REALM'S END (BOOK OF FEY 1)

by Jules Hancock

  In unison, the sisters spoke. “What? That can’t be! Of course your mother was a witch.”

  Gwenth crossed her arms and shook her head belligerently. “No, Dembys says absolutely not. My mother had no magical powers,” tears silently slipped down her cheek, but her voice held firm. “Apparently you have been wrong about the magic. Clearly you can’t tell magical from non-magical. Some witches you are,” she said, her voice trembling.

  Meredith cleared the end of the bed and reached out to take Gwenth into her arms, to sooth the child woman.

  Gwenth put her hand up. “No, just stay away from me. I don’t want your sympathy after all this. After all you have put my father and me through. After you sent me off to another world, though I couldn’t even do any magic.” Her voice rang out harsh and filled with anger.

  Meredith stopped herself mid reach and straightened up as she let Gwenth pour out her anger and hurt on the three sisters. Her heart tore open, with the anguish the girl was going through. She hung her head in shame, for the things Gwenth said were mostly correct, even if not entirely true.

  Reval could stand the barrage no longer and lifting her great girth from the chair she stomped her foot hard against the wooden floor, the room shook. “That’s just about enough,” she commanded. “Yes, clearly we were wrong about your mother and for that we apologize deeply if you will accept it, but as for the rest of what you are saying even you know that it’s hog wash. You my dear, can do magic. You took yourself to the other world, we did nothing more than keep you safe during the start of your journey. We certainly didn’t send you there. It was part of your destiny, and if you would kindly stop and realize that if in fact your mother wasn’t a witch, than you must realize where your magic has come from.”

  Both Hectain and Meredith stood in shock staring at Reval for she commanded their attention as well. Suddenly so many things made sense.

  “Well if that is so, it still leaves questions unanswered,” Hectain interjected.

  Gwenth looked aghast at the three crow sisters. “You three are amazing, you find out my mother in fact isn’t a witch and then what? You turn the blame on my father? You are so conceited!” She very nearly spit the last words out across the room at the women.

  Meredith raised her head and looked the girl in the face. “Let’s find out. Ask Dembys.”

  “What? No way. I’m not going to ask Dembys anything else.” She rose shakily from the bed. “I just want you all to go away. Leave now,” she said.

  “A witch doesn’t shirk the truth because it’s inconvenient,” said Hectain.

  Reval looked at the angry young woman, in front of them and she felt her heart nearly break in two. “I can understand your fear child, especially living in this witch hating world, but still we all and especially you must learn the truth, for it may still save Briok’s world.”

  Gwenth seethed inside as she stared at the three women. She felt so very tired; her life had become so confusing since they had arrived. Finally she turned inward and spoke with Dembys. She trusted the stone’s goodness beyond all reason. As she listened to the Dembys reply, she felt her head reeling and she tried to reach out for the bed, but the shock of the truth was so great, she instead felt a great darkness fall over her and then she knew no more.

  Meredith was the closet and reached out to catch the girl before she fell to the floor. “Sisters help me.”

  Hectain and Reval quickly hurried around the bed and taking up the bottom half of Gwenth the three sisters lifted the girl onto the bed.

  “Great now what,” Hectain asked?

  “Wait I know,” Meredith said reaching out her left hand to Hectain. “Close hands sisters. I think it will be the only way for all of us to hear.”

  Hectain reached over and took Meredith’s hand, then she reached over with her left hand and Reval clasped Hectain’s fingers.

  Meredith reached down with her right index finger and laid it lightly against the Dembys. The stone flared up, its bright light momentarily blinding them. “Dembys, Gwenth is upset and has fainted. Can you please tell us what you told her?”

  Dembys voice rang out in all their heads. “I didn’t think she was strong enough for such information, but those of the same blood have a right, beyond all others,” Dembys’ voice rang out clearly in the three sister’s minds.

  Meredith understood immediately. “So because Gwenth and I are of the same blood I too can hear what you told her. Is that right?”

