by Jaci Miller
Elyse moved toward Marlee protectively, sensing her unease. “Apparently my ancestors are even worse. I am told the elves were standoffish and rigidly disciplined lending to their reputation as perfectionists.”
Rafe interjected, “Neither race is as bad as the celestials. Both the fae and the elves were always much more popular in the Five Realms than Gabriella and her sentinels.”
Gabby glowered at Rafe but shrugged in agreement which set the other ancient immortals to laughing, easing the tension somewhat.
“Shall we go take a look at your ancestor’s city?”
A small white-washed wooden bridge spanned the width of the canal giving them access to the wooded area beyond. On the other side, a stone path wound its way through the forest toward the city located on its northern border. Enormous hardwood trees, whose trunks stretched hundreds of feet into the sky before bursting into perfect umbrella-shaped canopies, provided the forest with cooling shade. The trunks, covered with the same flowering vines as the outer fence, acted as a natural garden for the foliage and wildlife.
Small, pale blue, and green birds flitted from flower to flower seemingly unconcerned by the presence of strangers in their world.
The late-day sun sent beams through the tall canopy, lighting the surrounding air with golden-hued rays. Gilded flecks floated in the beams twinkling unhindered before drifting away into the shadows. A soft mat of moss covered the forest floor, and small white and purple flowers dotted its surface. A white fox-looking animal scurried from its den, chasing a butterfly as it zigzagged out of reach.
“It’s like a storybook,” Elyse said amazed at the peacefulness of their surroundings.
“Yes, the fae are good at disarming any who wander into their domain. They are masters of illusion and deception.” Sebastian noted. “But do not make the mistake of being lulled by its tranquility—the fae and their city are not born from a fairy tale. They are as formidable as any of the Thanissia races.”
Continuing down the path, the sound of their footfalls echoed off the massive tree trunks. Kai could sense the magic below the surface of the calming beauty. It observed them, taking note of their presence as it hid behind its visual charade. It was tinged with darkness, not malevolent, but roguish as if it would jump out at any moment and then laugh at their terrified reaction. The wariness of the other immortals indicated to her that they too detected the energy simmering beneath the forest’s ethereal beauty.
“The path ends just ahead,” Tauria said pulling Brannon toward a gap in the forest.
The sun had begun its descent when they reached the opening. Red and gold rays splashed brilliantly across the rooftops of the city towering before them, lighting it up with an enchanting glow. Like the outskirts of the city limits, a gilded fence surrounded the city of Tariedrelle. Winged gargoyles sat atop the fence, their blank eyes staring straight ahead toward the bordering woods. The same flowering vine covered this fence. Dark plum flowers glistened in the fading sun. From somewhere in the city Marlee could hear a thundering sound, one which could only come from a waterfall.
Rafe signaled to the group to approach the gates with caution not sure if, like Kaizi, there would be anyone left waiting in this realm. He did not enjoy surprises and this time would take no chances. Drawing his sword, he put his finger to his lips, then motioned for Brannon, Drow, and Killenn to move to the open gates. Flanking either side, they waited, weapons drawn, for Rafe to enter the city.
The silence escaping from behind the city walls did not imply a threat as much as it echoed loneliness. Marlee was enthralled by the comforting silence, totally unaware of the darker fae magic swirling underneath—waiting.
Rafe signaled to the others to join him.
Tauria followed her brother into the city, shadowed by Sebastian and Drow. Other than the haunting silence, no sign of life existed in this world. Nothing to indicate there was anyone else here but them.
“This is impressive,” Kai said as she scrutinized the city.
A massive wading pool stood at the center. An aqueduct, raised on an arcade by tall arches, spilled water into it from a stone chute. Like the canal, the water twinkled with a light underneath its surface. The spray sparkled as water streamed down from the aqueduct above. Kai could see a thunderous waterfall in the distance. The arched arcade stretched from the wading pool upward to the waterfall where the aqueduct collected water; dispersing it throughout the city along a spiderweb of smaller aqueducts built high above the buildings. To the right of the waterfall, on a pristine moss-covered cliff, numerous small white buildings sat. To the left a massive tree. Its sweeping foliage swayed in the evening breeze.
