The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook*

by Shannon Barczak

  I gave Jeremiah a kiss on the cheek before turning to Machall. “If anything happens to me, take care of Jeremiah. Get him back to the Isle of Skye safely.”

  “I promise,” Machall said seriously. “I’m positive that you will do this in a most splendid fashion.”

  “You’re just scared of what Mathias will do to you if I don’t make it out of here alive,” I smiled

  Machall shrugged and gave me a small grin. I gave Patcoena one last nod before finally heading into a small cave. I had to duck my head because the opening to the cavern was low. As I scrambled further in, I stood up and looked around. Although it was dark, it was also surprisingly clean. The dirt floor was packed down, and it almost felt like smooth concrete. Instead of being musty and damp the cave held a cloying scent of cloves which confused me slightly.

  I stood there for a moment because I didn’t know what to do exactly. I could feel the hum of magic, but I wasn’t sure where the source was coming from in this small room. I looked around the floor thinking maybe there was some special magical rock, but the surface was clear of any debris.

  I walked towards the back wall when I spied something engraved on the rock. My trembling hands reached out to touch an ornate letter C that was intricately carved in the bedrock. The second my finger started tracing the letter my purple flames flared from my hands. I looked down in wonder as pleasant warmth started spreading from my fingertips all the way to the tips of my toes.

  I closed my eyes and almost moaned in pleasure. My body felt like it was wrapped up in a toasty warm blanket. A glowing cocoon started surrounding me. I smiled as I felt its embrace, but the smile faded when all of a sudden I started to notice my purple freaky flames turned into an unfamiliar red. The snug, safe feeling evaporated almost instantaneous as the burning red flames started to overtake my body.

  I was flung back into the rock behind me, and my arms were almost pulled out of the socket as flames seemed to jerk them away from my body. I could feel my long auburn hair spiral off my head and swirl around me. Scorching pain ignited in the pit of my stomach. I bit my lip to keep from screaming out in agony as the pounding waves vibrated off my body.

  My eyes started to spasm and blink rapidly. I could feel that my body wanted to flee or fight, but I forced myself to calm down. I knew fighting this would only prolong the torture. When sparks began to fly off my body I opened my mouth to scream but instead of releasing a cry, I released a torrent of fire. I was too far gone even to be freaked out by this. I wanted this experience to be over. I begged and pleaded in my mind to whoever was listening to please stop this horrendous torment.

  I felt like it went on for hours. I didn’t even know how I was still standing. I kept eyeing the floor in hopes that I could just curl up on its cool surface and die. I barely could remember who I was or why I was here. I just wanted it to stop. There was nothing worth all of this pain. I again begged to be released from the hell that had surrounded my body and inflamed my bones.

  I tried to conjure up faces and names, but I couldn’t. What was my name, I asked myself. Why on earth would I do this? Why would anyone put themselves through this intense experience?

  Mathias. Mathias, I called out as I felt my consciousness slipping away. Suddenly his face flooded my brain. I wanted to run my hands through his dark brown hair. I wanted to use my fingertips to trace his chiseled cheeks and lush mouth before I gently kissed his eyelids that I knew protected his whiskey colored eyes.

  Slowly other faces flickered, and I finally remembered who I was and why I was here. I gritted my teeth and tried to straighten my slouching frame. I was not going to die. I was not going to leave my family like this.

  All of a sudden a white light appeared in front of me and for a moment I felt like I stared death in the face, but it wasn’t an angel or a God. It was a ghost. I knew who he was the second I could make out his shimmering face. His dark hair had a slight curl and his blue eyes danced with delight as we stared at one another.

  “Willa,” he said. His voice was faint and I had to strain to hear him

  “Great-grandfather,” I answered. His name came out almost like a prayer on my lips.

  “I’m afraid this is the only time I will ever be able to come to you,” he said. “You are such a brave and beautiful girl. You are the granddaughter of my own beloved daughter. You were chosen by the fates long ago. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what the chosen individual would have to go through when I placed my power in the realms but after watching you since the day you were born I now feel like weeping.”

  “Yeah, thanks,” I said through my haze of pain. “Holy crap, this sucks.”

  “You can do this Willa. You are strong enough, but you must not fight the elements. You have to let them overwhelm every part of you before you will ever be able to control them. This task will not be easy. You will have to embrace the darkness before you can step into the light.”

  “Oh God, is this some medieval riddle?” I groaned

  The King smiled. “You will know what I mean when the time is right.”

  “So I will survive this?”

  His smile dimmed. “That is up to you.”

  My bottom lip trembled, “I don’t know if I can do this. I don’t think I’m as strong as you think I am.” I winced as another flaming pain shot through my body. My back tightened against the violent invasion that the power was creating inside of me.

  “You are strong enough Willa,” he repeated emphatically

  I looked away in helplessness, and then he continued. “I am not permitted to tell you what lies in your future but I want you to remember that no path worth taking is ever easy. There will always be obstacles but with strength comes hope and hope is what strengthens us.”

  “I’m scared,” I whispered. “I’m so scared.”

