I can hear all three of them chuckle, and eye them with an eyebrow raised.
“Well you three are more than welcome to teleport back to the Fae Realm and back. Oh, what I’m the only one with that power? So, hush, I need a nap, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.”
That shuts them up, at least for a moment.
“Ready, Anton?” I ask. He nods, and we are off. Once my feet hit the ground inside the palace walls, I’m off to the throne room. The doors opened for me by the Fae standing guard, set my nerves at ease. Once I step into the room and look up to the throne I see my father smiling at me.
“Liauna, what a surprise. Is everything alright?” he asks as he descends from his seat.
“Yes, Father. I have come for some more cure necklaces from Jaime. King Metis and his Fae as well as Queen Kylie’s Fae are willing to fight. I teleported them to my faction. I also went to the shifter pack, and they agreed to fight with us as well. We may be outnumbered, but we will give this fight all we have,” I reply.
“Kalli, would you please go get the remaining necklaces from Jaime. I would like to talk to my daughter for a few more minutes.”
Kalli bows and exits.
My father speaks again, “Liauna, are you all right? All that teleporting has to be wearing you down. I worry you will be too run down to face Deezy.”
“Yes, I will be alright, Father. When we go back home, I plan on taking a really long nap. I will not face Deezy with my magic drained. I have been pushing my limit today, that I know. My home needs protection, so that’s what I did. I promise you that I will be ready to fight Deezy when he arrives,” I reply.
“You sound like you have it all handled. Sorry to second guess you, I’m still new to this parenting job,” he says.
“Don’t be sorry, you’re doing great. I hope Kalli hurries, I’m really ready for a nap.” I laugh.
Just as the words are out of my mouth, Kalli enters back into the throne room, a burlap sack in hand. She doesn’t bow, just walks straight up to me and hands me the bag. Then she hugs me. Not expecting it, I awkwardly wrap my arms around her.
She pulls away to say, “Please, take care and be safe, Princess. Also, if you can make sure my brother comes back to us.”
“I will do my very best on both.” I smile weakly.
“Don’t fear, sister. You will defeat Deezy and the redemption of the Fae will be complete,” she replies.
“You are correct, Kalli. Now let us bid them farewell. Liauna is needed on the battle front,” my father says, and he hugs me. “Be safe, return to me once Deezy is dead.”
“I will, take care,” I reply.
Chapter Eleven
In one blink, I am back in my old room and on my bed. Still wrapped in Anton’s arms, I look him in the eye, and he nods. He gets up and covers me with a blanket. I watch as he closes the door behind him, and I’m out.
I wake to the familiar rays of the sun peeking through my blinds when I realize that it is morning. Crap, how long did I sleep? I feel recharged, my powers humming under my skin. I hustle out of bed, grab fresh clothes and head straight to the bathroom.
I close and lock the door, then I start the water and undress. The steam from the water starts to billow over the curtain, alerting me the water temperature is ready. I stand in the spray of water, taking a moment to reminisce on all that’s happened in this short time. I am a Fae princess, who has three soulmates and Fae magic. I have killed more creepers then I can count. One of my soulmates and my cousin were bitten and cured. My father was taken, I rescued him and found the witch that took him.
Now I must face the evil Fae king that cursed not only the human realm, but infected the Fae realm as well. The last time I faced him, I didn’t have the control on my magic like he did his, and he threw Anton and I like a rag doll. I have worked hard to harness it, and I can teleport. Maybe I can take him by surprise.
The water now hitting my face is running cold. I start to shiver a little but finish my shower. Using my magic, I quickly dry myself with warm air and dress in a tank and jeans.
I run back to my room, pulling on my socks then boots. I strap my sword on and head downstairs to see what I need to help with.
On the way down, I hear a lot of voices in the living room, so that’s where I make my destination.
I walk into a discussion between Evans and King Metis. Seeing an open seat between Anton and Evans, I slip in. Evans puts an arm around my waist and pulls me closer to him.
King Metis notices I have arrived. “Since the Princess is here, we can ask her what she thinks is best.” He directs to me, “Who do you think should be the front line of our defenses? The shifters or the Fae?”
“I will be standing on the front, surrounded by my guys. I think anyone else that wants to be there can join me. I will not hide behind them, I will fight next to them and lead them,” I tell him.
His eyes widen in shock, and he starts to stammer with his words.
“King Metis, don’t worry, you do not have to stand with me. I’m sure your sons, Ender and Eli will.” I smile sweetly at him. “Sorry to be abrupt, but I need to check on the other Fae and the shifters. If you need me please, don’t hesitate to find me.”
I nod to Evans and Anton and head to the kitchen, they stand and follow me. I hug my parents who are sitting at the kitchen table and grab a granola bar.
As I step out of the back door the sun feels nice on my face. If a battle wasn’t on the horizon, it would be a nice day to hang out by the pool.
Evans and Anton each take one of my hands, and we make our way towards the camp. It isn’t a long walk, just past the gates, in the field where we plan to stand and fight. As we walk up to the shifters’ camp, Callum bounds up to me in his wolf form. He stands on his hind legs and licks my face.
