‘Where are the pixies?’ said Alex.
In the woods, House told him. I will return for them after I take you all over there.
Many elves stood waiting for them, they had carriages for those who wanted to take one, and horses for the warriors. The white witches and the gnomes who did not fight travelled in the carriages as did all the children and the pucas. The seven wolves walked alongside those from the mansion who were now on horseback. The gnomes, who feared nothing, were for some reason uneasy about getting on a horse.
‘Fergal get on with me,’ Alex offered, ‘Let us ride together.’
‘That be a kind offer, my friend, but horses don’t seem to like us.’
Alex shook his head at the gnome. ‘They do like you, it’s just that you’re a little heavy is all.’
Jarlath raised an eyebrow. ‘Never say that in front of our women.’
‘Why, you’re not fat or flabby, from what I can see you’re perfectly built?’
Fergal looked hurt. ‘But heavy.’
‘Yes, very heavy,’ said Alex, and the gnomes lowered their heads in shame.
‘Alex!’ said Claire. ‘That’s a bit harsh, even for you.’
‘Why is it? The heavier a gnome . . . the stronger and faster he is.’
‘I have never heard that before,’ said Adair, ‘and I have known many gnomes.’
‘OK, gnomes are like us, but stronger and quicker. They’re smaller, but their bones and muscles are much stronger. It’s as if they’re compressed, and their power comes from this.’
Fergal lifted his head. ‘So, what you be saying is that me strength comes from me weight.’
‘In a way yes, that however, is no excuse to eat more.’
‘No, I would only ever use that if Roisin nags me about my eating,’ Fergal said, quite happy about his weight now as were the other gnomes. He took Alex’s hand and climbed on the horse, which did not seem to mind.
‘Where’s Torgon?’ said Alex.
‘He went ahead to the city.’
Fergal glanced down. ‘We are not going to go very fast are we?’
‘I don’t think they can go as fast as you,’ said Alex.
‘That might be true, but I run along the ground, and not so far off it,’ said Fergal, sitting in front of Alex.
‘Don’t worry we will go at a dignified pace.’
‘What is actually happening?’ said James.
‘Torgon wants us to ride into the city, so the people can see who saved them,’ said Adair, and Alex groaned.
‘You will have to respect their customs, Lord Alex,’ said James quite cheerfully.
‘I believe you’re correct, Lord James.’
‘I’m just the driver.’
‘You’ve just been promoted to General to all the mansions forces.’
‘Thanks,’ said James dryly. ‘Do I get a pay rise?’
‘What for? When you buy anything you just give it away.’
They reached the peak of a ridge and could see the city ahead. It was mostly hidden behind large trees with the tops of the buildings showing above. Elves lined the route cheering them on as they passed by riding six abreast through the wooded area.
‘This is a beautiful place,’ said Fergal.
‘I won’t argue with that,’ Alex agreed.
James looked up. ‘There are walkways high in the trees.’
‘And lanterns,’ said Paige, ‘why would you hang lanterns among trees? They could catch fire.’
‘They are not lanterns, my lady,’ said an elf riding in front, ‘they are nests.’
‘Nests? What lives in them?’
‘Nightlights, they’re like moths.’
‘I like that name.’
‘You might like what they do even more.’
‘And what’s that?’ said Alex.
‘Like their name, they light up the night here. I might have said they are not lanterns, but they act like them all the same.’
‘What’s your name?’ said Alex.
‘I am Finwe, my lord.’
‘This place must look spectacular at night.’
Finwe nodded. ‘We built the city here because of how it looks at night. You will see other wonders, even some of the plants.’
‘I want to come here when it’s dark,’ said Paige.
‘Me too,’ said Livvy. ‘And I want to walk through the trees.’
‘There are many of us who would be honoured to give any of you a guided tour, my ladies,’ said Finwe.
