The Autumn Fairy of Ages

by Brittany Fichter

  Sure enough, as soon as he reached Katy’s hall, he found that they had they already stopped in front of her door. Peter stayed out of the hall, but peeked around the corner enough to see. One of them knocked while the others whispered excitedly to one another.

  “Yes?” Katy's servant girl stuck her head out.

  “Is she ready?” the fairy at the front asked. It took Peter a moment to realize it was Nikki. He should have known the moment he saw her bouncing, even in the air.

  “Ready for what?” This time it was Katy herself who appeared at the door. Peter nearly smiled in spite of himself at her disheveled state. Mornings would never be her time.

  “To train!” Nikki squealed, her wings moving fast enough to just lift her off the ground. “We’re taking you to Winter first so you can learn—”

  “Wait.” Katy rubbed her eyes and groaned. “We’re going now? It’s not even light out.”

  “The gathering only remains on the isle for one month.”

  Everyone turned to see Donella glide down the hall. Peter wanted to kick himself as she passed by and gave him a cursory glance. He was breaking the rules. Again. And she knew it. If they failed this final test, it would definitely have nothing to do with Katy and everything to do with him. But as he’d already been spotted, he remained right where he was.

  “If we leave soon, we’ll make it to the northern part of the isle by noon,” Donella said as she reached the group. “We want to fit as much training time into this week as possible. And I’m not entirely certain how long your Winter trainer will remain. He’s not one to stay in one place for very long.”

  Katy rubbed her eyes. “Very well.”

  Donella chuckled. “Then get dressed and meet us down in the main courtyard.” Then she turned and started walking back toward the main stairs. “Nikki will escort you.”

  “What about Peter? I need to tell him goodbye!” Panic surfaced for the first time in Katy’s voice.

  Before the older fairy had a chance to say no, Peter stepped out from the shadows. From the way Donella’s lips thinned, she didn’t approve. Still, she merely sighed and waved him on.

  “You have half a minute.”

  Peter grabbed stalked up to her door and drew Katy roughly into his chest. He could feel her tremble slightly as she tucked her head beneath his chin. A few of the fairies made faces, and the others, including Nikki, threw worried glances at Donella, but their disgust and worry only made Peter hold her closer.

  “Remember what I said,” he whispered into her hair. When he pulled back and took her hands in his face. Her cheeks were pink and splotchy, but it made her blue eyes shine even more.

  “I don’t know why I’m crying.” She gave a shaky laugh and sniffled again, wiping her eyes with the palms of her hands. He offered his sleeve, and to his surprise, she accepted. “This is what I’ve wanted from the start. I just don’t like having to leave—”

  “What happened to my brave girl from yesterday?” He chucked her on the chin. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back here, probably puttering about the annals and the practice yard. I heard something about one mentioned yesterday and I mean to go find it.” He wiped her tears with his thumbs. “Just come back safe.”

  Donella cleared her throat behind him, so he pulled her in to lay one last kiss on her forehead before releasing her, though it was a move that his instincts told him was one of very poor judgment. Still, he forced a smile as she waved once more before returning to her room. As soon as Katy’s door was closed, Donella waved him down the hall. With a silent groan, he followed.

  When they were out of hearing range of the group, she sighed. “Before we go, I need to give you some advice.”

  “Alright.”

  “Don’t get smart.”

  Peter raised an eyebrow. “Fine, I’ll be stupid.”

  Donella scowled. “I’m trying to help you. There are many here who would like to see you fail and watch Karel continue on in your place. While we’re gone, keep your head down and your ears open. Try to listen more than you speak and you just might make it through.”

  Peter pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t mean to offend, but why then am I here?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “Everything here seems to revolve around Katy. And believe me, I have no problem with that.” Peter’s world moved the same way. “But I get the feeling I’m more of an annoyance and she’s the prize. And I’d like to know why.” Not that Katy wasn’t a prize. She was simply his prize.

