Of Gods and Fae (11 page)

"She had heard her plea, and for some reason, agreed to
spare this land, but there was a cost."

"Wait, I've heard this story before, from Bernd,"
I interrupted.

"Indeed, and what did he tell you?"

"Just that she had told her that the High Fae would
return. He also told me that there would be a dark Fae as well, and that others
would have to make a choice. But he never said it was my grandmother. You
mentioned a cost, he never told me about that part either."

"Ah… and that brings us to why we are here," he
continued. "Gaea did indeed agree to spare this land and told Maria that
her daughter would bear the next High Fae and that the child would be male.

"Maria knew that the other Dryad would never accept a
male leader and would have to leave these lands to protect you. That was why
she agreed to exchange her powers for your life."

"Not to mention that the other Dryad would never
believe that a male of your line could be anything but an abomination,"
Cyrene added. "As you are a High Fae they would assume you were the dark
Lord spoken of in prophesy. So instead, she hid your powers." 

"And that is still the craziest thing I've ever
heard," I said, angrily. "Gaea was playing the same games as the High
Fae she was angry at… and the other Dryad… don't even get me started. Makes me
wonder if it is all worth it."

"Of course it is worth it," Handion replied.
"That is why we are here."

"Indeed it is, heir of Demeter," Valen said from
behind me. "For we know you have fought the other High Fae and seen that
she is naught but evil. If you do not play your part, she will win. Tartarus
will not hold her forever and her followers have already tried to pollute this
world, as well as the others."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it," I said, shaking
my head.

"Indeed it does not," the Dwarf added.

"Okay, so there's got to be more to this story, there
always is. Why are you here?" I asked.

"Maria was a powerful Fae. She possessed much of the
old magic," Cyrene said. "But even she could not have wrought the
spell that both protected and hid you. For that she needed help and that is why
we are here. For only with our help could you be concealed from all the
others."

"Alright, I'll accept that," I said after a
moment. I took a long look at the three of them. It was clear both by my
observation as well as the magic that had been slowly building up in me that
these were powerful Fae in their own right.

"I don’t know as much about this world as I should. But
an Elf and water Fae I can understand. But Bernd led me to believe that, for
the most part, the Dwarves were… advisors. Why are you part of this? I know
Bernd skirts the rules a bit but this kind of magic seems way over the
line."

"That would be true. For the most part, Dwarves are
indeed... advisors, as you say. But then, I am no ordinary Dwarf," Valen
said.

"Valen is eldest," Cyrene said.

"And follows his own ways," Handion added.
"As is his right."

"Forget what you may have learned in human books,"
Valen said. "No High Fae created me. I was here when the earth was young.
But that is a story for another time. You are indeed late, but now you are
here. That is what matters. As it was with our aid that Maria placed the spell
on you, it will be with our aid that it will be removed. Shall we begin?

"Come, stand before me," he said loudly. The
others closed in and I felt Diantha press my side. When everyone was near, he
continued. "I do not know why Maria did not bring you here herself. But it
matters not. I will now fulfill my promise to her and release you to face your
destiny."

Handion and Cyrene stood on each side of him as he faced me.
I heard him muttering in some ancient tongue. I became weak and fell to my
knees. Then I felt the magic building. Like it had when I met Diantha, only
stronger. Tendrils of magic appeared around me, circling my head. Like drifting
clouds they weaved in and out, circling faster. Images appeared. My
grandmother… other Fae, my parents… then Handion and Cyrene… Valen… and even Bernd.
They started coming so fast I had trouble focusing. It was as if I was seeing,
not just my life, but those of my parents and grandmother flash before my eyes.
It was like watching a movie at high speed, faster, and faster as the images
fly by. I could feel the magic inside me as if it was a separate entity. It was
like there were two of me trying to become one. It began to build and I felt an
intense pressure, the pain building in my head. Then it was gone, and I knew
who I was. Suddenly Charlie was at my side, licking my face.

"I'm fine," I said, pushing him away gently.

I started to stand and Valen grabbed my hand and pulled me
up. I tried to focus my eyes but I couldn’t concentrate. There were whirlwinds
of information in my head. After a moment, they receded a bit and I focused on
the three of them.

"What was hidden will be restored, albeit how soon, I
cannot say. That depends on you." I heard him say. "As it returns,
use it wisely. Much was given to protect you up to now. Do not waste it.
Remember also that your magic will not be as powerful when in the human
realms." Then, he seemed to shrink, and disappeared before my eyes.

Dwarves… I'll never understand them. Can't they ever stick
around?

