Empyrean: Return of the Fire Faery

by Twyla Turner

  “HEY!!!” Daegan blurted out, interrupting me before I could finish my offensive sentence. “We should really keep moving forward,” he suggested as he thrust his silver horn between the two of us, effectively separating us.

  “Fine.” Rafe gritted out.

  “Fine!” I shouted.

  Rafe once again took the lead and Daegan fell back behind me as we continued to walk. We all remained silent as we made our way through the majestic landscape. My rage calmed exponentially as I took in the always calming splendor of Empyrean. It was hard to stay mad when surrounded by so much magnificence. In fact, a tiny bit of fear nagged at the back of my mind. Fear that I’d have to go back to Earth, and it would be extra dull and dreary in comparison to the vibrancy of this place. But I didn’t see how I could stay either.

  I probably won’t want to stay anyway. Not once I find out whatever it is the Oracle has to tell me, I thought and sighed audibly.

  From what the mermaids said, you may not want to be anywhere. None of us will, Daegan thought honestly. A tinge of fear in his thoughts.

  Yeah… I agreed, unable to say more.

  The closer we got to Faerien City, the more anxious I became. After several hours, we stopped near a sparkling pond for a break and a drink of water. Daegan took a drink from the pond and then began to graze a few feet away. Rafe split some bread in half that was in his satchel and silently handed me one-half. I took it gratefully.

  “Thanks,” I said quietly.

  “You’re welcome,” Rafe nodded.

  We ate in silence. Neither of us was ready to apologize or bend in our views of the other.

  “Brrr!” Daegan trotted up to us after a while. “I can feel the arctic blast coming from this general area,” he teased, coming to a stop in between the two of us.

  “Shut up, Daegan.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Breaks over. Let’s keep moving. We’ve only got a few more hours left before we get there.” Rafe said as he pushed himself off of the grass.

  I cringed at the thought of having to walk for another couple of hours. My favorite combat boots had quickly turned into my most hated pair as the days went on. They were heavy with very little cushioning on the inside, and I was beginning to feel a new set of blisters forming.

  “Uh…Daegan, I think I’m ready to ride again. My feet are killing me. Is that cool?” I smiled sweetly at the unicorn.

  “Sure,” Daegan said without hesitation.

  After I removed my boots to keep from irritating his flanks, he kneeled down so that I could swing my leg over his back. Daegan stood, and I grasped his mane. I adjusted myself uncomfortably, still sore from the previous day’s ride. I tied my shoe laces together and placed them around my neck, letting the boots dangle in front of me.

  “Well, we can get there a lot faster now, if you’re up for a run Daegan,” Rafe suggested.

  “Always,” Daegan responded, his muscles bunching in preparation underneath me.

  Rafe unfurled his wings, the blue, dazzling in the sunlight. He flapped them a few times and then shot into the air. I raised my head up to follow him in awe, but then Daegan took off like a bullet, and I had to concentrate on staying seated on his back, instead of the faery soaring through the air.

  I knew Daegan could go faster with less wind resistance, so I leaned forward, almost flush with his shoulders and neck, like a jockey during the Kentucky Derby. I clutched his mane tightly and laughed happily as he pushed even harder. My curly red afro-puff and coiling tendrils blew as the wind whipped past us. We flew through the colorful Hikari countryside with Rafe just ahead of us, leading the way and darting through trees and other foliage.

  About an hour later, Rafe slowed next to us, and Daegan decreased his speed from a gallop to a trot.

  “Faerien City will be just over this rise,” Rafe informed us.

  It was approaching evening as we walked up the grassy hill covered with an array of vivid flowers. As we came to the top of the hill, I gasped, and my eyes widened.

  “Oh my God!” I exclaimed breathlessly.

  “This is Faerien City. My home,” Rafe said proudly. The blue of his marking had turned a pretty azure tone, giving away his happiness at being able to show off his stunning city.

