Patcoena cleared his throat. “Well, I think this is marvelous news. Obviously the King came to you because he wanted you to know that you could in fact absorb his power and live from the experience.”
“I’m not sure,” I said. “It sounded like he was trying to make me believe in mind over matter. I think he came to me because I was ready to give up and just die right then and there. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but that whole experience last night had me doubting myself and my abilities.”
“You said he sounded hopeful though?” Machall asked
“Yes, he did, but I just can’t shake the feeling that this is going to be a million times more difficult than I thought.” I replied. “I also think he was trying to prepare me for what may lie ahead. I mean it wasn’t as bad as I thought, but it certainly wasn’t easy.”
We all fell silent as we ate our breakfast. I couldn’t tell if they were all truly happy to hear that the King had come to me, or they were just trying to gloss over my sense of foreboding. Either way I knew that something had shifted inside of me. It wasn’t just the power over the element of fire that I now had, but a sense of seriousness and fear now firmly resided inside of me.
I realized that for a long time I had tried to brush everything off with humor or a desperate attempt of trying to keep some form of normality in my life. I knew now that I couldn’t do that any longer. I had thousands of people counting on me. Many of those people I had gotten to know and the thought of letting them down was almost sickening. This war wasn’t just about a battle for the people on the Isle of Skye but for the Fae of Fairlia as well.
Patcoena suggested I take a shower while they cleaned up from breakfast, and I was grateful for the escape. I said a heartfelt thank you to Jeremiah for grabbing my backpack and dashed into the washroom. I scrubbed my body and washed my hair twice before finally stepping out into the little bathroom. I stared in the mirror for several long minutes at my reflection before finally throwing on my jeans and a long sleeved green shirt. I pulled my wet hair into a bun and took a few minutes to do a light application of makeup.
When I finally emerged from the bathroom, my stomach turned into knots at the sight of the three of them waiting for me. I grabbed my bag and waved Machall out the door so I could perform the spell to conceal Jeremiah, Patcoena and Me.
Even though we were invisible, I could still see Jeremiah and Patcoena. I let out a small giggle when I saw Jeremiah kick Machall in the ass as we made our way outside to where he stood.
“Very mature Jeremiah,” Machall snorted before walking on a pine needle laden path between the tall trees. I quickly realized our footsteps were echoing and performed another spell to cover our rather loud shuffling of feet. We strolled along for about ten minutes before I saw Machall stiffen and held up his hand. Even though, I knew we were concealed I dragged Jeremiah and Patcoena over behind a small clump of bushes.
Lord Braonan appeared a few seconds later. He may have only been of medium height and build but being here in his realm I could now sense the power that emanated around his frame. His curly dark brown hair and hazel eyes were cautious but friendly as he greeted Machall. I could see just a flash of his dimples before he began speaking.
“I have to say I’m surprised to see you Machall,” Bran said. “I was convinced that you would keep a low profile until Fonn got in touch with us.”
“That is why I’m here,” Machall said. “We need to talk Bran. After everything that went down on the Isle of Skye, I have to admit I am now extremely uneasy to say the least.”
“I know what you mean,” Bran agreed. “I had no idea that he and Sabine were going to break down the barriers and let the Rau on the island. I thought they were just going to kidnap Willa, make her find the Fae Sanctities, steal her powers and let her go.”
“Truly you’re not that naïve?” Machall asked. “Fonn has no intention of letting Willa go nor does have any plans to let the Gypsies remain alive.”
“This has all gotten so damned screwed up,” Bran sighed. “I have no desire to be part of any of this.”
“What does have he have on you?” Machall asked. “What has he threatened you with Bran?”
Braonan let out a sharp laugh. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.”
“We cannot let Fonn do this Bran,” Machall said. “We have to pledge our allegiance not only to the Queen but to the Gypsies as well.”
“I’m not sure if I can do that Machall,” Bran said. “I think it’s too late for any last minute change of heart. Besides, I’m not sure who I fear more, Willa or Fonn.”