How do I begin to describe what I felt? Have you ever cheated
death? Well, maybe that's a bad example? Roller coasters, bungee jumping, or in
my case, a sword fight or shoot-out where I could feel the bullets breezing by
my head. When it's all over then you feel it. What it's like to be alive.
That's kind of the way I felt now, more alive than I'd ever been before. But,
in my case, there was more.

My whole body tingled as the magic coursed through me and I
felt the world I was part of slowly reveal itself to me. Just like the night
I’d first met Delia when the magic had made itself known. This time, though, at
least I knew what was happening. This time I could actually control it, well at
least some of it. I hoped that that would grow into something much more.

"It is done," Handion and Cyrene said, stepping
back.

"Are you ok?" Diantha asked as she slid up next to
me.

"Fine," I replied after a moment. 
"Everything is fine." I turned to look at my companions and saw them
for what they were. Siegfried, the warrior, a true friend and ally. Gerda, a
warrior as well. Diantha, gifted her magic by Apollo himself. Even the dogs
were more than they seemed. All were loyal allies. I returned my attention to
Handion and Cyrene.

"Thank you both for what you have done. Not only for
me, but for Maria as well."

They nodded and then bowed.

"I will take leave of you now," Cyrene said.
"Plataia knows what is to be done. She turned and stepped into the pool,
dissolving into the water.

"There is more," Handion said. "High Fae you
may be but not all those you will face will want to follow you. Remember that
no male of the line has ever led and your enemies will take advantage of that.
Remember also that your children, too, are of Maria’s line."

"What does that have to do with it?" I asked,
unsure of what he was getting at.

"Among the Dryad magic is passed from mother to
daughter. But in your case, as High Fae, from father to both daughter and son.
You may wish to remember that when you face the Dryad."

"Wait a minute. My children are human. I’ve never seen
any evidence of Fae powers."

"You didn’t know?"

I was almost afraid to ask.

"Know what?"

"Maria’s spell has been removed. That which both
protected you and inhibited your powers has been released. Although you must
still learn to use it, any abilities in magic that were to be passed to your
line will eventually make themselves known in them as well. Especially if they
travel to any Fae lands."

I was speechless. I'd known that I would have to tell my
children sooner or later what I was but I’d never thought of the magic being
passed to them at birth, or now. For a moment, I was silent, trying to digest
this new bit of information. Things had just gotten more complicated than even
I could have imagined.

"Fear not," Handion said, clasping my shoulders.
"The magic will take time to develop in them as it does in you. Especially
since you spend most of your time in the human world. Do not stray from the
path you have chosen. There will be time to teach them when you have completed
this journey."

"Do not worry, my friend." I heard Siegfried say.
"You will find a way to tell them. But first, we have a job to do."

"You’re right." There was nothing else I could
say. There was certainly nothing else I could do about it from here. I didn't
like it, and quite frankly, I should have known or at least guessed that
something like this would happen. But they were right, now was not the time to
dwell on it. I looked over at Sendy.

"It's time. Tell the Hamadryads to shut down their
access to Fae. Then give it 15 minutes and let Cacilia know I'm coming. Find me
when you are done."

"It shall be as you say." She bowed and shrank
into her small Faery form. I watched as her wings fluttered and she rose into
the sky.

"Good luck then," Handion said. "I will be at
the inn waiting to hear the news."

"Thank you," I replied, then called for Plataia.

"I am here, my Lord."

"We will travel to the Temple in a moment. I don't
expect you to come, I'm guessing your place is here, guarding the
entrance."

"That is as it should be. But first, I must lead you to
the Temple floor."

"As you say," I replied. "Ok, here's the
plan," I said, speaking to the others. "Charlie and Sophie, when we
enter the Temple, I want you two to go into the field in front. Monitor the
crowd, if any, and just keep an eye out."

"You expect trouble then?" Gerda asked.

"I hope not, but I'd be a fool not to be prepared. We
still don't know who invited the Spartoi. But since you're role is primarily as
a witness, why don’t you just mingle near the front so you can watch the Fae,
as well as me. That way you will have a good view. I hope, of course, that
should things turn bad, you will play a more active part."

"Of course," she responded.

"Siegfried and Diantha can take positions on each side
of me. But make some distance. Keep an eye out for anything suspicious. Keep
your weapons unseen, but ready. We don’t want to fight a war if we don’t have
to and I don't want Cacilia, or any other Fae, feeling threatened
needlessly."

"And if it is we who are threatened?" asked
Siegfried.