  The view before me, Rafe’s home, was a forest and city somehow combined. In the waning light of the sun, I saw a glowing city made up of trees. Trees larger than any I had ever seen. Larger than the Redwoods on Earth. They were as tall and as wide as buildings in a major city. And they were apparently used as such.

  Each tree had a doorway or entrance. Glass windows were installed in carved openings of the trees, going up to the very top. Artificial light from lamps and sconces illuminated the insides of the buildings and shone through the windows. Some trees had sturdy metal bridges between them, leading from one tree to another, with lights going across to lead the way.

  The forest floor had pathways weaving between the tree buildings. The walkways were well lit with path lights. The whole city had a golden glow to it. Everything about it seemed magical. And the faeries just added to it.

  My eyes bounced back and forth as I tried to take in everything. Faeries were everywhere, an addition to the beauty and vibrancy of the city. Some flew by, zipping past trees and dipping under bridges. Others walked along sedately, as they enjoyed the evening and chatted with each other. The faery children ran or flew haphazardly, almost crashing into the adults or buildings and giggling happily. Their iridescent wings made of light were an array of colors. Blue, like Rafe’s. As well as green, white, pink, yellow, and purple. And just like the mermaids, the faeries came in an assortment of skin colors.

  I was especially astounded by the mixture. Every picture or drawing of a faery, mermaid, or similar mythical creature, had pretty much all been white. But on Empyrean, there was a conglomeration of everyone, all spending time together. It was beautiful.

  Who would’ve thought? I asked in awe.

  Aside from me and my own kind, only on Earth do people of different skin colors fight and hate each other. Daegan informed me. Among the unicorns, there has never…ever been a black unicorn. So, even though it hurts, they just don’t know what to do with me. It’s not like that anywhere else in Empyrean.

  “Come. Let’s go see my parents and the Oracle.” Rafe interrupted our silent conversation.

  “Why would we need to see your parents?” I asked.

  “Because you have to get permission from them in order to speak to the Oracle,” Rafe answered.

  “Oh.” I frowned, wondering exactly who Rafe’s parents were.

  Rafe dropped down to the ground and walked along beside us as we descended the hill into the city. As we approached, many of the faeries stopped and looked on curiously at me, the human girl, seated atop the raven unicorn. None of them looked afraid or disgusted, which I thought was a good start. Rafe nodded to a few faeries but continued to lead us through the towering tree buildings.

  I noticed on closer inspection that just like any city found on Earth, some of the tree buildings housed businesses. Places to eat, shop, or obtain services. Other trees were designed to be the dwellings of the faeries. They seemed to be a technologically advanced culture. But their advancements had less to do with electronics and more to do with mechanics. To me, it all seemed a lot like steampunk. The gold, copper, and silver exposed gears and pulleys that I spied within and outside of their buildings and their almost Victorian, yet modern fashion.

  Like Rafe, each faery had markings. Whatever color their wings were, so were their patterns. And every design was unique to that individual. The women’s markings were more feminine, with swirls and curlicues. The men’s definitely had a more masculine and tribal look to theirs. And everyone’s hair, no matter if they were blond, brunette, or black-haired, had a streak or highlight to match their wings and skin pattern.

  I was on sensory overload. My eyes would be drawn to one thing and then get distracted and dart to another. And although I was a stranger to th
is land and Faerien City, and the faeries were looking at me curiously. I still felt an unnerving sense of belonging that I didn’t understand.

  Finally, we stopped in front of the largest tree, right in the heart of the city. I slid off of Daegan’s back and slowly looked up at the magnificent building. Slightly smaller tree buildings made a semi-circle around the larger one in the center, and they were all connected by bridges and walkways. The big tree in the middle and its smaller outbuildings had no bark, like the other trees in the city. These trees had been sanded down, and stunning swirling designs had been carved into the wood. I realized that it was the faery equivalent of a palace or castle, with the smaller outer buildings acting as turrets.

  In front of us were the palace steps, leading up to massive double doors made of wood and stained glass. Guards stood on either side of the doorway. They wore beautiful shining silver armor and held spears in their hands, with swords at their waists. Their wings were unfurled and at the ready.

