through the crowd, or rather it seemed to part just for her, until they reached a great platform. Here stood several guards and another woman in a great, long, red velvet gown. A tall crystal tiara flashing with diamonds and blood red rubies rose from her long dark black hair. She watched them as they approached the raised platform, passing her eyes from Ilarial to Shade. Gleaming green irises bore into her like fire burning in pale skin. This woman was not to be messed with, the air of command and power swirled around her like a cloud. Shade's suddenly felt quite tiny.
Most Seelie queens were fair-haired, but Zinara had been born with the dark hair of an Unseelie queen. Nonetheless, she had won her crown and had paid dearly of flesh and blood for it. Shade listened to Ilarial's small history lessons as she watched the room turn to give the queen its full attention.
"Your majesty," Ilarial bowed to the queen deeply and kissed her hand. "I must present to you Shade, a halfling who has joined us today. I have read the stones and she is the one I have been telling you about. She has finally returned to us; she is the one that I have foreseen for this journey, you assembled here today and the magic of Faerie brings her to us."
The queen listened intently. Her eyes adverted from both of them to view the crowd. She seemed to be thinking about something faraway. Nothing anyone seemed to think strange. Shade felt sick. She was homesick already. The pressure of all the things she was being told bore down on her. She felt as if she were sinking into the depths of a deep dark well. Her chest ached and she felt like someone or something was holding her down with heavy rocks. She watched the crowd and wanted to fade into it. She wanted to run down the tunnels and out of the forest, as fast as she could.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Shade," the queen said as she turned her gaze back to her and offered her hand.
Unsure of what to do, she copied Ilarial's gestures and kissed the queen's hand. She noted Ilarial's approval and returned her gaze to the amazing queen as she let her go. The queen then turned back to the crowd and the room fell silent.
"Dear ones, I find it difficult to address you today. The evil that surrounds us has threatened our peaceful lives, many times, as of late. My heart breaks with the death that reeks onto our precious earth. I am forced to ask of you the most dangerous of requests. We must obtain the magic of the Santiran fountains once more. Our ancestors used this when the earth was once out of balance and evil lurked around every corner. We have attempted to fight the Lonare's, but have failed to hold them back with terrible losses. I fear our only savior and chance against the vast Unseelie armies is this magic; but we must now take a perilous journey to get it."
She paused and sighed, seemingly upset by what she was saying. "Unfortunately, I cannot go myself because being near the fountain would prove fatal for me. The magic of the Santiran Fountains can only be bequeathed unto a halfling, one of both worlds, human and faery. We have finally found her, thankfully, on this night of all nights. I am most pleased to introduce our most precious treasure, Shade." Her hand outstretched toward Shade and the crowd cheered thunderously.
Shade was sweating with anxiety, how much longer could she stand here? She felt lightheaded and the room was shrinking in her vision.
"She will take this journey, for it is her destiny. I must request though, an entourage to help her get there safely. I must ask for volunteers for this most dangerous task. Can anyone selflessly swear loyalty to her? Can anyone be such a guide and guard for our precious jewel?"
Silence seemed to engulf the room. Whispers echoed in the great room, as everyone shuffled and shifted about. The excitement was electric and it reminded her of Jack's unglamoured figure. Speaking of Jack, where did he go? Shade thought to herself.
"I'll go, I found her, and she is my responsibility." Jack bowed to the queen and then stepped back. The queen nodded and smiled at him and approval was evident in her eyes.
Another man, tall and muscular stepped from behind Jack, his long brown hair tied back loosely with some loose wisps framing his face. He wore form fitting armor and leather, with a sword strapped to his back. He seemed younger than Jack but older than Shade. He also bowed before the Queen. "Your Majesty, Soap, at your service. It would be my duty to serve you. I swear loyalty to this young lady and take on the dangers of her quest as my own." He stepped back and received the same approving look and a nod from the queen.
Another figure stood out in the crowd lifting his arm into the air. "Your majesty, Ewan here, I will also swear my loyalty and take on this perilous journey for you, my queen. I have experience traveling to the Santiran land. I hope I can be of use." He also bowed.
Another and another and another stepped out from the crowd. The band of noblemen, were named: Than, a specialist in the oriental knife throwing arts, a lady warrior named Sary and another man named Stephen. The queen approved all these volunteers swiftly.
"Now, only magic can fight magic. I also need one brave volunteer who is practiced in sorcery to join the others. Is there anyone of such skill that would accept such a feat?" The room was once again quiet. Shade was definitely feeling lightheaded now. Her stomach lurched and soon the room began to spin, Ilarial stepped over to her and smiled, placing her hand on Shade's arm, she seemed to sense she needed some aide and steadied her with one hand; her other hand retrieved a small stone from her gown.
"Shade, suck on this stone, it will make you feel better." She reached over and placed it into Shade's mouth. It tasted sweet as honey. The spinning ceased and her stomach calmed and felt better, instantly. . Wow.
"I, Braelynn, will take this task at hand," the voice echoed across the crowd. A woman stepped forward, shoving the throng of people around her to part. She wore a light brown dress and had honey colored hair, it was draped about her shoulders. She also had freckles sprayed across her nose and cheeks. Her bright hazel eyes glowed with fire and ice.
"Dear Braelynn, yes please, I would be honored if you would accompany Shade on this quest. I just heard you have become a great sorceress from apprentice. I am pleased that you have passed your trials with exceptional grace." She nodded in approval and turned to face Ilarial and Shade. "Dearest Shade, I am indebted to you now. Please, get some rest and some food, you will need it, tomorrow the quest begins." She then bowed and turned to leave, moving to the right and leaving the great room to walk down a corridor, without any further instructions for Shade.
Now what? Shade felt panic rise in her throat. How could she get out of this? What would her mother say? Her mother, she must be so worried. She turned and stared at Ilarial and Jack, both softly discussing something to each other. It all felt so surreal.
Ilarial reached over and took Shade's hands. They felt comforting to her. She motioned her to follow. "I know this is very overwhelming for you. I cannot make you feel more at ease, but I do hope that I can answer any questions you have. But first, of course, let's eat, it is late and tomorrow's journey will be long and tedious. We should join your entourage and get to know them, they will be vital to your safety."
She ushered Shade down another corridor that opened to yet another large area, where many people were already sitting at wooden tables. They were eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, breads and meats. Shade's stomach grumbled with desire, she had forgotten already how sick she felt not a moment ago; and now all she could think about was food!
She followed Ilarial to one of the great banquet tables. It looked extravagant. She pulled a plate from a stack, much like a buffet style, and handed it to Shade. Her new entourage of friends were following close behind; they piling berries, meats and veggies high on their plates.
When she was done filling her plate to the brim and accepting a drink from a friendly lady who was handing out stone cups of fruit juice, she followed the group to a far area to the left in the banquet hall. They all sat down and began to dig into their meals, as if they had never been fed. Shade included. She had inhaled most her food as she glanced at everyone. She began evaluating them with an inquisitive eye, noting how different they all seemed to be. She couldn't remember their names. She was feeling too stressed to concentrate on that; and being hungry didn't help the memory either. She listened to all of them chatting, murmurs of conversations and laughs rang through her ears and filled the great hall.
One of the warriors, with the honey-brown, long hair, swept some strands of hair off his face, catching her eye. He was smiling deeply and laughing at whatever joke Jack had been telling. He chewed his food and talked with his mouth full, it added to his charm. He had stopped chewing once he noticed her watching him. Her cheeks flushed, as she turned her head and quickly took a bite a food. As she was about to immerse herself in another mouthful he winked at her.
"Ilarial?" She spoke softly to the oracle beside her.
"Yes, dear Shade?"
"I was just wondering. Does everyone have secret powers like Jack? He showed me what is under his glamour. I wondered if everyone here wears glamour too?" Shade was looking at her peers as she spoke, they were still emerged in their conversations and all of their faces seemed so different.
Ilarial paused thoughtfully and glanced at the crew also. She seemed to hesitate, but not for long. Her small mouth slowly chewed her last bite of food. She fixed her gleaming grey eyes upon Shade; a warm smile slowly spread across her face and now appeared less nervous.
"Shade, I'm surprised that Jack has already let you know what he is. He is usually wary of strangers. Some refuse to use any kind glamour and do not venture into the human world, such as Renny. I believe you have met him; he is one of the guards of this underground city. He never leaves; he thinks humans are inferior and powerless.
'But, you have also seen Jack, he mixes among mortals easily when he is glamoured. He is so easy to get along with too. He often is sent on errands into the human world, since he can remain within the iron of the city. He can stay in the city for longer periods of time, compared to others of our kind. We do try to keep any incidents to a minimum; Jack has a stellar track record. I on the other hand do not get out much and I am most sensitive to iron sickness, if I tread through the cities for too long. Most faeries have this issue, though" She then turned her gaze to everyone at the table, some were partly listening and some had not noticed the intense subject.
"I know that you need to understand what and who everyone is. These are your guardians; and you must have complete trust in them. Even if that means their true identity is to be revealed to you. Let's see," She waved her hand towards Braelynn, seated on the other side of her. "You already know that Braelynn is a great sorceress, she needs no glamour, all witches and warlocks look quite human. Then there is Than, he glamours his pointy nose and pointy ears to blend with humans of the orient. He is a skilled hunter and warrior, excellent with knives. He has lived in Aturine all his life." As she said this, Than nodded towards Shade, melting his glamour away with a quiver. Shade held in her breath in surprise, and stared at a more beautiful version of Than. He now had pointy ears, larger eyes, and thinner nose. He seemed the same yet slightly different.
Shade listened intently trying to process of the new and valuable information.
The oracle continued on in one fluent breath. "Sary is a warrior princess, she is human but immortal. She is set to be queen of the immortal Vyn people of the south when her mother passes the crown to her. She is very strong and powerful and a most efficient archer, though she prefers to work in the medical arts in the meantime." The Princess nodded towards Shade and then continued to eat. "Stephen is a full faery, he glamours himself to look less attractive, his appearance also would be unnatural to humans, he is an expert at tracking. He can find almost anything and anyone, anywhere." She smiled at Stephen who also bowed his head while melting his glamour away.
This Stephen was stunning; he would definitely stand out in a crowd. He kept his brown hair short but his strong beautiful eyes glowed grey/white and sharp swirling Celtic type tattoos framed one side of his face in brilliant blue. He had a scar that ran down the other side of his neck that he had probably earned in battle. Shade hoped she wouldn't have to engage in any type of fighting on the journey she was about to begin.
"And Rylan, well, he is quite extraordinary. He is part Teleen, like Jack, but he has a skill for shape shifting, and can be almost anyone you can think of. There are not too many of his kind left. We don't know what else he is; he came to us as a young child, lost in the forest. But, he is loyal and handy in a pinch."
"Who's Rylan, Ilarial? I don't remember him being introduced." Shade's eyes landed on the handsome man sitting next to Jack, who was studying her intensely. She couldn't recall his name. His long, golden-brown hair loosely framed his face nicely and his brown eyes gleamed at her. This was the man who had winked at her across the table earlier. Shade felt her cheeks flush at the thought and stared at her plate.
"People call me Soap, my lady," he said. "But my real name is Rylan. Nasty little nickname I caught when they first found me, dirty as an alley cat. I think my fascination with soap sealed the deal. I don't believe I ever had a bath before that day. I was about six years old when our dear Ilarial found me wandering the nearby woods I don't remember much before that. I have been thankful for her and my queen's most gracious hospitality ever since. It would be an honor to defend you on this quest, Shade."
He bowed his head, as her name rolled of his tongue, making her heart flip. His presence was intoxicating. He didn't seem to drop any glamour at all. She ripped her gaze away from him, she was sure her face was an unfavorable shade of scarlet red. Shade kept wondering if he had any glamour on and if her feelings were caused by his magic.
"And last but not least, Ewan," Ilarial said, waving her hand at the husky quiet man, who sat at the other end of the table. He happened to be seated next to Sary. Ewan was large man, with big hands, and burly hair all over. His squared jaw was busy chomping hard on each bite of food. His thick, black and greasy hair was slicked back, and stroked his shoulders. He was large and didn't seem like someone you would want to fight with in a bar. "He is part giant and human and very strong. He would be the one you would want next to you in a fight. He has been almost everywhere and will be your guide to the land of the Santirans. I believe he's the only one who has even been there."
The husky man gave a slight nod to Shade and continued shoveling food into his mouth. He had polished off two plates already. He wasn't bad looking, just rough around the edges.
Shade sipped her juice, realizing how exhausted she was. She wished to see her mother, sister and brothers. What would they be doing? Brisa, what would she think when Shade didn't show up at school in the morning? She slipped her cell phone out of her pocket and looked at the time. It was eleven pm. She had ten missed calls from her mother, and three from Brisa. She began dialing her mother's cell when Ilarial placed her hand on the phone and shook her head.
"No calls will work from here, Shade. I know you fear for your mother, but I will take care of her. She will be okay, and I can weave a spell to help her believe you will not be gone long. I can make her believe you have been at a friend's house, maybe? And the rest of your family too, they will not notice you are gone, I promise. I also promise to you there will be no pain for them. Time works differently here in the faerie lands than they do in the human mundane world. You will not be missed; I say that in a good way, though." Shade swallowed hard with a nod. She obviously had to trust these people. She saw no other way but to do what they asked of her. "Ilarial, about the voices in my head, what do I do with them? Can you make them go away? Can I learn to control them? I feel like banging my head against the wall sometimes when they won't stop. They make me go where they want, and if I don't listen they become intolerable. They're the ones who led me to Jack and subsequently to you and this strange world. I can't live like that. It's distracting and I feel like a slave to it. What if they tell me to not go on this journey, or go somewhere else? I am powerless to ignore them. What if they drive me insane?"
Ilarial nodded, thinking hard about Shade's words. She sighed and seemed to come to a decision. "Follow me; you will sleep in my quarters tonight. I will give you a potion that will help you control the voices, it will aide in blocking them out when you want to; it will also help you listen to them when you're ready to. Having more control over The Voices will help you develop your own powers. You will be able to decide your own fate, while you are still so young and untrained. If you practice, in time, you can learn to use them for your own benefits. This is a difficult task, but I will help you. Will you agree to this?" Shade nodded and felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Finally, there is someone who could help her after all these years. She just prayed that it would work.
Ilarial led her back through the branches of tunnels that led to her own chambers. She made up a bed in the second room. She then motioned to Shade and indicated she should get in it. She handed her a bottle that was filled with a silvery liquid.
"Take this Shade; it will last until you return here, probably a couple weeks. It will help you be calm also, don't worry; I'm not drugging you. It's just a pleasant side effect of the water, and it will quiet the voices in your head," she said again, "I'll be in the other room, across from yours, if you need anything at all." She gave a warm smile and Shade felt the familiar calm. She nodded and poured the liquid down her throat; it was sweet, but left a metallic aftertaste. Licking her lips she smiled at Ilarial as she exited the room. She pulled the thick soft blankets over her body and squeezed her pillow under her. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep in the silence.
Shade woke up and it was still dark. There was only a sliver of light shining around the corner and from the room; the door had been left open. She had a queasy feeling and for a moment and felt like she had temporary amnesia. Sitting up, she dangled her legs over the side of the bed. She was beginning to wake up as the blood began circulating more through her body. She looked around at her surroundings and the events of the previous day rushed back into her. She wondered what time it was.
Her cell phone was still working and she grabbed it from atop of her backpack that was beside the bed, on the floor. After she flipped it open, the bright screen hurt her eyes, and she squinted at the little digital clock 5:15am. No wonder she felt tired, she was not used to waking up so early; she was always a late bird, rarely making it to school with more than a minute to spare.
Both her feet touched the cool stone floor, and she as she bent over, she felt around for her socks and shoes. She wondered what she would take for clothes on this journey. She couldn't very well ask to stop by home to pick up some stuff. Well maybe, maybe her mother would be gone most of today. She'd have to ask Ilarial if it was possible or she would be faced with the endless stench of not changing her clothes. She slipped on her shoes shaking her head and stood up. Nope, definitely must get some stuff from home. She walked into the main room of Ilarial's chamber. This is where she had first seen the great oracle.
She was unsure of the coming events of the day but she had her backpack and she decided to examine her 'supplies'. I doubt there is anything useful in here for a perilous journey, Shade sighed. She unzipped the bag and observed the contents. In the bag were her schoolbooks, along with some snacks. Her mp3 player was also nestled in the small zippered pocket in front, as well as a dozen pens, pencils, erasers, a stapler and a tube of lip balm. Other than her books and snacks, there was only her notebook that was full of poems and stories she constantly wrote in when bored.
Shade then shook her head and sighed. She had to stop by her house and dump her textbooks and fill it with essentials. She needed her toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, washcloth, towel, toiletries and such. Probably any non-perishable food and water she could carry would be good too. She ran her hand through her matted, long brown hair; it was wavy and frizzy from sleeping on it. She groaned, because she needed a brush badly. She heard a swish behind her and whirled around to see Ilarial standing at the doorway of the suite.
"I tried to be quiet, I did not want to scare you. Here, take these clothes. I know you need things that you must get from your house. I have already cast a spell on your mother. She will leave at seven am to run errands and shop with your siblings. She is just fine and very happy; I will make sure of it." She handed a pile of light but luxuriously soft tunics. There were also trousers included; the material was soft and felt like pajamas. Ilarial also handed her a belt and leather strings to tie the tunics with. She also furnished some leather hard-soled shoes; these were also soft but surprisingly sturdy.
"Soap can take you to your house, he is on his way. Do come back by ten am. That is when they will be about ready to leave. Can I see your backpack? I can help lighten the load with a shrinking spell, anything you place in you pack will shrink inside hundreds of times its normal size and return to normal when you take it back out. Whatever you want, just summon it and it will come straight to you. You can bring anything you wish." Shade nodded in awe, as she handed the pack to her. Ilarial whispered the spell softly and ran her hand over the pack, closing her eyes. When she was through, she returned it to Shade.
"There, see? It's light as a feather."
Shade held the pack and it felt really light, as if it was empty. She opened it and reached inside for one of her textbooks, it appeared in her hand immediately, though she couldn't see anything inside the dark pack. "Wow! That's amazing! I can stick whatever I want in it now, right? Does it have a weight limit? That is just way cool!" Shade felt her excitement fluttering through her now, her fatigue evaporated.
Ilarial laughed, "Yes, dear Shade, anything you can think of, a most useful spell don't you think? You could move your whole house in one trip."
She smiled warmly, that same smile that felt like cozy hot chocolate melting the cold of winter away. She motioned for her to follow her into another bedroom. This one belonged to Ilarial. Her bed was in the centered in the middle of the room. It was layered with thick, clean, but colorful blankets; and there were also a number of pillows. To the far side of the room was a rack, filled with weapons, silvery knives and sharp stone arrows, and wooden tipped ones that filled the corner. There were also hatchets, axes, throwing stars and daggers that overflowed the rack.
"Please, choose some weapons. I find that if a weapon calls to you, it's meant to be yours solely. Feel them sing to you Shade, touch the metal and the wood, tell me what you feel. Please, take the ones that you like." She motioned to the weapons, as Shade gaped at them from the doorway. She stepped closer and reached out to touch them, her fingers landed on an ornamental dagger. There were gems on the hilt and they were glistening in the candlelight, along with the blade of the dagger. The blue and blood red jewels brightened as Shade's fingers brushed the handle.
Shade stepped back with excitement in her eyes. "Wow, they feel like they are buzzing under my skin! Is it magic?" She reached out and touched some of the throwing stars, which hummed equally as loud as the dagger. They were glowing with an eerie blue and green hue around the steel. She could feel the power radiating through the dagger, it made her heart race and her fingers tingle.
"Go ahead Shade, take some and place them in your pack, you may need them sooner than you think. Your aim will be true; your strength will increase hundredfold with them. Just use them wisely and never in haste."
Shade frowned at the ominous statement; she didn't want to need to use any kind of weapons! Who would? She placed several stars, daggers and a sword in her pack, all small enough for her thin hands but big enough to do some kind of damage, if only she knew how to use them. She looked at Ilarial, pausing with slight fear rising to her throat.
"What if I don't come back? What exactly are we going to go through, that I would need such an entourage and magical weapons? It's kinda freaking me out a bit. I'm just a regular girl; I really am not an outdoorsy type of gal. Why do I have to do it, Ilarial? I don't see why it has to be me." Shade felt a tightening in her throat as panic set in and it became hard to breathe. Pressing her lips tight into a flat line, she took a moment to gather her thoughts before she frowned and continued. "You need a half blood, I know. Why me though, I can't be the only one on earth? Why me? Please don't be offended but I really don't want to go!" Tears welled in her eyes and she did her best to keep them from spilling onto her cheeks.
"Shade, I am truly sorry that you feel this way. I know it's very overwhelming and confusing. I have foreseen that you, and only you, can do this and come back alive. I have not told you this but there have been others brought to me before, but they were not suited for this." She paused, sighing deeply and stroking Shade's hair back. "Don't underestimate yourself, you are strong and carry powers you have barely begun to explore. The warriors will help you; teach you how to use your magic and strength. Let them in, heed what they say and show you. You are in the best hands now. I know you will come to know that this is not a curse but a blessing."
Someone cleared their throat and both of them turned around. Soap bowed his head as he entered; ready to take Shade into the unknown. "Soap at your service, Shade. Hello, Ilarial. It is time to for us to leave." He straightened and waited quietly.
Shade swallowed her tears and sighed. There was no turning back now. She nodded at the warrior and swung her pack over her shoulder. Running her fingers through her rat's nest of hair, she wished that she had had her brush with her, especially since she was in the presence of such a cute guy. She straightened up and followed Soap out the door.
Ilarial waved a farewell and turned away.
The walk down the corridor seemed endless. Neither of them spoke but they moved briskly on the stone floors. They soon passed the great hall, now abandoned and silent. Soap was in the lead as they continued on to the roots of the tree, where the entrance laid just beyond. Soap paused and called out the same words Jack had spoken to open the stairway. "Endora, philis montie!" He exclaimed. The roots shook and dirt sprayed around from them. The great stone staircase emerged from the dirt walls and came together in a massive spiral. The dawn's light streamed in through the opening and stone steps sparkled in the sunlight.
"Wow," Shade stepped forward in awe. These steps were unlike anything she had ever seen before.
Soap grinned at her comment. "It is said, that the steps were made out of crushed diamonds and stone more than a millennium ago. Nothing else can compare to such a brilliant entrance. Our queen boasts, that this is the most amazing underground palace this side of the country." He took the steps two at a time. He looked as if he was floating like a feather for he moved so swiftly, it appeared as if he was evaporating through the ceiling as he climbed the stairs. Shade struggled to keep up but finally she cleared the opening. The morning air was thick with mist; all the leaves and flowers were brilliant with dew, glistening like rainbows. The air was fresh and clean out here in the deep forest. She watched the gravel and rock swallow the staircase until nothing was shown on the forest floor but dirt and plants. Must be closed by magic...She turned and saw Soap waiting patiently.
He picked a brilliant purple flower from a bush and smiled. "Here is a true beauty, so rare to find in the mornings, these mostly bloom at night." He handed the flower to her and bowed. "A beauty, for a beauty." His long brown hair swept forward and swayed in the breeze, gold highlights shone in the sun and made his hair a brilliant honey brown. It was lush and loose today.
Shade smiled, blushing pink, taking the flower and sniffing its wild aroma. "It smells amazing! I've never smelled anything like it." She looked up at the young man, with her eyes wide open. She felt different, like a calm ocean had swept her away, and she was now floating gently. Her vision swayed for a moment as she shook it off, thinking it was just fatigue. These feelings were new to her and she didn't know what to do with them.
"Night-wind tiger lily, it has a calming, sleepy effect but only when you smell it. It goes away almost immediately, but it helps calm the nerves. Good to have on hand if you suffer from insomnia, stuffing a few these petals in your pillow keeps you almost sedated. Not an effect you want to have right now, but it will relax you." He winked and turned, his long hair swaying in the breeze. He walked through the shrubs; he moved gingery and skillfully as only a trained soldier could. Shade followed him almost as if she were in a trance. This world was absolutely amazing so far. She hoped that whatever was out there would be just as thrilling and not terrifying.
They walked swiftly, dodging bushes and ducking under branches. The woods were brimming with life, with birds chirping, squirrels racing by. The Deer glanced at them as they walked past. Insects buzzed by, they seemed intent on some unknown errands. Shade felt the life around her and it was like warm sunshine, spilling on her like never before. She wondered about that, why did the world seem so different this morning? She didn't think anything had changed all that much. Maybe this was how the land of Faerie was all the time. She wondered why she hadn't stumbled upon it before in her life. Maybe it's because I avoid the outdoors like a plague.
She observed Soap. He was graceful, dodging things easily and maneuvering around like he was dancing. His body seemed to float around obstacles and trees like a flowing stream of air, rustling by. She wondered again if he was wearing glamour at all. "Soap?"
"Yes, my lady," he said as he paused, and looked over his shoulder at her, while winking one of his gleaming green eyes.
"I was just wondering, why you didn't remove any glamour before? Like most everyone else, do you wear any? Like Jack? Ilarial said you were part Teleen like him. Wouldn't you have to wear glamour, like, to not electrocute things?" She pushed a branch back and let it snap back with a crack, while she fired her questions at him.
Soap slowed and came to a stop, turning slowly towards her and stared intently. "Shade, I am part of what Jack is, I am also a shape shifter, I don't need glamour to look human. This is me. The way I am. I can shift and look full Teleen like Jack if I wish, or I could change into a bird, lion, wolf, another person or fairy, anything, even..." He paused; he had been moving closer to her while he spoke and now stood very close as he faced her. He bent down slightly, so that if either one of them stepped forward, they would bump faces. "I could even change myself to look like other people, other men or women. Anyone you could think of or want me to be." She could feel his warmth radiating across the air and over her skin. It was warm and rippling. Her breath was caught in her throat with him so near. He smiled. "Do you want to see?" His eyes widened with a sense of mischief dancing around in them.
She nodded, hoping she wouldn't regret that decision. In a flash, the lines around him blurred like a steamy window. Now before her stood a pale young man with jet-black spiky hair, and fair skin. Gleaming blue eyes stared back at her. He was built just like Soap but slightly shorter, and thinner, yet still taller than her. Their eyes were almost level and he stepped even closer, one hand reaching up and stroking her face. Shade felt her heart thud in her chest.
"I could look like anyone you can dream of. Anyone you could ever want to see." His lips were mere centimeters from hers. She stepped back, feeling enthralled and woozy. What was going on here?
Soap lowered his hand, still not changing back. He glowed. "I can use enchantments on anyone, so they will forget who they are or even what they're doing. You stepped away, why is that? I don't seem to have absolute power over you, Shade. That's, very strange." He continued to look at her, frowning but studying her intensely. Curiosity gleamed in his changed blue eyes.
"Could you change back Soap, you're scaring me." She tilted her head staring at him. "What did you do to me exactly?" she asked with her eyes widening.
Soap smiled and just as quickly, he blurred right back into himself. His long brown hair and green-gemmed eyes glinted at her. "Pardon, my lady, I meant no harm. I will not do that again, but you can see that my magic could be quite useful. Most fey and human alike cannot resist my charm. You on the other hand..." He tilted his head, confused. "It barely touched you; it's as if you're immune to it or something, amazing. Oh well, can't have everything right?" He smiled again and turned back, he continued on his way like nothing had happened. Shade took a deep breath and followed, she was slightly enraged by his admittance of using magic on her.
The forest seemed to stretch out for miles; twigs and leaves crunched under their feet, snapping and crackling as they walked. The noise seemed louder in the vastness of the woods and in the quiet of the morning. She kept her eyes on the forest floor, but she glanced up every so often to watch Soap's long brown hair swinging in the cool breeze. He had tied it back with a leather string, matching the color of his hair. She wondered who he was, and why he was coming on this journey with her. She supposed it might be for her protection. Her mind continued to race with questions. Why was he alone as a child in this desolate forest? He could have been killed, eaten alive by an animal. She looked at the thick shrubbery around her, and shivered at the thought.
Finally they reached the forest's edge and could hear traffic in the distance. For a brief moment Shade had almost forgotten about the reality of her world. She had been so mesmerized by Soap's magic, charms and Faerie itself. The road was not far from the woods, and soon they were walking in the direction of her house. She wondered if her mother had already left, and she secretly wished that she might run into her anyway, just to say hello, and maybe she could get a warm hug and kiss goodbye. The little things she would miss overwhelmed her. What if she didn't come back? When they both reached her house, they paused.
Shade stared at the worn down exterior, made of bricks and old siding that happened to be partially dry rotted. The house was old but comfy; the rust red exterior bricks were rough with age. Weeds clung to the base of the house, and toys and balls were carelessly tossed across the yard. She smiled, her little brothers and sister were loved dearly, but they were also spoiled rotten.
Shade knew how hard their mother worked, now that she was a single mom. Somehow, there was never a lack of love going around. Sometimes she did get a little absent minded, with so much going on between all of them, forgetfulness was forgivable. She was pretty sure her mother was gone. The minivan was not parked in driveway and there were no crazy little kid screams filling the house, like usual. The place seemed quite silent. It was almost eerie. Shade shook away her disappointment and started for the door. Soap followed closely.
She jingled her keys out of her pocket and turned the knob. No one came running to greet her, when she opened the door the house was still. It felt strange not to hear the usual noises echoing through rooms. She sighed and headed in, closing the door behind them. She turned towards Soap and nodded. "If it's ok, I'll gather my stuff. See if you can find any canned non-perishable food we can take. I'd like to take a quick shower." She added.
He gave her a deep nod and smiled that iridescent smile of his. Gleaming white teeth flashed her for a second.
Shade smiled back nervously and turned, and raced up the stairs. Her room looked pretty much the same, because being the oldest, she and her little sister did not share a room. It was nice that her mother agreed with her that she needed her own space. Her mom asked a lot of her throughout the day and it was nice to have some privacy at night. Of course that meant Anna, her little sister, had her own room too. Shade smiled, taking in the loveliness of the room. The quilt on her bed had pink and red patches in it. The walls of her room were a light shade of rose. There were also various shades of pink and purple items scattered throughout the room. She loved to decorate and had tons of girlie stuff all around. Most of her things she had obtained from thrift stores, from people at church or from friends who had given them to her. Everything was a treasure to her.
She sighed, as she opened her drawers and began rummaging through the clothes, stuffing some in her backpack. She riffled through her closet; found and grabbed a pair of hiking shoes. After Shade finished throwing in some towels, a pillow, and a few blankets into the backpack she noticed a picture frame on her nightstand. All of her family was in it; it had been taken at the park on a sunny spring day. All of their faces were gleaming with laughter and flashing smiles that showcased their white teeth.
Shade picked up the little frame, feeling her eyes burning with tears. How she missed them already and it was just yesterday that she last saw them. She held back a sob and stuffed the picture into the pack as well. She reached over to hook up her cell phone for a quick charge while she finished packing. She then began getting things ready for the day ahead. She pulled a clean outfit out of her closet and laid that on her bed, clean undies, bra and socks were also tossed by the outfit. She peered in her dresser mirror; her hair was lying in tangled waves, glistening in the morning sun that streamed in from the windows. What a disheveled mess! She sighed and looked around once more, now... for that shower!
She finished quickly, tossing her toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash and sponge into a Ziploc bag, to stuff in her backpack. She ran her brush through the tangles of hair and groaned at the knots. She finally got them out and the brush went into her backpack too. She loved Ilarial's spell, no need to worry about packing light with that! She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, it was still sopping wet from the shower. All set except for the water and food downstairs. She listened for a moment for Soap but he was mighty silent for cleaning out the cupboards. She shrugged and left the bathroom and went down the stairs.
Soap was standing by the kitchen window that looked out at the side yard including the front yard. He didn't seem to notice her coming in. She paused and watched him. He seemed so serene. She wondered how old he really was and how he could pass for a senior in high school, just like her. She smiled at the thought of Soap in gym shorts and shirt, not really a fitting look for him.
He was staring at her when she came out of her thoughts. "What are you smiling at? Do I have breakfast stuck to my face?" He looked at her, furrowing his eyebrows, baffled.
Shade laughed and shook her head. "No silly, I was just thinking about how you would totally not fit in at school, you don't really look like a human teenage boy. How old are you anyway?" She glanced down at the pile of cans and water bottles on the floor, piled neatly in the middle of the kitchen. She bent down and began shoving them into her pack.
"I am about twenty in human years, approximately. That's about one hundred-twenty in fey years; that is if you go from me being six years old when I was found. Anyway, that was what they guessed me to be. Who knows really, I don't remember anything before that." He bent down to help her with the food. His long ponytail hung over his face as he kneeled over the pile.
"Wow, so you could be older or younger huh?"
He nodded, not looking up. They finished and stood. "Can you think of anything else?"
"I found flashlights for you, I don't need them but you might." He tossed some at her; she caught them just in time and frowned at him.
"What do you mean you don't need them? Do you see in the dark?" She pushed them into the pack too.
Soap laughed, he had a contagious warm laugh that made you want to smile.
"No we have witch light, we can all conjure it up if needed. I don't even need witch light. I am part Teleen, so I just let some of my element of lightning to glow out of me. I can see just fine with that. We fey have lots of powers you will get to see and know on this trip. Ilarial tells me you have a lot to learn when it comes to using your own powers, so pay attention." His handsome smile flashed back at her again.
Shade stared hard at him. "What do you mean my powers? I don't have any powers."
Soap grinned at her and laughed again. "All fey have powers, even half-bloods like you. Don't underestimate yourself ever, Shade. It could be your undoing." He looked at her seriously now, eyes flashing like spilling honey.
She could have sworn that he had had green eyes before. They seemed to change into different colors every time she looked at him. Shade gulped and nodded. What can you say to that? There was nothing she could really say so she just quietly agreed. She also felt a little shaken, and his stern voice kept her in check.
