by Anthea Sharp
“Trust one another.” The words were a whisper.
Then Thomas was gone, and there were only empty shadows beneath the dolmen. Jennet swallowed past the tightness of tears. Why did he always have to leave?
“Come on,” Tam said, taking her hand. “I’m worried that standing stone is going to disappear. It wasn’t there before.”
She let him pull her away from the dolmen and in the direction Thomas had indicated. The standing stone ahead of them looked solid and unmoving, but she picked up her pace to match Tam’s strides.
“At least we know our theory about the Bright Court was right,” he said.
“And we don’t have to fight the queen.” Or, hopefully, ever see her again.
“Yeah. But the king could be worse.”
Jennet bit her lip. “Roy seemed ok. He wasn’t being drained of his essence or anything. This is the Bright Court, after all.”
“Remember that old book of yours?” Tam said. “Just because the Seelie faeries aren’t evil, doesn’t make them good.”
Unfortunately, she knew he was right.
Another minute of fast walking brought them to the gray bulk of the standing stone. It stood about ten feet tall, and was patched with orange lichen. A path ran from it, into the lands Thomas said belonged to the Bright Court. Jennet stepped onto the path, bracing herself for a shock that didn’t come.
“It doesn’t feel like we’ve crossed any boundary,” she said.
“No.” Tam turned in a circle. “I guess we just follow the path.”
Together, they started down it. The grassy hills in front of them looked exactly the same as the ones they had left behind.
“There’s something ahead,” she said after they’d gone a short distance. “It looks like…”
“Another standing stone.” He glanced behind them. “Or maybe the same one - since it’s not back there any more.”
They hurried up to the stone. Jennet touched it, ready to snatch her hand away if it started humming at her.
“I can’t tell,” she said. “It looks the same.”
Tam folded his arms. “Why do I get the feeling we’re going in circles?”
“Because,” a high voice piped, “you are! Oh, well riddled, Bold Tamlin.”
Jennet glanced up, to see a spritely figure sitting cross-legged on top of the stone. He was dressed in gossamer tatters, and had an impudent twinkle in his brown eyes.
“Puck!”
She couldn’t help but smile at him, despite the emptiness Thomas had left. Puck had a way of cheering her up.
Tam dropped his hand to his sword hilt. “How long have you been there?”
“Long enough, Bold Tamlin.”
The sprite leaped to his feet. He made a jaunty somersault, landed on Tam’s shoulder, and tweaked his ear.
“Hey!”
Tam batted at Puck, but the sprite had jumped nimbly back to his perch atop the stone. His bell-like laughter chimed through the air.
“I give you nothing you do not deserve, knight. Now listen, listen well.” The sprite’s voice grew serious. “Do you brave adventurers desire to continue further into the realm?”
Jennet nodded, then recalled Thomas’s words. The power of names, he had said.
“We wish to reach the Bright Court,” she said. “Just so there’s no confusion.”
Tam sent her a quick glance of approval, sending warmth through her. They were such good partners in-game. Why did things have to be so much harder in real life?
“Well spoken.” Puck nodded, his spiky hair standing up in tufts. “Then I have a quest for you. Will you accept it?”
“Yes,” Tam said, stepping forward.
A basket woven of twigs appeared on Puck’s arm. He jumped off the stone, then hovered before them and held the basket out to Tam.
“The two of you must bring me a basket of berries from yonder wood.” Puck gestured to the path, which now led into a dark, piney forest. “Once you return with it, I will grant you passage to the next level.”
“All right,” Jennet said.
Tam gave a single nod, then turned and headed toward the woods. Jennet followed. When she glanced back over her shoulder, the sprite was gone.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN - THE BRIGHT COURT
Jennet let out a low breath as they entered the shadow of the trees. The dark evergreens rose around them, the aroma of needles filling the air like expensive incense. Low-growing purple flowers edged the path, and there were no birds calling, only the hush of wind through the pines. Shafts of sunlight pierced the forest, beams that looked nearly solid in their brightness.
