“What’s happening?” she asked.
“That was Conrad. Gerarda sent him to find us. The Elder Dwarf wants to meet with us.”
“Who’s the Elder Dwarf?” Brigid was curious.
“I’m not sure. Conrad asked that we gather in a conference room down the hall, so he can tell us all at once.”
“Guess we’d better get a move on then,” Brigid groaned as she reached down to pull on her socks and hiking boots. She had barely finished when Evander hauled her up against him for a vigorous kiss.
“What was that for?” she spluttered when he released her.
“That was a ‘just because’ kiss,” Evander replied with a smile.
“A what?”
“A just because I like the look of you, a just because I love the feel of you, a just because I wanted you kiss.”
Evander reached for her again. Brigid put her hands against his chest and started pushing him toward the door.
“Because I love the feel of you too,” she said, “we’re going to stop right there.” Her eyes flirted with his. “Or we won’t make that meeting.”
She reached around Evander for the door handle.
“After you,” she gestured with a flourish as she opened the door.
Treena, Symba, and Athena were exiting the room across from them. Quillon and Matthias waited a little further down the hall. Fiona and Seán were with them. Pain was still evident in the stances and faces of the two priests, but the rest period and Seán’s medication seemed to have refreshed them somewhat.
Brigid stepped over to check in with them as Quillon spoke. “Looks like the gang’s all here. Welcome to our team, Seán, Fiona.”
He received a nod from Seán and a small smile from Fiona.
Evander returned Fiona’s smile.
“During our trek through the tunnels, I made sure Seán and Fiona got caught up on what happened in the Fairy Realm while they were here,” said Evander. “I told them the content of our prophecy.”
“He told us how you came to be together and mentioned the dwarf prophecy and your Creation story.” Fiona gestured toward Matthias and Athena. “We’re so grateful for your courage to get involved and your rescue effort.”
She looked down at her hands which were clasped tightly together. “It’s difficult losing Dark. He was a very brave and capable member of our Protector’s Force. We were captured as soon as we stepped through the portal. There were personnel in the cave setting traps when we came through. Dark and I fought hard, but we were no match for their weapons.
“We were transported to a hospital, as they called it, where initial tests were conducted. When they moved us to the new facility, Dark created a diversion. He used his gift to heat up the metals of their guns. They were wearing so many, they had to stop to haul the burning objects away from their skin. In the chaos that unfolded, some of the prisoners escaped. By the time they figured out what was happening, and who was causing it, it was too late to re-capture them. The guards were furious and took it out on Dark. Dark felt it was worth it—four lives freed for his one.”
Fiona turned to Brigid, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Thank you for helping him die with peace.”
Brigid placed her hand over Fiona’s hands in a gesture of support.
The door behind them opened and Conrad spoke from the doorway. “I thought I heard voices. Come on in. I have urns of coffee, tea, and water, with fresh croissants.”
They followed him into the room and eagerly collected refreshments. They selected seats around a large table, and all was quiet for a moment as they took their first sips and bites. Then, Conrad took charge.
“While you were resting, I received reports. The Wheadon Ranch facility was completely destroyed. Military personnel were given time to get out before our teams carefully set off the bombs.” A look of pride crossed Conrad’s face. “They won’t be able to keep this incident quiet. With the anonymous press releases Quillon sent to multiple distributors, we should arouse some sympathy and public awareness for our situation.
“Also, although the other escapees are still in transit to safe communities, I was informed they’re doing okay with regular rest stops.”
“Thanks for the update, Conrad. I was concerned about how they’d fare,” said Brigid. She rolled her shoulders in relief, letting the worry she’d been holding release from her tense muscles.
“It’s difficult to know what kind of response there’ll be to our efforts.” Quillon’s restless fingers tore small strips off his croissant. “Through our combined teams today, we’ve sent word to all fairies, dwarfs, and shapeshifters to keep an even lower profile for a while.”
