“Wildcats?” Brigid’s voice rose in pitch.
“Don’t worry. My gift kept us on a safe path through the woods,” said Treena.
“Sure, when you were focusing on it!” Brigid peered anxiously into the darkness around them.
“A burger and beer sound good,” said Treena, trying to change the subject.
“For breakfast?” said Brigid, shaking her head. “Not for me, thanks.”
“I see streaks of light beginning to emerge over that ridge. Let’s pick up the pace and see if we can make it before dawn,” Treena said.
“We’d better clean our faces off before we start interacting with other people,” said Brigid, gesturing toward the black smudging on her face. “The driver didn’t seem to notice, but in the morning light we’ll really stand out.”
The three used some of their drinking water to scrub off what they could see in the dim light. As they crested the ridge, they saw poles with lights at the top leading into the town. A large sign on the side of the road proclaimed, Welcome to Morristown, Population 545.
There were also poles carrying various wires which were connected to the town’s buildings. More signs indicated types of businesses. There was so much to gawk at that their heads swiveled around as they tried to take it all in. The presence of leaf buds on bushes suggested spring was on its way.
“Focus, everyone,” Evander said. “We need to watch for a sign to find our first fairy contact.”
“There’s a Fairytale Bookstore,” said Brigid, pointing to a whimsical looking shopfront.
Treena chimed in. “There’s Fantasy Footwear and Mystical Moments Tea Room.”
“How about the Starlight Diner and Motel?” Evander said.
“It looks like the only place open at this hour, and I’m starving,” said Treena as she rubbed her stomach which was growling loudly.
“Keep your hair over your ears and your weapons out of sight. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves,” said Evander as they walked toward the diner. “Wait, Brigid. You have a smudge along your chin.”
Before she could protest, Evander’s cool fingers swept along her face, removing the last of Tristan’s paste. Her skin tingled and her stomach tightened in response. Focus, she told herself. Focus!
A bell tinkled overhead as they opened the door to the diner. The place was empty. A placard on the desk directed them to press a buzzer for service before taking a seat. Evander pressed it. They agreed on a table next to the window, so they could keep an eye on what was happening in the street.
In a few moments, the door behind the desk opened, and a tiny woman breezed in.
“Oh my, aren’t you the early risers?” She looked at their packs. “Or maybe you’ve been going all night? Can I get you some fresh coffee, or tea if you’d prefer?”
She grabbed a silver thermos on a hotpot and swirled over to them. “What’ll it be then?”
Brigid flipped over the mug beside her. “Coffee, please,” she nearly begged.
The others nodded their agreement and soon their mugs were filled with the steaming brew.
“Cream’s in the cooler, sugar on the table. Help yourself,” the woman said as she whisked out of the room before they could say any more.
Then, she suddenly reappeared with a plate of steaming muffins. “You look a mite hungry. Try these first. They should sustain you while we figure out something more substantial. Full fry, I think. I’ll hold the onions for you dear.” She winked at Brigid and was gone again.
“How did she know onions bother me? I wonder if she’s our contact?” Brigid whispered to the others.
“Let’s be careful and see how things progress,” said Evander quietly. “Are you able to check if she’s a fairy?” He hungrily reached for a muffin and took a hefty bite. “Mmm, delicious,” he mumbled.
Treena and Brigid spread butter on their muffins and sniffed the sharp scent of cinnamon. With the edge of their hunger appeased, they eagerly anticipated the next course. Outside, dawn was lightening the sky; gradually, the pole lights flickered out. Thoughts about what the new day would bring lay heavy on each of their minds.
“More coffee?” The woman’s bright voice startled them. They hadn’t heard her approach.
She refilled their mugs. “Did you have a good hike?” she asked brightly. Then, she lowered her voice and became more serious. “I don’t know where you came from but be careful up the mountain. There’ve been tales of strange things happening up there.”
A short and portly man swung through the kitchen door with platters of food in his hands, and she shifted back to bright chatter.
“Ah, Michael has your breakfast ready,” she announced. “He’s the best cook around. I’m Merry and if you need anything more just buzz.”
Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, fried potatoes, pancakes and syrup, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh berries, toast, and strawberry preserves were plonked down before them. Human food seemed much like the food they enjoyed in the Fairy Realm.
Treena looked at the other two and groaned, “I think I’m in heaven!”
Brigid laughed and they all dug in. It was delicious and, other than one slice of toast, they managed to devour the whole feast. Merry briefly checked on them to refresh their coffee and to ensure they had enough syrup and preserves.
As they were finishing, they saw a jeep pull into the motel parking lot. Four people in camouflage stepped out and began to walk to the diner. Brigid, Treena, and Evander looked at each other in alarm.
Merry scurried in and said, “This way, dearies. I have your rooms ready for you. You can pay for your meal later.”
They grabbed their belongings as she urged them through the door behind the desk and down a hallway. Michael dashed by them to clear their table. By the time the bell of the diner door tinkled, they could hear pots banging around and Michael singing loudly in the kitchen. Merry hurried them further along to another door and pushed them through it as the buzzer sounded at the front desk.
