“Are you well?” he asked as he helped me gain my balance.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded stiffly. “I’m just fatigued from all the riding.” I glanced at a beggar man as he drew near. “And maybe a little overwhelmed.”
Sarsia strode to the nearby inn. Her cloak whipped in the breeze as she walked, ignoring the sellers who tried to entice her to their wares.
“She’s going to get us a meal. We need to leave immediately.” Larnika took my arm and forced me to walk beside him.
Keeping my footsteps steady, I allowed him to guide me to a fountain in the middle of the square. I had never seen one before, and yet, the stone carving of Jordeek in the centre made me swallow hard.
“If he’s so hated, why is he still able to rule?” I whispered to my new companion.
I completely understood why we had to leave right away. In fact, I was surprised that we hadn’t been beset upon by Jordeek’s guards.
Larnika sat on the small wall, indicating that I should join him. Allowing my legs to rest would be a welcome reprieve. After securing my horse, I moved my skirts out of the way, glancing at the carts. There were a few with old worn dresses. Maybe I would be able to purchase another dress or two. I couldn’t very well travel this strange land with just one dress.
“He has a lot of power.”
Sitting tall, Larnika kept his gaze on those around us, his eyes narrowing on anyone who looked out of place. It was a risk to bring me here if I was who they said I was.
“Wait, how do I know that Jordeek isn’t the true heir to the throne? You might be using me to overthrow him because you don’t care for him.”
Crossing his arms over his tunic, Larnika nodded his head towards the woman who was telling fortunes. “Why not have your fortune read?”
Flicking a coin to me, Trenton laughed when I scrambled to catch it. “Why would I do that? People like that are dangerous.”
Even as I spoke, my wobbly legs were straightening, bringing me up with them. It was as if I was drawn to the woman who looked up from her table as I approached. She only just balanced on her stool, her voluptuous frame carefully positioned. Her hair was fastened tightly behind her head. A red scarf wound itself around her hair, the small gold coins attached jingling as she gestured for me to sit on the opposite stool.
“I can feel your apprehension, child, but know that I only work with good magic. I’m part of the Seelie Court. No matter how often the ruler of the Unseelie Court tries to convince us that he’s Seelie, we know different. Too many Unseelie creatures are flooding in from Falonia.”
“Falonia?”
Her sharp brown eyes looked at me, her greying eyebrows pulled low. Licking her lips, she grabbed up the cards and shuffled them. Her deep red dress was cut in an unusual style, the neckline lower than usual. The edges of her flared sleeves were frayed, the dirt under her nails a sign of her poverty. Trenton had said that those who were Seelie used to be rich, attractive and kind. Most of the time. This woman’s features were pure and even, but the sadness in her eyes… it gave her an air of something I couldn’t identify.
“You are new here,” she whispered, her eyes growing wide. “Your magic is strong. I’ve not felt power like yours in a long time.”
Chewing on the inside of my cheek, I looked down at the table when she started to flick cards out and lay them on the blood-red tablecloth. The crystal ball stood to the side, reflecting the pictures on the cards. Pictures I didn’t understand.
“The fall of the emperor. Yes, that’s exactly what we need.” Her gaze traced the pictures, her mind whirling behind her eyes. “You’re going to be his downfall. You’re…”
Tapping one of the cards, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Glancing over my shoulder at Larnika and Trenton, I noticed that Sarsia had joined them. Her lips were screwed up as she watched us, the basket of food in her hand trembling slightly. Larnika held her elbow, preventing her from crossing the busy square to break up my fortune.
“Please,” I said, turning back to the woman who stared open-mouthed. “Tell me who I am.”
Scooping the cards into her hands, the witch shook her head quickly. “I’m sorry, you must leave. If anyone knows who you are, you’ll be in terrible danger. The Unseelie are bewitching the Seelie, they are able to use our magic for themselves now that the old king…” Clearing her throat, she thrust up from her chair, her gaze looking directly above my head.
