The Autumn Fairy of Ages

by Brittany Fichter

  “Do you know where she gets her information?”

  Karel just snorted. “Who knows? Whatever the source, she’s been convinced of its truth since the day she waltzed into the Higher Chancel meeting, just before you arrived, and told everyone there that she’d had a revelation about the fate of the autumn fairy. Not everyone believed her then either. But disagreeing with Donella in the past has often led individuals to a sad end.”

  “She puts them to death?” Peter asked.

  “They often die or disappear in sudden tragic accidents. Four years ago, when I began standing in for you on the Higher Chancel, a certain female fairy disagreed with Donella over the way she had handled a certain dispute on the First Isle. I only knew of the dispute because I live there too, but most of the Higher Chancel wasn’t privy to the details of the situation. So when she died, the chancel didn’t find it suspicious. All they knew was that a poor woman had met her death when her dwelling had caught fire in the middle of the night.” He frowned slightly. “During a rainstorm.”

  “Did anyone suspect her of wrongdoing?” Peter ducked to avoid another branch.

  “Yes. Her husband. And after his accusations became known, he very quickly had an accident while fishing.”

  “And no one thought to investigate?” Peter tried to imagine how something so conspicuous could take place without questions on his isle. Of course, then he remembered Downing and all of its goings-on that had taken place. Not a peep had been heard by the vast majority of the isle’s inhabitants when their crown prince was nearly murdered.

  “No one wanted to. And before you ask about my father, he’s got enough trouble with our violent uprisings to bring charges against his ally over the death of two her of own kind. He’s simply burned himself out attempting to keep the isle from tearing itself apart.” Karel’s neck muscles tensed.

  Peter considered this, and he remembered the way Ethemu’s will had seemed to crumble when Donella pressured him back at Peter’s trial. It was easy to be angry with Ethemu, but from the raw emotion in Karel’s voice, Peter decided not to push the subject further. Still, however, Peter still couldn’t shake the nagging question that continued to repeat itself in the back of his mind. “But why me? Why would so many die so that I might live?”

  Karel pulled his horse to a stop. When he spoke, his voice was hardly above a whisper. “You asked once why I would turn against my own father. What changed that I would change my mind with it?”

  Peter said nothing, just watched the man carefully.

  Finally, Karel turned and looked at him, all signs of sarcasm gone. “My wife is with child,” he said softly. “We found out just before the summit began.” Then he sighed. “I haven’t told my father yet. It would only make him more desperate. I suppose what changed me, though, is I’ve realized that unless we change the way we’re trying to fix these isles, to bring Atharo’s blessing back, we’re going to continue to fail.” He paused. “I don’t want what we have now for my son. I don’t want to hand him a world full of blood and famine.”

  “Weren’t you part of the resistance before that?”

  “I’ve had my doubts since I was a boy, but I rarely did anything other than watch and wait.”

  “What about Katy?”

  “After seeing what I have, I do believe we need your autumn fairy.” Karel’s eyes hardened. “But we need you too.”

  “But I’m dangerous.”

  Karel gave him a dark smile. “Which is precisely why we need you.” He stopped, then nudged his horse forward a few steps. He reached forward and grabbed a handful of the hanging plants that draped over the edge of one of the trees. Pulling back the curtain of green, Karel revealed a valley.

  Peter gawked as he rode forward to see better. Hundreds of little tents and distant figures dotted the clearing below. Several larger tents stood at the corner of the temporary settlement. People moved in and out of them in at a quick pace.

  “The isles’ inhabitants are beginning to realize they’re going to have to choose between the old ways and something new.” Karel watched him carefully. “And we have chosen you.”

  ***

  Peter tried to ignore all of the gasps that seemed to follow him as they rode into the camp. When he was in the realm of eternity, he would have to one day ask Atharo why exactly he had made Peter so tall. As if he didn’t already stick out enough with his strange mark and for the sheer fact that he was a prince.

