“I estimate six days in total,” Evander said. “We’ll try to break every two hours so you can work the stiffness out. Because it’s sunny, I also recommend we recharge our wings. We may need the extra power.”
He glanced over his shoulder at Brigid, who nodded her response.
“By the third day, you should acclimate to the riding. If the weather holds, I expect to arrive at midday, five days from now. Wherever we encounter people, we’ll maintain our story of guiding Brigid to meet with healers of the Realm.”
Treena agreed with Evander’s schedule and cover story. She dropped back to canter beside Brigid. Although Evander led the way, Treena kept an eagle eye on the territory around them. That first day passed without event. In mid-afternoon, they arrived at another inn. It would be their final stop for the day. Evander directed them to care for their mounts to develop a bond with them. The stronger the bond, the better they would travel together.
Brigid quietly whispered to Star as she brushed her down. She let her sight drop into Star’s body in an instinctual assessment. The saddle had chafed the horse along her flank, and she had a slightly strained muscle in her hind leg. Brigid gently infused golden healing light into the affected areas. Star turned her head and huffed through her nostrils. Brigid smiled and stiffly stepped forward to fill a feed bag for the horse. When she looked up, she realized Evander had been watching her.
“It’s quite beautiful to watch you offer healing,” he said. His voice was suffused with warmth.
Brigid blushed with embarrassment.
“I apologize if I’ve made you uncomfortable. When I turned from feeding Blaze, my gaze fell upon you. I couldn’t seem to look away. You have a wonderful gift. Star’s lucky to be with you.”
Evander turned to go.
“I can check Blaze for you, and Fleetfoot too.”
“Thank you,” said Evander as he inclined his head, his silvery hair swaying around his beard. “I’ll leave you to it. Be sure to take time for a hot soak yourself. Self-care is as important as caring for our mounts. Perhaps Treena can show you stretches used by the Protector’s Force to ease muscles after long days of riding.”
“What is it about that man?” Brigid whispered into Star’s flank before moving to check the other horses.
Only minor issues needed tending. She finished up quickly and eagerly headed to her room for the soak Evander had recommended. She half dozed in the tub until her stomach rumbled so loudly that she had to pay attention. After toweling herself dry, Brigid smoothed some wintergreen oil onto her muscles and got dressed. Treena was already down at the bar enjoying a large mug of dark foamy beer. Brigid envied Treena’s physical fitness as she gingerly stepped her way across the room to grab a seat.
Treena raised her mug in a toast and gestured to the bartender to bring another over.
“I can’t drink that much,” Brigid said.
“Sure you can. You just need some practice. Besides, it’ll help deaden some of those aches you’re feeling and send you to dreamland early tonight.”
“As long as I don’t dive into dreamland before I get some food into me. All that fresh air and effort—I’m ravenous, again.”
Brigid looked around. “Where’s Evander?”
“I’m right behind you. I anticipated your appetite and ordered us a mixed platter.”
Brigid swiveled around and caught Evander’s teasing expression. She joined in the fun and smiled in response. The bartender plunked down another beer and Evander reached by her to retrieve it. As he brushed against her, energy sparked where their bodies touched.
The man had to be older than a century, she thought. Fairies rarely turned grey until then. What was going on?
Brigid tried to reign in her response before anyone noticed.
The food was excellent and filled the gaping hole in her stomach. The beer gave the evening a fuzzy edge. Treena kindly propped her up as they made their way up the stairs. Once in her room, Brigid yanked off her outer clothing and tumbled into bed. She was lightly snoring before her head hit the pillow.
Brigid rose early, stiffly lifting one leg out of bed after the other. She softly knocked on, then peered through, the door between her room and Treena’s. Treena was already moving through her morning routine. She gestured for Brigid to enter and to join her. Most of the moves were familiar, so Brigid followed along. At the end, Treena taught her a few new stretches.
