The Elf Girl

by Grabo, Markelle

  “I’m beginning to like the Queen more and more,” I whispered, to no one in particular.

  “Speaking of which, I have to see to the Queen now. Try to get some rest. Danica will be here to take you to Queen Taryn at five tomorrow morning,” Thane said.

  “All right. Thank you, Thane.”

  “Yes, thank you,” Stellan agreed.

  “You’re welcome and goodnight,” he said. Then he left the room and closed the door softly behind him.

  “Nice place, huh?” Stellan asked.

  “Nice place? That is a huge understatement, Stellan.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” He took my hands in his and kissed me tenderly. “Get some sleep, all right?”

  “I will! How many times do I have to promise that?” I asked with a laugh.

  “That’s the last time, I promise.”

  Stellan smiled and then turned to leave.

  “Goodnight!” I called as he shut the door behind him.

  For the first time since waking from the connection, I was alone. It didn’t feel right. The room felt suddenly empty. Fortunately though, I knew I was safe here. It was strange being alone after the hectic events of the night. However, a positive attitude would keep my spirits up. I was healed, and tomorrow we would meet with the Queen and finally start searching for my sister.

  Feeling weak and very tired, I pulled back the purple covers and slipped into bed. I fell asleep thinking of the palace, and my dreams were filled with beauty.

  It wasn’t until Finn’s menacing face appeared that I bolted upright, gasping for breath.

  ~14~

  The Elfen Queen

  After the nightmare of Finn’s haunting face, my sleep was much better. I woke up at four the next morning feeling slightly weak, but rested. Getting out of bed, I made my way across the room, moving slowly because I was still sore from my injuries. As I opened the soft lavender window curtains, I could see the sun rising, taking its rightful place in the cloudless blue sky. I looked down at the capital before me and smiled. It was even more glorious in the morning light. I couldn’t wait for the chance to explore, if I ever had the chance. I didn’t know how busy I would be in the coming days.

  I turned and noticed my shoulder bag hanging from the bathroom door. It was a little dirty but still in good shape. I was pleased to see it, and until now I had wondered if I lost it when I was taken to Tarlore. Someone must have dropped it off in my room.

  After making sure everything was still inside the bag, I went into the bathroom. I was grateful that the palace had plumbing. It was probably the only modern thing I would find here. After taking a long, hot, and much-needed shower, I dressed in my navy blue summer dress and towel-dried my hair.

  Once I was dressed and ready to go, I spent the remainder of the hour inspecting the room and looking out the window at the beautiful city. I found myself lost in the wonder of Tarlore, even though I was watching from a distance. It was strange to admit how great it felt to be here, like I was on vacation. That feeling quickly left me when I remembered what I was here to accomplish.

  Find Zora.

  A knock at the door brought me out of my thoughts. Sighing, I got up to open it.

  “Good morning, Ramsey,” Danica greeted.

  “Good morning,” I replied.

  “I am to take you to the dining hall, where you will have breakfast with your friends. Then I will lead you to the parlor to meet Queen Taryn.”

  “That sounds great,” I said. “Lead the way.”

  I followed Danica down the hall and down one flight of stairs. She led me into a huge room with a long wooden table, with a dozen chairs on each side and one chair at the end. The single chair was more ornate than the others, and I guessed it was for Queen Taryn when she dined here. Stellan and Addison were already seated and waving me over. I bid farewell to Danica, who had already eaten, and took my place next to Stellan. Addison was seated across from me.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “Much better,” I replied. “A little sore, but healed.”

  “Good. I’m glad you’re okay,” he said, lacing his fingers through mine.

  “Me too,” I replied after taking a sip of juice. “How are you feeling, Addison?”

  “I’m rested, but last night wasn’t easy,” she said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had to use my ability for such an extended period of time.”

  “Last night wasn’t easy for any of us,” Stellan pointed out.

  “You’re right,” I agreed.

  We sat in silence for a few moments.

  “So how do you like your room?” Addison asked.

  “It’s so cool! All the purple reminds me of royalty.” I smiled, remembering the lovely room. “What color is yours, Addison?”

  “Pink. It reminds me of the flowers from home,” she replied. She smiled and popped a raspberry into her mouth.

  I turned to Stellan. “What about yours?”

  “Red. It’s nice and manly,” he said, flexing his arms.

  The three of us laughed, the mood finally lightening up a bit, and then turned our attention to eating. We had until six before we met with Queen Taryn. It was long enough for us to finish eating and continue discussing the wonders of the palace. Danica returned right on schedule to fetch us.

  It was time for me to finally meet the Queen.

  ***

  The parlor was only a few steps away from the dining hall, so it wasn’t a very long walk. I tried to prepare myself for the meeting by breathing in and out slowly, clearing my head. I didn’t think it helped. I was still nervous. I hoped Queen Taryn would like me. She needed to like me for Stellan and Addison’s sake. Most importantly, she needed to like me for Zora’s sake.

