People of Fae

by M.M. Gavillet

  Chapter Nine

  Eli

  The ruins of Arrinia were large and scattered. The portal that Eli passed through to get to the Etherworld, was several miles away. They passed through many of the ruins, zigzagging around the crumbled stones.

  Wes still had Eli on a leash and would tug on it like some spoiled child on a pet’s collar. Eli contained his anger for the little juvenile Fae, not letting it bother him, he still had to come up with a plan to out maneuver Wes and Lizzi as well escape the iron grip of Elijah the Giant. Eli’s position didn’t look good, but as he learned in prison, there are always chances—you just have to be brave to take them.

  “Ah home!” Wes said, inhaling the cool air. “What’s for dinner Elijah?”

  “Is that all you do eat and take up space?” Eli realized he had spoken his thoughts instead of keeping them to himself.

  “No.” Wes replied unaffected by Eli’s comment. “In fact I am one of the best Rebels here and can fight any number of foes we might run into.” Wes pulled on the rope. “Fighting takes a lot out of you. You should try it sometime.”

  Eli would like nothing more than to take Wes by the collar and show him a thing or two about being a real sentry. But he wasn’t worth it and merely a pesky fly to him. Wes continued to laugh at his own comment as Lizzi told him to be quiet. Eli had to escape from them for good this time.

  As if a reflex took over, Eli pulled hard and quick on the rope whipping it out of Wes’s hand. Wes flinched, rubbed his rope burned hand with a surprised look on his face. Eli took the chance to run back into the forest of crumbling stones.

  He heard Elijah yell at Wes along with Lizzi. Eli swirled around the stones using them as cover and even back tracking a little to confuse the dense Fae. As Eli ran, he began to loosen the rope that bound him letting it fall to the ground. He heard Wes curse at him sounding out of breath. Eli then smiled, thinking he had made it only he didn’t have the Everspell.

  Just as he began to stop a light exploded in front of him making smoke curl around his feet. The light faded to a shimmering of glitter around a dark figure that stood before him.

  “Where are your Mogs?” The man’s voice asked.

  “My Mogs?” Eli asked dumbfounded.

  “Yes, your Mogs.” A tall weathered looking man replied with greying black hair that curled in waves.

  The man looked at him raising his eyebrows expecting an answer. He held out in front of him a small ball glowing with a cool light. It was an orillion.

  “How do you know about my…” Eli then remembered as if it had been years. The man before him was the man he had met in the dungeon when he released the Mogs.

  “I knew I should’ve never trusted you with them. I should have told Zoey or as you know her as Lil that you couldn’t handle them and they had you for a late night snack.”

  “You’re the man I met in the dungeon. Who are you?” Eli demanded.

  The man looked at him, and instead of answering, he turned his attention to Wes and Lizzi who ran up behind him. Wes jerked Eli’s arm around his back and started to bind his hand again.

  “Ah, I see you have all returned safely. But you need to hang onto our guest a little better,” the man said, taking a step closer to Eli. “There’s no need for that, Wes.” His voice was soft and gentle.

  “But, Merlin, he keeps getting away,” Lizzi said, standing beside Eli.

  Eli’s mouth dropped as Merlin smiled at him.

  “Merlin the keeper of magic,” Eli said, in disbelief.

  “Yes, but I just go by Merlin.” He smiled. “Now, let’s get inside, it’s getting cold out here.”

  The moon filtered through the trees casting long shadows on the ground. The stone pillars that towered over them shone like white ghosts watching as if they were immortal watchmen.

  The buildings must’ve been magnificent at one time, Eli thought passing by them. Everything was quiet, not even the occasional owl or night creature stirred. Merlin told them something was afoot around the area, and wasn’t sure what it was, but he didn’t want to capture its attention. He told them to be as quiet as possible which was hard for Eli who wanted to tell Merlin about the Everspell.

  If Eli knew he was going to meet Merlin in person, he would have led the way. Merlin was one of the last magic vessels known even though magic has all but faded to myth for Faes. Eli knew different.

  “Didn’t get far, did you?” Elijah stood with crossed arms smiling at Eli. “Come on dinner is served.”

