Chapter 18
I awoke with a pounding headache. Trying to focus, I realized I no longer lay in the Utah desert. Overhead, a starlit sky flecked with the purple bobbing lights of fairies soared above me. The headache faded as I breathed deeply. My churning stomach settled as I inhaled the cool Faythander air. There was nothing so healing as returning to Faythander after a painful quest to Earth. I’d come back home, back where I really belonged.
But how had I gotten here? The last thing I remembered, I’d been on Earth under Veladon’s spell.
Kull loomed in my vision, blocking out the sky. Had he saved me?
“Hey, Skullsplitter,” I managed, my voice hoarse.
“Skullsplitter?”
I only smiled. Talking right now wasn’t an easy task.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
“I’ve got a headache, but it’s going away pretty quickly.”
“Can you sit up?”
“Yeah, give me a minute.” After a few more deep breaths, the headache dissipated enough to allow me to move. As I rose onto my elbows, I scanned the area.
A gentle breeze tugged on shoots of purple grass that smelled of lavender. Their stalks made a whispering sound as the wind blew. Shallow ponds were interspersed throughout the area, and nobbinflies darted. Some made ripples in the water, while others made tiny splashes. Tall plants grew throughout the meadow. They looked like dandelions, with fluffy white balls atop sturdy stems, though some were as tall as trees. Fairy homes were nestled inside some of the round balls, making them glow in rich colors of copper and orange. I’d never seen plants like that before, not even here in Faythander.
“Where are we?” I asked.
“No idea,” Kull answered. “I was hoping you would know.”
I shook my head, looking from the grass to a shimmering dome on the horizon. A city, maybe? “Do you see that?” I asked.
“Yes. It could be a settlement of some sort. Do you feel well enough to walk?”
“I will in a minute.” I turned to him. “How did we get here?”
“After the elves left, I knew if either of us were to be healed, we’d have to get through the portal, so I carried you through it.”
“You carried me? And you remember doing it?”
He nodded.
“But how? You’d been shot.”
“Stunned, really. I’ve had worse.”
“And… you’re better now?”
“Yes, the portal healed me.”
“That shouldn’t have been possible. Naturally occurring portals don’t heal physical wounds, and you didn’t have a memory charm, so you shouldn’t be able to remember anything.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. Unless… unless the enchantment I used to remove the masking spell interacted with the portal somehow, causing it to function unpredictably. I suppose it’s possible. I don’t know any other explanation.”
Glancing up at him, I was almost too afraid to ask if he remembered me, but I had to know. “What all do you remember?”
He cleared his throat and didn’t look at me. “Everything.”
“As in everything everything?”
He only nodded.
“You remember Earth Kingdom? You remember me?”
“Yes, and I feel I must apologize. I was not in my right mind, although I realize that is not an excuse for the way I acted. I am sorry for how I treated you.”
Elated, I grabbed him in a tight hug, catching him off guard. “You have no idea how glad I am to hear those words.”
He laughed. “I wasn’t that bad, was I?”
“You were horrible.” I pulled away and poked his chest. “Never get cursed again. Deal?”
“You know I have no control over such a thing.”
“Doesn’t matter. You have no idea how much I wanted you back.” I hugged him again, feeling more relieved than I probably should have at finally having him back to normal.
“You hated me that much, huh?”
“Yes, more than you know.”
“You do realize a lesser person could take offense at you for saying such a thing.”
“But not you,” I answered, resting my head on his chest.
“You’re right,” he answered, stroking my hair. “You know me too well.”
After such a horrible ordeal with the elves, being trapped by Veladon’s spell, and nearly suffocating, I took a few minutes to quietly savor being with Kull once again. There was no place in either world where I felt more safe. He was my champion and my guardian; he’d saved me in more ways than one, and I never wanted to let him go.
With the impending arrival of an asteroid, and with the elves still searching for the sword, I knew I couldn’t stay wrapped in his arms forever, so I pushed away from him.
