Cautiously I raised the mirror and looked at myself once more. The large curls were gone, replaced by more braids, which were then braided in a thick plait down my back. It was definitely more my style. Smiling I handed the mirror back to Cassia.
“Thank you. It’s perfect.” She didn’t say anything, but I detected a small smile on her lips. I stood and crossed the room, rummaging through the wardrobe for some sort of footwear. My hiking boots had been carted off with the rest of my dirty laundry. “Cassia, are there any shoes in here?” I asked behind the muffled silks. Feeling someone’s presence behind me I moved thinking to give Cassia better access to the wardrobe. Maybe she’d be able to find things faster. So I was surprised when I was greeted by Cerus’ pale skin and blue eyes instead of Cassia’s brisk yet matronly countenance.
“Good morning” I smiled slipping my arms around his neck for a brief hug.
“Good morning Mother Alexa.”
“Do we have to be so formal? It’s weird to hear you call me that.”
“As you wish,” he bowed slightly, “however, in public I must address you formally. If I were to be casual it would be seen as a sign of disrespect.”
“I understand. So what are you doing here?”
“I have been assigned as your ceffyl gard. I am here to escort you to the Terra Council chambers.”
“What happened to Thorn?”
“Thorn is a herald, not a ceffyl gard.”
“Okay. What is a ceffyl gard?”
“I am a member of the royal guard. It is my job to protect you. With my life if necessary.”
“Well let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” I teased, “Can you help me find some shoes?”
“Shoes aren’t in the wardrobe, but in the trunk at the foot of your bed” he indicated with his hand, lifting the lid off a deep cedar trunk.
I spent a few minutes trying on and discarding several subsequent pairs until finally deciding on a pair of soft leather ankle boots. Slipping them on I stood and indicated that we should go. As we stepped into the hallway I turned to Cerus and started asking more questions.
“So when can I go home?”
“You are home.”
“When can I go back to the human realm? They’ve had to notice that I’m gone by now.”
“That is up to the Terra Council.”
“Why? I thought I was in charge?”
“Technically you are, but even though they’ve accepted you for who you are I don’t think any real progress has been made and I’m sure that they will have more questions for you today.”
“About what? Up until four weeks ago I didn’t have any idea the Fae existed, let alone that I was one.”
“Well I’m sure we’ll find out.” We had reached the council room. The council members were already seated and as one they stood, turned to me and bowed their heads. I suddenly felt out of place and slightly under-dressed.
“Hail Mother Alexa!” Zephrya greeted. Seven voices echoed her greeting.
“Good morning everyone,” I replied taking my seat on the throne. They remained standing, looking at me expectantly. I looked at Cerus who motioned for everyone to be seated. “Please be seated,” I mumbled.
“The first order of business today will be the fortifications along the eastern perimeter…” began Zephyra.
For several hours the council droned on about several mundane, albeit important orders of business. I zoned out and contemplated falling asleep. Poor Cerus. He had been standing slightly behind me the entire time. Taking a moment to look at each of the council members around me I caught the Summer Fae in the middle of a huge yawn. I’m sure there was a process involved, but I was done waiting for them to get to the point. I had questions, they were going to give me some answers.
“Can I say something?” I interrupted Zephyra. The Summer Fae perked up immediately. “First, I’d like to know who each of you are. Then I’d like to know why you need me here. If you’re going to talk about fortifications and fields then I can go back to the human realm, finish high school and stick to my plan.” I held my breath for several moments. There were several uncomfortable glances exchanged across the room.
“But, why would you want to go back there?” Terrestria asked.
“Because despite who my mother was, it is still my home. I can’t just abandon the people there that have raised me. I won’t leave them with no explanation, no story as to why I’m leaving and why I’ll never see them again.”
“You cannot leave yet,” stated Zephyra.
“And why not? You don’t need me here.”
“Because you’re training, although adequate, is incomplete. It is the understanding of this council that you attempted to use your powers to save a bunch of humans and the strain nearly killed you. Even last night you could barely stand.”
“I have to go back. My parents are expecting me.”
“I’m sorry, but that’s impossible. We can at least accommodate you on your first request. I believe some introductions are in order. It’s only fitting. You know Terrestria from yesterday. She is Earth Fae. To her left is Root, the Spring Fae. I am of course Zephyra, Air Fae and this is Blade, the Fall Fae,” each of the Fae nodded as they were introduced. Turning to look at the other side of the table Zephyra continued her introductions, “Blaze, from the Fire Fae, and Calefacto the Summer Fae. Aquamarine, the Water Fae and Graupel, from the Winter Fae. Together we make up the Terra Council.”
I waited until she was finished, nodding to all the Fae in turn and grateful to put names to faces. That is where my feelings of gratitude ended. They could not keep me here. “Thank you Zephyra.”
“You’re welcome Mother Alexa. Now let us get back to the business at hand.”