  In the blackness, Eli saw a dark building barely showing its outline against the moon lit sky. The ground was cluttered with fallen stones, and a path led to a curved staircase of stone. The door was massive with intricate and deeply carved designs. Light sparkled through the perfectly circular faceted windows about the size of Eli’s hand. They were evenly scattered reminding him of dew drops sparkling in sunlight on blades of grass. The building must have been refurbished by the Rebels, he thought, as the welcoming glow of inside broke the darkness surrounding them.

  Lizzi and Wes went in first followed by Eli, Merlin stopped for a moment looking behind him.

  “Something is close by Elijah, and I don’t like it.” Merlin said, taking off his long cape.

  “You mean something is following us?” Eli asked only to be ignored.

  “Do you need help with a protection spell?” Elijah asked.

  “No, the one we have should suffice. No sense in overdoing it, sometimes that can act as a beacon.” Merlin looked over at Eli. “We need to welcome our guest anyhow.”

  The entry had dimly lit orilions hanging on the stone walls. Their footsteps echoed in the cool air as Elijah led them through a tall set of double wooden doors just as ornate as the front door. Warmth hit Eli like a hand across the face. Several people about twenty, Eli estimated, were sitting either at a long table or by the fire talking among themselves. Their voices were barely above a murmur with occasional laughs in smaller groups. There were as many men as women or should he say boys and girls. They all looked young to him not one of them looked to be older than eighteen—all children. Their eyes passed over Eli, but they didn’t seem alarmed or concerned of his presence.

  “Come, sit down.” Elijah pulled a chair out looking at Eli.

  Eli sat down at the end of the long table as Lizzi sat on one side and Wes on the other. Merlin mumbled something to Elijah who shook his head and then went into a dark hallway past the large fireplace designed like the open mouth of a dragon.

  “It’s about time you got back.” A young girl with long blonde hair and glittering blue eyes swirled up behind Wes wrapping her slender arms around him as he smiled at her. “I missed you. Come see me later after I get done with my duties.” The girl went into the same dark hallway as Elijah carrying a large tray.

  Eli gazed at Wes who smiled taking a sip of his drink. Just then another girl with fiery red hair and dark eyes stood at the end of the table placing plates in front of them.

  “Here you go,” the girl said with eyes still focused on Wes and nearly knocking down Eli’s drink as she did.

  “You stood me up last time.” She turned to Wes. “I think you need to make up for that.”

  “What time do you get done?” Wes asked. “Because you’re right, that wasn’t very nice of me.”

  “In an hour.” The girl promptly replied.

  Wes rubbed his chin as Eli rolled his eyes and Lizzi tried to cover up her smile by shoving in a large potato into her mouth.

  “How about in an hour and a half?” Wes finally suggested.

  “Don’t leave me waiting this time.” She then returned to the same darkened hallway.

  Eli raised his eyebrows at Wes who eagerly ate his dinner not bothered by what just took place.

  “Have you no respect?” Eli had to say something.

  “What do you mean? Of course I do. I give them what they want.” Wes sat up straight l
ike a peacock showing off its display of colorful feathers. “I am one of the best Rebels here.”

  Eli only shook his head. “At fighting or schmoozing with the girls?”

  Wes’s lips curled into a smile. “Both.”

  Eli didn’t reply, because it was no use, and Wes really wasn’t his concern right now. Elijah still had the Everspell and now he wanted to tell what he had as Merlin was here and surly would help him take it to the Isle of Stars.

  “How is everything?” Elijah asked towering over them.

  “Very good. I wish I could cook like you.” Lizzi looked up at him.

  “Elijah where’s Merlin at? I have something of great importance to tell him.” Eli stood up looking at Elijah.

  “I know and that’s why I came to get you. You’ve better come with me quickly.” Elijah’s voice turned serious and his consistent joyous look faded altogether.

  Wes and Lizzi got up as well only to be stopped by Elijah.

  “Merlin doesn’t need you, at least not yet,” Elijah said, taking Eli and directing him to the blackened hallway.

  They went through the kitchen that had a couple of women that must have been Giants as well since they were large in size, but not as large Elijah. They were cleaning things up, and glanced at Eli then returned to their duties.

  Past the fireplace in the kitchen was a tall, arched opening that led to a spiral staircase. Small windows opened to outside, and as they went higher; Eli saw every so often, the moon lit landscape of what seemed like thousands of trees. Finally, they reached a circular room with a ceiling made of glass that magnified the star filled sky. Merlin stood in the center pacing the floor. There was nothing else in the room except for a basin that looked like a birdbath, but only taller.

