Land of Strength and Sorrow

by Cassandra Fear

  The sun beamed in the sky as Cappa wrapped an arm around her and tugged her along, moving toward what had to be a new place. Without tall grass. She wasn’t even sure where they were at the moment, but she thought it might be The Barren Plains, called that because once people had realized they could grow no food in the earth here, they’d evacuated and left it as it sat. Now, an overgrown wasteland greeted her, although a beautiful one. Obviously, the people who’d settled here before hadn’t given it enough time, or maybe the land changed over time, for now it grew plentiful amounts of flowers and grass.

  Why had she just now thought of where they were? It hadn’t been important enough to think of before. A mental image of a map of Central Orendor popped into her head, and she realized what place would come next. Delphinium Woods, known for The Sapphire River, with waters that sparkled as clear as the blue jewel, and Fairies residing within the trees.

  Cappa still had his arm around her as they walked side by side and she leaned into him, which made it more awkward to move, but they managed. Jovi sighed as the comfort of his warmth wrapped her in a bundle of safety. She hadn’t realized how much fear had clawed its way to the surface, how much she’d buried underneath her pale skin to deal with another time. So many worries huddled inside and she didn’t know how much longer they would stay there, but as Cappa’s strength guided her, perhaps it would make it a little easier to keep the demons at bay.

  “Princess, I know things aren’t easy for you right now, but you aren’t alone. I hope you know that.”

  Jovi glanced sideways at him and offered a smile. “I do. More than you know.”

  Stopping, she pulled back just enough, meeting his eyes. His glittered with sadness, but hope rested in them too, a little deeper down. Several seconds went by, but she didn’t look away. Couldn’t. Something had taken hold of her and wouldn’t let her back down this time. She swam through a sea of rocky water and she knew if she stopped swimming she’d drown, but if she kept going she could lose so much more than her life.

  Slowly, inches disappeared between them until his hot breath tickled her cheek. So close. Her heartbeat thudded in her ears and her blood raced through her veins. Without her consent, her arms lifted and traced around his frame, held, frozen. Scared to touch, but hovering close enough that if given permission, she could.

  More than anything, she wanted to touch his lips with her own, so much they tingled with anticipation. The connection she’d felt with Cappa had been strong since the first day of their meeting and had only grown over the past days. She stared into his eyes and could melt into him, let him kiss her. Anything, really. A bolt of fear shot through her at the thought, but also a pang of excitement. A princess shouldn’t have thoughts like the ones floating through her mind, but yet, she did nothing to abate them. They lingered and pounded at her brain and screamed at her soul to leap, to close the distance, to let her lips dance with his in a furious tango.

  Something jostled her and knocked her back. She wailed her arms, but still flopped back onto the ground. Laughter rang out, giggles followed, and she knew before her eyes found it what had happened.

  A chuckle escaped her, a bit shaky in form as her gaze landed on the child Giants, who’d not deciphered what had been happening between Jovi and Cappa and decided they both needed to get moving. They ran between them and smacked both to the ground. At least, she thought that may have been what happened as she met Cappa’s smiling eyes. He shook his head and stood, offering his hand to her.

  Her cheeks heated to a fever as her stomach rumbled so loudly it sounded like the growl of a wolf.

  Cappa angled his head and raised his eyebrows. “Hungry, Princess?”

  She nodded. “I didn’t realize it until now, though.”

  “Well, then, we’ll just have to fix that, won’t we?”

  How would they? All she saw in the Plains were shrubs and plants and flowers. She knew there were some flowers and plants she could safely eat, but she hadn’t paid enough attention during her sessions with her tutor to know which ones.

  But Cappa moved with sure strides as he trampled over large plants and flattened them to the ground. She followed him, the Giant children still frolicking behind him as they chased a butterfly in the distance.

  Cappa peered over his shoulder and grinned, but offered no words as he pulled back a large branch of a bush unlike anything she’d ever seen. It had magenta colored flowers, bigger than a rose bloom. The leaves of the plant draped toward the ground, large and willowy, almost as thin as a sheet of cloth. But underneath the flowers and the leaves were bright red berries in the shape of a star.