“I think I’m well enough now. Should we go?”
“There’s no rush,” he said.
“Actually, there is. There’s this asteroid headed for our planet that we need to somehow stop, a sword to find, and a goddess to destroy.”
“And by now, the elves must’ve realized they stole a worthless sword. They’ll soon be on the trail to the goblin lands tracking down the actual sword. And,” Kull sighed, “I’ve lost yet another sword. I’m back to using Gnat Biter.” He tapped his sword’s hilt peeking from his scabbard.
“It seems you’re not having the best luck with swords.”
“No. I’m not, but my mind is my own once again and I have you. That’s all I need.” Kull smiled, though I still saw the sadness. He stood and outstretched his hand. I took it and stood, feeling a bit of lingering dizziness and nausea, but at least the headache was gone. We faced the horizon where a large dome shimmered.
“Have you ever seen anything like that?” I asked.
“No, I’m not familiar with it, but Faythander is a big continent. There are many uncharted settlements.”
“Do you think it’s safe to go there?”
“No way to be sure, but we can’t stay in this field. With any luck, the people in that village will be able to point us to the nearest light-rails, and we’ll be able to make it back to Danegeld.”
Kull found my pack lying beside him and handed it to me. “I believe this is yours.”
“Thanks,” I said, taking it from him.
We set off across the field, avoiding the giant dandelions and shallow pools of water where nobbinflies danced, leaving glowing trails of blue and purple lights in their wake. The cool evening air stirred with a gentle breeze. Sounds of fairy chatter pervaded the silence as slanting rays of sunlight quickly disappeared from the grasslands.
I clasped Kull’s hand as we walked. It felt so good to have him back again. I wasn’t sure what I would’ve done if he’d been stuck as King Kull the Snippy Skullsplitter forever. Probably would’ve shot myself, to be honest.
Drawing closer to the city, we dodged another pool. Turquoise lights shimmered beneath the transparent domes, like something from another world, and not something I was familiar with on Faythander. It was a beautiful sight in an altogether magical way, and the sight of the village housed beneath the dome mesmerized me.
Spiraling waves of magic shimmered over the dome’s surface. Inside, I saw the tall silhouettes of trees soaring over the village. Bridges connected some of the trees together.
“Should we knock?” Kull asked.
“I don’t know,” I said, reaching out. My own magic was slowly returning, and I felt it filling me with energy. As I pressed my hand to the dome’s surface, a wave of radiant energy—powerful, but harmless—brushed against my magic.
“I think it’s okay to enter. There’s some sort of spell here, but I don’t think it will hurt us.”
“Very well.” He surveyed the dome. “Shall we enter together?” He held out his hand, and I took it. Together, we stepped through the barrier.
I felt as if I were entering through a portal. Though the side effects of dizziness and disorientation weren’t present, the spots of light dancing
in my vision were similar. Colorful baubles of pink and blue shimmered in and out of appearance until Kull and I crossed to the other side.
We stepped into a place that could only be described as otherworldly.
“I’ve seen these trees before,” I said to Kull.
“Yes, they’re cilla moon trees. Just like the one growing behind Grandamere’s cottage.”
“I’ve never seen so many in one place.”
Trees that looked as if they’d been crafted of glass soared above us. Magic coursed through their trunks and into their limbs, making the trees appear to glow with a soft blue light. Glass and timber bridges connected one tree to another.
Leaves of varying shades of purple, blue, and green fluttered from the tree’s massive limbs. As I studied the trees, structures resembling large tree houses built seamlessly into the branches became visible, although the craftsmanship of the homes made them blend in so well they were nearly camouflaged.
The sounds of running water echoed, and I spied a river running through the trees not far away. Colorful vegetation and flowers sprouted from the ground around the trees’ bases, scenting the air with the fresh fragrances similar to pine and spruce.
“My goodness.” I gasped. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a place more beautiful.”
“Beautiful, yes, but is it dangerous?”