  “Eli, it seems you have found the Everspell. Care to elaborate on that?” Merlin turned to him with the book in one hand. He smiled at Eli before quickly closing it.

  Lyssa

  “What if something happens to Toby?” Lyssa asked Gwen. “He needs protection too.”

  Gwen reached into the dishwasher, grabbed the last glass, put it in the cupboard, shut the door, and turned to Lyssa.

  “I know you’re concerned for him in more ways than his safety.” Gwen then went into the laundry room that was just off of the kitchen.

  Lyssa watched her shove in big, fluffy towels into the washer. She knew she would never convince her to bring Toby back.

  “What if something happens? What if the Muse brothers get to him?” Lyssa tried to lay on a little guilt.

  Gwen looked at her with a tired expression. She shut the washer lid and put away the detergent.

  “I think he has enough protection with his Banshee significant other. She and her clan will protect him. Besides, the Muses’ don’t waste their time with some Changeling. They want something more and they aren’t going to get it,” Gwen said going into the kitchen.

  Lyssa followed her and stopped at the archway between the kitchen and laundry room. She leaned against the wood trim and watched Gwen fix herself a cup of tea.

  “So what happens now?” Lyssa asked instead of pressing Gwen about Toby. “Any news on my dad?” A knot formed in her stomach whenever she thought of him.

  Gwen drew in a ragged breath turned to Lyssa and tried to give an encouraging smile.

  “Information runs slowly between Fae and the Etherworld. But our connections are strong and we will get him back as soon as we can,” Gwen said, sitting down and motioned for Lyssa to join her.

  Lyssa pulled the chair out, and sat with the sun pounding its warm rays on her back through the many windows that lined the small nook off from the kitchen. Gwen made her some tea as well and Lyssa curled her hands around the warm mug. It felt comforting to her, like one of Zoey’s hugs that tightened slowly before she released her. She felt like she needed one of those hugs right now and a hot mug was as close as she was going to get, Gwen doesn’t show her emotion openly like Zoey.

  “You know your mother was very brave and she loved you and your father very much,” Gwen said between sips.

  Lyssa let her eyes trail off of her tea to Gwen. “I know.”

  “Lyssa, there is something about the night that your mother died that I want you to know.” Gwen’s words were sudden hitting Lyssa like a rock. “I know your father hasn’t been the fatherly type and there is a reason for that.” Gwen paused and looked steadily at Lyssa. “Kearlyn put a spell on him before she died. She knew he would be so heartbroken that while she lay dying put a forgetting spell on him to ease his grief. The last thing she wanted was to hurt him in any way. By doing so the spell had side effects that Sean and I could see. That is why he would come every so often and have the spell slowly removed.”

  “So, it was a spell all these years, and not me?” Lyssa wasn’t sure if she was relived or horrified to know.

  “It was never you.” Gwen’s voice grew in pitch, and Lyssa could tell that the thought of that had never crossed her mind. “Oh, Lyssa, it could never be you. You are the reason he hung on and went through the spell removal which is very difficult. He loves you very much, and you had no idea how much he hurt to be that way.”

  Lyssa looked down at her amber colored tea. The warmth slowly faded, and Lyssa removed her hands from it.

  “It’s true, Lyssa.” Zoey’s voice pierced the silence.

  “I hope you weren’t eavesdropping,” Gwen said, standing up.

  Gwen and Zoey never really got along and only did so for Lyssa’s sake. Lyssa could see the tension between them. They were like trying to mix oil and water and that can only be done with some sort of binder and that binder was Lyssa. They were cordial to each other in Lyssa’s presence, and put on an obvious friendly façade.

  “Your voice carried, and I wasn’t trying to sneak in on your conversation. I was just acknowledging that I was here and agree with you.” Zoey stepped in closer like someone moving close to an injured animal trying to help it.

  “There is nothing to agree to. That’s simply what happened.” Gwen took the mugs and rinsed them out in the sink.

  “You removed the spell very well. Thomas handled everything well, and I don’t think I could have done any better.” Zoey tried to give a compliment, but Lyssa could clearly see from Gwen’s expression, it backfired.

  “Save your praise, I don’t need it right now. There are more important things right now than the past.” Gwen dried her hands, and threw the towel half folding it on the counter.

  “That’s true there are more important things right now,” Zoey said as Sean came in from the back door.

