Folk Lore

by Joanne Ellis

  “I am aware of the law, Angeles. I also want to be with Angel,” Sampson replied tightly.

  “Let me go, Angeles. We can do it now, you are here,” she spoke in a frenzied tone now consumed by her thirst. “Here,” she continued as she struggled against Angeles constraint on her upper arms before biting her wrist to draw blood, “let me bite him now.”

  Sampson watched her for a moment and realised he’d never seen her in a frenzy before. Although he found it a little disconcerting, he wasn’t put off.

  “Angel,” he began softly. “I don’t care what would happen to me if we were to do this, and nothing would make me happier than for us to be together, but Angeles is right, the circle would surely punish you for breaking the law.”

  “Leave us for a moment, Sampson. I will calm her.”

  Sampson nodded and walked further into the forest.

  After sharing another toe-tingling kiss, Keelor returned to his seated spot by the river and his aloof demeanour returned.

  “Turn to the first page, Princess Seraphina and begin with the first law. I will explain its importance and origin so you can begin to understand why they exist.”

  “Fine, we’re going back to being this way again?”

  “It is the only way, you will see.”

  She glared at him for a moment before opening the book. The first page contained gold writing in words she couldn’t understand and she ran her fingers over the delicate prose as Keelor cleared his throat. She glared at him again and turned the page to find a list of numbered points - in English, thank goodness - with the title Folk Law in gold calligraphy at the top.

  “Number one,” she began. “Mixed folk relationships are forbidden and punishable with banishment. A princess is free to marry her protector, who will then continue to serve this purpose. However, if she chooses another, then her protector must step aside and join the relevant force or return to their home to live with their folk.”

  “You see I cannot be with anyone other than an elf and you, a human. I believe I have explained why. I am also not particularly keen on banishment.”

  With a roll of her eyes she wondered and then wanted to ask, had Keela chosen him. Sera decided she didn’t, really, didn’t want to hear the answer so, she continued. “Number two, folk are only to reside within the lands, unless banished, or in the human world, if their appearance is human.”

  “Obviously this refers only to humans, hazers and vampires - although I do not consider them human enough - residing in the human world. You, of course, are welcome to reside here, as are hazers. Vampires, we do not encourage, for their food supply is not available here. They are welcome to drink animal blood, however Angelique and Angeles have refused the idea. Other folk are to remain here due to their unusual appearance.”

  “I understand why this law is necessary. I was mesmerised by both of you and could imagine how others would notice the difference in your immortal beauty. As for the vampires, I don’t understand how they manage to fit in with humans as they are noticeably different too.” A giggle erupted in her mind. She’d notice the precise speech of folk since arriving the day before. Even Sam sounded different here. Now, it appeared, she'd picked up the habit. Never would she thought she would utter the words ‘immortal beauty’ and ‘noticeably different’.

  “Yes they are, however, they only venture out and feed at night. The sunlight aspect is a myth but they use the cloak of darkness to feed and this is probably how the legend began. All vampires can walk in the sunlight, many choose not to. The only way they can die is from penetrating the heart. I suppose this myth or legend is correct.” He offered a slight smile.

  “That would explain how they were able to join the circle this morning. I assumed it was a myth." She read on, "Number three, the River of Music is not for consumption. You explained this one too, due to its power."

  “Yes, however, there is another reason. It is said to contain the power to also return ones youthful appearance.”

  “Are you telling me it is the fountain of youth?” she asked in an awe-filled voice. He smiled fleetingly and she would have missed it had she not been studying his face, as she did every time she was in his presence.

  “If you wish to call it that. It is written within the book that in the past those who have tasted the water were restored to an adolescent state, however the power they also inherit with the youth also consumes them. Whether this actually occurred is uncertain as it was written before any of the current elder chosen ones were born.”

  Sera absorbed the information for a moment. There was certainly a lot to take in, but time was not in their favour, so she knew each law should be read, understood and then move on. Plenty of time to wonder over the surreal world she found herself in later.

  “Number four, only the chosen ones are to learn the ways of the book. This seems pretty obvious: in the wrong hands, such as Mecaldorf, it could be dangerous.”

  “Yes, this law is kind of obsolete now, as the book is protected by a circle chant and these laws were written before the shield was created.”

  “Number five, banished folk cannot return to the lands unless permitted to do so and are punished with a permanent sleep trance should they return without such permission.” She stopped to gaze at him for a moment, deep in thought and Keelor waited to see if she was in tune with his thoughts. “I guess this law isn’t all that important because of the shield but I don’t understand why it is a sleep trance and not something worse.”

  “You mean death or something similar?” She nodded. “Folk of any kind do not believe in killing unless out of necessity.”

  “You mean if you were protecting a princess or a vampire needs blood.”

  “Yes. The law avoids any sort of death penalty, even for a broken treaty, as you will see.”

  “Number six, visions or magic are never to be used for personal gain.”

  “Once again this is probably obvious, however an example would be if Kalar used a vision to find out information about her future or I could use my magic to ...” He stopped.