  One was a female and the other a male. She had skin of coppery brown that made her yellow markings and bright marigold eyes stand out even more. Her hair was straight and pulled back in a ponytail. A streak of yellow shot through her dark tresses. The male looked of Latino descent. His color was pink. From the bright tips of his spiked hair, his stunning jewel-like eyes, the masculine design on his skin, and his shimmering wings; all were a vibrant pink.

  I had noticed the night before, how the blue in Rafe’s markings moved like water. So right away, I picked up on the yellow markings on the female’s skin. How they moved like the rays of sunshine. And the pink in the pattern on the other guard’s skin moved in a swirling motion.

  I stared curiously at them as they stared right back at me. I realized how rude I was being and turned away as I felt a flush creep up my cheeks. The guards weren’t exactly threatening, but I knew they were no one to mess with.

  “Sabeen. Ugo.” Rafe said their names and bowed his head as he passed them.

  “Prince.” They said in unison and bowed deeper at the waist and then opened the door for him.

  My mouth dropped opened at the word ‘prince’. I looked at Daegan, and he looked just as surprised. I quickly threw on my boots and then followed Rafe inside, but stopped and turned back when I realized Daegan wasn’t following. Rafe stopped as well and looked at the black unicorn.

  “It’s alright, Daegan. You can come inside. There should be enough room in the great hall for you.” Rafe assured him. “I have a feeling you’re just as much a part of whatever the Oracle needs to say as she is.” Rafe nodded his head in my direction.

  “Alright then,” Daegan said.

  He walked up the stairs, his hooves clipping lightly against the stone steps. Together the three of us walked inside of the tree palace. As usual, I gaped at my surroundings. I wondered if I’d ever stop being in awe of this realm and its creatures.

  The floor looked like melted silver with liquid gold swirls shot through it. The pale wood of the walls had been sanded down, smoothed and varnished to show its natural beauty. Giant portraits and colorful paintings were hung on the walls with lit sconces in between each one. I spied a portrait of Rafe but didn’t want to be rude and stop to inspect it. A double curving staircase led up to the next floor, and the ceiling above displayed a beautifully painted mural and elegant chandelier.

  We walked through the grand foyer, past the elegant staircase, and up a few steps to another set of massive double doors and guards. The guards bowed to Rafe and then opened the doors to what looked like a great hall. Several faeries were gathered inside, each waiting to speak to the two faeries that sat in ornate chairs on a raised dais. I knew that they must be the Faery King and Queen. Rafe’s parents.

  His father, the king, was blond and fair with emerald green eyes, markings, and highlights in his hair. The queen’s dominant color was purple. The color complemented her olive skin tone and dark tresses. And her eye’s shone like amethysts. I could see that Rafe got his size and facial features from his father and his dark hair and slightly darker skin tone from his mother. I wasn’t sure how the color system worked, though. With his dominant color being blue and theirs green and purple. I filed that question away for later. Among the many other questions I had.

  Rafe walked forward, and Daegan and I followed. The crowd of faeries parted and stared at us inquisitively, as we came forward towards the raised dais. A low hum of excited chatter traveled around the large room. The king and queen looked at their son and new quests with interest.

  “Ah son, glad you made it back safely.” The king greeted. “We’ll talk later about what you found during your scout. First things first. I see you’ve brought back guests,” he observed politely.

  “Good evening, father.” Rafe bowed respectfully. “Yes, I had made camp for the night, when these two stumbled upon me yestereve. This is Imogen, and this is Daegan.” He gestured to us respectively.

  For lack of anything else better to do, I curtsied on trembling legs. My nerves were frazzled, unsure of how we’d be received. The words ‘off with her head’ kept playing over and over again in my head.

  “Hmm…a human girl in Empyrean and with a black unicorn. What an odd combination.” The Queen spoke for the first time.