They headed out the front door, and Shade locked then stared at the door. She had a gut feeling that she might not see it or the rest of the house again. It felt like butterflies knotted her stomach. She had not thought much about how much she would miss her family as much as right now. She didn't even get to say goodbye. Her hand reluctantly fell to her side from the doorknob as she turned towards the street. She sighed, nothing like saying goodbye without a goodbye.
They walked silently in the direction of the forest, passing all the houses and buildings she knew. The day was brilliant and warm, and slightly breezy. Some kids were playing in their front yards, hollering and screaming as they ran around. Shade's ponytail tossed about her with each small gust.
She watched Soap walking ahead of her. His sword was still strapped to his back as his long golden brown hair was swaying in the air. She stopped, realizing how different they must look to everyone on the street. Most people don't walk down the street in tunics and have swords strapped to their backs. "Um, Soap?"
He turned, stopping to look at her and noticed the horror on her face. He quickly darted his eyes around and looked for any signs of danger.
She jogged to come beside him. "Don't we look unusual walking around in the streets dressed like Robin Hood, and not wearing modern day clothes? And your sword, why hasn't it freaked everyone passing us or driving by?" She watched him as he grinned and relaxed, that smile was getting to be unnerving.
"We are glamoured, Shade. I have extended glamour over both of us to appear like we are just two teenagers walking along in grunge clothes. Besides Jack, I am the only one who ventures out into the iron cities and gets to mingle among humans. Fey cannot tolerate cold iron for long periods of time without becoming ill. Jack and I, on the other hand, are fey but our element is like electricity. Metal and lightning are attracted to each other. So, the iron doesn't even faze us at all."
Shade listened closely, beginning to slowly understand this phenomenon.
He turned back and began walking again. "I kind of like wandering around the city sometimes, it's soothing to me. I like to people watch or just blend in sometimes. We must hurry. It's already getting to be late morning, and the plan was to leave around ten a.m. I think we might be late."
Shade scrambled after him.
The entourage filled the entranceway with all their things spread out in massive mounds. It was almost time to leave the Faery's dwelling. Everyone was stuffing bags or strapping last minute weapons onto their bodies. Braelynn looked up from the many small bags of herbs and ground stones she and Sary had prepped, and was slowly arranging them in a medicine bag. The low hum of voices stopped as they approached the group. Sary and Stephen turned towards them and stopped sharpening their knives. Jack stood erect, all ready to the right, and gave them both a short nod. No one seemed to know what to say to them.
"Guess your ears were burning, Shade, Soap. We were waiting for you." Ewan interrupted. "Here are your sleeping tent packs and they're all ready to go. Ilarial will be up in a moment, I'm sure she already knows you are here." Ewan's deep voice boomed like a drum; it seemed to almost come from deep within him, like a belly laugh echoing in a large room. He walked up to them smiling. His husky shoulders were wide but he was not by any means fat. Shade smiled at him; he was a big boned and but looked like a fluffy teddy bear.
"Ewan, I appreciate your efforts. Now, is everyone pretty much ready? I think we are a bit late now. We must start moving if we are to cross into the Teleen territory before dark." Soap stood taller now, an air of complete authority swirled around him that she had not expected. Shade hadn't even known that he was a leader in this band. Soap didn't seem to volunteer much information about a lot of things now that she thought about it. There would be plenty of time to ask him how he had become so authoritative during the journey.
"Hello, Shade, Soap, and everyone. I am happy to send you off with news of great weather to come, at least in the beginning. I have read the stones and they tell me of good fortune for the start of your journey. I trust everyone is ready? Ewan will be your guide to the land of the Santirans. Your journey will be perilous, fraught with danger and a challenge to your endurance. Not many have ever traveled so far from the Guildrin mound. My heart and spirit are with you, Shade." Ilarial's voice suddenly filled the space. She motioned to her to come closer.
Shade was taken by surprise because she hadn't seen or heard Ilarial approach her, but she went to her without hesitation.
"Shade is our most special Halfling: she is unselfish to aide us in our fight. Take good care of her, teach her the ways of our magic, for she may look fragile and harmless, but the potential to be great lies within her. Now, I send you off my friends. Good journey!" She smiled and wrapped her arm around Shade's shoulders. She felt instantly alert and happy. Ilarial sure had a way with comforting others; she was like walking Xanax.
Ewan turned towards the group; everyone was stuffing the last of their items away into their charmed packs, and like Shade's appeared to hold many things. He cleared his throat and held his arms out above his head.
"Alright everybody, listen up for this will not be repeated. The privacy spell is in place and nothing we say here will be heard by any mortals. I'll be guiding you on the path to the Santiran lands; our stop today will be the Teleen caverns. Please stay with the group at all times, we start north until almost dusk. The Teleen are private people, Jack has assured us of their complete cooperation. They will host us for the night. I remind everyone to keep their hands to themselves for, like Jack, they can electrocute with one touch. So absolutely no touching!
Second, if we are separated for any reason at all, follow the North Star to the great hills of wild flowers. From there, you will find the great gate to the caverns on the northwest end of the valley. Please let them know who you are and you will have safe passage. They have our names from Ilarial already. Good Journey everyone." He nodded and bent to grab his own pack and slung it onto his back. He waved everyone to follow.
Shade quickly shoved the sleeping roll into her backpack and zipped it up. She watched everyone filing in behind Ewan and cut into the line to join him, right ahead of Soap. She glanced at him as she turned her head slightly, absorbing his cool smiling eyes. There was much behind those eyes Shade wondered about. She wasn't sure if his overly happy exterior matched the soul within.
The forest floor crunched under their feet as they walked at a slow and steady pace. Some of the group was shifting into pairs while others chose to remain in single file. She looked over her shoulder to find Soap and for a moment couldn't see him. She realized then that he was walking beside her now. He glanced over at her, smiling. His eyebrows lifted into questioning look.
"What's wrong, dear Shade? You looked mighty concerned." He was shoulder to shoulder with her now.
She gave him another quick look before darting her eyes back to the trail. She had to often check for fallen tree branches and tangled vines and roots that impeded their pathway. No wonder we're moving so slowly. "Um nothing, just nervous, I guess. Isn't there a better way to travel than on foot? How far away are the Santiran Lands? What was that spell that Ewan was talking about? Hey, why are you laughing?" Shade pressed her lips together, feeling the blood rushing to her cheeks.
Soap was chuckling. "Sorry. My dear Shade, I meant no disrespect. You are so like a young child in that you know almost nothing about the fey. That's how we'll pass the time, I guess, chatting about our peculiar lives. To answer your questions, yes, there are better ways to get around than on foot. We have to leave the Guildrin forest for it is forbidden to fly or travel any other way near the Faery's dwelling. Once we leave the trees behind us, we can fly, run really fast, or travel by horse if available. We won't have horses because there are none so close to an iron city. We can't run like we usually do or fly because some of us can't fly at all. Plus, you are part mortal and can't keep up with us, or in the case of flying, can't at all. That leaves one option, walking." He looked forward, swinging his short sword in front of him to slice off a branch that had swung back towards them.
"What about with a car? Or even by airplane? Why not go that way?" She felt utterly confused and not one bit satisfied with his answers. She was starting to wonder what was so great about being a faery if you can't do regular stuff, like ride an airplane!
"No way would any fey ride in those things, they reek of iron! Like I have told you, iron is deadly to the fey. If faeries stayed around iron for long periods of time they become seriously ill and have poor quality of life." He snickered as he beat back another branch as he walked along. He seemed amused and maybe a little frustrated that he had to explain the iron sickness again. "But, you and Jack can tolerate it. You guys didn't seem one bit bothered. And it doesn't bother me at all either, why? I'm part fey, supposedly. Is it because I'm part human?" She dodged a large leafy bush that was in her way just before it slammed into her chest.
"Yes, because we are Teleen, we love iron or any kind of metals. Again, we like the conductivity it provides us. You, I guess, it's because you are part human. The fact that you're Halfling gives you an advantage and a valuable strength. It is the human part of you that allows you to escape from danger and you can hide in the iron cities without any problems."
"What else are the fey vulnerable to?"
He furrowed his brows and seemed to pause for a second to ponder her question.
Shade realized she would never get over how amazingly handsome he was. She wondered if he had a girlfriend in this faery tale life of his. He wore no glamour right now; he was just in changeling mode so none was needed. None of them did, besides Jack, for they were staying within the Guildrin forest until they reached the valley of the Teleen. She wondered how big the forest really was. She had so many questions that she just didn't even know where to start. For now though, she pushed her fluttery feelings aside.
"Well, if you think about the stories about faeries, they can be quite useful in helping you defend yourself against the fey. Cold iron is toxic, as you know. People can fend the fey off by reversing their clothes. We also have an ointment of truth that humans can use to have 'true sight' and see past our glamours or tricks. Fire keeps most wild fey away; I guess they don't like the burning carbon. I'm not sure though. Not much of it bothers me, and anything not related to nature is an anti-fey charm. I would always keep some sort of a memory charm on you to remember your way home. Those are impervious to spells any faery might throw at you to make you forget who you are and enslave you."
"You don't sound like a friendly bunch. Honestly, I can't see you guys being that bad." Shade waved towards the other warriors and shook her head. "I just don't get it."
Soap laughed the deep belly laugh that made Shade glare at him. She hated being laughed at. She shook her head and continued on, ignoring his giggling. The other warriors were already a good deal ahead of them.
They remained in silence for a good deal after that. No one spoke, everyone silently hiking along, slicing down branches. Only the crunch of dead leaves and twigs filled the afternoon air. The birds twittered above, sometimes flying in groups with their wings flapping loudly. It wasn't easy moving fast in the forest. Roots and uneven ground were plenty, threatening every footstep with a fall or worse, broken bones if one was not careful. This situation is just a twisted ankle waiting to happen, Shade gritted her teeth concentrating on the loose rocks and roots that lay haphazardly across their path.
They came upon a clearing in the forest. The warriors paused, watching Jack and Ewan for a signal. Jack scouted the clearing's edge and looked for any kind of movement. The rest of the group was hunched, and hiding behind trees and bushes, waiting for the all clear. Shade perched herself behind a large redwood tree, the bark was rough and crumbled under her fingers. It felt warm under her touch, like there was life pulsating inside the massive trunk. She wondered why she suddenly could feel the life all around her. Did it have to do with this forest being fey territory? She wondered if there was something new happening within her or if they all were being affected by an unknown force around them.
She suddenly realized then it had been quite some time since she heard 'the voices' in her head. She felt relieved but it also felt like something was missing. Maybe she would try what Ilarial had mentioned to her. Since she took the medicine that Ilarial gave her to control the voices, it was easier to think. She thought now she would try and speak to them with specific requests, and listen then for a specific answer. Ilarial had said that this exercise would help her get to know the voices and hopefully learn to use her spirit guides, to her own advantage.
Are we safe? Shade waited, quieting her mind and listening for the response.
Yes, they said as one.
She jumped. The answer had come like a voice on the breeze, or like someone whispering into her ear. She spun around but saw no one. She glanced over to Soap who was behind another tree to her left. He placed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence and turned back towards the front of the group. Wow, a one-word answer. It was enough to make her freak out, Ok, well that was a good little exercise. She watched Ewan give them an 'all clear' signal. She then stood up and shuffled back into line behind the warriors.
The sun felt warm on her back. They worked their way across the field, and made sure they were not in the center because they would be exposed. They were near the edge and it would take longer to get through, but it felt safer knowing cover was nearby. Shade inhaled the fresh air of the countryside. Flowers, pine trees, and deadened mulch were on the ground and mixed with dirt, but perfumed the air. The forest was surreal, compared to her usual reality of constant smog, exhaust, honking cars and the smell of iron in the city. Out here none of that seem to exist and she let herself enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Dragonflies and ladybugs buzzed around her, and disappeared into the forest. She wondered if they were close to a body of water with so many dragonflies about. She was surprised to not see any other of the tiny winged fey she had encountered with Jack. There was no one besides them around. Where is everyone? Are there more fey out here?
Yes, they are watching, wondering who you are. Wondering why so many are treading the trails with you.
Shade smiled, the voice was gentle and did not scare her like the voices had before. It seemed like a light caress, a lover's promise in a whisper. She knew then that it would never be like before; Ilarial had channeled the guides to help her better and understand them with the use of the medicine. The voices would not be an overbearing force on her ever again. She had to remember to thank Ilarial profusely for this gift. Do you have a name? Is there more than one of you?
Yes, there are three of us that remain with you. Each of us will answer you in a specific situation. We each are helpful in certain things. I am Duende; the others are Astrid and Elaby. We are your spirit guides. There were more but Ilarial has forced them away for they are too much for you to handle. We are entrusted with your wellbeing Shade. Ask us what you will, we will always answer.
Shade shivered despite the heat of the sun. Their whispers were like the gentle chill of winter, the feeling ran along prickling her skin, and was full of magic. She wondered if she would ever get used to these changes. The group re-entered the forest on the other side of the clearing. The cool cover of the forest canopy felt colder than it had before. Shade noticed how much darker it seemed on this end. It seemed quieter too; only a breeze rustling through the leaves broke up the silence. Even the forest floor was barer with packed dark dirt and had occasional twigs littered about. This was not the same territory. She wondered if this was the start of Teleen territory or maybe even something else.
"Keep together everyone. We are near the borders of the Teleen's property. It is guarded well by their soldiers that were banished fey and are ghosts alike. Welcome to the haunted forest." Ewan snickered, obviously thinking that everyone enjoyed his humor. No one was laughing. Shade hurried up to him as the group tightened. She was curious about the place, figuring he would be the one to ask about the name of the place.
"Ewan!" She slowed her breathing as she neared him; he had been a lot farther up in the front of the group than she had thought. She hunched over, holding her knees as her breath returned to her.
Ewan paused and looked at Shade. His eyes shined even without the sun breaking through the canopy, like small flashlights glinting back at her from his black irises. He was big; he had to be at least six eleven. He hovered over her, like he was one of the trees himself. His broad shoulders were wide and strong muscular arms followed. He mostly looked like a tall, husky human male. His stubble was almost long enough for a beard and was dark black, like his hair. He had a long ponytail tied near the base of his neck; it was black as night and lay just below his neckline. He had a rounded nose and full pink lips. He wasn't that bad looking, his height and largeness made him scary though. Ewan never bothered with any glamour. "Well, little one, what heeds you?" Smiling brought out deep wrinkles around his eyes and laugh lines that creased at his mouth. This man had a smile that showed he enjoyed living. He nodded and started walking again when she had caught up and they were now moving together in stride.
"I was just wondering. Why do they call this the haunted forest? What do you mean it has ghosts? Will we see any? Will they hurt anyone?" She fired her questions at him all at once.
Ewan's deep booming laughed echoed around them. The forest made no reply. "Slow down miss, won't want to wake the dead would we? Nothing to fear now, there are ghosts and spirits aplenty here, hence the name. But since we will leave this forest for the Great Teleen caves before nightfall, we will mostly miss them. They can harm you, but only if you fear them and let them overwhelm your mind. So just ignore them, show no fear and stay calm, they will mostly leave you alone." He grinned down at her.
She liked him instantly. He was like a large teddy bear. At least he was nice; he made her feel warm and safe. "Do we have a long way to go to the caves?"
"Hmm, well I'd say two to three hours journey, we will hit the hills first and then the incline to the mountains of the Teleen. They live in massive caves that run miles underground. You'll be most impressed." Ewan's face stilled. He glanced at her, and his eyes intensified. "Miss Shade, may I ask a question," he continued the trek forward, glancing forward only to assess each step.
"Yes, of course Ewan, feel free."
"Are you alright with this, being the chosen one and all? Do you want to turn back yet?"
Shade's eyes widened as she stared at him. She was scared. She didn't want to go, but how could she say no? Her voice failed to answer.
"I thought so," Ewan nodded, keeping in step with her, dodging the large tree trunks in their path. It was much easier to walk on the packed earth that was so dark and rich. The previous shrubs and plants they had to cut down were such a bother. The trees seemed to grow larger here too, flat out gigantic.
"Ewan, I can't say no, something just tells me I should be here. I don't even know how to explain it. It is as if I'm being pulled involuntarily along for a ride I didn't sign up for; but I cannot unwrap myself from it. Besides, maybe I might find out who my real father is and more about myself too. I do want to learn my fey powers, if I have any. That would be kinda cool. I have so many questions about things now and no answers yet; and I'm guessing this is the best way to find out." She stared at the ground. She felt weary already, and they hadn't even gone too far.
Shade stopped in her tracks. The hair on her neck stood on end and a sense of being watched crept up her spine. Her eyes widened as they darted, glancing around them.
"What's wrong Shade, feel something?" Ewan stopped also, listening hard and signaling a full stop with his hand, at the group. Everyone crouched by the trees looked around, studied the woods and they were still. No sound, not even the birds chirping could be heard; the silence felt deafening, heavy and forlorn.
Shade still felt a twinge of fear. She shook her head, and the sweat began to bead on her forehead. What is going on? She felt something hot pour over her, sticky as it clung like thick syrup. She felt her panic boil up inside. What is this? What's happening?
Ewan called out to the trees, "That's enough of that now, the girl is harmless. She is with us. We are Guildrin Clan, en route to Teleen. Bring down your guard. We are invited." Shade looked about, and saw nothing but tree bark and dirt. The wind gusts picked up and swooshed around her, bringing her hair to float around her like an aura. Shade stood with eyes wide and her heart jumping. The group unsheathed their swords and bow and arrows. They were readied and pointed. Pointed at what? She felt something was near but couldn't see anyone or anything.
"Back down now or we will fight."
"You dare defy me, mistress of these woods? You should have asked me, not the Teleen to pass. You insult my authority. Queen Zinara grows careless of her lands, and she forgets me. Forgotten, I shall never be." The wind swirled around the group, sending everyone to their knees. "Beg forgiveness of your Queen now, Lady Blythe, Dryad Queen of the haunted forest."
Ewan slowly bowed his head, kneeled on the ground and signaled to the others to do the same. "Forgive us, dear Lady Blythe, Queen of the Dryads of Haunted forest. We meant no disrespect. We ask to pass through your territory to the Teleen Caves. We had no knowledge of your return to these parts; afraid we were, as was your sister, that you had abandoned the Guildrin clan. We beg mercy of your majesty." Shade looked up through her lashes to see if anything appeared, the wind made her blink constantly, her eyes watered from the whipping air.
Suddenly, the wind stopped. The change in the air felt even denser than it had before. Everyone looked up and gazed upon the Queen of the Dryads, she was perched on a large branch just above them. Her skin pale and glassy white, like she was made of porcelain. Her dark green eyes were large, so large in fact, the whites of eyes could not be seen, and yet somehow they had slit-like appearance. Her long dark blond hair draped around her carelessly in soft wisps down to her legs and was like a cape, flying in some self-contained breeze. A crown of twisted twigs and angel's breath lay on her head, spilling down, like entrails in her hair. The sheer dress she wore was more like torn worn silk, swaying around her in the breeze and held together by a belt of roped vines. She looked just like a faery would look, ethereal and almost unreal. Her skin glowed like moonlight reflecting on the surface of a pool of water. Shade gasped with amazement. She thought, at first, it was glamour but she felt no such magic floating around Lady Blythe. Her magic was the woods, the trees, earth, plants and creatures. All were flowing with energy that was tumbling towards her.
The faery snickered. She tilted her head, studying the group and narrowing her large eyes, almost insect-like, but much prettier. They filled Shade with dread. Her face morphed into malice. "You are pathetic. Forget me not; I won't soon forget you either. Give me the halfling girl and you can go."
Shade's eyes widened as she stood up and stepped back. She froze mid-step and couldn't move, barely breathed. A sticky, thick magic clung to her again now, paralyzing her in place. Lady Blythe was smiling wickedly above her and shook her head. "Yes, Shade, that means you. Either you stay or they die."
"But, why? What did I do? I don't even know you. Why do you want me? I have no magic." Shade felt frozen. Her legs did not work, nothing worked. She felt as if she were suspended animation, trapped in the stillness, as one would be in ice.
"Your majesty, Shade cannot stay here; she is sent by Queen Zinara herself on a quest to help free us of the Lonare's treacheries." Ewan spoke, not raising his head to the fairy queen. As though doing so might offend her.
"Silence, giant. I do not need your blubbering statements. I know full well what Queen Zinara means to do. I don't frankly agree with her strange decisions but I know this halfling serves more than just one purpose." She gazed at Shade, her lips thin and tense. Shade felt light headed.
Trick her, trick her into thinking you are only a mortal, no powers. Trick her at her own game Shade, quickly! An inner voice yelled with urgency.
Shade came back to herself, still frozen but more clear-headed. Her guides warmth and voices swam in her head, helping her breath in her frozen body. How do I trick her? She would know if I'm lying, don't they all? How?
Offer her yourself fully. But trick her into giving you a riddle, we can answer any question. If you answer right, she must let you go.
Shade swallowed hard and peered up at the Dryad Queen. She felt her evil swirling around in the air.
"Lady Blythe, your majesty. Please, I will come to you freely. But tell me, don't you like riddles? Anything I might not be able to answer? How about a deal? If I answer it right, we all go free, with safe passage through your land. If not, I am yours, with no quarrels, at least we can make it fun, you know?" Shade gasped as the air felt tight and she felt like she was drowning.
Lady Blythe stared at the girl, contemplating her words. She studied with her sharp eyes drilling into Shade. A moment later, a creepy growing smile spread across her face.
"Why how quaint, how did you know my love of riddles? How delightful! Very well, then." She paused for a moment, looking pensive and scratching her chin. Her eyes excited as she cleared her throat. "I got one for you. What can walk the earth at dawn, dances in the noon sun and then never again at dusk." Her wicked smile snarled at Shade. What sort of riddle was that?
A vampire.
What? A vampire? Really? This is ridiculous I...
Trust us, Shade, please.
"Okay, I know that, a vampire. The answer is a vampire." Shade's breath whispered from her lips as the thick magic surrounding her squeezed the last bit out. The queen would have to let up on the air prison if she was to inhale once more. Nothing but silence came from the Dryad Queen. Her face fell into anger and her eyes flashed like luminous green fire. She was furious.
"How dare you trick me? You defiant fool. I have to let you pass now, but make sure you stay out of my way again, I cannot be tricked twice. We shall meet again, I promise that!" Shade was hurled to the ground, coughing and gulping down air. Lady Blythe was gone as quickly as she had appeared. Nothing else was around, nothing but the dark woods.
"Is she gone?" Shade whispered. Her breath had still not caught up. "What did she want with me? And what, the hell, is she?" She brought her knees to her chest and sat rocking back and forth, willing her heart to stop racing and slowing her breath. Jack knelt down, is hand on her shoulder. He gave it a firm squeeze.
"Lady Blythe is like she said, Queen of the Dryads of the haunted forest. I really don't know what she wants from you. Quite strange, she disappeared decades ago and has not been seen until now. Queen Zinara, of course, assumed she was dead." He looked up at the surrounding warriors. No one seemed to have a clue what was going on.
"Unless the Lonares have been working overtime and attempting to sabotage or stop us in our tracks. This feels like Lonares treachery all over it. How did you know, Shade?" He stood up offering Shade his hand. She looked up at the handsome Teleen warrior, taking his hand as she pulled herself to her shaky legs. Tears streaked down her face. The Dryad queen was scary as hell.
"Know what?"
Jack looked at her intently; searching her face for something that Shade knew nothing of.
"That she liked riddles; you saved yourself and us with such a quick wit. Amazing!"
"It wasn't me," She shook her head. "My spirit guides are speaking to me, helping me. They gave me the idea and then told me the answer." She coughed again and breathed in deeply.
"Well, quite a handy trick there. I hope they come in handy more often than not." He nodded at her. "Shall we continue? Everyone, make sure shields are up; we will not be caught so unaware again. Count us lucky she didn't have an appetite for meat today."
Shade's mouth dropped open at Jack. He glanced at her and smiled. "Just kidding, she's vegan."
She groaned and straightened up. Shade shook her head and fell in line with the warriors, eager to leave these woods behind.
The Teleen hills were like large swells of waves, flowing with the greenest emerald grasses in existence; the blades of grass swayed lightly and caressed the winds. The air flew in constant rushes, whipping everyone's long tresses about them like tangled and dancing ribbons. Shade's own wavy brown hair looked to be the shortest of the entourage's. Everyone's hair seemed to be almost waist length at least, except for Ewan. Many had extravagant braids and ribbons or thin ropes wrapped through like extensions. Most of the colors were unnatural colors, none a human man or women would ever possess naturally. Waves of gold brown, reds deep as rubies and browns like tiger's eyes flowed in the breezes. It was quite a dance of flashing colors.
Shade felt a twinge of jealousy. Nothing but human light brown hair danced on her head, nothing fey-like about it. It made her wonder what she had that resembled the fey at all. Maybe she had turned out to be fully human. Maybe they had the wrong girl after all. Could be she had no magic besides her spirit guides. She couldn't perform glamour or heal anything, let alone fight or enchant like the Dryad queen. Shade shivered, recalling the queen's cold stare and the ice-cold air prison that kept her tight within her grasp. The air had tightened to the point that it made her want to faint. It was not something she cared to remember.
Her legs burned with the constant strain of hiking up and down the hills. They appeared smooth with grass but were rocky and uneven on the ground. Her tennis shoes were not meant to go through such rigorous hikes. She paused, leaning over, placing her hands on her knees. Her lungs ached with effort, breathing felt like a burning torture. A faint metallic taste clung to her mouth and she coughed up spit. She was not a fan of the physically gifted. Her idea of a good time was curling up on her bed with a thick book. No way would she have voluntarily done anything that resembled hiking before this. Short of camping at campsites where you could walk to your car and a public restroom, that was as close as she got to being outdoorsy. This sucks.
"You alright?" Soap paused just ahead of her and leaned down to see her face.
Shade's cheeks were pink with heat from the strain. She swallowed her strange tasting saliva and nodded. She then turned to Braelynn, who had also come to a stop by her, and put a hand on her shoulder and gave a gentle pat.
"The trail will be hard, not just for you but all of us. You will get used to the rigorous terrain as time goes by with the more you do. Are you having trouble catching your breath? I have a potion you can take for that. It's kind of like asthma medicine. Most fey don't have that kind of trouble but I treat all kinds of people. I knew it was a possibility with a human coming along. Let me know if you need it." Braelynn offered. She smiled and nodded, patting Shade on the back and turned to continue on. Shade sighed and closed her eyes. She knew Braelynn was being kind but her words had made her feel somewhat inferior, being human and all. She wondered how all of the fey felt about humans in general. Stereotyping was probably not just a human trait and she wondered if the group thought she was weak.
She straightened up, nodded to Soap as she breathed in and resumed up the hill again. The afternoon sun burned down on her, her hair feeling afire. She swung her backpack around and opened it, thinking about her baseball cap she had stuffed into it earlier. It appeared to her fingers as fast as she had thought it. She was never going to get used to how cool that was. She closed her bag and pulled the cap over the wavy strands that now fell away from her ponytail. She was glad she remembered to bring it; her head was thanking her for it.
Shade was about to ask someone if they were getting any closer to the mountain caves of the Teleen when she heard Ewan's booming voice echoing back at her.
"Land ho! The mountains are but about a mile away, not too far. We'll be eating dinner in no time." He chuckled back towards the group and patted his belly.
Ewan wasn't the only one thinking about food. Her stomach had been protesting for the last hour. She had had snacked on a granola bar but it had gone straight through her. She'd worked up an appetite for something a bit more substantial. The last mile seemed to drag on more than the last five. Shade's back and shoulders ached from carrying the backpack, though it wasn't too heavy, just any kind of weight gets old after carrying it for awhile. She was not cut out for this hiking crap. She was sweaty, thirsty and worst of all; a thin layer of dirt seemed to cling to her skin. She had streaks across her face from the mix of sweat and dirt. Her hair frizzed out under the cap and some of it was stuck to her moist neck and was itching up a storm. She swore she must have a blister or two forming on her feet and her knees felt like they were going to fall apart.
She rounded one of the last hills and gasped. The mouth of a cave roared above them, it was pitch black and very wide. The dirt and grass continued into the cave until the blackness swallowed them up. The wind howled over the hole, wailing eerily. To Shade, it did not seem like anyone lived here. This can't be it.
The rest of the gang gathered around the entrance as Ewan held up his hands to the air and mumbled some words. Shade looked around, not seeing anyone else around them. She did get a feeling of being watched though. She looked up the cliffs that gave way into a jagged overhang; the rock formation was shaped like a half moon, and it wasn't just a simple hole in the wall or opening. The rocks were expansive and they looked as if they may crumble onto anyone who dared to walk into the cave.
She suddenly felt the shiver of glamour, like ripples in a pool of water, all around the cave. Of course! It was a deterrent, like a spell of reluctance to whoever passed by, to make them fear the large hanging rocks and avoid it like the plague. As Ewan spoke softly, the glamour melted away, revealing an enormous double door. The door had intricate carvings and was made of heavy wood that appeared old and weathered. Shade drew in her breath, amazed by how beautiful it was. The wood blended into the shades of rock around it and seemed to fade into the background if you did not stare right at it. Wow, what kind of people live here to make such a fascinating entrance? She watched as the group gathered around the great doorway while Ewan gave a good shove on the enormous doors. They creaked loudly as they opened and from the moaning sound it was clear they were not opened too often. He motioned the group to follow him.
As they entered the archway they all were swallowed by the dark but soon there was a flickering light from the torches that lined the walls. The doors swung and loudly closed behind them with a thunderous clap. Everyone jumped and some had even drawn their weapons while staring at the large doors. It seemed they had closed themselves because no in the group had done so and there was no else in the room. This is unsettling, Shade turned back towards the cave. Where is everyone? She thought as she followed her group and wondered when the people who lived here would greet them.
They walked the cave and soon they were lead into a massive room. There were tall columns that reached high above them; they were made of the same grey-streaked white stone as the rest of cave. There appeared to be no one there but to Shade's surprise, the torches around the room began to brighten. She noticed figures appearing out of the shadows and they were also holding torches. They had materialized from the darkness as suddenly as in a blink of an eye. Each one of them was dressed in guard's uniforms. They were engulfed in white and blue flames; the hot fire crackled along their skin. Shade was reminded of Jack and his powers. Surely, they must be Teleen.
The group had paused in the middle of the room. They were now completely surrounded by the guards. Their eyes shone hot and bright and their fingers and arms rippled with the electricity crackling down their bodies. They seemed absolutely scary. They were like Jack had been, when he had shown her his true self. She hoped they were not here to harm her. They made her hair stand on end as their magic and power buzzed across the room. It was like a swarm of bees, tingling on her skin and making her hair frizz out with the static.
"Um, Ewan, are we in danger here?" Sary asked. She had one hand on her bow and the other with an arrow, ready to fly if needed.
He waved back at her shaking his head but not responding. His other hand flew up, palm facing the guards as he spoke. "Guard of the Teleen, we are here under invitation of your queen. Our Queen Zinara has sent word of our arrival. Please stand down. May I speak with the Captain of the guard?"
The group tightened together as the guards' proximity grew closer. Everyone backed into each other as sword after sword was drawn and arrows pointed. Knives also were unsheathed and glinting. Shade was sweating and feeling her stomach knot into a tight cramp. She pulled one of her own knives out of her pack and held onto it tightly. Once again she realized her lack of training for a fight. She felt naked and exposed, as she shrank into the circle of bodies around her, and let them shield her from the guard.
The Captain of the guard stepped up and pointed his sword to the ground, he glowed a brilliant white blue all over any of his exposed skin. The fire burned so bright, it hurt Shade's eyes to look at him. He nodded and almost immediately weaved glamour over his lighted body and assumed a more human appearance. His tan skin over his large muscles still seemed to glow slightly. His eyes were like a blue/green fire that slowly turned to steel grey, and gleamed in the torchlight. He was extremely handsome and his long, dark-black hair was pulled back tightly into a low ponytail. Shade sucked in her breath in awe of him. He narrowed his eyes at the group and smirked.
"So, this is Queen Zinara's last hope, huh? Don't really look like much, do you?" He laughed, but it sounded full of spite more than anything else. "You were so easy to surround and entrap. I thought for sure that she would have known better than to send such a weak force to do the job of soldiers. I will never understand her ways." He walked around the group, all their weapons were drawn but no one seemed to be holding them in attack stance. Everyone was waiting. Waiting for what, Shade wished she knew.
He came around to stand by Shade, having passed by the ring of warriors of her group as if they weren't there. He was staring at Shade with an intensity that almost dug into her skin. He reached out to her to touch her chin. Shade stepped back, remembering what Jack had told her about touching a Teleen. He could electrocute her if he really wanted to, or not. She was not going take the chance to find out.
"Are you afraid of me?" He laughed out loudly as his hand returned down to his side. He seemed to be pondering a thought while studying her face. She made no movement. Leaning forward, he gave a slight tilt to his face, whispering just loud enough for her to hear him. "You rightfully should be."
He gave his head the slightest of shakes and spun back around towards his guards. He paused signaling them to back off and then turned back to the travelers.
"I have announced you to our queen. She will be most pleased to meet all of you, especially your precious halfling." He chuckled, sending a tingle across Shade's skin. He wasn't just Teleen. She was willing to bet he was something else too, she was almost sure of it. She wasn't quite sure that he knew it though. Jack couldn't do magic with his voice like this one could. Shade shivered from the after effects of the rippling laughter. She ran her hands up and down her arms, trying to rub the feeling away with the warmth of friction. She wondered how it was that she could sense that he was different. Maybe a power of hers was waking up within her.
The guard had mostly left by now, after the Captain had signaled to them to leave, and they fell into step behind each other. Everyone was not quite relaxed yet but they were on alert. The group fell in behind the soldiers and followed suite. The hall seemed to stretch on forever and Shade's stomach grumbled again. She hoped that they would find a nice banquet waiting for them. She could only hope for such a thing from what she had seen so far.