  “To what, Keelor? Stop yourself from feeling something for me.” His surprised look brought forth a spontaneous laugh from Sera.

  “This amuses you?”

  “Yes, the look on your face does.”

  “Your example is useful within this context, however my magic cannot change feelings. If this was the case, I would change yours as I can control mine.” His tone became irritated and his rebuttal stung.

  “Yes, you’ve been doing so well with that,” she replied cuttingly and went to stand up.

  “Sera,” he said softly. “I meant no offence. Regardless of what you or I feel, it is illegal to pursue any such notions. Please sit down. Let’s finish this and we can come back to the difficult task of learning the chants after we have lunch.”

  “Number seven, only trusted warlocks are permitted to enter the mystic lands. Doesn’t the shield stop this from occurring too?”

  “No, unfortunately a powerful warlock can bypass the shield, which is why the book is protected by a chant of the circle. The shield keeps most of the banished and unwanted folk from entering. As I said before, this is how they were able to abduct Nermina.”

  “So really the lands were never that protected from evil, only keeping folk out who were banished?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why wasn’t anyone worried about this happening before? Obviously warlocks and wizards can come and go as they please; no-one is really protected.”

  “Correct. This is why the princesses have protectors.”

  “So, if he has abducted Nermina to get the book, the only way to get it ...”

  “Would be to convince the circle to summon the book and the only way this would occur is if there is a threat. Therefore, until Mecaldorf makes contact, or we retrieve Nermina and reduce the threat, we are oblivious to motive and are speculating.”

  “Why Nermina? Why not someone like me? I was clueless as to who I was and I don’t have power
ful magic.”

  “Opportunity. Mortimer, a banished hazer, always had a fondness for her, so she may have been chosen for this reason too, if he is part of Mecaldorf’s plans that is. It is all speculation. As to your magic, it is probably the most powerful. You may not be able to conjure with dust or crystals or spells, however what you do cannot be done by anyone else. Elfin, pixies, nymph, fairies and witches all have powers such as these while hazers and vampires possess strength and natural fighting ability. You, on the other hand, can heal anyone. You simply do not understand how important you are. This is why the human princess is the most valuable within the circle. If Mecaldorf was able to obtain you, I cannot even contemplate …”

  “You mentioned lowering the shield permanently to allow banished folk into the lands. Do you think he has an army, or worse, intends to create a powerful mixed-folk army?”

  “Something similar, yes. You catch on quick.” He offered a brief smile.

  “Wouldn’t this take years to interbreed banished folk and wait for their offspring to grow up?”

  “Mixed folk offspring grow quickly.”

  “Oh, is this another reason for the law?”

  “In a way. If a vampire and a hazer were to mix, for instance, they would produce a child that would grow in weeks with the power to shape-shift combined with the strength and bloodlust of a vampire. A deadly combination. Throw a few warlocks into the combination ...” He shook his head.

  “Do you think Mecaldorf has already begun?”

  “Yes, it has been foreseen by your mother, actually, last night. They have created mixed folk combinations already. One of the vision flashes was of a large army. It is unclear how many there are, which would indicate perhaps some are half-breed warlocks too. Perhaps they intend to mix Nermina with a warlock or a hazer too.”

  “How can vampires procreate. Aren’t their bodies different?”

  “No, they cannot produce offspring, however they could change a hazer child to achieve mixed blood and accelerated growth. Once the offspring grow, after a few weeks, they could then perhaps procreate because they are still half hazer. We are unsure how many of the banished folk Mecaldorf has within his control.”

  She stared at him for a moment and thought about the magnitude of his words. Were they going to be facing an army of powerful mixed-folk fighters? Deciding she did not want to continue with these thoughts, she went back to the law.

  “Number eight, the chosen ones within the circle are forbidden to divulge any information within the book to anyone outside the circle. I think this speaks for itself.”

  “Not entirely, there have been instances where one of the princesses divulged information from the book to someone outside the circle who later became banished. The information in the wrong hands could be dangerous.” He paused. “This is why our concern for Nermina is paramount. As only the Chosen are privy to the information contained within, whatever Mecaldorf wishes to obtain would have to be gained another way. Mecaldorf, or one of his warlock apprentices, could try to ... coax the information he requires from Nermina. With his magic, along with that of some warlocks, he could recite the incantations with the same effect the eight within the circle have.”

  “Coax? He wouldn’t ...?” She stopped.

  “This is why we must locate her before he causes her any harm or uses her to create offspring for his army.”

  “Then I’d better learn as much as I can, and fast, so we can help her.” He smiled slightly again while his heart leaped at her show of bravado, wishing, as he had time and again over the past days, that he could break the law.

  “Number nine, if a vampire bites or changes any human either within the circle or not of disrepute, they are banished from the circle and the mystic lands, thus breaking the treaty which in turn omits vampires from the circle making it seven once more. This is the last one. Nine seems an odd number. Why not ten?”

  “There were only ever eight until vampires were introduced into the circle and the final law was added when they were included.”

  “There are not as many as I thought there was going to be.”

