Pixie-Led (Book 2 in the Twilight Court Series)

by Amy Sumida

  “Me too,” I whispered as I helped her stand. I walked her out to find Shane standing there, staring at us in open-mouthed shock. “You're gonna wanna clean that up,” I nodded back towards the bedroom.

  Then we walked out of Castle Seelie and stole one of their shiny carriages.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  The Twilight Fairy Council wasn't as mad at me as I'd thought they'd be. At least not for tattling to the humans. In fact, they all but patted me on the back for the way I'd circumvented the Human Council and handled the situation in my own way. What they were just a tad bit upset about was my absconding with Cailleach Bheur.

  But I had promised her a fair trial in the High Court of Fairy and I had every intention of keeping my word. So I insisted that Keir contact the High Fairy Council House and arrange for Cailleach to be tried there instead of allowing the Twilight Council House to administer their own justice. The High Council appreciated our intervention as they had already received a request from the High Human Council for a joined court. They agreed that Cailleach needed to be tried by both fey and human judges.

  So under the role of Ambassador, I escorted Cailleach Bheur with my Star's Guard to the Isle of Danu, where we would then make our way through the rath to the High Fairy Council House in Ireland. My father decided to remain behind and watch over our kingdom. I think he wanted to give me the space to handle this on my own and I appreciated that. I'd never be taken seriously if I constantly had my father at my back. I needed to ease into this role of Ambassador on my own.

  I'd thought we'd have to travel into Seelie to get to the Isle of Danu but it turns out that there were raths linking to it in every kingdom. The High Fairy Council thought it was only fair that all fairies should have equal access to the holy island. It didn't even take us long to get to the fairy mound which led to the Isle. It was close to the sacred grove behind Twilight Castle.

  I rode in the royal carriage with the iron-cuffed Cailleach, Tiernan in warrior-mode, and a sleeping Cat. I sat at the back so I could look out the window and see where we were headed. This would be my first visit to the most sacred spot in Fairy and I wanted a good view. Tiernan smiled at my excitement and even Cailleach was amused by it. She had become almost sweet to me after it had been made clear that I was keeping my word and getting her a fair trial. Fairies weren't exactly liars but they were very good manipulators and I think she had half expected me to find a way out of my promise.

  We came to a large hill, covered with spindly trees and a thick growth of ferns. At the base and center of the hill was a gold gate. A design of a narrow island dominated the double doors of the gate. Above the island was a silver star. To the right of the star was a silver moon and to the left, a golden sun. The gates split apart as we approached, revealing nothing but blackness within.

  Raths which led to the Human Realm generally had doors, while the mounds which led to other parts of Fairy all had gates. I assumed this was so carriages could travel through. No one took a carriage into the Human Realm. I paused and gave it a thought, then looked to Tiernan.

  “Why are the raths to the Human Realm guarded by doors and yet the internal raths have gates?” I asked him.

  “They all had gates originally,” Tiernan shared a look with Cailleach.

  “What happened to change it?” I looked back and forth between them.

  “War,” Cailleach said simply.

  “When the Great War began, one of the battles bled over into Fairy,” Tiernan went on. “After that, we decided to minimize the paths and make them accessible only by foot.”

  “So an army couldn't pass through en masse,” I nodded. “Makes sense.”

  Then we emerged from the rath and I was given my first glimpse of the Isle of Danu. I grabbed the window ledge with both hands and just gaped. We were coming out of a semi-circle of fairy mounds, each with a white pebbled path leading out from their gates. We were on the central path and the other two merged with ours.

  The path led through a meadow of wildflowers, so many blooms that it seemed impossible for all of them to grow in one place. All the colors were there, in all the shades, and they grew in random abandon. They blurred together if you looked too long, like a painting by those guys who used dots of color. Just as with the artwork, the flowers seemed to change shape, melding together to become something new.