  “Being afraid is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of great character. Those who admit fear and face them are those who will find the greatest happiness in life.”

  “God I know I shouldn’t say this because this is like a profound moment, but I feel like I’m Luke Skywalker, and you’re Yoda.” I shook my head, but that only made me even more aware of the pain. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I just don’t know when to shut my mouth.”

  “Just remember the only thing worth fighting for is love and sometimes you have to lose it before you realize that.”

  “I can’t. I can’t. Lose. Him,” I stuttered, my face was scrunched up in horror

  “I’m not talking about Mathias,” he replied with a sad smile. “But when the time comes, do not push him away. He will be your salvation but only if you let him.”

  “I’m not real good at accepting help,” I gasped as a fresh wave of pain came over me. “I like to do my own thing.”

  “You will find strength within yourself and only when you finally accept it will you find peace,” he said. “You must however be willing to open yourself up to others. There will be those who will be of great help to you, but only if you let them.”

  “You’re going to leave now aren’t you?” I asked tearfully

  “Yes,” he said, his face dimming. “My heart is filled with love and hope now. I can only tell you that there is great joy in your future if you survive what is to come. You will experience things you never thought possible. I’m only telling you this because if you ever doubt yourself, know that in the end everything that you will do, every difficult decision that you will have to make will only make you into to the person you were truly meant to be.”

  “Blessed be my darling girl,” he said before fading away. I cried out as even greater pain came over me. The sensation was so horrific that I arched my back and tried to claw my skin, but my hands blazed with fire. Suddenly a burst of light was shot through my body and I screamed as the cave lit up with a brilliant explosion of light.

  Suddenly, it was over. I slumped to the ground and tried to catch my breath. I felt like someone was still jabbing needles in my body, but it wasn’t as painful as the flam
es of fire that enveloped my entire being just a few short minutes ago. I let out a cough and almost laughed when puffs of smoke came out. I had just started to hum ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ when I heard Jeremiah start yelling my name.

  “Willa,” he yelled. “Willa, are you all right? We’re coming in.”

  “I’m fine Jeremiah,” I croaked. My voice sounded dry and scratchy. I wished I could dive into a lake so I could soothe my warm body and burning throat

  I looked up when I heard them come into the cave. I was just about to greet them when I felt Machall’s presence. I shrunk into a corner as his power seemed to surround me. It was too much. It was too soon for me to be around him I realized at the last second. Patcoena seemed to understand immediately and practically shoved Machall out of the cave. I unclenched my aching body and tried to relax.

  “Willa, are you ok?” Jeremiah asked, his face filled with concern

  I nodded. “I’m thirsty and tired.”

  “It’s getting dark outside. We must find shelter.” Patcoena said

  “We can go back to Machall’s house?” Jeremiah offered

  “No, I’m afraid we must leave the Fire realm,” Patcoena said. “There’s too much energy here for Willa. We will go to the Earth realm as planned. I know of a safe place we can rest for the night.”

  “Willa?” Patcoena asked. “Will you be all right if Machall accompanies us? I have to be honest I would feel better if we had him for protection, at least for tonight.”

  “I agree,” I said weakly. “I have to get out of here right now though.”

  Patcoena and Jeremiah both grabbed one of my arms and helped me stand. I slowly walked out of the cave but not before turning to get one last look. I thought I saw a shadow in the corner and smiled weakly in its direction before ducking my head to leave. I was surprised by how much time must have passed since I went into the cavern. The sun had set, and the first stars of the night were shining brightly in the clear sky.

  “So what do we do now?” Machall asked

  “We are going to go to the Earth realm as planned,” Patcoena answered. “I know of a safe place where we can rest for tonight.”

  “How are we getting there?” Jeremiah asked. All three men stopped and looked at each other in question. I knew that Patcoena and Machall would have no trouble creating a portal using a mirror but the only problem was there were no mirrors around for them to use. I let out a sigh when I realized what I would have to do right now.

  I had no idea what the Earth realm looked like, nor did I have a clue as to where we were going once we got there. I closed my tired eyes and through sheer will I managed to open a shimmering wall that appeared in front of me. I opened my eyes and could see magnificent evergreen trees towering high up towards the starlit heavens.

  “I’m assuming this is the Earth realm?” I asked wearily, drawing their attention to me

  “Willa, how on earth…?” Machall asked bewildered

  “I can open a portal at will,” I answered. “Yay for me, can we go now before I pass out?”

  Patcoena and Jeremiah stepped into the portal and looked back expectantly. Machall took one long look at me and pulled me up into his arms before we both went through together. The last thing I remember is the crisp, clean smell of pine before I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

  Chapter Five

  I woke up disoriented. I looked around the small room and sat up gingerly. I had a vague recollection of opening a portal, but that was about all I could remember. I got out of bed slowly and was relieved that my body didn’t ache. I still had a slight sensation of pins and needles but overall I felt almost normal.

  The fire was simmering beneath my skin, but it wasn’t unmanageable. It was almost like someone had just pumped me full of adrenaline, and I was coming off a massive high. I ran my fingers on my arm because I almost expected to see the fire ripple under my skin. It truly was the most painful experience I had ever had, but I was almost hopeful because even though it had been hellish it still hadn’t been completely horrific.

