by Heidi Hanley
“Future of Uisneach,” she finished for him, patting his smooth cheek. “I know, Sir Thomas. I’m not worried; I have three of Uisneach’s finest at my side. I’ll be fine.”
Lady Isabella kissed her cheek. “Our home is always open to you, and I certainly expect to get an invitation from the castle.”
For my wedding. Briana chased the thought away. “Thank you again for everything, Your Ladyship. I hope I haven’t driven you too crazy.”
“Not at all, Briana. You have been a joy.”
Briana hugged Claire one more time and said goodbye to the rest of the staff. Cailleach was last and smiled as Briana went meekly into her outstretched arms. As always, when she and Cailleach embraced, Briana allowed herself a moment to breathe in the comforting scent and aura of her mentor. She missed her mother, but she had Cailleach, and for that, she was grateful.
“Please check on Mrs. Jenks for me in a day or two. I wanted to do that before we left.”
“I will. Hardly any reason to say goodbye, but I will tell you to be safe, Briana. And behave yourself.”
“I couldn’t do otherwise,” she said, mounting Banrion. She leaned down to whisper to the witch, “There’s no one to misbehave with.”
Cailleach swatted her lightly, trying to hide a grin.
The sunny day was excellent for beginning an expedition. The horses whinnied and Dara barked. Following the road along the sea as far as it was safe to do so, they headed for Glengorrin, hoping to make Ratskillen by nightfall.
Not halfway there, the heavens opened. They decided to stop briefly in the village of Glengorrin to escape the downpour and rest the animals. The travelers also received a tankard of ale from the tavern owner, Broduer Pinkins. There was no new information on Shamwa’s whereabouts, but Sigel advised them that the Grays might be roaming around, looking for Briana or the boy.
The publican nodded. “We’ve posted sentries ’round the clock. Some of our men are getting ready to head for Ard Darach as soon as we receive word from you, Lord Sigel.”
“I’d rather you send small groups to different locations along the river over the next couple of days, in case we need your help,” Sigel said. “We’ll all try and stay hidden while making our way north. Lady Briana, can you check the map once before we leave, please?”
She opened the cloth and spread it on her lap. Seeing nothing, she shook her head. “Nothing. Not a stick figure anywhere.”
“Mr. Pinkins, we’ll meet your men in a few days,” said Sigel. “Take care and stay alert. We don’t want to lose anyone.”
Then they were back on the road again, traveling much faster with the horses than they had on foot. They did their best to move quietly. On a lonely stretch of road somewhere between Glengorrin and Dun Lura, a sudden shiver snaked up Briana’s spine and a voice whispered her name.
Briana. Come.
She halted Banrion and peered into the forest beside her. Mysterious energy flowed from the woods and surround her. “Sigel, hold up a moment, please. Did you hear that? Someone or something called my name.”
Sigel paused, frowning, and placed his hand on his sword. “It could be a trap.”
“I don’t think so. It feels… benevolent… trustworthy. I think I’m meant to follow.” What am I thinking? Look what happened the last time I followed a sound into the woods.
What happened, indeed? Magic and destiny happened, a kind, tinkling voice responded.
She didn’t wait for Sigel, but turned Banrion between two pines. Sigel and Epona followed, their swords ready. Briana didn’t touch Nua. Dara padded behind her.
Green light filtered through the forest like sun through stained glass. Banrion moved through the numinous grove and Briana drank in the serene beauty. Mushrooms sprouted in rows along dead trees and in chaotic masses on living trees, their pungent, earthy aroma filling her senses. Dewdrops hung precariously from fern fronds and shards of light glinted off the tiny cascades of a nearby brook. Yew trees spread out in a gnarly community of primordial grace. She expected any second for a faerie to appear amidst the tangled roots of the trees.