  Beyond the meadows lay apple orchards in bloom, just like the trees in the sacred grove. Pink petals drifted from them like snow and their scent carried over to us with a gentle breeze. The trees spread back across the land and just beyond them, I could just barely glimpse the glistening blue of the Seelie Sea. Magnificent, but it was nothing compared to the temple in the center of it all.

  Our path led straight to the colossal crystal creation. Not just to it but through it. The temple was open to the elements, without walls, just a collection of towering crystal columns and intricately carved arches connecting them. Each column was five times the width of our carriage and soared up into the cloudless sky so high that I couldn't see the end of them. Sunlight was snared within the crystal, causing it to glow and shimmer with opalescence. As we passed beneath the first arch, we were lit by its glow, rainbow reflections piercing the shadows of the carriage.

  Cat got up and laid her head next to my hands on the ledge. She sighed and I sighed with her. I've never seen anything as beautiful as Danu's temple and I was certain that I never would. Tears were streaming down my cheeks and I was unable to stop them. They fell onto my fingers, little splashes of wonder.

  We made it to the center of the temple and I hung my head out the window so I could stare up at the intricately weaved arches spanning the distance of the massive circular area. Here they didn't just curve up and then down, they curved up at angles like they were reaching for the sky. I looked back down to see that our pebbled path surrounded a central column; which was lit with dancing violet light. We curved around the violet crystal and I saw that this circular path was ringed by four more columns.

  One was filled with churning green and brown light, and wrapped with climbing vines. The second was filled with brilliant reds and oranges, and had flames rising up around its base. The third was full of a pale lemon light, and a whirlwind swirled around it. The last column held deep blue shimmers, and rain fell steadily from somewhere above it, though there was no clouds to be seen.

  “The elements,” I whispered and looked back to the central pillar. “So that must be Spirit.”

  “Yes, exactly,” Tiernan said from behind me.

  Movement within the central column caught my eye and I wiped my tears away absentmindedly as I focused on it. There was a low humming vibrating through the air, I could feel it on my skin and then in my muscles. The violet light inside the column shifted and coalesced into the form of a woman. Like a phantom, she slid out of the crystal to stand before it. Her entire form shimmered like a heat wave, blurred but still beautiful. Long hair undulated in the breeze, draping around her as it shifted through all the colors of the wildflowers outside. Her skin shifted too, different shades that seemed unwilling to settle. But the eyes that stared back at me were very familiar. They should be by now.

  “Stop the carriage!” I shouted as I opened the door.

  “Seren?” Tiernan frowned and searched the area but he didn't seem to be able to see what I did. “What is it?”

  Cat jumped out and ran to the Goddess as I chased after her. I heard Tiernan say something to Conri, who was driving our carriage, and then his footsteps crunched after mine. I wasn't really paying attention though, all I could see was her. I reached her in just a few steps and found myself falling to my knees on the smooth stone tiles which surrounded the base of the central pillar. Cat had no sense of deference and ran right up to Danu, yipping happily. The Goddess laid her hand on Cat's head and a shimmering light coasted over the puka. A soft sigh left Cat as she settled at Danu's feet.

  You've done well, Danu said inside my head.

  “Thanks,” I smiled. “Bu
t you could have warned me about that apple.”

  You wanted your magic instantly, she clucked her tongue at me. There's a price for that.

  “Well then you could have mentioned that,” I grimaced. “Though I guess it was worth it.”

  Would you like another apple? I could hear the laughter in her voice.

  “Nah, I'm good,” I felt Tiernan's hand on my shoulder and glanced back to see him staring at Danu, tears streaming down his face. “Do you see her now?” I asked him.

  “Yes,” he whispered and dropped to his knees. “I see her. I... Danu,” he bowed his head reverently.

  There was a commotion behind us and I looked back to see the rest of my Guard approaching, all with looks of wonder on their faces. Conri even brought Cailleach over. They stopped just behind us and knelt, every one of them bowing their heads as Tiernan had.