  Danica knocked briskly at the door. It was opened by an elfen with chin-length black hair and pale moss-green eyes. She wore an outfit similar to Danica’s, but she didn’t look as feminine. Instead, she looked nimble and almost birdlike. Elves had such unique forms of beauty.

  “Aditi,” Danica addressed.

  “Danica,” the elfen replied. “Come in, please.”

  We followed Danica into the room, which was cozy and inviting, but also very elegant. A fire in a stone wall fireplace warmed the parlor. The floors were a deep, solid mahogany. Artwork covered the walls, portraying the magic and beauty of the Realm.

  Settled upon one of the many seats and couches was an elfen wearing a long green gown that shimmered from the lighted chandelier above her. She had beautiful black hair pinned up in a fancy bun, and wore a solid gold crown with green swirls. Her pale face was long and serious; confidence and power radiated from her being. She sat on the couch with her hands clasped on her lap. Already, I was feeling intimidated by the Queen’s presence.

  Next to her sat another elfen with long black hair reaching almost to her waist. What struck me most about her were the two strands of pale blonde hair that hung loosely down both sides of her face. Until now, I hadn’t met any elves with two different hair colors.

  Her gown was similar to the Queen’s, only in a different shade of green. The fabric was darker, but shimmered in the same way. She wore a golden tiara with a large emerald at the center. A gold chain necklace with a pendant of deeply colored jewels adorned her neck. I had never seen such an elaborate collection of jewels in one necklace.

  The young elfen appeared much more relaxed than Queen Taryn, but the resemblance between them was striking. I knew I was standing not only before the Queen of the Elf Realm, but also the Princess.

  Aditi addressed the Queen and her daughter with admiration in her voice: “May I present to you, Queen Taryn of Tarlore and her daughter, Princess Brielle.”

  Danica stepped forward toward the Queen. “Queen Taryn: Ramsey of Birchwood City and formerly of the Human Realm. With her are the siblings Stellan and Addison of Birchwood City.” Danica nodded once and then retreated to stand with Aditi and another elfen at the door.

  The elfen with Aditi looked about the same
as she did. She had cropped black hair that accentuated her small face. She looked just as birdlike, but slightly smaller.

  “Aditi, Wren, leave us. Danica, you may remain. I will need a word with you shortly,” Queen Taryn said, her voice filled with authority and grace.

  The two elfen guards left quickly. No one said anything until the door had shut. Queen Taryn rose from her seated position and walked over to us. Her daughter followed in step behind her.

  Princess Brielle seemed antsy, as though she were trapped in a cage, wanting to break free. Her eyes darted to and fro, especially at the door. I guessed living in a palace must be difficult for her, because she probably wasn’t able to roam the city as she pleased, at least not without guards at her side.

  “It’s lovely to finally meet you,” Queen Taryn said, reaching out her long arms to greet me.

  “Thank you for the privilege of meeting you, Queen Taryn,” I said.

  I put my hands in hers and we repeated the same gesture I had observed frequently here.

  She released my hands and then Addison and Stellan exchanged the same greeting. Princess Brielle stepped forward. She held out her hands and I gave her mine.

  “It’s a pleasure,” she said coolly.

  Our eyes met, and I had to resist the urge to gasp. Standing before me was the elfen I witnessed drunkenly misbehaving last night outside the tavern. I recognized the intense look in her eyes. I was so shocked that I barely regained my bearings in time to respond.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Princess Brielle,” I said, stammering slightly.

  She must have realized that I remembered her inappropriate display, because she winked at me, quick enough for no one else in the room to notice. Then she turned her back to me and sat down without even a glance at Stellan or Addison. Suddenly, meeting the Princess wasn’t so much of a pleasure. After recognizing her from last night and hearing her cool tone, I wasn’t feeling any pity for her now.

  “Please sit down, all of you,” Queen Taryn told us with a smile.

  I went to the couch across from Queen Taryn and Princess Brielle. Stellan sat on my right and Addison at my left. Stellan’s hand reached for mine as the Queen began to speak.

  “We have many important things to discuss, so let’s begin. First, Ramsey must tell us of the two connections she shared with Zora.”

  Princess Brielle’s bright green eyes sparked with interest, and instead of keeping her eyes trained on the door, she now watched me with an unreadable gaze.

  “Okay,” I agreed nervously.

  I took a deep breath and then I began. Even though it was painful, I recalled everything I could remember from both of the connections. I told them of Finn, Wynter, and Lura, and everything that had occurred during my time with Zora. I described how wounded Zora appeared to be, which was the worst part of it all.

  Afterward, I learned from Queen Taryn that Finn was a very important fairy to the Element Fairy Realm: a general. He and his followers did the dirty work for King Vortigern, the King of the Element fairies. Female fairies were highly respected in the Realms, so it was far more usual to have fairy queens. King Vortigern was an exception; the only fairy king in the last hundred years at least. I found this to be both humorous and interesting. Fairies were very different from humans, who held men high on their pedestals.

