While I was still pissed that she pushed me into the dark abyss, she did make a point. Especially after my earlier conversation with Ryland, I didn’t need him around reminding me of his rejection. It was really stupid that I even let it bother me in the first place.
I hardly knew the guy. He barely spoke to me and usually made me feel like crap when he did have something to say. The only good things about him were that he was nice to kids and an alright guardian.
Okay, he was better than alright, but I’d never tell him that. Or tell him how every time he got really frustrated with me, his eyes darkened just a few shades and I lost myself in them. Or how I noticed the tick in his jaw every time Oliver put his hands on me to help my form in training.
The tension with Ryland was more than I could stand some days, but I was drawn to him regardless. I hated it just as much as I adored it, which further pissed me off.
Jordan’s fingers snapped in front of me. “Did you hear anything I just said?”
When I turned around, I noticed Oliver and Stryx were also present, and they were all looking at me expectantly. “Uh, no. Being thrown into an abyss messed with my head. You only have yourself to blame for that.”
The trip through the portal wasn’t all that scary once it was over. The only part that had frightened me was the unknown. As I was sucked into the vortex, everything around me darkened until, about halfway through, there were twinkling lights that reminded me of the stars I used to admire at night when I was at Multnomah Falls.
Then, just seconds before I was spit back out, the light around me grew so bright, I threw my arm over my eyes and spun around until I landed my ass onto ground that I hadn’t even really checked out yet. Of course, I’d arrived in a new world and been completely oblivious to the beauty around me.
Jordan huffed and walked away as Stryx landed on my shoulder and Oliver took off after Jordan. “What do you think?” Stryx asked.
“I think I’m in way over my head, but I’m going to keep doing my best, because I’m stubborn like that and refuse to fail.” Complete honesty was the only way to go with him since he knew my true heart anyway. Stupid bonds.
“Our bond isn’t stupid, Kaliah. I know you don’t mean it that way, and I don’t take offense to your words, but I need you to understand something as we move forward. A bond, whether it be like the one we have or a Meraki, is meant to provide you with strength in more ways than one. While inconvenient at times, I promise you’ll appreciate it one day.”
My hand stroked his silky white feathers. “I love our bond, and I never want it to go anywhere. I just don’t like feeling vulnerable. Between you in my head and Ryland rejecting me, I’m feeling overwhelmed on top of all this new magical world stuff. Oh, and let’s not forget the fae who wants me dead.”
My life was a hot mess.
His head nudged against me. “The Fates have not given you anything more than what you can handle. Just keep your head up and have faith. Believe in yourself, and the rest will fall into place at its own time.”
Believe in myself.
Those three words pierced right into my heart. Before magic had become a very real thing in my life, I’d always been confident. Yet, somewhere along the way, I’d lost some of that pride. Maybe Stryx was right and I needed to let everything else go.
It sounded simple, but I wasn’t so sure it would be an easy task to accomplish.
“Let’s catch up to the others. I’ve blocked the portal, so Ryland won’t be interfering with what you’re going to do today. Unless you’d rather him come along, we need to move,” Stryx said and gave me pause.
Sure, there was a tugging sensation that was calling me back to Arvayta that I’d felt from the moment I’d gone into the portal, but if I was truly going to believe in myself, I needed to do this on my own.
“I’m sure he’ll still be there when we get back, and whatever jerk comment he wanted to make to me can wait,” I replied as I began jogging to catch up with Jordan and Oliver.
While we moved through the land, I paid more attention to my surroundings. The ground had an odd buoyancy to it that made running easier and my strides longer. The sky was broken up into four sections as I searched further ahead. The first to catch my attention was an aqua one that reminded me of the waters in Hawaii: crystal clear and welcoming.
Next was a fiery-red sky that consumed a flaming sun and made it hard to stare for long. The area around it contained plumes of smoke and appeared ominous, but even still, I yearned to go to it and provide the water that the lands likely desperately needed.
My body twisted, so I could take in the next section. The sky was covered with storm clouds that ripped through the horizon as wind constantly seemed to be jerking them around. That particular area, I’d have been happy to avoid.
Last was a peaceful landscape that Jordan and Oliver were headed toward. The sky above was a pale green color, and there was a bright yellow sun hanging above the clear horizon. This section was closest to us, and I could make out the silhouette of a town and a much larger castle-like structure on the back side.
“Welcome to the Otherworld,” Stryx said. “As you noticed, there are four sections to the Otherworld: earth, wind, fire, and water. The four elements that make up the fae race. Even though there are no pure elementals left, a small amount of those elements still live within those descended from the fae, as you’ve learned.”
Hmm, now that I saw it all together, I realized the council and/or the Fates were smarter than I gave them credit for originally. Our little team was made up of each of the elements: Oliver was earth, Jordan was fire, I was water, and Ryland was wind. We’d yet to actually work together on anything, and even though they weren’t as heavy on their fae heritage, I wondered how it would work when we combined forces.
“We’ll work on that soon enough, and good job for putting it together. I don’t think the others have yet. Guardians have always worked as warriors instead of fae, but you’ll need to think harder and smarter before going up against Alaryk.”