“Not so fast Zephyra. The business at hand is me. Here is what we are going to do. I am going back to the human realm. Cerus will remain in place as my ceffyl gard and will accompany me back there. In five days’ time I will return to begin my training. This will continue for the next seven weeks, until graduation. Then I will return to the Fae permanently. Have I made myself clear?”
“Mother Alexa I thought I had already explained that you can’t leave.”
“And I thought that you would show the Mother more respect than that,” I scolded her, “I am not asking this council’s permission. This is the way it is going to be.” I didn’t wait for her to reply. Instead I stood, nodded to the other council members and walked out of the council chamber, Cerus close behind.
“That was very foolish, Alexa.”
“I don’t care Cerus. Now take me back.”
“In a moment. There are a few people I’d like you to meet first.”
“Fine.”
“But you’ll have to change first.”
“Change?”
“You’re wearing fighting gear. My mother will never believe that you’re the Mother dressed like that.” And he escorted me back to my room where I changed into one of the sheer dresses that left me feeling naked.
“Is this better?”
“Much better,” Cerus breathed, “You look amazing.”
“Thank you. Let’s go. I want to get back to the human realm before dark.” With that Cerus took my hand and let me from the room.
We walked for a bit, weaving in and out of the different corridors, finally emerging on a wooded path and moving away from the royal quarters. I took the chance to look around. The woods here didn’t look much different than the woods in the human realm. I suppose the trees were a fuller darker green. There was no trash or evidence of people around. The animals were bold, knowing they were safe amongst the Fae and several curious squirrels, rabbits, and birds followed us.
As we continued to walk I notices small houses built amongst the trees. They reminded me of Hobbit holes, using the earth and what it had to offer rather than clearing everything out and building from the ground up like the Humans did. Soon a few houses became bustling streets and I noticed more and more Fae moving about. Every person was engaged. They were tending small gardens, and off in the distance I caught glimpses of larger fields full of flowers, wheat, corn, all sorts of fruit and vegetables.
“Welcome to the Spring tribe.”
“Is everyone always so – busy?”
“Spring tribe has two jobs within the Fae realm. First they are the main producers of food for all Fae, and second they lead the Fae army.”
“The ceffyl gard? What does that mean any way?”
“Horse Guard.”
“Like Calvary?”
“Something like that” Cerus grinned.
We walked on, passing a few more streets before stopping in front of what looked like a giant mound of flowers. The colors were stunning. I could see simple daisies, roses, tulips, lilacs, gladiolas, bluebells, and so many others that it was hard to name them all. It was beautiful. Turning toward Cerus I was about to ask him where we were when a door opened and a tall pale woman emerged from within.
“Cerus!” she exclaimed pulling him in for a warm embrace.
“Hello mother” he replied, kissing her on each cheek. “This is Mother Alexa,” Cerus indicated, “and this is my mother Grace.”
“Welcome Mother Alexa” she turned to me dipping into a curtsey before hugging me tightly as well. “Thank you for bringing Cerus to see me.”
“I should be the one thanking you for raising such a wonderful person.”
“Come in, come in. I was just about to sit down to lunch.”
“We can’t stay long mother.”
“You can stay long enough to eat.”
Not wanting to argue we followed her in. Her home was much larger on the inside than it looked. One hallway led to a cozy bedroom. There was a warm and inviting sitting area and the largest kitchen I had ever seen. Copper pots of every size and shape were suspended from hooks in the ceiling. There was an old fashioned pot-bellied stove squatting in the corner. A well used oak table was set with simple clay dishes. We sat at the table and Cerus’ mother began to dish food onto our waiting plates.
First was some sort of cold soup. It tasted like an exotic blend of fruits and berries. This was followed by a savory risotto with truffles. It was rich and creamy and I was sad when my bowl was empty. Lastly she placed a small bowl of fluffy chocolate mousse in front of me. For the rest of my life, every other dessert would pale in comparison. Soon the meal was finished, the dishes cleared and we moved to the sitting room.
“Thank you so much Grace. It was delicious” I remarked.
“You’re very welcome Mother Alexa.”
“Please, just call me Alexa. Better yet call me Lex. All this ‘Mother’ stuff gets a little overwhelming.”
“As you wish, Lex” she smiled hesitantly. I could tell that my request made her uncomfortable.
We chatted for a few minutes about the usual trivial things. I discovered that Cerus was an only child. Grace was in charge of the royal kitchens, that we had met at her house because she didn’t want the first time we met to be while she was working, and that Cerus’ father had died when he was very young, and although Grace was proud that he was a ceffyl gard she was also worried that her son would die young like his father.
“How did he die?” I asked.
“It was in the great divide, the first war with the Shadow Fae” Grace answered.
“I’m sorry.”
“He died with honor. There is nothing to be sorry about.”
I turned to Cerus, “I wish you could have known him better.”
“In a way I do” he replied, “He was your mother’s ceffyl gard. I am following in his footsteps.”
“Excuse me” Grace said, rising quickly and leaving the room.
