The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (91 page)

“Jesus,” Jeremiah said in disgust. My stomach churned as images started filtering through my brain of Lord Cual and a small dark haired girl. My stomach almost heaved before I finally shut them out and blocked my mind.

“And you didn’t seek revenge or retribution?” Patcoena asked

“One day very soon I will have my revenge,” the king answered turning to look at me

“I promise to try and save you a piece of him,” I replied. The king nodded and went to sit next to the duchess who was drying her eyes. A small green man with pointed ears came into the room silently and whispered into the king’s ear. I saw him nod and stand up to address us.

“Dinner is ready,” the king said. “Please join us.”

“We don’t want to be too much trouble,” I said. “If you could just tell me where I need to go, we’ll get out of your hair.”

“Nonsense,” the king said. “You must be hungry and besides, you will need to be at your peak strength to absorb the power of the king.”

“We accept your invitation,” Forrest and Holly both said at the same time

“Thank you your Majesty,” Patcoena said smoothly. “We are most grateful for your hospitality.”

We all sat up and followed the king and duchess out of the room and down another long black and white checked hallway into the dining room. The king motioned for me to sit on his right, and I joined him. I hoped no one heard my stomach growling the minute I could smell food.

“I hope you like vultures?” he asked

“I’ve never eaten a vulture but there’s a first time for everything.” I answered as I reached for my wine glass and took a sip for some liquid courage

“I’m only teasing,” the king said, his eyes twinkling. “The Sprites are vegetarians.”

“Oh thank God,” I muttered. Little green people came out and set down in front of us large plates brimming with salad greens and fresh vegetables. I dug right in and moaned in appreciation when I started chewing.

“I don’t know if this politically correct but I have a question,” I said in between bites

“Willa no, dear God,” Jeremiah muttered beside me

“Please, feel free to ask me anything,” the king said

“That’s a dangerous thing to say to her,” Jeremiah said before I elbowed him

“Well, when you’re born a Sprite does the color of your wings have any special meaning?” I asked

“That’s a fairly common question,” the king said. “Those that have red or orange wings will probably be a soldier or guard. Those born with green or blue wings are drawn to be more domesticated, and those born with yellow wings are more likely to be in a trade of some sort. Those that are of the royal family have always had the distinction of being blessed with glittering wings of purple and pink.”

“What if you’re born with red wings and want to be a baker?” I asked. “Is that frowned upon?”

“No, not at all,” the king replied. “Sprites can be whatever they want to be. Although there have been a few cases where that has happened, most are just drawn to whatever the color of their wings dictates.”

“So is their fate predetermined by the color of their wings?” I asked

“Yes, exactly,” he said. “I wish you could see the residential section of the Sprites. I know your father was fascinated by some of our more elaborate treehouses.”

“You have treehouses?” I asked. “Wow, I know someone who would love to take that tour.”

“When this is over maybe you can bring that special person,” the king said kindly

I nodded and fell silent as memories washed over me of Mathias. I had been surprised when he took me to his small island that was near the Isle of Skye. He had built a beautiful and modern treehouse that consisted of five different buildings and glass hallways. Our time together there had been so special, and I prayed that one day we could live there and be a normal couple. I hoped that if we made it out of this alive that we could just be with one another and have a sense of normality. I just wanted to argue over who was going to do the dishes or go to the grocery store not who was going to get a chance to kill someone.

We sat and enjoyed a truly wonderful meal. The duchess was quiet and reflective as she sat eating very little. The only time she smiled was when I almost started weeping after taking a bite of the crispy flounder with apricot chutney. After the last dish had been cleared I caught Patcoena’s eye and nodded. I knew it was time to get this show on the road, but I was enjoying myself too much.

“Thank you both for an amazing meal,” I said. “I think I can speak for all of us and say that we appreciate your hospitality.”

“You’re very welcome,” the king said. “Now I’m afraid it’s time for you to go on your quest.”

We all stood up in silence and followed the king out of the dining room. Instead of going to the front door though he took us on a maze of hallways before stopping in front of a set of French doors. They opened onto a beautiful stone balcony which sat at the base of the mountain.

“In order to seize the element of Air, you must travel to the top of the mountain alone. You cannot teleport. The hike is only an hour long and once you are at the top you must stay there until sunrise.”

“I have to stay there all night?” I asked in surprise. The king nodded and handed me my backpack.

“I have had my people pack some essentials but I am not sure if you are going to need them.”

“Thank you,” I said before shutting my eyes. The thought of having to be on top of a mountain all night by myself suddenly filled me with anxiety

“Wait,” Patcoena said. “If Willa is to be there all night, I’m assuming the power of Air will take some time for her to absorb. Won’t Lord Fonn be able to feel that much power in the realm and come looking for the source?”

“More than likely he will be aware of the amount of energy that will be present,” the king said. “I think Holly and Forrest should go back to Woodlia. It’s not safe for them here.”

I nodded and without even asking opened a portal to their house. I gave them each a hug and said thank you. “If something happens to me, make sure Polly stays out of trouble.” I whispered to Holly

She smiled at me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Take care of yourself Willa. I know you can do this. I also know that you are very brave. After all, you would have to be if you’re Polly’s best friend.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to take some marijina with you?” Forrest asked. “I have some in my pocket already rolled?”

“No, I’m good,” I answered. “Thanks Forrest.”