They reached the city, and the walls were a natural rock face with huge gates built into the centre of them. They entered the city by crossing a bridge which was just wide enough for six horses. The bridge spanned a twenty-foot gap over a deep ravine with a river far below filled from water falls down the side.
James shivered as he looked down. ‘I’m so glad we have House with us.’
‘I’ll agree with you there,’ said Jarlath, riding with him.
Alex coughed. ‘I don’t think he’s back yet.’
James groaned. ‘You tell me that when you ride in the middle.’
‘You can float.’
‘I can’t float,’ said Jarlath, ‘and I’m very heavy, remember?’
‘Is it very deep? Only I can’t see from where here.’
‘I would rather not think about it,’ said Jarlath, and Alex laughed.
The city opened into a wide space with shops and homes mixed together, and water fountains all around. The buildings, like the walls, appeared to be carved from the mountain itself. It had a shiny white stone and the elves had added plenty of decorations. Wooden frames around windows and doors enhanced the beauty of the city while helping to dull the brightness. The elves lined the streets as they passed.
Claire grinned. ‘I was right about getting changed.’
Paige shook her head. ‘Yeah, lucky for us, you came up with that idea.’
Alex pointed. ‘We just passed a dress-makers shop.’
‘That’s somewhere else I’ll want to visit.’
The further they went the buildings grew bigger and more spectacular. They passed taverns, more water fountains, and walkways above from building to building.
‘I hope this is not too tedious for you,’ said Finwe. ‘It’s where everyday life happens here.’
Alex took in the sights. ‘Far from it, we’ll want to walk round here just enjoying how beautiful it looks.’
‘That is kind of you, but we do have places of beauty where we like to spend our evenings.’
They moved forward for another twenty minutes before coming to another open space. Large buildings stood facing them with the mountain looming large behind. The crowd gathered but gave them plenty of room. Torgon stood in front of the building facing them. He had changed clothes, and was now in a long black robe. Next to Torgon was a beautiful elf woman in white robes with long white hair. To the left of them was a group of more robed elves. The riders lined up opposite and let the carriages pull up in front to let out the passengers. The children climbed out first and the crowd cheered when they bowed. The pucas followed next along with the gnomes. The elves appeared very interested in the babies as well as the children. The last carriage pulled up and the six white witches stepped out to a silenced crowd.
‘Great ladies, we was not expecting you,’ said Torgon, and bowed as did all the other elves.
Luella smiled. ‘It has been too long, old friends.’
‘Way too long,’ said the white-haired elf.
‘Yes, it has, dear Ellinor,’ said Luella, and embraced her, and many others came to greet their old friends.
James glanced across at Alex. ‘I reckon your mother’s a lot older than you think.’
Alex nodded. ‘And then some.’
Livvy beamed at the women. ‘Do you think I will ever be called a white witch or a great lady?’
Alex smiled at her. ‘Yes, I have no doubt about that.’
‘I think you maybe a little biased.’
‘I am, but
it was those white witches down there who said you and Donna have the gift and are very talented.’
‘They said that about me?’ said Donna. Neither she nor Livvy were involved in the fighting but they wanted to ride a horse.
‘Yes, they’re very impressed with both of you, and somewhat excited I might say.’
‘I believe they are going to address us now,’ Joseph told them. ‘Even though I feel a bit of an old fraud on this horse, I’m no warrior.’
‘You’re sitting where you should be,’ said Alex. ‘You may not have fought but you helped in our searches, which is just as important.’
‘Well that makes me feel better,’ said Blaze, as the elves were back in their positions.
Torgon raised his hands in the air. ‘Elves of Brightstone Mountain, we are here today because we avoided disaster. It was not, however, through our own efforts or our old powers. We have been remiss and now must relearn our old ways. Today we are fortunate as disaster has been averted and we were saved by friends, some old and new ones. Please welcome the warriors who defeated the witches and the demons, and saved us from certain disaster.’
The crowd cheered and fairies appeared flying just above the elves. The warriors sat on their horses, and some were a little embarrassed by it all.