  Men, women, and children populated the valley. Peter wanted to swear as he counted more and more children running by. This was obviously a war post, based on the number of horses and weapons piled up in various parts of the settlement. When would people stop bringing their children, fae or human, to dangerous gatherings for adults?

  “Many of these families are from the village,” Karel said in a low voice, as though he could hear Peter’s thoughts. “They have nowhere else to go.”

  Peter followed Karel through the gaping, whispering crowds into the largest of the tents in the corner of the valley. Young boys ran in and out of the tent carrying messages, Peter suspected, from the leather tubes they had strapped over their shoulders. Inside the tent, William, Sebastian, Shauna, and several strangers were gathered around a table at the center of the room. Peter could hear their voices raised in disagreement as Karel cleared his throat loudly.

  Shauna wore her usual smirk, and several of the Lower Chancel members Peter recognized looked terrified, but William smiled.

  “Peter,” he said, shaking Peter’s hand and gesturing to one of the strangers, “let me introduce you to Markus, my personal captain of the guard.”

  The grizzled man who looked to be in his fifth decade nodded once. He was powerfully built, though not incredibly tall, and he wore what looked like might be a constant scowl. Peter liked him already.

  “I thought personal guards weren’t allowed on the King’s Isle,” Peter said as he nodded at the man.

  “I sent word back to the isle nearly as soon as we’d arrived that I wanted Markus to bring men and to wait nearby,” William said. He rubbed his neck and sighed. “I feared this summit would turn bloody when I saw how divided everyone was becoming over you and your betrothed as soon as you arrived.”

  “What about Ethemu?” Peter asked. He doubted the older king had come, but perhaps with Karel’s choice…

  Karel’s jaw hardened. “My father…” His voice hardened. “He is having a difficult time making decisions right now.”

  Peter nodded, and William cleared his throat. “Anyhow, you’ll have a chance to meet with some of the other military leaders later, but for now, there’s one more individual I think you’ll be interested in meeting.”

  “It’s about time.”

  “Tomas!” Peter pulled his knight into a tight hug then pushed back to look at him. “How did you find me?” He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so relieved.

  “A few of my men caught him snooping around outside the camp,” Markus stepped forward, his brows creased. “Nearly shot him with an arrow before they knew who he was.”

  “Well, I couldn’t sit in that blasted ship forever.” Tomas made a face. “Especially after I sent several messages to you through runners at the shipyard.”

  “But I didn’t get any messages,” Peter said.

  “I know you didn’t. Every time I got a reply, it was an obvious fraud. Nothing you would ever actually say. So I got suspicious, but I knew they wouldn’t let us enter the isle from the port. So we sailed around until we found an empty bay and I left the others on the ship while I got off and went to look for you.” He jerked his chin back at another tent. “Instead I found Firin Reaghan hiding out in one of the cottages at the edge of town. Dragged him back here and shoved some food down his gullet. He’s resting now.”

  Peter’s knees nearly buckled from relief. Thank you, Atharo! he prayed. That was one prayer answered. “It’s a big isle for one man to search.”

  “I found you, didn’t I?”

  �
�Aye, you did. And I couldn’t be more grateful.” Peter gripped his friend’s shoulder.

  “Before you get too excited—” Tomas raised an eyebrow, “—you should hear what these people think you’re going to do.”

  “I’m going to find Katy.” Peter turned and looked at the others again, suddenly wary.

  “Obviously.” Shauna rolled her eyes. “But I hope you have some ambition in life besides that.”

  Peter wanted to roll his eyes back. Apparently, these people had no idea how hard it was to keep track of that girl.

  “What she’s trying to say…” Karel huffed and shook his head. “Is that we think you’re the one who will unlock the Tree of Diadems.”

  Peter froze. “You what?”

  “Why do you think my father was so terrified of letting you kneel?” Karel asked. “And why do you think Donella was so opposed to you kneeling with Katy?”