“It’s nice to see you, too, Callum.” I laugh and wipe slobber from my face.
He runs off, and in just moments, reappears in his human form. Pulling on his t-shirt as he returns to us.
“Evans sent me and a few others to scout and see how far the horde is. We didn’t get too close, but they will be here at dusk with the rate they are walking,” he reports.
“We need some of those Fae lights like my father has in the castle. How do we get those?” I ask Evans. “We cannot fight this horde at night. Let’s make sure the shifters are comfortable and go talk to the Fae.”
All the shifters are pleasant and inviting. They all welcome us into their makeshift camp, offering us food or seats. No one seems put out having to sleep outside of the gates. It’s great to see them all just relaxing and hanging out. The stress of what's to come doesn’t seem to depress their spirits. I wish I was more relaxed like they are.
The Eastern Fae, on the other hand are nothing but complaints. They ask why they can’t sleep in the houses, it’s too hot, why are they so close to the shifters. All the voices at once are starting to make my headache. I finally tell them the fight will be tonight, that shuts them up.
The captain of the Eastern Fae walks up and apologizes for his fellow Fae. He explains they aren’t used to roughing it like this; their Queen coddles them. I thank him for helping keep them in line.
“Captain, I would like your light magic Fae to please light up the field for us as the fight starts. Would that be possible?” I ask.
“Absolutely, just leave it to me. I will make sure we are ready when you give the signal,”he assures me.
I thank him once again, and we move to the Northern Fae.
Eli and Ender greet us. “Welcome Princess, it will be great to finally fight with you on the battlefield,” Ender states.
“Thank you all for being here! It is my pleasure to fight alongside you tonight. Evans here would love to talk with you two for a moment.”
Evans discusses tactics with them. Anton, Callum, and I walk around talking to the other Fae, they are all respectful and a little on edge.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Princess. I have heard tales of your battle and how
you saved our home. It’s a privilege to fight with you tonight,” a random Fae comments.
“It is great to meet you all as well,” I tell them all.
Most of them have never fought a creeper and are unsure on what to expect. We return to where we left Evans. After a lengthy conversation, they are finally done. Fast goodbyes, and we head back to the faction.
We slip back into the gates, and I tell the guys and I want to check in on Rae. I haven’t had a chance to talk to her since I’ve been back. I want to see if she’s okay after being bitten. Anton has nightmares, but for the most part he is still the same man I love. Almost dying didn’t change him, almost dying and I am grateful to have him back to the adorable hybrid he is. They continue to follow me to her house. We are all silent on the short walk there.
Gently, I knock on my uncle’s door. Rae is quick to answer the door, throwing it open and tackling me in a hug.
“What’s wrong, Rae?” I ask.
“Nothing, I’m just glad you’re back,” she replies and ushers us into their living room. “I hate not just living across the street from you anymore.”
“Rae, I’ve missed you, too. We will have more time together, but I want to talk about the upcoming battle,” I tell her as I sit on the couch.
Evans and Anton sit on either side of me, Callum stands behind me. Over protective much? No, I really love them surrounding me.
“What about it? Are you going to try and make me sit out?” she asks giving me the stink eye.
“What? No. Kinda.” I defend myself, “I do want you and Kyle right on the outside of the fence. You will head up the last line of defense. It will be your job to keep the faction safe.”
“Okay, I’ll do it,” she states.
My jaw is hanging open, Anton reaches over and closes it for me.
“Wait what? You’re not going to fight me on this?” I ask in disbelief.
“No, Anton told me about the battles you’ve been in. You’re a badass and a strong leader. I have always trusted you, and you’ve never steered us wrong yet” Rae replies.
My mind is blown, I thought I would get more of a fight from her.
“L, you were a born leader, I’ve always known this. Besides, I’ve known you my whole life and know just how stubborn you are.” She laughs.
“That’s true,” I say, sticking my tongue out at her.
“Okay Rae, I love you, but I have to make sure that the faction is secure and ready. I will see you after we’ve won this battle.” I rise and hug her.
She squeezes me tightly, “You bet your ass you will,” she says as she releases me.
It is hard to let her go, I don’t know how this battle will go. I hope my words are true. I don’t want to die, but if it means protecting my loved ones and my home, I would do anything to make it happen.
A lump rises in my throat at just the thought of losing anyone. I make a mental note to make sure all the cure necklaces are passed out.
My guys and I do a perimeter check, looking for weak spots or holes. Anton makes a note of where we find them, and in a flash he runs to get supplies and fixes them. After he completes the repairs, we do another once over, making sure we didn’t miss any.
Once I’m satisfied it’s secure, we make a round in the camps, making sure everyone has a necklace and any weapons they may need.
Jaylin and Jessica greet us when we arrive at the pack’s camp. I’m still a little hurt with their mistrust. If the shoe was on the other foot, I may have done the same.
“Princess, I hope you aren’t still mad at us,” Jessica states.
“Not mad, just a little hurt. I understand, and I may have done the same, if I was in your position. Let’s not worry about it now. We have more pressing matters ahead of us. Have you passed out necklaces to all the pack?” I question.
“Yes, Princess. We are ready to fight. Once you signal, we will take our places. Do we know when the horde will attack?” Jaylin asks.