  I went to the two tiny windows, and all I could see was tall evergreen trees that seem to form a protective barrier around the outside. I glanced down at my wrinkled clothes and winced. I prayed that Jeremiah had grabbed my small backpack which held my clothes and toiletries. I knew even without the aid of a mirror that my hair must look a fright.

  Sounds and smells of someone cooking drew me out of my little bedroom that I was currently occupying. I was thoroughly surprised to find myself in a small but quaint cottage. The furnishings were decidedly feminine and cozy. A small couch, patterned with pink cottage roses faced a small stone fireplace which had a large blue recliner next to the cold hearth and off to the side of the room was an equally small but charming dining room. I walked towards the back of the cottage where the sounds of men arguing piqued my interest.

  “You do not add milk to the batter of scrambled eggs,” Jeremiah was saying. “Eggs, salt, pepper and maybe a little cheese are all you need.”

  “Summer always adds a little cream Jeremiah and considering the fact she has been cooking since the beginning of time I tend to trust her judgment,” Patcoena snapped

  “Just because someone has been doing something for a long time doesn’t mean they’re doing it right,” Jeremiah answered back

  “Why you little…” Patcoena started

  “Gentlemen, there is no need to fight over scrambled eggs,” Machall said.

  I smiled before coming into the room further. “Or spilled milk, either one is asinine to get upset over.”

  “Willa,” Jeremiah said as he looked up from a small wooden kitchen island. “How are you feeling?”

  “Well, I think the song ‘This girl is on fire’ is pretty appropriate this morning,” I said before chuckling. “I’m all right. I’m a little tired, thirsty, hungry, and desperate for a shower. I also think maybe a hairdresser would be a gift from God right now but other than that, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Speaking of which, where are we exactly?”

  “We are in the Earth realm, of course, at Summer’s childhood home,” Patcoena answered. “She couldn’t bear to tear it down or leave it here to rot. Many years ago we placed a concealment spell around the perimeter to distract anyone from squatting here.”

  “It’s cute,” I said. “How many bedrooms does the cottage have?”

  “One,” Jeremiah answered grouchily

  “So where did everyone sleep last night?” I asked

  “I slept rather well on the recliner in the living room and Patcoena took the couch.” Machall answered

  “Where did you sleep?” I asked Jeremiah

  “You’re watchdog slept on the floor of the bedroom with you,” Machall said gleefully

  “Thanks for bringing that up again Macky,” Jeremiah said sullenly before turning back to me. “Did you know that you snore and grind your teeth when you’re asleep?”

  “I have heard rumors but unfortunately I have never been awake to see or hear myself when I’m asleep.” I said dryly. “Why didn’t you just crawl in bed with me? It’s not like I would’ve known or cared.”

  “I’m a grown man and you’re a grown woman,” Jeremiah said. “I don’t care if we are family, that’s inappropriate and downright weird.”

  “I believe in some countries and in a few select states of America it is legal to marry one’s first cousin,” Machall grinned wickedly

  Jeremiah and I both shuddered. “I think I lost my appetite.” I said

  “Speaking of which, maybe you can help us Willa?” Patcoena asked. “Do you add cream when you make scrambled eggs?”

  “I have to be honest I do add a drop of cream.” I said before giving Jeremiah an apologetic look

  Patcoena smiled and went back to whisking eggs while Jeremiah sat and muttered under his breath. Jeremiah and I had practically been roommates for a few months while we researched the Fae Sanctities. I had lived with Jeremiah long enough to know that if he didn’t get e
ight hours of sleep a night, he could be an absolute bear for the first few hours after he woke up in the morning.

  “I assume we’re going forward with the plan?” I asked as I poured myself a cup of tea which I gulped down in about ten seconds

  “Yes, I have already sent word to Lord Braonan to meet me not far from here later this morning.” Machall answered

  “All right we need to go undercover so we can spy on your conversation and then we have to make our way to Woodlia to find the Nymphs.” I replied

  “The Nymphs should be able to help you,” Machall said. “They are more attuned with the forest than any other creature here. Between them and Jeremiah, you should have no problems finding the next area that contains the King’s power source.”

  “It’s funny you should mention the King,” I said before telling them about my experience in the cave and the conversation I had with my long dead ghost of a great-grandfather.

  “My God,” Patcoena breathed as he sent down plates in front of us a few minutes later at the dining room table. “You spoke to Cormagglia? He came to you?”

  “Yeah, it was like a cross between being in the movie Ghost and Star Wars.” I said before diving into my eggs

  “He sounds like he was thoroughly schooled in the Jedi language,” Jeremiah grinned

  “I’m sorry?” Machall asked

  “Oh my God, another person who hasn’t seen Star Wars,” I said. “What is this world coming too?”

  “How do you people live?” Jeremiah asked

  “Quite well actually,” Machall answered

  “Mathias has never read any Harry Potter books or seen the movies,” I added

  Jeremiah threw down his fork. “That is unacceptable.”

  “I know, right?” I asked