The next four days proceeded in a similar manner, although they had one brief skirmish with brigands who thought they might be carrying a few valuables. Treena’s uniform and sword convinced them to have a change of heart. On another day, they walked a significant portion of the journey because they were hiking through terrain treacherous for riding. Brigid was thankful that Star carried her pack. On two nights, they camped under the stars. On the second night, there was a new moon, so Evander offered a simple ritual for new beginnings. They shared shifts of a three-hour watch to guard against wild animals or rogue fairies. The lightweight sleeping bags offered unexpected warmth through the cool nights. Layering their clothing was certainly necessary as mornings and evenings were chilly, but by midday the warmth of the sun invited lighter wear.
On the final day of their journey, they awoke to a steady drizzle which drenched the land. An hour into riding, they were soaked. Little was spoken as they cantered along. Brigid huddled in her cloak and was extremely grateful they hadn’t experienced rain before then. She might not arrive looking her best, but at least she wouldn’t be chafed from wet clothing or have caught a cold from prolonged exposure to the elements.
The steady drizzle shifted to occasional splatters of rain as the morning progressed. At one point, Evander galloped ahead and then stopped and waited for Brigid and Treena at the top of a hill. As they came even with Blaze, Evander pointed to the valley below.
“The Academy is below us. Another twenty minutes and we’ll be dry.”
With a youthful sounding shout to Blaze, Evander shifted his horse into a gallop. Treena and Brigid eagerly followed suit, impressed by the old man’s agility. As they came close to the Academy, a bell began to toll, and people began to assemble on the front terrace.
Three young boys hurried forward as they entered the yard and grasped their horses’ reins. The three travelers dismounted and removed their packs. A portly gentleman, in the same dark green robes as Evander, came forward to greet them.
“Welcome to the Academy. We’re honored by your presence. I’m Tristan, High Priest of the Realm. You must be Brigid and Treena.”
Tristan extended his hand to each of them. “Evander sent a messenger ahead to notify us of your arrival. You’ve done well, young man.” Tristan clapped Evander on the shoulder.
Brigid felt amusement rise within her when she heard Tristan call Evander “young man”; Evander looked much older than Tristan whose dark hair was only lightly peppered with grey.
“The Elite Guard and our priests are here to welcome you,” said Tristan. “A simple nod will suffice, for now. We’ll give you time to wash up and change. A meal has been prepared and, after it, we’ll fill each other in.”
Tristan ushered them across the terrace; they smiled and nodded toward the assembly of people. Tristan chatted constantly as he led them inside and down a hallway. There was no opportunity to speak, so they merely followed his lead. Eventually, he opened doors to a small suite of rooms for Treena and Brigid. They were told someone would fetch them in half an hour. The door closed and they burst into a flurry of giggles.
“What a chatterbox!” Treena said.
“Let’s get washed up. These wet clothes are itchy,” said Brigid.
“You take the first shower. I’m used to it. Besides, I want to check out our digs.” Treena began to peruse the walls, pictures, and bookcases.
“What are you looking for?”
“I’m just making sure there aren’t any spyholes or secret passages, listening devices, that type of thing.” Treena hefted a potted plant and looked
underneath it.
“Not something I would’ve considered.” Brigid dug in her pack for a change of clothes.
“Don’t worry. It’s standard procedure for me. That’s why it’s good we’re together.”
“Did you check all our rooms on the way here?” said Brigid as she glanced into the bathing room to see what supplies were offered.
“Of course, but I didn’t mention it so you wouldn’t worry,” replied Treena as she got onto her hands and knees to check under the bed.
“I’m not worried, per se. More curious. It seems I’ve a lot to learn. What if something happened to you? I need to know some of the basic precautions,” said Brigid. “But right now, I need to shower.”
When they were both cleaned up, Treena began Brigid’s education. Treena drew a tiny disc out of her pack—a listening device—so Brigid would know what to search for. She demonstrated how to look behind paintings, shelving units, and wall hangings for devices or small spyholes in the wall. Brigid was astonished, yet she made an eager student.