Glancing behind me, I sighed. Sarsia stood with her hand on the hilt of her sword, her cloak opened to reveal the weapon. “I think it’s best we leave,” she said to me, her gaze not leaving the other witch.
Leaning over to me, the fortune teller clasped my hand. “You are the Lost Queen. I promise not to tell anyone that you’re here.” Looking up at Sarsia, she placed her crystal ball into a worn out brown muslin sack. “I promise.”
Rising from my seat, I looked between the pair, one strong and powerful, the other obviously fallen on hard times. Was Jordeek’s rulership bringing hardship to the people he should be caring about?
“Go!” Sarsia barked as the witch hesitated.
Without another word, she clicked her fingers, smiling at me as her little table and chairs disappeared. Her last words rang in my ears as she turned and hurried away, quickly swallowed by the crowd of passers-by.
“Why did you allow her to do that?” Sarsia snapped at Larnika as they made their way back to the horses, who were tied up beside the inn.
Following closely behind, I tried to clear my thoughts. A short man appeared by my side, his bulbous nose screwing up when he tugged on the skirts of my dress. “You look like a lady, do you have any spare coins for a hungry dwarf?”
“No, she does not!” Sarsia snapped as she flung a bronze coin at the small man.
Catching it in his little hand, the man nodded his thanks before he glanced up at me. “It’s unusual to see high-born fae this far out. I hope you’re keeping safe.”
Before I could reply, he rushed off, a smile on his face. I watched after him until I could see him no more. What a strange fellow.
“High-born fae?” I asked Sarsia when she grabbed my arm and marched me to Larnika’s horse.
Shaking her head, she pointed at the saddle. “It’s not safe here. We need to leave immediately.”
“I need…” Glancing down at the hem of my dress, I indicated the thick mud. Lifting my foot, I showed Sarsia the holes in the bottom of my slippers. The mud had squelched through, coating my foot completely.
“I’m a witch,” she whispered in my ear. “I can magic you up some garments. Let’s go!”
Not waiting for me to reply, she went to her horse, mounted and made off through the square. Larnika didn’t hesitate in taking hold of my waist and hoisting me into the saddle. Once on, I waited for him to join me, which he did, shifting the whole thing as he settled. It wasn’t a comfortable ride with the pair of us, but at least the saddle had been made for two.
“You’ll have to mind Sarsia,” he said as he waved milling people out of the way. “She’s got a lot riding on this journey.”
“She has?”
Absorbing the bustle of the village as extremely tall men with long hair and funny looking faces marched by, I kept one eye on Trenton as he followed Sarsia, and the other on the wonderfully strange creatures that made up the people of the village.
“Yes. I’m sure she’ll tell you more when she’s ready. It’s not my story to tell.”
“And, what is your story?” I asked, flinching when a man strode up beside us and grinned down at me.
He was taller than any person I had ever seen before. His blue eyes twinkled as he offered me a rose. Taking it, I thanked him nervously, releasing my breath when he went on his way.
“That was a troll. Nice people. Most of the time.” Larnika guided the horse through the exit of the village.
A wall similar to the one we’d entered through had large wooden gates, allowing us to leave without a fuss. The guards didn’t
even look up from their cheese and bread as they stood around, discussing the weather. The cold made their breaths puff as they ignored those entering and leaving.
“I’m surprised Jordeek isn’t more afraid of who comes and goes,” I muttered when Larnika stayed silent.
A wooden bridge crossed over a small stream, connecting the village to the forest beyond. The trees stood tall, not moving in the slight breeze that suddenly whipped my hair around my face. The dark brown strands blocked my vision as the horses entered the woods.
Shoving my hair out of the way, I stared as several people passed us. Some were on horses, but most were on foot.
“Where are they going? Surely, they can’t cross into Mediya?”
A track wound its way through the forest, slowly growing smaller in width. Many people didn’t look at us. Their heads drooped, their lips frozen into a frown. Why were they so sad?
“You asked me about my story,” Larnika muttered.
