Cheeky. "But the truth is the Faeries can't really travel past the Cairns, can they?"
No. Any time spent on this side causes the Fairies great pain and prolonged time spent between the worlds has been known to grow madness.
"Interesting arrangement." I tried to sit up again and this time made it but not without Mike still supporting me. "Wish we had those kinds of safe-guards set up between the other worlds and ours."
"We did," Sam said as she scooted closer. "Before the Bulwark."
"I hear about that war all the time but I still don't know much about it."
"All we really know is the gatekeepers, or Sentinels, were destroyed. The edges of the worlds now bleed back and forth." She pulled at a tall blade of grass and yanked it up. "It's like a game of whack-a-mole. You fix one hole and two more pop up. The Ethereals are the worst at setting rules and then breaking them."
The Ethereals, or the Angels as we call them, have always wanted to rule the whole of existence. They have always held true to this ideology. They began the war and punished an entire realm for their transgressions. In the end, if they are not stopped, the universe will be swallowed up by them, and our realm, as well as the one you know as Abysmal, will disappear into the ethers of memory.
Hob feared the future he saw, and somehow with that realization came the knowledge the Fae had seen it in the waters between where we were and the gate. "So Alfheim isn't part of the Abysmal?"
No.
"And it's not part of the Ethereal."
No.
I didn't really know how to interpret that. I knew of five planes, or as Sam called them, realms or worlds. Was it possible Alfheim was in the Mental?
Mike put a hand to my forehead. "We've been here too long. You've got a fever. We need to get out of here."
"What about the dust?"
"Hob's agreed to give us some dust but he wants compensation. Not really for the dust itself, but for the damage your magic caused."
I swallowed as I looked at Hob. "I really did burn the Cairn, didn't I?"
No. Maab burned the Cairn. Your escape enraged the queen so she punished us. But I know what Maab's changeling did to you and what she intended to do. Your power cannot fall into the hands of the queens, not even the mad queen.
I looked at Sam who said. "The mad queen—is that what you call Maab?"
It is one of her names. But Maab is just a discomfort inflicted on the realm. She rules Alfheim's Obsidian Kingdom. There is a truly mad queen that rules this world. She is known as Charybdis.
I stiffened. That sounded like a Revenant name. "Hob, is she a Faerie?"
I don't know. But I do not believe they were born here. Their lands are far from Alfheim and they do not wander into the business of the Faerie. He glided over the grass and knelt in front of us. I would prefer a certain item from each of you. It will not cause you pain, nor will it hinder your release from the Cairn, which I can facilitate.
I pushed myself up into a better position and Mike adjusted his own seat behind me.
From Samantha, I wish only a strand of hair.
She frowned, shrugged and tugged a strand of her dark hair out. With a quick nod she gave it to Hob.
He turned to me but I somehow knew he would speak to Mike first. From you, a strand of hair also.
Mike did the same thing Sam did and handed it to Hob.
I reached up to yank a strand of my own out, but Hob held up a hand. From you, I wish a feather.
All three of us sort of sat back a little. I narrowed my eyes. "A feather? I'm not sure if I have one."
But you have many. A single feather from you would allow me to begin the mending process of the Cairn. Maab has abandoned it and will not return, but I cannot allow my home to wither away. It was not always a series of endless tunnels, Guardian. With it, I can rebuild it.
I held out my hand. "I understand and all, but, I don't have any feathers. I mean, you say I have many? Where?"
Hob tilted his head to his right shoulder and pointed at something behind me. From your wings.
URiSK
"What?"
The Fae glided up on his feet and held out his hands. May I?
I shrugged. "Sure?"
My back abruptly tingled. I sat up straight as a new weight pressed down on my shoulders. The weight wasn't exactly heavy—not physically heavy—but sort of astrally heavy. Not sure if that makes sense.
What I didn't expect was the look on Sam's face or the speed in which Mike scrambled away from me. What the hell was with them?