In the center of this arboreal enchantment, mantled in spectral light, stood a faerie tree, its purplish-black leaves bathed in pink mist, the little mauve and silver bells shiny with dew. The apparition took her breath away. Briana stood perfectly still, willing the emergence of a faerie, but no spritely face or body appeared. Where are the faeries? An odd energy floated between her and the tree, making her dizzy. She recognized an inexplicable sense of kinship with the entity. Dismounting, she stepped across cushioning moss to the base of the tree, growing more light-headed the closer she got. Her breathing slowed and deepened. Uilleann pipes issued a summons. Pulsating waves radiated around the purple and silver leaves, drawing her in. She felt the slow drumming of a bodhran, the tree’s beating heart.
“I have to go,” she said, sitting beside the tree and laying a hand on its skin.
One minute she was outside the tree, and the next she was stepping through a door and into another world. Circles of pearlescent stone spiraled down a verdant hill into a world of extraordinary color and light.
“Oh, my Maker,” she whispered, stepping off the last disc onto a mossy carpet in a whimsical forest, to the continued sounds of pipe and drum. Wobbling a little, Briana made her way through patches of four-leaf clovers and a wild array of mushrooms with bright caps to a green marble bench next to a sparkling pool of water over which hundreds of dazzling lights danced exuberantly. A profusion of colorful flowers with heady scents, ferns, bushes and trees vied for her attention. In the background, a full golden moon lit the sky, and music filled the air. Sensing another presence, she turned. Sitting beside her was… Tinker Bell? Well, not actually Tinker Bell, but an enchanting sprite in a short, form-fitting opalescent gown, whose body radiated light. She was pretty, with spiky, silver hair and round, cornflower-blue eyes.
Briana looked down to discover that she also glowed with a shimmering energy. Her clothes had been replaced by a long trailing gown of midnight-blue silk. She wore a necklace and earrings of peacock feathers, and a sterling crown etched with magical symbols. Her hair curled around her shoulders and down her back, decorated with tiny sparkles. Her toenails and fingernails were painted midnight blue.
“Who are you?” asked Briana.
“I am Teaguen.” Briana started to introduce herself, but Teaguen held up a delicate hand to stop her. “I – we know who you are,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye. “In fact, I know more about you than you do! We’ve been waiting for you.
“You are Briana, great-granddaughter of Catriona of Uisneach and King Kailen of Evalon. Welcome home to Evalon.” The music stopped, the lights ceased their flight over the pond and Teaguen smiled, encouraging all the other faeries to show themselves.
Briana choked. “Evalon! How did I get here?”
“All faerie trees lead to Evalon.”
All faerie trees lead to Evalon. She was stunned… then thrilled. She was… home. The word entered her mind as natural as breath. Evalon was her home and the land of her ancestors. Joy turned to anxiety.
“Where are my friends?”
Teaguen laughed, a sound like summer rain on a rooftop. “Right where you left them, and there they shall be when you return.”
Assured of their safety, Briana whirled around, taking in the color, sounds and spirit of Evalon. Ethereal wasn’t the right word to describe it, though it was ethereal. Otherworldly came close, but not quite. It was magical. The hovering glimmers were now landing all around her, assuming more solid, but shimmery form. Beautiful beings of various ages and appearances, all with a soft glow and joyful faces, congregated, eager to greet her. Flocks of silver-winged, snow-white birds with azure-blue eyes flew overhead, honking excitedly, dipping their wings in salute as they passed. Graceful black swans greeted her in English as they glided by on the pond. Red and black foxes with kits tumbled playfully, crazy-colored caterpillars crawled and butterflies with kaleidoscope win
gs fluttered by. A roly-poly porcupine with a bright red bow around his neck waddled by, and two cinnamon-colored bears jigged arm in arm on a gargantuan, moss-covered tree stump. Nothing in her previous life could have prepared her for this place of such extraordinary beauty. It made the Wizard of Oz seem flat.
“What am I doing here? Why was I called?”
“Evalon heard your wish to save the trees and we want to help. We are delighted to welcome you, High Lady Briana, Tuathla of Evalon.”
“Thank you, but I can’t stay. Since you’re familiar with the prophecy, you’re aware I need to go to the castle. And what’s a Tuathla?”