  Donella sighed and rubbed her eyes, her silver hair glinting in the early morning sun as it peeked through the nearest window. “Believe it or not, I want you and Katy to succeed.”

  “That’s not answering my question.”

  “And I’m doing everything in my power to try and mediate for you. But there are centuries old prejudices here and I can only do so much, orator or not. The rest is up to you.”

  Peter didn’t know quite what to say. The little speech came as a surprise, especially after the plethora of eye rolls she’d sent his way over the past few days. Finally, he nodded.

  Donella stretched her shoulders as Katy stepped into the hall once more. Donella began to walk toward her but then turned back to him once more.

  “And Peter?”

  “Yes?”

  “Not every question has to be answered.”

  Peter watched them go. But not for one moment did he believe that was true.

  11

  Winter’s Bite

  Katy pulled her horse to a stop and stared behind her in awe.

  “It’s brilliant, isn’t it?” Nikki flew down and landed in the snow beside her before letting out a shriek. She shot back into the air, muttering what sounded like a few sailor’s curses at the snow before coming to hover beside Katy’s horse.

  Katy couldn’t even find words, her mouth falling open as she stared back from Winter to Spring. One moment, they had been basking in the gentle afternoon rays, and the next minute, an icy breeze whooshed past Katy and deposited a handful of little white flakes into her lap. It was impossible not to gape at the line where the snow met the grass. She sucked in a breath at the sudden change and then laughed when the air nearly froze her lungs.

  “Fascinating, isn’t it?” Donella grinned as she came down to hover beside them. “I was speechless the first time I saw it, too.”

  Katy wrapped her arms around herself while keeping hold of the reins. “Does Winter truly exist all year?”

  Donella nodded. “Just as Spring, Summer, and Autumn do. Each of the seasons lives permanently on in its own corner of the isle.”

  “Do the fae keep it that way?”

  “I’m afraid you give us more credit than we’re due.” Donella flicked the snowflakes from her eyelashes. “This is all Atharo’s doing.”

  “And the fairies do nothing to aid it?” Katy asked, covering her nose and mouth with her elbow in an effort to warm her face.

  “Oh, we help things along a little every now and then.” Donella gave a small sigh. “Unfortunately, the longer we go without a High King and the longer the Tree of Diadems goes without blooming, the more the isle loses its magic. But enough of that dreary talk for now. We’re here to help you!” She beamed at Katy. “It is high time you join your people.” Then she tilted her head and pursed her lips. “Nikki, will you give us a moment alone?”

  Nikki’s face fell, but she nodded and flew on as Donella hung back. As soon as she was gone, Donella’s brows drew together, and she suddenly looked very tired.

  Katy straightened. “What is it?”

  “There…there’s something I need to tell you…about you and Peter. If you get married.”

  “What do you mean if we get married?”

  “The Higher Chancel hasn’t given you our blessing yet. You can only proceed if you pass our tests.”

  Katy shook her head and nudged her horse forward. “We can still marry, though, even if you don’t approve us.” She paused and looked at Don
ella. “Can’t we?”

  “Technically, yes. But whether or not you should is a different story entirely.”

  “What do you mean?” Katy didn’t like the direction this conversation was going.

  Donella spoke slowly. “There are certain responsibilities that kings and queens…and the fae have. Duties we cannot abandon based on whims and fits of emotion.”

  Katy bit the inside of her cheek.

  “I hesitate to say anything at all. Nothing is for sure. You’re both so different from everyone else that it’s only fair to ask questions before making any sweeping decisions.”

  Katy’s heart fluttered.

  “The fae—” But before Donella could finish, they reached the top of the hill. The scene at its foot was a bustling one. Donella huffed. “I suppose I’ll have to tell you later. Perhaps it’s for the best anyway.” She waved and began floating down the other side of the hill. “Jagan! Up here!”