  Welcome, my children, she said and they all looked up at her in awe. Be at peace here. You've made me proud. All of you. You've supported Seren and the choices she's made, even though they seem strange to you. You protect her even when she resents that protection, she paused to give me a chiding glance, and you have obeyed my decrees when I've spoken through her. You have even attempted to befriend the unseelie at Seren's request. I know how difficult change can be for you but still you are trying. You're growing and within that growth I see love. I see strength. I see honor. And I see hope for Fairy.

  She walked among us, laying her hand on every head. A soft glow surrounded each fairy briefly before she moved on. Finally, she reached Cailleach.

  “Goddess,” Cailleach cried. “Sweet Danu, have I offended you? I only did what I believed was right.”

  Do not be afraid of me, not ever, Danu leaned down and kissed Cailleach's head. You followed your heart and I can see that heart, Cailleach Bheur. It is true and filled with love. Love for people who once thought you were their goddess. I know you still consider the humans to be under your protection and I know you had the best of intentions toward them. But you lacked guidance. I tried to speak to you but none of you are able to hear me anymore. Only Seren looks for me; prays to me and searches for signs of my presence. The rest of you seem to think I have abandoned you and so you've stopped looking for me. It is only here, on my holy island, that I can be assured that I will be heard. So listen to me now, Daughter. I have judged you and found you innocent. I pardon your crimes.

  Gasps came from the knights around Cailleach, and Danu turned to face them.

  Tell the High Council that Cailleach Bheur, The Blue Hag of Winter, has been forgiven, Danu's voice strengthened, deepened with power. May they look upon her and see the truth of these words. She waved a hand towards the hag and there, where the Goddess had kissed her, was a small glowing circle. Tell them, and all who will listen, that I am still with you. That your goddess loves you and waits for you to remember her.

  All around me a soft sobbing began and I realized that those fierce fey warriors were crying. Ashamed and heartbroken to find that it wasn't her who had done the abandoning. She had been trying to reach them all along.

  No, don't be sad. Rejoice that we have been reunited. Shed only happy tears, that you will be the ones who brings such bright tidings back to the others. And remember to always look for me, for I am watching you and listening. I hear you, even when you do not hear me.

  Danu walked back to me. Cat, who had been following her the entire time, trailed behind her happily.

  Now, Seren, Danu laid her hand on my head and power surged through me. I see your heart as well. It has shed its sorrow but beware that hatred does not seep back in. You must protect your heart even more than your body. For it is here, she moved her hand to my chest, that your true power lies. And it is a power that can save entire realms.

  I inhaled sharply as light burst inside my chest and tingling magic raced through my veins. I prepared myself for pain but it never came, just pleasure; pure bliss rode over my skin and set it to glowing. I sighed as I slid to the side, into Tiernan's waiting arms, and Cat nestled in close around us.

  Look after her, Tiernan Shadowcall of Twilight. Keep her heart full of love and keep her within your arms, was the last thing I heard before I succumbed to sleep.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  I awoke in a luxurious bed with Cat stretched out beside me. A glance to my left showed Tiernan watching over me from a chair beside the bed. He leaned forward immediately when he saw that I was awake.

  “Are you alright?” He asked as he slid a hand into my hair. “Did she do anything to you; give you a new magic or take some emotion away?”

  “I'm okay,” I sighed and sat up, dislodging Cat, who gave a whine and resettled. “As far as what she did to me this time; I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I don't feel any different,” I looked around me and frowned. “Where are we?”

  We were in a cozy room; wood paneled walls and hardwood floors covered by thick rugs. Dark curtains were closed over a window across from me and the only light came from a fireplace to the right of the bed. The room looked almost human except for all of the plants. There were enough of them that I was tempted to call it a greenhouse. Towering stalks of tropical blooms and berry-filled bushes grew right out of curving patches of soil situated to both sides of the window.

  “The High Council House,” Tiernan moved onto the bed as he answered. His hand slid beneath me so he could shift me into his side. “I can't believe everything that's happened.”

  “My dad's gonna be pissed that he didn't come,” I chuckled.

  “He will be disappointed, yes,” Tiernan nodded. “But I think everyone who was meant to be there, was.”