"That's just not possible…Hob, have those always been there?"
He is Ethereal as well as Abysmal. The left hand of Hell, and the right hand of Heaven. His soul has been claimed by a very powerful book.
Right…left…what? I shifted and twisted around to see what they there were looking at—
Sprouting from my back, through the shirt, was a pair of half-folded wings. Well the right one opened as Hob stroked it. It was a white wing, with feathers the color of new snow. On the left flexed a black wing with feathers that reminded me of a raven's. I tried to get away from them, but they followed me and they moved and folded and braced against other objects.
"Dags…be careful or you'll wrench the other shoulder." Sam hobbled over on her knees. "Just remain calm and put your hand in mine."
I did as she said to do. Her hands were warm and soft.
I wish to have a feather of each. Is that possible?
"Yes…please…just make them go away." It wasn't that I didn't think it wasn't cool; it was just frightening to me, to suddenly have wings.
Wings!
This would have been so much cooler in seventh grade! But right now?
"How come they're invisible?" Sam's tone pretty much mirrored the confusion I was feeling inside. "And how come we can see them now?"
I felt a slight sting somewhere in my left shoulder, and then my right. The sensation was similar to pulling a hair from my head…only he was pulling a feather from my wings… that just…who hit the ridiculous button on my world?!?!
Wings are a manifestation of the Guardian's duel nature. As I see it, it is an induced one, brought on by the concentration of essence in his chest. I see the wings even when he does not. But I cannot see the physical makeup of the light burning within him. Hob stepped away with a black feather in his left hand, and a white one in his right. Demonic as well as Angelic beings possess wings, though it is unclear why. As a defender of the worlds, the Guardian possesses both. They are not visible in your world because they do not exist there. But given the right control and power, they would, and he could fly.
I didn't understand any of that. I reached behind me with my left hand, but the wings were gone.
"So he could actually make them appear and fly?"
Hob laughed, or he made a noise that sounded kinda like a laugh as he placed the feathers in a small basket with the strands of hair. It would take a great deal of control. There are other creatures of a dual nature that can do this. I have heard of them but not seen them. Stories come to me here and I look into the waters sometimes.
I wondered if he was talking about the Wraith. Zoë Martinique. I'd seen her shift her entire body from sexy Latino to scary-as-shit winged thing. Was Zoë dual natured? Nona had said her daughter and me were created nearly the same way—but I didn't stay long enough for her elaborate. There was…unremembered history there. And an Angel with an agenda.
Mike moved behind me and slipped a hand under my left shoulder to help me to my feet. "Hob, it was a pleasure meeting you. But I think we need to get out of here."
You fear the physical repercussions of returning to your world. Neither you, or the Witch will require this time as you are protected by a Planar force. He turned to face me. You are the one that will suffer. You've sacrificed in this Cairn already.
"What does he mean you're going to suffer?" Sam narrowed her eyes at me. "What did you do?"
I ignored her and looked into Hob's non-face. "H
ob, are you angry at me because Maab burned the Cairn?"
He didn't answer at first and removed the silk sling from my shoulder and arm. I moved my arm around and closed my hand into a fist. No pain. No. I was concerned, but you've given me the means to make repairs. And since Maab's attention has now waned from this place, I do not fear her interference.
"Could she though?" Sam asked as she stood and Hob approached her and removed her sling. "Could she mess up what you planned to do?"
Hob nodded.
"I suppose there's nothing we can do to stop her?"
When Hob didn't answer right away I turned back to him.
The Fae abruptly turned into a puddle of dark, sparkling essence.
Faerie dust.
Take what you need. Behind you, Samantha, you will find bottles that will travel both worlds. But do not touch the dust itself.
Mike moved around me and helped Sam fill several of the bottles. They looked like glass with cork stoppers. Tear shaped. After they had three of them filled, using a few of the large leaves off a nearby tree as scoops, the dust shifted and became Hob again.