The ground was also made of stone; it was smoothed and worn from years of use. It was also a darker grey and sandy color, with specks of red and yellow speckled throughout it. The entire hall was the same color, no decorations, nothing to show that anyone even lived here, except for the burning torches. It appeared to be abandoned. They reached the end of the great hall as it funneled into a smaller tunnel. The torches continued along each side of the cave. The stone did not change much here either and there were no doors that Shade could find. Claustrophobia seemed to creep into her as she tried to slow her breathing. The air was cooler here, like it never changed in temperature. The smell of earth, mold and humid dirt seemed to grow stronger here. Shade swore she could hear water, like falls echoing far away. These tunnels probably ran so deep that you could pop out the other side of the world. Not really a comforting thought.
The hallway finally opened up once again. To Shade's surprise, it wasn't to a lair or anything she expected. A huge underground crevice loomed beneath them opening up into a dark void. They were standing on a ledge that to led to a creaky old bridge. The roof of the cave loomed high above them with small streams of sunlight spiking through and piercing the rocks above.
A bridge, Shade thought nervously. No way would she cross that; it was made of rope and wood, and it didn't look too sturdy. She sighed as she looked down over the ledge and into the shadowy abyss. She could hear some water echoing and splashing down the sides of the ridge, just to her right. There was probably an underground river down there but it was not visible this far up. The air was cooler here, cool and filled with light misty water sprays that she did not find comforting. Shade had been so engrossed in staring at the rickety bridge that she did not realize the Captain was now standing by her. He was watching her reaction intently, with a slight smile playing on his lips. He seemed to be enjoying her horror of having to cross the creaky bridge.
"So, what's so special about you? You look less than ordinary." He stared at her, his breath pressing on her ear, he was that close. She turned and about bumped noses with the Captain. He didn't budge but seemed to lean closer; invading her space so much Shade actually took a step back. He was still glamoured and grabbed for her arms before she could complete the step, pulling her towards him. His fingers were digging with just enough pressure to hurt her skin. Shade's breath caught in her throat, she was half relieved he had not shed his glamour and shot her up with electricity. She knew darn well he could at any time.
"Let go of me, what do you want?" She pulled but his grip was firm and hard. His breath was hot and sent shivers down her neck as he pulled her to him, his other arm embraced her like a lover hugging his mistress. Her skin prickled as he let some static electricity seep around her. She heard clinks of swords drawn behind her. He ignored it.
"You almost slipped off the edge. Is that how you say 'Thank you', human? I was just watching out for you. You don't have me fooled, though. I don't know what Queen Zinara really has planned, but the Teleen will not fall for her actions of jest. She can fight her own fight. You are not true fey. You barely reek of fey blood. I have more magic in my finger than you own in your entire body. I intend to find out what trick is behind this so called quest that will supposedly save us all." With that he let her go abruptly, making her lose her step as she fumbled to regain her balance. Soap caught her mid-stumble as Jack stood before the Captain.
"That's enough Dylan," Jack stated firmly as he put himself between the Captain and Shade. "We have no quarrel. We are here under Teleen protection and you act hostile towards your own guests. The Queen will not be pleased knowing your hospitality was lacking so." His chest puffed out and his head tilted down, and he was clearly challenging Dylan. Relieved that someone came to her aide, she turned to Soap and he embraced her tightly. She was wracked with nerves; afraid her knees may crumble beneath her.
Dylan snickered and turned back to the bridge. Walking forward to the edge of the landing, he turned around and was smiling slightly, at Shade. He was enjoying the growing terror on her face as he continued walking backwards over the ledge.
Shade screamed but stopped suddenly, and could not believe her eyes. The Captain continued walking backwards as he floated on air and laughed out loud while shaking his head. He then turned and continued walking on. The rest of the guard were also laughing and followed behind him. They obviously got a kick out of watching their visitors freak when they learned about the invisible bridge. The entire guard walked across and did not fall into the ravine.
They have an invisible bridge? Shade and the group followed slowly sheathing their weapons. They stepped tentatively onto the bridge that was seemingly made of air, still not convinced it was solid. Shade walked forward, it was like standing on glass, and she was surprised her legs did not go through. She could see the looming darkness below, swallowing up the rocks.
Shade took a deep breath and continued following the rest of the warriors, trying not to look down and through the glass bridge. The cool air did not comfort her, as she didn't know where the sides of the glass bridge were or how narrow it could be. She made sure she didn't step anywhere the guards hadn't stepped already.
On the other side, they re-entered a cave but this one branched into three tunnels, everyone stayed to the left and continued down the dark corridor, until they reached another large room. It was lit brightly and it seemed as if it was the daylight sun shining in there, but Shade could not find any windows, but she did see other Teleen. There were torches that lined the walls in this room too, and they seemed more for decoration than anything else.
The guard had split up around the room; they lined the walls in a single file. Great stone columns with veins of multi colored cracks laced with gold were at the room's edges. Large drapes of fabric spilled down the walls in colors of crimson and jade, bringing color to the cold stone walls. Everyone inside the middle of the room wore bright colored clothing, dresses and flowing shirts. The Teleen were all staring and seemly had never been told that that could be considered as rude. It must be commonplace among the fey to stare. Whispers floated around the air as people commented on the new arrivals. Some who were near them reached out and touched them and pulled at their clothes in soft tugs of curiosity. Some of the women giggled as they watched Jack walk by.
The Teleen all wore some sort of glamour, covering their electrifying blue fire skins, looking ethereal with their translucent skin and large eyes. Some glamoured to appear like humans, but were far too beautiful to pass as one. Their noses were thin and straight, and they had large almond shaped eyes, with perfect luscious pink/red lips. She wondered how much time they actually spent with actual humans outside this morbid place. Jack and Soap did a fine job on their own glamours. At least they could blend in a society. They had studied well.
There was a throne in the center of the far wall; it had large, grey, sleek and worn stones that were used for steps that lead to the massive dais, and the queen's throne sat upon the great platform. It was also stone but a lighter, harder and more intricately carved. It was probably made out of marble but Shade was no expert. Different colored veins ran through the stone but that did not break up the smoothness of the carvings.
The Queen herself stared at Shade through large black eyes. They were very similar to Lady Blythe's luminous insect eyes, but she did not glamour herself. Her fiery blue skin glowed brightly and seemed to hum with the crackle of electricity. There were constant flames flowing over her body. Her hair looked also afire but did not burn; it was a dark color with the highlight of blue crackling through it. So that is what a full Teleen woman looks like unshielded, Shade thought. She also noticed some of the guard and attendees were in full Teleen glow too.
They had reached the throne when Ewan knelt down before the blue lightning queen with his head bowed. Everyone followed suit as he spoke. "Your Majesty, Queen Gretel of the Teleen. We have come from the Guildrin clan in the city of Aturine, and greet you with open arms and love from our Queen Zinara. We were told of your great hospitality and ask of you only permission to rest the night and continue our journey tomorrow."
The Queen glanced around at them, taking in what she saw. She nodded the slightest of nods and spoke with a voice that echoed off the walls and rippled through the air like a cool mountain breeze. "Please stand, I am aware of your coming from my sister Zinara. She has spoken well of all of you and I find you most deserving of her praise. Please also forgive my guards, they find torturing any visitors to be quite amusing. We don't get too many visitors here, as you might see. We are an isolated clan and the last of the Teleen blood you will find anywhere in the world. We are a dying breed. But we are powerful and most mischievous. I find it a great pleasure that I am able to aid you on your quest to the Santiran fountains. Please, make yourselves comfortable and accept our great hospitality." She waved her arm over the crowd as they stood and found that tables had been set up in two rows, one on either side of them. One by one the tiny flying demi-fey servants came out and placed candelabras, bowls, goblets and overflowing platters of food on the tables. They were dressed with great long robes with long flowing linen. Fruits, meat and rolls of soft bread filled the middle of the great tables. Shade felt her stomach rumble with hunger and all of them were looking at each other with glee dancing on their faces.
They filed around the table on their right and sat down at the end nearest the queen. The queen herself had a table set up right in front of her with anything she asked for. There were stone plates and wooden forks and knives already set up in front of each of them. The small faeries that had laid out the table were now darting back and forth. They were so quick and efficient at their job; all that could be seen was a blur of wings and hands.
Shade watched them, fascinated by how tiny they were with their wings as thin as tissue, but they held the tiny stick thin figures gently in the air. The ones she was able to gaze longer upon showed her tiny faces with perfect tiny lips and straight noses. Most had jet-black body-length hair, some tied back and some with it hovering around them like capes. Large almond insect eyes were black as night and blinked at her curiously, none of them smiled but flitted by her, leaving a gust of cool air as they raced by.
Shade was exhausted. The food was working on her already and helped fill the void in her stomach. She felt sleep pulling at her eyes, and her body ached with every stretch and movement. She looked around at her friends. They all seemed tired too as they quietly munched on the great feast. She had stuffed her belly full and felt a twinge of regret with the pain of her swollen stomach making it hard to breathe. She sat back in her chair and looked across the table. On the parallel stone table straight across from her was Captain Dylan, he stared at her and smiled, a softer look on his face as he held his cup up in the air, nodding to her. He set it down and was then interrupted by a guard to his left. Shade glanced at the man who now was leering at her, and he was speaking softly to the Captain. He had similar facial structure, looked a bit younger than the Captain.
Shade was betting they were related somehow. She barely noticed that they were both looking at her now. The other guard's dark stare was just that much colder than Dylan's. She probably had stared too long. Shade felt her cheeks flush and turned quickly away, hiding behind her goblet of sweet punch. She pushed her plate back and looked at her friends; praying that they would be heading to their rooms soon, to sleep.
"Shade, are you done? We are being led to our chambers soon. Ready to go now?" Braelynn asked as she nodded at her and smiled. Relieved, Shade stood and followed as all of them began to file out. A dark haired and paled skin Teleen woman stood in front of them and waited for them to gather around. She smiled broadly at someone and held her arms out. Shade craned her neck to see whom she was smiling at. Jack came into the embrace, hugging the woman and began pulling back but the woman hung on a little longer, long enough to whisper something in Jack's ear. He then pulled back abruptly and frowned at her, shaking his head and answered her sternly but soft enough so that no one else was privy to the conversation. Shade wondered who that woman was and how she knew Jack.
Jack turned back to the group, now composed and had a face of calm. He cleared his throat and spoke loudly for them all to hear. "Okay guys, Sylphi here is going to join us and show us to our rooms. We might be spread out for these are natural caves and are quite large. Don't go wandering either, these tunnels travel far and it is easy to get lost. If you absolutely must, please only leave your room accompanied by someone else." He waved to them to come forward and they all filed in by twos behind him and Sylphi. Sylphi kept trying to inch up near to him but he avoided her advances by stepping back and cramming in by Shade and Braelynn. "Shade, how is the trek finding you? Getting too tired?" He smiled down at her and completely ignored Sylphi's raging glare. The woman turned back towards a large tunnel that they all filed into. Joining her were Captain Dylan and his near relative guard from the table.
"Um, it's ok, my muscles are killing me, I've never felt so sore in my life. I think I might have some blisters on my feet that are hurting something awful. I'm really not an outdoors type; this is really a big push for me."
"Ah, you will need Sari's famous foot soak, that'll take care of anything on your feet for sure. I am sure she will have something for your muscle aches; this journey will take a toll on us all. I'll have her stop by your room after she gets settled," Jack said.
Sylphi was giggling and turned back towards them. "Shade, you might like Darren's famous massage. He will definitely make you forget any pain you ever have felt and more..." Her voice had a singsong way, but with a definite malicious tone to it. She patted Captain Dylan's comrade's back.
"Thank you Sylphi, I will try to make myself, useful, for anyone who wishes so." Darren, Captain Dylan's sidekick snickered. Shade swallowed, somehow the massage did not sound like something she might need at all.
"That's enough from both of you. I am sure our friends are much too tired from a long journey and just want to get some shuteye. Just show them their rooms already," Captain Dylan snapped. He grumbled under his breath and gave Shade a dark look. She wondered why he didn't seem to like her much. He doesn't even know me, why would he be so mean?
It's because the unknown is a thing to fear Shade. Never forget that, the voices chimed in.
Shade sighed, she agreed with her voices for sure. She just wasn't so sure about the company here tonight. Especially Darren, he gave her the heebie-jeebies. He just radiated some kind of evil; it was all around him. She wasn't sure why he was chosen to be one of their escorts: it did not seem very appropriate. Shade glanced at Sylphi. She's no better.
The dark haired Sylphi was hanging off of Jack's arm now, whispering something into his ear. She wondered if those two had a thing for each other or if it was one-sided. From the look on Jack's face, he did not seem to mind her hanging on him, but frowned every now and then at some of her comments and giggling.
She reminded Shade of the mean girls back at school, always finding a victim to torture amongst the high school kids. Sylphi was the kind of girl that would make snide comments to a good girl and send her the bathroom, with tears streaming down her face and feeling humiliated. Shade narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Those kinds of girls thrive on other's suffering. It would probably best to straight out avoid her, Shade thought. At least they were only here for a night and would not have to endure the Teleen's 'hospitality' too much longer.
"What are you thinking about, dear Shade? Have we offended you in some way? You're shaking your head with such distain. Has your stay been so unpleasant so far?" Sylphi asked. She had left Jack's side once he had entered his room and now joined Shade at her side. She slipped her hand around Shade's arms and bent closer to her. Her pale skin shone like moonlight, only with a slight bluer tinge to the glamour she wore. The smell of roses and another kind of fragrant scent surrounded her, as she invaded Shade's personal space.
"Jack's mine you know, I do hope you understand." She whispered to her. "We are to be married soon. I know that being a woman; you must understand how rare it is to find such a wonderful strong and handsome man, like Jack. Just letting you know how very much he has missed me. I feel so overjoyed to have him back; he stays away far too long. Oh, here we are now!"
She paused, smiling deeply for Shade, a smile that seemed to cut into her like a knife, and full of things unsaid. "Your room, my dear. Do have a good rest, you will need it!"
Shade almost scurried into the room and turned to see Darren leaning by the open door with arms crossed, smiling at her.
"Do let me know if you change your mind about the massage. I find you most fascinating, Shade. I have never met a human before. It's been quite a delight." He snickered, bowing as he left. Darren had shut the door for her and when it clicked Shade ran to it, and turned the lock as quickly as she could.
She turned, leaning against it and let her breath out. Somehow she did not feel all right. Something about this place was setting alarms off in her head, like crazy. She pulled her pack off and rubbed her shoulders, as she looked about the room for the first time.
The room was gorgeous; it was really a cave and no windows. The air was cool with an undertone of dampness that left a bit of a chill. There was a nice large bed at the far wall, just opposite the door. It was piled with fluffy pillows and soft blankets and was neatly arranged as to not seem messy, but comfy. There was a wooden table to one side of the room that she placed her pack on; it was long but smooth with use and polished. Above it was a silver mirror with a vine design frame; it had crystals embedded all around the edges. It was breath taking but seemed out of place in that room. Shade stood there, staring at her reflection. She looked tired; a thin layer of dust seemed to stick to her skin and hair. That wasn't what stopped her though. The mirror looked like it had a tiny ripple in it. It was as if she was gazing at her reflection in a still pool of water. It looked smooth and almost see-through. She reached out her hand, letting her fingers almost caress the surface.
Suddenly, almost as if something had turned it off, the mirror was once again solid. Shade's fingers made a clinking sound as they touched the hard glass surface. It was nothing more than solid mirror. Shade stared at it for a moment longer, shaking her head again. Nothing is as it seems here. She felt like Alice, and was deep down the rabbit hole. She sighed and turned towards a door in the wall of the cave that was next to the table. She turned the crystal and wood knob slowly, praying that nothing awful would jump out at her. It turned easily and opened into a well-lit bathroom. She laughed and let a breath out. A bathroom... It was both modern but very well equipped, with a large claw foot tub on one side, and a large shower. The shower itself had several showerheads installed. It had no door to it but a drain on the floor that would reveal the water's path. She reached in and turned the curved silver knob on the wall and watched with amazement, as water fell like rain and poured out of the spouts. She smiled; the water was the perfect temperature. She noticed soaps and a sponge on a ledge near the end of the shower; they were wrapped in twine topped with a bow. She shrugged her clothes off and stepped under the pouring shower. It felt amazing. The hot water ran down on her skin and rinsed the day's soil away, swirling dirt down the drain.
She hadn't looked for towels before she had entered the shower but she looked around the room once she had her fill of the shower and found that a neat clean pile was set out on the counter by the sink. She turned off the shower and stepped out; she then pulled one of the towels out of the stack and wrapped it around her body. She didn't feel cold in here; the steam and warmth of the water seemed to swirl around her still. She pulled another towel out and rubbed her hair, then twisting it around her hair to pile on top of her head. She sighed; she had left her bag with her clothes in the bedroom. She groaned, hoping it wasn't too cool coming out of the bathroom. The room was as she left it; she paused to glance at the door to the hallway, listening for any steps or voices. The stone walls seemed to insulate the rooms very well here, and she didn't hear anyone. Natural soundproofing. She rummaged through her pack and pulled out a deep blue nightgown and underwear. After she quickly dressed herself she noted the air in here was much cooler. Her hair was still wet from the shower and felt cool on her shoulders. Shade stopped, her eyes widened and the goose bumps flared on her skin. She looked around the room and couldn't figure out why she was so cold suddenly. She'd heard what sounded like a whisper. She saw nothing. Where had that voice come from? She held her breath, listening hard for anything else.
Her eyes darted around as she stood there. None of her spirit guides responded, like a mute button had been pushed. Shade didn't like it. Something was wrong. She grabbed one of her daggers from her pack and listened. Looking around again, nothing jumped out at her and there were no more voices. Her heart raced and pounded in her ears. She held her breath listening. She sighed, it was probably nothing. She shook off the crazy feeling, tossing the dagger on the vanity table and walked to the bed. She slipped under the soft sheets and pulled one of the thick quilts on top of her. She sat up in bed looking around one more time before reaching over to turn off the lamp. She paused one more time staring at the mirror. Is it rippling again? She shivered and felt uneasy. I need to rest; I'm just really tired and exhausted. That's why I'm starting to hallucinate. Tomorrow will be here before I know it. She then decided to reach for her pack and pulled out her cell phone. It still had a charge on it but she doubted there would be an outlet here to charge it. It read 10:45pm. Ugh, it's getting too late!
They had planned to regroup for breakfast at six am and after that, continue on their journey. She pulled out her charger and glanced down the wall near the floor. The lamp was plugged into the wall too and there was an open outlet just next to it. She couldn't believe her luck as she plugged her cell phone in. Faeries with modern technology! She wondered if all the rooms were like this or was she the only one with modern comforts in her room. For sure there would be iron in the conduits, running through the stone walls.
She shrugged; she would have to ask Jack about it later. The Teleen weren't bothered by it, since they were made of electricity and blue fire, but what about her friends? It was something to ask about for sure. The palace at Guildrin had not had such amenities. The light had come from torch and candle and by some weird magical spell that illuminated the place as bright as by natural sunlight.
She lay back, sinking into the bed and sheets. She let the blankets envelope around her; embracing her body heat that was held in the soft sheets and making the bed feel like heaven. She reached over again and clicked the lamp back off. She tried to not look at the mirror again but instead closed her eyes and let herself slip away into sleep.
"Shade."
The blue fire was glowing all around her, crackling and popping all around. The walls seemed to be close to her, enveloping her like a cocoon. She stood up from the ground where she had woken. Is this real? A dream? She did not know. She felt the walls with her hands. The walls were hard, cool stone and the sound of her own breath echoed around her; but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The fire came from the other side of the room. It stood like a pillar, the size of a man. In fact, as she stared longer into the flowing flames, the image of a man surfaced on the fire. She gasped. The man's eyes were closed and his hands laid crossed over each other on the hilt of a gleaming sword. The blade glowed with blue fire too. Its hilt was made of red dark rubies; the red flames spread from his hands onto the blade of his sword.
Shade walked towards him, asking who he was. He didn't respond to her inquiries, no matter how much she pleaded with him. She kept walking towards him slowly, her feet were bare but they did not feel cold on the stones like she thought they should. Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached out to the man. "Help me," she whispered to him, her voice faint and weak. Her fingers were almost about to touch the blue flame engulfing his body. She felt afraid, not knowing if the flames would burn or scald her hand. She needed to wake him, to make him help her out of this place, this tomb. His eyes flew open, bright white light poured out of them and his mouth as he opened it. A sound quite like loud ethereal music filled her ears to the point she had to cover them. The music seemed to scream into her. The words came now and they were booming.
"AWAKEN NOW AND RUN SHADE!"
\*\*\*\*\*
Shade's eyes flew open. It was very dark and it took a moment or two for her eyes to focus and readjust. Was she awake or dead? Where was she? She felt panicked and couldn't breathe. She reached over to the lamp on the side of the bed but without any light, she fumbled and sent the lamp smashing to the floor. The nightmare left her with a dull ache in her head and the disorientation made her panic. Just then, the room lit up around her like a spotlight. She stopped fumbling and stared at the silver and crystal mirror. It was aflame in blue fire dripping out like liquid molten rock, and it was crackling with white electricity. It poured out of the rippling surface, down the table and into the middle of the room into a shape of a pillar. The pillar morphed into a man.
Darren.
She screamed but then realized that no one could hear her through the solid rock walls. She pulled the blankets off her but did not have time to even get out of the bed, and head for the door before he had jumped onto her. He pushed her down and smacked her face. His cold laugh rung through her ears as he looked down at her, watching her squirm and kick helplessly.
His eyes pierced her as they gazed into her face. He had her pinned under his legs and squeezed her arms so hard, she felt them aching and burning in protest. There were surely bruises forming and marking her skin. He smacked her again so hard that stars flared in front of her eyes. She was almost blacking out and felt the iron taste of blood, warm and thick, in her mouth. The left side of her face felt on fire.
When her vision cleared, she took in the horror of Darren on fire. His blue flames roared around them but nothing burned yet, as though his fire was cool to the touch. To Shade's surprise, she wasn't burning under his grip. She struggled and squirmed in his hold but couldn't move an inch. He must have given her a concussion or something. She could feel the room spin around her and her stomach lurched with the nausea. She blinked and tried to focus. "Darren, let me go, what do you want?" She coughed up a mouthful of blood and spit.
He laughed at her. "You pathetic mortal, I forgot how much you can bleed and injure so easily. No true fey would be so fragile. My apologies, of course. I do wonder though, why you aren't burning up slowly into crumbly ash. I always did like to watch mortals turn into dust while I burn them. I'm just a little bit sick like that." He snarled at her and hopped off the bed, never turning his glare from her. "Show me what you got, Shade. I want to know why you're so special. What's your secret? What is it that Jack won't tell me?" His faced morphed from mocking to angry as his fire was flickering in and out. The fire flashed the room like a strobe, bright and it was disorientating. Shade tried to stand grabbing the nightstand and pulling herself upright. She could barely balance on her flimsy legs.
"There is nothing special about me, Darren. I'm just part fey, that's what Ilarial said. That's why they need me to get the Santiran fountain's water magic. I'd think you'd have heard that by now. Really there is nothing else. I don't really have any magic, I am still learning. I only have spirit guides who talk to me sometimes. I swear, I don't know anything else!"
She stood and stepped towards Darren but fumbled. He caught her as she slipped and spun her around to where they faced the fiery mirror, still aglow. She stared at their images as her mind scrambled to find a way out of his embrace.
Darren smiled coldly and snarled at her as he held her hair in one of his hands. His other arm encircled her chest holding her arms down. He squeezed her tight as he nuzzled her neck and whispered into her ear. "What do you see Shade? Do you like the heat? You see how pathetic you are? No human should be so special. I really don't get why they chose you. You're so fragile, weak and pathetic. Why not choose a great faery warrior like myself for instance? You're a tarnish to our race; and I think I will be doing us a great favor if I get rid of you." His fire began to burn high and licked the air around them; and his face could no longer be seen in the mirror.
Shade stared at her reflection. Her cheek had an angry shade of red from his hits and as the flames grew around her, she felt her panic rage. Soon she began to see his face again and it grew more serious now; he appeared deep in thought, as he examined her reflection.
"Maybe we can have some fun first. You're not so ugly. What do you think about that, love? Don't find me appealing?" He pulled her head back, making her gasp. His nose grazed her cheek and earlobe, making her cringe. She attempted to pull her head away from his hot breath. He laughed again and let up on his hold so she could see their reflections again. "Do you like my mirror? I placed it here just for you, just so I could watch your every move. That's my magic, a specialized talent not a lot of Teleen possess, the gift of traveling through mirrors. I have the matching one in my room: so wherever I place this one, I can go, even into your locked chamber. What good did the locks do you now, Shade? No lock can keep me out; no door could close on me. It'll be our, little, secret." He laughed hard, his chest shaking behind her back.
He suddenly lapsed on his grip of her head for a moment, and Shade had felt his careless release. She shoved him back with her entire body weight making him lose his balance for a moment, landing on the bed. She ran to the mirror and looked around for something to smash it with. The dagger she had left on the table gleamed at her and glowed as bright as Darren's fire. She laced her fingers around the hilt, squeezing it hard until her knuckles turned white. She swung her arm with the dagger and shoved her strength into it, ramming the metal into the mirror. The crash sounded in the cave as it smashed into a thousand glittering shards.
"No! How did you know...what have you done?" Darren had just reached her and grabbed her free arm, yanking at Shade. His momentum stopped suddenly, as he was pulled into the glass along with a flash of lightning. The last glint of it blinded her and plunged the room into darkness.
Her eyes focused on the dagger as it returned to its glow the moment she wished for some light. She stared at the mirror shards, shattered and shimmering all over the room. They didn't look unusual in any way, just plain mirror pieces glittering across the floor, like diamonds. She limped to the light on the nightstand, jabbing her bare feet on the glass. Blood trailed her steps in smudges and drips from cuts stinging her flesh. Her legs, weak and shaky, began to drag under her. She fell to the floor by the bed and slipped into the developing darkness. Soon the glow of her dagger was fading into the dark, as it fell from her grasp, and then it seemed the whole world was swallowed with it.
"Shade? Can you hear me? Shade? Braelynn! She's rousing, not quite awake yet though. It's ok Shade. You're going to be ok. You're safe now. No one will hurt you. Can you hear me, Shade?"
The voice sounded familiar, safe, and gentle. Shade wondered if her mother had come. Maybe this was the hospital. Maybe she was dreaming, or worse, dead. She couldn't open her eyes yet but she could hear the commotion all around her. She tried to move but her body did not respond.
"It's alright Shade, you're still hurt, don't try to move too much. We've healed most of your wounds but you should still move slowly. Your head is still healing."
Shade opened her eyes a sliver. The room's light was blinding and the brightness stung her eyes. She blinked and reached up to cover them. A thousand prickling sharp pains shot through her arm and down her side. She flinched and stopped moving, groaning as she sank back down on the bed. Every movement was enveloped in pain, screaming down her body. She felt like she'd been hit by a freight train.
"Shade, are you still feeling some pain now?"
She managed a slight nod.
"Take this liquid, it will make you feel better," Braelynn's soft voice seemed to echo in her head. She felt the warm liquid touch her lips and slip into her mouth. It tasted sweet across her dry, parched tongue, like honey-sweetened tea. A moment later, the sharp aches faded and she was able to blink once more, her eyes adjusting to the dim light in the room. It somehow didn't seem so bright anymore. They must have dimmed the lights, when they realized she couldn't take the blinding light.
"What happened?" Her voice was a harsh whisper for her throat felt like sandpaper, rough and dry. The room came into focus, and she noticed not only Braelynn but also Sary standing near her. She slowly sat up as Braelynn slipped a few pillows behind her, propping her up. She glanced down at her arms, studying a scatter of healing scabbed slash wounds. Her left hand also had been stitched across the palm and was in a good state of healing. She held it up to her face to study it more closely. Most of the wounds were in a mid-stage of healing, as if she had been hurt days ago, and not hours.
"How long was I out of it?" She dreaded to hear the answer.
"You were attacked in your room about five days ago, Shade. You have been unconscious since then. You'll be fine; your wounds are healing well. Braelynn was able to stop the bleeding inside your head but it drained her so much, she was unable to heal all your cuts completely. She was unable to wake you up too, even though your head is fine now. It's almost like you were under some sort of spell."
Sary sat in the bed next to her. A sweet, concerned smile lit her face, crinkling her sparkling eyes as she patted Shade's arm. Her hair draped around her neck in soft waves of crimson fire.
"It was Darren, he attacked me, and he came out of the mirror in the room!" Shade swallowed back her panic, feeling the events of that night rushing back. "Where is he? He really wanted to hurt me. He wanted me dead!" Tears stung behind her eyes and for that moment, she wished so hard to be back at home with her mother. Her room seemed like a distant sanctuary in a forgotten dream. Sary hugged her tightly as her sobs overcame her.
"It's alright Shade. I don't know how you did it but somehow you trapped him in the mirror when you smashed it. He was incredibly angry and rendered quite harmless. He has been released from the mirror prison by the Teleen warlock and placed into one of the cavern confinement cells, where he has been since. We have waited for you to awaken; The Queen is most upset and anxious to seal his fate," Sary said, with her shining eyes, and they were lovely and burning like jewels on fire. She stood up and retrieved a cup from beside the bed. She handed it to Shade, nodding to her to drink it. "Drink Shade, you must be very thirsty. We gave you fluids similar to IV's in the human world, but nothing refreshes like real fluid, drunken into your body."
Shade nodded and gripped the cup. The cool water felt amazing going down her throat. She immediately felt better, not as upset and instantly more awake. She finished the drink and handed the cup back. She was really starting to like faery food and drinks. She sighed and glanced around the room, relieved it wasn't the same room she had been attacked in. It was similar but lighter in color. It had no mirrors. Yay! She didn't think she could handle any more mirrors quite yet. Her backpack lay on a table by the door and the sheets and blankets were all crisp and white. This was probably their version of a hospital room.
"What are they going to do to him?" Shade's voice seemed small, her eyes staring down into the floor while she thought about her attacker. She shivered as the memory made her cringe. He had stolen something with his brutality. She felt vulnerable, more than ever, and weak. She was not cut out for this magical world. She would have to start training right away if she was going to just survive this journey. Two threats on her life in one day had been two she could have lived without. She had no idea what she had gotten herself into and didn't like how that made her feel. Darren had taught her a harsh and vicious lesson.
"That will be up to Queen Gretel. I hear they take offenses quite seriously among the Teleen. He will probably be expected to pay an equal price for your attack. Most attempted murders are punished quite harshly, even death is considered an adequate punishment if he was planning to kill you. This I expect is what he was out to do from the state of things in your room, and the amount of injuries he caused you. He must pay for what he did to you, Shade." Braelynn looked seriously at her from the wicker chair near the end of the bed. Shade suspected that she had sat there a great deal during her period of unconsciousness.
"He said that he could travel through mirrors, at least a matching pair of them. He placed that mirror in my room to get to me. I even locked my door but it didn't matter." Her voice quivered as she recalled his dark words. "He said he was going to kill me, and that I tarnished the fey races. I didn't do anything to him and he hates me. Why?"
"That is the question, is it not, Shade?" Jack interrupted from the doorway. He took up most of the entrance with the bulk of his muscle bound body. "Right now, he has refused to speak of his reasons, during his interrogation. He won't say if he has any accomplices for that matter, either. I have come to summon all of you, that is, if Shade can walk, to Darren's trial. The Queen has gotten word that you have awoken and is anxious to proceed. We need you there for Queen Gretel to issue his sentence. How well are you Shade; can you come?" He sighed and rubbed his eyes as if he hadn't been sleeping well. He was still standing in the entrance holding the door ajar.
Shade looked at him, feeling almost petrified at the thought that more fey may be out to get her. She tried to shake the feeling off and nodded. She was feeling a lot better now with the potion they had given her. She shifted her legs out to the side of the bed and felt the cool stone under her scabbed feet. She paused, wondering if her legs would hold. She stood up slowly and found her legs sturdy and strong. Her smile stretched across her face. That medicine is good stuff; I'm going to have stock up on some for the whole clumsy family and me!
She straightened and accepted Sary's support, as the warrior princess jumped to offer a hand. Shade nodded and smiled at her. Sary smiled back, nodding in understanding as she slipped her arm under Shade's. Braelynn placed two soft leather slippers in front of Shade's feet. The leather was very smooth, almost like silk against her skin. She shuffled forward, and headed towards the door.
Jack took her free side, letting her hold his arm for support. They walked slowly down the hall to the great chamber, where it was lit bright as daylight once more. For the first time, Shade peeked up at the roof and noticed how much it looked like a bluish white sky at mid-noon. They were deep underground and the sky stood there as natural as it was outside, she still couldn't make out the source. She looked around them and saw that everyone, all the Teleen clan and her entourage were there, waiting for them. The room was crammed full of faery people, like the night of their welcome feast. She wondered what had been going on the days she had been out. How much time had been wasted of their journey, all because of what had happened to her, with Darren?
They ushered her up the steps. Queen Gretel stood up from her throne as they approached. She glided towards Shade, stepping down slowly and bowing her head at her. She followed along, noticing how Sary and the others reciprocated the bow. Queen Gretel, who now wore human glamour that shielded her fire, reached out and held Shade's hands. She smiled warmly but spoke quickly and seriously. "Dear Shade, I am most pleased at your quick recovery. I apologize for our guard's indiscretion and most unfortunate actions. Please, come with me." She pulled her up the steps to sit at a chair placed next to the massive stone throne. Shade sat down and looked up at the queen as she addressed the crowd standing before them.
"Shade was attacked, here in our own great cavernous dwelling. Our home has been the scene of bloodshed and pain. This is not allowed among the Teleen and such brutality will come with a dear price. Accused for such crimes against our guests and us stands Darren, one of our own Teleen guards. He stands now for his punishment."
Shade sat up straighter and sucked her breath in at the mention of her perpetrator. She had been feeling much better, that is, until she spied Darren. The crowd opened for a double line of guards who were escorting Darren through the room and towards the throne. His head was hanging down, with his long dark hair disheveled and riddled with tangles. He looked like he had not slept in days. His wrists were bound with strips of thick leather and each arm was held firmly by a guard. Captain Dylan stood in front of him and bowed before the queen.