Jordan and Oliver had paused, waiting for us just before a gate. An oversized one made from what appeared to be the same titanium as my crown, except instead of purple jewels encrusted in the overhang, there were burgundy ones.
“Come on, slow pokes. We don’t have all day, and I want to send word for Yelah as soon as we can,” Jordan said.
“Yelah is the dragon queen, right?” I asked.
“Yep, and I want her to meet you. If we’re going up against a dark fae with who knows how many at his side, I want the dragons to stand with us. Yelah will fight with us, because it’s the right thing to do and because she owes me.” Jordan smirked, and I wondered if she’d be that cocky around the queen of dragons.
I was already intimidated just from hearing about her.
“We’re here to meet with several people, but if Yelah won’t come to the earth sector, I’m not willing to allow Kali to go to the fire one in order to find her. While I have no doubt that she’s capable of handling her own, there are far greater risks, and before we venture out of the neutral territory, your whole team needs to be together,” Stryx said and surprisingly, Jordan didn’t disagree.
My fluffy little friend seemed to be the only person she didn’t argue with.
When we were all standing before the gate, Oliver stepped forward and placed his hand on what I thought was a lock of some sort. He flinched and hissed, causing me to take a step forward, but Jordan grabbed me.
“He’s fine. Just wait a minute.”
I did as she said and sure enough, when he finally pulled his hand back, a grin graced his face and the gates began to open. “Welcome to the Otherworld peace sector.”
I’d heard bits about this place during my training, and as soon as we stepped aside, I realized that none of it had been exaggerated.
All had appeared quiet from the outside, and the only visible building had been the castle, but as soon as we stepped foot inside, chaos of the best kind erupted in front
of us. My mind instantly tried to make sense of it all, but there was no use.
The Otherworld is filled with magic unlike that within Arvayta. It pulls from its inhabitants and is a mix of many different races, which means it’s capable of so much more. There is a shield around this entire area that keeps it invisible from anyone on the outside, Stryx said within my mind as I continued to take in everything around me.
The gates we went through provide the only entrance into the sector and would not have let us pass if it sensed any threat. This area of the Otherworld is the only known location where creatures from all over can congregate and feel safe. Outside its walls, it is every being for themselves with no laws to say otherwise unless someone is trying to offset the balance.
Like Alaryk? I replied.
Yes, he threatens the balance, and you’ll find that even the most unexpected allies may surface in order to help us end him before he gets to you.
Interesting. I eagerly looked forward to meeting the creatures he hinted at, but first, I took a few minutes to truly appreciate where I was.
As my eyes ventured around, the castle was the first to grab my attention again as it seemed to glow under the sun above. The golden hue sparkled all over the pearlescent structure with three turrets and probably over one hundred windows ranging in sizes.
People all around us strolled from one place to another, seeming to take their time and socialize as they went. Nearest to our group was a marketplace and where Jordan seemed to be headed. There were booths lining at least ten rows that seemed to go on for as far as the eye could see.
Some of the booths were named with things I’d never heard of nor understood, but others were easy enough to get the gist of what they might offer. Messenger was the one Jordan stopped at while my gaze perused a few others like spells, hexes, and bones. My entire body shivered as I wondered where they got the bones from and what they might be used for.
“I need a message to be sent to Queen Yelah as soon as possible. Please let her know Jordan is in the peace sector and needs to speak with her right away,” Jordan said to what I thought was nobody until a gnome appeared from behind the counter standing on a ladderlike structure that seemed to move with him like extended legs.
“As soon as possible will cost you. What do you have to offer?” the gnome grumbled.
Jordan reached for the bag on her back and pulled out a handful of emeralds. “Will these do?”
His eyes lit up and he reached for them, but Jordan pulled them back. “Within the hour, little man, or I’ll be back, and you won’t be happy to see my face.”
The gnome snarled at her, showcasing pointy teeth. “I’m never late. Now pay or leave and don’t ever come back.”
Jordan dropped the gems into the grotesque hand of the gnome. “Nice doing business with you.”
Oliver pulled her back before she could get herself into any trouble as she seemed to have more to say. Once we were out of earshot of the gnome, he said, “You couldn’t have just said please and thank you?”
“What’s the fun in that? They need to know we’re not to be messed with. Arvaytans are already perceived as weak. I won’t give them any reason to prove that fact,” she responded with a sneer.
This was a side of Jordan I’d never seen before. She was always so carefree and lighthearted. If she was taking the situation that seriously, I knew I needed to up my game.
“Now, where do we go?” I asked, because I knew contacting Yelah was not our only goal for the trip.
“Now, we stroll through the marketplace and see who comes to us. It’s no secret that Alaryk is out there and hopes to use you to increase his power in order to tip the scales toward the darker part of the Otherworld. Those who wish to stand against him will come forward, but some in their own ways and when we least expect it,” Stryx said.
Oliver moved to stand at my side with Stryx, and Jordan slid in close, looping her arm through mine on the opposite side. We continued to walk, and I kept my face neutral for the most part, smiling at those who made eye contact and leaving alone those who didn’t. Assuming that they all knew who I was with the crown on my head, I didn’t bother to try to hide myself.