  Dembys clear melodic voice sang out, “Yes, you are part of the great circle via the suckling babe and Gwenth is the first born of the old one.”

  Reval and Hectain looked quizzically at Meredith. “What old one,” Reval asked?

  Meredith waited, but Dembys did not respond. “Dembys if I ask the question, will you respond?”

  “Yes, for you are of the same line now via the babe as I have said. It is our beloved creator that you are joined too.”

  Meredith felt her head spinning and her voice shook “Are you saying, that James is a God?”

  Dembys voice rang out clear and true. “Yes, of course, we have always known it was so. Did you not suspect when the child was so strong within you? Is it not part of your knowledge since you are a child of a God yourself?”

  “Yes…I mean no. Yes our laws say that only a God can impregnate a God, so we all were confused, but we didn’t really suspect James. He appears to have no magic about him.”

  Dembys voice rang out in tinkling laughter. “Well it may seem that way, but it’s not true. My other is in the rafter above. That part of myself, takes in all the magic and holds it, waiting for the master who has set it to watch over him, till the master himself lifts the spell.”

  Hectain broke the hold between herself and Meredith and began to pace the room.

  Meredith watched Hectain pace. Reval stepped closer and took Meredith’s hand.

  “Let her be a moment. Finish asking Dembys now.”

  Meredith looked into Reval’s wide face and saw the strength clearly displayed in her green eyes. She nodded, and turned back to the Dembys. “Will the child be ok? She seems so weak still?”

  Dembys voice sang out sweetly, “The girl is being drained by the magic of great Rowan, for they are now bound, by both the magical branch and her familial tie to Lillith. That world is sick, dying even. To heal, she must return to the other world, and complete her task.”

  “Can we remove the part of you from the rafters without harming anyone?”

  You may remove the Dembys because you are connected by blood, to the old one, but it would be best to call awaken the God or you will need to plan the timing so as not to miss the entrance.”

  Hectain turned and looked at Meredith. “What is she saying about timing?”

  Reval and Meredith both swung around to stare at Hectain. “Sister how is it you can hear the Dembys without holding onto me?”

  “I have no idea really,” Hectain said shrugging her shoulders. “I didn’t realize it myself till just now.”

  “Reval let go of Meredith’s hand. “Ask Dembys please.

  Meredith turned back to Dembys. “Dembys, how is it my sisters can hear you now when we could not hear before?”

  “You only need to establish contact once after your heart is opened.”

  “I see, and when did our hearts open, exactly?”

  “Last night when you worked with my other to create a healing for Gwenth, you all three opened your hearts to the girl, and since you were working with the Dembys at the time, we now allow you to communicate directly with ourselves.”

  “So can we contact and talk directly to your other piece?”

  “Yes of course, you already do, for we are never separate. Other has heard and been part of the answering all along.”

  “Will other allow itself to be removed from the rafter?”

  “Yes of course,” sang out Dembys. “As we said before we only recommend taking care with your timing.”

  “Alright, thank you Dembys. I thin
k my sisters and I need to discuss a plan and then we will consult you again if that is fine.”

  “Yes, we will be here to assist you when you are ready to travel.”

  Guilt

  They held the ceremony in the late afternoon. Sephoria and the Great Rowan presided over the ceremony to send on the Fey known as Jafe. As was their custom, they did not delay, it was imperative to return a Fey’s spirit to the homeland, as quickly as was possible. Reuniting in the spirit world of Fey brought the spirit an opportunity to heal.

  Though there was a sense of surety among the inner council, of Jafe’s guilt, the tribes were called to gather, as was the custom. Any tribe member who was not away from the community met in the great circle by the sea, as all would lend their energy to send him forth on his return journey. There was keening and many songs to assist Jafe’s spirit in its return. Afternoon turned to eventide before the circle was emptied of all the citizens who came to honor the passing Fey.