“I’ve got to go. Stay put. Don’t do anything stupid.”
A lock clicked into place as she left.
Treena started to pace. “She seems to know something’s going on. Is she one of us or is she trapping us? Do we try to get out, or do we stay put? I can’t get a read on this.”
Brigid automatically sent soothing energy toward her. Treena stopped pacing and raised an eyebrow in her direction. Brigid stopped transmitting her soothing energy waves.
“Oops, sorry. It’s a knee-jerk reaction to distress,” she said. “But I was able to do a quick assessment on Merry and Michael. I could feel a hum of magic in her, but not in him.”
Evander walked to a curtained window and peeked around the edge.
“The jeep is still in the lot,” he said. “Perhaps they just came to enjoy a good breakfast. I suggest we make use of the facilities and take turns washing up. Be sure to change your socks after our stint of hiking, so you don’t end up with blisters.”
Evander looked out again.
“More cars are pulling into the lot—some seniors, a young family. Let’s try to get a bit of rest. The beds look comfy; but leave your gear on in case we need to leave in a hurry. I’ll stand guard the first hour. Then, I’ll wake Treena.”
“I can take a turn,” Brigid said.
All agreed that they were glad for a chance to grab a little sleep. While Brigid was keeping watch, a note was slipped under the door. She quietly read it as the others slept.
“You’re safe. Please rest. There are false bottoms in the lowest drawers of the dresser. Use the clothing you will find beneath. The diner will be busy until mid-afternoon. I’ll come to you then. Merry.”
Brigid waited another two hours before quietly moving to awaken Evander. She looked down at the tempting sight of his handsome face, relaxed in sleep. She fantasized about what it would be like to place her lips on his. Would the golden sparks fly even more intensely? She reined her thoughts in and reached out to touch his shoulder. His han
d extended up to clasp hers. She realized his eyes were drinking her in as she’d been dreamily focusing on his lips. He drew her hand toward his lips. Her stomach clenched. His gaze intensified as he brushed his lips over her fingers and sparks surged through her.
“It’s your turn to watch,” she whispered huskily and handed him the note. Still holding her hand, he took the note and glanced at it. His thumb caressed her fingers as he read. A deep longing ignited within Brigid. Why couldn’t she have met this man years ago? She sighed.
Evander sat up. He squeezed her hand and released her as he rose to scan what was happening outside of the window. Brigid climbed onto the bed, still warm from his body, and leaned into the pillow that carried his unique scent. Slowly, she breathed in and out, quieting her pulse and easing her way into sleep—a mind technique she knew would help her get the rest she needed.
Evander watched the gentle movement of her body as he stood by the window, trying to keep some distance between them. The power of their attraction grew with every touch and he wasn’t sure what to do about it. He berated himself and told himself to focus on the mission. He tried some deep breathing as well.
An hour later, Treena awoke naturally. She noted the time and turned over with a questioning look. Evander strolled over and passed her the note. She read it and nodded. Evander had been reading his guidebook to help them prepare to blend in. Treena reached out a hand and her face expressed interest in the book. Evander willingly handed it over.
By early afternoon, they were all awake. They’d found the clothing and were dressed in jeans and sweaters—clothing typically worn by humans. Treena struggled to find a way to hide her sword. Fortunately, Brigid found a long sweater, almost like a coat. The sword could be strapped to Treena’s back underneath it. A small coffee maker on the shelf offered simple directions so they could enjoy a hot drink. They sipped as they took turns reading from the guidebook. Brigid was eager to learn about the human world because she knew nothing of it.
Evander went over the basic geography, referring to the map he’d been given.
“The portal we used is connected here to a country known as Tavisland. It’s a large land mass divided into areas denoted as states. Connected by land in the north is another country called Corunada, and to the south is Nordan.”
They clustered around the map as Evander helped them become oriented.
“Across an ocean to the east is the country of Frankonia, and another ocean extends from the west to the land of Warwick.”
“My turn,” said Treena as she scooped up the guide and opened it to passages about the monetary system. The guidebook described it as a universal system based on something called the dollar. Next, she read about the political and social scene.
“The government in all these countries is called a ‘democracy’. There’s a lot here about different types of democracy in each place, but it seems leaders are chosen by the vote of the people. Committees of elected officials work with them to create a balance of power and to carry out the administrative work of running a country.”
“Do they have a Protector’s Force here?” Brigid asked.
“There’s a group called the ‘military’. They’re tasked with protective duties, enforcement of law and order, and emergency response in times of disaster.”
“In my studies,” said Evander, “I was taught that status in society was linked to people’s positions in organizations like those mentioned. Certain people have more power over others, related to their work and to the amount of money they’ve amassed.”
“Do they have healers, like me?” Brigid asked.
Treena continued to peruse the guide. She looked up. “It seems what they call ‘health care’ is provided by clinics and hospitals staffed by doctors and various health care professionals.”
“I heard that drug therapy is a major moneymaker and a frequent choice for the human approach to health,” Evander stated.
They continued to cram as much as possible before Merry returned.
At three o’clock, there was a knock at the door and a voice called out, “Your transport is here.”