‘Friends,’ said Ellinor, ‘after the terror which came to our land we thought this would be a sad day, and one we would remember for such disastrous event. Even after the great warriors had defeated the enemy, many were injured and thought dead. My own son was one of them, but our friends healed them and we suffered no loss. We will still remember today, but now with great affection.’ The crowd cheered again.
‘Some have been searching our old ways since we knew of the evil which had come to our land,’ said Torgon. ‘Martein has found the powerstones and knows how to work some of them.’
A stouter robed elf stepped forward, with a crystal stone of six inches long. ‘Yes, Lord Torgon, and even though the one I have found would not protect us, it does give us warning of any power which enters our lands. It’s telling me now that our new friends have great power, and now, my lord another great power is here,’ said Martein, looking around, as Kaeya appeared on Alex’s shoulder.
‘Where have you been?’ said Alex.
Kaeya stared ahead. ‘Getting changed, it was muddy.’
‘But the ground was dry.’
‘Yes, but the river is wet,’ said Kaeya. She leant forward on his shoulder while holding his ear. ‘Is that a fairy?’
‘It would appear so.’
Kaeya jumped down and ran forward where the fairy flew down to her. They stared at each other for a moment and embraced. Other fairies started humming a tune as all the pixies came into view and joined in making a harmonious relaxing melody. Torgon gave up on any more speeches and everyone on horseback dismounted.
‘Lord Torgon,’ said Martein, ‘the power I spoke of did not come from the pixies.’
‘No,’ said Torgon. ‘I believe that came from someone called House.’
Alex walked over to them. ‘That would be correct, a great spirit who is our friend.’
Torgon nodded. ‘A friend of ours, too, I would like to think.’
‘We all are,’ said Alex, and Torgon introduced him to other elves.
‘Please do not think too poorly of us for having no defences,’ said the elf.
‘How could I ever think that? You’ve had thousands of years of peace.’
‘We nearly lost it all if it had not been for you. I am surprised it was the sisters and not their brother who attacked us.’
‘The warlock is dead, my friends and I have seen to that.’
‘That is good news indeed.’
Adair stroked his beard. ‘Have you visited our world lately?’
‘We do now and then, as there are certain items we cannot get here. I have to say that your technology is frightening.’
Alex glanced up at the buildings, lights shining everywhere. ‘You have some here though.’
‘No, it is all natural to our world.’
Carrie slid her arm inside Alex’s. ‘I wouldn’t change a thing; it looks perfect as it is.’
Alex didn’t mind in the slightest. ‘This is Lady Carrie.’
‘Thank you, my lady,’ Torgon smiled, and bowed slightly.
‘I would change the time,’ said James.
‘In what way?’
‘It’s night-time on our world, and daylight here.’
‘It is also night-time here; we are only an hour behind you.’
‘But it’s so bright,’ said James, and looked up to the sky where he could see it had gone dark.
Alex studied his surroundings. ‘What do you use? I see no lights unless those hanging baskets aren’t for flowers.’
‘It is all around us, in the walls and the ground, the baskets contain crystals that glow throughout the night.
‘Does it not affect your sleep,’ said James.
‘No, not at all, the brighter lights will diminish soon. Let me show you where it is already darker.’ Torgon led them down a passage between two buildings the elves had stood in front of.
Alex followed the elf and the light diminished, but bright enough to see. They came to an area between the last building and the mountain. The cliff face of the mountain was smooth and flat. Lights sparkled across it like stars twinkling. In front of it, a lake, fed by a small waterfall from the mountain gently cascading downwards. Boats tied along the edge with another river flowing off, which had a barrier to prevent the boats going down by mistake. A lawned area with benches and flowers with many of the plants glowing stood between them and the lake. To the right were two rows of trees with their upper branches interlocking to make an arched passage.
Carrie glanced around, where shining crystals were placed perfectly to enhance the view. ‘This is so beautiful.’
