by J. M. Kearl
“You don’t know what?” the Night Fae asked.
“How to kill a shadow creature. I was talking to my cat.”
“Watch out!” she suddenly screamed.
A massive black creature on all fours slowly stalked toward us. Shadows danced around it, black claws dug into the snow, bat wings protruded from its back and red eyes peered at me with malice. My heart lurched as the shadow creature lunged at me. I swung my sword. It sliced through nothing but shadow. I whirled around to the beast back in solid form snarling at me. It then set its red eyes on the Night Fae woman. Its long canines dripped with saliva.
She inched closer to her sword, pawing at the snow. It moved at her with surreal speed, she screamed. I pulled my knife and threw it. It stuck in its side this time but when it poofed into shadow the blade fell.
I darted to her sword and tossed it to her. “Tell me how to kill this thing!” I hollered when it reappeared shifting from solid to nothing.
“Catch it fatally in its solid form or fire,” she said as if it pained her to speak. I noticed the snow around her was deepening in red.
A low snarl rumbled in its throat. My heart raced at a dragon’s speed watching it move closer. I ran at it this time, bringing my sword down with a hack. It shifted. Its huge paw hit me and sent me flying into a tree. When my back crashed all the air left my lungs. I gasped but it hurt to take in the cold air.
The creature turned back to the Night girl. It didn’t want me. It was after her, a wounded prey. I realized then I could leave, and it wouldn’t follow. I could be safe from this thing if I left. The Night girl’s sword shook in her hands as the beast made its way for her.
I pushed myself to one knee, still barely able to catch my breath. My back throbbed as I took out my bow and knocked an arrow. Closing one eye I set my sights on the beast’s temple. It lunged for the Fae, I let out my breath and the bowstring twinged. The Night girl cried as the beast collapsed on top of her, dead.
Gideon hopped down from the tree and landed beside me. “Nice shot.”
Finally, able to take a deep breath, I made my way over to the girl and pushed the shadow creature off her. My arrow went straight through its brain. Not seeing anything else ready to attack us, I dropped to one knee next to her.
“You killed that creature for me. You should have left,” she said, staring bewildered.
Clearly our morals were completely different. Without warning her, I cut the stitches open. I didn’t have time to hang around and tell her that I had a moral compass when other Fae apparently didn’t. I dug my fingers in and grabbed the piece of kirune. She didn’t even flinch. I pulled it out and tossed it to the ground. Standing quickly, I jerked the arrow out of the shadow creature’s head.
She put her palm over her wound. “Why did you help me?”
“Because it was the right thing to do.” I wiped the arrow and stuffed it back in my quiver. “Come Gideon, we need to move on.”
Quietly chanting, her palm over her side wound started to glow. I suspected the Fae would have the power to heal themselves. Most magic-born humans couldn’t. I noticed though, that she kept one hand on the tree and where her palm was turned the tree bark black. Debris fell onto my head. I looked up to find the branches wilting and the needles going from frosted green to brown.
“Are you taking energy from the tree to heal yourself?” If she were, that could be a game changer for my own people. With magic-born’s ability connected to their physical strength it was limited.
With a questioning expression she said, “Of course.”
“Is it a spell?”
Her eyebrows knitted together. “It’s a Night Fae’s ability to siphon energy to heal.” She stood and placed her sword in its sheath. “Good luck, Snofury.” The corners of her mouth tugged up. “I hope you win. We could use a Fae like you ruling at Court. Someone who would choose to save a life rather than take one for personal gain.”
I nodded once and took off on a jog. It was long past dark before I stopped to rest and build a fire. I’d found a small alcove in a rockface to block the cold and provide some shelter. Wolves howled in the distance. Growls and rustling and snapping branches nearby made my skin crawl. I had my bow and sword on my lap. I wished I could feel the comfort of my magic buzzing within me, but it was more evidently empty than ever. The night made everything scarier, intensified every sound. Gideon’s huge eyes kept a keen watch. He could see better in the dark.