A knock sounded on the door. They stepped into the hallway. A handsome dark-haired man about their age nodded at them and gestured that they follow him. Brigid admired his strong physique as she walked behind him. It never hurt to appreciate beauty. She glimpsed Treena’s knowing smile and smirked back at her.
The aroma of herbs and freshly cooked food wafted toward them from the dining hall. As they entered, Brigid saw Tristan move toward them.
“Ah, you look much refreshed, ladies,” he smiled. “Why don’t you and Evander sit with me, so you can tell me the details of your journey?”
Brigid looked around for Evander’s silver hair and beard, but he was nowhere in sight. Their guide stepped up to the seat across from her and next to Tristan. His bright blue eyes captured hers, and a broad grin spread across his face.
“Evander!” said Brigid and her eyes widened.
Treena peered across the table with raised eyebrows.
“He didn’t tell you?” Tristan chuckled.
Brigid shook her head.
Treena scowled and snapped, “What’s going on?”
“Tristan thought an elder priest would garner more respect than a young one, especially when I had to speak to your Town Council,” said Evander. “It fitted better with our cover story of guiding you to other healers so, as we travelled, I decided to keep up the charade.”
Little signs began to click into place for Brigid: his hands and voice, his stamina, and the attraction she’d experienced. Otherwise, his disguise had been brilliant. While Brigid was relieved to meet this new Evander, Treena was not pleased that he had pulled one over on her.
Tristan moved the conversation forward by inquiring about their journey. Food was set before them and Evander brought Tristan up to date. Evander recalled Treena viewing him as a nitwit. Tristan chuckled in response, but it sounded slightly forced. He grew more serious as Evander described her sword capturing the moon’s light. Tristan requested details from Brigid regarding her abilities, to confirm what had been shared with him by her teaching elders.
When the meal concluded, Tristan stood up. “It’s time to share with you the results of our deliberations here. Queen Amethyst and Finn, Head of the Elite Guard, await us in my office,” he said.
Tristan’s robes billowed behind him as he led the way. Brigid could feel the tension rising throughout her body. She had no experience in meeting these leaders of the Realm. Treena didn’t look any more relaxed, although she had met Finn when she took her oath for the Protector’s Force. Evander’s face was solemn as well. This was serious.
As Tristan stepped to the door of his office, Evander leaned over to whisper in Brigid’s ear. “Just a simple curtsy. Our Queen isn’t into formality.”
Brigid quickly breathed a “thank you” in reply as the door swung open. She could hear quiet yet intense voices arguing back and forth—and, then, silence.
They proceeded through the door as Tristan introduced them, bowing or curtsying to the Queen and a powerful-looking man standing next to her, whom Tristan introduced as Finn. Finn towered over the Queen and was heavily muscled. His face was stern but handsome. His dark coloring and clothing formed a contrast to the brightness of the Queen. She had a petite, curvy build and creamy blonde hair which was piled on top of her head in a fashionable twist. Her cream-colored underdress gleamed against the bright blues of her robes. She looked younger than her sixty-eight years.
Once they were inside, the Queen sat in a cushioned armchair and they followed suit in the grouping of chairs near her.
The Queen spoke first. “Thank you, Evander, Brigid, and Treena, for responding to the summons of the prophecy. Although no agreement exists on the exact meaning of this prophecy, we had hoped it offered a promise of healing between us and the Human Earth.”
The Queen looked down at her tightly clasped hands. “When our priests did not return from this decade’s crossing, some of us envisioned another scenario. I called an assembly of the priests and the Elite Guard. After much discussion, we agreed the time of the prophecy had arrived. We believe you to be the Scroll-Bearer, the Healer, and the Sword named in the foretelling. There are more to join you, but we suspect they’ll be identified when the time is ripe.”