  “Nine is all we need. They serve their purpose and protect the lands.”

  “I think ten would be a nice round number. Perhaps it could propose a mixed-folk relationship for the greater good.” She grinned, hoping her teasing tone would break down his barrier.

  “You really do not understand how important the law is.”

  He stood up abruptly and left her sitting alone by the river.

  12

  Incantations

  Seraphina located Keelor in the village eating his lunch sullenly at one of the outdoor tables in the courtyard. As she’d not been given the opportunity to explore the entire village since her arrival, as she set about searching for her new tutor, Sera took the opportunity to look around. When she returned to her hut to change into another flowing dress, Sera discovered a now vast wardrobe of mystic land clothing. Although this one was more sedate than her attire for circle meetings, it was still far more beautiful than anything she owned. This dress, in brassy colours, glimmered in the sunshine as she walked.

  The small hut which was her lodgings, though charming to her, was quite inadequate compared to many others within the village. The two-storey cabins which housed elfin families were luxurious. Again she was struck with a sudden feeling, as though coming home. The home she lived in with her mother was lovely, and living with her Mum had always been fun and her life filled with love, but here she felt a connection.

  As she continued her search through the village, she watched as elfin children played on the grass, discovered flowering meadows, and noticed adult elfin enjoying the sun, their varying hair colour all striking and their stunning faces smiling. As she approached the tables in the centre of the village, where she would discover Keelor, Sera realised all the food was prepared here in a lean-to type building with a veranda. Inside were several male and female elfin preparing an assortment of meals. Sera noted they appeared to be vegetarian, which suited her perfectly.

  She approached the building and was greeted by a young-looking female who was breath-taking, her hair the colour of spun gold and her eyes a few shades darker. Her hair was curly and long and her face pale and smooth, which seemed to be the norm for this folk.

  “Hello,” The young girl smiled before continuing, “you must be Seraphina. My name is Allafee. Would you like some lunch?”

  “Yes, please. What do you have?”

  “Lots.” She smiled again and Sera found herself captivated by her melodic voice and lovely smile. “I am aware humans enjoy meat, however I am sorry to say we do not indulge. We do have an assortment of salads made from vegetables, flowers or fruit. We also have tofu everything - burgers, sandwiches, you name it we can do it.”

  “I’m vegetarian anyway, so that suits me fine. I would love to try a vegetable and flower salad. It sounds interesting.”

  “I will bring it out for you.”

  “Thanks, Allafee.”

  “You’re welcome, Princess.”

  Sera walked towards Keelor, who either hadn’t seen her enter or pretended not to, sitting with his back to her. She went around the table and sat opposite, noting he was eating something similar to what she’d just ordered.

  “If you would prefer to eat as a carnivore, you are welcome to join the shape shifters at the witch’s coven,” he told her, without looking at her.

  “I don’t eat meat.”

  He stared at her with what appeared to be adoration for a brief moment before returning his eyes to his lunch. “You are in the minority for your kind. I believe your protector eats elsewhere.”

  “What Sampson does is of no concern to me. I have rarely seen him since we arrived. I assume he thinks I’ll be alright with you.”

  “Princess Seraphina, I would give my life to protect you,” he replied with intensity.

  “Yes, because it is your duty,” she mumbled as Allafee approached them with Sera’s salad. She appe
ared to gaze with longing at Keelor for a moment before turning her smile to Sera and depositing her lunch. Keelor paid no heed to Allafee’s obvious affection.

  “I think you have an admirer,” Sera advised him with what she realised was a tinge of envy.

  Keelor noted the tone in Seraphina’s voice more than he took notice of Allafee. He knew her feelings for him and dismissed them as whimsical feelings for a chosen one rather than real love. If he thought her feelings would be hurt in any way, he would let her down easy. Many young elfin girls looked at him with the same obvious awe for his status, as opposed to love of the man he really was.

  His cool demeanour and indifference were the nicest and easiest way to dissuade unreturned affections. The emotions he was having difficulty ignoring were the ones generated by the girl sitting across from him enjoying her vegetarian lunch. Her beauty, courage and continuous curiosity were engaging, and her tenacity in pursing some sort of relationship with him was alluring. The thought crossed his mind on several occasions that perhaps her feelings were as those of Allafee, merely wonderment and interest in their differences. Surely her feelings for him would fade when her amazement disappeared.

  Besides the obvious reason of the law and the danger of mixed folk, he could ill afford to become caught up in some fanciful notion with this naive human girl. It would pay to remain detached and unapproachable. He realised this was becoming more difficult as they spent more time together. How could he be swept up in a ridiculous romance that could go nowhere, especially after two days? He’d never believed in love at first sight and now was not the time to start. Keelor decided if he told himself enough, his heart would believe it too.

  “Keelor, are you listening to me?” the voice of his tormentor broke through.

  “Yes,” he snapped.

  “Well, what is your answer, then?”

  “Not just because of my duty. I am used to the fanciful affections of young elfin girls whose regard for me is merely due to my place within the circle.”