They looked at each other curiously. It sounded like Merry. Before Brigid could check, the door swung open and Merry smiled broadly.
“Gather your bags. Your transport to Evansburg is here.”
When they went to pick up their cloaks, she shook her head and kept talking.
“Don’t worry about the bedding, the staff will clean up later. We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay with us. Right this way, please.”
They left their cloaks and picked up their packs, following her to a vehicle in the back lot. Merry opened the van doors and ushered them in. She climbed into the driver’s seat.
“Buckle up, everyone,” she spoke over her shoulder. She slowly pulled a belt from the side of the van across her body and pushed the end into a clip beside her hip, silently making sure they understood what she’d demonstrated. She eased the vehicle out of the parking lot as they attempted to “buckle up.”
The van wove along the road through town and out the other side. Merry kept up a constant barrage about touristy information, the weather, the terrain with its lovely hiking trails, places of interest, and the distance to the closest city. They listened carefully in case it was information they’d need later.
Brigid peered out the window, noting the amount of traffic zooming by. All the drivers seemed intent on wherever they were going. No one took time to wave to others. The landscape was rugged but lovely.
“Did you charge your phones before you left?” Merry inquired.
When they looked at her in confusion, she simply nodded her head and kept talking.
A road sign appeared indicating that Evansburg was fifty miles away and Queensville was seventy miles. Occasional side roads intersected their highway. A half an hour later, Merry turned the van onto a dirt road that led along farm pastures and back to rolling hills lush with trees. Finally, she stopped, pulled out a bag of sandwiches and fresh fruit, and guided them to the woods.
“No cell phones? No electronics?” Merry asked as they walked.
“What are cell phones? I don’t see them in the guide,” said Evander who intently perused the small book in his hand.
“They’re a communication device. They send signals via towers and through radio waves,” Merry said.
“Wouldn’t all those signals pollute the air?” asked Brigid, and she wondered if they’d affect her abilities as well.
“Quite possible,” said Merry. “We can stop here. These supplies are for the next leg of your journey. Stay clear of electronics; you can be traced on them. I suspect the diner is being monitored, so I had to be careful. Welcome to Earth.”
Merry extended her hand formally to each of them. “I’m Merry of Niall, of Timon, of Rogan…. Oh, that’s enough. I’m of the gatekeeper’s line for the Fairy Realm, on the Human side.
“Three years ago, we received word that the military had developed an interest in our cave. Previously, only hikers had paid it much attention. My family had a small cabin nearby and we kept watch from generation to generation. With word that the military was moving in, we had to relocate to Morristown. We had no way to get a message through. There’s no fairy in this generation, on this side, able to open the portal. Thus, we purchased the Starlight Motel and Diner to monitor things from a distance.”
Merry paced back and forth as the three listened.
“Last year, friends sent word that the military, under direction of the government, were capturing fairies and experimenting on them. Somehow, information about the portal was extracted. Three months ago, we knew Azran’s priest was due to visit, but what could we do? Barracks had been built around the cave. We had no way in.”
Merry’s tension was evident in the stiffness of her body’s movements. “Suddenly, activity increased up the mountain. Vehicles of all kinds were up and down the road. Strangers came to eat at the diner. Something had happened, but no priest made it through
to us. Two months ago, there was another flurry of activity. My guess is that anyone who came through was captured. This morning, you three showed up and I recognized the small tells that let me know that you’re fairies. I knew I had to help.” Merry’s frantic story wound to a halt.
Evander assured Merry that he felt she’d done all she could. He thanked her for the risks she’d taken and the information. He shared how the Realm’s leaders sensed something wrong when neither the first priest nor the second, accompanied by a member of the Elite Guard, returned through the portal.
Treena mentioned Azran’s prophecy and how they’d been chosen to be part of it, and then sent to make contact and discover what was happening on the Human Earth.
“You must be very careful not to be discovered, to keep our people safe,” Merry said. “Are you sure you weren’t observed at the portal? They probably had hidden cameras.”
“We camouflaged our faces with paste and pulled up our hoods. Since you’ve claimed our cloaks and given us clothing to blend in, we should be okay,” Evander said.
“That’s somewhat reassuring,” sighed Merry. “Don’t open your wings unless you’re in a very secure place.”
She passed them a putty-like material in a clear bag. “Use these prosthetics to mold over your ears and give them a human shape. It’s what most of us use as we move through human society. Further in the woods is a small hut. Hidden below the cupboard floor are better backpacks; leave yours behind and any other clothing you brought with you.”
She glanced down at her watch. “Quickly, show me what you have so I can sort it.”
The sleeping bags and blankets they could claim were Christmas gifts from a specialty store in Frankonia because they liked hiking. Brigid was told to say she was a Wiccan who dabbled in herbology, healing stones, and energy. She could keep most of her supplies.
“Keep your daggers out of sight,” Merry said. “There are laws against carrying weapons.”
Evander’s books had to go—even the guidebook,—but he insisted he keep the prophecy in its box. Merry agreed it might be needed in ways they didn’t yet understand. Their map, although outdated, was allowed because it was originally from the Earth.
The Prophecy Page 6