There were witches, vampires, more gnomes, pixies, and so many other creatures I didn’t recognize, but the most disappointing part was that nobody approached us. Besides the few smiles thrown our way, everyone kept to themselves, which was a huge discouragement once we exited the marketplace about an hour later.
“Yelah or one of her people should be here soon. I’m going to go wait at the gate for her. Do you think you guys will be good without me?” Jordan teased.
Oliver flexed his arms and grunted. “I got this.”
I patted his shoulder. “Oh, whatever would we do without you.”
“Likely suffer without my handsomely good looks.” He flashed a grin at me that featured adorable dimples.
While I considered Oliver extremely handsome with his longer blond hair and pale hazel eyes, there just wasn’t any attraction present when I really looked at him. I’d never be able to see him as anything more than my friend.
“Let’s head to the castle,” Stryx suggested once Jordan took off.
I had no objections to that, because I’d been curious about it ever since we arrived, mostly wondering if the golden glow around it was real or a trick of the eyes from the bright overhead sun.
After a five-minute walk, we were met by a group of guards and one stepped forward. “What is your business at the castle today?”
“We’d like to speak with Queen Navi,” Stryx said.
The guard eyed the three of us several times before speaking. “Follow me.”
He led the way inside, which surprised me because he’d asked no other questions. He’d simply trusted us, which didn’t make any sense until we passed through the entrance.
Brace yourself, Stryx whispered in my head just before an invisible gel-like sensation covered my body and it took every ounce of strength to move through it to get inside the castle.
“What the hell was that?” I heaved once we were through.
“That was our security system. Seems you passed the test. Pity. It’s been a rather boring morning and I was hoping for some excitement,” the guard said, and I immediately wanted to throat punch him.
“Where do we meet the monarch?” Oliver asked.
The guard pointed to me and Oliver. “You two wait here. Only the owl is allowed any further. If the monarch wishes to see you, she will do so when she’s ready.”
I really didn’t like this guy.
It’s okay. I expected this and should have told you ahead of time. You’re perfectly safe in here, and I won’t be long, Stryx said before he flew after the guard and left us alone.
“Well, this sucks,” I complained as I plopped onto the chairs in what I assumed was their version of a waiting room.
“Nah. This is easy. Just wait until you’re faced with a horde of hungry vamps or some pissed off dragons. Then you can say ‘this sucks’,” Oliver replied, not helping at all.
Leaning my head back, I glanced up at the ceiling that was made from some sort of sparkling tile and wondered, not for the first time, just what the hell I’d gotten myself into and if there would ever be a day when I was used to all the craziness.
Before I could ponder much more, I heard Oliver grunt, followed by a thud. Moving to my feet, I prepared for a fight and my body called on my magic. Then I froze when I laid eyes on an extremely pissed-off woman holding a knife to Oliver’s throat.
We were so screwed.
Chapter Eighteen
Within a second, I’d surveyed our surroundings and realized there was no one coming to our aid. The woman behind Oliver had sharp fangs and red eyes, causing me to assume she was a vampire. She was dressed similarly to me and Jordan, but had several knives tucked into places I didn’t realize were pockets.
She flicked her sleek burgundy hair back and glared green eyes at me as she whispered something in Oli
ver’s ear. When his head shook, she yelled, “Don’t lie to me!”
“I swear, Brooke. She already has a Meraki. We’re just friends,” he pleaded with her as a drop of blood trailed down his neck.
Were they talking about me? Was this a woman scorned? I really wasn’t in the mood to deal with a volatile woman, but maybe I could pretend I was on her side and reason with her for Oliver’s sake.
“Uh, Brooke, is it? I’m Kali. Oliver is a new friend of mine, but we’re not close enough that I wouldn’t mind assisting in his ass-kicking if he’s done something wrong,” I said, hoping she’d ease her hold on him if she thought she had back-up.
Oliver’s eyes widened at my statement, but hopefully he’d trust me enough not to stop me. I’d do my best to keep Brooke from hurting him.
Her eyes widened. “Did he tell you about me?”
“No, but I’ve been there.” Okay, I hadn’t really been, but she didn’t need to know that. “So, how about you tell me what he did, and I’ll help you get your revenge on him that doesn’t include getting you in trouble for murder?” I smirked at the vampire, surprised I was able to remain as calm as I was on the outside, because internally, I was getting nervous. Her fangs were still out, and Oliver was sweating bullets.
After a minute to think about what I’d said, she retracted her fangs and shoved Oliver, and he tumbled to the floor. “I could never kill Ollie, but he does deserve to learn a lesson or two.”
Ollie? I was going to have to remember that nickname for the future. Brooke sat down across from where I had been sitting, and Oliver made himself scarce while I took my same place.
Brooke spent the next five minutes giving me too many details about a night with Oliver I had no business knowing about, but when she was done, she informed me of how he promised to meet near the castle the following week and never did. That was a few weeks ago.
“Ah, I feel like maybe I need to apologize a little as well,” I said. “That’s about the time I arrived in Arvayta, and Oliver is part of my training team. It’s been keeping him pretty busy.”
Of Dreams and Sorcery (Royal Fae Guardians Book 1) Page 12