“If they keep up the pace they have been traveling at, they will be here at dusk. I have asked the light Fae to make light balls, so we will not have to fight in the dark,” I tell them.
“Do not fear, we can see in the dark,” Jaylin winks.
“That’s good to know, if it comes to that. Get some rest, dusk will be here before we know it. I need to check on my faction and make sure they are all ready. I will see you on the battlefield,” I reply, heading back to the gates.
My first stop is my house, and I make it a quick one. I tell my parents to take Max upstairs until the fighting is done. After a brief heartfelt talk, my parents finally agree, only after I explain to them that I wouldn’t be able to fight with them at my side. They would be a distraction, because I would fear for their safety. They finally relented.
Sighing in relief, I hug them both and Max as well. Then my guys and I go from door to door, making sure everyone is secure. We remind them that being upstairs is the safest option.
When I get to the Johnson house, I’m attacked and knocked on my ass. I hit the ground with a hard thud.
“Girls, listen to me carefully. A lot of bad guys are on their way to fight. I need you two to take your parents and brother up stairs and hide. You’ll need to be extremely quiet and wait for me to come get you. Can you two do that for me?” I ask.
Presley and Baylor look solemn but nod yes. They squeeze me and then run in the house, yelling at their family to get upstairs. It brings a smile to my face. Finally, they listened to me.
I stand, wiping dirt off my butt. Evans steps closer and what he says send a shiver down my spine. “Princess, it’s time to get your armor on.”
That’s all he has to say, it means the horde is almost upon us. I nod, and we head back to my house where we left all the armor.
Anton helps me into my armor. I’m a nervous ball of energy, a little bouncy on my heels. Anton kisses me, and I’m a little taken aback, but I return it.
“What was that for?” I eye him.
“Calm now?” He raises an eyebrow.
“Yes, a little bit, thank you.” I say.
“I know you’re nervous, we all are. The guys and I will never leave your side. We will win, and then we can start to live like we are supposed to,” Anton replies.
“Thank you for the pep talk. I don’t know what to expect or whether I can really beat Deezy. I have a better hold on my magic, and I’m better with a sword now. But will it be enough? I hope that I will not get distracted in the middle of battle. It’s different from all the ones I’ve fought before, this is my home.” I tell him.
“Just try and concentrate on the creeper in front of you. You can only do what you can do. You are an amazing fighter. You do not have to carry this weight alone. Evans, Callum, and I have your back. This will be our home, too, after this battle is won,” he replies.
“I’m glad that I have all three of you.” I lay a kiss on his cheek.
I am as ready as I'll ever be. Making sure my sword is secure at my waist, I nod to Evans.
The four of us walk to the field and take our place in front of all the warriors.
I want to give a heartfelt speech, but the words are caught like a lump in my throat. Seeing all the Fae and shifters that have come to help me defend my home bring tears to my eyes. I blink hard, hoping none of them decide to spill down my face.
King Metis walks up, he bows ever so slightly and begins to speak.
He gets one word out when his voice is lost to the horde of creepers and their mumbling as they approach.
I turn to see the largest horde I have ever beheld. My nervous energy has returned. I take a few deep breaths and look at my men beside me. My heart starts to race, my blood starts pumping, and my magic is ready to be unleashed.
“I would not want anyone but you three to stand beside me. I love you,” I tell them.
They nod in unison, as they take their fighting stance.
The front line of creepers are almost upon us. I unsheathe my sword and get ready to use it. I a
m grateful for all my training, it raises my confidence that I can do this.
The first creeper nears me, it has rotted so much, that the smell can be seen coming off of it. Gagging just a little, it is really rank. Bone and sinew are all that is holding it together, no skin is visible. It’s clothes are little more than rags, I can barely make out what is covering it. Small pieces of jean and a shirt look like patches someone added to this corpse.
I arch my blade up, hitting at the shoulder and out the other side of its neck, beheading it with one blow. The head thuds limply on the ground next to the body.
I ready myself for the next one, but I’m a little shaken. The one limping up to me looks like my cousin Rae. The same blonde hair that was once in a ponytail. Her pale-blue eyes have a dull look to them, she has her black veined arms outstretched as she makes her way towards me.
Evans is two steps behind me. I glance at him, he can see the sorrow on my face. He dispatches the creeper without a second thought. Then he takes his place back at his post by my side.
I hate feeling weak, but I am grateful for my humanity. All this killing has hardened me, but it hasn’t made me cold.
Going forward, I look for the spot on the neck I need to hit to take the creepers out. No more looking at their faces, no more overthinking it. They didn’t ask to be cursed, just as I didn’t ask to lead the battle to destroy them. I have to tell myself that it is not personal. They aren’t doing this out of free will. Deezy did this to them.
Just thinking about all that makes my blood boil. He killed all these people just to rule, and he is not ruling anything. He turned them into mindless killers, no thoughts, no conscience just one thing, eat.
I need to check how the ranks are faring. I nod to Anton, and in a flash he disappears, running the perimeter and checking for any wounded. After what seems like an eternity he is back.
Redemption of the Fae Page 9