Tauria sensed her awe.
“That is the tree of Tariedrelle,” she said. “It is the life force of the fae people. It collects all the elemental magic flowing from the ether and stores it until it is needed. They revered that tree like no other, even more so than the Elder Oak which as you know grows on fae land.”
Tauria gestured to the surrounding courtyard, where Elder Oaks grew with abandon, their twisted limbs stretching out across the mossy green earth.
“The sun is setting quicker than anticipated,” said Rafe, as the last of the beams disappeared behind the rooftops. “Perhaps we should stay in Tariedrelle for the night and trek to the Druidstone early in the morning.”
“I agree,” said Drow. “With the fae water, it will not be difficult to make it there swiftly. It is always better to travel through these lands with the light of day on your face than to get lost in its shadows.” He glanced knowingly at Killenn before turning his attention back to Marlee. “This way it will give you a chance to explore, and we can gather any supplies and weapons we might need.”
“What does Drow mean when he says it’s better to travel through these lands during the day?” Kai asked Tauria as he conversed quietly with Killenn.
Tauria’s eyes darted toward the dark sky rolling in the distance. “I believe he was referring to the Oberon Fen—the cursed lands. The path around the lake comes near the edge of the Fen and if someone strays off the path and into the cursed lands—” Her words trailed off as the dark sky above the Oberon Fen flashed with angry lightning. “It’s a treacherous place full of violent memories and lost souls and not somewhere one wants to be after dark.”
Before Kai could inquire more about the ominous lands, she walked away.
“Do not worry yourself about the Oberon Fen, Kai,” Sebastian said coming to stand beside her.
The menacing sky churned in the distance. “We have no reason to enter those forsaken lands. No reason at all.”
Chapter 5
The smoke dragon sailed effortlessly through the thick canopy of trees. Its form morphed as it weaved in and around branches. Stevie and Diego sat atop the smoldering air as it shifted beneath them, always keeping them aloft and secure. The clearing was empty and the crisp, frozen leaves blanketing its floor moved as they were caught in the downdraft created by the dragon’s descent.
Murky wisps swirled around them as they jumped to the ground. She raised her hands twisting them back and forth. The smoke circled downward, spiraling like water in a drain until the ancient magic creating the dragon disappeared into her hands, leaving a hint of burnt ash to float aimlessly in the air.
The aching silence of dawn saturated the clearing, and the rising sun gave the area a strange filtered glow as light and shadows fought for dominance. Quiet and waiting, the Elder Oak stood in grand opulence in front of her.
Searching for the hidden panel that would reveal the portal stones and open a way into Athir, she circled the trunk. The bark’s rough surface, chilled by winter’s touch and abrasive under her skin, sent shivers down her spine.
A slight vibration hummed with the belly of the trunk.
Diego whined behind her.
“Just a minute buddy,” she said, not taking her eyes off the tree.
>
His whine deepened as her hand rose to the scar on the trunk’s backside. A strange warmth emanated from its depths spreading beneath her palm as the humming increased. Her palm followed the direction of the throbbing pulse until it reached a spot where the throb was undeniable.
Placing her hand flat on the trunk she closed her eyes, allowing her senses to explore. Images flashed through her mind—earth, fire, spirit, water, air. Heat rose from the trunk pulsing faster as the magic recognized her ancestry. Sparks flew as the bark under her palm vibrated. Startled, she pulled her hand away as the surface began to morph. A panel opened to reveal the portal stones, their surfaces glowing with brilliant color.
Diego whined louder and began pawing at the ground. He had grown impatient with this world and wanted to get back to the universe from which he was born.
Stevie patted his head. “Soon, Diego.”