"So you're made of pure dust?"
Yes. All Cairns are created from creatures like me, and I carry the memories of those who were sacrificed. Hob leaned his head forward. I know what it is you hope to do, Guardian. And it is a dangerous gamble.
I took a step back immediately and looked at Sam. "You told him?"
"It was the condition for him helping us."
Do not be angry, Guardian. I am not your enemy. Though you have many here in this Cairn alone. Most are not so forgiving for the damage that followed you.
Great.
You asked if there was something you could do, and freely giving me a part of each of you is enough. But if you leave this Cairn, it will be weeks before you are well enough to perform the magic you wish to create the facade, and months after you arrived.
That sounded a lot like a riddle. But it wasn't. I understood him. When I'd been in the Cairn before for what I believed was just a few hours, two weeks had passed in the physical world. I suspected we'd been in the Cairn for a lot longer this time, so if we left it'd be months later and we—I mean I—would lose even more time recovering. From the looks on Mike and Sam's faces, they understood as well. I'd asked Thomas how to protect us from the physical problems, but it didn't occur to me to ask him how we were going to handle the difference in time.
"I'm assuming you have a solution?" Mike said.
Yes.
"What's the catch?"
Hob paused. Conversation.
"You want us to give you conversation in return for your help?"
Yes.
"Deal," Sam said before anyone could jump in. I followed up, and then Mike.
Hob gestured for us to come close to him. When we did, he led us to the water's edge and pointed at the still surface. Queen Maab celebrates the Wild Hunt with a dance near her home in the Obsidian lands. It is at this time she will be most vulnerable because she will be surrounded by her admirers.
The water shifted and an image of a grand obsidian castle appeared. I wasn't sure if that was supposed to be Maab's home or just a representation. The image pulled back to show a rolling landscape of dark clouds to the right over what looked like ruins. To the left the sun shown bright with white rays reflecting off of what looked like a glass lake and crystal trees. Was this Alfheim? I hoped not because it looked a lot like someone's nightmare.
"When you say the Wild Hunt, you mean the legendary hunt across the worlds where the Faeries search for humans with their hounds?" Sam got down on her hands and knees to look at the pictures.
It no longer represents the same, as the worlds are within borders, but the ritual still exists. My opinion is you will have the perfect opportunity to present Maab with the substitute mantle at that time. And in order to appear thankful, she will grant whatever wish you have. But the potency of the mantle will only last a few hours, measurements of time that only have meaning in your world.
"So you're saying it could fall apart right after we make it, or years down the road."
Precisely. Once she grants your wish you have to get back here as soon as you can. You have to come here and no other Cairn. Your time with her will give me the space I need to repair the Cairn and make a new gate. But to her it will appear as broken as she left it. Even she will not step through.
I heard something in his voice and looked over at Hob. "You mean she won't, but that doesn't mean she won't send Fae."
Hob nodded. But you should be safely back in your world by then.
Sam sat back. "Hob—we can't stay here that long. And you're talking about going physically into Alfheim. That's not a good idea. A Cairn is bad enough, but into the land of Faerie itself?"
I leaned to my right to try and catch some kind of hint in Hob's blank face as to what he wasn't telling us. "That's what you want the conversation for. You know how to cross without sickness or the movement of time?"
With the items you gave me, I can weave your essence into the Cairn's matrix. That will allow you to go back and forth without physical duress. But as for the time…I do not control it. And it's not predictable. You could step out a second after you entered, or a century. That is a risk you will have to take.
Mike said, "I'm willing to do anything to get my daughter back."
Hob looked at me. Release the spell and replenish your strength.
I did as he asked, imagining clipping the ties to Mike and Sam. The sparkling around them vanished and I felt better instantly. It felt like a weight was gone. Literally.
"Hob." Sam toyed with the crystal hanging from her earring. "I'm assuming we can walk in Alfheim as humans? Our presence won't sound an alarm?"