Trying to turn in the seat, I nodded almost violently. The people who had persuaded me to leave my family were strangers. Hopefully, if I knew more about them, I would feel a little safer.
“I was a noble in the Seelie Court three years ago when Jordeek’s father, Pryon, attacked the land.”
Listening to his words, I drank them in, my focus completely on him, even though I couldn’t see his face.
“Your parents were good friends to mine. My father had served yours his whole life. He was the head of the Althean Guards.”
“Althean Guards,” I whispered, unable to stop myself getting swept up in the crazy story.
“Yes, a band of guards who patrolled the kingdom and kept all those who lived within its borders safe. I was one of them. My father, as the head, made sure King Fairling’s army was always ready for battle. It wasn’t enough.”
“So, if what you say is true, which I highly doubt, my surname is Fairling?”
Sarsia glanced over her shoulder, her eyebrows raised. She didn’t even look at me, instead making eye contact with Larnika, who nodded. I felt the movement of his head as it moved near mine.
“Yes. Your name is Layanna Fairling. Your nursemaid glamoured your father into keeping your first name. I escorted you both to the village you grew up in at the command of my father.”
Air rushed into my throat as I tried to look around at the fae who had known me as a baby. Apparently.
“You’re going to hurt your neck if you keep doing that,” he murmured with a slight lift to his lips.
“I’m not sure I believe that you’re telling the truth.” My fingers started to tingle, the tips of them suddenly warm.
Burying them in my skirts, I swallowed as I tried to rub the feeling away. Something was happening to me, although I wasn’t going to let them know. I was human, not fae. No matter what they said.
“It was my duty to check on you, so I’d watch your family from afar. We’d picked good parents.”
“And the child you stole from them?”
Fierce warmth started to crawl over my skin. Was I angry at them for taking a human? Or, was there something more going on?
“She wasn’t able to cope in our land, she died.”
My mouth hung open at his curt reply. It hadn’t affected him, which was rather disconcerting. Did the fae have no empathy? Seeing the poor people in Dylion had brought me much sadness. In our village, we shared the wealth, and made sure everyone was able to live. I had been in Althea for only minutes, and yet, the poverty squeezed my heart.
“When Pryon defeated your parents, he slaughtered them at the palace of the Seelie Court, where they ruled.”
A wave of a regret washed over me as I glanced down at a passing fairy. It was tiny as it flew past, its little wings buzzing before it disappeared. Shaking my head, I blinked a few times, unable to accept what was happening, even though I had seen everything with my own eyes.
“A year later, Pryon died of natural causes. Jordeek buried him in the palace, immortalised by a statue of him above his grave.”
“I can see exactly why you want Jordeek overthrown. The poor people of this place are living in filth!”
My aggressive reply drew Sarsia’s attention. She looked back at us, her eyes widening when her gaze went beyond our heads.
“Larnika!” she shouted.
He spun in the seat, almost knocking me out of it. “Shit!”
His exclamation made me try to glance around him. He forced me to look forward, shoving my cloak’s hood over my face so I couldn’t see. “Whatever happens,” he ordered. “Stay on this horse.”
The weight of him disappeared. Without hesitation, I threw my hood back. Sarsia and Trenton had about turned their horses, facing in my direction. Waving her hand, Sarsia muttered something as she pointed at me.
Creaking my neck, I looked to see what they were so afraid of. Larnika had his sword out of his scabbard, his legs parted, but firmly planted on the ground. The people who had been trailing through the trees were no longer there. Where had they gone?
“We found you!” a screeching voice shouted loudly from behind.
As Sarsia and Trenton went around me, I tried to get my horse to move. He didn’t, he stood exactly where he was, not even blinking. Sarsia had obviously cast a spell on Larnika’s steed.
About to jump down, I paused when a chorus of high-pitched laughter made me look to where the others now stood, facing a group of… small flying men.
They were the size of a cat, their wings clear with tiny colours flickering in them. The green of their outfits matched the leaves of the tree canopy they hovered under.