"My queen, Darren has confessed to his crime. What price shall our queen make him pay for his violations?" Dylan appeared strong and commanding: in full Teleen guard attire but with his helmet missing. He remained bowed and awaited her answer. Darren and his guard escorts mimicked his movements, though Darren appeared to be shoved into submission.
"Please stand, Captain Dylan and guards. I have come to the conclusion that only one punishment will suffice for such a deliberate and violent attack." She looked up and scanned the crowd amongst them. The silence was heavy and hung in the room like thick smog. Shade was sweating, her heart raced with nauseating anxiety as she waited. She just wanted to have Darren gone, away from her sight, or run from him as fast as she could. His presence was like a bad nightmare come to life, like a suffocating presence.
"Darren must now pay tribute to Shade. A blood debt has been made, demanding payment. Only blood from death will be appropriate for such a crime." Gasps rippled through the mass and whispers ignited like flames through the shocked crowd. There were even heads shaking while others began to holler out protests.
"My decision stands. As your Queen, my judgment is paramount. Silence!" The crowd hushed as quickly as it had erupted.
"My queen," a voice interjected. The Teleen queen turned to look upon Captain Dylan, now kneeling before her, head bowed and stiff.
"May I speak, your majesty?"
"Rise and speak Captain Dylan. Your queen has acknowledged you. Darren being your only brother, I am sure you have much to say." She held her hand out as if to summon him to rise. Dylan rose slowly and stared back at the petite woman. His face was a well of stillness, eyes empty and blank with no feelings escaping from their pits.
"I beg thee, to please reconsider. I ask you, my dear queen, to spare the life of my only brother, Darren. I carry an oath to our long deceased mother to care for him in her long absence. Please, consider an alternative price." Dylan bowed his head again and did not look back up. He seemed to be acknowledging the queen's dominance over him, and over all the people that called the caverns their home.
Shade blinked as she glanced between him and the queen. Brother? So that is why there was a resemblance. Darren was Dylan's brother! Of course! She thought putting it all together.
Dylan seemed genuinely concerned but his face remained hard. He did not seem like the snickering captain of the guard she had met her first day at the Teleen caverns. He stood humble and still before the queen. She wondered if he was holding his breath while he waited for the queen's answer. She wondered why he would defend such a rotten man, even if he were his own flesh and blood, his only brother.
"Dylan, my faithful Captain, you have served me faithfully and well for so many years. I'm afraid only a fair blood trade would suffice, though. Knowing your mother's wishes for you and your brother, I will consider this in my decision." She tilted her head and watched him, studying his stoic demeanor as if reading his inner most desires. "What if I amend my judgment, let's say, for an equal payment? Would you trade your life in your brother's place then? I will only amend the death price if you trade your blood and services for your brother's life."
Captain Dylan looked up at that remark. His eyes widened in surprise and seemed utterly tortured. He studied the queen in confusion.
"I'm sorry your majesty, but what sort of blood price trade do you mean?"
The queen smiled, glancing at Shade before speaking again.
"I require that you say yes before I explain. Will you trade your life for your brother's? I promise this will not mean a death sentence on your part, if you do so. Your brother will be freed then also, but only if you agree to the full terms."
Dylan stared intensely at the queen for what seemed like forever. He let his eyes drop to the floor and sighed. Shade watched him gulp and think hard at her words. He nodded and blinked up at the queen, straightening and regaining composure once more. "Yes, my queen. In place of my brother, I will assume punishment for crimes he has incurred, short of death." He let his gazed drop again. His face had flushed with heat, while his eyebrows furrowed. He was probably not too happy about having to learn his fate after he swore to trade places with Darren.
Shade glanced between him and the queen, in eager anticipation.
"Well then, Dylan, I am glad to hear that such an honorable man will assume a lesser man's punishment. He is undeserving of such a thing, even if he is your brother. So, in consideration of your own innocence, I hereby proclaim that your blood payment will be a blood bind, to Shade. You are to protect, follow and serve her until the blood price is filled and paid. This can only be determined by the magic of Faerie itself and release from it will only come from the lands of Faerie, or it will remain indefinitely. Any failure to do these things will revoke the trade, and the original judgment on Darren will stand."
Shade shook her head, understanding fully what the queen had just done.
"No, please, your majesty, no, I don't need a servant or a guard, I have an entourage already, my friends who will guard me. He didn't do anything! I can't do this, please release him! It was Darren who did it." She looked up at the queen and knew immediately that protesting wasn't going to do her anything good.
"Shade, he cannot reject this punishment; to do so is to bestow death upon his brother. You must accept this or you condemn his brother to death. Only time will tell when he will be released from the blood bond; now come here and give me your hand. I must bind you to make this trade complete. It is the way of the Teleen. Dylan will serve you faithfully, protect you and keep you safe. He cannot betray you or cause you any harm for he will break his oath, and death will consume his brother immediately. Don't be afraid, come." She held her hands out towards her.
Shade held her breath, and she slipped her hand into the queen's even though she was trembling so hard that it shook her whole body. She stood up and inched closer.
"Dylan, come here and give me your hand too."
The captain took the steps and stood before the queen, across from Shade, and held out his hand. The queen held out a small knife. It was sharp and the hilt gleamed with blood red rubies, and the blade radiated with magic. Shade felt it rush over her like a warm energy, as it ventured from the queen's hand. It was an oath maker, made to be used in blood binding.
The Queen took Shade's hand, palm up, and pressed on the knife softly. She dragged the blade across her palm, and soon deep red blood seeped from the wound, and trickled down her wrist. She repeated the process again on her other palm, amazingly they did not hurt at all. For all Shade knew, the knife's magic took the pain away with it. The queen turned and did the same to Dylan. She then took both their hands and clasped them together.
Shade looked up at Dylan as their warm, thick blood mingled. She could feel his fiery aura spilling onto hers, but it did not burn. There was a feeling of power that licked the edges of hers that was hidden deep within. Dylan's grasped tighten around her smaller hands and felt his strength and power but did not feel threatened. She looked into his eyes that had now, somehow, gone dull and blank with maybe a touch of contempt glowing in them. If he felt anything, he did not show it. His face had hardened, like a statue. None of his feelings bled through and his magic slipped away back into himself and away from her, as he clasped his full control over it again. His aura had turned solid and hard like a shield. He had accepted his fate coldly.
"It is done then. You may let go. Captain Dylan of the Teleen, you forfeit your position and assume your place in Shade's entourage, that is, until the land of Faerie decides when you have fulfilled your oath."
Their hands dropped down to their sides and Dylan turned and walked back down, passing his brother at first but stopped about a foot away. He turned his head and studied his younger brother, who looked a lot like himself. Dylan's cold stare narrowed and burned with a tinge of hate.
"Darren, this is the last time I ever save you. You are on your own now, for we are no longer brothers." He turned again and disappeared into the thick murmuring crowd. Many gasps sounded out at his declaration. The ultimatum was unexpected, stunning Darren. He stood still, keeping his head down. His eyes were squeezed shut, as some tears were probably forming in his lids. He whirled around suddenly and pushed his way across the crowd, shoving anyone in his way; both were gone in a matter of seconds. Shade stood now by the queen, as she sat down in her throne and smiled at Shade.
Shade glanced down at her bloody palm. The cut had knitted itself closed and now was a healing leaving a light pink colored scar that was thin and tight. She looked down at her awaiting group and saw Soap holding out a hand for her. She took it, relieved to see his smiling face as he helped her down from the dais. She joined her entourage, as they shuffled out of the grand room.
The group huddled near the glass bridge. Backpacks were strewn around, like a summer camp she went to back in the thick forests of California. People were skittering about stuffing packs with rations and supplies. Shade sat on the ground with her own backpack already stuffed, since she never really had a chance to unpack before the attack. It balanced between her criss-crossed legs and she was ready to go. She held onto it like a child would a precious stuffed animal or blanket for comfort. It felt like the only thing in the world that really did belong to her. They had risen early the day after the trial to reassemble and continue on the rest of the journey. Shade felt almost fully healed but her spirits were still dampened and her head ached with everything that had happened to her. She felt comfort in her solitary spot, watching others frantically rushing around. She didn't have much to pack anyway. Sary had retrieved her clothes, cell phone and charger from her old room, which Shade had refused to return to. Her phone was fully charged but no signal could penetrate the deep stone cavern.
Her mousey brown hair was pulled back into two thick braids, making her look even younger than her seventeen years. She had let Braelynn fuss over her this morning when she had arrived with her hairbrush in hand, even though she had tried to pull it into a sloppy ponytail. The tight braids Braelynn made for her felt a little chained and like she was headed for school pictures; but she could deal with it since it had made Braelynn feel so useful and motherly.
Soap came and stood before her, his tall figure seemed gigantic to her while she sat scrunched on the ground. His hair was also tied back but in an intricate half braid, leather and beads streaming through it and shimmering under the torchlight. He was looking at her with his bright eyes, so deep in color in the dim light that they seemed to glow with their own light. "Hi ya there kid, you feelin' alright?" His voice twanged with a made up southern drawl. He winked at her and tipped an imaginary hat to her.
She smiled up at him, not feeling quite as gloomy as before and nodded. He was definitely in a joking mood. "I'm okay. Maybe just a bit tired, not sleeping so well since..." She laid her chin on her pack as she pulled it against herself tighter, closing her eyes.
Soap sat beside her on the ground and sighed as he watched the rest of the group tidying up. He turned toward her with his smile gone and his eyes immensely serious. "Are you having nightmares now?"
She nodded and breathed in a bit. She closed her eyes and leaned her whole head on her pack and arms. Sleep had been seriously interrupted by her anxiety and paranoia during the night. Every creak, every rustle made her eyes fling open and her heart jump from her chest. She had resorted to sitting up in bed with a dagger in hand, just in case. She wondered if she would ever feel safe going to bed again.
"Well, let Braelynn and Sary know. I'm sure one of them can whip you up a dreamless sleep potion. It might help for the first few weeks. We're leaving in five minutes; did you eat anything this morning?"
"Yes, I ate some toast and fruit. I wasn't too hungry though." She opened her eyes and sat up, as she saw Dylan enter the area; his captain's uniform was gone, replaced with different leather and metal armor. It was probably his traveling armor. His helmet was also gone but his sword was still strapped to his back. His brown tunic was soft under the leather and lacked any kind of ornament at all. Wrist sheaths were strapped securely on his arms and flashed slightly as he moved, revealing silver knives. He also had a sheath strapped to each calf and his belt had pouches and sheaths laced throughout. He was well armed but also carried a small pack strapped to his back. His hair had been cut short, human male short. Shade wondered why he was sporting the cut, especially when he was the only faery man she had met so far that didn't have long hair.
"I guess this means he is joining us now," Shade said with her voice lowered. "Soap, why is his hair cut short now? It was so long; did he have to cut it for the journey?"
Soap shook his head and leaned in towards her, his voice just above a whisper.
"No, Shade, fey do it as a sign of mourning. He is probably in mourning for his brother, treating it like a death. It may be because it is a sort of enslavement that he has to be with us. He might just mourn his freedom and former life. Your guess is as good as mine." He leaned back to his spot and sighed. He jumped up from his sitting position, like he had just floated up, and held out a hand to Shade again, smiling. "May I have this dance, oh ye fair maiden?"
"You know what, you're such a dork." She took his hand but gave him a playful whack when he started to dance, swinging her around in a circle. "Stop it already!" Shade smiled again, feeling him radiate warmth too. Somehow she just knew that it was for her benefit that the fey did this. What they gave off in their magic was like happy juice to a moody teenager. It made her feel safe at least, and that's what she wanted most of all right now.
Dylan was watching them from across the way. His cold blank stare made Shade shiver as her happy mood faded with his icy look. She couldn't blame him for being mad but it really wasn't her fault. He was going have to just deal with it.
He started walking towards her and Soap. She held her breath, hoping he wasn't going to be a pain. Dylan stopped right in front of her, causing her to take a step back as he invaded her space. He seemed to know that it made her nervous to stand near any of the Teleen, even if they were shielded.
"Dylan of the Teleen clan reporting for duty, Miss Shade. What will you have of me today?" He stood still, so close to her, she could feel his warm breath across her cheek. His steel eyes were smoldering at her. She was not sure if it was just his eyes or a twinge of hatred swimming in them.
"Nothing Dylan, I..." She let her voice fall dead and shook her head. It took a moment or two for what she wanted to say to come out right. She straightened and glared right back at him. "I'm not your master, boss or whatever. I didn't want this. So, do what you want, ok? I really don't care." Shade took another step back to dodge around him but stopped herself. "If it is any consolation, this was not my idea. Darren should have manned up and took his punishment; though I do think death is an easy way out. If there is anything I can do to help you unbind us, you just go on and let me know." She watched him glare at the ground with his jaw set hard. She sighed when he gave her nothing but silence, as she swung her pack onto her back and walked away.
Jack motioned her over as well as all the others. Everyone quickly finished their packing and filed around him. "Okay everyone; we are way behind schedule. Today we anticipate to at least making it to the river lands. We will be near a large iron city, so once we approach, we must be very careful and glamour ourselves to appear more human. We will mostly stay near the rivers and be out of sight but if we are spotted, we might have to do memory charms on any humans that may be nearby. I would like to avoid that, you know how much fun that is," he said sarcastically.
"Oh, and we have two newcomers on our quest. Everyone welcome Dylan, former Captain of the Teleen." His arm hung out towards Dylan who stood just outside the circle, his arms crossed and his gaze at the ground. "Also, Miss Sylphi of the Teleen has so graciously volunteered to serve as a tracker. She can help us track down food when our supply runs low around the outside of the Santiran fountains; there are no cities for miles. Please welcome them both with open arms."
He held his arm out to Sylphi who came over and gave him an aggressive hug, and was clearly invading his space. He stumbled back a bit as he shifted his weight but he did avoid losing his balance. She laughed and smiled, as though it was nothing to volunteer on a treacherous mission.
Shade glared at her. She hadn't forgotten how she seemed really friendly with Darren the night of the attack. Sylphi caught her glare and smiled sweetly to her, ignoring the look on Shade's face. I wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her boney, pointy body.
"Everyone should be ready by now. Let's go!" Ewan's voice boomed in the cavern, echoing down the ravine. The group all swung packs onto their backs and sheathed last minute weapons. In about a minute they were all crossing the great glass bridge. Shade held her breath as she walked across. Unfortunately, looking down made her stomachache, so she avoided it at all costs. She would be happy never to cross this blasted bridge again.
They journeyed through the same tunnels and large rooms that they had first passed on the way in. Shade felt relief wash over her and flow through her, as she caught sight of the great doors. The doors creaked open and a stream of early morning sun beamed in and grew wider to meet them. Shade upped her pace and laughed when she felt the rush of the cool spring morning air. The sun was warm on her face and the tension she had been feeling seemed to ease up. Somehow, she knew she was not going to miss the Teleen Caverns.
They headed up around the base of one of the mountains, which were the top of the caverns they had called home for a few days. The trail winded around lazily, through a canyon, made from a dry dead river. The path was packed with flakey clay, and crunched underfoot. There were also rocks that were smoothed by centuries of water, and littered the ground in different sizes. There were signs of drought as they walked along the bed of the river and spied dead bushes and wilted desert sage. In the air was the occasional scent of sage bushes and wildflowers; but there was also a slight odor of old rot mixed in with the sand.
The sand got into everything, it clung to her pants and shoes and gritted against her skin inside her sneakers and socks. She had to stop and empty the dust and gravel out of her shoes quite often, while sitting on the smooth boulders that jumped into their way throughout the path. The advantage of the canyon was that there were a lot of shady areas blocking off the blaring sun and the heat that built with day wearing on. The occasional desert lizard or jackrabbit darted across their paths. They shimmied their bodies into the cracks of earth beneath the stones or bushes. How anything could survive out here for any period of time was mind-boggling. Water was scarce and Shade was giving thanks, she was grateful she had some to enjoy.
The group stopped for a rest under a large overhang of striped red, white, and orange stone. It hovered over them like a massive giant, threatening to fall at any moment. Ewan assured her it would not fall, that it was well anchored in the ground and was more under the ground than above. Shade sat at the edge of its shadow; she wanted to be ready in case she had to bolt and avoid being crushed alive. She opened her pack and pulled out her canteen. She drank quickly, the cool water felt refreshing as it tumbled down her throat. She would have to thank Jack for her canteen, and she was amazed that it refilled itself with the magical water.
She also pulled out a bag of rations and started munching on the nuts, dried jerky meat and flat bread included in the bag. She immediately felt more alert and not so tired. She glanced around them and noticed how the desert seemed to be blending into a more grassy and bushy area. Off in the distance she noticed greenery weaving itself into the barren desert. It grew thicker and thicker the farther away from them. Great pines and coniferous trees shone small but bright in color, speckling the mountainsides. She wondered if they would be heading into that forest before nightfall.
Dylan parked himself at the edge of the shadows too, but not too close to be considered sitting with her. He had his head down and was also stuffing bits of food into his mouth. He spoke with no one in the group at all. If he was angry or sad, it didn't show; but his antisocial behavior clued her in on what he must be feeling.
It was tempting sitting there to push herself closer to him and try and pry some information out of him. As she studied him he didn't seem hostile, but he wasn't exacting welcoming either.
Sary, Braelynn, and Stephen sat together and chatted loudly. They were in good spirits and enjoying the outdoors; it seemed as if they had felt suffocated underground too. They had told Shade they were grounded to the earth, but they drew their powers from the outdoors. The sun, nature, and life was needed for their strength, and not just stone. Maybe they needed the beautiful life outside to fill their powers. Ewan, Than, Soap and Jack were also sitting near each other; mostly being quiet as they chomped on their rations. They chatted amongst themselves and occasionally laughed and nodded with full mouths. Their manners were a bit atrocious but it made Shade giggle to herself. She was enjoying their company and they were beginning to feel like a surrogate family.
Speaking of family, Shade's thoughts wandered to her mother and siblings. What were they doing just now? Did any of them really even remember her? She wondered how strong the memory charm Ilarial had used on her family had been. She felt a sinking feeling in her stomach that she ignored. It's going to be okay. She stopped eating her snacks and closed her eyes thinking about the times they had gone camping when she was younger and her father was still alive.
Camping was a constant distraction from the everyday problems her family had faced. She would share her tent with her younger sister, Anna. She was three years younger than her and most of the time quite a pest. She enjoyed following Shade around like a puppy, which was very annoying. Anna would butt into Shade's stuff or activities all the time; and she would mess with her Barbie dolls, kick her arrangements over or even resort to just stealing the toy or accessory. Shade hated it at the time but now, she would give anything to have Anna bugging the crap out of her. Maybe she would be sitting with her, sharing food, and drawing in the fine sand with a twig. Anna did have a great big imagination; she would tell Shade the longest stories about her day at school or simply made one up, and always seemed to take hours to tell it just right. She would love to hear an Anna story right now.
She felt the sting of tears in her eyes and looked down before anyone else would notice. She took a bite of jerky and tried to distract her thoughts by concentrating on chewing the tough meat. She felt very alone; though she knew her new friends would not let anything happen to her. She still longed for her best friend Brisa, who could be counted on for a quick joke when things were bad. She pulled her cell phone out of her pack and stared at the reception bars. For one reason or another, they were nonexistent, even out here, above ground.
She felt the tears break their tension on her lids and slide warmly down her cheeks as she stuffed the phone back into the pack. Pulling her knees up to her chin, she nuzzled them with her face, hiding in her skin.
This will not last forever and soon I'll be home. She sniffled and pulled a soft washcloth from her pack, wiping her face and clearing her drippy nose. She sighed, stuffing the cloth back into the pack and jumped with a start, realizing Dylan had crouched down and was staring at her with his intense, steel-grey eyes. His face was alert and watching her, as if waiting for some sort of word from her.
"What?" Her voice came out sharper than she had meant it to but she did not like him interrupting her melancholy memories.
"You're in distress."
She fought the urge to be a smart ass. "Really, you think so?" She snapped.
He smirked and blinked, settling down next to her as if he had been invited. "Don't get angry, I only meant to help. I am blood bound to serve you, aren't I? Well if you are in distress, I can feel it now, and I have to try and fix it. I am compelled to; it's part of the magic." He was looking at the dirt where he sat.
Shade watched him as his face seemed to freeze into his own memories and his hand sifted through the fine sand. The stillness surrounding him froze him like stone. She waved her hand in front of his face to break his gaze. "Are you alright?" She stared at him as he returned from wherever he had gone.
His eyes flashed back at her, as he snapped out of his thoughts. "What do you care?" He asked coldly.
Shade pulled her gaze away first and glared back at the ground, smearing her tears away with the back of her hand. He was so mean his words felt sharp and put an ache in her chest. "I just thought that maybe, um, well I...oh never mind." She pressed her lips together and shook her head. It was entirely useless to talk to Dylan; the walls he built around himself were too thick. She could almost feel her pressing up against it, just sitting there next to him. His resentment was palpable.
"Why don't you just go away?" She asked irritated and started scooting away, when he grabbed the sleeve of her hoodie. She looked up, expecting an angry glare but found an ocean of concern floating behind his eyes. His mouth tensed up firmly with unexpectedly seriousness.
"I would but I can't. Like a cord between us, it binds me to you. Where you go, I must then follow. If you go too far, I am compelled to search for you until I find you. If I try to run, I would freeze in my own steps and be made to turn back. I am anything but free, I'm your slave. I intend to see this to its finality and end it." He snickered then and let her go. "Til death do us part, Shade." He ripped off a bite of his jerky and chewed without looking at her again.
She didn't try to leave again. A tight knot had formed in her stomach, making her want to throw up. Nothing about this seemed right. She could feel the suffocation that bound them pressing down on Dylan. She didn't even like him and didn't believe he liked her, for that matter. It was like having to choose the kid that no one ever picks for your team in gym class. You didn't want to do it but you had to and it sucked.
"Alright everyone, let's get going again. We have to make it to the emerald forest of the River Lands before nightfall; that is where we will stop for the night." Ewan waved to the group as everyone jumped to their feet, slinging packs on and re-strapping weapons on.
Shade stood up and watched as Dylan re-strapped his sword sheath over his thin armor. He stretched his arms and legs as he stood, well defined muscles rippled in his arms. He had a slight golden brown tan that meant he had seen some kind of sun. She wondered if the Teleen guards were the only ones that spent some time outside the caverns. The queen had been so chalky pale, just like most of the other Teleen people had been. Their complexion hid the blue electrical fire that dwelled within them well. She had some unanswered questions about them and wondered whom she could ask. She glanced at Dylan, pondering for a moment to ask him but decided she would ask the others first. Dylan would be the one to go for answers when there was no other choice, literally as last resort.
She jogged up to Sary and fell into step with her. Stephen moved to the side when he spotted her and smiled, nodding to her as she passed. He and Sary seemed always glued to each other's side. Shade flushed at the thought of them as lovers; of the entire group, these two were the most inseparable.
"Yes dear, everything alright?" Sary's sweet voice flowed from her cherry red lips. She was quite pretty, beautiful actually. It was no wonder that she was royalty. Why she would be out here in the middle of who knows where, getting dirty, grimy and really sweaty? Shade would never understand it.
"Um, I was wondering about something."
"What are you wondering about?"
"Why I didn't get burned, when Darren touched me? I didn't get electrocuted or burned, like Jack told me I would. He wasn't in glamour at all and Jack and Soap said that if you touch a Teleen when they are not glamoured, you could get electrocuted or burned. Darren seemed surprised that I didn't, he was frustrated at first that I wasn't being hurt. Then I think he found it fascinating and intriguing." She heard her voice quiver with the lump forming in her throat. She could see everything so clearly in her mind, like it was happening all over again.
Sary eyebrows furrowed as she thought about her question. "Oh Shade, I know it's hard for you to talk about that night. Honestly, I don't know the answer. You might want to ask Jack. He might know of some instances or possible reasons why Darren did not harm you. It is quite interesting. Somehow, I think one of your powers is a power of protection and it shields you from the fire and lightning of the Teleen. I find it quite interesting."
Shade nodded and thanked her for her thoughts. She decided that Jack would be the one to ask for sure. She had meant to ask him about the Teleen for some time, especially about roaming in the iron cities unharmed. I still don't get how Jack and Soap can move around in human cites without getting sick. "Jack! Wait up!" They were on a hill and the rocks were jagged as she ran over the trail. She slowed her pace as she maneuvered around the sharp edges of stone. Soon she was right behind him and he looked back and smiled.
"Hey there, what can I do for you?" He asked brightly.
She matched his pace but could not walk beside him with the trail narrowing and twisting around the large, rough boulders. She kept an eye on the shifting dirt underneath. "I wanted to know if you could tell me something I've been meaning to ask you about."
"Sure, go for it." He pulled himself up a steep part of the trail and turned to help Shade over the hump.
"Thanks. I was wondering, when Darren attacked me, he let his glamour fall away and touched me. Why didn't I burn or get electrocuted like you said I would?
Jack stopped cold and turned to her. Horror flashed across his face, as his eyes grew dark. "What? Are you sure he let his shields slide? No, it would have killed you. There is no way you would have survived." He narrowed his eyes at her, studying her face for something. "Are you sure you're remembering right? You don't think that when you hit your head, you might have thought he let his shields down?"
She shook her head; there was no way she was remembering wrong. "No, I know what I saw, I felt his glamour melt away and I watched him as he held onto me while he was on fire. He burned with bright blue flames that lit the entire room and flowed over his skin, like sparking electricity. I remember as clear as I see you now."
"I'm know what you're saying Shade, I'm not doubting you but it's just that it's not possible. I don't know what to tell you. I've never heard of anyone, especially a part human mortal fey, surviving a full-blown Teleen touch. That's exactly why our race is dying. We...we cannot breed outside our own race, it would be fatal to get close enough." He pressed his lips into a thin hard line as he started walking again, his face spooked and still.
"But Jack, that can't be all true, look at Soap, isn't he just part Teleen and something else? You're saying it's not possible but is he not evidence against that?" Shade hurried to keep up with Jack, as his step had quickened with his deep concentration.
Soap, was walking ahead of them, and he had paused, watching them now with great interest.
"Soap is part changeling. Changelings can 'change' into a Teleen if they want to. I think that is the only way that a pairing outside our race could be possible. Changelings are all but extinct. We don't even know who his parents were. To find a changeling to mate with would be like hitting the lottery for a Teleen born; it just doesn't happen. It's almost impossible. Unless..." He stopped again and was really staring at her now. Shade stopped then too, suddenly feeling the weight of his stare, like she was under a microscope. "You're not a changeling though, Shade, are you?"
"No, well, not that I know of, I can't change into anything. I would think I'd know if I could." Her voice stumbled and she felt suddenly unsure about anything. She was part fey but she totally didn't know what kind of fey. Me, a changeling that's doubtful, Shade thought to herself, it was unnerving to think she could be anything.
Jack shook his head and when he looked at her again, the friendly smile was lighting up his face. "Nah, I don't think you're a changeling, Shade--all this just sounds really weird. I wish I could help you, but I never have come across something like this before. If I ever find out anything about it, you will be the first to know, okay?"
She nodded, as he patted her back and turned to walk down another narrow and rocky hill. She sighed, not sure if she knew anything more than she had before.
Shade sat on a large smooth rock near her tent. She smiled; satisfied that she had erected it by herself. The cool breeze rippled the nylon but it held. She had staked it down good, just like her father had shown her. She had had lots of practice staking down tents for herself and her sister. Every time they went camping, she was in charge of tent set up. She remembered how much she loathed it but now she thanked her lucky stars that her father had pounded the basics of camping and surviving in the wild, just in case. She guessed this was 'the case' he had prepared her for.
Dinner was cooking on top of a blazing fire. There was a fox roasting over it that Than had skinned, gutted and staked to a spit. It now was being turned round and round in the flames, giving off a pleasant but smoky aroma. It looked like he had done this many times. The fox had been a good size, nice and plump, and would feed them all. She wished she could take a shower but that was not going to happen out here. Once again she was covered in dirt and her salty sweat was a film on her skin, and she didn't think it would ever come off.
The air was cooling rapidly as the sun sank over the mountains. She shivered and rubbed her arms up and down to warm them, she had her jacket on instead of the hoodie she had sported earlier, but wished she had brought a thicker one. She felt a bit unprepared for the cold night, but had decided to layer her clothes and wore a thicker sweater. Unfortunately the extra clothes weren't working to well in guarding her from the cold.
Dylan plopped down next to her, disturbing her thoughts, and draped a large thick part fur blanket over her shoulders. She jumped up and the blanket spilled off her. Dylan grabbed it just before it hit the ground.
"What are you doing?" Shade glared at him, her face flushed with anger. She didn't like him impeding on her space.
He held his free hand up, smirking a little at the same time. He looked up at her, and sighed. "The polite thing to say is thank you. I'm not sure what humans are accustomed to, but when someone gives you a blanket to keep warm in the cold, our kind is grateful. But who am I to say so? I might be wrong to think that way," he added sarcastically.
"You're a prick, Dylan. You know that? I can see that it's in your blood. Just stay away from me, you and your brother can just go to hell!" Shade stood there staring at him, her breath steaming in the cool air as her words came out in a huff. The night pushed hard against the remnants of the day, making her feel suddenly over exposed. Dylan remained calm while he looked at her. He lifted the blanket up to her again. He wasn't mad and his smirk had smoothed out and the former captain's face fell flat and unreadable. His eyes did give away some feeling, there seemed to be a spark in them that showed he was amused by her reaction.
"Shade, just take the blanket, okay? It's cold out," he gritted. "I'm not really affected by the cold, but being that you're mortal..." He looked like he was working hard to suppress a smile. "Well, I packed for two. I knew you'd need more help out here." His smiled grew. "Really it's a warm blanket, think of it as a peace offering." Dylan stood up when she did not go to him. He moved closer until he was in her face, almost touching. He swung the blanket around, draping it over her shoulders.
Shade let him and held onto it this time, unsure what to do.
He nodded, satisfied and turned to walk away.
"Dylan, wait." Shade choked out, her voice was tight within her throat. She turned to look at him as he stopped in his track. He didn't turn around but paused, waiting. "I...I'm sorry, Dylan, I just feel like you don't like me and you don't even know me: and maybe that reminds me of Darren a bit, and that freaks me out. You guys are pretty similar but I know you are not like him. I know that... I can feel it. I..." She sighed, frustrated with her stumbling tongue. "Thanks for the blanket, I do appreciate it."
"You're welcome, Shade," he answered, with a little more warmth than he had ever shown her.
She glanced around and noticed the others working around their own tents. Jack had one, so did Ewan. Sary and Braelynn looked like they were sharing though, and so were Stephen and Than. Shade thought maybe some of the group were pairing up because they didn't have enough tents. Soap had his own tent though, and unless they were sharing, it was unclear where Dylan was going to sleep.
"Don't you have a tent, Dylan?" She asked.
"I do, but I find it really confining. Besides, I have to stay by you, and there is not enough room for your tent and mine here. The ground is my bed tonight." He added and turned slightly, so that most of his profile faced her, one eye watched her intently.
"Why do you have to camp by me; do you really have to?"
"No," he stated simply.
"Then why are you hovering? I feel like you are suffocating me."
"No, I wouldn't, I would never hurt you!" He had whirled around, his face now serious and his eyes wide. He had taken her word at face value.
"Whoa, I don't mean literally! It's like an expression." She sighed as he relaxed. "Look, you don't have to be stuck to me like glue. I'm not an invalid and you are not my bodyguard. Get this straight, I do like my space." She had lost her patience with him. She headed off with the blanket still wrapped around her towards the smoking carcass that was dinner.
\*\*\*\*\*
Dinner had been satisfying. The fox had tasted amazing, or maybe it was just because Shade had been starving. It had been such a long hike that day, her muscles ached and burned intensely. She had never felt so hungry before, and now, so tired. She was sitting on a fallen log that was by the main fire in the center of camp. She watched the flames licking the twigs and branches of the trees that burned and smoldered with soot. Ashes littered the ground around it, as Shade watched the fire flicker and crackle. The heat felt comforting on her face with the chill of the evening shifting in the breeze.
Shade felt cozy in the blanket Dylan had provided, and felt just a tad bit guilty for snapping at him. Especially his gift turned out to be so useful. Okay, and try to be nicer to Dylan, this isn't his fault. She didn't mean to snap at Dylan but all this was really overwhelming. She had been attacked twice in less than a week. It was hard enough for her to keep up with everyone in the group physically; she just didn't like outdoor activities. She took a deep breath because she knew these things were the least of her problems. Dad... isn't my real dad, she thought sadly, and it was hard to cope with. She wasn't glad he was dead, but she was glad he didn't have to know this. How was she supposed to deal with all this? And, to make matters worse she was bound with Dylan and now shared the same blood; and in some way she was connected to Darren too. Dylan's blood is Darren's blood.... She cringed at the thought.
She sighed. Her life was not turning out quite like she had planned. She was supposed to be in high school, cramming for finals and graduating in three weeks. This was not supposed to happen; and she missed Brisa so much. Who else could tell so many jokes, especially around a warm campfire on a freezing night? She wished Brisa had somehow been pulled into this mess so at least she would not be alone right now. Even with her new friends surrounding her and their happy chatter floating about the fire, she felt alone.
Sary walked over and sat next to her on the short fallen log. She smiled at Shade and then stared into the fire too. The silence between them was thick; Shade could sense she was aching to ask her something. She wondered what it could possibly be. Sary was pretty quiet for the most part. The only one she seemed to quietly chatter and giggle with was Stephen. Shade had seen how she stared into his eyes whenever they were talking. His face was a mirror of hers, their devotion radiated around them like some protective blissful bubble. She couldn't help but feel a little envious.