  “I thought the same thing, mother.” Rafe agreed. “But Imogen says that the mermaids brought her to Empyrean and told her that she needed to speak to the Oracle. That Imogen could help both our worlds. Apparently, the black unicorn just so happened to be there when she appeared and offered to bring her here.” Rafe explained further.

  I glanced from Rafe to his parents, surprised that he hadn’t thrown me under the bus. It had been obvious that he didn’t trust me. So it shocked me that he didn’t badmouth me to his parents, resulting in my head getting lopped off.

  “How peculiar. It’s certainly an interesting story.” The queen commented. “Then I suppose we should get them to the Oracle right away. The sickness is spreading, so we don’t have much time to waste.”

  Sickness? I thought with trepidation and looked over at Daegan.

  It’s the same as what the scout in Unicris mentioned. Something big must be happening if they’re talking about it here too. Daegan stomped his hoof in agitation.

  I don’t know if I wanna talk to the Oracle. I think I just wanna go home and hide somewhere. I thought frantically.

  It’ll be okay, Imogen. I promise I’ll stay with you no matter what. Daegan reassured me.

  Thanks, Daegan. I took a deep breath and focused once more on what was happening in the great hall.

  “The Oracle lives under the protection and care of the palace. She has been with us for some time, so she is not as agile as she once was and cannot come to us. So we will go to her.” The queen explained as she got up from her throne. She came forward and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Don’t be afraid, my dear. No one in Faerien City will harm you, I promise.” The queen soothed.

  “T-Thank you, your H-Highness.” I stuttered.

  “Please, no need to be so formal. My name is Aviana and my husband is Yaron.” The queen offered as she gestured to her husband who had come to stand beside her.

  “O-Okay,” I said self-consciously.

  Aviana leaned forward to look over at Daegan. “So...Daegan?”

  “Yes, madam?” He bowed his head politely.

  “I must say, your coloring makes for a striking and quite beautiful unicorn. Your family must be so proud.” She smiled sweetly at him.

  “If only you knew,” Daegan said cryptically.

  He obviously wasn’t ready to tell the king and queen that his family thought he was evil incarnate. I figured he didn’t think it would go over very well.

  Aviana and Yaron guided us through the great hall to a door that led outside. We walked across one of the lower bridges that connected to one of the smaller trees. It, of course, was not small by any normal standards, but next to the main palace tree, it looked tiny. The bridge was lit by small lanterns that hu
ng along the railing. The sky above had darkened, and the colorful Aurora Borealis moved through it hypnotically.

  A guard standing outside of the door bowed deeply to the royal family and then opened the door for us. The interior was cozy with bright, comfy chairs and cushions. The lighting inside was golden and warm. And it was still large enough to fit all of us and a unicorn, with room to spare.

  I looked up, and there was a spiral staircase that ran up the entire inside of the tree. Carved into the wood were shelves and there were hundreds upon thousands of books that appeared to go on forever.

  “Please, have a seat. Make yourselves comfortable, while I get the Oracle.” The king offered kindly. “Rafe, will you come help.”

  “Yes, father.”

  Both men released their wings and shot up through the middle of the spiraling staircase. A few minutes passed and Aviana and I sat in deep cushioned chairs as Daegan stood beside me.

  I heard voices and then looked up to see Rafe and Yaron holding the arms of an older female faery as they assisted her flight down to the bottom floor. Her wings were too weak to carry her down alone.

  The Oracle was beautiful. Her skin drooped a bit, and faint lines accented her eyes and mouth, but she still looked phenomenal for someone that was over eight-hundred years old or even ninety in human age. She had medium brown skin and features that seemed very Indian to me. Her coloring was unlike any of the faeries I had seen thus far. Her markings were gold. As were her eyes and all of her silky hair that came down to her knees. I was mesmerized.

  The Oracle looked directly at me as soon as her feet touched the floor. “I’ve been waiting for you, dear girl.”

  My eyes widened with shock. “Me?!”

  “Yes. You have the potential to save us all.”