  “The prophecy says the isles must join before Atharo returns,” Sebastian said quietly. “A human and a fairy would be the greatest uniting of the isles that’s ever been.”

  Peter swallowed. “But what about having children?” Thinking about it hurt enough. Speaking it hurt even more. “Any why didn’t you tell me before?” Now that he thought about it, they were just as guilty as the rest of the chancel when it came to misrepresenting the truth.

  “Many are convinced that you’ll be like everyone else.” Shauna spoke slowly, looking back at the others. “But we have decided that such a problem is a nuance.” She shrugged. “Getting you on the throne is what is important. You can sort out inheritance amongst your nephews later.”

  Peter wanted to retort that he and Katy hardy saw their ability to bear children as a nuance, but he kept his mouth closed. It would do no good to make more enemies before he had to. So he let her words go and tried to focus on what she was saying. “So…” he said slowly, “you think that I am supposed to be the High King that unites the people.”

  Everyone nodded.

  Peter took a deep breath. A thousand thoughts knocked around his head, objections, reasons they were wrong. Memories of everything he had ever failed at. The creature within him he still did not understand or even want. The amount of work and time it would take to put the isles back together again if everything was as bad as they said.

  The consequences of his failure, should he be unable to live up to the task. The death toll of children and families if he did not unite the isles and they continued to slaughter one another. The bloodshed between fairy and man if they could not come to peace.

  One more way to drive a wedge between himself and the woman he loved.

  He put his hands up behind his head and closed his eyes. His mouth felt like it was coated in sand, and his tongue was thick. “I never came here to be High King. All I wanted to do was help Katy.”

  “If it makes any difference,” Tomas said in a low voice, “I think they’re right.”

  “As do I.”

  Peter turned to see Firin Reaghan standing at the edge of the tent. His clothes were dirty, and his hair was a bit matted, but his eyes were as confident as ever.”

  Peter opened his eyes to glare at his knight and the firin.

  “There’s no reason you can’t do both,” Shauna said. “Marry your beloved. Kneel before the throne. Take your rightful place—”

  “If it is my rightful place,” Peter interrupted.

  “But for the love of all that is innocent and good,” Shauna continued, more loudly this time with an eye roll, “do it soon. If you aren’t married and can’t kneel before the end of this summit, you’ll have to wait until next year.”

  “We can’t just stay an extra day?” Peter asked. “Or just kneel now and get it over with?” There was nothing in the Chronicles about the kind of elaborate ceremony he’d witnessed for Karel and Nova. Skipping all that fuss would be more than logical.

  Sebastian shook his head. “The summit ends when it does because a shroud of thick cloud surrounds the entire isle. Everyone who wants to must leave, for all the ports become so foggy that sailing in or out becomes impossible.”

  “And to kneel,” William added, “you have to be married. Both thrones need to be filled.”

  “So the first thing we need to do, Markus said, turning back to the table, “is to find the autumn fairy and get your rhin sword back.”

  “Sword?” Tomas echoed. “Why is your sword gone?”

  “Apparently, I have a lot to tell you,” Peter said. Then he looked at Karel. “Why do we need my sword?” Other than for the sheer fact that it was his and he wanted it back.

  “Tradition says all the swords need to be present at the Tree of Diadems,” Karel said.

  Peter rubbed his eyes. “So for the last four hundred years you’ve been kneeling because…”

  “It was better to hope for a miracle than nothing,” Karel snapped. “But for now, let’s just focus on getting yours.” He let out a curse. “I wish I knew where Donella was keeping it.”

  “I can help with that.”

  Everyone turned to the entrance of the tent to see Malachi. He stood clutching a long bag, nearly the length of his body.

  “Weren’t you the one to—” Joel began.

  “Yes,” Peter said though his teeth. “He was.” He folded his arms and gave Malachi his coldest stare. “What do you want?” He glanced around.