Shade shook the thoughts away; she was not the type to get jealous. She was actually quite happy being the responsible older sister, in a single parent home, of four kids. It gave her tons of freedom to do whatever she wanted to, and she felt like she was the other adult in the house. Now she couldn't help but think of her mother. She had shoulder length hair with a nice shade of light brown, with caramel and blond highlights streaked throughout. It was wavy and never wanted to stay where she would like it too, but she was happy just running her hands through and did not fuss with it. Her big brown eyes were interesting too. They had a glint of grey and honey running through both of her irises. The hazel coloring in her eyes definitely stood out, with just a touch of makeup on her olive skin. She was glad she took after her mother; she had always seen her mother as a beautiful woman.
"Shade?" a voice said gently and breaking into her thoughts.
"Yes, Sary?"
Sary paused for a moment, studying Shade's face before she spoke. "When this is over, will you return to the faerie world at all? Or will you want to forget this all happened? I wonder because you see...I can feel your reluctance still, in completing this task. I know it is a hard thing to ask of you, being that our world is so alien to you." She sighed nervously before continued. "We need you more than you could possibly perceive or understand. I can't even imagine what you think of this, especially after all that's happened."
Shade felt anxious and slightly guilty because she was so caught up in herself and didn't think about the rest of the group. She hoped she hadn't seemed too antisocial tonight; maybe it had an adverse effect on them. She smiled and stared back at the fire, thinking hard on how to answer Sary. It was so hard to predict the future and she never thought this would be happening to her; she searched for the right thing to say.
"Oh Sary, I hope you don't feel like I could just say goodbye and be done with you all. You have helped me so much, already. I have to admit that this new world is confusing to me. It scares me to death and I don't feel like I belong here. I don't have the strength or the right training for this. You all have said, I have magic in me but I don't know how to use it. How can I even survive in your world? I just feel vulnerable. I would sure love to visit you guys when this is all done, but I don't think I can live out here.
Sary was staring at Shade, an amused look danced on her face. She started laughing so hard she almost fell off the log.
"What's so funny?" Shade asked annoyed. She definitely was confused with Sary's reaction. What the hell could be so funny about what she had said?
Sary stopped, and shook her head as she cleared her throat. "I'm so sorry, Shade. I don't mean to insult you. I just never thought of our world as that different. It's nice to get an outsider's view. You're right, how inconsiderate of me. Of course you don't feel safe. Ilarial did tell us that it was our job to show you how to use your magic. You have more in you than you think you do. I am still baffled on how you managed to trap Darren in the mirror shards, he was bloody mad about it. I can't say he didn't deserve it though. He deserved that glass prison and more for what he did to you." She paused looking a bit more serious. "Shade, how would you like your first official magic lesson?" She smiled and her eyes were twinkling in the firelight.
"Oh, I don't know Sary. I'm kinda tired. I'm going to bed. Maybe tomorrow?"
"No, no, right now. I promise it will be a short one." She watched Shade squirm uncomfortably. How 'bout it?" She pushed.
She pressed her lips tight in frustration. There is no sense in fighting it, "Alright."
Sary jumped up and clapped her hands; and her vibrant enthusiasm cheered Shade up.
"Okay then, you can pick up any stone--really it can be any one that you find. Come on Shade, just pick the first one that catches your eye," Sary told her firmly when Shade hesitated.
Shade groaned but bent down from the log to study the ground. She searched and looked at each possible stone but none seemed to stand out. She sighed and sat up. She was shaking her head slightly when she caught the glint of a rock, in the corner of her eye it was nearly buried in the sand. She reached out towards the edge of the log and retrieved it. The grey and white stone looked slightly out place among the other white ones that were imbedded in the sand. She plucked it up, dusted it on her jeans and held it up in the middle of her palm.
"Ok, perfect! Now, take your stone and place your other hand over it. You have enough power within you, I can feel it radiating off you like a heater." Sary waved her hand at her to make her go faster.
Shade groaned but did what she was told. Her hands felt cold in the night air and the stone was cool in the center of her warm palms. She was about to give up when she felt it; the stone started to feel warmer than it did before. She opened her hands and her eyes widened with amazement. The rock was glowing with a dim yellow hue. The heat was radiating to her fingers and though it should have burned her it did not. Shocked, she dropped it and cradled her hands on her chest. She watched it puff up the sand like a meteorite, losing its glow until it sat still, dusty and a cool grey once more. She looked up at Sary.
"Wow, Shade, that was faster than I thought it would be. You just made your first light stone. You can make your own light like that and keep your hands warm too. It won't burn you if that's what you are thinking. This comes in handy on a cold winter's night," she said with smile. She then bent down and plucked the rock out of the gravel, holding it out to Shade.
"It's ok, Shade, take it; it will only glow when you want it to. Remember, to activate it again, by laying it between your hands. It belongs to you and only you now, so keep it near. She smiled again as Shade took it and stuffed it her jeans. It was small enough to not bulge out too much. "Good job! I'll let you get to your sweet dreams now, Shade." Sary jumped up then and ran over to Stephen who was calling her to him. They walked away from the fire and over to their tents chatting and hugging quietly.
Shade let out a nervous breath. She had been taken by surprise with the light stone. She liked the idea but hadn't expected it. She fished through her pocket and brought the stone out again. It was brighter this time as it glowed in her palms and warmed her chilly fingers. She stared at it for a while before stuffing it back in its place, as she rose and walked back to her tent. Maybe, just maybe... I can do this after all.
The murmur of voices seemed amplified in the growing light of the morning. Shade moaned and wished she had thought of bringing earplugs. She rolled over, stuffing her pillow onto her head, hoping to muffle the noise. It can't be morning already! She felt like she had just laid her head against her pillow and closed her eyes. Hiking was definitely not on her cool list right now as her muscles ached and burned.
"Shade, get up, we have to pack and get going. I brought you breakfast, you're gonna need it." Shade felt her pillow fly off her face. Dylan stood crouched at the entrance of her tent, his lips tight with disapproval. He looked wide-awake; she wondered how long he had been up. Or was it possible he didn't need to sleep? He motioned to a plate of food and drink he had laid by her; then in an instant, he was gone.
Shade blinked and rubbed her eyes. She grabbed her pillow and stuffed it under her neck, sighing. She wanted to sleep more, sleeping in seemed like a pleasure of the past now. She glanced at the food he had brought her; bacon and fresh scrambled eggs with a bread roll, were still steaming. It looked amazing and smelled even better. This coaxed her out of her warm bed, and she pulled the food and drink towards her. Inhaling the food, she was amazed by how starved she now felt. She allowed herself to scarf down the sweet and warm tea that Dylan had provided; instantly it made her feel alert. She wondered what was in that drink that seemed to revitalize her so fast, she'd have to ask someone. She was also curious how they managed to have bacon and eggs so fresh out here in the wild. She crunched on the rich thick slices of bacon and enjoyed every bit. Well, this is a bright spot for out here in this hellhole. She sighed, frowning at her empty plate. Good things just don't last around here. She stretched and fumbled through her bag, pulling her brush, washcloth and towel out of her bag, hoping there was somewhere to wash up. She pulled her shoes on and wrapped the blanket like a cape around her. Stepping out into the cold morning air was like being electrocuted. The cold stung her cheeks and sent a thrill down her body. Winter... She wondered how it seemed to be a different season every place they went here in the faery lands. She couldn't believe that back home it was spring.
Walking up towards the main fire, she took a look around. She wanted to ask Braelynn or Sary where she could get some water to wash up, but it was Soap who popped up in front of her instead. He smiled at her, as always, showing his pearly white teeth. "Where do you think you're sneaking off to young lady?"
Shade froze in her tracks. Slowly, she tilted her head and gazed upon his, still smiling, but suspicious face.
"I'm not sneaking off anywhere; I just want to wash up. Do you know where I could, um, go to uh, freshen up?" Her face flushed up scarlet under the cold air. Soap wasn't the one she had wanted to ask.
"It's down that side of the hill a bit. It's a large tent, girls on the right, boys to the left." He winked and turned back to the camp. Shade stared back at him as he walked away, more like skipped away cheerfully. She shook her head. He was so strange. They hadn't spoken much since they had arrived to the Teleen caverns. She wondered if he was just being cautious with her since a Teleen had attacked her. She sighed, it was something she would have to talk to him about later.
For now, she turned back toward the way he had pointed her, gripping her towel, washcloth and the extra set of clothes, she moved on. Approaching the bathroom tent, she paused and stared. It didn't look like anything special. She wondered how it was even big enough to hold two dressing rooms. She shrugged, too tired to contemplate it for too long. She willed herself to get moving. When she got inside, she was shocked at how warm and humid it was. It smelled like flowers blooming in the springtime; and the tent was bigger than it appeared on the outside. It could be described as a foyer, and in front of her was a table; and to the right of the wooden table hung one red and one blue curtain. She supposed the colors were to separate the women and men.
She went through the red drapery, assuming it was for women, and followed as the hallway turned to the left. At the end it turned again to the right and opened to a fairly large room; it had mirrors to the left wall and chairs. On the right were stalls with toilets and two showers next to the stalls with sliding doors. This reminds me of camp. She was impressed but not curious enough to wonder too long how the heck this was possible; she was just grateful it was all here. She laid her stuff on one of the chairs and pulled it near one of the shower stalls. She relieved herself first and was definitely surprised and amazed by the actual flushing toilets! Really I can't believe the fey have all this. She just shook her head in disbelief and undressed, stepping into the shower stalls. There was soap, shampoo and conditioner provided, and she was thankful the water was hot. The steaming water sprayed on her skin and eased her aches. All too soon she had to step out of the stall and get ready. She dried her body and hair and pulled her fresh clothes on. She then ran her brush through her tangled hair and pulled it back into a tight ponytail.
Shade stared at her reflection in the mirror for the first time since the attack. She sucked her breath in; her face had small healing pink lines, like spider webs, on her right cheek. She looked down at her arms where she saw more of the same thin scars. They're all over me.... She traced them with her fingers; they were smooth and a soft pink, nearly invisible to anyone who wasn't really looking. She stared into the mirror for a bit longer, making sure it didn't ripple or look magical. She did her best not to be reminded of Darren. When she was satisfied it was just a normal mirror, she turned away from it and finished dressing, topping off with the blanket Dylan had given to her the night before. She wrapped it around herself and definitely realized she was in need of a coat. The weather here is so annoying. She didn't want to think about the scars, at least not yet, so in a way the blanket served like amour, in covering them up, and for that she was grateful. She bundled her old clothes in the towel and turned to leave, running right into Sylphi. Shade gasped and stumbled back, her eyes wide as she regained her balance.
"I'm so sorry Shade, did I frighten you?" She was smiling slightly as she studied her. Sylphi's jet black hair was down and a bit tousled, like she had just rolled out of bed but it still managed to have some shine. It fell down and spilled to the small of her back. She held a bundle of clothes and towel in her arms too and it pressed to her chest.
Shade gave a small laugh. "Oh, um, hello Sylphi. No, well, maybe just a little. How long were you standing there?" She tried to swallow her anxiety and stood a bit straighter. Nothing about Sylphi made her feel warm and fuzzy. The girl radiated cold like an open window in the late fall.
"Not for too long really, I was just going to freshen up." She smiled her sickly, sweet smile. She continued to stare at Shade with her intensely black eyes and didn't make a move to get ready. Her eyes were so dark it was like staring into a pair of black holes.
A chill ran through Shade but she pursed her lips tight and smiled at the faery. The sight of her was unnerving to say the least. "Well, ok, I was just leaving. See you later." She had to side step a bit to get around Sylphi, who was not budging from her spot that was blocking her path.
"Why don't you just go home, Shade? No one really wants you here."
Shade hung in mid step as she listened to Sylphi's icy voice. The woman was still not moving but slyly smiling back at her. "You are too weak for such a quest. Why don't you give up before you fail miserably? No one wants to be out here, in this forsaken wilderness with you anyway. Do us a favor and quit already, half-breed."
Shade stared at her in disgust. Shaking her head she grinned back. "I'm not a quitter, Sylphi. I believe that I need to do this and nothing you say will change my mind. I don't believe you have to be here, though. You came by choice remember? So did I...maybe you should go home." She dodged around Sylphi and stepped hurriedly through the doorway, and ignored Sylphi's snide laughter. I wonder what the hell her problem is.
The cold air slapped her hard and her hair felt instantly frozen, once she left the facilities tent. She didn't stop though; she hurried as fast as she could until she reached her own tent, or what should have been her tent. All she found was Dylan sitting on the ground patiently waiting next to her pack.
"What the, where's my stuff? What'd you do with my things?" She felt her anger tipping the scales and tried to grab a handle on it, before hollering at him. She breathed in slowly and deeply as she glared down at him. It wasn't his fault that Sylphi had such a strange effect on her. Her breath steamed like clouds floating out her nose and mouth.
He rolled his eyes with her almost as impatiently as she had jumped on him.
"Well, Dylan?" she snapped
"Ok, calm down, I so graciously put it away for you, since you were taking so long in the bath. We are leaving in just a few minutes." He stood up and held out her pack.
She snatched it from him with her free hand, biting her lip, as he walked off to the main camp without another word. She sighed pressing her lips together, realizing she had not even bothered to thank him. They seemed to clash over everything; and if they were going to be forced to spend so much time together this would have to stop. She knelt down and opened her pack; she pulled out a sack for her dirty clothes. She stuffed them in and shoved it back into the pack.
This will just have to do until we all reached the river, The clothes had a slight odor and they needed to be washed. She marched down the path to the main camp, joining the rest of the group. Ewan was already waving his arm around to capture everyone's attention. She chose a large boulder to sit on and rubbed her sleepy eyes. It already had been a long day for her. And it's only the butt crack of dawn.
"Alright, everyone, is everybody present? Soap, Jack, Braelynn, where's Sylphi?" Ewan called, heads whirled around and searched the group.
"I just saw her in the bath tent. She's probably still there," Shade said.
"I'm right here."
Sylphi stepped out from behind a tree and smiled at the group. Her hair was dried and slicked back into an even tighter ponytail than Shade's. She looked radiant in the morning sun, all dressed with her pack strapped to her back. She waved at Shade, a sly smirk on her face. Shade smiled back but not as confidently. She wondered how Sylphi had bathed, dried, clothed herself, packed and made it to the group so fast. It's probably a fey thing.
"Alright, that should be everyone; and we are heading to the great rivers. We will be getting wet by the way. Shade, see Braelynn for any water repellant charms so your stuff doesn't get soaked," he added as a side note, and then continued on. "We will be camping in the middle of the river lands. It is made up of seven rivers that wind and turn and meet together at the Pacific Ocean. The rivers are pure fey territory. There is to be no wandering across the borders, because the iron cites are too close to the coast.
He held up a large piece of parchment with a drawing of the rivers, they twisted and curved around the vast green areas on the map. He pointed out the boundaries and again warned of the dangers of wandering too near a human city. Shade stared confused at the map. It looked utterly unfamiliar. If her sense of direction was right, they had to be near the coast of California and Oregon. She didn't recall seeing such a tangle of large rivers before. She waved at Ewan.
"Those rivers are not on ordinary maps. You said it is purely fey territory? Does that mean that it is hidden from humans?"
Ewan nodded and smiled largely for her. "Why yes, Shade, aren't you just sharp as a knife this morning. Yes, human maps look quite different from faery maps; but we have the real world maps. Mortal's maps are only splices of the actual world. They don't know it though; there are vast areas of fey lands that are protected by enchantments. So, in essence, their land is a lot smaller than ours." Ewan continued on letting his finger trace along the borders on the paper. He then quickly rolled up the scroll map and told everyone they were prepared to leave.
The desert wasteland twisted and blended into the lush forest of emerald green leaves and bushes. The land seemed riper and more fertile here, almost an artificial vibrant green. No matter which trail they took, Shade could hear rushing water in the distance. It surrounded them like endless background noise. The river lands were strange, there were islands between some rivers where they intersected and weaved together. Then there would be long stretches of land that didn't run into a river at all. Some of the islands were covered in bridges, while with others they had to wade through carefully. Even with the waterproof charm Braelynn and Sary had placed on everyone and their items, Shade couldn't help but feel the cold embrace of the water all around her. It flowed around her thighs and the cold seeped through her clothes.
She was stiff from the cold, though with the charms, she did not feel wet, but felt quite dry. It made her teeth chatter and her body shake, making her relieved every time they emerged from the cold, wet trek through a river. Once she emerged from the water, the sun warmed her immediately. Relief washed over her as they moved from the river but her stiff and freezing clothes stuck to her, and it was like trying to battle the remnants of a watery grave.
After about four more of these immersions, she was ready to smack Ewan. Did they really have to walk through muddy, cold and swirling water that much? Her love of the outdoors, what little she did have, was washing away with the swirling froth of the moving stream.
They had stopped to rest, eat, and do their best to warm up. Shade pulled out the warm blanket Dylan had given her from her pack, tightly wrapped it around her body. She then turned her head up to the sun, soaking up its strong rays. It felt amazing, like hot cocoa warming the core after playing in the snow and getting frostbite on your toes and fingers. She closed her eyes and didn't want to move. She was dry but she felt frozen down to her inner marrow, her lips were chapped and surely were blue after spending most of the day in the water.
"Shade, drink some hot tea. It will warm your soul." Dylan handed her a cup and had his own securely in his other hand.
"Thanks, Dylan." She happily accepted it, wrapping her fingers around the warm drink; the very thought of it soothed her. She drank it down in a gulp. The warm fluid felt great against her throat as the heat warmed her from the inside out. She was still huddled in the blanket, afraid she would break her cozy warm cocoon if she dared move.
"Tired of the rapids huh? They get really old really fast," said Dylan sounding after a moment, and sounding almost friendly. "I don't miss crossing them at all. You'd think some idiot would have put a bridge or something on every river by now. Faeries are lazy too, you know, they'd rather fly right over these banks any day. Of course we aren't all able to fly, let alone carry anyone else with us," he said with a sigh. "So we have to do it the tried and true way, on foot. I think it's because fey don't like to disturb nature too much, so progress is limited." He chuckled, shaking his head as he took another large sip of tea.
He was sitting next to her now, their sides touching slightly. Shade turned and watched him closely. His steel eyes glinted in the bright sunlight. He seemed to relax more as they ventured deeper into the wilderness, his face seemed softer and younger in the light of the afternoon. She wondered if nature gave off some kind of natural Xanax to the fey. Everyone seemed at ease, maybe just a touch tired, but no one was complaining. She guessed that it was better than having a group of grumpy, pissed off faeries. Who knows what they were all capable of doing if pushed far.
She stared as he swallowed his drink. His hair was still short but growing, faster than a human's hair would. It was shiny with silver highlights peppered through it. He had shaved that morning and his skin still shone smooth, no lines to betray his age. She wondered suddenly how old he was. Ilarial had mentioned that they were immortal. Besides Soap, no one had volunteered how old he or she really was.
"Dylan? Can I ask you something?" He turned towards her, eyes wide with surprise. She should probably speak to him softly more often because it was kind.
"Yes, of course. Go for it." He placed his cup on the dirt in front of him and sat Indian-style. His arms relaxed on his thighs.
"How old are you? How old do fey get?" She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around her legs, clinging to the blanket and keeping it shut.
"I'm two-hundred and forty-six years old. My brother Darren is only one-hundred and fifteen. We are immortal but only to a certain extent. The fey are kind of delicate in a way, more so than humans. A child's unbelieving heart can make us wither away, and it serves as a severe injury. We barely exist on the little strength that human hearts give us. Imagination and strong belief in us keeps us going, your world is fragile when it comes to this matter. It's almost like a human curse." Dylan paused glancing at Shade but quickly turned back to stare down at his cup as he continued.
"We can choose to leave this world as well. Our mother was five-hundred and three when she decided she no longer had enough in her to carry on, and allowed herself to wither into dust. Just two days it took, just two days and slowly, what was a strong, bold, and amazing woman turned into dust and ash," he said with a hint of emotion. "Life is not easy for the fey. The exiles wither fast because of the toxicity of living in or near the iron cities, and smaller fey go faster. We have stronger clans, and other fey like the Guildrin Clan, and our enemies, the Lonares are much stronger than our group. We are closest to humans that the fey can get; and our people, the Teleen, are dying off. Very slowly of course, there are not many Teleen born each year so our numbers have dwindled as some of us die. If the world was stronger, we could be true immortals and live forever."
"Why is that? Why is your clan dying? I would think you would be the strongest since humans have a lot of iron in their blood. That would be hard for any fey to live near us or among us, but you guys are fine with it." She paused. "I just find it all so intriguing but it scares me so much sometimes. I'm good as dead out here against other fey."
Dylan was staring back at her now. His eyes narrowed, amused as he thought about what she was asking and saying. He licked his lips and looked back over the river. The constant roar seemed to fill the silence between them like an unwanted third wheel. Shade waited impatiently for his answers. She stared at the river while she waited for him talk to her. At least I beat you, she thought knowing she bested the river today and had nothing to prove.
"Well, it has a lot to do with that there are not that many mated pairs in our clan. Women are rarely born to our clan now and those who are paired stay together for life. If you are not paired you are out of luck, well, unless a free Teleen fey woman returns," he said quietly as if he didn't think that was possible. "What's bothering you Shade?" Dylan's deep voice was more like a harsh whisper. He was even leaning a little towards her to muffle his voice so no one else could hear.
"I don't know. It's just, compared to all of you guys, I'm so weak, Even though you say you have vulnerabilities, you are still more powerful than me. I don't know how to do magic or any kind of fighting. Without you guys here, I would be useless and feeling helpless. Ilarial told me to learn, but how do I learn? I don't know a thing about fighting or handling a sword or knife." She sighed. She closed her eyes as she cradled her head on her knees. She thought about what he said about not being paired with a female Teleen. She wondered if he had been paired or not and if he had, where was his mate?
Dylan watched her thoughtfully. He nodded as though agreeing with her. His eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment as he was in deep thought.
Shade wondered what it could be that he was thinking about.
"I must train you then. You are right; you are weak without any kind of protection... if you were to be separated from us, well I don't want to think about it. You have a sword right?" She nodded; thinking about the beautiful sword in her pack Ilarial had given her. "Great then, we train today. By the way, I was never paired at birth, like some of us are, but our oracle, who is about eight-hundred years old, did tell me a prophecy about it." He sighed stared out across the river.
"What did she say?"
"She said that I would meet my mate one day, one who had never resided among us, and that my life would change forever, and be filled with great and challenging events, some unfortunate and some amazing."
"Did you meet her yet?" Shade watched his face, calm and handsome; and she found him intriguing in a way she could not explain, and to think just hours ago he was getting on her last nerve.
Dylan turned towards her and studied her face. He smiled and reached his hand out, pushing a strand of hair out of her face. She felt her heart jump at his touch and her face flare up. "I don't really know, maybe," he stood up and looked down at her, smiling slightly. "Once camp is set up tonight, we will work on sword fighting. Be ready!" He grabbed his cup from the ground and dusted his pants off. He walked away then without another word.
"Wh-what? Tonight? Just like that? Dylan?" She stuttered and couldn't spit out the rest of her words. He was gone and nowhere near her now. She shook her head. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts now and wasn't listening to her anymore.
He's so strange and drives me insane!
Shade sighed and stretched her legs out before her; they were burning with deep muscle pain. She massaged her calves and worked out some of the knots that were in her muscles. She wondered if the full fey ever even got sore. Probably not. Sitting there she began to wonder what Dylan was thinking, some of the things he did and said to her confused her. She frowned at the thought of how nervous he made her feel.
She stood up then and took her cup back to Stephen, who seemed to like being the groups cook. He nodded and smiled at her as he washed the dishes. He didn't actually physically even have to 'wash' the dishes, he was just moving his hands over them and she watched them rinse themselves in the river. Now that would be awesome! They should teach me that, so I could use it at home! Shade thought smiling. She turned back toward the group and Jack was talking seriously to Ewan. Maps were spread out before them on a table. Who brought the furniture? Shade thought as she walked to the table and chairs. She still couldn't get over the bath tents and that she was surrounded by magic.
When she reached the two men it was clear that they were pointing at several spots on the map.
"I think going over Fable's fair bridge would be a better option, it goes closer to the cliffs of Raenin. We need to go past the cliffs and end up in Solare's beach. There is a cave road there we can take to the inland forests, around the Santiran lands. If we go down to Maziel's pass, it will take us longer to make it to the beach and it goes too near Lonares territory."
Jack's hand was darting around the map at several points on the unfamiliar land. She studied it while the men stood there thinking. She could see the cities of Portland and San Diego on either side of the great fey territories. There were areas marked off in between that showed the highways and smaller towns. The vast wilderness that belonged to the fey was unbelievable. She traced the river lands with her fingers and found Solares beach on the map. It was shaped like a crescent moon and was not very big at all. Next to it was Craven's cave road that wound around on the cliffs around the beach and disappeared into a cave. She shuddered at the thought of going into a cave again.
"How do you make it across the cliffs?" Shade asked Ewan and Jack. They turned towards her and smiled.
"You have to walk down the west side of the cliffs or take a long rope bridge across the great river." Ewan pointed at a line crossing across the largest of the rivers that bisected the cliffs.
Shade cringed because crossing a bridge held together by rope was not much of a comfort either. Caves and unstable bridges, it's my lucky day. Her throat ached from nerves and it felt as if there were a knot in it. "Really? Ah man, do we have to go on a rope bridge?" She glanced at Jack and Ewan.
They were both grinning.
"You afraid of heights, Shade?" They said at once and laughed at the disgust all over her face.
"No! Of course not! It's just, they're so flimsy! It rocks a lot and it just isn't safe!" She crossed her arms and huffed away when they continued. Jack started coughing trying to hold back his laughter and Ewan slapped him on his back.
When they had stopped snickering, Ewan cleared his throat, his face flushed and his eyes twinkling bright. He motioned for everyone to gather their stuff and fall back into line to leave.
Shade fell in with the group, still grumbling under her breath. She followed everyone out along the bank of the rushing river. She began to wonder just how long it was going to take to get to the Santiran Fountains. It felt like they had been gone forever. Her patience was wearing thin, especially with nature. Seeing the map made her feel even more sullen. The territory they were crossing was enormous and so vast that it seemed they hadn't really gotten that far. So much had happened already and they were not even close yet.
"Hey, having fun yet?" Soap asked as he hung back from the others and fell in step with her.
She turned towards him giving him a nasty look and didn't like the fact someone else from the group was making fun of her.
"Ok, Ok, no need to be harsh," he said losing his usual grin. "I was just wondering something, Shade. And I hope you would answer this for me."
She sighed and turned back towards Soap. His contagious good mood was already flowing over her and taming her gloomy demeanor. She grinned back, nodding. "What is it?" She slipped on a damp mossy rock in the slick grasses. Soap caught her arm and cradled her with his other one. Her face was so close to his, he could have kissed her. She laughed a bit and thanked him for catching her before he answered, straightening herself up.
"The voices, the ones you say are your spirit guides. Are they still bothering you? What do they say about us?"
Shade took a deep breath and thought about it for a moment. She hadn't really heard from her spirit guides since they left the caverns. As a matter of fact, she hadn't heard the voices at all since awakening from the attack. It had been actually kind of nice not to hear any noise in her head but her own thoughts. She stretched out her mind to find them but no one answered her inner thoughts. Panic swirled inside suddenly, as she felt a kind of emptiness without them. Why have they been silent? Maybe they are gone for good now.
"Honestly, I haven't had them talk to me since Darren attacked me. It's funny, my whole life I wish they would just shut up and now--now I miss them."
"Well, it's probably just the rivers; they are quite magical you know. They say that the rivers are the roads of dreams. Once you stand by one, the magic is so strong; it can literally turn a fey into a near mortal. We can't use our magic here, the river won't have it. That's the myth anyway. It's like dead space to our kind, the in between of worlds. I think it might be affecting you too. I literally can't change around the rivers, just use a simple glamour and charms. It's strange..."
Shade nodded as they continued down the slippery banks without speaking again for a while. She wondered if Soap wanted to ask her anything else. He seemed utterly more quiet than usual. This would have bothered her more but concentrating on not slipping on another rock or mossy wet patch kept her attention for now. They reached the edge of the bank to another crossing area. She groaned as she watched the front of the group submerge themselves up to their waists in cold river water. The rush of water wasn't as harsh at the crossings points but she loathed the cold feel of the water. She reached the edge of the bank and watched as Soap strode right on in, without so much as a whimper. Man up already! She sighed and dipped her feet into the ice water, sucking in a breath.
She was near the other side when she heard some shouting. She straightened up to see further up the bank where Ewan, Jack, and Than were wildly shouting at someone, someone she couldn't see from her position in the river.
"Shade, come on, I think we are being attacked, hurry!" Sary waved at her frantically and held out her other hand out to her. She took it and pulled herself up out of the rushing waters. The chill was there again and her teeth chattered together. She was pretty sure her lips were blue with cold, and she was literally a human Popsicle. Sary kept half turning and pressing her on to follow, practically dragging her along.
Soap had already left his position in front of her to join Jack and the others, who were now taking shelter behind some trees and drawing weapons. Shade found a large tree trunk to hide behind as arrows started sailing by her, buzzing like bees as they flew by. She felt drugged and sluggish from the cold. She had the blanket on but in the cover of the trees and no hot tea to drink this time, she was not recovering as well as before. She huddled against the tree, pulling the blanket around herself tight for warmth and but was still shivering. She peeked around the tree because there was a break in the flying arrows, and whoever was attacking them either ran out or was restocking the weapons.
Jack was yelling at someone. Everyone stood their ground; hiding in their makeshift covers for now. She couldn't see who or what they were yelling at. She strained to hear anything...and then suddenly she heard it, a voice. The gravely laugh was in the distance but whoever it belong to was not too far away.
"You can't hide forever, little half-breed. I know she's with you. Just hand her over and we'll be on our way." The voice screeched through the trees.
Who is that? I've heard that voice before. She thought as cruel laugh made her cringe. Shade strained a little further to see across the trees and to spot the owner of the voice. Lady Blythe was perched on a branch not too far above Ewan and the others. The Queen of the Dryad's skeletal, translucent wings were fluttering so fast that Shade could barely see them. If there hadn't been a slight breeze whirling around her the tiny wings would have gone unnoticed all together. Shade's heart pounded, she knew just what they wanted but not why.
"We will never give her to you, Blythe! You are far past your borders, you have no rights here, and this is neutral territory. Be gone already!" Jack's voice was strong and sturdy. He did not seem afraid but definitely was on the side of caution.
"You stupid fool! You dare insult me? I am Queen here. The trees are my domain, no matter where! You give me the halfling and I let you leave alive, otherwise you can all die and I still take the girl. Choose wisely!" Her cruel voice echoed through the air.
Shade didn't think it was possible but she felt even colder than before. She worked hard to keep her teeth from chattering again. She prayed silently that the old hag of a faery would leave her alone. She didn't look like a nice faery from the 'fairy' stories of her childhood. She looked vicious, dark and ruthless flying up there in the branches. Shade's heart was racing as she glanced around, trying to think of a way to get away.
"No, Lady Blythe. We cannot do that, it is our oath to protect her and that we will, to the death even." Jack was holding his sword out; it glinted in the few rays that escaped the canopy of tree leaves above.
"So be it, die then," she said without feeling. The queen laughed even harder as more arrows began to fly past again.
Shade hid back behind the trunk and looked around for the others. Sary was pulling out daggers and weapons from behind a tree near her. Stephen was already returning arrows to whomever it was that was shooting them. Some screams of pain howled through the trees but she wasn't sure who it was behind it. Cracking branches and thumps in the bushes made her jump. She pulled out her own short sword and held it tight in her hands. She took a deep breath and stood up, pressing herself to the tree, almost trying to become one with it. If only she could change into a tree, she could hide pretty well then.
The battle spilled around her as Lady Blythe's warriors pushed back against them. Jack was clanging swords against one tall but slender warrior. He had bulging muscles and pale skin much like Blythe's and long white hair. All but his eyes were pale; he was almost translucent. His wings were folded and pressed against his back: it was probably for protection as to not get sliced by a sword. He wore thin metal armor that glinted in the streams of light, as he fought. They all looked similar to the queen, and they worked and moved together like a hive of drones.
Shade ran for cover on the edge of the battle and hid behind some large looming trees. The best way I can help everyone is to stay hidden and avoid getting hit. She thought as a part of her wanted to help but sure there was no way she could fight.
The arrows had stopped all together and everyone was on the ground fighting. Even Blythe had joined the fight with her own dual slender swords. She was holding off Than, who was fighting with his daggers; their silver sheen glinting with every movement. She kicked him hard in the stomach and laughed as he flew back onto the ground. Dirt was flying up everywhere, Blythe caught Shade watching her and a sinister smile crept across her face and started towards her. "Little girlie, come here now!" She started marching towards her but ran right into Jack and his swords, losing one of hers in the collision. She blocked him with her remaining sword and began battling his two. The metallic resonance filled the air, as Shade backed away into the shadow of the forest. Her heart was pounding in her chest so hard that she could feel the beat vibrating in her throat. She now felt flushed with heat as her blood pumped rapidly throughout her body and her breath was short and quick.
"Shade!" Dylan was now suddenly next to her and tugging at her arm. He lead her deeper into the woods, trying hard not to stumble and fall on the branches and dead shrubbery that scraped at her legs and sliced at her arms.
"Slow down, Dylan! I can't go that fast!" Her hand slipped from his as she fell to the ground, grinding her knees into the dirt and rock.
Dylan was now occupied swinging his sword against another warrior dryad. As they fought around her, she managed to get to her feet. Mud was streaked across her jeans and hands and so she wiped even more of the mess onto her pants. It was then she noticed her sword on the ground. She looked back over her shoulder at Dylan; he and his foe were still clanging their swords together. Dylan had a cut along his left forearm that was streaked with blood. She stepped forward bending down to grab her sword. Swearing as she did so as her right knee was on fire. I must have scraped it or bruised it when I fell. She stumbled to another tree and pressed her back to it. She gripped the sword in her hands; the blade and hilt also caked in mud.