"Take out any direct threat. But try and protect any
Fae that aren't involved. I wish I knew more about what we're going to have to
deal with but even with the magic supposedly in tune, I can't see the future.
Just do your best." I took a moment to make sure I was ready. "I just
want you to know that I'm still not exactly sure how to wield this power yet so
I'm open to suggestions if anyone has any other ideas."

No one did.

"Let's go then."

Plataia stood in the water and raised her hand. As had
happened with Cyrene, a boat appeared. Everyone got in and Diantha sat down
beside me. Without a word the boat moved towards the grotto's entrance and into
the dark. Soon, we had cleared the grotto and entered a tunnel that formed
around a stream flowing from beneath the ground. Above us, tree roots dangled
from the top of the cavern and a slight mist covered the water. I could tell we
were going faster by the wind against my face but except for the splash of the
boat through the water, there was no other sound.

"Where are we?" Diantha asked, grabbing my hand.
"I can’t see a thing."

"In a tunnel," I said, forgetting that even with
all her power she was still only human.

"That’s descriptive," she replied, sarcastically.

"According to what Sendy said we’re probably still a
little way from the Temple. You used to be a carney, think of it as an
amusement park ride," I said with a laugh.

She didn’t reply.

"Can you sense anything ahead?" Siegfried asked a
moment later.

I tried to reach out with my magic but the tunnel seemed to
dampen my attempts. Great, I just had it and it's already fading.

"Nothing yet," I answered.

"That will change soon," Plataia said, suddenly
appearing out of the water in front of me. "We are almost to the Temple
entrance."

The boat stopped aside another grotto, but this one was larger
and instead of sand and stone, contained what looked like a dock. The floor
seemed made of polished wood and the walls contained what I first thought were
round columns with smaller versions between them. As I looked closer I realized
that they were tree roots, the largest I'd ever seen.

I stood and took Diantha's hand to help her up but Plataia
stopped me.

"Wait," she said. "The others must remain
here. There is one you must meet before outsiders may enter the chamber."

Outsiders? Figures, I thought to myself, another unknown. Can't
anyone ever give me a little advance notice?

As I stepped onto the dock things started to happen. There
was a loud grating sound and walls of tree roots formed around it, encircling the
dock and cutting me off from the others. Then the magic kicked back in and I
could feel something, or someone, ahead of me. It was almost like this was
expected and I calmly began to walk forward, away from the wall that had just
formed behind me. There was a subdued light in front of me and as I watched a
figure appeared.

She was a Hamadryad, but unlike any I had seen before. She
was old, older looking than any Fae I had ever met. Dressed in white like the
others with tendrils of magic pulsing between her and the wood that surrounded
her. As I walked up to her she turned towards me and spoke.

"I am Sylvana, eldest of the Hamadryad and guardian of
Demeter's Temple. By what right do you enter here?" she asked.

"By right of succession," I said, remembering what
Bernd had told me. "I am Robert, son of Gabriele, daughter of Maria and
rightful heir."

"Maria was a powerful Fae, yet she was not a God. Your
claim is faulty."

Without warning roots grew up from the floor, encircling me.
Within seconds, I was enveloped.

"Not since the days of Demeter has this Temple been
entered, and never by a male," she continued. "You should not have
come."

The roots began to tighten and suddenly I got angry, very
angry. The red returned as it had the first time but this time it overwhelmed
me. It was as if a dam had burst and the magic just took over. As power coursed
through me the roots became an extension of my own body. I willed them to loosen,
sending them toward Sylvana. I watched as they covered her to the neck. Then, without
thinking, I drew my sword in my right hand and called for Plataia. Reaching out
with my left hand a stream of water flowed into it and she appeared.

"I'm tired of games," I said, slowly, the magic
now controlling me. Then I threw her towards Sylvana as I willed more roots to
burst forth and coil around her. Horrified, she tried to return to liquid form
but the roots tightened. Almost instantly, she was sealed within their wooden
grip. I watched as Sylvana struggled against the roots as well. How dare she
question me? I hadn’t gotten a straight answer from anyone since I got here and
maybe now was a good time to change tactics.

The magic surged and I reveled in it. I had become more than
I once was and the power of the Fae world was mine. I suddenly understood what
the old God’s had felt and even knowing where it had led them didn’t seem to
matter. I felt invincible.

Although my rational mind knew better, the magic I now
wielded clouded my thoughts and for a moment, I considered what it would be
like to use all that power. I could easily cut down these two and proclaim my
place as leader of these Fae. None would dare question my right to lead. If
they did, I could cut them down just as easy.  Besides, who would oppose me?
Hell, who could oppose me? Marissa was locked up in Tartarus and even if she
did escape what could she do?