  Katy paused before following. Was Donella’s secret about the test? Well, even if it was, Katy decided, whatever Donella was talking about wouldn’t matter. Peter deserved a chance to kneel at the tree. If any man had a heart worthy of the High King’s crown, it was him. She couldn’t choose for Atharo, but she could very well make sure she was every bit the woman the chancels wanted her to be to give him that chance. Katy clenched her hands and let them burn. She wouldn’t just pass her test, she vowed.

  She would master it.

  The scene before them was a busy one. About a dozen animal skin tents had been erected in the snow in the gently sloping valley beneath them, campfires sprinkling the space between. Fairies, many wrapped in furs, were scattered about. Some carried firewood, others roasted food on spits above the fires, and still others were putting the finishing touches on the tents. Katy noticed most of those in motion had brown marks on their heads and arms like Nikki. They looked as comfortable in the cold as a fish might look in water. Nearly everyone else’s marks were covered up with hats and clothing as they huddled beside the campfires.

  “They’re here!” a young male fairy called before flying out to meet them. He had fox-red hair, blue eyes, and a wide smile. Katy was rather sure she hadn't seen him anywhere on the palace grounds. But before anyone else could say anything, he was nearly knocked to the ground by Nikki.

  “Jagan!” she shrieked as she hugged him tightly.

  “Hello, yourself.” The fairy laughed as he peeled her off and mussed her hair.

  “What had you so long?” Nikki crossed her arms and put on a pretend pout. “I thought you were coming for the opening announcements!”

  “Jagan,” Donella said gently. “I would like to introduce—”

  “Did you remember to bring me those dried fruits I asked for?” she continued. “Because I promised to bring several home to friends.”

  “Nikki,” Donella said a little more loudly.

  “I think you’ve gotten taller again,” Nikki continued, flitting in a circle around him and putting her hands on her waist. “I would have sworn you were done growing last year.”

  “Nikki!” Donella bellowed.

  Nearly everyone in the camp seemed to stop what he or she was doing and turned to look at them. When Katy looked back at Donella, she was shaking her head and rubbing her temples. Nikki blushed and backed up. The position reminded Katy of a small child who had been scolded, and she decided she disliked it. So she spoke before anyone else had the chance.

  “I’m Katy.” She stepped forward and offered her hand to Jagan, hoping she looked confident.

  Jagan took her hand and pressed it against his mouth politely before letting go.

  “Katy, I would like for you to formally meet my right hand,” Donella interjected. “Jagan assists me in my chancel matters.”

  “I wasn’t able to greet you at the docks with everyone else, and for that I apologize,” he said, his voice just slightly touched by an accent that sounded foreign and yet familiar. “I was finishing up some preparations for this week.” His grin widened. “It seems you no longer go by Clarisant.”

  Katy shook her head. “But I’m always pleased to make new friends,”

  “You cannot be more pleased than I am,” Jagan said. “I’ve wanted to meet the famed autumn fairy since I heard that you truly existed.”

  “What is this?” Katy asked, looking out over the camp once again. There were at least three dozen fairies flitting around them or snuggled up tightly at the fires.

  “Did you think we planned to leave you alone while you trained?” The young man’s smile was amused, but not in a condescending way.

  “Well, no, but…” Katy wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it hadn’t been an entourage.

  “Many of the clans live like this all year round,” Nikki said, gesturing to the tents. “So they decided to come alongside you for your training,” She was on the ground again, bouncing in place. “You will pass this test. We promise.”

  “We promise to do our best,” Donella corrected her. She looked out over the tents. “Where is Liam?”

  “Still grumbling about being dragged away from his cottage.” Jagan rolled his eyes then smiled again at Katy.

  “Katy, please stay with Jagan and Nikki,” Donella said, frowning. “I have a fairy to find.” She lifted into the air and flew off into the flurries.

  Katy looked around. “Are most of those here winter fairies?”

  Jagan threw back his head and laughed. “I’d lose my wings before flying with the likes of them!”

  Nikki punched him in the arm.

  “I’m a Spring fairy,” he said, rubbing it and making a face at Nikki. Then he lifted the front of his hair so Katy could see his deep red marks. “You’ll find when we get there that spring fairies are far more fun.”

