Faery Worlds - Six Complete Novels (150 page)

They finally 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 could now 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 were all being affected by an unknown force.

She suddenly realized it’d been quite some time since she’d heard the voices in her head. She felt relieved, but it also felt like something was missing. Maybe she’d try what Ilarial had mentioned. Since she’d taken the medicine that Ilarial had given her to control the voices, it was easier to think. She thought now she’d try to speak to them with specific requests, and then listen for a specific answer. Ilarial had said this exercise would help her get to know the voices, and hopefully she’d 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 and 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 toward 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. Standing up, she shuffled back into line behind the warriors. Elated, she felt a renewed sense of peace inside.

The sun felt warm on her back as they worked their way across the field. They made sure to avoid the center of the clearing, choosing to avoid being too exposed. They were near the edge, and even though it would take longer to get through, 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 seemed 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 not to see any more of the tiny winged fey she’d encountered with Jack. There was no one else around.

Where is everyone? Are there more fey out here?
Shade wondered.

Yes, they’re 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 as 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 used the medicine to channel the guides to help her better understand them. The voices wouldn’t 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,
the voices answered.
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’re too much for you to handle. We’re entrusted with your wellbeing, Shade. Ask us what you will, and we will always answer.

Shade shivered despite the heat of the sun. Their whispers were like the gentle chill of winter. The feeling prickled her skin, and was full of magic. She wondered if she’d 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 more barren, with packed, dark dirt and occasional twigs littered about.

This was not the same territory. Shade wondered if this was the start of Teleen territory or maybe even something else.

“Keep together, everyone. We’re near the borders of the Teleen’s property. It’s guarded well by the dead, along with soldiers that were banished fey and 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 ahead of the group than she’d thought. She hunched over, holding her knees as her breath returned to her.

Ewan paused and looked at Shade. Even without the sun breaking through the canopy, the irises of his eyes shone like small flashlights glinting back at her. 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 looked like a tall, husky human male with stubble almost long enough for a beard; it was dark and shadowed his jawline. A long, black as night ponytail was tied near the base of his neckline. He had a rounded nose and full pink lips. Although his height and bulk made him scary, he wasn’t that bad looking. 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 and had experienced many wondrous things. He started walking again when she had caught up, moving together in stride.

“I was just wondering why 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 laugh echoed around them. The forest made no reply. “Slow down, miss, wouldn’t want to wake the dead, would we? Nothing to fear now. Yes, 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 let your fear overwhelm your mind. They’ll sense that and focus on you. So just ignore them; show no fear and stay calm. They will pretty much leave you alone.” He grinned down at her.

Shade 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?”

“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 for 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 frequently to assess each step.

“Yes, of course Ewan, feel free.”

“Are you all right 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. It was dark and rich in color and remained smooth over the small hills of the forest floor. The previous shrubs and plants they’d had to cut down had been 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’s as if I’m being pulled involuntarily along for a ride I didn’t sign up for. I can’t 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 faery powers, if I have any. That would be pretty 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 very far.

“Understandable.” He winked and continued on.

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. Everyone crouched by the trees looked around, studying the woods as they stilled. Not one sound, not even the birds chirping, could be heard; the silence felt deafening, heavy and forlorn.

Shade still felt a twinge of fear. Her head shook, and the sweat began to bead along her forehead.
What’s going on?
It felt as if something hot was being poured over her, sticky as it clung like thick syrup. Her panic boiled up inside, tumbling out of control.
What is this? What’s happening?

Ewan called out to the trees, “That’s enough of that now. The girl is harmless. She’s with us. We’re Guildrin Clan, en route to Teleen. Bring down your guard. We’re invited.”

Shade looked about, seeing nothing but tree bark and dirt. The wind gusts picked up and swooshed around her, bringing her hair to float about her like an aura. Shade’s breath failed her, and her heart jumped. The group unsheathed their swords, bows, arrows and daggers. They were readied and pointed.

Pointed at what
? Shade felt something was near but couldn’t see anyone or anything.

“Back down, or we will fight.”

“You dare defy me,
the
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, 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 was pale and glassy white, as if she was made of porcelain. Her dark green eyes were large, so large in fact, that the whites of her eyes disappeared, and yet somehow they had a slit-like appearance. Her long dark blond hair draped around her carelessly in soft wisps down to her legs. It 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 tied together by a belt of roped vines.

She looked just as a faery would, 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, that it was glamour the dryad wore, 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 toward her.

The faery snickered. She tilted her head, studying the group and narrowing her large insect-like eyes. They filled Shade with dread. Her face morphed from angelic to a morbid malice. “You are pathetic. Forget me not; I won’t soon forget you, either. Give me the Halfling girl, and the rest of you can go.”

Shade’s eyes widened as she stood up and stepped back. She froze mid-step, as she couldn’t move and could barely breathe. A sticky, thick magic clung to her again, paralyzing her into place. Lady Blythe cackled 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. What do you want from me? I have no magic.” Shade felt frozen. Her legs didn’t work; nothing worked. She felt as if she were in suspended animation, trapped in the stillness, as one would be in ice.

“Your Majesty, Shade can’t stay here; she was sent by Queen Zinara herself on a quest.” Ewan spoke, not raising his head to the faery queen, as though doing so might offend her.

“Silence, giant. I don’t need your blubbering statements. I know quite well what Queen Zinara means to do. I don’t 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 from the intensity of it.

Trick her. Trick her into thinking you are only a mortal without powers. Trick her at her own game, Shade. Quickly!
One inner voice yelled with urgency
.

Shade came back to herself, still frozen but more clear-headed. The warmth of her guides and their voices swam in her head, helping her breath in her frozen body.

How do I trick her? She’d know if I’m lying; don’t they all? How?

Offer her yourself fully,
they suggested.
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, feeling her evil swirling around in the air.