Like I said, I held that thought for moment and then the
world crashed down around me. Well, it wasn’t the exactly the world, it was a
dog, but that was enough. Of course Charlie is no ordinary dog. All 185 pounds
of him hit me and knocked me flat on my ass. Between the jolt of the fall and
him licking at my face the moment had passed and I came back to my senses.

After a few more licks I felt the pressure lighten and he
stepped off. I felt a little light headed as I got back on my feet. When I was
up, I looked around and saw the rest of the group now standing some few feet
away.

"Hey guys," I said. "I think I'm still
working on control issues… I guess I got a little carried away there."

"Robert," I heard Diantha say. I looked over and
saw her gesturing behind me. I turned and looked and realized that Sylvana and
Plataia were still bound by the roots.

"Oh, shit," I said. With a flick of my wrist I
released the roots and Sylvana and Plataia appeared.

Sylvana looked none the worse for wear but Plataia was water
logged and scared as hell. Before I could say anything Sylvana fell to her
knees.

"Apologies, my Lord," she cried and lay down on
the floor at my feet. Moments later, Plataia began to do the same.

I stepped forward and grabbed her forearm.

"No, that's not necessary," I said as I stood her
back up. Then I knelt down and took Sylvana's arm and helped her to her feet as
well. She continued to try and bow and apologize but I stopped her with a
raised hand.

"You were only doing your job. Now, give me a
moment," I commanded and then walked over to the others.

"Thanks, Charlie," I said, rubbing his head. Then,
with a quick pat to Sophie, I turned to the others. "Glad you guys got
here when you did, I kinda lost it there for a minute."

"Perhaps a little," Diantha quipped.

"Gee, thanks," I replied. "I thought the way
was blocked, how did you get to me?"

"You can thank the dogs," Siegfried answered.
"When the wall went up, Charlie and Sophie became concerned."

"To say the least," Diantha added. "He means
they went crazy. Sophie said something and Charlie literally dug his way
through the wall."

"Charlie is bound to his master," I heard Sophie
say.

"Yes," Charlie said. "The magic binds us. You
need not worry. I will always find you."

"Good to know." I said. I turned back to Sylvana
and Plataia. "My apologies, I fear I let my anger get the better of
me."

"You are a God. You may do as you will," Sylvana
replied. "My daughters were right to follow you, sword bearer. Your claim
is recognized. Welcome, Lord of the Dryad," she added as if the past few
minutes had never occurred.

"The Temple is now yours." Plataia said, now more
composed. Then she gestured to an opening in the wall of roots that had appeared
behind them. "The way to the Temple proper is through there. We will be
here when you return."

"Yes," Siegfried said. "Sendy has certainly
contacted your aunt by now. They will be waiting."

I walked to the opening of the portal. It was like looking
through a bottle. I could see Fae through the magic but individuals were not
distinguishable. There was no one on the dais, my aunt had apparently not yet
arrived. The rest were in the field in front of the Temple floor. I took a
moment to try and reach out and feel their mood. I could sense their emotions. I
could tell most had no idea why they had been called. Some were excited, some
frightened. But some thoughts, although not clearly readable, were threatening.
Just figures.

"Looks like this might get a bit dicey."

"What can you sense," Siegfried asked.

"As before, nothing specific. But the Fae are gathering
out there and a few don't seem to be too happy."

"We anticipated that," he responded. "I say
we follow the plan."

The others just nodded.

"I wish I could set up a dog and pony show like we did
for your Boss's friends but we're just gonna have to go with simple here. Not
that anything we've done has yet to be that way. Oh well. Let's just do
it." I pulled my sword, took a step and then stopped, turning back to
Sylvana and Plataia. "It could get dangerous but you are both welcome if
you wish to come."

"It is not my place," Plataia replied. "I
will stand guard here and await your return."

"And you," I asked, gesturing at Sylvana.

"It is forbidden," she answered. "I must
remain to guard this entrance."

"What do you mean, forbidden?"

"My place is here, guarding the hidden entrance, as
Demeter decreed."

"Can't Plataia do that? And what do you mean
decreed?"

"Plataia guards the water, but I must prevent entrance
to the Temple, I cannot leave."

"Can't leave? So… what? You stay down here?"

"Yes."

I stepped back down and walked over to her. "What
exactly does stay down here, mean? You mean like, all the time?"