  Nikki punched him again. “Take that back.”

  “So what exactly am I here for?” Katy asked.

  “Well,” Nikki said after delivering a short kick to Jagan’s shin that made him howl, “the plan is for you to train in each season.”

  “Donella said fairies can all use gifts from other seasons. What will I be learning about in Winter?”

  “Not all fairies can use all other gifts. Many can perform a at least one or two from each season to an extent, however. As for winter, I’m not exactly sure.” Jagan tried to elbow Nikki, but missed as she danced out of the way. “Liam is reclusive,” he said, looking up again, “but he’s one of the most powerful Winter fairies ever recorded. He can use nearly every Winter talent equally well.”

  “What about autumn gifts?” Katy asked. “Can he use them?”

  At this, the two fairies stopped trying to poke one another.

  “No one knows what an autumn gift looks like,” Jagan said slowly, “so now that you’re here, I guess we’ll see.”

  Before Katy could ask another question, Donella landed beside her. The largest fairy Katy had ever seen landed behind her. With the exception of a few gray streaks, his shoulder-length hair and thick beard were as dark as the snow was white, and his expression was about as warm as the frost gathering on Katy’s boots.

  “Katy, this is Liam,” Donella said, nodding at the stiff man beside her. “He is without a doubt our most talented winter fairy, and he has come to the King’s Isle this year specifically to help you.”

  “Not that I was given much choice,” he muttered. Then he gave her a quick look up and down. “So you’re the one who wants to marry the rhin.” It wasn’t a question. Rather, he spat Peter’s title out like a curse.

  “Yes.” Katy swallowed then dared a glance at the others to see their expressions. Nikki had pulled out her knitting needles and was ferociously creating something pink, and Jagan eyed the big fairy warily. When no one else spoke, she gave a small curtsy. “I’m honored to receive your instruction.”

  “Don’t bow. I’m not royalty.” He waved his big arm. “Let us get this over with.”

  Katy looked nervously at Donella, but she rolled her eyes and walked after him. Jagan and
Nikki followed, as did at least a dozen other fairies. After walking for a few minutes, They stopped in the middle of the valley, away from the tents and campfires.

  “We’ll work here.”

  Little rolling hills rose up on all sides of them. The hills were dotted with pine trees, and everything was covered with a powdery layer of white. A frozen pond lay to their right, about ten yards away.

  “What is your gift?” Liam folded his arms.

  Katy swallowed. “I’m not sure.”

  “What do you mean you’re not sure?”

  “I mean…my gift is dangerous. I try to use it as little as possible. So I know very little about it.”

  “Fah!” Liam spat in the snow. “Nonsense. Now you’re just being arrogant.”

  Katy looked at the others. Donella’s lips were pursed in a thin line, but her eyes remained distant. Nikki's eyes were as wide as teacups, and Jagan looked annoyed. But no one jumped in to defend her.

  “All fairies have a gift,” Liam continued, “but they can also perform other gifts as well if they put their mind to it. And none are too dangerous to show.” He looked at the clump of trees closest to them.

  Katy sucked in a quick breath as an icy breeze kicked up powdered snow and snaked across the valley. After whooshing through the trees, it returned, this time carrying an assortment of items including sticks, pinecones, and more snow. Liam reached out and plucked a pinecone from the breeze as it came to swirl gently around him.

  “I want you to encase this in a thin layer of ice,” he said, offering the pinecone to her.

  “How?” Katy took the pinecone. Did he want her to break the pond’s ice and dip the pinecone inside? If he meant by magic, she didn’t even know where to start.

  “If you’re really too daft to—”

  “Liam,” Jagan said tightly.

  “Don’t lecture me, boy.” Liam glared at the younger man. “I was doing this before you were born.”

  “He only wants to say,” Nikki said in a meeker tone, “that she was the only fairy on her isle. She’s not being difficult. She just needs help.”