  “What are these?” Jovi asked as she reached forward, her fingers no more than a whisper of a touch as they traced the berries smooth finish.

  Cappa picked one, plopped it in his mouth and chewed it up. “Mmm. These, my lady, are Starberries. Of course, they are known for their star-like shape, but they are also known for the sweet succulent taste they offer. Try one.”

  Jovi bit her bottom lip. “Are you sure they are safe?”

  Cappa nodded as he threw down another. “Very. And delicious.”

  Jovi picked the berry her hand rested on. She examined it, studied it as if it might be able to give her the answers. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe Cappa. She did, and she trusted him, but she didn’t like eating something she’d never heard of before.

  When her stomach growled again, she moaned. “Okay. Down the hatch then.”

  As she chewed the berry, the taste exploded on her tongue. It might have been the sweetest fruit she’d ever had, but it tasted like nothing she’d ever ate before. The flavor was a cross between candy and a strawberry. She devoured it, then quickly ate another. Then another. Until her stomach was so full she couldn’t eat another bite. Before long, Gorn, Fink, and Berty came over and ate their fill too. When they finished, they went back in the field and chased each other with grins on their faces. Jovi’s heart filled almost as much as her stomach.

  “Those are the most delicious berries I’ve ever had in my life.”

  “I told you, didn’t I?” Cappa smirked. “I know what I’m talking about.”

  “I guess you do.”

  The sun had almost faded from the sky when Jovi realized they still stood at the berry bush. Cappa picked a flower from it and laced it behind her ear.

  “What is this for?”

  Cappa sauntered past her, but stopped and whispered in her ear. “It looks beautiful on you.”

  With hot cheeks, she followed after him. “Where are you going?”

  “To Delphinium Woods. It is almost dark and I am hoping we can make camp with the Fairies tonight. But we have to hurry. If we show up when the sun has faded completely, they may turn us away.”

  The Giants already moved toward Delphinium Woods, right in front of Cappa. So, Jovi jogged ahead and kept up, although she would have been fine just camping here for the night. She kind of liked The Barren Plains, more than she thought she ever would. And a new place, where Fairies lived, scared her. But she moved forward anyway.

  Even if she didn’t want to.

  Cappa halted and offered his hand, which she took. She held on for dear life for the next mile or so until they entered the Woods. A blue tint colored everything from the grass to the trees, the last remnants of sunlight making it glitter as if the whole area sparkled with jewels.

  She reached up and touched her own jewel around her neck as she forced her feet forward. She knew very little about this place, about the Fairies, and because of that, fear choked the air out of her and made her stand frozen inside as her eyes roamed the area for anything untoward.

  She saw nothing.

  Sweet floral smells wrapped around her, relaxing her. The sound of a bird’s wings flapping told her they weren’t alone, as she’d originally thought. Her muscles tensed.

  Two small creatures flew into view, and from a distance resembled some sort of bird, but when they moved closer she could see they were people. One
male and one female.

  Cappa stepped in front of her, one arm wrapping around her front. He drew his sword, and Jovi stifled a grin. The large steel pointed at the Fairies looked so wrong that it made her want to laugh.

  “Woah. Put that thing away before you hurt yourself. Or us.” The male fairy’s voice almost sounded female. “We mean you no harm.”

  Cappa hesitated. “Who are you?”

  The female smiled, showing glittery white teeth. “I am Callia, Queen of the Fairies. This is my King, Goffe.” If Jovi had thought the male sounded like a female, she’d been mistaken. The high-pitched voice that hit her ears made them feel like they might shatter.

  Callia’s golden hair fell all the way down her small body and rested just above her ankles. As Jovi took it in, she winced, the color reminding her of the sun high in the sky. A small crown with royal blue stones sat atop her head. Goffe contrasted the beautiful Fairy Queen in every way. Where brightness shrouded her, darkness painted his features. His dark hair looked so black, blue shimmered from it, like a raven. It fell to his shoulders in loose curls. A black crown circled his head, the same dark blue stones wrapping around it. Both held a beauty unlike anything Jovi had ever seen before. It had taken her a long time to see her first fairy. She couldn’t believe how long. I will never forget this, she thought.