Her eyes were stinging with tears; she hadn't noticed that she had been crying. She swallowed back a sob, as she shook with fear. Breathing deeply, she looked around the large tree trunk and tried to see through the woods for anyone else in the group. She heard screams, yelling and swords smacking but she wasn't as close to the fighters as she had first thought. She couldn't hear them clearly anymore and realized she had stumbled away too far. Her heart jumped as morbid thoughts crept in her head. What if they're hurt or dead? She didn't even see Dylan anymore but heard the clank of swords.
Shade moved slowly from her spot and crept closer to the voices, using the trees and bushes for cover. She hunched behind them, pressing herself into them, wishing she could blend into them and disappear. She gripped her sword in her hands but felt like she was a child playing pirates. She tried her best to slow her breathing, feeling slightly dizzy from her frantic panting. She stopped behind one thick tree trunk and listened for anything. Suddenly, the fighting seemed to have died down, and the silence was even more frightening than the noise. The leaves rustled above her like a flock of birds, flapping their wings. She could hear a loud roar of rushing water behind her. No animals or birds were singing.
This can't be good. What now? Where is everyone? She waited for an answer. Her spirit guides were silent. What happened to you guys? She felt suddenly very alone. The forest seemed daunting, dark, and forlorn. She let the tears flow but bit her lip to swallow her sobs. She slid down the trunk and curled herself in the oversized roots that veined the dirt. She curled her legs up under her and hugged them, her sword still dangling loosely from her hands.
The minutes seemed to have stopped now. She still couldn't hear anyone but felt afraid to move. A cool breeze rustled the canopy of the trees and it felt like something, or someone had brushed against her, making her jump just a bit. She felt it on her skin, prickling along her arms like cactus; someone was very close but she could not see them. She held her breath and slowly stood up, still pressed to the trunk. She listened and knew whoever was around was trying to blend in too.
Shade could feel eyes burning into her as though they were waiting for her to give herself away. She gripped her sword tighter, as she wiped the last of her tears from her face. Her hair flew about her face. She could taste sweat, dirt and tears on her lips and knew she was a disheveled mess. She thought about her family and Ilarial; and did not want to disappoint them. She was not going to give up. She knew she had more than fear inside her. Straightening up, she breathed out slowly and began scanning the woods.
"I can smell your fear little girl. Why don't you just give up? Lady Blythe won't hurt you at first. I just want to talk for a bit, and then maybe the hurt can start after that." She laughed.
Shade was so disgusted by the old woman's cackling laugh; she could almost feel it rippling down her spine. She couldn't see the faery but she could feel her magic dancing along her skin. The faery radiated her power out like an unchecked aura that touched Shade like fingers; it was as if the hag was caressing her. She estimated in her head that the faery was just on the other side of the tree. It was then she squeezed her sword, feeling her fingers digging into each other and turning white from the pressure. She screamed and swung the sword hard as she flung herself around the corner.
The blade sliced Blythe in her shoulder but failed to cut too deep. She screeched and jumped back, bringing her blade up in defense. Crimson blood dripped down her arm and oozed off into the dark earth. The queen did not seem too tall to Shade, standing up made her still look like a short, bony thing of a sprite. No wonder she spent her life up in the trees, anyone can look intimidating from up high. Shade retreated back behind the tree but readied herself to sprint or fight.
"You stupid girl! How dare you attack me!" There was a loud thump against the trunk of the tree.
Shade's bravery was being used up way too fast and she was pretty sure the old woman just tried to blast her with something. She stepped back from the tree and readied her sword. Blythe suddenly jumped in front of her from the side. She was hollering in another language, her pointy teeth were flashing, as her sword was held high as she charged. Shade dodged her but tripped on a tree root. She scrambled to stand but stumbled backwards and was forced to crawl on her hands and feet to get away.
Lady Blythe hit the roots with her sword, making it stick. She tugged with her scrawny arms, but failed to budge it from the earth. The tree seemed to grip it tighter the more she fought to retrieve her weapon. Shade took the moment to get back onto her feet and run, she ran as fast as she could, glancing back only to find Blythe without her sword running just as fast, and was quickly gaining ground.
Shade dodged and wove her way through the trees. The roar of the river water was closer now, but the rush of wind blowing in her ears made it impossible to calculate how far away it was. She prayed that the land would not run out for her. She had the feeling the Dryad Queen could cross the river faster than she could. She forced herself to make an abrupt stop, as the land narrowed to an edge. She stuffed her sword away in her pack and was prepared to cross the river but she was shocked to learn there was a drop off. One of several the rivers emptied over a cliff and formed into a waterfall.
Oh my God...Water clouds rose from the rocks below; and she could feel herself go white as the height of the cliff became more evident. The land stretched out beyond the drop off with more forests, hills, rivers and jagged mountains. There is nowhere to go but down.
Shade turned to see Blythe slowing her run to a jog and snickering at her. Her large eyes flashed with her wicked smile. Her pale skin had a slight flush to it now. She stepped slowly towards her, a predator stance in motion. Shade felt her heart thudding hard in her chest and tried not to be afraid; but with the Dryad Queen licking her lips she couldn't help but feel like she was about to be dinner.
Blythe took out her dagger. "You have nowhere to go. You're so weak. I wonder why Zinara could even fathom that you could save them. The Lonares will be greatly pleased to have you as their prisoner. The Unseelie Queen will owe me; and she will be sick with my victory. Come to me now... I promise it won't hurt, much." She sneered but her eyes were cold and serious. She pulled a rope from her waist belt and stepped closer to Shade.
Shade shook her head and turned her eyes back to the waterfall. There was nowhere to go. She strained to hear her comrades but only the rush of water overwhelmed her ears. No one was coming to save her. She stared at Lady Blythe and her evil smile. No, she can't go with her. She stepped back and was inches from the edge. She knew with certainty that her fate was sealed.
"You don't want to fall now, do you?" She asked eyeing her with words coming out like sweet, poisonous honey.
Shade wasn't fooled. She felt her knees wobble under her but concentrated on not falling. She wasn't sure how long she could steady herself with a horrid witch in her face. She let out a nervous sigh as she began to reach into her backpack. This is crazy and it won't work! She quickly stuffed the warm blanket Dylan had given her into her pack and pulled it onto her shoulders. It was then that she turned from Blythe and jumped. The wind lashed at her body and howled in her ears and she could barely hear the queen's furious scream; and soon the icy water below swallowed her whole.
The frigid waters had shut her senses down and Shade couldn't feel a thing. Everything was dark but she heard a faint call of sparrows high above her over the gurgling sounds of water. She attempted to move her fingers and arms but they barely moved. Her eyes felt like weights had been placed on them, and they had been sewn shut. She felt blinded. She moaned and rolled to her side. Her bones creaked in protest at the movement and her fingers sent a sharp pain up her arms.
The light was blinding as she opened her eyes, she had to blink a few times so they could adjust. I'm dead, where the hell am I? Why can't I make out anything? God my fingers are burning! She was sure if she were in Heaven she would feel nothing but peace. Hell on the other hand...well, you can burn there, she thought nervously.
Lying there on the bank of the river, she could feel that her feet were still in the water, but the frozen earth was underneath the rest of her body. Her backpack felt dry and she knew it was probably due to the charm or spells the fey had casted. Shade's clothes were another matter, they were sopping wet and melded to her body as her teeth chattered involuntarily. She felt like she would never be warm again. She sat up very slowly and surveyed the muddy embankment; she saw sand and felt it irritating her skin.
At least I can feel the sun...she thought, trying to hold to the slightest bright spot in this situation. It occurred to her that she had to at least try and move or she would freeze to death. If I don't get moving heaven will be my next stop, She groaned, feeling the sting of every scrape that had marked her body, and she was reminded of the rocks on the bottom of the waterfall. She wasn't sure if anything was broken and struggled to get to a drier area on the shore. Her left arm was sore and wouldn't cooperate; she cranked her neck to the side to find that her shoulder was not quite in an anatomical position. I must have dislocated my shoulder. She thought it was strange that it didn't hurt until she looked at it. Now the whimpers were slipping out her mouth as she dragged herself up the bank with one arm and her two heavy legs. She stopped when she felt the rush of nausea from the pain press on her, threatening to make her pass right out. It hung onto her like sticky syrup until she leaned to one side and let whatever was left of breakfast shoot right out. Her dark blue lips trembled. She saw that her hands were cyanotic and oddly pretty. The color reminded her of arctic blue ice.
When she finally stopped heaving, she found herself sobbing. She didn't hear anyone around her and fortunately she probably lost Blythe in the froth of the falls. What's so great about getting away if I'm just going to end up freezing to death, covered in filthy mud? She thought miserably. Shade prayed that her mom would find her here, helpless, and whisk her away. She wanted to believe this was just a bad dream, and her mom would take her to someplace warm and safe. She laid there for what felt like an eternity when she heard the crunch of crackling leaves. She swallowed the last sob and blinked her tears out of her eyes, her heart now beating like a fluttering hummingbird, banging in her chest.
"Who's there?" She heard the crack in her voice, it sounded faded and rough. She wondered how long she screamed heading down the falls.
"Hush now, you're hurt. Don't move. You'll hurt yourself even more. Hold on a moment. This might, unfortunately, hurt a bit." The gentle voice warned.
She felt a hard tug on her body and screamed when the pain flared up her left arm. She felt herself dragged further up the shore, over more beach sand and onto a dry blanket where she looked up at her rescuer or whatever they were. It was becoming nearly impossible to keep her eyes open. Her head rolled from side to side as the pain from her damaged shoulder burned through her body. Before the darkness came, she caught the sight of green eyes, dried leaves, and the brown linen she was laying on. She tried to open her mouth to speak but soon she slipped away into unconscious and remembered nothing for a long time.
Shade, forgive us, we have tried to reach you but you have cast us out. Shade, we are here now to help you heal and awaken you from your deep sleep. Now only dreams will find us. The voices were kind but spoke with an urgency.
Shade was standing in open field; the mountains were nowhere in sight. The breezes caressed the tall grasses and swirled about her hair, dancing and playing with her strands like unseen dancers. Where the heck am I now?
Astrid, Duende and Elaby stood before her. She knew that they were the spirit guides that dwelled in her mind. She wasn't sure how she knew that but they were flesh and bone standing in front of her now. The three sisters stood like three carbon copies of each other. Their long black hair and gowns floated around them as if they were suspended in water. Their pale skin shined like moonlight glistening on a lake surface. She couldn't see their feet; it was as if they hung above the grass without touching the ground. They were beautiful.
"What's going on? Where am I? Why can't I hear you guys anymore?" She felt the sting of tears as her voice wavered. She was done crying; she had enough of everything and suddenly felt so tired. She brought her hand to her left shoulder. It was no longer dislocated but hung normally in its place. Her arm moved effortlessly and without any pain. She hoped she wasn't dreaming about that at least. She also hoped that she wasn't dead either.
"Shade, we know you are afraid but we won't harm you. It could not help that we were away." The sisters told her all at once. "Somehow your magic trapped Darren in the mirror, but it also pushed us out of your aura too. We were unable to communicate with you. You severed our ties. We have worked hard to find you again. Your magic has been shielding you, and now we can only come to you in your dreams."
Shade pondered it for a moment. Damn it... Darren! He had scarred her far worse than she had even imagined. The loss of her spirit guides was like having a chunk of her soul ripped away. She sighed and watched them smile at her. Each sister finished each other's sentences, she found it intriguing listening to them as they harmonized in one voice.
"So, where am I? I was on some shore, freezing. My arm was probably broken and not in the right place. Am I awake, dead or dreaming now?"
"You are still asleep. Fear not, dear Shade, we have healed you with our powers. We have been away for too long," said the women. "Now we are unbound."
"What do you mean? Like... you won't be in my head anymore? How could I have let this happen?" Shade felt her knees weaken but caught herself before they failed.
"We are so sorry, and we had no idea this would come to be. We can only believe that any further communication with each other will be only through your dreams."
Shade nodded at the revelation. No point in trying to undo what was done.
The dream shifted rapidly, the bright warm sunlight faded into a deep grey and cloudy day. Shade spun around, watching the swirling dark grey clouds grow above her.
"What's happening?" The wind howled around her and whipped the grass across her legs.
"We must go, your dream is breaking. It's time to wake up Shade, wake up." The clouds came down around in deep, billowing fog that swallowed the spirits, landscape and Shade alike.
\*\*\*\*\*
"Wake up; it's just a bad dream, wake up now!"
The voice sounded familiar but Shade couldn't place it. Squeezing her eyes together before she slowly opened them. The room was dim as it came into focus. Her eyes narrowed in at the shadowy figure in front of her. The face was partially covered by a dark, hooded cloak. Only lips shown through with what looked like a beard, the hood covered his eyes.
The figure reached towards her and she pushed back until she was against the wall on the small bed. Her left arm throbbed with a dull ache but she found she could use it just fine. She wrapped her arms around her legs, gripping them while she stared at the stranger. She slowed her breathing as she concentrated on keeping her focus; the room was slightly tilting in a wave of dizziness. She had sat up way too fast.
The figure had stopped advancing and stared at her. Seeing her pull back, he stood up straighter and waited. He spoke softly, with a voice like rich syrup, thick and flowing.
"I apologize, I mean no harm. Please, I only want to help you. My name is Ursad; I am a woodland, pool-dwelling faery. I live here, in the forest by the ocean amd I can control the pools of water around me, near the rivers." He stood quite still, almost statuesque. "Is there anything I can do? I mean, um, do you need anything, water? Are you hungry? Any pain? You looked like you been through a wringer." He spoke quickly and seemed eager to help her.
Shade's face was flushed as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Sorry, I don't mean to frighten you."
"Where am I?" She relaxed a little, as he did not try to come closer, again.
"You're here in my house; it's not a lot but it's home. I hope you found the bed to your liking. I really don't have a lot of room but it's comfy enough, for me at least." He paused studying her for any kind of reaction, chewing on his smooth, plump lips.
Shade stared at him, he looked pretty harmless but the hood hid too much of his face to read him well enough. She tried to relax more and sat cross-legged on the bed, pulling the soft worn blanket around her. Her body was cozy warm and her aches weren't as sharp as they had been. She sighed; at least she wasn't in Blythe's care. This was definitely the better half of her current situation.
"I'm sorry, my name is Shade. I just wasn't sure if it was safe here. I was being chased..." She stopped, wondering if she should trust this stranger with anything, especially with her story. Maybe he knew too much already. "I guess I lost them. How did you find me? Was I out of it for long?"
"Shade, well, nice to meet you. I found you on the beach; it shares the shore with a small pool of water that feeds from a small stream that breaks off from one of the great rivers. I live near it and I happened to walk by when I saw you. You passed out after that, I am truly sorry that I hurt you pulling on your shoulder like that. I didn't know at first that it was dislocated. Somehow it's not anymore; you must be full of healing magic because you have healed quite rapidly. It's amazing, if I can say so myself. I would love to know how you do it." He was smiling but she definitely did not like to have his face hidden away. She felt brave and reached towards him to pull the hood back as he spoke for he was not too far from the bed. It was his turn to pull away and crouch by the door.
"No please!" He shook his head and hid the rest of his face in his arm sleeve. He bounced nervously back and forth on his feet as though the thought of pulling off the hood caused him great anxiety.
"Why not? I don't feel too comfortable talking to you when I can't see your face. Let me see. Is there, um, is there something wrong with your face?" She sat back down and blushed with embarrassment. She realized how forward she was being and possibly even being rude. She hadn't meant to offend him like that, she was just so nervous she reacted without thinking. Maybe he is badly scarred under there. She swallowed and shook the thought out of her head. How bad can it be?
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. But really, you need to take it off, it's okay, you'll scare me more with it on." She waited and watched him bring his arm down and face her.
He seemed to be thinking about what she was saying because he stared at her for a long moment. Unexpectedly then, he nodded. "You're right, I am what I am but please don't be afraid, I tend to frighten everyone. I don't get too many visitors here at all, not even other fey. I've got used to solitude because it has been so long since I've been around others." He sighed and lifted his chin. He reached up and pulled the hood down slowly and away from his face.
Shade tried to keep in the gasp that fought to escape her lips; she knew however, her shock was already given away as her eyes widened. She composed herself immediately and hoped that the slip would not anger him. His face was unusual but she couldn't say it was scary, not with such sad eyes staring back at her.
"It's okay Ursad. Can I ask you something? What exactly are you?" I've never seen anyone like him, she thought as she observed his face. Where the facial hair ended, his skin grew like tree bark, all tan and dark with lines trailing through it. His hair was made of darkened green, thin leaves with twigs and small thin vines springing from his head. She could definitely tell he was fey or human but he had been transformed into what appeared to be a tree man. His hands were smooth and human in appearance, but nothing above the neck resembled normal human skin.
"I... don't normally look this way. I was cursed a long time ago and my face and hair have been affected in this way ever since." He smiled at her but lowered his eyes to stare down at the floor as he continued.
"I guess I should explain further." He looked up at her and paused, waiting for her approval.
She studied him and nodded and was eager for his explanation.
"I was a fey prince once, a long time ago. I was very handsome and women threw themselves at my feet and my every whim. I had a choice of any fey or human woman. Well, you could say I was pretty arrogant too, knowing my effect on woman. I thought myself undeniable and irresistible. That is, until one night, I was in a tavern, enjoying the party and drinking a bit too much liquor. I was surrounded by beauties and laughing with the lot of them. It was quite fun.
'One woman approached me then. She was not the most beautiful woman I had ever seen but definitely not the ugliest. She was quite plain in appearance, flat brown hair, plain brown eyes and nothing amazing in her smile to speak of. It was as if when she was made, she was made without animation or a personality of any kind. I was just not interested... but she had other ideas.
'I am Elinia, daughter of Talik, the were-stone maker. I am here to offer marriage to you. I love you and would be honored to be your wife,' she had said without much warmth.
'Of course, I didn't know who she was or what she was for that matter. I laughed at her request and snubbed her in front of the whole tavern in my drunken stupor. Everyone laughed at my smart antics and I gave her a quick shove to get her out of my immediate sight. I didn't know what it was I was doing. I laughed and laughed until she scrambled off the floor and ran out of the tavern crying. To my satisfaction, I was glad not to have to ridicule her anymore. I was glad she was gone.
'I finished out the night laughing and having a fabulous time. Not once giving a thought to the girl again. When I readied myself to leave, I walked out of the tavern and to the stables where my horse was waiting. When I was untying my horse, she approached me from behind.
'I curse you Ursad, Prince of the lands of Santire, prince of nothing you will be! Fair as the bark of a tree. I curse you for infinity! Return you to how you are freed, gentle kiss from a queen-to-be!' I stared at her as she finished her words and started laughing again.
'You'll regret this Ursad. You will look back with a heart broken and filled with remorse. I promise you that.' She disappeared then, as suddenly as she had appeared. I was left alone in the silence of the dark stables. I didn't feel different but curses are not taken lightly in fey culture. I began to wonder what she meant by her words. I shrugged them off and rode off into that night, back to my kingdom. It was a long journey home, so I had to stop for the night. As I walked to a lodge at the side of a country road, I wiped my face because it was covered in dripping sweat. I felt almost sick then, wondering what was going on. I checked into the lodge and fell into a deep sleep that night, exhausted.
'The next morning, after I woke, I walked to the mirror hanging in the room to comb my hair. My hair and my face were changed, to my utter disbelief. What I saw, well, I saw what you see now. Horrified, I fled my country, for no one would recognize me looking like such a monster. I haven't returned since. So here I am, alone." He looked back up at Shade as their eyes met.
"I am drawn to the forest, the ocean and the pools of water. They pull me like a magnet. They give me solace in my pain and exile. The waters bless me with their favor, leaving bits of the world, and food is easily attainable here on the banks. Now they have brought you and I can't help but wonder why. You were hurt so, I had to help. I hope you are not afraid of me, I mean no harm, really. I guess you could say, I have been humbled from the years of isolation." He stared into her eyes, watching her so intensely. He spoke rapidly and it was clear he had been lonely and was excited to be with another other person.
Shade fought to look away. His face was smooth and serious, but his deep green eyes were wrought with sorrow. She looked back up to see him still watching her. "Again, I'm sorry I hope I didn't insult you,"
"No, you did not," said Ursad with a kind smile.
It was alarming to look at him, at first, but she could see his handsome features underneath all of it and in a peculiar way, found him striking. Time had not withered this man; he was preserved in the prison he made for himself. I wonder if he really was a prince, this is so strange, she thought to herself. He was the prince of the Santiran lands, of all things, the very place she needed to get to.
"Ursad, I am thirsty and hungry too. I could use something to eat, if you have anything to share. "And do you know where my things are?"
He paused as he turned towards the door. "I will get them for you; I left your pack near the fireplace to make sure it dried out a bit, though it seems impervious to water. I could not take out whatever you had in there; it has a personalized lock charm on it, and would not open for me. I do hope your things are not ruined in it." He ducked out the door and Shade was left staring at it after him.
She suddenly became aware she was not wearing her own tattered muddy clothes from before, but wearing soft cotton drawstring pajama pants and an oversized tunic instead. They were clean and soft but she pulled the blankets even tighter around herself. She tried not to imagine him changing her out of her soaked clothes. She squirmed at the thought, feeling flushed.
Ursad returned with a tray of fruit, a meat sandwich and a cup of juice. Her stomach growled at the sight of food. He set it slowly in front of her, not smiling but extremely serious. She tried to smile and soon forgot her embarrassment; she settled in and started to inhale the meal. Food in Faerie seemed to taste so much better than in her world. She wondered if it was because it really was better or simply because she was ravenous because she hadn't eaten in hours, not to mention was getting a lot of exercise on this journey. She chewed and ate so fast, she started hiccupping. She guzzled down the juice hoping to stave them off.
As Shade finished, Ursad had stayed and watched her. Realizing she had been gorging herself, her face suddenly flushed, as she slowed her chomping to a slow chew. She swallowed her last bite and stared right back at Ursad. Brilliant green eyes that shined in the dim light of the room, those eyes seem to pierce her. She ran her eyes over his hair of vines and leaves; so long they fell down past his waist like tendrils of flowers. She wondered if it hurt to pluck a leaf off the thin vines that draped him like shroud and dangled over his shoulders. He was dressed in dark brown clothes; they were frayed and reminded her of peasant's clothing from fairytale stories.
She laughed to herself. Maybe this was her 'fairytale' in a way. Nothing is as it should be. Nothing is going the way it should be. The world is not what it seemed and somehow, Shade wasn't sure she liked it much at all. And now I'm lost.
"Is everything alright? Was the food good, Shade?" Ursad asked breaking her thoughts, dragging her back to the present.
She nodded and pushed the food tray away, signaling that she was done.
Ursad promptly stood up, collected it and left through the door. He was now smiling widely and seemed to walk with a happy skip in his step.
Shade shook her head. Fey men are so strange! She sighed and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She grabbed the footboard and stood up slowly, feeling her legs wobble beneath her. She stood for a minute, relaxing her muscles and breathing through the dull pain that resonated throughout her bones. She remembered the cold chill of the river and shivered.
She glanced down at her fingers now and flexed them. They felt slightly stiff but functional; the slight ache wasn't bothering her much at all. She sighed and counted her blessings. Somehow she had healed and maybe her spirit guides had done what they said. Thank you for the gracious gift. She hoped somehow they were hearing her.
Ursad entered the room and stopped. He held out her pack and a folded pile of clothes that she had been wearing before. They were now washed, repaired, and folded neatly. Shade smiled and let him place it on the bed next to her. "I took the liberty of repairing your clothes; the rocks nearly ripped them to shreds. Your pack seems pretty dry. I take it you don't want to be staying very long, which is really too bad. I would like to get to know you and hear your story. Like I said, I haven't had any company in such a long time." He paused, waiting for her reaction.
When she didn't say anything, just sat frozen and staring at him, he continued. "I mean, you shouldn't hurry out, you are welcome to stay as long as you like of course." He waited again, shifting nervously. He rushed out of the room then and closed the door behind him.
Shade smiled, his nervousness seemed to calm her anxiety.
Rummaging through her pack, she pulled out a fresh set of clothes. She grabbed jeans, socks, underwear, a bra and her black sweater. Her repaired clothes were tucked into the backpack and she reached for her brush. She wondered if there was a shower or restroom in the little cabin. She sighed, slipping some house shoes on that she had thrown into her pack, just in case. Opening the door she peeked out, and called out to Ursad. "Is there a bathroom I can use? I could really use a shower."
"It's to your right," he called from outside her room.
Shade stepped into the hallway and looked down the darkened hallway. The walls were made of wood, twisting and curving in such a way to create the rooms and halls. She realized in awe that they must be inside a large tree that was converted into a cottage. She retrieved her light stone from her pack and held it in front of her. The glowing light was bright in the dim surroundings and comforted her some. The hallway was not as long as it looked in the dark. She took the last door at the end of the hall; it was a modern looking bathroom, nothing elaborate but it was clean and (small). She placed her clothes on the counter and the light stone continued to glow. She smiled and was glad it didn't need to stay in contact with her to stay lit. She whispered thanks to it and turned the shower on.
I wonder how this all works? There wasn't any electricity in the cabin but it appeared to have modern conveniences. It was still hard to take in the idea that magic and the faeries were real, even after everything she had seen and been through. The water ran over her skin and the heat and steam revived her, and simply felt like bliss.
When Shade was done she returned down the hall to her room, slipping in and putting her things away. She put her shoes on and held her backpack in one arm as she left the room to check out the rest of the house and find Ursad. The main room was small but cozy; a blazing fire crackled along one side of the room in a simple fireplace. There was one reading chair (made out of old red velvet) it sat in front of the fire along with a fluffy couch that was placed on the right side of the room. It was covered with a warm cotton throw blanket, with bits of yarn loosened from its edges. She turned towards the left to see a small table and two chairs made out of wood and it appeared as if it was hastily nailed together; but the wood was smooth and worn and showing signs of age.
Ursad sat in one of the chairs and had his hands on his face when she entered the room. He pulled his hands away and stood up suddenly, when he realized she was standing there and watching him. He looked momentarily distressed but composed himself immediately.
"Oh, you're done? I guess you will want to be leaving then." He sank back into his chair and sighed. His green eyes glowed with the fire dancing in them, as he stared at it from across the room.
"Yes, I have to. I wanted to thank you for your hospitality. I don't know what would have happened to me if you had not found me." She stopped and stared at him. He looked almost agitated at her words. She bit her lip nervously and approached the chair that sat opposite of him. Dropping her pack, she sat down and looked up at him. "Ursad?"
"Yes." His voice sounded quiet and dejected.
"What's wrong? Are you upset? Did I do something wrong?"
His green eyes drifted up to meet hers. She realized that his cheeks were wet with tears. She waited uncomfortably for a response. She felt like she didn't know who this person was at all but felt compelled to stay. A moment or two won't hurt.
"Ursad?" She said, as he did not respond.
"You don't have to go. You are safe here. Whatever was chasing you, will not find you here. I have wards all around this area that prevent even other faeries from wandering here or knowing of your presence. You don't have to go and risk your life again Shade. Stay here, stay here forever, please?" He had his hands grasping the table, his knuckles white with strain.
She stared at them and then back to his face. She shook her head, feeling suddenly drowsy, like she had been drugged. No, I'm just feeling really tired. "Ursad, I can't do that. I have people counting on me...I have been asked to do something and I can't give up. I have to do this or the land of Faerie faces a war between the two Faerie courts. Queen Zinara needs me to get to the fountains of the Santiran lands to get the magic water to help them keep the Lonares of the Unseelie court from waging war against them. So you see, if I stay, the war would spill out of Faerie and into the mortal world. I live in that world, and my family does too. I can't let that happen, Ursad. I can't." She felt the warm spill of tears stream down her cheeks as she spoke of her family. She missed them more at that moment than ever before.
Ursad had his hands clasped together on the table. His eyes no longer flaring but were filled with sadness. "I'm sorry; I shouldn't have ever asked you to stay here. I know you are meant for great things, I can feel it. It is selfish of me to make you." He sighed and handed her a handkerchief.
She wiped her face, blowing her nose and sniffling. She stood up then feeling again exhausted. When will I be able to go home? She thought sadly and frustrated too. She looked at Ursad and idea came to her. "You could help me you know."
Ursad looked up at her, he seemed to be wondering what was going through her head but decided to ask instead. "What do you mean, Shade?"
"You are a prince of the Santiran lands. You would know the way to the fountains wouldn't you? I don't know the way; and you could take me there. Please, my friends will probably be heading that way, and I could catch up." She found herself sitting forward in the chair, and was surprised at how she was eager for him to agree to the idea. Shade took a hold of his hand as her eyes flashed with hope. "I've been feeling lonely a bit and lost myself. Ursad, it would be nice to a have new friend with me."
He glanced down at their hands touching and Shade pulled back. Her face was flushed with heat and her stomach fluttered in an excited way and she wasn't sure why it was happening. Maybe it was because a man had never looked at her like that before; his eyes were filled with hope and maybe desire. She glanced away and down, focusing on her hands, now folded in her lap. Don't make something out of nothing...he's just a new friend.
"Okay, I'll help you," he said.
Shade met his eyes, her face lighting up as she jumped from her chair and hugged him, and let out a sigh of relief.
Shade smiled as he embraced her. "Whoa, any tighter I might not make the journey." He chuckled, sounding winded. "But I have to say your enthusiasm is contagious."
"Oh, sorry about that," she loosened her grip and stepped back. "You won't regret this, Ursad. Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you! I don't know what I would've done without your help." She stopped and watched him smile quietly and nod his head. She fought the urge to hug him again and nodded too. She wasn't feeling exhausted anymore, but revived and ready to get started. "When should we start?"
"We can go now. Wait a minute, though," he opened a cabinet on the wall by the sink and rummaged through it. Tin cups and miscellaneous papers trailed out and clamored on the floor. Shade pressed her lips together, not wanting to laugh out loud and hurt his feelings. What a mess, She thought his place was cozy but cluttered.
"Here we go!" He pulled out a folded parchment brochure that looked like it had seen too many years. He unfolded and shook it, letting dust puff out into the air. Coughing a little, he cleared his throat and laid it out on the table. It was a map, another map of the faerie lands. It was extremely detailed (down to the tree stumps) and also showed the side trails and pathways.
Shade's eyes widened as she absorbed the amazing drawings and unusual names that were scattered throughout the parchment. She reached out and slid her finger over the area labeled 'Santiran Fountains.' "That's where I need to be, Ursad." She glanced up and smiled at him. He smiled back, confirming.
"We are here right now." He traced the crescent of Solare's beach and followed it down a crooked blue line. "This stream is the small river near where I found you." He traced the trail that led through what looked like a small town or village, past a small mountain range, and to a palace of stone near a much larger mountain range, that bordered all of Faerie.
"Yes, how long do you think it would take us to get there?" Shade asked and felt the excitement flutter under her skin. They couldn't be that far from the fountains.
"It's a day and a half hike to reach the fountains. We can spend the night in the town of Genoden. The road is not what I'm afraid of though." He paused watching Shade's face fall. "The trail is filled with dark creatures and probably already being watched by the Lonares soldiers. We will have to sneak past them to reach the base of the Santiran Mountains, where the fountains are housed."
She pressed her lips together as she thought about what he said. Can't any part of this be simple? She thought, irritated, but she was quickly learning life wasn't always easy or fun.
Dylan's foot slipped, as he climbed down the cliff made of loose muddy rock and dirt. He cursed under his breath as he grasped the jagged rocks firmly and felt them rip into his palms. He looked down to see how much farther he had before reaching the lower banks of the falls. He had seen Shade jump. He hardly could believe that she had done that. He was so enraged that stabbing Blythe had felt almost surreal. It was only a second after she turned and faced him before he plunged his sword deep into her chest. Her screech had filled the air and her warm crimson blood had soaked his hands, until he pulled his sword back out and watched her crumble to the ground. Death, warmed over her thin body, and she shriveled into a pile of ashes.
Dylan had then reached the edge of the cliff and looked down into the misty cloud of river spray, but had found no sign of Shade. He had felt his blood scream in his veins as a wave of pain crawled throughout his body, making him hunch over with its intensity. He knew then that Shade had been hurt and the blood ties would drag him to her as long as it was in place. The farther he got from her, the more it would hurt. He cursed under his breath, wishing he had reached her before she had plunged into the falls. He glanced back at Blythe's withered body--or really-- her pile of 'dust'. At least the dryad witch queen will not get in the way again. He knelt down, leaning over and scanned the area for a way down the falls. He did not like what he saw and sighed, sheathing his sword and tightening the leather straps that held it across his chest. Unfortunately, this had to be done. He had glanced around for the rest of the group but the fight had pushed inland rather than towards the cliff. He no longer could hear anyone. Damn, there is no time that can be wasted.
He left them behind, afraid to wait too long to see if anyone survived or didn't for that matter. He had done well until the slip up. His hands burned and stung as he moved on the rocks, warm blood oozed from his cuts where the stone had shredded his palms. It was then Dylan gritted his teeth but continued on. He could heal later, right now, getting down in one piece was the top priority. When his feet were placed as firmly as they could be on the slick, muddy banks, he scanned again for any signs of her. There was nothing that surfaced in the water or on the surrounding banks. She probably has drifted away, downstream... He ran as carefully as he could on the slippery rocks, splashing small puddles and muddying up his boots to the knees. He didn't care; he had to find her, no matter where she could be in Faerie right now.
He would not give up.
"Wait!" Ursad whispered urgently as he pulled Shade down behind some large boulders. She crouched next to him, reaching for her sword and quickly surveying the area.
"What, what is it? What do you see?" She whispered. Her heart jumped in her chest as she waited, straining to hear a sound. The birds were singing and the rustle of leaves swayed above the like an ocean wave. She saw and heard nothing that would be considered off. Irritated she turned towards Ursad but he had a hand up to stop her from speaking.
"Look." He pointed out in front of them. She stared out into the woods and narrowed her eyes. The vegetation was thicker here; small bushes, vines and flowers everywhere, covering the forest floor. Tall grasses shielded the dirt from light and made travel just that much more difficult.
