by Jana LaPelle
“I don’t know. Maybe try to talk to them?” I whisper. In a louder voice, I move forward and say, “Excuse me, hello? Do you mind if we have a word with you?” I ask, trying to gain their attention. As soon as they take notice of our group they look at us in shocked disbelief and start to flitter away flapping their tiny sparkly wings as fast as they can, dodging snowflakes as they seek to evade us. “Please, stay, we just want to talk. We’re all friends here.” I call after the two and instinct kicks in as I break away from Alaric to run after the two through the clearing. I pull up short realizing that rushing headlong into the dimly lit, tangled brush of the woods, may not be a very good idea as the fear of losing my footing takes hold. Alaric comes up beside me and captures me around the waist as we begin to run after the two wood sprites, my feet rarely touching the ground as Alaric hauls me alongside him. I call after them again as we catch sight of the two and our entire group is now crashing through the woods chasing the two as they attempt to evade us. I call after them again, “Please stop, we won’t hurt you. We just want to talk. We have a water sprite with us. Please?”
The female pulls up short and following suit so does the male as he comes up protectively by her side. The two are dressed for winter in their tiny winter clothing as they hover in mid-air before us. She says, “You tricked me. You don’t have a water sprite with you.” Her eyes flash in anger as she looks our group over.
I look at Jasmine, and she nods her understanding as she shrugs out of her coat, in the blink of an eye, she is back in her sprite form as she introduces herself, “My name is Jasmine, and I’m a water sprite. These are my friends, and we are on a quest to find Avalon and the lost Stone of Fál. As soon as we accomplish our objective we are heading back to The Otherworld to Faerie, are you lost? Do you want to come with us?”
“No we are not lost, just temporarily stuck here.” The tiny female wood sprite says.
I pipe in, “What do you mean? By the way, my name is Ashlinn, and this is my kindred Alaric. You’ve met Jasmine. The satyr is her chosen mate, Camoryn and the other two are Lexie and Declan. Why do you say that you are temporarily stuck here?”
“The veil between Realms is thin here. I’m not really sure why, but sometimes we can pass from one Realm to another. It happens in the mist. It’s easy to become lost in the mist, and sometimes we end up on this island in The Mortal Realm we just have to wait until morning to see if the mist will follow dawn. That’s when we will be able to find our way back home. My brother and I are not the only ones that have found our way to this island,” She says.
I have to ask, “Have you ever found your way to Avalon?”
“The only way to be granted entry to Avalon is through The Lady of the Lake. She must greet you and welcome you to the isle. It is a sacred place. Everyone knows that.” Her brother joins in the conversation.
Alaric asks, “Do you know how to contact The Lady of the Lake?”
“That’s easy. She’s a water nymph after all, and The Lady of the Lake sees herself as responsible for all water creatures in this lake in this Realm as well as in her own Realm. Jasmine should be able to gain her attention. She is, after all, a water sprite. If the mist appears on the lake in the morning, she should be able to call The Lady to her.”
I shake my head as I comprehend that we have had the answer with us all along. We stand in the waning light of day as the comprehension of his words registers with us all. We suddenly realize all the time that we have wasted running in circles around the lake as many of us let out an exasperated sigh. We just stand there quietly contemplating our next action when I look around in wonder.
There is a hush that falls over the earth as snow blankets the ground and trees. It is a sound that begs to be heard. I inhale deeply as I take in the winter scene before me and I realize that we need to get back. I’m cold, and my back has begun to ache. I rub my glove covered hand over my belly and arch my back trying to relieve the ache that has sat in there. The two tiny sprites notice my action and take note. I smile at their reaction as I say, “Yes, I know I feel huge even though I know I’m not. I’m less than halfway through this pregnancy.”
“It’s not that, my Lady. I would like to dissuade you from attempting to travel to Avalon. It is said that The Lady of the Lake has for many centuries wanted children of her own. Only her lover has refused to give into her wishes as she has imprisoned him. Her sisters have all had children of their own, and it is said that her jealousy of women that are with child is great. I would caution you against seeking her out. I’m not sure how much of this is rumor and how much is truth.”