  Callia fluttered around Jovi and stopped right in front of her face. “So, now that you know who we are, perhaps you can introduce yourself?”

  Jovi nodded, “I’m Princess Jovi.”

  Callia gasped, the sound followed by the heavy fluttering of wings pounding against air. “Princess Jovi? You are most welcome here. You father, King Ryan, is the most gracious ruler Central Orendor has ever seen. He is the only one who has let the Fairies be their own kingdom and rule upon themselves. For his kindness, we bestow ours upon you.” Callia smiled. “I’m sorry to interrupt. Excitement took me over for a minute. Please, continue.”

  Jovi chuckled and gestured toward the others. “My guard, Cappa, is the one with the long sword. These three are Giant children we found on our journey. Gorn, Fink, and Berty.” She pointed to each one to indicate which name belonged to which Giant.

  Goffe came closer. “Giants! Well, I’ve never thought to see a Giant before.”

  Jovi cleared her throat. “Well, here they are. Now, tell me, how close are we to The Mammoth Fields?”

  Callia peered over her see-through wings. “Only a half a day’s journey, but you will have to cross The Sapphire River on your way. It is no easy feat.”

  Jovi ran a hand through her hair. “Thank you both. Would you mind leading us to the river? We would appreciate the guidance as our journey is constricted by time.” She knew Cappa had wanted to rest here, but she didn’t know if resting was such a great idea.

  “What journey are you on?” Callia asked and moved higher in the air.

  Cappa narrowed his eyes at her. “We cannot share that with you. It would only endanger your lives.”

  Jovi nodded and gave Callia the confirmation the fairy searched her face for.

  Callia exchanged a look with Goffe, then threw her hands in the air. “So be it. Follow us. We will take you to the river. It is an honor to help you, Princess Jovi.”

  Jovi smiled and followed as Callia and Goffe flapped their wings. It reminded Jovi of chasing fireflies when she’d been a child, on the rare occasion her father would let her. Those times were scarce, but at least she had a few happy memories from when she was little.

  It took no time before Callia and Goffe were way ahead of them. Jovi caught up, but only because they’d stopped inside a small village. A large fountain sprayed water and tiny fairy children flew through the droplets, their laughter ringing through the air. The water cascaded from an invisible spout, almost as if it would never run out, and perhaps it wouldn’t. To Jovi, it had a mesmerizing quality. She’d never seen anything like it.

  Other Fairies flapped their wings as they disappeared into small homes built in the sides of trees. Some flew into holes in the ground, but almost all of them hid as Jovi and her group came into view.

  Callia put her hands out in front of her people. “Fairy kin, Princess Jovi has come a long way from the castle. We’ve heard the reports of the attack. She is on a mission now, one that requires our help.”

  Jovi’s mouth fell open. How did they know?

  Callia peered back at her. “We may be far from the castle, but we do have our ways. We know the King and Queen have been captured. We understand why you couldn’t share that information with us and thank you for trying to protect us.” Callia paused, turning her gaze back to the Fairies who now stood before her. There were a lot more than Jovi’d originally thought. “People of Delphinium Woods. We must help our kingdom in whatever way we can. If the Princess seeks our assistance, when the time comes, we will fight at her side.”

  Noises of assent circled around her and pumped the blood through Jovi’s veins. She couldn’t believe the Fairies would be so willing to help, especially when she’d never met them before.

  Goffe snapped his fingers and a line of male Fairies came out, carrying plates. “Take what you will. You will need your strength. It is not what you are accustomed to, I’m sure, but it will help sustain you just the same.”

  The plates were lined with food, tiny bread and chicken legs. Jovi grabbed at it greedily, waving the Giants and Cappa to do the same. After she’d eaten her fill, she felt stronger, and energy flowed through her for the first time in a day.