Shade scanned the area but shook her head. "I don't see anything."
Ursad placed a finger to his lips, pointing again slightly further to the right.
"There, do you see them, right there in the rays of light that sun has casted near the stream."
Shade looked again, not really expecting to see anything when she did. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped. Unicorns! She watched the three creatures prance around the small stream. One was drinking up the water, licking it up with its large pink tongue; its coat was a shiny brown, with both a stark white mane and tail. The other two were all white, like the crystal snow in winter. Their coats shone almost like diamonds. Shade exhaled a breath in amazement and smiled widely.
Ursad was also smiling, admiring the creatures with awe.
"Are they actual...unicorns? I thought that they didn't exist. Wow!" She turned back to watch them after Ursad nodded. One of the white ones nuzzled the brown white mane one and sipped the water too. They neighed happily, unaware of the watchers before them. Their long legs made them tall and graceful in the tall grasses. Their glistening horns were like swirls of a candy cane sticks. Shade wanted to touch one, almost like an uncontrollable urge. Her fingers itched as she clenched her hands into fists as she fought to stand and walk straight towards them. She didn't want to frighten them.
"Come on Shade, unicorns like their privacy, they're a rare sight. I've seen these three many times but that's only because I live near here. I thought you might like them. It's quite a gift that they are allowing you to see them. We have to get going; it will be dark all too soon."
Shade shook her head. "But I, can I touch them, Ursad? They are the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Let me touch them, please!" she cried as she went to move forward and was filled with child like excitement.
Ursad had a hold of her arm and tugged, shaking his head no. "Shade, look at me, their beauty is unparalleled that is part of their appeal; but if a human touches them it could prove fatal. They will charm you in but then stab you through the heart. Only a winged unicorn would ever accept a rider, and as you can see, these are not that breed. We must move on, Shade! It's just a spell; let it go, will it away." He tugged again.
She felt herself wanting to walk towards them but followed Ursad until they were out of sight, and the overpowering urge subsided. "What was that Ursad, why show me the unicorns in the first place, if they can kill me? Really, what was the point if you were just going to pull me away? She felt suddenly depressed as tears glistened in her eyes. Her weakness seemed so obvious and she hoped he wouldn't laugh.
"The unicorns are gorgeous and they might seem harmless... but like the sirens in mythology, they lure you to your death. It's best if you do not think of them anymore. I just thought that it would be good that you saw them so you could see and feel the weight of their pull and just how dangerous they can be. If you had been by yourself...who knows what would have happened. " He cut down the tall branches around them as he spoke; the forest's greenery thickened as they progressed, it was almost jungle consistency now.
"Well, thank you Ursad. It's weird to be drawn to an animal like that. I feel strange, like I'm waking up from a drugged sleep or like I'm hung-over. Not that I really ever have gotten drunk or anything like that...you know, it's just an expression." Shade yawned and pulled out her flask of water, the cool sweet fluid met her lips and always seemed to chase the sadness away. She felt instantly better and revived. I wondered why my energy comes and goes. She thought about how she felt drugged at Ursad's cottage. A moment or so later she shrugged off her slight concern; I'm probably not healed completely. It was still shocking to her that she jumped into a raging and rushing waterfall.
"Ya well. Not everything in Faerie is what it seems. Beauty can be evil and kindness can be a trap. Eating food in faerie could trap you here forever." He paused, glancing back at her for a moment before continuing. "Dancing to music in Faerie could make you dance until you die. Sprites and pixies can be quite devilish and conniving. The faerie courts may be glamorous but everyone has their own agendas at heart. Goblins can be kind or wicked, friend or foe. Depends. Mountain or whole dwellings can be just under your feet and you wouldn't even know it. Just remember Shade, trust no one and you will be alright." He swung his machete like sword again, slicing the underbrush out of their way.
"Does that apply to you too?" She watched him turn and grin for a moment. He continued to clear the underbrush. She watched him, wondering what he was thinking. "So is it true Faeries cannot lie?" Shade dodged a fallen log and turned into the slim openings of the grass that Ursad had made.
"Tell a lie? Well, fey have a funny way of stretching the truth. Most you'll find, try to be honest. You can also frequently run into the type that gets off by messing with your mind." He paused, rubbing his arm and breathing slightly hard. He obviously wasn't used to so much physical activity. He probably preferred to hang around his cottage as opposed to traveling. "We are almost to the small faery town of Genoden. It's about a half an hour away. When we get close, use the cloak that I gave you and pull your hood over your head. We don't want any unwanted attention." He continued through the brush as she pulled her cloak out.
It was dirt brown and very plain in design. The brooch clip at the neck was like a wing of a bird, the bronze simmered in the sunlight. She draped it over her arm and hugged the bulk of it to her chest. At least this would definitely not make her stand out. She walked behind Ursad, as he cursed the hard labor, crunching on the fallen twigs and debris; and focused on what he told her about Faeries and lies, but more on the part of unwanted attention. Her mind pushed on to the thought of Genonden and what possibilities lay ahead for her there. 'Fey have a funny way of stretching the truth,' Ursad had just told her. The part about them messing with the mind alarmed her the most. As they traveled closer to the town of Genoden she didn't know what was waiting for her, but she didn't think an old hooded cloak was going to protect her. Yes, Shade knew it was probable that she was going to get attention, wanted or not.
The town really wasn't big at all. One could hardly call it a town, more like a small village, a one street wonder. Its cobblestone streets and wooden houses reminded Shade of European cottages with straw and ceramic tiles for roofs. There were people scurrying about all over the place. The market was the main street and the second floors of the shops were also apartments for living quarters. Shade pulled her cloak around her. Hoping the anonymity of the crowd would make her almost invisible. She stayed glued right behind Ursad, holding a corner of his cloak as they weaved their way through the streets of vendors.
The faeries dressed in any and every color, vibrant to drab, the brighter the better. Some were without cloaks, showing off their thin pale, perfect and muscular bodies. Ears and necks adorned with glittering jewels and beads. They had long hair in braids and adornments of gold and silver. Most had eyes like Blythe, large, insect like but there were many that used glamour to appear human. Some lived in a nearby human city and just got used to staying in glamoured forms. Shade nodded in acknowledgement of Ursad's quick lessons of fey culture. She had scanned the faces in the crowd for her friends, without any luck. Then something about what Ursad said began to bother her.
"Why can some live in human cities and some fey can't?" She asked, thinking about Jack and Soap; she always wondered how they could get away with roaming the iron cites longer than the other fey.
"As you might know, most can't stand the iron in the buildings, it makes them sick. Only a few fey are immune. Being part human helps and some type of faeries are made to withstand it."
"Like the Teleen faeries?" Shade replied with better of understanding of fey culture.
"Yes, exactly," Ursad answered with a firm nod.
They passed by stands of fresh fruit and vegetables, collecting a bag full of groceries. The day was fading quickly and the late afternoon sun burned down on them as it was setting behind some houses. Ursad whispered the need to find shelter for the night and said he would take her to one of the local inns for travelers where they could freshen up. She was quiet and nodded again, in awe of the folks around them to say anything. The air was filled with so much noise and excitement.
They reached the Inn. It was nestled on the town's main street. Ursad checked in, paying the innkeeper behind a bar counter without so much, as a glance from her. She was plump and had her long red hair bound into a tight bun at the base of her neck. Long strands hung from it like it had lost its tightness throughout the workday and lay draped down her shoulders and back. Her locks were a fiery red, with a touch of orange. Shade had never seen anyone with that color hair, at least not naturally. She wore a work apron over her plain-jeweled blue dress. She handed Ursad a key and waved her hand towards the stairs at the left of the backside of the bar area. Ursad nodded and thanked her. He waved towards Shade to giving indication that she should follow. They ascended the stairs quickly, before anyone could notice them.
Shade reached the room and fell against the door as it closed. She sighed, happy to be out of the crowded bar. The room had felt like everyone's eyes were staring right at her, even though they probably weren't. She wondered if anyone knew whom she was and what she was trying to do. After being ambushed and attacked (twice) in such a short period of time since the beginning of this quest, she was starting to feel somewhat paranoid. I need to just relax; they probably weren't looking at me and have no idea who I am, or what I'm doing.
"You alright Shade?" Ursad stood by the window, watching the crowds swirling below. He looked up at her, with his green eyes reflecting the last streams of sunlight.
"Yes I'm fine, just tired I guess, I was just wondering what happened to my friends. I thought they might have found me by now... but I don't know where they are." She stared at the single bed in the center of the room. Pressing her lips together, she felt the blood rush up to her face. She kept her eyes low and knelt down to rummage through her backpack.
Ursad watched her, a small smile played on his lips. "You can take the bed; I'll be taking that couch over there." He motioned to the average sized dark green couch with worn and loose threaded upholstery.
Shade frowned and shook her head at it, almost letting a laugh escape.
"Wow... that looks mighty comfy! Not gonna fight you for it, it's all yours, Ursad," she said sarcastically, failing miserably to suppress a laugh.
Ursad rolled his eyes but his smile widened. Shaking his head, he walked over to it, pushed on it to test its strength and laid out on it like a large, lazy lap dog.
Shade continued to laugh and pulled out her pajamas. She headed to the bathroom and shut the door behind her. She had been tired but now the joking had recharged her. She breathed in and relaxed her shoulders; staring at the mirror, she studied her own thin and pale face. The journey was taking a toll and her and her exhaustion seemed permanently stamped on her face. Her face was gaunt and thinner than before and she didn't like her reflection. Disturbed, she looked away. It seemed like a chore just to put on her soft flannel pajamas and suddenly she was drained again. She closed her eyes and thought about everything and everyone. Ursad had turned out to be a good friend but she worried about her entourage.
Where are they? Are they even looking for me? Maybe they think I'm dead and have retreated to the Guildrin caverns after all, she thought almost feeling defeated. And what about Dylan? Her mind pressed with urgency. She wondered if their blood ties had affected him when they were separated. She hadn't felt anything at all but hoped he was at least ok. She sighed, feeling a slight ache in her chest for her friends. Even Dylan's annoying presence had turned a little more personal. She felt his loss even more.
She scratched her head and squeezed her eyes shut. Darn that Blythe! What the hell does she want with me? Shade's eyes flew open remembering what the Dryad queen had said about dragging her to the Lonare's Queen. What did she want with her? They probably want the magic of the Santiran fountains for themselves. Why else would even bother with her? Maybe they just wanted to find out to have some sort of advantage over the Guildrin court. Shade sighed and rolled her head around, massaging her neck and easing out some knots.
Shade looked back at the mirror and felt an odd sense of déjà vu. She reached her hand out towards the smooth surface but pulled back, feeling her heart racing. The mirror did nothing; its still hard surface lacked the ripples of Darren's mirror. Nothing but her careworn face stared back at her, and her feelings of shock and fear were evident. I can't believe I'm afraid of mirrors now. She was scaring herself. Darren was far, far away now. No one knew where she was, not even the one with the powers of mirror travel.
She clicked the door open and walked back into the large room that was the sanctuary for the night. She dropped her clothes into her bag and walked towards the windows. Ursad must have opened them. The soft breeze poured in, lifting the curtains up like floating ribbons. She could hear the murmur of the crowd outside with a random shout or two every now and then. Shade stood just inside the window, afraid to peek outside. The soft gusts of air caressed her cheeks and swept her now loose hair up into a streaming mass, tickling her neck. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling peace in this busy place.
"They wouldn't understand you. You and I have that in common. No one out there understands. We are different, but that makes us the same," said Ursad quietly.
She turned and studied Ursad, who was sitting on the couch watching her. They had yet to turn on the lights in the room but his emerald eyes shone like two green beams of light. He stared intently into her face as she watched him, Ursad then stood and walked towards her. She didn't move even when he came up to her and was face to face.
Shade watched his very human hands reach up and cup her face. She felt the blood rush to her face but couldn't look away from his piercing eyes. She reached out and stroked the rough bark like skin on his face. Running her fingers over the bridge of his nose and down over the softness of lips that remained. She looked up, studying the very human eyes that were staring back at her. He was a man trapped in a shell that was not his. She could feel the deep resonating hunger and fear that ran through him as they touched. Something like a dread of sadness filled her inside, like she could feel him drowning inside of himself. She felt herself pull away, her face turning from the intensity of him. Immediately she felt like she was waking up from a dream. Groggy and confused she sat on the bed and looked back at him, inquiring with her eyes for answers and was full of suspicion.
"Ursad, are you using magic on me?" She waited, looking at her new companion, hoping to hear something comforting come from his mouth. His head dropped down as his gaze fixed onto the worn floorboards. The grain of wood snarled and wove through every plank like veins of a long lost tree. Ursad backed away and sat back on the couch, his face still and calm.
"I'm sorry, Shade. I couldn't help it. I thought I could make you stay with me. Back at my place and here too, but I can see that my magic is not strong enough to work against you. Your magic, it pushes against mine so easily. I, I'm so sorry, Shade, I didn't mean to ever harm you in any way. I hope you believe me. I just can't be alone again." His face hung down as his hands came up to cradle it as he sank to the floor.
"Ursad, how could you? What do you mean now and back at your house? What did you do? What have you done?" She watched him, unmoving and dark. When he didn't respond, she stood over him, holding herself back. "What did you do Ursad? Answer me!" She pulled at his arm and he looked up at her, green tinted tears spilled down his rough cheeks.
"Shade, please don't be mad. I thought you were just a human. I couldn't have known that you were part faery! I would have never tried to trap you if I knew that. That's probably the whole reason it didn't work." His fear leaked into his voice.
"What? What didn't work?" Shade had started to back up now, afraid to know what he would say next.
"When humans enter the land of Faerie, they can be trapped here forever, especially if they eat something, food or drink from a faery. If the faery who gives a human food or a drink wants them to stay, and the human eats what is offered, they belong to that faery forever, or until the faery lets them go. I thought if you ate my enchanted food, you would not be able to leave and stay longer...and I wouldn't be alone anymore." He pulled himself up and knelt on the floor before her, grabbing her hand and rubbing his cheek against it. "I swear I would never harm you! You have to believe it, Shade, please don't go. I just wanted someone to talk to; no one ever looks at me like you do, without disgust, without judgment. I wanted it to stay like that, forever."
Shade backed away out of his grasp. She pressed against the footboard of the bed and sank to the floor. Her sobs poured out as she curled up into a tight ball, hugging her legs to herself. He crawled towards her but stopped when she held her hand up and he froze.
"Don't touch me, Ursad." She sniffled and wiped at her tears on her sleeves. She looked up at him. He was sitting on his knees with his head hanging down, a beaten man. She studied him, looking small and harmless in his hunched over defeat. She sighed and wondered what she was going to do. It seemed it wasn't going to stop, all the hell she had gone through the past week, and it wasn't getting any better. At least Ursad hadn't tried to kill her, but what of his treachery?
What if it had worked and she had become his, sort of, slave? She shivered at the thought and held back her last sob. She felt violated in away and she needed time to think. "Are you done then, trying to mess with me?" She asked after a moment. "Like you said, it doesn't work right? You can't keep me here, you don't own me." She wiped off more drops of tears, watching him, and waiting for his answer.
Ursad looked up at her, eyes wide with surprise and fear. "Yes, I, I promise, I'm done. I would never try to hurt you, please understand, it was foolish of me to try any magic on you when you have been so kind to me." He reached into his coat and brought out a soft baby blue handkerchief. He crept towards her and held it out, trying not to get too close.
Shade snatched it from him and watched him jump back, concern and relief both flashing on his face. "You better not try it again. I can feel it every single time. I guess I am part fey after all." She paused and looked at him. She let out a laugh that made him jump. "It didn't work. So, it was for nothing and I have nothing to fear from you at all." She blew her nose and stood up. She studied him as he pulled himself back up onto the couch and sat, staring back at her.
"Tomorrow, we are going to the Santiran Fountains, Ursad. From there, you're on your own again. Just take me there and we are done. The maps you showed me, they are correct, right?"
He nodded sadly.
"Okay then. I want to get some sleep now. So, good night. "
He nodded again and pulled a blanket from the arm of the couch and laid on the couch, folding his arm for a pillow.
Shade slid down into the sheets and pulled the pillow around her head. She dug her face into it, wishing she could dig her way into the fluffy feathers of the pillow and fade away into the softness. She reached over and turned the lamp by the bedside off and stared out into the darkness now covering the windows. The soft moonlight shone like a small beacon from the outside world. The curtains danced in the soft warm breeze. She smiled and closed her eyes. It was spring now in Faerie. She could never get used to the weirdness of this place.
Drifting off to sleep she listened to sound of Ursad's slow and rhythmic breathing, she was cocooned in her warm blankets as she slipped away into her dreams.
"Shade."
"Who's there?"
"Shade, It's us, Duende, Astrid and Elaby. You must hurry! The Lonare Unseelie court moves to stop you. You must get to the fountains tomorrow and retrieve the magic waters quickly!"
"What then? What must I do with it? Where do I go? How do I get back to the Guildrin Caves?"
They smiled at her with their ethereal faces and hair infinitely suspended in midair, like a silent unseen wind that blew just for them.
"You will know. Dylan is waiting for you, he needs you Shade. You and only you can save him."
"Dylan? Where is he? How do I find him? Why would he need me?" Shade furrowed her brows at the sisters. They never make much sense.
"Just follow your path; it will take you straight to him. Remember, when all is dark, you are your own light. Don't forget, the stones Ilarial gave you; they can make a path where none can be seen."
Shade looked at them, her face filled with confusion. Their smiles left no traces or hints of what exactly they meant. She shouted out to them but her voice was gone. They shook their heads and smiled, waving hands out in front of her, waiving a goodbye. Shade screamed to them but felt the grey and the darkness around her, and it was suffocating them out of her sight.
\*\*\*\*\*
Shade woke with a start, her heart drumming in her chest. Her pillow was stuffed and wadded into a ball under her head. She was sleeping on her stomach and looked around the dark room. The moonlight was dim now, dark grey misted across the room, probably near morning. She sat up on her elbows, looking towards Ursad, fast asleep on the small couch by the wall, gently breathing. She rolled over and sat up, the short rays of dawn mixed with moonlight as the minutes ticked by. Stretching, she stood up and shuffled over to the open window. The streets were quiet, only occasional people with baskets or pushing carts filled with fruit could be seen. The morning market was prepping itself for the needs of many. Shade breathed in and felt a sense of peace filling her with each inhale of air. She turned and grabbed her bag, heading to the bathroom.
When she emerged, the soft sunlight filled the windows. She had showered and brushed her long hair and put it in a ponytail. Her fresh jeans and hoodie were over a t-shirt to keep the morning chill out. She pulled on socks and tied her sneakers. She shoved everything back into her bag and looked at Ursad, still fast asleep on the couch. She sighed and walked towards him. His soft snores told her that he was definitely out. She smiled and shook her head. She was ready to go and he was out like a light. It was hard to be angry with him when he looked like that, but she wasn't ready to forgive what he did.
She looked at the pile of maps on the small table next to the couch, scooping them up; she placed them also into her pack. Donning her cloak, she headed towards the door but stopped. She turned and watched Ursad sleeping, dead to the world. She left her pack by the door and looked down at Ursad, staring at his rough face and soft eyelids. He seemed peaceful and almost handsome, deep in sleep and dreaming.
She wondered what he saw behind his lids, in a world that was his only. She hated to leave him like this, without a goodbye, but she had to leave. His intentions had not been honest and she could not tolerate that. She sank into her thoughts as she squeezed her eyes shut. She liked him but felt betrayed by his magic...She flung her eyelids open and knew what she had to do. Bending down, she let her lips glide softly over his still very human ones. She stood back and saw that he had not stirred, oblivious. She smiled and stood up, silently wishing him a goodbye. At the door, she swung her pack onto her back, opening the door and shutting it softly behind her. As it clicked, she never looked back again but she had forgiven him after all.
The streets had filled up quickly; she pulled the hood of her long cloak over her face, hiding her hooded sweatshirt and jeans effectively enough. She took a look around and she watched the people scurry by, all never giving her a moment's glance. Well, I'm alone again. She breathed in deeply and walked towards the edge of town, feeling that her newfound determination filled her with purpose.
Shade felt no fear and embraced the anonymity of the crowd, it almost felt like protection; and as their magic swirled around her she drew it in for comfort. She continued to weave around the people and made it to the edge of town. Walking along the road, she followed it until the town fell out of sight and she was now truly alone. The gravel crunched under her feet and the leaves of the trees rustled franticly in the breeze. It was then she pulled out the maps she had taken from Ursad. A feeling of regret washed over her as she thought about the way she left; but when she thought about what he did...No leaving was the only way she could forgive him. If this whole experience taught her one thing, it was forgiving was not the same as forgetting.
It was time to get a move on. Obviously, this isn't the kind of place where you make lifelong friends...I've got something more important to do anyway. She smoothed out one of the maps on a flat boulder that was close to her height. She traced her finger along the road that she followed from the town. According to the map, she was heading north towards the mountains. She could see the great mountain peaks just beyond the forest. They seemed to be taunting her, appearing closer than they really were. Sighing heavily, she folded the maps up neatly and placed them into her backpack.
She pulled out an apple and a roll of bread at the same time and started munching her small breakfast as she walked briskly along the road.
The day wore on and she stopped frequently, checking the maps and refueling on the many snacks and drinks, she carried with her. She made sure to put any garbage back into her bag in a trash bag or just bury it. She kept stopping to listen to see if anyone was following her. She had gone many miles on the desolate road before she came across anyone; it was then she'd crouch behind trees or fallen logs, in the tall grasses, of the forest floor until they passed. She wondered if any of them had been Ursad. She highly doubted it since they all were on carriages or small carts that wheeled on by. She thought about him constantly and his unfortunate curse, wondering what his real face looked like. She didn't like the fact that she had left him alone again, especially when they had agreed to travel together. She shook her head. He screwed up. She was not going to have people around her that she couldn't trust completely. Not now when she was in so much danger.
Glancing around the lonely road, she pulled her pack tighter to her back, it was lonelier still without him. Shade wondered where everyone was. Her thoughts wandered to Sary, Braelynn, Ewan, Stephan, Than, Soap, Jack and Dylan. Somehow, (probably because of the blood bind) she knew Dylan was not returning to Teleen without her. He was out here somewhere, with or without her friends. She hoped she would run into them some time or another. The forest seemed so vast and lonely without them joking beside her, and chatting vibrantly. She missed them terribly.
Shade paused in her walking, listening to the woods and the animals scurrying around and the birds singing high up, hidden in the canopy. Swearing she had heard something, she turned, straining her ears for any little noise. The blue sky was swallowed by the trees as the branches swayed in the soft breeze. The strong scent of pine and damp mulch swam in the air, circling around and infusing into her nostrils. It happened slowly but she realized she was changing; she was actually enjoying the woods. So much had happened to her that she barely noticed this subtle difference in her personality. Somehow, though it was clear she was different; her life had been altered and would never be the same. Rubbing her arms in the coolness of the late morning breezes, she and the altitude grew with each step as she walked toward the mountain range in the distance. I'll have to use Dylan's blanket later, Already it felt colder as she edged closer to the Santiran Mountains.
As the day wore on Shade decided to not walk on the gravel road anymore, it was becoming congested with travelers. She began to see more traffic as carts and bands of people shuffled by, headed away from the mountains mostly, and in the opposite direction of her. She wondered why there weren't as many people headed towards the mountains. The tension of being seen and not knowing if the others were good or trouble was working on her nerves; she would hide behind trees until the person or persons passed. At one point the road had filled with soldiers and she had to hide behind a large fallen tree for about half an hour before she could get moving again. The soldiers wore similar armor to Blythe's army and the sight of them made her heart jump and her breath tighten inside her chest.
The flashback of the fight in the river lands, made her want to vomit. She had to breathe in slowly and close her eyes, praying she wasn't going to be found by this strange militia. Who knew where their loyalties lay? She was relieved when they had moved on without a moments glance in her direction. She was paranoid after that. She dashed between the trees and paused often to listen for any crunch of gravel or snap of twigs. Every noise made her jump. She tried to stay focused but she was starting to feel exhausted as the day wore on. She was about ready to hike further from the road to camp for the night when she heard something that made her skin crawl.
"That little bitch killed Blythe! When I get my hands on her scrawny little neck, I'm gonna snap it like the twig she is!" A husky male voice echoed through the trees.
"Ya, and give her a stab for my friend Mike, he died as well. Those warriors were no joke, where did she find them? That red haired one got me on the shoulder, the darn stitches hurt! That's ok though, knocked her out before she got too much of me. Wished I could've finished her off. Whoever called retreat was a chicken shit," another harsh voice replied.
Shade's eyes widened at the mention of Sary. She gripped her backpack straps 'til her knuckles were white and her fingers ached in protest. She fought the urge to scream and pull out her sword to charge the two soldiers with it. She closed her eyes and slowed her breathing again. She shifted on her legs, which were going numb from crouching too long. Shade cringed as she heard the snap of a twig under her sneaker. She held her breath and waited.
"Hey, did you hear that? What was that?"
"It's probably a squirrel stupid!" the second the solider snapped.
"Shut up moron, someone's there," The first solider responded and clearly sounded irritated.
The scratch of metal sliding out of sheath, made Shade swallowed hard and her throat was so tight with nerves that it ached. Oh no.
Now they were whispering, so she couldn't hear them. She heard their careless footsteps crunch on the bits of wood and dead mulch under their boots. Their steps grew closer as her panic intensified. She heard them come to a stop but they did not speak, waiting for her to betray herself. The wait made her impatient as she decided to risk peeking over the log to get their positions.
She spotted them not too far from her. They were scanning an area to the right of her. Soon they would be near enough to see her. It was then she glanced behind her, into the endless forest for an escape route.
"There she is! Get her!" They grunted as they turned towards her and began sprinting, dodging other logs and debris. Shade's eyes widened and she bolted, running as fast as she could through tangled branches, twigs and wet leaves.
"Stop! You're in a lot of trouble! Stop and we won't kill you!" One of the men called. He did not sound very convincing.
Ya, that's gonna make me come to a halt. She jumped over boulders and logs, occasionally slipping and sliding as the terrain became uneven and full of dips and hills. She fell to her hands, scraping them on twigs and rocks. She felt no pain but was sure it was going to leave marks. She came to a rock bed where the boulders were smooth and bobbed out and were higher than the others. She hopped on the flattened tops, nearly losing her step as her feet slid over the smooth surfaces. Her arms waved in the air, catching her balance just in time before falling into the crevices.
"Get back here you little... Damn, Reike, my foot's caught! Get her man!" One soldier was struggling to pull his foot from a crack between two boulders. He waved at his partner to follow her.
Shade glanced back, but was near the end of boulders when she missed her step and slammed against one side of a large stone. She tried to grip the careworn rock but only scraped her hands as she slid down into a large hole between the rocks. She slid and slid, down under the boulders until the hole became a tunnel, sending her slipping down into darkness, and deep underground.
There was nothing but the dark and silence around her. She was face down in the fine, sandy dirt floor. Sparks twinkled in her vision as she moved, causing her to slow down and breath through the wave of nausea. She must have hit her head when she landed. Moving her arms under her, she pushed herself into a sitting position, or what felt like it because the darkness seemed to cancel out her sense of direction, and this did not help her stomach. She lurched the last bits of her afternoon snack into the black dirt around her.
Yuck, Shade spit onto the ground, trying to expel the remnants of the nasty taste in her mouth. She breathed in deeply and sat up again, balancing herself with her hands in the dirt. She bent over, letting some more blood rush into her throbbing head. Now I need a doctor or something...As the moments passed, the pounding lessened and her stomach settled. She was able to sit straight then and fished through all her pockets for the light stone. She found it in her back pocket of her jeans. She wrapped her hand around it, willing it to life. The soft glow grew with every breath she took. She felt her fear subside just a bit when the light brightened and showed more strength. She held it in the center of her palm and stretched her fingers straight. Like a lantern she held in her hand and carried it with her about the room. The light was dim; but she could see that the room was rounded and made out of stone. Dirt, rocks, and debris littered the floor of the underground cave. She studied the smooth walls all around her. She could not see any exits or cracks in the stone. She looked up at the ceiling where she was sure she had come from. It was sealed and just as smooth as the walls.
What the? How the hell do I get out of here? How the hell did I get in?
Shade once again scanned the room. It was like being inside a very hard bubble. She sighed and placed the stone in front of her in the dirt. Please, just keep glowing. She prayed as she watched the warm yellow light. She smiled, proud that she managed to do some magic, she attempted to stand up and take a better look around. The floating stars in her vision caused her kneel back down and she had to wait until the dizziness and woozy feeling subsided.
After a few moments, Shade felt well enough to stand and was glad she didn't hit her head on the ceiling. Walking along side of the walls, she felt along the stones that were rougher and grainier than the stones on the ground. The bumps scraped against her already, wounded, and sore hands. After inspecting every inch of the surface that appeared to be no way out. Spinning around with her heart pounding in her chest, she felt claustrophobic and very frustrated. All kicking the stone wall and punching it with her hands gained her was more pain. Her hands were burning as her closed fists irritated her excoriated palms. Shade slumped to the floor, leaning against the cold rock. She hugged her knees to her chest and rocked back and forth until sobs shook her body and her tears soaked her cheeks. Her cries echoed in the cool air. She felt no wind or air but could smell the dampness and mold intermingled within it.
The time ticked by and she didn't know how long she had rocked herself but it was long enough for her tears to dry up that stained her dirty cheeks, and for her hands to stop throbbing. She pulled off her pack and dug through it for some water, hoping that after that she might be able to think more clearly. Her ravenous chewing on a small snack filled the emptiness for a moment or two. She wished her spirit guides were still with her and giving her advice. She wondered why the attack had caused her to expel them along with Darren. She hugged her arms and felt a chill run down her entire body. She pulled out Dylan's warm blanket and wrapped it around her until just her eyes were visible from its folds. The warmth provided by the blanket was instant and now her eyes were drooping with drowsiness, and heavy with sleep.
Feeling a little lonely, Shade breathed in the faint scent of Dylan's skin. She sighed and watched her light stone glow softly in the dark. What now? She pulled out her sleeping bag from her tent set up and laid it on the soft dirt. Laying her pillow down, she felt the exhaustion overwhelm her body and her bones ached from the events of the day. She hadn't realized how tired she had become after being chased through the forest. She pulled the blanket around herself and drifted away, hoping to find someone, even in her dreams.
\*\*\*\*\*
"Shade?"
Her eyelids fluttered open as her eyes adjusted to the blue flickering light in the room as it intermittently broke up the darkness. The rock seemed to bounce the light around and had took on the blue color. She blinked again and sat up, confirming that she was still in her stone dungeon. Realizing her light stone wouldn't be as bright as the light that shone in the cave, she rubbed away the sleep from her eyes and looked around. Who called my name?
"Shade! It is you! I knew you were close but I never thought that you would be here!" A male voice said with relief and eagerness.
She stared at the figure; electricity crackled and flames radiated from him like a torch. She stood up and wavered a moment, eyes wide in disbelief. Dylan! It was Dylan without glamour and aglow in the most amazing blue fire, that swam along his skin and licked the air around him.
"Dylan? What, but, how did you get here? How did you find me?" Her eyes scanned him, waiting for his still familiar face to change into someone else. Her heart leaped with the utmost happiness at the sight of him. She smiled and tried to stand until a sway of dizziness changed her mind.
"I don't know. I came along an ancient river bed with enormous boulders throughout it. I was compelled to be there. I'd been tracking you for days. I can feel when you have been in a place, almost like I'm experiencing a feeling of déjà vu. It felt so strong there, but I didn't even know where to look. Suddenly the land seem to open up and suck me down between the boulders and bam, here I am. That's never happened to me before, definitely a first." He paused, smiling at her. "Like, I was meant to find you. I can't even explain it. It's the weirdest thing ever to fall and be right here with you. No wait don't get too close, you might get burned." Shade retracted her hand, just realizing she had been reaching out to him.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize."
He smiled and nodded. "It's ok. You know how we look like without the glamour to encase our true bodies. If you were to touch me, I could hurt you..."
Shade pressed her lips together, confusion flashed across her face like a slap. "But Darren touched me when he was unglamoured, like you are now, and I didn't get burned. I asked Soap and Jack about it and they had no answers for me. It makes me think that I might not be harmed if I touch you." She looked back up at Dylan.
His face was a mask of shock; and he shook his head. "I don't know about that Shade. Maybe it was a trick of his. He could do so many things with mirrors that would make you believe things were real, when all they really were bits of illusion. He was a genius at that." Dylan's face was grim at the thought of his brother.
"No, I know because he was shocked when I didn't burn, he said that much. I saw it in his eyes." Her eyes glazed over with the memory of the malice that stained on Darren's face. He had filled with so much pleasure when he saw the fear wash over her. She looked at Dylan and almost expected to see Darren standing before her. They were similar in appearance but even as brothers, they didn't exactly look alike and certainly didn't behave the same way.
"Well, if you must Shade. I will tone the flames down and then you can touch my skin with just a finger, that way it won't hurt you that much. Deal?"
She nodded and watched his flames shrink back into just embers glowing across his skin softly. She studied it and watched how his skin looked smooth and untouched under the heat. He watched her as she walked towards him, extending her arm and hand up towards him. They both held their breath as she reached her finger up to his skin and ran it up his arm slow and straight. Dylan was still holding his breath when her soft touch reached him, and in that moment it felt as if time froze.
Nothing... is happening, He felt warm but hot would not be the word she would use. There was no pain, flying ash, or fear. She extended the rest of her fingers out to brush his forearm. His flames extended to full glow and she remained unscathed. She brought her hand back and studied it. Dirt and drying scrapes were smeared across her hand but no burns or soot. She looked at Dylan, who was as stunned as her and watched her with an intensity that suddenly made her aware of his closeness.
"Dylan, why can I touch you? What am I? Why am I protected from the Teleen fires?" She stared at him, awaiting an answer.