  “How's the Star's Guard doing?”

  “They're excited. You should see Torquil,” Tiernan laughed. “He hasn't said a word, just nods when someone speaks to him. He's completely dumbfounded.”

  “Nice,” I giggled. “I bet Conri loves that. And Cailleach? Did the High Council believe that Danu pardoned her?”

  “How could they not?” Tiernan shook his head as if he himself barely believed it. “Cailleach bears her blessing. The High Fairy Council added their pardon to Danu's immediately and called off the trial, much to the dismay of the High Human Council. Honestly, I think the high fey council members were horrified that the Goddess showed herself to us instead of them. Most of them haven't heard her voice in centuries and Danu told us specifically that the temple was the only place she was certain she could be heard.”

  “So that means what?” I glanced at him. “They never went to the temple or they never tried to speak to her there?”

  “Either or both,” he shrugged. “I didn't dare ask.”

  “Awkward,” I made a face and he laughed.

  “Yes, precisely,” Tiernan sat up and slid me between his legs so I could lean back into his chest. His arms curved around my waist and mine slid over his with a comfortable sigh.

  “I heard what she said to you,” I whispered, looking down at our layered arms.

  “About looking after you?” He tensed behind me. “Are you upset?”

  “That the Goddess herself told you that you have to love me?” I laughed and glanced back at him. “Hell no, I'm not upset. Now I know you'll never cheat on me. As if burning thorns aren't a big enough incentive, now you've got the wrath of a Goddess to face if you ever fail at keeping my heart full of love.”

  “How dare you question my honor,” he huffed. “I would never cheat on you. I may ask for a threesome now and then but I'd never cheat.”

  “With Conri?” I asked hopefully and giggled when Tiernan's face went red.

  “I was making a jest but I see you've put some thought into this,” he growled.

  “Oh come on,” I elbowed him. “I don't want another man in my bed.”

  “Thank you,” he said primly.

  “You're too much work as it is,” I smirked.

  “That's it!” He declared, shoving a highly perturbed puka off the bed as he threw me onto the mattress.

  �
��What are you doing?” I giggled.

  “What do you think I'm doing?” He lifted a brow. “I'm putting you to work.”

  Epilogue

  Keir was indeed disappointed to hear that he'd missed out on a close encounter of the Danu kind. He didn't let it bother him too much though, stating that with me being on such close terms with our goddess, it was only a matter of time before he saw her too. He was especially cheered when we told him what she had said, how she encouraged us to look for her and speak to her; that she was still with us.

  If only my human father was so easily placated.

  I try to call Ewan every time I make it over to HR but he still refuses to talk to me. He even put a mean message on his machine; telling me to stop harassing him or he'd have to report me to the Human Council. Councilman Murdock keeps telling me to give it time, that Ewan will miss me eventually and remember how much he loves me. It's the same thing I keep telling myself, except that it was starting to lose the ring of truth.

  Penderson dropped out of the election and politics altogether. He's bought a property in Virginia and harvests maple syrup now. He and Claire seem to be blissfully happy there. In fact, they're expecting their first child. Funny how being manipulated by fairies can change your life goals.

  My attempt at peace-making between my Star's Guard and my Uncle Uisdean's men worked better than expected. The Guard came home with stories of their little “holiday” on the unseelie island, speaking of how surprisingly easy it was to relax with the unseelie. They probably wouldn't be pen pals or anything like that but bonds had begun to form; tenuous threads of companionship that I hoped would strengthen into true friendship. Of course, that was the easy part. Twilight fey have ties to the unseelie, so befriending them wasn't such a huge deal. Still, I had hopes that this was a glimpse of what could be accomplished between all the kingdoms of Fairy.

  There have been no more Danu sightings, or mirror moth sightings for that matter, but all who saw the Goddess that day are changed. I can't put a finger on it exactly, it's more of an aura around them. Something in their eyes. They're different and it makes me wonder if I seemed different too. But then, how could I not? I was different. I had changed significantly, even before I saw the blurry face of the Goddess.