  “I came to help.” Malachi’s words were barely above a whisper.

  Peter swallowed the pity he was inclined to feel for the boy. “I think we all know where your allegiance lies now.”

  “I’m sorry, Sire!” Tears flowed down Malachi’s thin brown face. “I didn’t want to! But Donella…she found out! She knew I was with the resistance. And she said she’d hurt my family if I didn’t listen! I swear!” His voice broke. “I never wanted to betray you. I only wanted to save my mother and sisters!”

  Part of Peter was livid. He wanted to tan the boy’s hide for selling him out to the fairies who had beat him within an inch of his life. And yet…he would have probably done the same thing had he been in the boy’s position. Especially after losing a father.

  “If you swear—” he began.

  Sebastian looked at him as though he were crazy. “You would allow him back? How do you know he didn’t lead Donella’s entire army here to our door?” He ran and looked out the tent entrance.”

  Peter just watched the boy.

  “My mother and sister are here now.” Malachi indicated to the sea of tents outside. Then he lifted the long bag. “And I brought you something to prove that I’m earnest.”

  Peter took the bag cautiously. “Where did you get this?”

  The corner of Malachi’s mouth quirked up. “Jagan was supposed to take it to the weapons room. But when he disappeared…” Malachi’s smile grew. “I volunteered to take it to where it belonged.” The boy paused. “Which is with you, Sire.”

  Peter opened the bag and had to swallow the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. Even in the long dark bag, he could see the faint gleam of his father’s sword. “I never thought I would see this again.” He pulled it out and held it reverently.

  “So what say you?” Karel asked. “Will you lead us?”

  Peter looked back at their eager faces and hoped his misgivings weren't as obvious as they felt.

  “I can't make any promises,” he said. “The tree could decide I’m not the king.” Actually, that was the outcome he was rather hoping for. “And I still need help finding Katy.”

  Markus nodded quickly, as though all of this were a mere annoyance. “My men have been combing the forests since we arrived here.”

  “That won't do any good.” Peter shook his head. “She’s in Autumn. We’ll have to look there.”

  “How do you know?”

  Peter chuckled without humor. “I grew up with her, didn’t I?”

  Markus swallowed hard, but to his credit, he nodded. “Very well.”

  “How long do you think we have before they come?” P
eter asked. He couldn't imagine Donella sitting very long with her prize prisoner gone.

  “Several days,” Shauna said. “They know where we are.”

  Peter stared at her. “Then why are we here?”

  Shauna's smile regained its usual smugness. “We have more supporters than you would think. She knows she’ll have enough weapons and magic to contend with when she attacks that she must be properly prepared. It’s why we took so long to rescue you. We had to make sure we were ready.”

  Peter looked around him at the shining, hopeful faces and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to be alone. But he swallowed his selfish desires and nodded instead. “Very well. If you’ll help me find Katy…” He sucked in a big breath. “I’ll kneel at the tree.”

  36

  My Gift

  Peter should have looked up when he heard the footsteps, but he couldn’t bring himself to keep the vigilance Antony would have approved of. It was easier to sit on his rock and hope whomever it was would just go back to camp. He’d strayed as far as he dared from the main tent, where he was supposed to be sleeping, and had hidden himself in a small grove of spruce trees. His heart hurt in a way he hadn’t known it could hurt before. Breathing felt strange, and his eyes stung.

  “Rather late to be out, isn’t it?”

  Peter looked up. The moon was full, so it was easy to see William as he sat beside him.

  “I needed some air.”

  “Well, that makes two of us.” It wasn’t until they were side by side, however, that Peter recognized the slight hum of power moving through the other rhin’s body.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you in prison,” the king said as he looked out over the silver landscape. “Donella moved faster than I’d expected, and I wanted to send my family home without her knowing.” He shook his head. “I had meant to get to know you earlier as well, but my daughter was sick during the first part of the summit, so I was often absent from the sessions.”