Fae's Choice

by Logan Byrne

  “What about when we get inside?” I asked.

  “The temple will likely have traps inside. The golems are the first defense, sure, but after all my studies I highly doubt that the guardians who created it would just allow an easy walk to the scroll once inside. What the traps are, however, remains to be seen,” Tyvin said.

  “Four of them,” Aidan said as he walked back into camp fifteen minutes later with four hares slung from a rope around his shoulder.

  “You hunted these yourself?” I asked.

  “I did. A woman needs to eat,” he said, smiling, his expression softening for one of the first times since we’d left.

  Aidan skinned and gutted the hares, and Tyvin blessed them for their sacrifice so that we might go on. It was so strange, seeing all these guys and how they were so vastly different from one another. Aidan had a fire burning inside him that I found sexy, but I also loved Tyvin’s morality and how well he treated all living things, no matter how insignificant they might seem. Adam was clearly tough, though I could feel his sensitive side from the fact that he’d forged me the dagger that now rested against my calf.

  “The meat is so tender,” Adam said as he ripped off a giant chunk of rabbit with his teeth.

  “Things taste different when you move away from the kingdom,” Aidan said.

  “I’ve noticed that when traveling with my mother. Maybe that’s something I should try to change. Our food isn’t bad, not in the slightest, but it could be better. Our people deserve the best,” I said, juices dripping down my chin.

  “I think that would be a wonderful idea,” Tyvin said, smiling.

  “Should we talk about our plan of attack for tomorrow?” Aidan asked, changing the subject. “I believe we can come up with a plan to make sure things happen smoothly and without incident.”

  “How do you propose we do that?” I asked.

  “We know the golems aren’t going to be affected by Adam’s elemental powers, so that takes crumbling them to rubble off the playing field. What we can do, however, is use our elemental powers to slow them down or throw them off balance,” Aidan said.

  “Like using my air elemental to blow them over,” Tyvin said.

  “Exactly, or even Adam’s earth to create barriers or shuffle the ground beneath their feet. The fact is, we aren’t stronger than them, that’s a given. No matter how strong we might feel, they weigh a few tons each and could crush us if we give them the opportunity. We can, however, outsmart them, and I believe that’s our only way to win,” Aidan said.

  “What about me? I’m not exactly swimming in powers yet,” I said.

  “We will need to use more than just elemental powers to take them down. I heard word a while ago about a spot that could defeat the golems. It’s on the back of their neck, in the crease between their head and body. If you could get your sword in there hard enough, it will blow their head right off and turn them into large paperweights,” Aidan said.

  “Adam, what do you think?” I asked.

  “I trust in what Aidan is saying. Every creature, being, or whatever you want to call these things, has a weak spot. Exploiting it is our best option,” Adam said.

  “Great. Once inside, I do require that we all stay together. Remember, there might be traps inside, and I don’t want somebody going off ahead and being struck with an arrow or poison dart. You can never be too careful,” I said.

  •••

  “We should probably think about getting some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow,” Adam said, as he stretched his arms and yawned.

  “We can convene at sunrise and pack up before moving out,” I said. “Goodnight, gentlemen.”

  “Goodnight,” they said in unison.

  I retreated to my tent, closing the outside flaps before sitting on my cot and unbuckling my boots. I wiggled my toes around after my boots fell off, finally letting them breathe before beginning to undress. I’d packed the bare essentials in my sack, a few changes of clothes that I thought would be enough to get me through my journey. I was hoping to get this done as quickly as possible, and I knew having too little clothes would be a great motivator to move along.

  With my back facing the door, I pulled off my sports bra, tossing it on the cot, as I stood there in my panties and pulled out a moisturizer my mother had given me that was made from the tears of mermaids. She said it was the best way to keep my skin hydrated, and with how long us fae lived we needed to take every precaution we could.

  “You forgot your—” Aidan said, stopping short as he walked into my tent. “My princess, I’m so sorry!”