Gesturing with my sword I followed the wisps of magic that
bound her to her tree. Then I saw it. It was a knot of magic, a dull black glow
against the white and gold tendrils that bound her and the tree together. This
was the root structure of Sylvana's tree. It was ancient and larger than any root
I'd ever seen. To lock her down here was an atrocity. She could feel the
sunlight as it warmed the wood, but never see it or touch it. Suddenly I was
reminded of the Fae back at the inn, reveling in the warmth as the sun passed
into night.

"Who placed that there?" I asked, incredulously.

"Why, Demeter, of course. But it was my duty to my Lady,
so I do not complain."

"Just how long have you been down here?"

"I have not seen the sun in many an age," she
answered.

"But you can control who enters from anywhere, and
besides, Demeter is long dead?"

"It matters not. Nor does it change my
obligation," she replied. "My God's decree did not end when she did
not return."

I reached out and felt the magic that bound her and it
sickened me. The knot of dark magic left her bound to the tree, but it also
imprisoned her down here.

"I 'm really getting tired of this shit," I
declared. "No one deserves this." I reached over with the tip of my
sword and severed the dark knot that bound her. There was a flash of light, dirty
and dark, if that's possible, and Sylvana fell to the floor.

"Damn." I knelt down beside her, joined
immediately by Plataia and the others. "Are you alright?" I asked as
I placed my arm around her to help her up.

"I… I… I am free!" There was a look of sheer glee
on her face. Then suddenly, she became solemn. "But why?" she asked.

"What do you mean, why? Did you like being locked up
down here?"

"That is not the point," she said, now standing
with Plataia's help. "How will you know your Temple is safe?"

"What the f… Why is everything so difficult?" I
asked, already knowing the answer. Then I changed my tack. "Don't you
still want the job?"

"Indeed," she answered. "But…"

"Then it's yours." I answered back. "I am
only going to say this to you once. I am not the same as those that came before
me." Thank the Gods for that, I chuckled to myself. That line was starting
to get old.

"I am sorry to interrupt," Siegfried chimed in
before she could say anything else. "But we have wasted too much time. Perhaps
we should proceed and discuss this later."

"You're right," I answered. "We'll continue
this conversation later. In the meantime, you're welcome to join me at the Temple."
I turned and walked back to where the portal was. Looking through I could see
others on the raised dais. "Looks like we're late, let's go before something
else happens," I said as I stepped through, Charlie at my heels.

Although I knew it wasn't far to go it was still like
stepping through the oak tree as I had when I first entered the Fae worlds. One
second I was back at the tunnel entrance and suddenly I was here. As I turned
to look at those present I saw that, although not full, the Temple floor was
filling with Fae. I could also feel the tension in the Temple area rise. Many,
if not most were confused. With the exception of Cacilia, who'd been forewarned
by Sendy, no one else expected me to be the one to appear and they weren't sure
what was happening.

Knowing that Charlie was at my side and that Siegfried and Diantha
had fanned out to my flanks meant that at least I had some cover. Even with Gerda
tasked to observe she was still a warrior.  Although I hadn’t seen her, I knew
Sophie would be around as well. I guess it was time to get to business. I
walked towards Cacilia, who was standing to the left of a stone throne with
Sendy at her side. As I reached her, Sendy stepped forward.

"My Lord," Sendy said, bowing as I stopped in
front of her. "I present, Cacilia, Lady of this realm. Lady Cacilia, I
present my Lord, Robert Hoskins, High Fae of the Dryad, accompanied by Karalos,
the hound, and party."

Then she stepped back and I faced my aunt. She didn't appear
look particularly happy, but then I hadn't expected her to be. Maybe it was
just my initial reaction, it had taken me a second to recognize her. I'd
totally forgotten the Fae persona thing. She now looked to be in her early
thirties, and was quite beautiful.

"I see that things have changed since we last
met," she said, bowing.

"Indeed they have," I answered, nodding my head in
return.

"I should be angry," she continued. "I do not
appreciate being summoned in my own realm. We could have discussed this earlier.
It might have been easier."

"Perhaps," I replied. "But sometimes the
direct approach is best."

"At least you followed the ancient way by sending in the
Aurae." she replied. "Here we are then. Tell me why you are here and
what you want."

I glanced down to the Temple floor and watched the Fae
there. They were milling around in small groups, watching the two of us as we
talked, many whispering to each other. They were curious and I could still feel
the apprehension among them, as well as danger from an unknown few.

"As Maria was rightful ruler and my mother is dead. I
ask that you recognize my right to succession," I said in my best
politically correct voice.