“I will be the lookout if you want to rest,” Gideon said, his eyes now searching the trees. I hoped there was nothing ready to pounce.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep but I’ll try.” I took out the pot and boiled snow, tossing in a warming tea pack that Bastian gave me. My toes and hands were stiff and achy. Once the hot liquid touched my lips my body warmed. I briefly wondered what herbs they used. My mother would love the recipe. A hobby of hers was collecting plants and finding their uses. Gah, I missed her. Tears stung my eyes thinking of her warm smile. I felt like I hadn’t needed her in years but this moment showed me how much I was still a little girl in need of her mother. Maybe part of me always would be. I wished she were here to hold me and hum a song like she did when I was younger. Tomorrow was my birthday and I was sure my absence would hit her harder then.
“You will see her again, Princess,” Gideon said gently.
I wiped the frozen tear on my cheek and took another drink of the tea. “It’s rude to read people’s thoughts you know.”
“I cannot help myself.”
I finished my tea and leaned into the rock behind me. For the next couple hours Gideon told me stories I’d heard many times over the years but I loved the comfort of them. Times of my mother and how she became Queen. Of my father and the night Gideon helped him sneak into a Hesstian camp to save her during the war. I think that was his favorite story. He’d told it the most times over the years. I fought to keep my eyes open but the popping and crackling of the fire lulled me to sleep.
20
Zyacus
Pointing at the wall where the painting of a waterfall hung, Pixie said, “Servant’s passage.” She grinned and nodded her head vigorously.
“I knew Pixie would come in handy,” I said to Aric.
Aenea had gotten him a bottle of blood the day before and when we woke this morning, another full one sat by the door. Guess she didn’t want him losing control and going on a killing spree. Although his eyes were now red after chugging the entire thing, the anxious lines on his face had disappeared. He even smiled at me. “So, we’re to be servants now? My, how far two princes have fallen.”
Taz was by the fire again. He’d even slept on a blanket next to it. “We should be out in the woods helping Visteal.”
Clearing his throat, Aric said, “Aenea said they have barriers to keep people from interfering. We literally can’t go help her.”
“I already tried to get through, Taz, as did you.”
“I know but there’s got to be a way around it. There’s almost always a way around it,” Taz said and scratched at his bronze head.
I had stewed all night trying to think of a way to get past the invisible wall. I attempted to use the appearus spell and couldn’t get through. I hit it with magic and my spells bounced off and did absolutely nothing. “Exactly why I’m getting out of this room. I’ll find some answers and get an update on Visteal.”
Shooting to his feet Taz said, “I’m coming.”
Pixie slapped him on the cheek. “No. Stay. Human die.”
“You heard her.” I pulled at the edge of the black-framed painting and it opened to a dark hallway. “Unless we can find a way to make you look like a faerie, you stay.”
“You don’t look like one,” Taz said. He pointed at Aric, “He might, but you don’t.”
I touched my wolf pendant hanging under my shirt. “But I am.”
Plopping down on my shoulder, Pixie patted my head. “Him faerie. Him bootiful.”
I chuckled and Taz rolled his e
yes. After sitting down on a bed and folding his arms, he said, “Fine I’ll stay here. Bring me back something to eat.”
Aric, Pixie, and I stepped into the servant’s passage and made our way through the cold, twisting halls. After making a couple wrong turns Pixie finally found the kitchen. I pushed open the door to loud banging, people yelling, and the sound of sizzling meat; it had to be breakfast time.
A pair of dark-haired women smiled at us as they walked by with trays of food in their hands. They both wore plain white uniforms. We needed to change. “Where do we find servants’ clothes?” I asked Pixie.
She flew and we followed to a corner room where stacks of clothes were folded. A man with huge black curling horns protruding out of his head nodded. “Mornin’ boys.”
“Hello,” I said and grabbed a set of clothes.
“Only a couple more days of this,” Horns said. “It’s worth the pay.”