  I turned around, my bare chest exposed, as I panicked and put my left arm across my breast. “What are you doing?” I asked, blurting the first thing that came into my mind.

  “You forgot your dagger outside and I didn’t want it to weather,” he said, looking down to avert his eyes from my body. I could see his conviction wavering, like he was trying to get a quick glimpse without blatantly looking at me.

  “Thank you,” I said, as he walked closer and handed me the dagger.

  “I’ll leave you be,” he said, turning away.

  “Wait,” I replied, stopping him in his tracks. I felt myself wanting him to come near. I’d never been alone with a man in this state, my body almost fully exposed. It was tantalizing.

  “Are we allowed to do this?” he asked, as if the police were going to break through the door at any moment.

  “This is the point of this journey, is it not?” I asked nervously, as I began to justify his staying to myself.

  “What about the others?” he asked, looking at the tent flaps.

  “You’re here now,” I said, extending my other hand. He grabbed it, and I slowly pulled him closer and handed him the cream. “Would you get my back?”

  “Anything,” he said, scooping some of the cream out and rubbing it against my skin.

  I could feel the heat of his hands against me, the dull heat growing stronger as he became excited. I released my arm, dropping it by my side, exposing my chest in front of me even though he couldn’t see. I was teasing him, and taking all the control.

  He rubbed his hands down my arms, the cream absorbing into my skin, as I felt his bated breath against the back of my neck. He grabbed my hands, interlocking his fingers with mine as if he were ready to take me. I turned around, my chest pressed against his, as I looked up at him and bit my lower lip. I could feel the fire and lust within him, as if I were feeling what was burning inside him, as he leaned in closer.

  He kissed me, my eyes closing as I felt myself become excited. Could I give it up so easily, on the first night, and with the others in their beds right next door? What would they think, men whom I genuinely liked and also wanted to be with? I felt like I was cheating on them, and I didn’t know why.

  I pulled back slowly, a gentle, nervous laugh coming out as I looked down. “Was it not any good?” he asked.

  “It was great. It might be too soon, though. I’m feeling conflicted,” I said.

  “It’s the others, isn’t it?” he asked. I didn’t feel any hostility in his voice, no anger, and as weird as it was, no jealousy.

  “Yes, it’s the others,” I said, letting go of his hands.

  “I will leave you for the night. The last thing I ever want to do is make you feel uneasy or uncomfortable. If we’re together, I want it to be because you wholeheartedly want to be with me,” he said.

  “I do, I just need a little time,” I said awkwardly, even though I felt horrible about stopping something that could’ve been amazing.

  “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, smiling, before turning around and leaving my tent.

  I pulled out my night robe and slipped it over my body before blowing out my light and slipping into my cot. I lay awake, looking at the top of the canvas tent, wanting to slap myself for being so stupid.

  How was I ever going to decide between these three men? Was it this natural to want all three of them? Part of me wanted them at the sa
me time. I didn’t think my mother had prepared me enough for this aspect of growing up fae.

  I needed to sort out my feelings before they sorted me out. Once these feats were over, I’d have to choose a mate, or forfeit my elemental powers and perhaps even the throne.

  The question was, how could I choose just one of them?

  5

  Using puffs of air to stop his descent, Tyvin came down the side of the rocky hill the next morning after scouting out the temple. “It’s up there, all right,” he said, walking up to us.

  “How many golems were there?” Adam asked.

  “Surprisingly, none. I didn’t see anything that even resembled golems of any kind hanging around or guarding the place. I think it’s a trap, though,” Tyvin said.

  “They want people to feel safe and secure before they appear,” Aidan said. “It’s a good wartime strategy, that’s for sure.”

  “How long do you think it would take us to walk the distance?” I asked.

  “Maybe an hour or so. The hills are winding and some of the walkways are thin. When they perched this temple up there I don’t think they planned on many people coming or going,” Tyvin said.