“Do you see any berries?” She glanced around. There were some bushes with shiny dark leaves, a few sprays of ferns, but no obvious berries.
“It won’t be that easy,” Tam said. “This is a faerie quest, remember? We probably have to go deep into the forest, where the monsters dwell.”
“I know. I was just… hoping.”
Things were never that simple in Feyland. Every tale she’d read in her old book, every quest Feyland had given them, had a twist. There was no way to prepare. Even though she knew things would go wrong, it was always in some chaotic, unexpected way.
Still, there was a long way between not-simple and life-threatening. The further in-game they went, the more danger they would face. And whether it was from the Dark Court or the Bright, things wouldn’t be easy.
She followed Tam, the quiet of the forest giving her a moment to think. Not being able to count on Thomas had been a blow. At least Puck had shown up. No matter how Tam felt about the sprite, he had never yet done them harm, or led them astray.
Ahead, a beam of light slanted down into a small clearing, pricking bright glints of red from among the leafy plants growing there. She peered into the shadows.
“I think we found our berries,” she said.
Tam handed her the basket, then drew his sword. “You do the picking. I’ll stand guard.”
She paused at the edge of the clearing, the back of her neck tightening as she scanned for danger. The forest was still, nothing stirring in its shadowy reaches. The berries shone like crimson jewels - rubies and garnets scattered on the bushes. She plucked one. It was round and smooth under her fingers, a succulent gem of fruit. She held her breath and dropped it into the basket.
The forest remained quiet. Unchanging.
She glanced over at Tam. His armor glinted silver and his green eyes held a fierce determination.
“Keep picking,” he said, his voice low.
It didn’t take long before the basket was nearly filled. With each berry she dropped in, she kept expecting an attack, until her nerves were stretched taut. Tam seemed steady, outwardly calm, but she could see his tension in the way he gripped his sword hilt. His knees were bent, like he was ready to leap in any direction to defend her.
Another berry. Another. Her fingers trembled.
A long, screeching wail sounded through the forest, and Jennet almost dropped the basket.
“Quick,” Tam said, beckoning. “Something’s moving under the trees.”
She hurried to join him, taking care not to spill the berries, then tucked the basket between the roots of a nearby tree. If they were about to fight, she needed her hands free.
On the far side of the clearing, a figure appeared - a woman shrouded in a black cloak.
“Who picks my berries?” she said in a high, wavering voice. “Who steals my bounty?”
“We didn’t know the berries were yours,” Jennet said. Though the woman didn’t look dangerous, there was something about her that made the back of Jennet’s neck prickle with fear. “There’s no fence - they look like they’re growing wild.”
“They are mine. Mine!”
As she spoke, the bent figure began to grow taller. She moved into one of the shafts of sunlight and her cloak blew back to reveal a pale, tattered gown. Her dark hair fell about her in waves, her mouth was a red wound, and her eyes were black as a moonless night.
“What is she?” Tam whispered. He shifted into a battle stance and his shield appeared, strapped to his left arm.
The woman opened her mouth and wailed. It was the sound of bone scraping ice, the sound of death waiting nearby, honing a rusty scythe. Her cry sliced through the clearing, and Jennet flinched. Forcing her hands steady, despite the pounding of her heart, she pulled her bow off her back and nocked an arrow.
“Banshee,” she said.
The woman drifted toward them, her gown fluttering, and stretched out her hands. “Give me the berries, and you shall leave here unscathed.”
“I don’t think so.” Tam lifted his sword.
“Then,” the banshee screeched, “I shall take them!”
She flew directly at Jennet, her hands turning into claws. Jennet dodged back, a second too late. Wicked nails scratched her cheek, she stumbled and fell - and then Tam was between her and the creature. He slammed the banshee with his shield, forcing her away. The creature tried to dart around him, but he aimed a blow at her heart. He was forcing her to stay and fight him instead of going after Jennet.