Looking at Alaric, I sigh and say, “It’s not like we have a choice in the matter. The sooner we find The Stone of Fál, the sooner we can get back to Faerie.”
“Thank you for your help and for imparting what information that you know, can we offer you a warm place to stay for the evening?” Lexie asks of the tiny sprites.
They look to one another before saying, “If you have room, it would be much appreciated, but we need to leave before dawn to look for the mist so we can travel between the veil and back home to The Otherworld.”
“Come on then. I think we can spare some room for you both. It will be dark soon, and the temperature will continue to drop. Let’s make our way back to the house.” I say turning to leave. “Well come on now everyone. Jaz, I take it you are flying back? What I wouldn’t give for a pair of pixie wings right about now. My feet and back are killing me. Are you all coming or not. We have at least a thirty-minute walk back to the house, and it will be dark soon. Come on Elf-Man. I need you to help me navigate the undergrowth. I blame you for that by the way.” I say with a cheeky grin.
My handsome kindred leans down to whisper, “It takes two to tango, mo grá. You have never looked more beautiful to me.” Before I can protest, I’m swept off my feet, and he carries me back to the house. I’m nestled into his warmth and lay my head on his shoulder, and for a moment I watch as he begins to navigate the brush and the trees before I allow my exhaustion to overtake me.
Before I know it we are back at the house and darkness has fallen, I rouse to see the Aura Borealis, and I pat Alaric on the shoulder signaling that I want to be put down. I’m placed on my feet to stumble ungracefully toward the water’s edge. I’m engrossed in the natural phenomenon of the northern lights. It’s beautiful and amazing and unlike anything that I have ever seen before, and I stand transfixed as I watch the night sky bathed in shimmering curtains of color. The green and blue lights of the northern sky light up the night and reflect off of the freshly fallen snow.
I say to no one in particular, “It’s beautiful.”
Lexie comes up to my side and takes my gloved hand in hers, “Yes, it is. More amazing than I thought it could ever be.” We stand transfixed and wrap our arms around the other while the colors of the Aura Borealis dances in the night sky. I know that I’m grinning like a loon but can’t help the smile that begs to be released. I bite down on my bottom lip as Lexie, and I stand together under the brilliant night sky.
“Lexie I’m so very grateful that you and Jaz are on this journey with me.” I sigh as my exhaustion from today sets in and Alaric anticipates my need. He comes up behind me and sweeps me into his arms. “Just a few more minutes, Elf-Man, I’ve never seen the northern lights before. They are so fascinating,” I say as I nestle into his hold.
A few moments later I wake to Alaric undressing me and laying me down on our bed. “You should have something to eat mo grá, you have only eaten once today.”
“I’m just so very tired. Thank you for today. It was just what we all needed. I hope that our two little guests are made comfortable in one of the rooms below.”
“They have been seen to. Are you sure that you want nothing to eat? I can bring something up.”
“I know I need to eat but I’m just so sleepy,” I roll to my side, and I quickly fall into a deep slumber with Alaric by my side. In my sleep, I dream of a twilight realm that feels like hom
e, a place that appears to be the very center of the cosmos.
Chapter 26
(Ashlinn)
It’s just before dawn, and I feel as if something important is about to happen. Our little island is now covered with snow, the sky is overcast, and the fog is dense. Our two new friends are excited because they are about to find their way back home and disappear into the mist almost immediately. Morgwais is clucking about and fussing over me in her grandmotherly fashion, for some reason, she seems agitated. “Morgwais, what’s wrong?”
She scrutinizes me before say, “Child, me thinks that not all will be as it should be today. Listen to Morgwais now, I be telling ye to be careful and take care of ye and these babes. Ye must make yer way back to The Otherworld to fulfill your destiny. Ye and yer kindred be the only hope for The Tree of Life, both of ye and yer children. I just be worried, child. Something seems amiss. Just give Morgwais time to figure it all out.”