  “Then let’s move out and get up there while the sun is still heavily in our favor,” I said, slinging my sack around me before continuing to walk.

  We’d had a short morning, mainly filled with packing up our belongings and clearing out the camp. Adam was worried about people finding out we’d been there, so any hint of our passing had to be erased. He flooded the campsite with sand, even sinking the coals from our fire into the earth so that they wouldn’t be tripped over and found.

  I hadn’t told Adam or Tyvin about my encounter with Aidan, and I’d been a little cold towards him throughout the morning. Before I was so sure about choosing a fire elemental just like my mother had, but when the time came when I could actually be with one, I froze. Give it to a water elemental, or future water elemental, to freeze. Classic.

  I looked up at him as he led the pack, his back towards me. Tyvin walked by my side and Adam was in the rear, all of them on high alert after our encounter in the village. We weren’t sure who else was up here, other than the golems, and dying wasn’t on the agenda for any of us.

  “How are you holding up?” Tyvin asked, looking down at me.

  “I would’ve loved some better sleep, but I’ll be ready for the fight,” I said.

  “Oh, what was the matter? Too much on your mind?” Tyvin asked.

  “Something like that,” I said, as I noticed Aidan peering back over his shoulder at us before turning forward again.

  “Name yourself,” Aidan said suddenly, pulling out his sword and catching our attention. An old man with a thick, tall cane was walking towards us down the hill, a smile breaking through the wrinkles on his weathered face.

  “I mean you no harm, young ones. I merely am passing through,” he said shrilly.

  “What would you like to do?” Aidan asked, whispering, as he looked at me.

  “He could be a mountain troll,” Adam whispered.

  “I’m no mountain troll. Damn things are running rampant through these mountains. I heard they’re trying to claim anything rocky,” the old man said, stopping in front of us.

  “We were attacked by a swarm of them yesterday, so please excuse our hesitation,” Tyvin said.

  “Oh, I don’t blame you youngins. They’ve given me trouble before,” he said.

  “What are you, if you don’t mind me asking?” I asked.

  “Not a mountain troll. Does the rest really matter?” he asked.

  “We don’t mean you any harm, sir,” Tyvin said.

  “Our people haven’t had any problems before, fae. I just seek to pass and move on with my life, however much of it I have left,” he said.

  “Werewolf,” Adam said, shuffling his feet. “I can feel it in him.”

  “Well shit, yes, I am a werewolf, but an old one who doesn’t even have many teeth left! Oh well, such is life, I suppose,” he said, holding onto his big walking stick.

  “Be careful out here. There are a lot of unsavory types,” Aidan said, his sword still in his hand.

  “Are you four headed towards that temple? You must be on your journey. Surprised they would pick a feat like this for you,” the old man said.

  “How did you know?” Aidan asked, looking suspicious.

  “Boy, I already told you our people have no problems with your type. Do you think I don’t know about fae culture?” he asked grumpily.

  “We’re leaving. It was nice to meet you, sir. I wish you safe travel to your destination, wherever it may be,” I said graciously.

  “Don’t underestimate those golems. They might look oafish, but they’re mighty smart. Best of luck on your journey, and with picking one of these fine young men,” he said, before picking back up and walking off.

  “Let’s move. We have to make up the time we lost,” I said, hoping the guys didn’t pay attention to the last part of the old man’s sentence.

  We must’ve hiked for fifty more minutes before we reached the summit, where large brass bells hung from weathered white pillars flanking the entrance to the temple. I touched one of them, my fingers brushing the metal turned green from time, before Tyvin walked up and traced his finger across an inscription along the pillar.

  “To those who seek to pass, answer now to the golem’s wrath. If you are worthy, you may enter, but beware the tricks, the ancients lie.”

  “Quite a riddle, if you ask me,” Adam said.

  “It’s eerily quiet,” I said, looking around. A light breeze rolled through, flapping bright yet tattered prayer flags around us. The courtyard was empty, not a soul, living or stone, anywhere in sight. I looked for any sign of life, or a place for the golems to hide, but they were nowhere.