“All in due time, dear one.” Teaguen patted her arm with the affection of an old friend. “We’ll not keep you long away from your objective. However, it’s important for you to understand all the reasons for agreeing to your part in it. Uisneach cannot be saved without including Evalon, the source of all magic and beauty in the kingdom.
“It has been rumored for centuries that one of King Kailen’s offspring might come back, but no one knew if it was myth or truth. But, here you are and we believe you are that descendant. The tuathla, a princess of our people.”
Briana’s jaw dropped. “I’m a faerie princess?”
“Yes. But do not worry, we have not spirited you away to live with us. You have a much bigger part to play in Evalon and Uisneach history. You are the one who will reunite us all.”
“What do I need to do?”
“There will be much to do in the days ahead, but first things first, Your Majesty. We would like to properly greet you and give you the opportunity to meet those who will be helping you in your mission.” She waved her hand around. Tables appeared, the pipers and drummers who had been playing all along stepped forward, along with a small pixie in a green suit, carrying a fern-shaped fiddle.
A celebration ensued. Briana was offered little goblets of a fruity wine, as well as a smorgasbord of fruit, nuts, sweetbreads with icing and some petite sandwiches made from faerie cheese and summer vegetables. Several of the glamorous beings drew her into the unfettered dancing of Evalon, twirling and dipping, spinning and clapping, letting their bodies move in rhythm with the music.
Begging a break from the stout gentleman who repeatedly took her arm, she wandered away from the merriment to catch her breath. Teaguen accompanied her to a pair of ornate gilded chairs beside a small circle of crystal water. Gazing into the watery mirror, Briana was startled at the woman who stared back.
“Who is she?”
“You’re looking into a soul-reflecting pool. It shows you the essence of who you really are. Do you see?”
A most unroyal snort burst from Briana. “I no longer know who I am, so much has changed. I used to be a woman who loved nature and books. Period. Now, I find myself playing the part of healer, warrior and queen-in-training.”
“Those are only roles you play, masks you wear. You must let go of the expectations of others, take off the masks and be who you are, regardless of what service you are called to perform. Look again.”
The vision peering back was stripped of all labels, titles, duties and impersonations, leaving only the essential nature of herself: a masterful palette of personality and emotion, features strengthened by bravery, hardened by determination, made vulnerable by fear and softened by love.
“That is who you are, Briana,” Teaguen said, softly. “If you’re true to who you are, all else will fall into place. You will meet any challenge, master any role and conquer any fear using love as your guide. As in all things, milady, it must be balanced with virtues like responsibility, nobility and respect.”
“Well, that complicates things.”
“Humans are nothing if not complicated, but remember, you also carry our blood, which gives you the ability to go beyond the limits of human consciousness. You have magic, Briana that you are not even aware of yet. There are things you will discover about yourself and your abilities that will surprise you. Nothing is impossible, but everything must be weighed against the law of love and justice.” She gave Briana a knowing look. “Also timing. Maker has a way of working out all things in the fullness of time.”
Teaguen linked arms with her and led her farther away from the party to a quieter spot underneath a moon tree, named for the little silver discs dangling from its leaves, each revealing a silent, unique and beautiful face.
“So, now that you know about your heritage, we wonder, Lady Briana, how you plan on bringing the kingdoms together and saving the faerie trees?
“To be honest, I don’t know. The first step is to defeat Lord Shamwa and Artanin. Stopping the destruction is our primary objective. I’m hoping you can help us figure out what else we can do to repair the damage.”
Teaguen nodded. “They are evil men, to be sure, and must be stopped. You cannot replace the faerie lives lost, but at least no more will be taken. Perhaps we can restore magic to the kingdom.”
“And restore the trust between Evalon and Uisneach,” Briana added. “Wouldn’t it be great to have faeries coming and going as they pleased?”
“It would, indeed,” the sprite agreed. “I promise you, Evalon is ready to help in any way we can. We are so grateful that you’ve come and want to help us. We would like to respond by gifting you something in return.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“Oh, but it is. You see, what we’re giving you will help you restore the trees.” She held out her hand to reveal seven purple, eggplant-shaped pods. “These are faerie tree seeds, imbued with our magic. When the time is right, you are to plant these seeds wherever you like, but we suggest in places across Uisneach. They are our only hope. Well, that and the Evalon Runes.”