“Good question. I have no idea who lives here. Shall we find out?”
“Yes, but we should proceed with caution. I’m down to one lousy sword, you know.”
“Yes, you’ve mentioned it.”
Kull and I walked toward the trees and found a wooden footbridge crossing the many streams weaving below the trees. My mouth gaped as I stared overhead. The tree branches made a quiet tinkling sound as they moved in a gentle breeze, their limbs laden with jewel-like fruit. Bauble lights also hung from the branches, glowing in tranquil tones of amber and soft blue, casting light down on the water running under our feet.
Beneath the water’s surface, creatures swam. I even spotted a melimar—a small mermaid creature with corn silk hair—gliding gracefully through the stream. Our footfalls thumped over the wooden planks as we walked. The fresh scent of tree sap filled the air, and a gentle breeze carried magic in its wake.
Ahead, several people emerged on the bridge, blocking our path. Kull’s hand tightened around mine. We stopped as we approached them.
One man stood in front of the others. He was an elf dressed in a simple white robe with silver trim. A braided leather rope encircled his head, and his brunette hair was tied back in a low ponytail. I also noticed his magic, a powerful force I wasn’t sure I wanted to challenge.
The man raised his hand in a peaceful gesture. “I am called Eyrin of the city of Celestara. Welcome, strangers, to our home.”
“Your home?” I asked. “Where exactly are we?” It occurred to me then that I wasn’t even sure which kingdom we’d arrived in.
“This is the home of Wendolun, Lord of the Outer Province.”
“Wendolun,” I said. “I know that name.” I turned to Kull. “He helped us defeat the bloodthorn, didn’t he?”
“Yes, he and his men helped us. He was also helping me construct my library, but he said he was from Delestria.”
“That is true,” Eyrin answered. “He is indeed the governor of Delestria, although he was born here and still spends some of his time here. Are you here to visit him?”
“He’s here now?” I asked.
Eyrin nodded.
“We’re not here to meet with Wendolun, although we appreciate the offer. We’re searching for the light-rails. Are they nearby?” Kull asked.
Eyrin frowned. “No. I am afraid we are in a remote location.”
The elves standing behind Eyrin shifted, and I noted that two of them had bows slung over their shoulders.
“Tell me, how is it you have found our village?” Eyrin asked.
“It wasn’t intentional,” I answered. “We opened a portal from Earth Kingdom, and it brought us here.”
He raised an eyebrow. “From Earth Kingdom?”
I nodded.
“You are an Earthlander?”
“Yes, half.”
“Half?”
“Half-elven. It’s complicated.”
He cocked his head. “Are you the sky king’s ward?”
I cleared my throat. “I am. I suppose word travels fast in Faythander.”
“Indeed,” he answered. “Tell me, what were you doing in Earth Kingdom?”
“It’s a long story, but we’ve been searching for something.”
“I see.” He pondered us a moment before turning to the elves standing behind him. Speaking softly, he said they were no longer needed. The elves dispersed, and Eyrin turned back toward us.
“It is fortunate you have arrived here,” he said quietly. “We are friends, although you may not be aware, but Wendolun has been secretly aiding the elves who oppose the queen for some time. His allegiance is to the sky king. As the sky king’s ward, you are granted sanctuary in our city. You may stay here as long as you wish.”
“Thank you, but unfortunately, we can’t stay long. It’s important we find the light-rails and leave as soon as possible,” I answered.
“I understand,” Eyrin said, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robes. “I would be more than willing to discuss your traveling needs. However, I am afraid the remoteness of our location makes traveling difficult, and I am tardy for a pressing engagement. Join me for the evening meal and we shall discuss your journey then.”
“Is there any way we can discuss it now?” I asked. “Perhaps there is someone else we can speak with?”
“No, I am afraid now is not a good time. Anyone else you could speak with will also be dining at this hour. Join me, and I shall make sure your needs are met.”