I froze when I heard him. Was he kidding? Did he think I was worse than Lord Fonn?
Machall laughed. “Surely you’re not afraid of some young girl.”
“She’s not young,” he answered. “She’s a grown woman with amazing powers. You heard what she did to the Rau. She killed over five hundred bloodthirsty vicious vampires in a matter of minutes. Can you imagine what she will be capable of when she has the Fae Sanctities?”
“What if I were to tell you that I knew in my heart that Willa has no intention of using her powers for anything but good?”
Bran looked off into the forest and shook his head. “I’m not sure I can risk putting the fate of my people in her hands because you have a gut instinct.”
“But you will sacrifice the fate of the Gypsies who have done nothing to any of us?” Machall asked. “Do you believe Fonn will be satisfied just to overthrow Sidra? He will want to rule all of Fairlia, and I bet everything I own that our heads will be on the chopping block after the Queen.”
Bran stayed silent, and Machall continued. “Do not be so ignorant Bran. The fate of your people lies not with Lord Fonn but yourself.”
“I wish I could believe you Machall,” Bran said. “Correction, I wish I could believe in you and Willa.”
I knew I could not stay silent any longer. If we were going to convince Bran to be on our side then, it would be better coming from me. I was just about to step out when I saw Machall make a gesture behind his back. I knew he wanted me to stay hidden. I rolled my eyes but decided to trust his judgment.
“I swear on my life that if you decide to throw your lot in with me then I will make sure nothing happens to you or the people of the Earth realm.” Machall said sincerely
“How are you going to do that Mack?” Bran asked. “You’re powerful, yes but not as powerful as Fonn. I realize Sabine is dead, but he has another witch and a warlock on his side.”
I looked at Patcoena. His face showed he was just as shocked as I was. Fonn also had a witch and a warlock up his sleeve? What Bran had just told Machall was news to all of us.
“But he still doesn’t have the Fae Sanctity,” Machall said
“You mean the Fae Sanctities?” Bran asked his face scrunched up in confusion
“Sorry my mistake,” Machall said. “Listen Bran, all I’m asking is for you to think about what your actions may cause for many people, not just of your realm, but of every realm and dimension.”
“You know Cal is with Fonn?” Bran asked. “There’s nothing you can say that will convince him otherwise.”
“I understand that but think about it Bran,” Machall said earnestly. “Willa is powerful and if she obtains the Sanctities then not only will she be the ultimate weapon but she will also have the Queen of the Fae and the Queen of the Gypsies on her side. Throw in a couple hundred Guardians of the Solas and then Kelvin’s royal guard and what you have is a pretty impressive army.”
“If we were to side against Fonn, then it would tip the scales in our favor,” Bran said thoughtfully. “But that’s only if Willa can find the weapons.”
“What if she already has?” Machall asked
“Impossible,” Bran said. “There’s no way she could come into any of the realms without us knowing.”
“I have heard from a very trusted source that Willa broke Mathias out of jail several days ago. They also discovered paintings that Patcoena painte
d of the Fae Sanctities and where someone had hid them. They could’ve already snuck in here and have the weapons at their disposal as we speak.”
I could see that Bran was pondering what Machall said, and I felt hopeful when he finally turned to him smiling.
“Why was Mathias, who is so highly regarded, in jail?” Bran asked
“Haven’t you heard?” Machall asked. “Mathias is not just a Guardian of the Solas. He is also part Rau, part Fae, and part Gypsy. Apparently the Queen found this out when his eyes started glowing red after he killed Sabine.”
“Jesus,” Bran breathed. “No wonder he always scared the shit out of me. I thought maybe the Queen found out that her granddaughter mated with him.”
“That is of little consequence to us,” Machall said dismissively. “The only thing that is important is who side you’re on when the war starts. I agree with you on your assessment of Willa that is why I am throwing my support behind her. She’s far more powerful than any of us combined I think.”
Bran had looked thoughtful before he answered Machall.