Taking advantage of the banshee’s distraction, Jennet scrambled to her feet. She raised her bow, trying to get a clear shot. Tam stepped back, and she let an arrow fly, the twang of her bowstring buzzing the air. It was a good shot - but the arrow went right through the banshee and lodged in the tree behind her.
Jennet let a frustrated breath hiss out between her teeth. Tam was stabbing and slicing, but his sword passed harmlessly through the banshee’s body.
The creature was almost impossible to fight - but they had to do something. Jennet lowered her bow. Maybe she should cast an illusion… but what? She shook her head, trying to think as Tam battled the banshee. Nothing came to her except a sense of bone-deep weariness, as though her energy wasn’t replenished enough for that particular magic.
The banshee laughed and stretched out her clawed hands. Tam bashed her with his shield, and she staggered back a pace.
Jennet’s cheek still stung. She touched her face, then studied the thin line of blood left on her fingers. Of course! Their enemy was insubstantial now - but mist couldn’t inflict damage. In order to hurt them, she had to take on a more fleshly form.
Quickly, Jennet set her bow down and drew her dagger. It was short, but finely honed on both edges. Gripping the hilt, she moved forward, looking for her chance.
Tam was moving fluidly, blocking the banshee at every pass, but his expression was grim. No fun to fight an enemy that slid away like mist.
The banshee laughed, a sound like a deranged cat. Her face was transforming, the features of a woman becoming haggard, the slash of her mouth widening. Jennet moved closer, until she was just behind Tam.
“Here I am,” she taunted. “The berry stealer. Come get me.”
“Jennet - get back,” Tam said.
She stayed where she was, holding her breath. This had to work.
With a caterwaul, the creature sprang forward, her nasty claws swiping. Jennet raised her dagger and stabbed the banshee in the palm. Tam, quick as ever, brought his sword down, hard.
Dark blood spurted from the banshee’s severed wrist. She let out an agonized howl, so loud Jennet’s ears rang from it. The woods reverberated, throwing the screech back at them. From a far distance, black crows erupted into the sky, cawing harshly.
Cradling her injured arm, the banshee screamed once more. Then, like a nightmare, she dissolved into the air. All that remained were the tatters of her gown, and the last echoes of her wail.
A moment later, the clearing was empty. Beams of sunlight slanted down as though nothing had happened - but there was a smoking hole in the moss at Jennet’s feet, where the banshee’s blood had spattered.
Tam took her arm and pulled her to the edge of the trees.
“Washcloth,” he said. A second later, a damp cloth appeared in his hand. He brought it up to her face, dabbing lightly. “Does that hurt?”
“No. Is it bad?”
“It won’t leave a scar, if that’s what you’re asking. Make sure you disinfect it when we get out.” Unhappiness shaded his green eyes, and she could guess why.
“Tam - I had to get into the fight in order to defeat the banshee.”
“I know. That doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“Look.” She grabbed his wrist. “You put yourself into danger for me all the time.”
“That’s different. I’m the Knight - it’s my job.” He met her gaze.
“We’re a team. It’s my job to contribute everything I can. Ok?”
He didn’t say anything for a moment. Their eyes locked, held. Her heart did a somersault and suddenly she could barely breathe.
The raucous cry of crows filled the air, their dark forms flashing overhead, and the moment was broken.
“Here.” Tam stepped back and handed her the washcloth. “Hold it against your cheek. I’ll carry the basket.”
Her throat was tight with longing. Why did he have to be so cautious?
He picked up the basket of berries. Without saying anything, they headed down the path leading out of the forest. Tam kept glancing at her, then away, as if he wanted to say something but didn’t know how.
“At least we won,” she said, to break the silence.
“Yeah.”
She frowned. She hated this version of Tam - so withdrawn and self-contained.
“Are you ok?” She couldn’t help asking, though she knew she wouldn’t get any real answer from him.
“Just… thinking.”
There wasn’t anything she could say to that. Her cheek stopped hurting. Jennet handed Tam the washcloth and he vanished it.