I can tell that she is fearful for my well-being, so I reach around and pull the frail old crone in for a hug. “I’ll make it back, don’t you worry Morgwais. We have a king to crown now, don’t we? You’re coming with us, I can’t go for more than a day without having you fuss over me and Lillie and Lachlan, I would miss your clucking and humming and all your wise adages. Please, don’t worry so much. Okay?”
“Child, be leery of those ye meet and make no promises or agree to any stipulations. Promise Morgwais.”
“I promise to think things through carefully and not be quick to answer, and I promise that we will get back as quickly as we can. There is no need to worry because I refuse to go anywhere without all of you in tow.”
The old witch pulls back out of our hug and smiles at me before kissing and patting my cheek. She then gives my belly one last pat before stepping back. I look around to see that everyone has gathered around to listen to our exchange. “Come, everyone, I think it’s time, dawn is upon us. Jasmine, we need for you to call to The Lady of the Lake.”
“All right, but I’m not really sure what to say, so here goes nothing.” Jaz turns around and faces the lake before shrugging out of her coat and handing it to Camoryn so that she can release her wings and take flight. I’ve never seen her fly in her faerie form, but she is just as lovely and graceful as in her tiny sprite form as she flies out over the water creating tiny water funnels in her wake, communing with the water as she goes. She circles back. She’s not five feet out over the water hovering as she calls out, “Mistress of the Lake, I am in need of your help.” She turns to look at me, and I smile and nod for her to continue. Jaz turns back to the lake and calls out again, “My Lady, we are on a quest for all The Realms, and we are in need of your help. Only you can help us in our quest. You and you alone are the only one that can grant us permission to visit your Realm, to visit Avalon. Please, my Lady, we have been looking for you for some time now and, we are running out of time.” Jasmine concludes as she looks back at me.
Over Jasmine’s shoulder, I see an image slowly emerge from the mist and fog. She is standing on what appears to be a small barge-like boat as the mist swirls around her figure before she clearly comes into view. She is strikingly beautiful with long soot black hair, piercing gray eyes, and she is dressed in a medieval style dress. She looks from our group to Jasmine and back again, her eyes narrowing before addressing Jasmine, “Daughter of the water, I heard your plea. How may I help you?”
“Well, you see, my Lady, we, meaning all of us here, have been tasked to help the High Princess, Ashlinn Ryllae Faerondarl, daughter of The High Queen of The Otherworld, Danu and kindred to Prince Alaric Rhys Faerondarl of the Northern Territories of The Otherworld in their task to save The Realms. You see Mistress, The Tree of Life has been cursed and Princess Ashlinn has been chosen by The Tree herself to be her champion. Ashlinn and Alaric have yet to fulfill their destiny in that regard, but before we can go back to The Otherworld we must bring back The Stone of Fál, so we seek permission to visit your Realm, to go to Avalon, my Lady.” Jaz finishes with a deep, graceful, mid-air curtsy that I’m jealous of and have absolutely no hope of accomplishing in my current condition.
The Lady of the Lake looks to our group standing on the shore and says, “Which of you is the chosen champion?”
I step forward with my head held high and say with a slight nod of my head, “My Lady, I am the chosen champion. I am Ashlinn, and with your permission, my Guard and I would very much appreciate your consent to visit your Realm. We have pressing matters that we need to attend to back in The Otherworld. The Tree of Life has begun to fail, and I must get back to her but as Jasmine has said we are also tasked with finding The Stone of Fál at this time. It is the first step in building an army to go against The Morrígan and her sisters and creating change in that Realm. You see, The Morrígan and her sisters have evoked the power of three and are now bound to one another in an effort to take over all The Realms.” I conclude, conscious of Alaric standing by my side.
“Even if I were to consider your request, I would never allow such a large party to cross into my Realm.”
“My Lady, I know that our party is somewhat large, but we promise to be respectful of your wishes and your Realm. Everyone here must accompany Ashlinn in this quest.” Alaric says respectfully.
“No more than six, and that includes the water sprite, Jasmine.” She says resolutely.