  She’d face what came next and be ready for it. But, it probably would be a lot harder to face it in the dark.

  “Perhaps we could stay here and get a start in the morning, when the sun could guide our journey?” Jovi asked.

  Callia nodded. “Of course. You are free to camp here for the night.”

  With that, Jovi got to work, using her bag as a pillow as she rested next to the fountain. Cappa laid close, so close she could feel his heat as it danced over her skin. She shivered and not from the chilly night air. It took a long while, but she eventually fell asleep.

  The next morning, hustle and bustle woke her. She stretched her arms over her head and yawned. Cappa was deep in conversation with Goffe as she stood and moved next to him.

  “Morning, Princess.” Cappa winked.

  The Giant children huddled around her.

  “Guess it’s time we get moving again.” Even though it might be the last thing she wanted to do. It surprised her, but staying here last night, lying on the ground…She’d rested so well. She kind of wished she could go back to sleep.

  Callia flew over and faced her. “Just behind the village you will find the river.”

  Goffe brought out a rope and handed it to Jovi. “Take this. Tie it around each of you for the current is strong and will take you under before you can scream. This rope is blessed by our magic and will guide you through the treacherous waters. Do not be fooled by its beauty. The water may appear to have jewels floating through it, but it does not.”

  Jovi nodded, humbled by the Fairy People’s kindness. Her eyes watered as tears of happiness formed. She wasn’t alone in this war. She had help from the most unlikely places. Jovi couldn’t be more blessed.

  Callia handed her a tower of small blue flowers, all growing from one stem. If it hadn’t been picked, Jovi thought they would just keep growing, up and up. As she gaped around, she noticed these flowers were everywhere throughout the village.

  With a smile, Callia said, “This is the Delphinium flower, which is what these woods were named for. They only grow blue here, as everything does, and I wanted you to have this.”

  “Thank you, Callia. Your gift is well received.” Jovi felt a tear slide down, not able to hold it back.

  Goffe put his little hand within her big one. “You have our blessing. Now, go and finish the journey ahead of you. Find what you need. If you require anything from us, all you need to do is ask.”

  Callia flew forward next and wrapped her arms aro
und Jovi’s shoulder, although they didn’t make it far around. She pulled back and asked. “That necklace you wear. Where did you get it?”

  “From a shopkeeper in Kingsperch. Why?”

  Cappa stared with interest.

  Callia lowered her voice. “There is magic inside this stone. I can sense it, but I cannot tell you where it came from. Be careful with it, Princess.”

  Jovi nodded, although inside her mind reeled. Magic? Again? Maybe the shopkeeper’s tale hadn’t been only a fable. Maybe there had been some truth to it. But she could think of that later, when there was more time. She turned back to Callia. “I will. And thank you again for everything.”

  With one last wave, Jovi and Cappa passed through the village. The Giants followed suit and soon they all stood on the bank of what could only be The Sapphire River.

  Cappa tied the rope around them all while Jovi placed the blue flower in her bag. More than likely, it wouldn’t live long, but it would be kept always, even when it wilted and dried. If she ever returned to the castle, she’d press it between the pages of a heavy book, flattening it as it dried so it always held its shape.

  Once Cappa secured the rope, they moved as one through the river. Goffe had been right. The current pushed and pulled at them, but the rope acted as resistance. It glowed with a hint of blue and pushed the strongest waters away as they made it to the other side, in one piece.

  On the opposite bank, Jovi took a moment and stared behind her. The water sparkled with blobs of blue that resembled jewels. If she reached out, she could grab one. Her hand moved, then she snapped it back as she remembered what Goffe had said. Magic floated through the river. What kind, she didn’t know, but perhaps it took its victims with the illusion.

  Either way, it wouldn’t be found out today.

  They exited the woods together, and the next spot made her stop short. A mountain grew from the grass below, stretching up and up and up, the peak hidden in the clouds.

  “Mount Soumahalla, the tallest in all the lands,” she recited, quoting her lessons from memory.