  Afterward, Sephoria made her way to Lindel’s bonding tree, using her ability to transport by magic for she hoped to travel unnoticed. She even allowed herself to enter directly into the tree’s inner chamber, though it was considered impolite to do so. She found Lindel and Lisl sitting; their heads bent low in the required prayers. A great peace radiated outward from Lisl. However, Lindel’s energy was a mixture of shame and pain. Sephoria cleared her throat. “I hope you both will forgive my intrusion and my lack of courtesy by transporting into your home this way.”

  Lisl lifted her smiling face to her teacher. “I expected nothing less and you are always welcome teacher,” she said. Lisl rose from her seat. “Come and sit wise one and I shall make us tea,” she said, motioning to her now empty chair.

  Lindel raised his head too, he blanched. Sephoria saw his washed out color, even by itself, it was more than enough reason for the unannounced visit. “Lindel I see you are suffering greatly over Jafe’s death. At this rate if you do not stop this ego suffering, you will not be here for Briok’s return,” she said, soothingly as she lowered her bulk into the empty chair.

  Lindel’s eyes grew bright. “You believe wise one that Briok will return?”

  Her craggy voice rang out, as she looked deeply into Lindel’s face. “Of course he will, of that I have no doubt at all. It’s his destiny to save our people from extinction. He must return in order to do that.” Sephoria reached out and let her gnarly hand and stroke the Fey’s arm. “You have come to the inner self now, it seems ugly, it feels ugly to you because you are awakened, but don’t let the grief, or the shame turn you from your intention.” Her voice turned soft, as she spoke gently to her friend.

  Lindel’s head bowed, orange tears began to stream unabated down his face.

  Sephoria sat quietly, patting Lindel’s hand, while he wept. “Remember don’t let your tears wash away too much of your life force. Briok will need your strength in the coming days.”

  After a while, Lindel reached up and wiped the orange tears away. He forced himself to sit erect and to take deep cleansing breaths. Finally he raised his eyes and looked into the depths of the wise woman’s dark pupils.

  “It may seem a great burden, for it is harder to live with our own failings, much harder as you will learn, but we can’t succumb to our shame. We must forgive ourselves, and move on so that our growth can benefit the next generations.”

  Lindel nodded. “How does one reconcile hurting someone to protect others?”

  Sephoria laughed wryly. “My son, it takes a great deal more wisdom then I have acquired, to answer such a deep question. Perhaps, after Briok leaves us, you will come to the college and spend your days looking for such an answer, as you might find. It has long been on my mind that we need to honor all the Fey within the college, not just the young sisters who may someday replace me.”

  Lindel sat quietly considering Sephoria’s words. “It may be so mother, it may be so,” he said, with a nod of his head.

  “Good I can see now that you are past the worst of it, but be ever vigilant, for without diligence, this disease will return to blight your spirit. Be true to yourself first, and all will be well. I need to go now, there are other urgent matters,” Sephoria said. She turned to wave at Lisl who stood in the shadows, close by. “He will be fine now. Prepare now for the child will soon return, or so the Rowan says,” and with that she disappeared.

  It Hits the Fan

  The door burst open, the sisters’ voices rang out in screams but still they managed to turn as one, poised and ready to stop whoever dared enter their home. Before them an exhausted James rushed into the cottage with a pike he had rescued as he had passed the sheep shed. The young Fey fluttered overhead.

  Seeing that the women were unharmed James threw the pike to the floor, and rushed to take Meredith into his arms. “Oh my darling I was so afraid for you. I swore, I would kill any man who brought harm to you,” he whispered.

  Meredith returned his embrace, she sighed deeply as she allowed herself to relax, for a moment within his strong grip. She wanted nothing more than to murmur her love to him, but knew the eyes of the others were upon them. Finally, she broke the hug and stepped gently away from James.

  Holding him at arm’s length, Meredith said. “I have something to tell you, James and it isn’t going to be easy.”