I was fairly sure he was trying to hype himself up more than trying to make conversation. It had to be difficult dealing with these Fae pricks. “It will be worth it,” I said with a nod.
Horns sighed and left the room.
Both Aric and I changed into white pants and long-sleeved tops. I tied the black apron behind my back and turned to Aric. “How do I look?”
“Like a faerie peasant.” He chuckled. “Me?”
“Good, and same.” I glanced around the room. “I need something to hide my face a little. If Nightfrost sees me… we don’t want that.”
“You better not let that prick steal your girl.” All the humor had left his face. “This entire competition is to be his wife.” he dropped his voice so low I almost couldn’t hear. “The prophecy says she’ll be the wife of a powerful faerie. It worries me, Zyacus.”
My cheeks warmed with frustration. Aric and I had both avoided talking about this since we arrived in Faerie, but now that it was so close, we couldn’t avoid it any longer. I smiled to hide the anger that comment brought. “I won’t.”
Darting to a corner, Pixie came back with a white hat with a brim on the front. “I guess that will do.” I set it on my head and Pixie climbed into the back collar of my shirt.
“Go,” she said and hit my neck. It stung a little.
We made our way through the kitchen. No one even looked our way as we passed. Servers came in a door with empty trays and others went out the same door with full ones. “That must lead to the banquet hall.”
I picked up a tray with drinks on it and tried to balance it with one hand like the others. It wobbled and I quickly grabbed hold with my other before I dropped everything.
“First time?” a girl said and picked up a tray next to me and swung it around with one arm like nothing was on it.
“Uh, yes.”
“Don’t drop anything,” she said with a wink.
Holding his tray with ease Aric said, “Just use a little magic to keep it balanced.”
“Good thinking.” I summoned my magic and held it steady. Pushing through the door I stepped out to hundreds of Fae sitting at tables. A woman sang on stage with a haunting melody. Surrounded by a ridiculous number of guards, the King, Queen and Prince sat at the head of the room. Nightfrost looked half asleep with his head rested in his palm. I briefly wondered if I could get to the King and do the job myself so Visteal wouldn’t have to. I could spell right behind him, slice his throat and it would be over with. Then again if it were that easy someone would have done it by now.
“Table three needs refills,” a man said in passing.
I had no idea which was table three, so I stood by the wall like an idiot, wondering what the hell I was supposed to do. Did I drop off drinks at random? Did I look to see if their glass was empty? Growing up as a Prince made me realize how unequipped I was to handle this. I was talented at many things but this? This made me look incompetent. Aric was already out weaving between tables, making this appear easy. How does he know what to do? He’s a prince, too.
Poking her head by my ear, Pixie said, “Take drinks. Must not stay here.”
Horns stopped beside me and leaned his back against the wall. “I’ll be so glad when this is over. Dealing with all these lords and nobles is a pain in my tail. One of them just threw her drink in my face.”
I glanced down and noticed he did indeed have a tail and his face was dripping wet. “I can’t wait for it to end either. Have you heard any updates? Who’s ahead?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Don’t know who’s ahead but I heard two of the Chosen died last night.”
A stabbing pain hit my chest. “Who?” My mind raced. It couldn’t be her. Aenea would have said something right?
“I don’t know names. One was a half Fae. I know that.” He shrugged as if it meant nothing to him. A lady at a nearby table waved at us. The man groaned. “I’ll get this one. You better take those drinks.”
Half Fae. My chest was heavy all of the sudden. I spotted Aenea and her father at a table. Even though Aenea told me to stay in the room I think she would understand my reason for being down here. I stepped out from the wall with the tray and maneuvered my way between tables. When I reached Aenea, I set a drink down in front of her.
Then I waited for her to look up. After a moment of me standing there she turned her head. Her eyes doubled in size. “What are you doing here?” she hissed.
“Is she alive?”
She cut me a glare. “Yes, now go.”
Thankfully, her father didn’t seem to notice me. He was too preoccupied with the woman singing on stage.
“How do you know? I heard two of them died last night.”