  “Gwen, come quick. There’s something you need to see.” Sean hollered in before he let the door shut.

  Without hesitation, they went outside where Deravon and Sean stood looking at the ground.

  “There have been Drakes through here. They circled the house. I think the one that attacked Deravon was no isolated incident.” Everyone looked at Sean in silence. “They know we are here, and what we have.” Sean’s eyes glided over to Lyssa.

  “Are the Drakes working for the Muses though?” Gwen asked as Zoey wrapped her arms around Lyssa.

  “They could be. Times change Gwen, and the neutrality of the Drakes could have easily shifted.” Sean held in front of him a newspaper showing an article on an animal attack. “Another murder, it’s the third one in the area in the last two months. There are police everywhere. I don’t want any more Etherlings getting hurt.” Sean looked around the landscape that Lyssa always thought was safe and beautiful. “Let’s go in and talk about this.”

  Everyone went into the lower level that was a walk out basement with large windows that made the outside feel like it was part of the room. A large sectional couch made a small sitting area that had a large screen T.V. and a fireplace in the corner. Lyssa always loved this part of the house. It was fancy, but comfortable enough that you didn’t feel like you shouldn’t be eatin
g popcorn while watching a movie in the room.

  “Lyssa needs to go into hiding,” Gwen said as Sean locked the door.

  “I am with the Rebels now. I am leader of a squadron of them. She will be safe there.” Zoey suggested looking at Lyssa with a small smile.

  “Rebels?” Gwen spat the word out. “You know nothing about matters like this. How can some treasure hunter have enough skill to protect someone?” Gwen set her scrutinizing gaze on Zoey.

  Zoey glanced back at Gwen overlooking Lyssa’s confused look.

  “First of all, it isn’t treasure hunting. I am a Relic Hunter. My job is to secure…”

  “Yes, I know what you do.” Gwen waved her hands at Zoey like she was waving away someone trying to serve her some disgusting meal like liver and onions. “That doesn’t really matter. You do not have the training, the expertise.”

  “I have someone in my ranks though that can.” Zoey retorted.

  Sean stepped in between Gwen and Zoey. “Who is that?” Sean asked Zoey.

  “His name is Eli Mosshood and he was a sentry before joining us.” Zoey stepped closer to Gwen. “Look, we all care about Lyssa, and I have connections in Fae. You guys have been gone for so long that you don’t really know who you are trusting.”

  Lyssa watched Sean’s face fill with grave concern, while Gwen looked like a stone statue that was unwilling to budge until something knocked her down.

  “You don’t know our connection, you can’t possibly know of what are status was.” Gwen lifted her shoulders back.

  “Was.” Zoey widened her eyes. “Was, that is in the past. Things have changed, and they’ve changed dramatically after seventeen years.”

  “How are we to get Lyssa to the Rebels then?” Sean asked.

  Zoey glanced between Sean and Gwen as she took a deep breath.

  “We need to make a portal. If there are any more Landmerrows around would be perfect.” Zoey suggested.

  “I do hope you have more than just one, because the one in the woods…we kind of insulted and I don’t think it will let us pass,” Deravon said, sitting on the large couch with his feet propped up.

  “How did you insult the Landmerrow?” Sean’s eyebrows burrowed into what Lyssa thought looked like two kissing caterpillars. “What did you do? Try to make a portal with it?”

  Deravon answered with a smile and a shrug of his shoulders.

  “Deravon is sort of with me Sean. He has connections on all sides and he was trying to get Lyssa to safety.”

  Sean drew in a deep breath before looking at Lyssa.

  “I want to go with Zoey to the Rebels and I want to take Toby with me,” Lyssa said calmly even though her insides were quivering. “He needs protection too.”

  “I have done nothing but ever protect you and your dad.” Sean cut in front of Gwen before she could say a word. “Things are getting dangerous.” He glanced back a Gwen. “Too dangerous and I don’t think I can protect Lyssa anymore without help and like I said before, I know Deravon your intentions are good and Zoey you’ve been like a mother to Lyssa. I can’t think of anyone I would want to trust more.”

  Toby

  “The party was epic that you missed,” Craig said leaning against the wall of lockers. “Everyone was there. Megan showed up looking for you.”

  “Megan.” Toby had so much to discuss with her. “Is she here because I haven’t seen her?”