  “Maybe they’re taking a break,” Adam said, shrugging.

  “You don’t feel anything?” Aidan asked.

  “Not at all,” Adam replied.

  “Maybe we should make a break for it while they’re gone,” Aidan said, looking back at me.

  “Agreed. We all stick together, no matter what,” I said.

  The three of them nodded, and we all sprinted towards the entrance to the temple. It was a few hundred feet away across a stone courtyard with unkempt trees and flora scattered throughout. My hair blew back in the wind as I ran towards the large, open entrance. We were closing in when the ground began to shake.

  Rubble began to flow up from the ground, the dust acting as glue, as the golems formed right before our eyes. The cracks and crevices of the magnetic rocks fused together, making a smooth body that looked impenetrable. The four of us backed up as the heads of the golems came to life and we looked on in terror.

  “They are…big,” I said.

  “Are we ready to do this?” Aidan asked.

  “You dare attempt to pass us, fae?” one of the golems rumbled, looking down at us.

  There were four of them in all, at least that we could see, spread out around the perimeter. They held long stone swords in their hands, and dust and small rocks cascaded down their bodies as they formed.

  “We need to reach the scroll inside. Move out of our way or perish, golem,” Aidan said defiantly.

  “You are not worthy to read what is inside that scroll,” the golem retorted.

  “Yet I’m worthy enough to slay you,” Aidan said, pulling out his sword.

  “Attack the intruders!” the golem roared, and I felt my organs shake inside me.

  “Let’s do this,” Adam said, before stomping on the ground and pulling rocks from below. He pelted the lead golem in the stomach. Dust clouds billowed around him like a force field as his body stood stoically still.

  I pulled my sword from its sheath, leaving my dagger tied to my calf, as I assessed the situation and looked for a way in. Tyvin ran forward, blowing a gust of wind behind him to pick up momentum. He let out a grunt, jumping higher than I’d seen before, his body quickly flying in front of t
he golem’s face.

  He snapped his hands and arms forward, letting out a gust of wind with all his might, and the golem wavered a little. “Get under him!” I yelled to Adam.

  Nodding, Adam summoned the strength to push up under the golem, but it was only a couple inches. The weight of his massive body was too much to lift. It was enough, though.

  Aidan shot up a flame, blowing the golem in the face, as Tyvin floated back to the ground. “Shoot me up!” I yelled, and I started to run. Turning around, Tyvin extended his hands downwards, cradling my foot inside, before he sprung me forwards. I held my sword gripped in both hands above my head and yelled as I flew through the air.

  The entire scene was running by in slow motion until my feet touched stone and I found myself on top of the golem’s head. He brought his sword upwards, tornado-like winds forming from the force of the swing, before I ducked just enough to avoid being struck.

  “Use it against him! Let him hit himself!” Aidan yelled as another golem’s sword plunged into the ground next to him, sending him off balance.

  I stood on top of the golem’s head, slamming the edge of my blade into his stony skull, but only tiny rock fragments came loose. I wasn’t going to break through this thing, no way. His sword swung back around and I jumped hastily, the blade just skimming the top of his own head and slicing off a small chunk of rock.

  He was able to hurt himself.

  My sword was no match for them, even the guys’ elemental powers were no match, but the golem was the best weapon against himself. Better yet, he was the best weapon against the other golems, too.

  “I have a plan!” I yelled, as the guys fended off the other golems. Panicked, I jumped off his back, trying to dig my sword into him as much as I could to slow my descent. I hit the ground, shaking my head before jumping up and running towards the guys.

  “Are you okay?” Tyvin asked, putting his hand on my back.

  “They need to fight one another,” I said.

  “They won’t do that,” Adam said.

  “I mean they can hurt one another. The golem I was on, he skimmed his head with his sword and a chunk of stone came off. If we can trick them to hit one another, maybe by baiting them, we might stand a chance,” I said.