The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (85 page)

“You are strong enough Willa,” he repeated emphatically

I looked away in helplessness, and then he continued. “I am not permitted to tell you what lies in your future but I want you to remember that no path worth taking is ever easy. There will always be obstacles but with strength comes hope and hope is what strengthens us.”

“I’m scared,” I whispered. “I’m so scared.”

“Being afraid is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of great character. Those who admit fear and face them are those who will find the greatest happiness in life.”

“God I know I shouldn’t say this because this is like a profound moment, but I feel like I’m Luke Skywalker, and you’re Yoda.” I shook my head, but that only made me even more aware of the pain. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I just don’t know when to shut my mouth.”

“Just remember the only thing worth fighting for is love and sometimes you have to lose it before you realize that.”

“I can’t. I can’t. Lose. Him,” I stuttered, my face was scrunched up in horror

“I’m not talking about Mathias,” he replied with a sad smile. “But when the time comes, do not push him away. He will be your salvation but only if you let him.”

“I’m not real good at accepting help,” I gasped as a fresh wave of pain came over me. “I like to do my own thing.”

“You will find strength within yourself and only when you finally accept it will you find peace,” he said. “You must however be willing to open yourself up to others. There will be those who will be of great help to you, but only if you let them.”

“You’re going to leave now aren’t you?” I asked tearfully

“Yes,” he said, his face dimming. “My heart is filled with love and hope now. I can only tell you that there is great joy in your future if you survive what is to come. You will experience things you never thought possible. I’m only telling you this because if you ever doubt yourself, know that in the end everything that you will do, every difficult decision that you will have to make will only make you into to the person you were truly meant to be.”

“Blessed be my darling girl,” he said before fading away. I cried out as even greater pain came over me. The sensation was so horrific that I arched my back and tried to claw my skin, but my hands blazed with fire. Suddenly a burst of light was shot through my body and I screamed as the cave lit up with a brilliant explosion of light.

Suddenly, it was over. I slumped to the ground and tried to catch my breath. I felt like someone was still jabbing needles in my body, but it wasn’t as painful as the flames of fire that enveloped my entire being just a few short minutes ago. I let out a cough and almost laughed when puffs of smoke came out. I had just started to hum ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ when I heard Jeremiah start yelling my name.

“Willa,” he yelled. “Willa, are you all right? We’re coming in.”

“I’m fine Jeremiah,” I croaked. My voice sounded dry and scratchy. I wished I could dive into a lake so I could soothe my warm body and burning throat

I looked up when I heard them come into the cave. I was just about to greet them when I felt Machall’s presence. I shrunk into a corner as his power seemed to surround me. It was too much. It was too soon for me to be around him I realized at the last second. Patcoena seemed to understand immediately and practically shoved Machall out of the cave. I unclenched my aching body and tried to relax.

“Willa, are you ok?” Jeremiah asked, his face filled with concern

I nodded. “I’m thirsty and tired.”

“It’s getting dark outside. We must find shelter.” Patcoena said

“We can go back to Machall’s house?” Jeremiah offered

“No, I’m afraid we must leave the Fire realm,” Patcoena said. “There’s too much energy here for Willa. We will go to the Earth realm as planned. I know of a safe place we can rest for the night.”

“Willa?” Patcoena asked. “Will you be all right if Machall accompanies us? I have to be honest I would feel better if we had him for protection, at least for tonight.”

“I agree,” I said weakly. “I have to get out of here right now though.”

Patcoena and Jeremiah both grabbed one of my arms and helped me stand. I slowly walked out of the cave but not before turning to get one last look. I thought I saw a shadow in the corner and smiled weakly in its direction before ducking my head to leave. I was surprised by how much time must have passed since I went into the cavern. The sun had set, and the first stars of the night were shining brightly in the clear sky.

“So what do we do now?” Machall asked

“We are going to go to the Earth realm as planned,” Patcoena answered. “I know of a safe place where we can rest for tonight.”

“How are we getting there?” Jeremiah asked. All three men stopped and looked at each other in question. I knew that Patcoena and Machall would have no trouble creating a portal using a mirror but the only problem was there were no mirrors around for them to use. I let out a sigh when I realized what I would have to do right now.

I had no idea what the Earth realm looked like, nor did I have a clue as to where we were going once we got there. I closed my tired eyes and through sheer will I managed to open a shimmering wall that appeared in front of me. I opened my eyes and could see magnificent evergreen trees towering high up towards the starlit heavens.

“I’m assuming this is the Earth realm?” I asked wearily, drawing their attention to me

“Willa, how on earth…?” Machall asked bewildered

“I can open a portal at will,” I answered. “Yay for me, can we go now before I pass out?”

Patcoena and Jeremiah stepped into the portal and looked back expectantly. Machall took one long look at me and pulled me up into his arms before we both went through together. The last thing I remember is the crisp, clean smell of pine before I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Chapter Five

I woke up disoriented. I looked around the small room and sat up gingerly. I had a vague recollection of opening a portal, but that was about all I could remember. I got out of bed slowly and was relieved that my body didn’t ache. I still had a slight sensation of pins and needles but overall I felt almost normal.