  “I don’t know. She got pissed off and left with some guy from another school.” Craig went over to his locker threw his books in, and slammed the door before anything fell out. “If you ask me, you’re better off without her.”

  Toby looked away. He was better off without her, but she also held the answers to his questions. He had to talk to her.

  “So who did you go and see anyhow? You left all of a sudden and when I called your house your mom said that you were fine and just visiting family.” Craig asked standing in front of him.

  Toby looked at Craig who had been his friend since second grade.

  “You know, I like your mom probably more than mine,” Craig said, whose mom was a single parent worked most of the time, and ran around a lot with different guys. Toby’s mom more or less raised Craig, and fed him as well. “But something wasn’t right, like I walked in some lame movie where robots took over people. They just sounded strange.”

  Toby watched as people began to head off to the next class and then looked at Craig.

  “I have something I need to tell you that you’re not going to believe,” Toby said as the hall began to empty. “Come on, we have to sneak out.”

  They both went into the gym which was empty and into the parking lot where they got into Toby’s truck.

  “It must be important since you who-never-miss-a-class while I’ve skipped more than I’ve gone.” Craig pointed to himself as if proud of his accomplishments. “So tell me, what’s the mystery?”

  “Let’s get out of here first.”

  Toby drove to Wild Bill’s gas station which was the first business when entering Briarwood. Craig looked at Toby with wide eyes that had a tinge of concern in them. Toby took a deep breath. He had to tell someone and Craig was his friend that backed him up no matter what.

  “You’re going to think I’m insane, but I am telling you, I’m not,” Toby said as a car pulled up beside them to get gas.

  Craig drew in a deep breath, looked away and ran his fingers through his hair before looking back at Toby.

  “You still like girls don’t you?” Craig asked in a low voice.

  Toby shook his head and gave a small chuckle. “Yes, just listen.”

  “I wasn’t visiting family. I was at a house in Cloaksville with Lyssa. I’m not who you think I am, and right now, I’m not even sure what I am.” Toby looked at Craig’s doubting expression.

  “O.K., this sounds like the I’m not interested in girls anymore and I’m coming-out-of-the-closet speech to me.” Craig raised his eyebrows.

  Toby took in a deep breath thinking that speech would be a lot easier. “Maybe it would be better if I show you.”

  Toby held his right hand in front of him. The thin, broken lines that glowed were not there. He gazed at it for a moment, and then rubbed his palm, like Zoey did, with his thumb, and slowly exposed the electrified lines. He then held it in front of Craig.

  “What the hell is that?” Craig asked looking at it.

  “It is my mark. The house that I was at was owned by people not from this world but a hidden world called Fae.” Craig looked like a boulder had been dropped on him, but Toby continued, he didn’t know what else to do. “I come from a line of Changelings and that is why my mark is broken and only glows part way.”

  “That isn’t all that is broken.” Craig began to fidget and Toby knew that telling him would make Craig think he is crazy. “What…How…I mean are you listening to yourself?”

  “I know it seems unbelievable and I know I look like I have lost all reasoning.” Toby’s voice began to rise in volume catching that attention of the man that just got done filling his car with gas. “But, it’s the truth.” Toby rubbed his forehead looking out the windshield.

  Everything was quiet except for the sounds of a normally busy gas station. Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything, but Craig was like a brother to him.

  “Well, I guess that explains a lot,” Craig suddenly said nodding his head at him.

  “What do you mean?” Toby asked.

  “Ever since I’ve known you, everyone has always liked you and treated you...I don’t know in a special way…like giving you extra attention.” Craig looked down at his hands as if he was talking to them. “It was small things like free ice cream at the café or leniency with most of our teachers for late homework. People have a way of looking at you in a different light than others.” Craig lifted his eyes and looked at Toby.

  Toby smiled. “Then I hope you believe me also if I tell you Me
gan isn’t a normal girl, but a Banshee.”

  “She’s a what?” Craig raised his eyebrows.

  “Well, I guess I don’t really know what that means, but I think a girl who screams a lot and people kind of fear.” Toby shrugged his shoulders. “It made sense to me.”

  “Now, that I believe without a doubt.” Craig shook his head.

  “Mind if we go to Cloaksville?” Toby asked turning the ignition.

  “Sure, by now my mom is off and probably so drunk she forgot she had a son.” Craig motioned for him to go.