Dylan seemed to come back into himself, shaking off whatever was holding him in his thoughts still. Gazing at her, he shook his head. "I-I don't know, Shade. I wish I knew. There are so few who can do what you just did, so very few. Most are just Teleen, but you..." he kept his head shaking back and forth in disbelief. "Amazing," he whispered and then looked back at her, a smile now filling up hiding the seriousness of his face.
"Do you know what that means Shade? You could marry a Teleen. You could, without difficulty find a mate within our court. Being a female, you have no idea how rare you are and how well you shall be received..."
"What? I don't want to get married. Well, at least not yet. Where did that come from? I-I'm just a kid, why would I even think of that yet? Dylan, what do you mean there are a few who can do what I did, like not getting burned? Who else beside the Teleen, Dylan? Who besides Teleen can tolerate your power?" She waited and watched his smile fade just as fast as it had come.
"Our race is dying out, Shade. We can only marry another Teleen and very few of us are able to have children. Only matched pairs with another race that is able to be genetically compatible to us would help strengthen our line. Our power dies otherwise. The only other races of fey that would even be compatible with us and strong enough to withstand our fire are even rarer than the Teleen are."
"Who are these people? What do you call them? Dylan, please." She watched him impatiently. The look on his face definitely disapproving that she even asked him.
"Changelings for one thing, elementals of fire, such as fire-witches. Finding someone like that is so rare...I have only known of one changeling and one elemental fire-witch ever, and they were paired already." He paused and studied her, narrowing his eyes at her. "Do you know if you are either of those, Shade?"
"Me? No, no way. If I am, I wouldn't know it. I mean, what are a changeling and an elemental witch? How would I know which one I am, if I'm one of those?"
"Well, a changeling is simple; they are capable of changing into anything they want to. Human, bear, squirrel, different types of fey like Teleen, Enlors are sprites or Gidals, which are trolls. Anything, really. It's a rare ability, like I said. An elemental fire-witch is, well, a human mortal witch--in every meaning of the word, but with an affinity to fire. They can control it, wave it around, and send it roaring across a forest, whatever you can imagine doing with it. They can cast spells, charms, curses and things of that nature. There are many kinds of witches, Shade, but rare is it to find elemental witches, they are special." He stopped, his face serious and he met her eyes.
"Shade, if my people knew that you could be one of these kind of specials, especially since Darren exposed it with his attack, I have to warn you and let you know that upon returning to Teleen, all unmated, unmarried males in my race will be courting you for your attention. You'll probably be bombarded by them, pushed to choose one of them for a mate."
"What? Oh no, no, no. They can't make me do anything. I won't choose anybody. I won't be staying there at all. I wouldn't return there after what happened, and besides I'm going home."
Dylan nodded and sighed. "Yes, Shade, of course you will want to go home. But I must warn you. Even at home, you will not be left alone. Teleen men are relentless. Our queen will not stop them either, not until you choose one of them as your mate. Only then will it be ordered by our queen to leave you alone. It is vital for the survival of our people. I'm sorry, Shade. At the very least I had to warn you before that happens."
Shade let her face screw up in disgust. Marriage was the least of her worries. She wished he hadn't said a thing about it at all. She turned and slumped down onto her sleeping bag again. She still felt tired and now irritated on top of it all. She stared up at the ceiling, lit up in Dylan's glow. The whole cave was flickering in the light. There was still no sign of a way out. She pulled the blanket over her head and balled up into a ball.
"Dylan, how are we getting out of this place? I looked everywhere. I don't even see where I came in! What is this place? I feel claustrophobic and it's cold down here." She closed her eyes and waited.
"It's a place to forget oneself or forget about someone. It's both a blessing and a curse depending how you look at it. This cave is one of the ancient prisons of Faerie. People were left here for years to forget about themselves, wither away or to emerge fresh, with a clean slate. It's an immortal's dungeon or oubliette, Shade. I am surprised you stumbled across one; usually it can trap only immortals." He paused. She listened to the silence, waiting for him to continue while pondering his words.
"It does make me wonder why you are down here. You must be immortal then, to end up in such a place. Possibly a powerful changeling for all we know."
"Who gets people out of these things? Who made them? Was it the Lonares?" She muttered. She felt her eyes heavy with sleep; she rubbed them and struggled to stay awake.
"No, as I said this room could be used as a prison but not always. It can be a safe place, you know when you're being pursued and you need to seek a sanctuary. No one gets people out of these places, except for the faery who put you here. You must will it so yourself--to escape, I mean; you must get us out here Shade"
She thought of his last words as she drifted off to sleep. What a bunch of crock.
\*\*\*\*\*
Shade woke up in darkness yet again. She heard a soft breathing across the room. Was she still in the oubliette? The cool, damp air reassured her disappointment as she sat up, pulling the blanket down from her head. She felt around for her light stone, which sat cold and dormant in the center of the room where she had left it. She grasped it and watched it reignite. Her eyes focused in the dim light as it grew. She watched the bundle that was Dylan softly sleeping. He wasn't aglow anymore. He must have slipped his glamour back on like a robe before bed. She sighed and set the light stone down again. She wondered if she should wake him and also about how long she had slept. She didn't know what day or time it was anymore. It could have been hours or minutes and she wouldn't even know it down here in the dark, dank bowels of the earth. Her cell phone was long dead, since she hadn't charged it lately. She leaned against the smooth stone and thought about everything they had spoken about before she had let sleep win her over...was it the night or day before?
She felt bad for doubting Dylan, but he didn't make much sense to her half of the time. She smiled, glad that she wasn't alone down here anymore but pondered again on the subject of escape. Just will it so? What the heck was that about? Like, tell the stone to open up and let me out kind of thing? Shade thought with frustration. She was pretty sure she hadn't asked to be placed here, at least not on purpose.
She stood up again and shook her head. Oh whatever, this entire place doesn't make any sense. Changelings, witches, faeries and whatever the hell else pops up. She wondered how much of the world she had grown up in was real at all. It seemed like none of it was real, it was just a lie, just a façade that the fey had played on all of human kind. They probably got a good laugh out of it all the time. Oh, what dumb humans they are, can't figure out that more than half their land isn't even on their maps because it's ours. We can do whatever the heck we want and they don't know any better. Idiots!
She kicked the wall again, but not hard enough to hurt her foot but enough to make her grunt. She thumped her back against the wall and sighed in.
"You alright there? The wall isn't going to kick you back you know, it didn't really do anything to you." Dylan had his hands behind his head while he remained lying, head up and staring at her, sneering.
"Oh shut up. How do we get out? We need to get out like yesterday, Dylan! How do we do it?" She stared at him, huffing out her anger as she marched back to her sleeping bag. She shook it out violently and stuffed it into her bag. She pulled out her canteen and drank the cool drops of water. She tossed it back in and then tossed her bag to the side as she sank down to the ground, feeling the tears sting her eyes. Darn if she was going to give Dylan any more signs of her current breakdown, she just couldn't take the mortification.
Dylan sighed and stretched out. He stood up and held his hand out to her. "Come on, we gotta go."
He waited as she stared back up at him, tears still pooling in her eyes. She took his hand and stood up, swinging her pack onto her back and followed him over to the smooth walls of stone. "Now, to leave these prisons, one must believe in impossibility. Lay your hands on the stone and think, think about the mountains you saw before you got here, the fountains. Make a road in your head that will lead you to the place you want to go, and it will happen, make a way for yourself, for us."
Shade studied his face, feeling a prick of hope mixed with disbelief as he spoke. She nodded and did what he told her to. She closed her eyes and wished the stone would open and let her out into the sunlight, into the wilderness she so longed to see again. She prayed and wished as hard as she could, caressing the cool rock and waiting for the stone to do something under her dirty fingers.
Nothing.
Shade opened her eyes and stared at the rock. She looked over at Dylan and shook her head. "Nothing's happening Dylan. What if we're stuck here?" She stared at the curved wall, wanting a way out where there was none. She sucked her breath in. "Wait!" She grabbed her pack and opened the zipper, rummaging through it frantically. She pulled out the runes Ilarial had given her. She held them in her gritty hand and stared at the symbols. She shook her head; she didn't know what she had to do with them. Ilarial said they would help me find my way when there is none, but how? She stared at them and closed her eyes, silently praying for a way out of the oubliette.
"Shade! What's going on?" Dylan pulled her out of her thoughts. She glanced around to find the rock fading in front of them with a soft rumble around them. The bubble was no longer a bubble but extending into an elongating hall, growing and growing longer into the earth until it reached the top of the soil. Steps formed out of the smooth rock, and sunlight slowly streamed in through dirt and roots dangling down from the forest floor.
The walls had stopped rumbling and the ground stilled. She looked over to Dylan as they now stared down the small corridor to the stairs. She smiled and looked at him as he reached back, grabbing his cloak and her light stone from the ground.
He tossed the stone to her as they walked up the stairs. "Way to go, Shade. See, you just have to believe in yourself."
"It worked! Ilarial gave me these rune stones that would help me out, when I needed it. I didn't even do much but wish there to be a way out...wow, it's amazing Dylan!" They both shouted with glee as they scurried up each step.
The sun bore down on them like a spotlight in their faces. Shade's eyes cramped in pain as they adjusted to the bright sunlight. She blinked and shaded her eyes with her hands, and looked around them. They were no longer in the river of boulders but at the base of the Santiran mountain range. She pulled herself up and out of the hole in the ground with Dylan just behind her. The ground seemed to swallow up the darkness of the prison as they watched it close behind them. Only grass and leaves lay where the exit used to be. She bent and reached out to touch the patch of grass and dirt. It felt firm and undisturbed. She swallowed, amazed by the whole thing.
"Look, Dylan," she pointed up the massive wall of mountain. "It's the Santiran Mountain! We must be so close to the fountains! We're almost there!" She walked with a little jump in her skip, almost bursting with anticipation. She would find the magic waters of the Santiran fountains, and then she would be that much closer to going home. Home. Going back to her snotty nosed brothers and bratty sister. She missed them so much her heart ached in her chest. She'd be able to hug her mother again. She wanted to run up the mountain and hurry as fast as possible; she could barely contain herself.
Dylan grabbed her arm and tugged hard. She was about to curse him out when he pressed a finger to his lips and tugged at her arm again for her to follow him. Her eyes widened as she strained to hear what he had. She followed him behind a boulder near a dip in the mountains side, almost like someone had taken a scooper and scooped out a bite of the mountain's base. She wasn't sure she liked being inside the hollowed stone but whatever Dylan had heard tripped his alarms at full force.
"What is it Dylan?" She whispered as they waited. She was about to ask him again, when she heard it. Murmurs of voices seemed to dance on the rock walls and made her turn her head in all directions to discover which way they were coming from. Maybe this hiding spot was not such a good idea. The voices grew louder and echoed even more, like they were hitting a concaved amplifier.
They waited quietly, barely breathing in fear of discovery. The voices continued to dance around them like they would in crowded arena. She knew they were coming from the side they would have to follow to get to the fountains. She gritted her teeth with impatience, willing the men to move along already.
When the murmurs returned into silence, Dylan peeked over his shoulder at her and nodded his head in the same direction as the voices. The strangers were going where they needed to be. Shade nodded in agreement, but the pit in her stomach flipped with anxiety. She wasn't sure how many people might be waiting for them around the bend, how many Lonares were guarding the mountain?
They found the path deserted. They were breathing out sighs of relief as they crept out silently up the graveled path. They climbed the rocky path, slipping frequently from the loose dirt. They eased their way up the mountain, the altitude shifting into thinner and cooler air. The views were breathtaking, with emerald green treetops. The forest spread out for miles. The mountains stood tall, like a row of kings standing around the valley and framing the forest with their embrace. Shade took it in and smiled, finding nature beautiful even in her current situation. Again she felt as if she had changed somehow.
A cool breeze caressed them as they ascended. The forest began to grow again as thick as it had below, in the valley. The mountain path turned into a narrow crevice that they slide through one by one. Inside was a plateau cove, green and partly shaded by the mountain. Trees stood in all sizes around the path that led to the other side of the cove's rock walls, where a carved opening stood in shadow that never reached the sun's rays.
Shade followed Dylan, taking refuge in the shrubs and tree trunks that kept them hidden from the sight of the two soldiers; they were both standing casually by the door entrance. The men were chatting loudly, never noticing the intrusion. Shade snickered, she was sure the Unseelie queen would not be happy with the help around here. Dylan glared at her, warning her to be quiet.
He studied them and then sank back down to a hidden crouch.
"I only see the two guards. The Santiran fountains are inside that darkened doorway. If we can get through them, we should be all right. It seems that they weren't expecting us to be here at all." He paused, furrowing his brow in deep concentration. "Unless, of course, it's a trap." He bit on his lip, furrowing his brow in thought.
"How are we going to take on two guards?" She glanced over at the guards, who didn't even have their helmets on. They were the same height with the same color and length of hair. They had blonde that hit their shoulders. They were tossing jokes back and forth and giving each other friendly pushes and punches. As she looked closely she could see they were identical twins.
Great, double the trouble. How am I going to take on two husky guards? She squatted back down and out of sight and looked at Dylan, and worry spread across her face. "I'm not a fighter, I haven't learned enough to take on one of these guys. They're each as huge as a house! They could crush me with a finger!" She took a deep breath, attempting to calm her nerves.
"Shhh, it's alright, you can distract them and I'll take them out. They won't know what hit them." He smiled and began pulling out his weapons, unsheathing his sword and draping a rope across his chest and shoulders. She watched him prepare, her face contorted in horror.
"You mean I'll be the bait? Wait a minute, I don't know, that doesn't sound very promising. You might as well mark me for death. What do I say? How do I distract those two big buffoons? They don't look that smart but who needs brains with brawn like that?" She rambled on nervously. She wrung her hands over and over, feeling almost faint with anxiety. She grasped Dylan's tunic as he started to leave.
"Hey, don't worry, you got to trust me a little, Shade. I've done this before, many times. I was captain of the Teleen guard, remember? One doesn't become captain by letting their wards get all smashed up." He nodded. "Calm down, just prance out there and act like some lost little maiden who needs their help. They will fall for it, believe me. Just act dumb, shouldn't be too hard." He laughed quietly but stopped when caught the nasty glare she gave him. He turned and started to move, keeping cover in the trees, until Shade no longer could see him.
Shoot, shoot, shoot! She looked again around the tree she was hiding behind and watched the twins, they were still cackling at each other's jokes. Ok Shade, you know you have to; sometimes we have to do what we don't want to. Just get it over with already!
She crept over closer to the twins. Peeking at the guards made her stomach twist in a bad way. Taking a deep breath she stood up straight, fixing her hair as best as she could and put her most convincing clueless face that included a broad smile. She then walked straight into their line of sight.
"Um, excuse me boys, but do you know where the nearest town is? I've done gone and got myself lost. Would either one of you gentlemen care to show me which way to go?" She batted her eyes at them in the girliest way she could think of. Flipping her hair back, she didn't figure she looked irresistible but she had figured what the hell, it's worth a shot.
"Stay put there, miss. Andre, grab her and make sure she ain't got no weapons." Draden waved at his brother. They were immediately at full alert and converted into the soldiers they were trained to be. Shade swallowed hard and stiffened but recovered almost immediately, trying to act like it was no big deal.
"Oh come on now, boys, why would a little lass like me be carrying around a weapon? I wouldn't touch those filthy things if you paid me to. It would ruin my nails." She curled her fingers into her palm hoping they wouldn't notice her dingy and short cuticles. She cranked up her smile and flashed her eyes at the approaching guard again, the one named Andre. He crouched by her and signaled her to hold her arms up as he did a quick sweep of her sides and yanked her pack from her backside. She was about to protest but decided that silence would be a sweet choice right now, and safer. She hoped the glamour charm Dylan had waved onto her pack was good enough to hide all her stuff, especially the weapons.
"I don't see any, Draden. She's got nothing but makeup, a brush and some clothes in this thing." He tossed it back to her and she caught it as it whacked her chest. She frowned but slipped it back on, widening another smile across her face, twirling her hair that had dangled from her ponytail and flew about like a wisp halo around her face. She waited observing the other guard, who was squinted his suspicious eyes at her and was frowning.
"What's your name, girl." Draden approached her with his sword drawn. Shade held her breath as he came up to her, bending his head down to meet her eye line, with a cold stare of ice blue eyes. His long blond hair was pulled in a loose braid and dangled partially in his face. Up close his face was worn with years of hard fighting, deep lines creased his eyes and mouth and stubble grew sprinkled across his skin. His twin looked just as hard but maybe not as cold. She swallowed and wondered how to answer this big man with a sword pointed right at her. She took a breath, staring back into the warrior's eyes.
"My name is Alice, Alice Coleman. I'm sorry I must have interrupted something. I'll just leave then and go along my merry way. I really didn't want to impose or anything..." Draden pressing his sword to her clavicle cut her off. She stepped back but he grabbed her arm to stop her. She felt a panic rush over her. Where the hell is Dylan?
"I don't believe you." He pressed the blade a little more and her skin burned with the tiny cut. She held back a cry and stared back at him, anger spilled across her face as she clenched her lips together.
"I don't care what you think. I said I'll be on my way now." She continued to stare and waited since he did not let up on his grip. He glared back at her and seemed to ponder her face, stamping it into his memory. She wondered if he would actually hurt her or even kill her. She didn't want to find out but her impatience grew with every second.
She decided to chance another step backwards. Slowly she retreated, but watching him dart his eyes just a moment made her pause. He continued to press the sword into her but did not push it in any further. She stared at his eyes and willed him to drop the sword away. She beckoned with her eyes, like a silent prayer, she felt her magic swirl within her, inside her heart, spinning around like a mirror ball and growing with each moment. She felt it like a breath flowing out of her, up to her wound and down the sword Draden held firmly in his hands.
The moment it touched him, she saw him waver. He looked away, down at the sword and back up to her face. His face fell, eyes widening; fear crept up into his icy stare as his eyes darted from the sword to her and back to his hands and then once again back to her. Finally, he stepped away, relenting, letting his sword slide down until it graced the soil and it hung slack in his hand.
"What did you do? How did you...who are you?" He stepped back, a firm stare met her gaze it was mixed with confusion and suspicion. "Who sent you?"
Shade licked her lips and watched him as he backed away. Andre approached with his sword in hand but halted with a wave from Draden. The dominant brother was obvious to her. She hoped that whatever had just happened would save her.
"Drop your swords or we will not stop. She will churn your insides into pulp and she will not hesitate." Dylan had two swords in hand and crept up behind the twins cautiously poking them in their backs simultaneously. They both froze, surprise and anger spilled across their faces. Draden stared at Dylan and then back at Shade, seemingly contemplating the situation, probably pondering their chances against them.
Whatever magic had filled him from Shade had got the best of him. He dropped his sword and stood straight, holding his head up and puffing his chest out, in some male attempt of superiority. Andre, followed suit and dropped his, hands flew into the air for surrender.
"Shade, tie them up, and hurry, I don't know when their replacements could show up." She hurried over, kicking the dropped swords out of reach and grabbing the spool of rope Dylan handed over to her. She took the slim ropes and walked over to Draden and stared at him. "Ok, tell your brother to turn his back into that tree there and you can back into it too, next to him with arms behind you."
Draden glared at her with tense lips and hard eyes. She waited patiently, not letting his stare creep into her again or letting any fear slip out. He did what she said and waited as his brother walked over and turned around behind him. Shade smiled and hastily tied the ropes around their wrists. She silently thanked her mom for those scout camp outs where tying knots was a requirement to earn those nifty badges, her mom would also carefully sew into her uniform vest. She still had that vest, hanging neatly in her closet.
Once she had them tied, she directed them to a tree where she wrapped the remainder of the rope around them several times as snug as she could get it without cutting off circulation to their bodies and knotted the ends securely. She looked at the brothers and beamed with satisfaction.
"I know what you are. You're a changeling. Only changelings can send magic into others to make them weaker. I met one once, he's dead now. Powerful he was though. You will never be that strong." Draden sighed and looked down at the ground, pensive and serious. "You look like him though, your father I mean."
Shade stared at him, her face frozen in surprise.
"What did you say? Who are you talking about?"
Draden snapped his head up and watched her face, smirking.
"What are you smiling at?" She felt anger flush over her face but she tried to contain it, seeing that it pleased him so.
"You don't know do you? You didn't even know you were a changeling. How'd you do it then? Wild magic flows through you like a cancer, he had the same powers. I could help you, you know. I knew your father. He was a powerful man. I was his second in command for centuries until he died and that crazy queen took over." The husky man squirmed in the ropes, grimacing and obviously trying to loosen the ties. Shade smiled; there was no way in hell he could break loose.
Shade turned to look at Dylan. He was standing, his dual swords ready in hand. He was not as sure as she was if the rope would hold. His lips were firm, straight and almost colorless. His eyes furrowed in concentration, contemplating what the soldier had said.
"Don't listen to them, Shade. He is trying to trick you and delay us. Let's go to the fountain before someone else shows up." He brought the swords down, turning and motioning her to follow.
Draden's eyes widened, seeing the two of them walking away, he fidgeted again and yelled after them. "I swear it's the truth, girl. I know things you need to know. I was his second in command, your father; he would want you to know these things. Stop!"
Shade turned her head, still following Dylan and glanced back at the brawny warrior. His wild eyes watched her intently, waiting for her to turn back. She shook her head and looked away. She had a strange feeling that the soldier was telling the truth. If not, he was an excellent liar. A part of her wanted to go back and ask the warrior so many questions but knew it wasn't the right time.
The doorway to the fountains was laden in shadow. They stepped into the darkness and waited as their eyes adjusted to dim light. She followed Dylan, lighting up her light stone for their path. It was like another cave. Great, thought Shade.
Just as she thought a light shone through another doorway, she realized the hall they were in was like a semi-circle and led to an open courtyard in the shape of a full moon. Here in the middle of the mountains, a brilliant light shone like the sun streaming down above the sharp cliffs that reached to the sky. Shade drew in her breath, amazed at the sight; hidden from any prying eyes was a vast, rich garden. The garden was large and the sound of water trickled and gurgled all around them. The grass was a brilliant glowing green with the most brilliantly colored flowers and vines she had ever seen weaved throughout it. The air was moist and warm here, she felt akin to being in a large greenhouse, like one she had visited in her childhood with her father. It had had an immense glass dome above their heads and held in butterflies and birds of all types too. The warm mist felt much the same and made her want to curl up under a tree and take a nap. It was a piece of untouched land that seemed to be heaven on earth.
Shade and Dylan were standing in awe of the sights. Dylan motioned her forward again and broke her out of her thoughts. She nodded and followed. Near the middle of garden, they came upon what looked like a massive natural fountain, made of rock and crystals of every color, glinting and parting the light into beams of rainbow all around it, making it hard to look at because the jewels shimmered too brightly
Dylan stopped. He reached into his pack and pulled out a glass flask with a stopper. He held it out to Shade, signaling her to take it. "Here, I can't touch the waters but you can. Take this and fill it. Then we will be done." Shade took the flask and smiled, excitement hummed through her veins as she approached the fountain. She paused at the edge and stared down at the glowing crystals. The water swelled around them and trickled down the rock, spraying up a slight mist of warm water. She wondered what made it so special; it looked like water, plain water. The fountain itself was impressive but that's where it ended.
She licked her lips and took the stopper out of the flask; dipping it into the warm embrace of the water, she let it fill as it bubbled up around her hand. She felt the magic intensify, it was like getting a shot of happy and it just intensified in strength. She felt it crawl up her arm and deep into her core. Her eyes widened as the euphoria overwhelmed her. Shaking her head to clear it and think better now that the flask was full. She pulled it out and stared at it. She could see the rainbow swirling in the glinting sunlight inside of the glass. She felt the cool liquid run down her arm and drip onto the moist earth below. The dirt vibrated with life as green vines and leaves sprouted at every drop and reached to the sunlight. She smiled, enjoying the euphoric feeling and peace all at once. She looked down, observing how she now glowed. She was reflecting light off a pool of water, and it felt amazing.
"Shade? Are you okay?" Dylan eyes were wide in concern. His face paralyzed in shock and disbelief. She looked up at him and smiled, nodding as she pushed the stopper into the flask.
"That was amazing, Dylan! I feel like someone just jolted me awake with a million double shot espressos, I feel great!" She laughed and hopped back to where Dylan stood, drying her arm on her hoodie. He approached her and smiled, watching her glowing face and feeling the warmth spill onto him. He reached out and touched her cheek, sliding his fingers over her skin; he let the vibrating magic spill onto his skin too. His hand glowed and the light crept over him as it did her. They stood in a cocoon of light and peace.
He laughed and smiled at her. Her smile was contagious, her cherry red lips seem to beckon him and her dreamy honey eyes seem to pull him into the deep abyss of her soul. He moved closer, cupping her face. Bending forward, his lips brushed against her warm and soft ones. Shade's heart sighed in bliss. A feeling of drunkenness filled him, as though he had been empty and now was filling up to the brim. He gave in to the embrace, letting it swim around them like honey dripping off the trees and leaves around them, imprisoning them in a bubble of swirling magic.
"There they are! We have you surrounded! Drop your weapons!"
The shout jerked them back to the garden and the trickling water. Dylan spun and stared at the squad of soldiers pouring in through the door in the rock wall and fanning out to surround them.
"Drop your weapons or we will be forced to kill you, warrior. We only want the girl with the flask of water. Give her to us and we will let you live." The leader stared at Dylan's swords, now loose and unsheathed, held in fight stance. The captain of this band shook his head and laughed. "You can't win, we outnumber you young man. Drop the swords."
"Sir, I can't locate the twins, it's like they have disappeared. I found pieces of their armor but they are nowhere to be found. Maybe the little witch dispatched them before we arrived; I've heard strange things about her, sir." The captain waved the subordinate away, furiously shaking his head.
"Don't be stupid! Just as well, we will assume they are dead. Now, secure the girl and let's get back to the palace before dark, the queen will be most pleased. Now move in!" The circle of soldiers began to press in on them.
Shade turned to stare at the soldiers closing in on them and backed into Dylan, her hands clasped around the bottle. Her eyes darted nervously at the soldiers and turned her head towards him. "What now, Dylan? There's no way out! We're trapped!"
She bit her lip as the fear spilled over the fading euphoria.
"It's alright Shade, listen to me and do just what I say. Hold onto me, I'm going to drop my glamour and call my powers." Shade looked up at him, eyes wide in terror.
"What are you gonna do?"
"I'm going to call my power of lightning. When I discharge it out, the first ring of soldiers will drop with the shock. Hold onto me tight, I have to control it to not go to wide and fry the garden. Come on!"
Shade shook her head as she turned into him, letting his arms embrace her tightly. "I-I don't know if this is a good idea, what if I get electrocuted too?" She trembled in his grip. Dylan looked down at her and smiled softly.
"Believe, Shade. I believe since you are able to touch me, you are immune to my powers. It will be alright." He whispered down the last words and hugged her tight. They closed their eyes as the blue flickers of fire crackled over his skin. Next thing she knew, she felt the bolt of energy discharge from his body, like small earthquake vibrating through her body. When it was done, just a moment later, she peeked around his chest to see that the first ring of soldiers surrounding them were down, most knocked out while others moaned in distress.
"It worked Dylan!" She stopped as she watched the next wave of soldiers creep in, stepping over the others cautiously and staring at the pair of them in disbelief.
"Damn it! It's a blasted Teleen; grab the lightning rods from the armory stash now! We got to control the lightning before we can overpower him!" The captain's face was beet red and sweat beaded on his face as he fumbled back from the fallen ones. "Hurry up!" He yelled.
The soldiers stood back as they waited for the rods to be handed out.
"Lightning rods? Dylan, what are they gonna do with the rods?" Shade, turned around and watched the soldiers pass stacks of rods around the group.
Dylan breathed in and shook his head. "The rods will render me powerless; they will draw my power into the rods and leave me harmless. We got to get out of here now." He spun around and watched the soldiers gearing up and advancing again.
He turned then to Shade and looked down into her shining brown eyes.
"Shade, listen to me. There is a legend that says that a holder of the water of the Santiran Fountains can wish for anything they want and it will be granted by the water magic. Now I'm gonna hold onto you and you try to think as hard as you can of the Guildrin dwelling, like being back there once more, got it?"
"Yes, but, there is no freakin' way that will work!"
Dylan re-sheathed his swords and pulled her into his embrace tightly and smiled. "I guess we'll find out. Now, wish us home, Shade, do it now!"
Shade closed her eyes, feeling the soldiers' auras vibrating around them and closing in. She breathed in; thinking of Queen Zinara, Ilarial and her new found friends. She visualized the steps leading down to the Guildrin living quarters, the only place she had ever felt safe in Faerie. Dylan's arms felt warm and strong around her. She wished him safe, herself and the others too. Unscrewing the cap of the flask, she whispered her thoughts into the bottle she had grasped tightly in her hands. She felt Dylan's lips on her head, warm and firm as she wished them all back home safe, as hard as she could.
A peaceful feeling washed over them like a crashing wave. In just that instant, yelling and cursing blew up around them, followed by an intense silence. The sound of tree leaves rustling and birds chirping in the slight breeze made Shade open her eyes. They stood by the great tree to the Guildrin Court, as if they never had left. She smiled and looked up at Dylan.
"You did it! Oh man, you did it Shade! We're home! Ya!" Dylan jumped and hopped about, hollering out his joy. Returning to her and lifting her up with his arms, he swung her around in a joyous joust. Shade breathed in with relief. A moment later another whoosh sounded around them. The entire gang stood there, looking startled and shocked.
"Oh, wow, Sary, Stephen, Soap! Ewan, Jack! Than! Braelynn!" She ran and hugged the tall sorceress. She hugged them all one by one and felt the steaming tears streaming down her cheeks. Every one of them was there. Everyone but Sylphi. All shocked and surprised but intact and safe. Shade did not ponder too long where Sylphi had gone. She wasn't missing her.
"What just happened? We're home! How the. What the..." Soap was spinning around, looking at the landscape absolutely petrified. Shade ran and hugged him tight and pulled back an inch to see his face. He smiled and nodded.
"This can only mean one thing. You did it, you actually did it. And without us to aid you at that! You made it to the fountains, didn't you? Incredible, how did you do it? And how did you get us all home? One minute we were searching for you around the Santiran mountain base, we had just picked up your trail and now, here we are, home sweet home." He sighed and hugged her again, even tighter.
"Okay, let go, I can't breathe!" She cried happily.
He let go abruptly but caught her as she stumbled backwards.
"Sorry!" He grinned and laughed. She laughed along with him, feeling elated.
"Do you have the water then?" Shade nodded at Sary, who had worked her way up to her. "You did it Shade, you saved our people!" Sary hugged her and joined the laughter.
"Let's go home everyone. It's been a long journey; it's time to celebrate! Our queen Zinara will be absolutely happy. We will win this war against the Lonares after all! We have new allies joining us for victory!" Jack smiled widely as he hugged everyone in the group. Everyone agreed and nodded. The stairs to the underground opened and they each descended, laughing and chatting with each other, all the strain of the journey lifted all at once.
"Who are our new allies, Jack?" Shade inquired.
"Oh, sorry, you probably have not heard but on our way to the Santiran fountains, we ran into a group of villagers who proclaimed that Prince Lotinar has returned and has sided with Queen Zinara. This will prove most useful to our cause." Shade pondered what he had said, not really knowing whom they spoke of, and suddenly thought of something else.
"Wait, um, was Sylphi with you guys? Where is she?" Shade asked, not that she really cared.
"Sylphi? She ran at the battle with Lady Blythe. She probably returned to the Teleen Caverns. She probably got too scared to fight." Ewan chuckled.
Shade approached the first step and turned to see Dylan, watching her.
"The blood bind is still in place. I thought it might be fulfilled at journey's end but it's not." His eyes stared off into the forest, glazing over. His face was serious and contemplative.
"I'm sorry Dylan; you know I would break it if I could. What do you think has to be done to end it?" She placed her hand on his arm to pull him back into the present. He turned and looked into her eyes. He smiled and sighed, studying her face.
"It's alright Shade, I know now that this is my destiny. I'm not meant to be captain of the Teleen guard anymore. I'm glad I met you, Shade. Changes are good." His eyes sparkled in the dimming light of the dusk. The orange glow spread across the sky and dimmed the forest floor as the sun crept away to slumber.
"I'm glad we met too. Come on, let's get some real food and rest for once. After we give the flask to the queen, I can go home and see my family."
Dylan's face darkened in gloom as he stared back at her. "Home? You're leaving? Well, I guess you would want to go home, wouldn't you. I won't be returning home, probably not for a long time." He pressed his lips together and stepped forward toward the stairs. "I have to warn you, Shade, I have to stay close to where you are, or my blood burns inside me.
"Dylan, you could come you know. You could meet my family, I'm sure I could think of something to tell my mother. You could totally pass for a teenager. I could say your family is moving out of town and you need a place to stay, so you can graduate at our high school. What do you think? We do have a guest room, my mom rarely uses it but I'm pretty sure she would agree to letting you stay with us." She stood before him now and he had stopped, staring down the stairs of the Sithen.
He suddenly turned with a wide grin spread across his face. "Yes, that would be good. I think that since our blood bind is still in place, I will have to stay near you somehow. I guess that would be best, at least until it is fulfilled and it lets me go home."
Shade smiled. She could feel his anxiety pulsating out to her. Something about the fountains had linked them even closer. She flushed as she remembered the burn of his lips against hers. She hoped that for Dylan's sake, they would not be bound for too much longer. As they descended into the Faerie court and out of sight, she also knew she wasn't ready to let him go, at least not yet.
About the Author
Alexia Purdy resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. She spends every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. She devours books daily, especially paranormal urban fantasies and finds the genre books to be irresistible. She has been writing as long as she can she can remember, and loves creating paranormal urban fantasy and poetry. She also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car, and Italian food. She is currently working on the second and third books of A Dark Faerie Tale series and a post-apocalyptic vampire hunter series: Reign of Blood.
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