“Runes?”
“Enchanted runes were taken from Uisneach. They must be returned for magic to be fully restored. You’ll learn more about that later. The focus now is on saving the king and stopping the destruction of the faerie trees. Protect those seeds, milady. They are the future of a united Uisneach.”
Briana stared at the seeds with wonder. She held the hope of Uisneach in her hand. If only other things could be resolved so easily.
Teaguen smiled, her blue eyes warm with compassion, “Remember, it’s all in Maker’s timing. More important now is the focus on your heritage and purpose in restoring the kingdom. King Brath will help you with that.”
A frown creased Briana’s face.
“Try not to worry so much. All will be well. Time for you to go back now. Are you ready?”
“I think so, but one question. Is the Evalon in the other world this place?”
“Good question. The answer is no, it is not. The Evalon you refer to is only a human name attached to that parcel of land. This Evalon is the magical place beyond the physical realm. Faerieland, if you like.”
“Will I be able to come back?”
Teaguen shrugged. “Perhaps. It is Maker who gives light and energy to his great web and opens the door for all possibility.”
“Then I won’t stop praying for an opening.” She reached over and placed a kiss on the faerie’s cheek.
Passing by the reflecting pool, Briana looked one more time. She saw not only the reflection of her truest self but a second image behind it. Silas, she thought reverently, as the face of her brave, loving and equally as vulnerable hero assimilated into the reflection.
“Ah, so he is a part of your own soul,” Teaguen said, her eyes twinkling.
She heard Plato’s words echo in the hallways of her mind, “…when one of them meets the other half, the actual half of himself… the pair are lost in an amazement of love and friendship and intimacy and one will not be out of the other’s sight… not even for a moment.” Now she understood why those words had burned a hole in her heart when she’d read them years ago. Bittersweet arms of longing wrapped around her in shades of mauve and gray. Their love remained no matter the circumstances. Smiling, Briana followed her friend back to the hill and the portal she’d come through.
Teaguen stopped at the foot of the pearly stairs. “Good bye for now, High Lady Briana. Maker be with you.”
They embraced. “I could never imagine a place like this or someone like you. I wish we didn’t have to say good bye.”
“We are always in your heart. When you speak to us, we hear you.”
“Good to know. Good bye, Teaguen, and thank you.”
The faerie nodded. Briana tritzled up the steps and back through the door, leading to her other home.
She stirred and opened her eyes. Sigel and Epona were looking down at her. Jonathan was nearby, holding the horses. Dara stood at her head, a whining sentinel. She looked down at her body, at the plain trousers and tunic she wore, and made a disappointed noise. “Damn! I so wanted to keep the dress.”
“What dress?” Epona asked.
She clasped the hand that was offered to help her stand. “I went to Evalon! I danced with faeries! I have faerie tree seeds to plant.”
“You did what?” Epona asked, while Sigel watched her with peculiar intensity.
“All the faerie trees lead to Evalon! Hundreds of faeries live there, some big and others very small. I met one named Teaguen, who is pretty and wise and she told me… How long have I been out?”
“About a quarter of an hour,” Sigel replied.
“Fifteen minutes? It seemed like hours. Did you know, Sigel, that I am already a Tuathla of Evalon, a faerie princess? It is my heritage and part of my responsibility is to unify Evalon with the rest of Uisneach.”
His usual sternness vanished momentarily as he considered her words. “I don’t doubt it. Unifying the kingdoms is Brath’s goal, as well.”
“Really? I’m glad to hear that.” She meant the words, but knew they lacked enthusiasm.
“One day at a time, Briana. I may still call you that, I hope. Or must I now start calling you ‘Your Ladyship’?”
She grimaced. “I’ll never get used to being called by any title.”
“Well then, Briana, we need to leave if we’re to make Ratskillen by nightfall.”