Claire stood with hands on hips. ‘Why don’t we make something like this back home?’
Alex smiled. ‘You can build one with Livvy’s permission.’
‘This is where many like to spend their evenings, or among the trees,’ Torgon told them. ‘There are also many places along the river.’
Alex nodded. ‘I can see how that would be peaceful and very pleasant.’
The children and some of the pucas ran past them towards the boats with elf escorts. They got in as pairs, while an elf rowed for them. Little humanoid creatures started jumping out the water having a look at them. One landed on the side of a boat with Tia and Shaula in, and stuck out its tongue before jumping back into the water.
‘Sprites, fairies who live in water,’ said Torgon. ‘They are mischievous, but friendly enough.’
‘Well, the children like them,’ said Alex, as many more were now jumping on the boats.
‘The feeling must be mutual, we never see so many come out usually,’ said Torgon. ‘Are the children yours?’
‘Five of the girls are, the other girl is Summer’s niece, and the boy is Luella’s.’
‘Lady Luella has a child.’
‘Yes, Lord Torgon, I have two of them,’ said Luella, as the others joined them.
‘And where is the other child, my lady?’ said Torgon.
‘You’re standing next to him.’
‘Not so much a child then. You belong to a powerful family.’
Alex nodded. ‘Yeah, and it keeps growing.'
‘Would anyone else like to go on a boat?’ said Torgon.
Paige shook her head. ‘I’d like to go down to those woods where we came in.’
Torgon gestured with is hand. ‘It is right there, my lady, through the arched trees.’
‘But the other trees are so far away.’
‘It starts here and goes all the way round the city to where you came in, and the river goes all the way round the other side.’
‘Doesn’t it make the wall indefensible if the trees outside the city lead here?’ said Alex.
‘No, the gap is too far without the walkways,
which we removed earlier. The first time since we moved here.’
Most of the group was given a guided tour through the trees. The gnomes preferred being on the ground, and followed the river around the other side of the city. Alex stayed talking to Torgon, when Kaeya jumped on his shoulder.
Torgon smiled at her. ‘I thought your people would have joined us here, but we lost touch with you.’
‘They were taken.’ Alex explained what happened to them.
‘That must have been terrible for you. We would have come looking if we had known, but it was hectic for us at the time.’
‘They might still come one day,’ said Alex. ‘The population on our world keeps growing, and they won’t be able to hide for much longer. That also goes for the pucas and gnomes.’
Torgon saw pucas in the arms of elves, and pixies sitting on elven shoulders. ‘They are all welcome, and we have many forests they can call their own.’
‘I don’t live in a forest anymore,’ said Kaeya. ‘I live in the mansion, as my tree is no longer there.’
‘Yes, I have seen many of the trees in your world have gone.’
‘Many of them would come here if it was not for their trees,’ said Alex.
Torgon nodded. ‘It is a shame we could not bring those, too.’
I could do that for them, House suggested.
Torgon looked surprised. ‘You could do that.’
Yes, but I do not know much about trees and if they would survive.
‘The wood elves would see to it.’
Alex scratched his head. ‘Wouldn’t the trees have died a long time ago?’
‘It wouldn’t have been the same tree,’ said Kaeya. ‘They get old and die, and are reborn from its seed.’
‘Oh, I didn’t know that.’
‘You wouldn’t have that problem here as the trees do not die,’ said Torgon. ‘Neither does anything else, not naturally anyway.’
‘I best go and say hello to them,’ said Kaeya, and ran to the woods.
Alex still looked confused. ‘Are you saying that no one or anything has ever died here?’
‘Not from natural causes, we are the same elves that arrived here over two thousand years ago. There have been new arrivals with the births of children over the years.’
‘Amazing . . . and you can mind speak, too,’ said Alex, as he watched the wolves talking to elves.
Other Worlds: Vesta Mansion Trilogy - Book Two - Fantasy Page 26