Fairies take very little notice of humans who wander into Alfheim even during the Hunt. Unless the intrusion happens on their lands, then the intruder is usually used as sport. Others will see you as part of the world and won't detain you. Getting in to see Maab will be the most difficult as her people will see you as little more than irritants. Whatever happens, do not let her guards take you to her dungeons. If you are held there, I cannot rescue you and those kept there are often forgotten, both in Alfheim and in the physical world.
"Great." Sam stood up. "What about Dags? Won't his unique abilities sort of show up on the magic-dar?"
Hob looked at me. While in the Cairn, Maab used her changeling puppet to toy with you. She suspected there was something different about you. But for her, it was like looking through a filter. Once you enter Alfheim you cannot use your magic. If you do, every creature in this world will know you're here and they'll be drawn to you like—
I held up my hand. "Yeah, yeah, moths and flame and shit. No magic."
Correct.
"So…I'd be going in there with no access to magic or any means to protect us?"
It is the only way to hide what you are. Samantha would still be able to use her magic. They do not view human magic as a threat.
Sam blinked. "I would? They don't?"
Not in their world. But your guns can do damage. I suggest using them.
Sam reached out and patted Mike's shoulder. "Looks like you're on point."
I have one more warning. Do not eat anything while in Alfheim. The food is created with the essence contained in the dust. Do not even drink water. Be aware not only of the temptation of food, but of the lure of the dust. One touch of that dust against your skin and you will be forever owned by whatever creature held it.
Got it. Don't eat, pray a lot, and love the idea of going home.
"Do we have a guarantee Maab's going to uphold her promise of a wish?" Mike crossed his arms.
She will have to. The Faeries are very serious about their oaths, and if she believes she has that mantle then you three will become less important, he looked at me. But this will only be true as long as she cannot see your power. In order for you to get away from her, you must return here. I cannot help you if you do not return to this
Cairn into my lair. If you try and return through the main entrance, you will suffer.
"And you'll get us back home with no problems?" Sam leaned her head toward Hob.
I will do my best.
"Why?" Everyone turned to look at me. I shrugged. "Sorry but why? Every weird ass creature I've met since I woke up to this existence has either tried to take my power, eat me, or kill me. Why are you helping?"
Hob hung his head. I am…lonely.
That…wasn't the answer I was expecting and I felt like shit for being such an ass. "Lonely?"
I live as part of this pool. As part of all the pools before the Cairns. I see what comes and what goes. They do not acknowledge me; they simply believe I am there to serve them. I have been lonely for so very long, with no one to talk to. When I saw the Cairn destroyed, I believed this existence would come to an end and I would find peace. But then I heard your footsteps and saw in the pool the spriggan chasing you through the remnants of the Cairn. I took a chance and made myself known to the Sentinel. Hob turned and looked at Sam who smiled at him. And she did not run in terror. She came to me and spoke to me, she thanked me and hugged me…when we pulled you to safety. He looked back at me. I am an urisk and I crave companionship. I see life go by but I cannot touch it. And you… he turned to all of us. You saw me as something more.
If I wasn't careful I was going to get teary eyed. To my surprise Sam opened up her arms and gave Hob another hug. His black form shimmered and I thought I saw features in that blank black face. Or maybe it was my imagination.
Hob pulled away. He looked embarrassed. I want to help you so that you will come back now and then? And talk to me?
Mike and I glanced at one another. I stuck out my hand to Hob. "How can we refuse?"
ALFHEiM
We had a plan and the stupidity to see it through.
Now all we needed was to make the mantle. Hob prepared an area for us. And by prepared, I mean he moved away grass, dirt and flowers until only stone remained. Sam built a fire in the center of the clearing, and then used one of the partially burnt pieces of wood to draw a pentagram around the fire. I sat to the side, trying to figure out how I was going to do this. Thomas put the mantle into the book, so how did I use it to make a facade?
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