  Craig had accepted the way his mom was, and Toby, one time saw him thank his mom when Craig thought no one was around. Toby’s mom told him later what Craig said. Craig was like an adopted brother to him, and if this was happening to Craig, Toby would do the same thing.

  “So what did you say you were? A Changeling?” Craig asked as the afternoon sun blasted in front of them.

  “Yes, Changing. It is like a half breed. Somewhere I have family ties in Fae and Zoey told me everything.” Toby squined his eyes at the relentless sun.

  “Zoey, you mean Lyssa’s Zoey?” Craig asked.

  Toby tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he began to tell Craig everything from Megan’s spells to Lyssa being a magic vessel and the stolen Everspell in her. He told him about the Muses who were after her and also about Sean and Gwen harboring fugitives from the Fae world. When Toby was done he didn’t know what to expect Craig to say. He just listened.

  “So,” Toby said breaking the thirty seconds of silence that filled the truck. “Are you sure you still believe me?”

  “Let me see you hand.” Craig said.

  Toby wondered why, but held out his hand with the faintly glowing line. Craig gazed at it.

  “So do you have special power, fly or do some other amazing thing?”

  “Not that I know of,” Toby replied.

  “So you just pretty much light up,” Craig said.

  Toby didn’t reply at first, he smiled amused by Craig’s usual inquisitive nature.

  “Yes, I guess I just light up.” Toby looked forward turning on his turn signal.

  “So where is this Fae world at?” Craig asked.

  Toby looked at him. “I’m not sure, somewhere hidden. You ask a lot of questions.”

  “Are you kidding? Something like this happens and of course there are a lot of questions. Just think, no one or not many know of this Fairyland.”

  “It’s not Fairyland…” Toby looked over at Craig who turned his head trying to muffle his laughing.

  Toby looked forward as he went down the two lane road nestled between tall trees. He thought Craig of all people, would believe him without a doubt, he guessed wrong. Toby wished he wouldn’t have told Craig now ,and he felt his face burn.

  “You don’t believe me, do you?” Toby asked going down the road and realized he wasn’t sure of the way to Gwen and Sean’s house.

  Craig looked at him he had laughed so hard that his eyes were watering. Toby just gave a huff and looked both ways at the stop sign before he moved forward.

  “Oh, come on! This is a joke right? You made this up and that on your hand is some kind of fake glittery stuff. It’s a little early for April Fools, isn’t it?” Toby glanced over with a straight face. “You were just trying to get me…right?” Craig’s last word rang with an uncertain doubt to it.

  Craig’s face dropped and went pale as Toby didn’t reply. He regretted telling Craig anything.

  “I should’ve never told you.”

  What did Toby expect? Of course it was an extraordinary thing and a fantastical thing to comprehend. What else did he expect Craig to think anything else but a joke? The truck grew into an uncomfortable silence as Toby tried to think of ways to make Craig believe his situation. Surely when they got to Sean’s house everything could be explained.

  “If it makes you feel any better, I do believe Megan is a Banshee,” Craig said in a low voice.

  Toby couldn’t help but smile as he looked out the side window and tried to see if anything looked familiar in the fading light.

  “Watch out!” Craig yelled just as something as large and bulky as a refrigerator ran out in front of them.

  Toby swerved only to have the back of his truck start to flip back and forth fish tailing out of control. He clenched the steering wheel, turning it right and then left. Gravel hit the side of his truck as the scene in front of them went from corn field to bean field then back again. Toby had never been this out of control before in his truck. No matter what he did, didn’t seem to make a difference. The truck then began to go straight only to get too close to the side of the road sucking them into the ditch. He wondered if they would ever stop.

  Dust rolled around like fog. Even his headlights looked like two knives trying to cut through it. Toby still had his hands on the wheel as he looked over at Craig.

  “What just happened?” Craig asked as Toby tried to open his door.

  “We’re in the ditch.” The dust slowly settled and Toby could see yellow blades of grass out of his door window. “It’s no wonder we didn’t roll.”

  Craig opened his door and they both got out looking up at the road. A small creek was in front of them and a bridge went over it curving off to the right. Their tracks could be seen easily through the tall grass. His truck had come to rest nestled between a steep embankment and the creek. It looked like he had drove down here to have a picnic.

  “What ran out in front of us? A deer isn’t that big.” Craig asked getting out his cell phone. “I can’t get a signal down here.”