His ears perked and his head cocked to one side. His golden eye glistened as he stared, the other burning red with resolve.
Smiling at his impertinence, she reached toward the yellow stone, pressing it deeper into the slot. A buzz filled the clearing. The frozen leaves rustled, levitating upward as a golden mist ascended from its surface. It warmed the air, swirling idly into a shimmering, sparkling funnel in front of them.
The screen of her cell phone remained blank, there were no texts or missed calls from Dane. Sighing, she looked down at Diego. “I hope we can find the others, or should I say I hope you can.”
Diego’s eyes gleamed, and he barked, his stance indicating his readiness.
“Let’s go then,” she said, taking his collar and following him through the misty haze of the Athir portal.
They emerged on the other side as the midday sun began to sink below the far horizon. The world, cast in a brilliant yellow and orange haze, glistened in the warm breeze blowing across the beautiful green landscape that stretched out before them. Stevie turned in a circle looking for a clue as to which direction the others had gone. The position of the sun in the sky indicated there was approximately an hour of daylight left. With any luck, she could find them before night smothered this strange land. A path lay to her right and her eyes followed its direction.
“Follow the path,” she said, recalling the directions Sebastian had given them. The problem was those directions started from the point where they would have emerged using the portal ring—close to the Temple of Air. Without knowing where in this world she’d emerged she decided it still made sense that a path was the best thing to follow.
“Diego, do you know the way?”
The Dragonwolf howled, pawing at the ground, then with a quick glance her way he took off running toward a sparkling lake in the distance. Stevie looked at the setting sun before hurrying after him.
The city of Tariedrelle sparkled in the dusk as the last of the sun’s rays fought the dusk threatening to snuff them out. The pin lights Marlee had seen floating upward from the canal were now visible in the darkening sky. A swath of light hovered over the rooftops. Above this layer, the night sky, brightly lit by the triple moon, stretched endlessly.
A sensual, ethereal glow blanketed the entire atmosphere and the land below. Rafe had been correct, you did need to experience the wonder of the triple moon for yourself to truly appreciate its beauty.
“It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it,” noted Elyse as she came to stand beside Marlee at the center of the courtyard.
“It’s surreal,” Marlee agreed.
The three moons hovered low in the sky, two full and one quarter. Their edges overlapped and where they intersected the glow turned golden. She sensed the moon’s essence as it drifted unencumbered through the night sky.
Rafe joined them, his knowing smile acknowledging the wonder shining in Marlee and Elyse’s eyes.
“Nothing is more enchanting than an Athirian moon. Your people, both the elves and the fae, are nocturnal. Although the magic of the air element is prevalent in the daylight hours, its essence is on full display when the moon rises in the sky.”
He pointed to the blanket of lights hovering overhead.
“Athir’s essence is visual. The yellow mist, widespread during the day, is the realm’s elemental magic. It stores the moon’s light, refracting it back and giving the illusion of a glowing sky at night. It is quite something to behold. The magic of the other realms is much more structured, but here it is amorphous and overt. Its magic and its moons are the reason Athir is known as—the realm of haunting beauty.”
Kai called to them from across the courtyard where she was partly hidden under the shade of the aqueduct. “The others have found us a place to sleep for the night and some food. Dinner will be ready in an hour. In the meantime, let’s have a look around.”
“I will be happy to show you the home of your ancestors, Marlee,” Rafe said noting the tension in her face.
“Come on it will be fun, and you have to be curious,” Elyse said tugging on Marlee’s arm and dragging her toward where Kai waited impatiently.
The sun had lost its battle with the night and the final glimmer of its rays disappeared below the horizon. Rafe’s eyes drifted toward the Oberon Fen. The glow from the triple moon did not penetrate the inky blackness bearing down on the dark lands below. No sparkling stars hovered above it; only searing flashes of lightning lit the sky in random patterns. When the lightning ceased flashing, the sky, a vast pitch-black canvas, ached of something ominous. A harbinger of the past; a reminder of the hate that saturated the land so long ago and nearly destroyed it.