“Hopefully, some of our human supporters and maybe a few in influential positions will begin to question how this eradication of disease agenda is being implemented,” said Symba, her hands clenched around her coffee mug.
“While things shake down topside, I have a new journey for you lot.” Conrad leaned forward. “The Elder Dwarf has requested your presence.”
“Who exactly is that?” Evander asked.
“The Elder Dwarf is more than three centuries old; no one knows exactly how many years. She lives deep in the heart of our cave and tunnel networks. She sleeps, sometimes for years at a time, then awakens to offer her wisdom. Sometimes it’s a prophecy, like the one we shared with you. Sometimes it’s to appoint new leaders or to simply enjoy life until she’s called to sleep again.”
“And she wants to see us?” Treena said.
“I was simply told to lead you to her,” said Conrad, shrugging his shoulders.
For the first time, Seán spoke. “Are all of us expected to go? I haven’t been involved in your efforts. I’m not sure I have anything to contribute.”
“All of your names were listed in the message I received.” Conrad held up a sheet of paper. “It’s a ten-hour hike from here to the Elder’s dwelling place. I suggest we all have a hearty meal tonight and get to bed early. I’d like to leave by six a.m. tomorrow. Seán and Fiona, I’ll have packs delivered to your rooms, and we’ll add food supplies to all our packs in the morning.”
While their host dwarfs prepared the meal, Brigid offered more in-depth healing care for Seán and Fiona. Seán was reticent and asked that Brigid focus on his physical issues only. Fiona was more receptive and particularly wanted to explore the easing of her grief and feelings of guilt with respect to Dark.
Over the meal, the team shared additional stories to help Seán and Fiona feel more included. Seán revealed he had a family back in the Fairy Realm: an eight-year-old daughter and twin boys who were five. Fiona told humorous stories of studying for the priesthood. Shared laughter helped ease the tension.
Athena covered her mouth in an effort to mask a huge yawn. “Sorry,” she said. “It’s no reflection on your storytelling abilities. I’m just totally knackered. Shifting so many times in the past twenty-four hours has drained my energy stores. I have to call it a night.”
Fiona chuckled. “No offence taken. I think we all could use more sleep, except, Evander, you wanted to speak with us all?”
“My thoughts can keep until after our meeting with the Elder. I want to talk about what we do next, but that may be affected by whatever the Elder shares with us,” Evander replied.
Everyone made their way back to their rooms. Fiona and Seán had individual rooms in contrast to the time they’d spent sleeping communally during their capture. It was hoped the privacy would allow healing sleep for each.
Fiona quickly scanned the pack placed in her room and changed into a comfortable nightshirt. She then tumbled into bed, asleep within seconds.
Seán paced his room, thinking of his family. When he finally lay down to sleep, his rest was punctured by dreams. They hinted at the distress that weighed on his heart.
Evander and Brigid decided they should refresh their energies for the next day with an hour of sexual play before slipping into sleep.
In the morning, they ate a filling breakfast of f
resh fruit, bacon, and eggs with coffee or tea. Conrad outlined the day’s travel plan. They thanked the dwarfs who were awake to see them off. Friendly waves were exchanged as packs were lifted. Another day, another journey.
During the morning, they passed crevices that allowed natural light to filter into the tunnels. Brigid was curious about dwarf life and asked numerous questions. Conrad responded enthusiastically. The others listened as well, valuing the opportunity to learn more about each other’s life experiences. The further they journeyed, the less sunlight could reach them as they hiked deeper underground. Rock lights provided illumination, but the fairies in particular felt the lack of sun exposure. Breathing took more effort and their legs felt heavier as they progressed downward. Conversation dropped off.
“We’re almost there.” Conrad turned and looked over the tired troop.
“I’ve lost all sense of time. It feels like midnight or later,” Athena said.
“It’s just after five p.m.” Quillon glanced down at his watch. “The lack of light is affecting our perception.”
“I see people ahead of us,” said Matthias, pointing.