Despite the heavy silence, it seemed to take half the time to return, and soon they were in front of the standing stone.
Puck was there, swinging from what looked like precarious handholds in the rock.
“Greetings, Puck,” she said, giving him the proper quest-giver words.
“Well, well,” he said. “Fair Jennet, Bold Tamlin. You return - though not unscathed. Have you completed the quest I set you?”
“Here are your berries.” Tam thrust the basket at the sprite. “You could have warned us about the banshee.”
“Had I warned you about her, another creature would have appeared instead.” Puck took the basket, then popped a berry in his mouth. “Delicious! Did you not taste of them?”
“Are they safe?” Jennet asked.
“Where’s the fun in safe?” The sprite gave them a sly look. “Mortals are nothing but fools, denying themselves of sweetness. Here.” He held a berry out to Tam.
Tam shot a look at Jennet. They both knew it wasn’t wise to refuse the faerie’s gifts and risk angering Puck - especially when he was acting helpful. But they also knew that it was dangerous to eat or drink anything in-game. Doing so could trap a person in the Realm indefinitely. The faerie lore was pretty clear on that point.
“Take it.” There was an undercurrent of darkness in Puck’s tone.
“Alright.” Tam plucked the berry from the sprite’s palm. “Doesn’t Jennet get one, too?”
“She has no need of it,” Puck said.
Was that a good thing? She exchanged another look with Tam. Then he glanced down at the berry, his face uncertain.
“Um,” Tam said. “Can I save it for later?”
The sprite laughed. “Always so careful, Tamlin. Take care that you do not wait too long, or the fruit will wither into bitterness.”
Jennet had the uncomfortable feeling Puck was talking about more than just a berry.
“I made a promise, once,” Tam said, “not to eat or drink anything in-game.”
She let out a breath, and smiled at him. “Yes, you did.”
“Sometimes you mortals are too cautious for your own good.” Puck wrinkled his face into a scowl, then flipped into a handstand. Upside-down, it looked like he was smiling.
Tam dropped the berry back into the twig basket. “Are we done, here?”
/>
“Indeed.” The sprite vaulted back onto his feet. “You have completed the quest, and won passage to the second circle. Prepare yourselves.”
Without thinking, Jennet reached for Tam’s hand. He was there, his clasp warm and steady. A golden glow surrounded them, and she caught one last glimpse of Puck. The sprite winked at her. Then the world spun in a vortex of glittering light, replacing the standing stone and whirling the dark forest away.
A moment later, the spinning stopped. Jennet glanced around, to see that they were again in the center of a faerie ring. This time the clearing was surrounded by majestic oak trees.
“Looks good,” Tam said. He let go of her hand and gestured. “Red mushrooms. We’re on our way to the Bright Court. Should we keep going?”
“Next time. I bet it’s getting late.”
Time could get funny, in-game, rush and flow and slip away almost unnoticeably. Dad would be coming home at some point, and she and Tam would be in serious trouble if he caught them using the Full-D systems.
“Alright then,” Tam said. “See you out there.”
His character faded, leaving Jennet alone in the clearing. She cast a glance at the path leading between the oaks. That direction lay the Bright Court, she felt it, like a compass tugging in her chest. The Bright Court - and a powerful king they would, somehow, have to defeat.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN - THE BRIGHT COURT
Tam stripped off the gaming gloves and ran his hands through his hair. A minute later, Jennet emerged from the game and removed her sim helmet. He studied her cheek, where a long red scratch marred the pale perfection of her skin.
“Don’t forget,” he said. “Disinfectant.”
“Right.” She got up and turned the jamming switch off. “HANA, let George know that Tam is about ready to go.”
“Of course, Miss Carter.”
She went to the wall and pushed a hidden button, revealing a cupboard where medical supplies were stored. It wasn’t the first time she and Tam had left Feyland with injuries. They’d found out the hard way that the damage they took in battle transferred out of the game.