“Jordeek demands that you bring the girl to the Seelie Court,” one of the men said.
Sarsia slowly took her sword out of its hiding place. Trenton’s dagger was clasped in his hand, his light eyes watching the group of six flying men.
“Jordeek sent the pixies to escort us? He must think we’re weak.” Sarsia raised her hand and clicked her fingers.
The pixies’ wings bent suddenly, causing them to drop to the ground. Spinning their horses, Sarsia and Trenton thundered away.
Larnika vaulted up behind me, jerking the horse into action. The spell was obviously broken, because I had to clasp the horse’s mane to stay in the saddle.
“Hold on tight, I’ve got to shoot these pixies.” Turning around, Larnika pressed his back against mine.
The sound of an arrow being loaded onto a bow made me crane my neck. Where had he got a bow and arrows from? It hadn’t been in his hand a moment ago.
“What’s going on?” I shouted, my voice vibrating against the horse’s galloping body.
“Pixies are part of the Unseelie Court. They like to play tricks.” The sound of an arrow flying was followed by a screech. “If we let them, they’ll use their magic to lure us back to Jordeek. Running is the only option.”
Pixies? Another folklore tale I’d heard about small men who could fly, not unlike fairies, although there was a fierce rivalry between them.
“Keep your head low!” Trenton shouted.
Glancing ahead, I gasped as a tree branch came into view.
Larnika ducked his head just in time, the hair on his crown ruffing from the small contact.
“Please watch out for obstructions,” Larnika called as he fired another arrow.
Keeping my gaze forward, I resisted the urge to squeeze my eyes shut.
Sarsia led the way through the forest, away from the main track. The trees were crowding closer together, the shrubbery growing thicker. If she wasn’t careful, she would trap us, leaving no place for us to run from the pixies.
“A log,” I gasped as Trenton’s horse cleared it easily.
Larnika grunted as he pressed into my back. I clung to the hair of the horse’s mane as he righted himself.
“We’re losing them!” he shouted.
The horse sailed over the fallen bough of a tree, landing safely on the other side. The others had disappeared behind a clump of trees, the crunch of leaves under t
heir horse’s hooves the only thing alerting us to their presence.
“Get behind here!” Trenton hissed.
Grabbing the rein, I tugged it, turning the horse in the direction of the others. Quickly joining them, I brought the horse to a standstill.
“Cloak us,” Larnika told Sarsia. “Now!”
Jumping down as Sarsia whispered a spell, Larnika stuck his head out from behind the shrubbery. A warmth wrapped itself around my skin, calming my panicked emotions as we waited.
Trenton and Sarsia watched Larnika as the sound of fluttering wings passed by, too fast to me to see them. Every one of us held our breath as the pixies disappeared.
“We’re safe,” Larnika said, keeping his bow extended in his arm.
“We are?” My breath puffed cool white air as the cold sunk through my cloak.
Sitting forward on her mount, Sarsia shook her head, her braid flicking behind her. “Only for a moment, Princess, only for a moment.”
Chapter Seven
“If you were able to cloak us from the pixies last night, why can’t you do it all the time?”
Sarsia turned her dark blue gaze on me. Her pale skin was almost ghostly as the cold of the morning affected her. We’d camped overnight, hidden by a clump of trees. I’d almost frozen, my cloak not thick enough to completely protect me from the harsh weather.
“This weather is nothing like it should be,” Trenton moaned, rubbing his hands together as he clasped his horse’s reins. “It’s too cold.”
We’d been riding for an hour, heading towards the border of the Seelie Court lands. The others hadn’t spoken much, preferring to ride in silence.
“Since Jordeek banished me, my magic has been weaker than before. Also, it would take all my magic to cloak the most powerful fae in Althea.”
Glancing at Larnika, I frowned. An itch flared on the tips of my fingers as a slight breeze picked up, sending my hair flying across my face.
“Not him,” Sarsia said, a fleeting amused smile coming to her lips.
“We’re here.” Trenton’s announcement was hushed, his hand waving us to a stop.
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