“You know I still haven’t forgiven that son of a bitch for stealing that serving wench away from me six hundred years ago.”
“Was that the one with the…” Machall started to ask, cupping his hands in front of his chest
“The most beautiful set of breasts ever to be seen?” Bran finished. “Yes, that was the one.”
“What do you say we go back to your place and get pissed?” Machall said. “What’s that saying in America? It’s five o’clock somewhere?”
“Damn Americans,” Bran grumbled. “They always seem to have a set time for everything. Don’t they realize that life is way too short? Well, for them I suppose time is limited.”
Bran and Machall had laughed for a few seconds before Machall patted him on the back. “You go ahead, I’ll be right behind you. I just need to send word to the wonderful people that run my kingdom for me that I will be out of the castle and realm for a bit.”
“I’ll get the bark brandy ready for you.” Bran said
“Oh Christ, you know I hate that stuff.” Machall grimaced
Bran flashed his dimples once more and teleported off into the trees. Machall hurried over to where we stood.
“Patience, my dear Willa,” he said. “We don’t want to show our hand too soon.”
“I know but I just thought if I could talk to him and he heard my side then maybe he would be more inclined to agree right away.” I answered
“I know but trust me on this one, ok?” Machall asked. “Now listen, you need to go to Woodlia and find Holly and Forrest. Tell them everything. I’m sure they will offer help in finding where you need to go to absorb the King’s power. If you feel up to it and can travel right away, ask them to escort you to the Air realm. The only people the Sprite's trust is the Nymphs, so it is imperative they accompany you.”
“Do you think they’ll know where to look in the Air realm?” Jeremiah asked
“Oh yes,” Machall said. “There is no way Cormagglia could’ve been in the Air realm and placed that much power in one spot without the Sprites knowing or even helping.”
“What about you?” I asked. “Should we wait for you or is this the last we’ll see of you for a while?”
“You should be so lucky for me to leave you alone,” Machall remarked. “No, I’m going to get Bran swimming in his cups of bark brandy so that when you do locate the King’s power here in the Earth realm, his senses will be too dull to feel the energy that you will unleash.”
“Was there a charge in the air when Willa was in the cave, Machall?” Patcoena asked
“Yes, it was quite something,” he said. “Stay with the Sprites until I get there. After that we’ll go to the Water realm together. I do not under any circumstances want you to go there without me.”
“Why the sudden change?” I asked. “Before you said, just don’t seek out Cal and you’ll be good.”
“I guess you’re all growing on me,” he grinned. “Just trust me on this.”
“OK,” I agreed. “Have fun getting wasted.”
“I’m sure it will be fantastic,” he said before giving us all a quick nod of the head and teleporting off to the same way Bran went.
“Do you know where the entrance to Woodlia is Patcoena?” I asked
“I do,” he said. “Shall we?” he gestured and offered Jeremiah and me his hands. We shot through the air and landed outside a wooden gate a few minutes later.
“They have a gate?” Jeremiah asked amused
“All are welcome unless you mean to do us harm then we will suffocate you with our branches,” I read. “Lovely.”
“I think you should do the talking Willa,” Patcoena suggested
“You know you don’t have to prod me on that suggestion,” I replied. “It’s truly what I do best.”
I walked confidently to the gate and grabbed the large knocker to pound on the wooden surface. A small window opened and a thin, man with bright red hair snarled at me. “What do you want? We do not allow any unauthorized visitors. If you would like to make an appointment, you can email the Nymph council with your request.”
“I am Princess Willa, daughter of the Princess Cecily of the clan of Skye and Prince Cormac of Fairlia. I am also the granddaughter of both Queens Winifred and Sidra.” I announced. “I do not need to make an appointment my good man.”
“I’m sorry Princess Willa,” he said solemnly. “I did not mean to speak to you so rudely.”
“It’s cool…umm?” My voice trailed off in question
“Fern,” he answered. “My name is Fern, your highness.”