  Toby saw it too. A large thing running like a person only hunched over. The only word he could use to describe it was Sasquatch.

  “Let me try to drive it out first,” Toby said getting back in.

  “I don’t think you are going anywhere. You’re tire is like half buried in mud.” Craig said walking up the embankment. “I am going to call Bill at his gas station. He can maybe get us out. I know he had gotten my mom out of several DUI’s before--pulled her out before any cops showed up. He can pull just about anything out of a ditch.”

  Toby followed Craig up the hill to the desolate road. Darkness had fallen with only a thin sliver of orange sky left. The days of autumn were short and soon they’d be surrounded in darkness. The truck headlights illuminated the bridge casting long shadows around it. Everything was quiet except for the beeping of Craig’s cell phone.

  “No signal.” Craig huffed lifting his phone into the air as if a couple extra feet would make the difference. “Damn it,” he said pacing the road kicking gravel.

  “Let’s walk down the road and see if there are any houses.” Toby suggested.

  “We wouldn’t be in this mess if you weren’t trying to make me fall for all of this Fairy shit.” Craig kicked at the gravel splattering a few rocks around Toby’s feet. “I mean, really…have you gone crazy on me or something?”

  Toby looked back at him. He didn’t expect Craig to believe him, but thought friendship almost to the point of brothers would’ve overridden that.

  “I know Megan can be a bitch, and I know you have this thing for Lyssa…”

  “No, it isn’t Megan or Lyssa,” Toby said, standing in front of Craig.

  Suddenly, a low growl came from beside them in the ripened corn field. The wind blew gently just making the dried-up corn stalks shiver against one another like bones on a skeleton. Toby and Craig stood still and peered into the darkness.

  “What was that?” Craig whispered.

  “I don’t….” Before Toby could finish a large black object pounced out of the field like a shadow and leaped towards them.

  “Run!” Toby yelled and turned away to hear Craig scream after him.

  Toby stopped realizing Craig wasn’t beside him. The dark shadowy creature held Craig by the back of his shirt and made a sniffing sound followed by deep gurgles. He stepped clos
er very cautiously. The creature was covered in fur with large hands pointed with dark talons and fluffy, long fur framing his lion-like face. Toby stood in awe at the magnificent creature that was oblivious to his presence.

  The creature ran his flaring nose up and down Craig as if trying to decide on what to do with him. Toby had to get Craig freed. He looked around thinking he could go back to the truck and get his breaker bar that he uses to change flat tires with, but the truck was down the hill—too far away to outrun the creature.

  “Do something!” Craig yelled as the creature lifted and turned him smelling him. “Do something before it decides if I’m good enough to eat!”

  Toby bent down picking up a handful of gravel without taking his eyes off the creature. He knew it was not going to bring the creature down, but maybe he would at least let go of Craig. Toby flung the rocks toward the creature causing it to flinch back. Toby bent down again, and grabbed a handful of gravel this time he picked up a large rock that nearly filled his palm.

  He took aim at the creature whose eyes turned yellow and glowed like Jack-o-Lanterns. It still had Craig by the scruff as he slowly advanced towards Toby. With the rock in his right hand, he aimed at the creature’s head, and hoped that the rock would hit him square in the forehead.

  It hit him with a thud, throwing his head back slightly before it bounced to the ground at Toby’s feet. Slowly Toby held his breath and looked at the yellowed-eyed creature.

  “You’re just pissing it off. Run!” Craig’s eyes were filled with fear as Toby stood frozen. “Get out of here! Run!”

  Before Toby could even pick up the rock again the creature grasped Toby by the collar and lifted him eye level. The creature began to smell him causing his shirt to pull away from his skin and stick to the creature’s nose.

  “You both have the scent. Though you have it, you have it more than this Etherling. Hmm, master will be pleased.” The creature’s voice was rough but had a tinge of success in it.

  “The damn thing talks!” Craig looked horrified.

  The creature jolted back into the corn field with Craig and Toby securely clenched under the creature’s massive arms. He felt the corn stalks brush against him until they exited into a wooded area thick with trees. The creature darted around them. Toby felt the creature’s muscles flex with agility and strength as it moved through the forest. He could only wonder what or who “Master” was and where exactly they were going, but one thing Toby was sure of and that was Craig had to believe him now.