“That’s the guard squadron on shift outside the Elder’s dwelling place. Because she sleeps and we don’t know when or how often she’ll awaken, guards offer protection round the clock. They also deliver communications whenever the Elder wakes up and calls upon them to do so.”
Conrad continued forward toward the guards. “They’ll be expecting us.”
One of the guards stepped toward Conrad with his hand extended. “Glad to see you got through your rescue effort without injury. Wish I could’ve been with you.” He gave Conrad’s hand a firm shake. “I drew guard duty last week, so I’ve been here the last few days. The Elder has been awake ten days now. She demanded a cook and a scribe to assist her. She’s been eating voraciously, and the poor scribe has been putting in long hours researching and writing.”
“We’re here in response to her summons,” Conrad stated.
“She’s been waiting for you. Do you need anything before I notify her of your arrival?”
Before they could answer, a large door swung open. In the doorway stood a white-haired woman wearing a billowing indigo-colored robe over a linen shirt and pants. Her hair seemed to ripple with purple light. Her silver eyes glowed. For someone in her fourth century, her face was only lightly furrowed.
“Good. You’re finally here. Come inside,” her husky voice urged as her hand lifted to gesture them inward.
The hand and forearm visible to them was covered in what appeared to be tattoos. The team glanced at one another. Symba and Treena exchanged a grin of anticipation. They followed the Elder through the door.
The room they entered included a seating area, tables strewn with books, and a desk at which the scribe was furiously typing on a computer. It was plugged into what appeared to be a solar-powered battery pack. He looked up with a quick nod of welcome, and then returned his focus to his work.
“Leave your packs along the wall,” said the Elder. “I had our cook prepare a meal, but I wish to speak with you first. Please, take a seat.”
They eagerly took off their packs and settled into pillowed seats. It was all Brigid could do not to groan in relief.
“I am Minerva. My moonstones called me awake and have directed me to meet with you,” said the Elder.
She walked over to Evander. “You are the Scroll-Bearer. May I see the scroll?”
Evander inclined his head respectfully. “Of course.” He rose and went to his pack for the special gloves and the protective box in which he carried the scroll. He passed them both to Minerva.
The Elder carefully donned the gloves, opened the box, and drew out the scroll.
She paced as her eyes scanned the words. The room was silent other than the clicking of the computer keys. Minerva looked up.
“There was another sheet appended to this.”
“Yes. It was left behind with a copy of the scroll. How do you know of it, if I may ask?”
“I put it there, of course,” stated Minerva, as if this fact was common knowledge.
“You knew Azran?” Fiona’s face glowed in excitement.
“He was a handsome rogue and visionary. We had a wonderful affair.”
Brigid and Evander looked at each other with raised eyebrows.
Minerva continued. “We loved each other with the fervor of youth, but times were changing around us. We argued often about the future. He chose to use his gifts to lead the fairy race to a new Realm. I was called to stay with my race as they tunneled below the earth to create safe homes for our people. I became the Elder and my last connection with Azran was to post this prophecy on his King’s door. I’d taken a final delivery of red jasper through the portal to Azran. He planned to use it on the weapons of King Cian’s Protector’s Force. We made love one last time before the portal was closed and our connection was severed. From then on, visits of his priests each decade were the only contact between our realms. It was through one of them that I received news of Azran’s death.”
Minerva stopped, and her expression suggested that her mind was far in the past.
“We’ve never known who posted the prophecy,” said Evander. “Azran left that a mystery for us.” Evander’s words brought Minerva’s gaze back to the present moment.
“We didn’t even know dwarfs existed until we came here,” Brigid said.
“History on both sides has been lost over the years,” said Conrad.
“This was three centuries ago. How did you know what to write?” Treena asked.
“I kept having a dream that the divisions within this world and between our realms would be mended. One night, I bolted awake at two a.m. and the words pushed out of me and onto that scroll. The instructions that I appended were revealed as well. I knew Azran wasn’t ready to believe in the possibility of healing the rifts, so I posted the scroll in the hope a future time for mending would appear.”