“That’s a great name Fern,” I said sweetly. “I am here to seek an audience with Holly and Forrest Woods. It is of the utmost importance that I speak to them. I also would appreciate it if you would treat this request with discretion and urgency.”
“Yes, yes of course,” he answered. “One moment please your highness.”
I was expecting the whole gate to swing open, but a cleverly disguised small door popped open within the wooden gate. Fern smiled nervously as he gave me a respectful bow. “Welcome to Woodlia.”
“Thanks Fern.” I said
“I will call Holly and Forrest at once,” he said before rushing off into a small hut.
“Princess Willa?” Jeremiah asked. “Did you have to give him your lineage?”
“It worked didn’t it?” I retorted before turning my attention back to the scene before me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my first sight of Woodlia did not disappoint. There were hundreds of different trees scattered everywhere. Maples, Elms, Pear, Palm and Cherry trees dotted in and out of larger evergreen and Sequoias.
There were many different varieties that I had never even seen before as well. Almost all of them had houses that looked like mushrooms beneath them, and there were RV’s scattered everywhere. The village looked like the ultimate hippie commune as I noticed people walking around with flowing clothes and long hair.
I squinted as I caught a glimpse of something going from tree to tree. I realized with delight that it wasn’t animals but small children and even some adults.
“Jeremiah, are there people swinging from trees or am I losing my mind and my eyesight?” I asked
“Yes, yes I believe children and people are swinging from branches.” Jeremiah answered slowly
“That’s how we get around,” Fern explained as he joined us. “Since a wood Nymph’s soul is tied to a tree when we come into this world, we use them in every aspect of our life.”
“Oh…my…God,” I said. “Oh, she is in for such a world of hurt. I’m going to bake a Tarzan cake for her birthday. I’m going to buy Tarzan shirts to wear. I’m going to redecorate her bedroom with a Tarzan bedspread and curtains. Polly is pretty much going to want to kill me.”
“Polly?” Fern asked. “Polly Woods? Do you know her?”
“Yes I am almost embarrassed to admit that she’s my BFF.” I answered
“Oh...well...Umm,” Fern stammered. “Tell her I said hello when you see her. Can you also tell her that I was a big help to you?”
“Do you have a crush on Polly, Fern?” I asked. “Let me give you a little piece of advice, run as far away from her as you can whenever you see her.”
“I second that.” Jeremiah smiled
We all laughed as Fern’s face turned bright red. I looked up as I saw two figures came swinging towards me. When they dropped down a short distance away, I smiled. I would’ve known who they were anywhere.
Forrest Woods was a tall, thin man with overlong shaggy black hair that had gray sprinkled throughout. He wore black leather pants that fit him like a glove and a long denim shirt that was opened halfway showing his hairy chest and a considerable amount long gold chains.
Holly Woods looked like an older version of Polly. She was petite and skinny. Her dark hair was a funky mullet; Joan Jett circa 1980’s hair style, and her face was fully made up with enough metallic makeup for a chorus line of showgirls. Her ripped jeans and black t-shirt had seen better days, but she pulled it off with finesse.
They both came to a stop right in front of me and dropped to a low curtsy. I was amused at their formal welcome for a split second until Polly’s mom straightened and opened her mouth to speak.
“So what the fuck kind of trouble did that girl get herself into now?” Holly demanded
Chapter Six
“Oh... no,” I said. “That’s not why we’re here…”
“If it’s not one thing, it’s another with that girl,” Holly said. “This is your fault Forrest.”
“This is my fault?” Forrest asked. “Why in the bloody hell is it my fault?”
“It’s your fault because you wanted to raise her in this loosey-goosey style of parenting,” Holly said. “I at least tried to enforce rules.”
“You tried to enforce rules?” Forrest laughed. “Well, that’s news to me.”
“We’re here for another reason entirely,” I tried to interrupt but Holly and Forrest ignored me. They were so caught up in their little squabble I think they forgot we were standing here.
The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* Page 72