Finn picked up the narrative. “When Evander sent word of Treena’s involvement, we began to scan our Forces for any others that might fit the descriptors in the prophecy. There have been no satisfactory matches. We’ve complied with the instructions accompanying the prophecy and they’ve successfully guided us thus far. There’s only one more instruction: When three become one and one becomes three, open the door.”
“We’ve grappled with these words for the last five days,” Tristan said. “We sifted through various possibilities, and we offer you what we’ve discerned. It’s our hope and our belief that at least one survives of the three who went through the portal.”
Tristan’s eyes wandered to a small painting on his desk. After a moment’s pause, he looked back at Brigid, Treena, and Evander.
“Evander, the one we sent out with the prophecy, has now become three, with the inclusion of you two.”
The Queen leaned forward. “We are asking the three of you,” she said, “to open the door, the portal, for a third time within this decade. One becomes three with this as well.”
“We don’t know what you’ll face on the other side,” said Finn stiffly. “We have had no reports in over a decade.”
“A decade ago, our relatives on the other side spoke of poverty, environmental degradation, and power struggles among the humans. Similar reports have been documented through the centuries. There seemed nothing extraordinary from that visit,” Tristan said.
“This day, the three of you have arrived at the Academy on the thirtieth day of the third month. This isn’t a coincidence. We believe this is the most propitious time for the third attempt at a crossing,” said Queen Amethyst, unclasping her hands.
Treena spoke up. “Let me summarize: You don’t know what this prophecy actually means. You don’t know who else is involved. You don’t know what we’re about to face. But you want us to open the portal.”
“That is an apt assessment,” said Finn, nodding.
Treena nearly jumped out of her chair before she remembered protocol. She teetered on the edge of her chair because the Queen was still seated.
“Does anyone, other than me, want to call this not only dangerous but crazy?” she said.
Before anyone else could reply, the Queen nodded her head solemnly. “It is crazy,” she said quietly. “If you are to take up this mission, you must grasp to the crazy hope that you’ve been called together for a special purpose. You must harness the courage to face what you don’t know. You’ll need to stick together to be strong. Can you do this? Will you do this?”
Brigid—who, in search of guidance, had smudged her forehead with the residue from her father’s silver owl after her shower—opened her mouth and found that words began to bubbl
e forth from her lips.
“I’m the Healer. I affirm my call. I believe in the future but, more importantly, I believe in us today. I’m willing to take up this mission.”
Tiny blue stars swirled around Brigid’s head as she spoke.
Shaking her head at what she was about to say, Treena confirmed, “I guess I’m crazy enough for this too.”
Evander’s vibrant voice echoed their commitment. “I’m willing.”
Queen Amethyst sat back in her chair with a sigh. “Thank you,” she said. “This had to freely be your decision.”
“Your wet clothing has been cleaned,” said Finn. “Fresh supplies were assembled in the hope you’d agree. At six o’clock, you’re invited to eat with the priests and guards, who are deeply cognizant of what you’re doing for us. They’ll want to wish you well. At three hours past sunset, we six will convene in the Vault which guards the portal. I suggest you take the next few hours to rest.”
Finn offered his arm to the Queen as she stood up. Brigid, Evander, and Treena also stood as Tristan moved to open the door for them.
“Evander will guide you back to your room. Blessed be,” said Tristan who gently squeezed their shoulders as they passed by him.
At first, caught in their own thoughts, they proceeded in silence. Then, Brigid turned to Evander. “Why aren’t you wearing your green robe?”
Treena gaped at her and then started laughing. “Our lives are on the line, and you’re curious about his clothes?” she said, laughing so hard that she bent over and clasped her arms around herself, rocking back and forth.
Brigid gave her an exasperated look.
Evander grinned and replied, “The green robes indicate a priest is married. I’m not. I wore it as part of my disguise.”
“I don’t actually know much about Azran’s priests. Is there anything we should know about you?” Brigid said.
The Prophecy Page 4