Matthias’ fingers tugged on his beard as he listened. “But things are in an even worse state than they were before. You wouldn’t believe the suffering that’s been happening!”
“I am aware, young fox.” Minerva sighed heavily. “My moonstones called me awake with a cry of pain.” Her silver eyes glistened with tears. “But also, with a pulse of hope. The guards shared with me the news since my last awaking, twenty years ago. I engaged my scribe and I’ve been catching up ever since. Although the situation has been dire, there is hope.”
“I don’t see how,” Seán mumbled.
Suddenly, purple lights began to dance along Minerva’s hair and along her tattoos. “Because you do not see, you will not go. Through a portal you shall return and a message deliver. Fiona, fair one, you have seen the dark yet hold to the light. You belong to the prophecy. Brigid, full of compassion, your healing hands are needed. Evander, you see ahead; use your abilities to the fullest. Treena, strong arm of protection and guide, keep leading the way. Quillon, a builder of bridges, your connections will make a difference. Symba, you draw out the strengths of those around you. Matthias, you’ve experienced the power of healing, you embody hope. Athena, fly high above the tangled troubles of this time and reveal a vision broader than is known.”
As Minerva spoke, the very rocks within the walls seemed to chime their affirmation.
“The prophecy is fully empowered. The time for action has arrived. The Creator needs you for the mending to begin. Be strong together.”
Everyone drew in a long breath as Minerva’s words halted. The haze of purple light eased, and Minerva gave a slight shake of her hands.
Athena rose and grabbed a glass of water from a side table to hand to her. Minerva gratefully gulped it down. Athena’s gaze was drawn to Minerva’s arm; then, she looked up into the Elder’s eyes.
“We’re on your arms,” Athena stated.
“You are,” Minerva nodded. “A few images began showing up about thirty years ago. When I woke from this sleep, you were all fully inscrib
ed on my arms and hands.”
“What do all the lines and swirls mean?” Athena was fascinated by the complexity of the tattoos.
“There were pathways and choices you’ve each had to explore. The way forward is not set. It’s still unfolding. Your choices and actions matter. As you linked your lives together, you can see where the lines stretched to connect you on my arms. The steps you take from here will affect and shape the future.” Minerva patted Athena’s hand. “Now, it’s time to eat. After a vision, I’m always starving. My scribe has recorded my words. He’ll make a copy of them for you, in case they’re of help as you continue onward.”
Supper was a lively time when more stories from the past were explored. Minerva questioned them about their journeys. She listened attentively to whoever was speaking. It almost felt like she was ingesting their words as well as the meal. After dessert, Evander spoke what was on many of their minds.
“Where do we go from here?”
Minerva sipped her tea before she replied. “That is up to you, my friends. I can share my visions and my encouragement, but you must choose your path.”
Seán blurted out, “You said I could go home.”
“If that’s your choice.” Minerva offered him a gentle smile.
“It is. I need to see my family. When I left our Realm, I knew nothing of the kind of trouble I’d encounter. I made the journey thinking there might be minor risks, but after being captured, all I could think about was returning home to my wife and children. If there’s a portal I can use, I will gladly deliver any messages to the Realm.”
“We were to report back to Queen Amethyst within two weeks. She needs to know what’s happened. It’s important someone return. Seán, we’re glad you can do this for us.” Evander placed a warm hand on Seán’s shoulder.
Brigid offered Seán the ring she’d removed from Dark’s finger. “Seán, Dark’s family needs to be notified and his brave deeds shared. They will need your care as someone who understands the situation, because many in our Realm are ignorant of what’s unfolding.”
“We have a cave lined with tourmaline further down the tunnel,” Minerva said. “If you have a few anchors from your world, the three of you should be able to open the portal together, without detection in this world.”
The Prophecy Page 29