I grinned and watched them disappear through the portal. When they were safely ensconced in their trailer, I turned to the king. “What about Jeremiah and Patcoena?”

“Jeremiah and Patcoena will accompany me to the church,” he answered. “It is Holy ground and no one but a Sprite can enter through its door. Lucky for them, I am the only one that knows how to sneak them inside.”

“Are you sure they’ll be safe?” I asked. “If anything happens to Jeremiah I think I would probably lose my shit. I’m just putting it out there, so you know if you see me coming looking like a crazed rabid animal off
the mountain that it has nothing to do with you and I promise I’ll try and not kill any of the Sprites, including you.”

“I will guard him with my life,” the king said. I nodded and turned to Jeremiah to give him a hug.

“I suppose if I asked you to leave you would completely ignore me?” I asked softly

“I suppose if I asked you not to go you would completely ignore me?” he countered

“You suck sweaty balls, you know that?” I asked jokingly

“You have a mouth that would make a sailor blush, do you know that?” he asked

“Tell my mom and dad that they are the best parents in the whole wide world,” I said. “And tell Mathias that Scarlett always loved Rhett, even from the beginning.”

“What?” Jeremiah asked confused as I stepped out of his embrace. I laughed and shook my head. One morning in bed I had told Mathias of my alter ego. I knew only he would get what I said to Jeremiah.

“Be safe Patty,” I said to Patcoena. “Make sure Jeremiah is safe please.”

“You just need to focus on yourself,” he said. “Do not worry about us. Machall said he would come, and I’m certain he’ll be here shortly.”

“I hope so,” I muttered before surprising Patcoena with a quick hug. I walked back over to the king and duchess who were waiting for me by the steps.

“Thank you both again,” I said. “I guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

The king grabbed my hands and leaned in towards me. “My name is Kasius.”

“Thank you Kasius,” I said softly. He touched me deeply that he had told me his name. I was surprised when the duchess drew me in for a hug.

“My name is Kalana,” she said. “I believe the fates have chosen well, Princess Willa.”

I almost felt like crying. These proud and complicated people had opened up their homes and hearts to me. I hoped I made it back down from the mountain. I also hoped my body and mind would still be in tack when I did.

I gave everyone one last glance before setting off determinedly down the stairs and onto the path that led to the top of the mountain and towards the next part of my journey that would lead me to my fate.

Chapter Eight

The path in front of me was well traveled and even though it was dark out I had no problem following the winding trail. My stomach was tied up in knots but after a few minutes I started to enjoy the hike. For the first time in days, I was finally all alone with just my thoughts to keep me company. I couldn’t believe all that had happened in just a few short weeks.

Was it only a few weeks ago that Mathias had come back to the island? I asked myself. Flashes of our time together filtered in my mind, and I smiled as I thought of him. I knew he was probably going crazy right now not knowing what was going on with me. I’m sure he was either sitting in stoic silence at his house or tearing apart anyone who had the misfortune to get in his way at the Guardian offices.

I hoped that my grandmother didn’t even attempt to lock him back up in a cell. That would not go over well. I also prayed that my parents weren’t having a nervous breakdown. I’m sure after seeing the paintings and talking to Summer, Patcoena’s wife, they knew who I was and what I needed to do but at the end of the day I was still their daughter. No matter what they would always see me as their baby not a weapon of mass destruction.

The more I walked, the more relaxed I started to feel. I knew that this was dangerous, and I had to be on my guard for what was to come when I got to the top of the mountain but it was strangely cathartic to be doing this right now. I could finally focus on just myself and all the emotions that I was feeling. I hadn’t even had time to analyze what I had gone through in the cave or forest. Those two experiences had been the most intense of my life.

I was aware of the element of fire constantly. I could feel its warmth under my skin all the time. It was begging for release, but I had held it at bay. I knew at some point I was going to have to let it out, but I also had to learn to keep it under control. Spontaneously combusting into a human torch would freak everyone out especially Polly, who was a wood Nymph. I’m sure that fire was a big no-no to my best buddy that turned into a tree from time to time.

The funny thing was that while I was always aware of the fire inside of me, the earth was not as prevalent. I suppose I found that somewhat disconcerting considering that experience so far had been the most traumatic. I’m not even sure if I could ever explain to anyone how it felt being sucked down inside its core and whirled around like I was on a ride at a carnival. What had started out as gentle experience soon turned into a nightmare. The feeling of suffocation and being completely out of control was one that I would never forget as long as I lived.

I stopped and took a sip of water that the Sprites had placed in my backpack. I could see that there was a scattering of rocks ahead of me. I groaned inward because I knew that I was sure to have some scrapes and bruises by the time I got done with climbing over those. I carefully made my way up and over several large rocks. I was almost happy a short time later that I had escaped with minimal damage to my body.

I huffed and puffed as I walked the last part of the steep incline. When I felt as though my legs and lungs were going to collapse, I finally stepped onto the flat top of the mountain. I slowed my breathing as I looked around and gasped at the sight before me.

I was fixated as I hiked up the steep terrain on the path with my swirling thoughts that I didn’t really look around that much but now that I was here I was completely enthralled at the beauty that surrounded me. The clear sky had stars that shone so brightly that I wasn’t even sure if I was in the same galaxy because the heavens looked so brilliant and different.