  James stepped closer and taking her face in his hands he leaned forward and kissed her deeply on the mouth.

  Meredith found she’d temporarily lost her voice. She cleared her throat and took James’ hand in her own. “Darling I haven’t been completely honest and for that I am sorry. Originally we came,” she said waving to her sisters who stood nearby, “to help Gwenth with her destiny, but it hasn’t worked out quite as we planned. Her fate is more entwined with the Fey then we ever imagined.” Meredith felt her voice and her nerve falter further, as she began to speak about the shape shifting, and of being witches.

  James listened as she began the tale of how she had come to be here. “I already know most of your story from Briok. At first I found it hard to believe what he told me, but I kept seeing his wings rising and falling and realized if the story seemed too farfetched, how would I ever explain his wings? But the part where I’m a God, that’s new. Briok said you thought it was my Anna who was the witch. The stories don’t match. Why? Then there is the part where I heard you say you helped Gwenth go on this journey to a faraway land. Is that true?” James felt his anger growing as he realized these women; these witches had played with his daughter’s life. He felt himself growing taller and taller; his head bumped into the rafters from where he looked down on Meredith. “Are you saying you are behind my daughter to be sent off alone to a dangerous world?”

  Meredith knew there was only one choice. To choose anything else would be to force her sisters into a position of protecting her, which she knew they would do to the death. She forced her body to grow and twist grotesquely in front of the man she loved. “Who are you to order me about, or try to frighten me like an old woman?” She pointed to his height; “this magic isn’t mine, but your own. How dare you mislead me for so long,” she yelled in fury at him.

  “Stop it right now!”

  James and Meredith both whipped their heads around and saw that Gwenth stood in the doorway of the sleeping room, her face was splotchy and red and the bodice of her blouse was clearly soaked from the tears she’d cried.

  James longed to leap over these women and grab up his daughter and hold her close. He wanted to protect her and take her away from here before the villagers arrived with sticks and fire.

  Gwenth’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Who are either of you to pass judgment anyway,” she yelled at them. “If it weren’t for you two, none of us would be in this trouble now. You broke the old laws didn’t you father. And you,” she said turning on Meredith, “you used us for your own ends,” she screamed.

  Suddenly Briok swooped down amongst them all. “Listen to me,” he shouted.

  James swung at the Fey, narrowly m
issing the boy.

  Briok tumbled through the air, barely slipping out of the way in the nick of time. He forced his wings to carry him back in the fray, while being careful to stay out of arms’ reach. He yelled at James. “Remember the villagers? They are still on their way, and if we do not get away now, we may never get away,” he yelled at the enraged James! Turning to each person in turn, he gave them a beseeching look. “Please if we don’t get away very soon, there will be nothing left to fight about and both your world and mine will suffer. Please,” he begged. His wings held him aloft before their eyes.

  Reval broke in, “What is this talk about the villagers,” she asked, from where she stood by the fireplace?

  In a flash Briok understood that James in his pain wanted the villagers to come, and take the women away as witches. Briok turned towards Reval and signed. “Your neighbor has claimed all who live here are witches,” he hesitated a moment. “I think it was the night I flew through the storm to get Gwenth here. I think she must have seen me,” he hung his head in shame.

  “Nonsense child,” Reval said gently. “Whether you were seen or not, is not the trouble, this witch talk is like a cancer upon the humans. They like to scare themselves and others with their talk of evil and they have long believed evil of anything inspired of magic,” she snorted. “That woman next door, I have met her, she looks for trouble, wants trouble to come, and if she cannot find it, she will make it up. It’s only funny this once, because her claim is true.” Reval snapped her fingers and a cane appeared. Pushing her weight down on it, she raised her great girth from the armless chair. She turned towards the group and snapped her fingers. “Now that I have your attention, you will all listen to me. Do you understand? We are going to work together to save the children and Gods willing we might get lucky and save both worlds, because if it doesn’t work Briok’s people will need a world to come too!”