“Did I say something wrong?” I asked Cerus.
“No. Talking about my father is hard for her, even after all this time.”
“What happened?”
“Your mother returned to us after your father was killed. She was still pregnant when she arrived. The Shadow Fae attacked shortly after you were born. My father helped your mother to escape. Together they hid you in the orphanage. However, it wasn’t long until the Shadow Fae found them again. My father died while fighting them off so that your mother could run. It was futile though. There were too many, and once he was overtaken it was a matter of minutes before she was cut down as well.”
I heard Grace, softly crying in the hallway. Standing I walked to her and wrapped her in my arms. “Thank you. Because of your sacrifice I’m still here. I promise you I’ll make it up to you.”
“Just keep Cerus safe.”
“I promise.”
We embraced once more, Cerus joining us for a group hug. Laughing and crying we said our goodbyes and soon Cerus and I were heading back to the royal compound. I located Cassia, retrieved my old clothes and together we headed back to the portal between the realms.
Chapter 10
Meet Them In The Open
We emerged in the forest to hear various people shouting our names. I turned to Cerus. We looked too clean. Whatever story we concocted would not be believed. As if reading my mind we began to streak dirt on our clothes, hair and faces. Then I took a few steps, perfecting a limp as if I had sprained my left ankle. Nodding in approval Cerus took my arm and we began our hobbling limp-walk toward the search party.
“We’re here!” Cerus shouted in reply.
Soon we were surrounded by Fish and Wildlife officers, police, and various other volunteers. We were wrapped in blankets and give bottles of water to drink. I was carried out on one of those orange rescue stretchers, Cerus clutching my hand perfectly playing the part of worried boyfriend. Together we stuttered through a crazy, yet believable story. We snuck off at campfire for a few moments alone to just look at the stars. I tripped over an exposed root and fell down the bank into the river, which swept me along so far from the camp. Not wanting to lose me Cerus jumped in and helped me to shore. We spent the night, freezing and huddled together before slowly starting back toward camp, crippled by my ankle it took us almost the entire day. Truthfully the chaperones were so grateful that we were alive that no one questioned us too closely.
I was carted off to the nearest ER, where Richard and Nancy were anxiously waiting for me. After a typical long wait the doctor finally released me, told me to keep my ankle wrapped and to stay off of it for a few days. It was a pretty shoddy diagnosis considering that there was nothing wrong with me at all. Once all the paperwork was done, we piled into Richard’s car and headed home. Grateful to be home, when I didn’t think I would ever see Richard and Nancy again I didn’t argue too much when they insisted that I was grounded and should spend the next few days convalescing at home. We pulled into the driveway and I hobbled my way inside and up to my room.
“Lexi, you’ve got a visitor!” Richard yelled up the stairs.
Soon Sam was booming up the stairs, bursting through my doorway and plopping onto the bean bag. “I can’t believe that worked! So, what happened, was the Terra Council cool? What’s next?”
“The Terra Council was – interesting.” I recounted what had happened, detailing my test and subsequent collapse, the next day and all the mindless droning and finally the news that I would have to be back next weekend for training. “I’m hoping that between now and then I can come up with a new plan. I don’t think Outward Bound is going to cut it anymore.”
“Just tell them the truth.”
“It’s not that simple Sam. The truth could get them hurt.”
“A lie always hurts more. They’re your parents, Lex. They deserve to know” he stood, giving me a quick kiss on the forehead, “Glad you’re still around. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
It was full dark now. I snuggled into my familiar blankets and just listened to the sound of the late spring night. Maybe Sam was right. Maybe I should just tell them everything. It was a conversation that I didn’t even know how to start. With a sigh I rolled over letting sleep claim me.
* * * *
I was able to talk my three day sentence down to two and soon found myself on the way to School. I needed to talk to Cerus and after this last weekend Richard and Nancy were less than pleased with him, making his visits awkward and brief. After two days to think about it I was starting to agree with Sam. The only way I was going to be able to please both sides was to tell everyone the truth.
“Absolutely not” Cerus disagreed with me over lunch.
“Why? And don’t bother telling me that it’s too dangerous. My life is dangerous now. They deserve to know why.”
“The human realm and the fae realm are meant to be separate. You know better than anyone the dangers that occur when they are mixed.”
“They’re meant to be separate, but they’re not. I’m not. I belong to both worlds. Richard and Nancy need to understand that I will always love them. Don’t ask me to lie to them anymore.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea. But I trust you and I will support your decision.”
“Good. Thank you.”
“When will you tell them?”
“Tonight, at dinner.” Once I made that announcement to the universe the rest of the day was spent in what felt like warp speed. Before I knew it school was out, my workout with Cerus was done, and I was helping Nancy set the table.
“Cerus will be here soon.”
“I’m still upset at that boy you know.”
“He didn’t do anything wrong. It was my idea to leave camp.”
Earth Child (Romance Novels of The Fae Realm) Page 8