The fire was simmering beneath my skin, but it wasn’t unmanageable. It was almost like someone had just pumped me full of adrenaline, and I was coming off a massive high. I ran my fingers on my arm because I almost expected to see the fire ripple under my skin. It truly was the most painful experience I had ever had, but I was almost hopeful because even though it had been hellish it still hadn’t been completely horrific.

I went to the two tiny windows, and all I could see was tall evergreen trees that seem to form a protective barrier around the outside. I glanced down at my wrinkled clothes and winced. I prayed that Jeremiah had grabbed my small backpack which held my clothes and toiletries. I knew even without the aid of a mirror that my hair must look a fright.

Sounds and smells of someone cooking drew me out of my little bedroom that I was currently occupying. I was thoroughly surprised to find myself in a small but quaint cottage. The furnishings were decidedly feminine and cozy. A small couch, patterned with pink cottage roses faced a small stone fireplace which had a large blue recliner next to the cold hearth and off to the side of the room was an equally small but charming dining room. I walked towards the back of the cottage where the sounds of men arguing piqued my interest.

“You do not add milk to the batter of scrambled eggs,” Jeremiah was saying. “Eggs, salt, pepper and maybe a little cheese are all you need.”

“
Summer always adds a little cream Jeremiah and considering the fact she has been cooking since the beginning of time I tend to trust her judgment,” Patcoena snapped

“Just because someone has been doing something for a long time doesn’t mean they’re doing it right,” Jeremiah answered back

“Why you little…” Patcoena started

“Gentlemen, there is no need to fight over scrambled eggs,” Machall said.

I smiled before coming into the room further. “Or spilled milk, either one is asinine to get upset over.”

“Willa,” Jeremiah said as he looked up from a small wooden kitchen island. “How are you feeling?”

“Well, I think the song ‘This girl is on fire’ is pretty appropriate this morning,” I said before chuckling. “I’m all right.  I’m a little tired, thirsty, hungry, and desperate for a shower. I also think maybe a hairdresser would be a gift from God right now but other than that, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Speaking of which, where are we exactly?”

“We are in the Earth realm, of course, at
Summer’s childhood home,” Patcoena answered. “She couldn’t bear to tear it down or leave it here to rot. Many years ago we placed a concealment spell around the perimeter to distract anyone from squatting here.”

“It’s cute,” I said. “How many bedrooms does the cottage have?”

“One,” Jeremiah answered grouchily

“So where did everyone sleep last night?” I asked

“I slept rather well on the recliner in the living room and Patcoena took the couch.” Machall answered

“Where did you sleep?” I asked Jeremiah

“You’re watchdog slept on the floor of the bedroom with you,” Machall said gleefully

“Thanks for bringing that up again Macky,” Jeremiah said sullenly before turning back to me. “Did you know that you snore and grind your teeth when you’re asleep?”

“I have heard rumors but unfortunately I have never been awake to see or hear myself when I’m asleep.” I said dryly. “Why didn’t you just crawl in bed with me? It’s not like I would’ve known or cared.”

“I’m a grown man and you’re a grown woman,” Jeremiah said. “I don’t care if we are family, that’s inappropriate and downright weird.”

“I believe in some countries and in a few select states of America it is legal to marry one’s first cousin,” Machall grinned wickedly

Jeremiah and I both shuddered. “I think I lost my appetite.” I said

“Speaking of which, maybe you can help us Willa?” Patcoena asked. “Do you add cream when you make scrambled eggs?”

“I have to be honest I do add a drop of cream.” I said before giving Jeremiah an apologetic look

Patcoena smiled and went back to whisking eggs while Jeremiah sat and muttered under his breath. Jeremiah and I had practically been roommates for a few months while we researched the Fae Sanctities. I had lived with Jeremiah long enough to know that if he didn’t get eight hours of sleep a night, he could be an absolute bear for the first few hours after he woke up in the morning.

“I assume we’re going forward with the plan?” I asked as I poured myself a cup of tea which I gulped down in about ten seconds

“Yes, I have already sent word to Lord Braonan to meet me not far from here later this morning.” Machall answered

“All right we need to go undercover so we can spy on your conversation and then we have to make our way to Woodlia to find the Nymphs.” I replied

“The Nymphs should be able to help you,” Machall said. “They are more attuned with the forest than any other creature here. Between them and Jeremiah, you should have no problems finding the next area that contains the King’s power source.”

“It’s funny you should mention the King,” I said before telling them about my experience in the cave and the conversation I had with my long dead ghost of a great-grandfather.

“My God,” Patcoena breathed as he sent down plates in front of us a few minutes later at the dining room table. “You spoke to Cormagglia? He came to you?”

“Yeah, it was like a cross between being in the movie Ghost and Star Wars.” I said before diving into my eggs

“He sounds like he was thoroughly schooled in the Jedi language,” Jeremiah grinned

“I’m sorry?” Machall asked

“Oh my God, another person who hasn’t seen Star Wars,” I said. “What is this world coming too?”

“How do you people live?” Jeremiah asked

“Quite well actually,” Machall answered

“Mathias has never read any Harry Potter books or seen the movies,” I added

Jeremiah threw down his fork. “That is unacceptable.”

“I know, right?” I asked