Kull and I followed Eyrin along the footbridge until we reached a staircase. The steps were constructed completely of glass and the banister was made of smooth wood that was carved in the likeness of vines. The three of us ascended the stairs until we reached the trees’ canopy, and then continued along a bridge that led from one tree to another.
When we reached a large structure surrounding one of the taller trees, we entered through an open doorway. Inside, we found a small group of elves gathered around tables piled with steaming food. My stomach growled at the scent of roasted vegetables smothered in melted cheeses, hot stew, loaves of bread glistening with a buttery sheen, and fluffy white pastries.
Eyrin led us to a pair of chairs at an empty table. Kull and I sat as Eyrin took the chair across from us.
I’d had every intention of interrogating Eyrin on the status of transportation around here, but as soon as I took the first bite of the bread, my mind became completely absorbed by the food. Everything tasted heavenly, even the wine, which was a dark-colored liquid and had a mellow, earthy bouquet.
Dessert consisted of pastries covered in sugar and nuts, some with melted chocolate centers, and I swore right then and there that if the whole therapist thing didn’t work out, I was retiring here to become a pastry chef. Assuming I didn’t burn down their kitchens.
After the meal, Eyrin led us into another chamber. A fire crackled in a hearth and large overstuffed chairs surrounded it. The warmth enveloped me, and I stared at the flickering flames, reminded of what Lucretian had told me about my magic. Flame, amber and blue, of Earth and Faythander. Ashes, representing black magic.
“Where do you wish to travel?” Eyrin’s voice brought me back to the present.
“We’re traveling to Danegeld,” Kull said.
“Danegeld?” Eyrin’s eyebrows rose. “That is a long journey from our lands. Unfortunately, we are secluded here in Celestara. We are situated on an island off the coast of the eastern lands and must travel by boat to get to the mainland. Only there will you find the light-rails. I am afraid the next boat is not due in our village for two days.”
“Two days? I’m not sure we can wait that long.” We h
ad less than a week before the asteroid arrived. Could we really afford to wait here?
“Could you open a portal?” Kull asked me.
“No, my portals only work crossing from Faythander to Earth and vice versa. To travel across Faythander, you’d need a different kind of magic. The staff of Zaladin could theoretically open the sort of portal we need, but I haven’t seen it since we left the others behind.” I turned to Eyrin. “What if we went by dragon?” I asked.
“That is a possibility. Do you know any dragons?”
“Yeah, one or two.” Except my stepfather was still stuck in Silvestra’s castle, and the other dragons were in the sky king’s mountain—on the opposite end of the continent. It would take a week at least for any of them to fly here. We were better off waiting for the boat.
Heavy hearted, I sank into my chair. Two days. Surely there had to be another way off this island. But as I pondered our situation, not a single solution came to mind.
“It’s late,” Kull said to me. “We’ve been nearly killed by elves, made a bad portal crossing, and found ourselves in an unfamiliar land. Let’s get some sleep. We’ll be able to think more clearly in the morning.”
“Very well,” Eyrin said as we stood. “I shall have sleeping quarters prepared. If you will follow me.”
We trailed Eyrin as he led us out of the chamber, back through the dining hall, and out into the night. The sound of chirping insects filled the silence, as did the drifting sounds of conversation. Our footfalls echoed over the glass bridges. The air was cool and the night sky cloudless as a gentle wind rushed past.
After crossing another bridge, we stopped at a landing that looked out over a vast landscape stretching all the way to sea. Under the light of the moon, the white-capped waves glowed. The river branched in all directions toward the ocean, and tall trees grew on the islands between the vein-like river as it wound toward the sea.
In the trees’ canopies, we spotted more structures built into the branches. The same baubles we’d found throughout the village glowed here, except now, the lights reflected on the rippling water in colors of purple and green. A few maywelters glided through the air, their wings whispering as they darted across the water’s surface.
Fairy World M.D., Boxed Set Two (4-6.5) Page 62