Kai’s voice penetrated his thoughts. “Let’s go, Rafe.”
Behind the courtyard, the city of Tariedrelle stretched out before them. While the city wasn’t big, it was full of stunning architecture and breathtaking landscaping. They stood at the edge of a luscious garden. Brilliant green moss covered the ground and colorful flowers bloomed everywhere. The scent of their flora imbued the evening air with a delightful aroma.
Marlee inhaled, her nose tingling as it pulled in the magical essence of the garden.
Along the edges, small stone paths wound through the mossy green carpet, leading to a group of small buildings and shops surrounding an expansive cobblestone area. The buildings were white-washed wood, but their gilded doorknobs, hinges, and window grates highlighted the fae’s affection for opulence. Leafy green vines, dewdrops glistening on their surfaces, crept up the side of the buildings, wrapping themselves around chimney stacks and window shutters with abandon. Delicate, lacy moss dangled from the rooftops. Long tendrils waved in the warm breeze swirling through what Marlee assumed was a market square.
They followed Rafe as he carefully weaved around the pillars of the arched arcade leading them to an orchard of trees behind the market. The rumble of water intensified the closer they came to the far side of the city. A chill ran up Marlee’s arms. As they moved past a grove of fruit trees, the tree of Tariedrelle came into view.
The silver haze seeping from the triple moon lit up the massive tree. Its green canopy dripped with the silver light. Enormous leaves covered the branches and fluttered gracefully in the evening air. Thick vines wrapped themselves tightly around branches. Smooth and without bark, the trunk, its grain a multitude of different brown tones, flickered as the moon’s glow ignited the elemental magic embedded under its surface. Tiny pins of light dripped from the foliage, cascading off leaves and branches like raindrops leftover from a passing storm. The tree was the heart of Tariedrelle and the source of their powers. It stood proudly, infused by the ancient magic flowing through the Thanissia universe, and waiting for its people to rise.
“Something is not right,” Brannon said to Rafe eyeing the tree suspiciously. “I’ve seen this tree a dozen times in my life but never has there been a time when I was not enthralled by its stature or its beauty. This is the first.”
Rafe frowned. “Maybe it has yet to reach its full power. It has b
een in stasis for a long time and the Athir Druidstone has not yet been awakened.”
Brannon nodded. “Yes, maybe.”
They continued around the backside of the tree where a set of wooden steps led up the hillside. The deafening rumble of the waterfall echoed around them. At the top, a small path wove its way through moss-covered boulders. Following it, they came to a ledge behind the curtain of water leading to the other side. The waterfall cascaded furiously from above. A wall of water thundering past them as they walked across the slick rock ledge to the other side. The cool spray from the flow covered them in a fine mist.
Marlee stopped and looked through a crack in the curtain of water.
“I have never seen anything like this.”
Between the flow of water, the top of the aqueduct could be seen. A frothy, river flowed down its channel dispersing water to the city. The market, garden, and courtyard glistened in the moonlight as the elemental magic wrapped itself in and around every inch of the city.
A city of elemental light—it was breathtaking.
Outside the gilded gate, Marlee could make out the Dark Forest. The tops of the tall trees swayed delicately in the night breeze.
From the corner of her eye, she saw a flash. The gloomy sky above the dark lands roiled with volatile lightning. The crackle and sizzle boomed over the din of the pounding water.
Darkness called to her, whispering as the inky blackness inched toward her.
“Marlee?” Elyse said firmly breaking the trance. “Are you alright?”
Marlee’s gaze drifted back to her friend.
“Where did you go?” She asked, concern softening the eyes behind her glasses.
“Did you hear that?”
Elyse frowned. “Hear what? I can’t hear anything over this waterfall.”
“It’s nothing. Sorry.” Marlee stammered. Her heart pounded in her chest as she peered at the black sky flashing irritably over the Oberon Fen in the distance. The whispering had stopped.