I look up at Alaric and speak through our bond, “We need passage for all of our party, Alaric. After my conversation with Morgwais, I believe that it is imperative that we are not split up. She has a bad feeling about today, and I for one am not going to ignore her counsel.”
“I agree. Let’s see if we can persuade her to accept our whole party for the journey.” Alaric says through our bond before addressing The Mistress of the Lake. “My Lady, we are honored that you would consider a number as great as six, but we must insist on our entire party accompanying us. I understand that you are simply being cautious in an effort to protect your Realm, but I assure you that we mean you and your Realm no harm. ”
“I will not abide any trouble in Avalon. Therefore I stand by my count, Prince Alaric.”
Alaric inclines his head in understanding, nodding before saying, “I understand your hesitancy in allowing our entire entourage access to your realm, and normally I would applaud your wise counsel and strategy, but in this matter, I must insist that we all accompany Ashlinn on this quest. My people are loyal to me as Tarron’s people are loyal to him, but you will find that we are all loyal to Ashlinn and the monumental task that she has been charged with. We merely need to locate the Stone of Fál, and then we will be on our way back to the Otherworld. I caution that time is truly of the essence, my Lady. The balance and well-being of all The Realms are at stake.”
The Lady purses her lips while looking our group over before coming to a decision, “I’m really not sure why you believe that the Stone of Fál can be found on my island. Everyone knows of its location. Just because the majic it once held no longer makes the stone sing, does not mean that it is a lost relic. I will allow you access to Avalon if only to prove to you that you are mistaken, and then you will all be on your way. First, you must swear an oath that none in this party means to bring harm to my Realm.” The lady says sternly.
Alaric bows to the waist before righting himself and going to the front of our group before saying, “I swear that none in our party means to bring harm to Avalon or any that reside there. We are simply on a quest to find the Stone of Fál. I think it would be prudent if I introduce you to our companions.” He says as I, Jasmine, and Camoryn come forward to stand by Alaric as he continues to run through the introductions, Lexie and Declan step forward and before Alaric can continue, he is interrupted.
“Why must the red head come? Who is she?” The lady asks curiously.
Nemus steps forward and says, “My Lady, my name is Nemus, and I am Druid in the service of my prince and princess, Lexie is the Mother Druid. She and Ashlinn are destined to work together to save T
he Realms.”
“I see. That would explain why I feel drawn to her.” She says motioning Alaric to continue.
Alaric speaks up once more, “My Lady, this is Prince Tarron, the estranged son of King Bres of the Southern Territories, destined to become The Horde King. That is why we must find The Stone of Fál. There has never been a Horde King before. In order for him to take his rightful place and rule his people, the dark fae, and the Fomorians, he must be recognized.” Alaric bows again.
“What an eclectic group of companions you have.” The Lady of the Lake says as she looks us over.
“Yes, I am proud to call them friends and family. I trust each of them with my life.” I say, curious to gauge her reaction.
“Yes, I am now intrigued by you and your fellowship of companions. Come the mist is fading, we must hurry.” She says, waving a hand over the lake as if gesturing for someone to come forward. Then I see another barge appear. “Come, everyone, there should be plenty of room for you all now. Hurry before the mist fades.”
We all walk out on the dock and quickly gaining access to the barges that are now connected by docking rope. I turn to watch as all of our entourage gains access to the barges. I’m thankful that we were all allowed to travel to Avalon and I squeeze Alaric’s hand in mine. I’m comforted that we have been allowed to remain together, but I worry about what Morgwais was afraid of and know that we should be prepared for anything. I turn to look back at the shore of our little island as the mist closes in around us and I can no longer see the shore. Turning to look forward I see the most breathtaking sight I was not expecting to see as we break free of the mist. Before me is a beautiful island completely free of the fog, the sun is rising over it, and it is covered in green, lush vegetation. I turn back to see that the view behind us has changed, in fact, there is nothing but water surrounding the island for as far as I can see and just like that we have been transported to another Realm. The barge that we are on docks and we all make ready to disembark I stumble and Alaric rights me as we come to stand on solid ground. I press my hand to my belly, unconsciously checking on the welfare of Lillie and Lachlan.