Somehow, I hoped Visteal and I were connected enough that I could know. That I would somehow feel it if she passed on or was in grave danger.
With an angry growl she said, “It wasn’t her.”
When the Winter Prince appeared out of nowhere in the seat next to Bastian, I stilled and lifted my tray of drinks higher to block my face. Had he seen me? I peered at him through the glasses.
“Where is she? I haven’t gotten an update,” Nightfrost snapped.
Bastian glanced around. “The last she was spotted was when she saved the life of one of the Night Fae. That was before nightfall yesterday.”
Nightfrost hit the table, rattling the silverware and drinks. “Her ridiculous compassion is going to get her killed.” His voice was surprisingly quiet after that outburst of anger.
“As far as we know she’s still out there and well. I am sure she’ll be spotted soon.”
Does Aenea not know if she’s dead? They don’t seem to know where she is at all. So as not to look suspicious by standing there like a statue, I slowly passed them moving toward the next table still in earshot.
Shooting to his feet, Nightfrost snarled, “If I don’t have an update soon, I’ll snap your neck, Bastian.” He whirled and hit my tray, knocking the drinks to the ground. “Get out of my way you incompetent fool.”
I dropped into a squat to pick up the broken glass, praying to the gods that he wouldn’t see my face. His boot collided with my side and a burst of pain hammered me. Grinding my teeth to keep from yelping, I fell onto my elbow, keeping my face turned. My side throbbed and I was almost certain he broke a rib. Even taking in a breath brought searing pain. Gods what I wouldn’t give to get up and fight the prick.
“What are you doing just lying there?” Nightfrost snarled. “Clean this mess up!”
Pushing through the pain, I began gathering the glass onto the tray and then wham. His boot heel cracked me in the face, sending me into the legs of the nearby table; it collapsed on top of me. The Fae who’d been sitting at it squealed. Aside from the throbbing ache, blood trickled out of my nose, and I felt my lip already swelling. But I stayed there with the table on top of me, hoping he would leave.
Pixie crawled onto my chest. “Almost crush me,” she panted.
“Sorry,” I groaned.
I couldn’t fight back. Doing so would mean certain death. The shame burning in my gut
was almost worse than the physical pain. But it wasn’t just me against Nightfrost. It would be me against hundreds of Fae.
After my pain started to subside a little the table was lifted off me. I looked up to four servants. One was Aric. He reached a hand down to me. I grasped his palm and he pulled me up. The others silently cleaned the mess. Peeking around, I sighed in relief seeing that Nightfrost was gone.
Horns leaned over. “Go get yourself taken care of. We’ll clean this up.”
I held my hand to my face trying to contain the blood freely flowing. “I appreciate it.” The silence in the room was deafening as Aric and I walked through the maze of tables. I tried not to make eye contact with any of the Fae we passed. The only thing I was grateful for was that no one made a single remark.
Shoving through the door, the cooks and servers stared too. “Oy, what happened?” one cook with silver eyes asked. He also had a moon tattoo on his forehead. “This bloodsucker bothering you?” Something in me sensed that he was a wolf shifter like me.
I shook my head. “The Prince happened,” I answered.
One of the female servers handed me a towel. “I saw it.” She winced. “Always avoid Prince Astaroth if you can.”
I figured that much on my own. I took the towel and held it to my throbbing nose. Aric pulled me back to the changing room. I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and cringed. My now crooked nose had a split at the bridge and was certainly broken. Thank the gods for magic.
Aric hovered nearby. “You alright? I know that must have been hard for you to not fight back.”
“Excruciating.” When my face and ribs were healed, I changed into my own clothes. “Well, all I found out was that they don’t know where Visteal is and that two of the girls are dead. Got my ass kicked for nothing.”
Aric pulled his boots on. “It wasn’t her. I can’t remember the names now, but it wasn’t Saffire Snofury.”
The door to the room flew open and crashed into the wall. I readied my magic and pulled my sword for a fight. This time I wouldn’t be a victim.