  While she spoke of the Element fairies with great pity – because up until Vortigern’s reign, they were genuinely good-natured fae – she described Vortigern as soulless and cruel, horrible from the beginning of his rule. He was immortally alluring and hauntingly dangerous. Just the thought of being near him caused me to shiver with cold fear.

  Even so, I was grateful to Queen Taryn for sharing so much information with me. I was finally beginning to see the big picture, the whole picture. Since my new home was a Magical Realm at war with another, immensely powerful Fairy Realm, I felt it necessary to have knowledge of my own Realm and my supposed enemy’s, as well as a familiarity of my surroundings. The clouds of confusion that surrounded me began to lift.

  “We must decide what to do about Zora,” Queen Taryn said when we were finished chatting.

  “Ramsey can find her, Queen Taryn. I know she can,” Addison said.

  Queen Taryn nodded. “Yes, I believe so as well. Ramsey, you share a very strong connection with your sister. Do you know where she is?” she asked.

  “I’m afraid not, your highness. All I know is that she is in an old room with wooden walls,” I admitted, which didn’t really help our cause.

  “We can assume she is in the Element Fairy Realm. Finn would want to keep her there to make it difficult for her to be rescued,” Queen Taryn suggested.

  “Are you sure? Wouldn’t he expect us to know that?” Princess Brielle asked, making a valid point.

  “Well, she isn’t here, that’s for sure,” Stellan reminded. “Otherwise we would have found her already.”

  “Maybe she is in a different Realm, like the Woodland Fairy Realm?” Addison suggested.

  “She could be. I tried to use my own power to detect where Zora was taken, but there are strong spells surrounding her. I have no way to get through them. I am guessing that Finn hired a string of Woodland fairies to do his spell work for him,” Queen Taryn added.

  I kept quiet for this portion of the conversation. I didn’t know as much about fairies or their Realms. I left it to the others to decide.

  “I will summon a small group of soldiers for a secret visit to the Element Fairy Realm, and then to the Woodland Fairy Realm, if necessary. They will be ready in two days time,” Queen Taryn decided.

  I wanted to scream out that it wasn’t good enough. Zora would die in four nights! That meant two days of searching. It wouldn’t be enough time. Nevertheless, I held my tongue. It wasn’t my place to fight with the Queen. I could only pray that I was wrong.

  “In the meantime, I will need Addison with me so I can send messages to summon the soldiers. Stellan, you are not to use your ability anywhere or at any time while you are here. You will be under the care of Thane, the guard whom you met last night.” She saw the look of confusion on Stellan’s face. “I know it seems harsh and an annoyance, but you and your sister are still suspects of disloyalty. I can’t let any of you roam without supervision. Ramsey, I have a guard who will tend to you. You are to remain in the palace. Explore, look around, do whatever you see fit for yourself. But do not walk out of my palace doors.”

  I nodded. It could have been worse. She could have locked us up in a room until they called upon me to search for Zora. As far as I was concerned, she was being gracious to all three of us, especially to Addison, trusting her to assist with the summoning of the soldiers. “I will not leave, Queen Taryn.”

  “Good. Stellan, you are dismissed. Danica will take you to Thane,” Queen Taryn said. “And then return to me, Danica,” she added, “so I can have a word with you.”

  “Yes, Queen Taryn,” Danica said.

  Stellan and Danica left the room. I watched Stellan leave with a heavy sadness in my heart. I didn’t want to be apart from him. However, I knew the Queen’s word was law. I had to obey her wishes. If that meant keeping me from him, so be it. I didn’t want to get into any kind of trouble here. I had to find my sister. That was the most important thing.

  “Addison, please tell Ramsey’s guard she may join us,” Queen Taryn instructed.

  Addison nodded and closed her eyes. After a few moments, she said, “The message has been sent. She’ll be here shortly.”

  Three minutes later, there was a quick knock at the door.

  “Come in,” Queen Taryn invited.

  The door opened and in came a dark-haired elfen with large green eyes. She stood very straight and her head was held high. Her hair was pulled back into a knot. She wore the palace guard attire. Her lips were in a tight, serious line. I could tell just by looking at her that she was strong, for an elfen at least. She sure was bodyguard material.

  “Ramsey, this is Jacqueline. S
he is one of my most skilled guards. Her ability is to create walls at any time. She will protect and watch over you. You are both dismissed,” Queen Taryn said, introducing us briefly.

  I nodded, said thank you to the Queen and her daughter, waved goodbye to Addison, and followed Jacqueline out of the room. Outside, we exchanged the strange greeting.

  “What would you like to do, Ramsey?” she asked.

  “Why do elves do that two-handed shake?” I wondered aloud to her.

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “In the Human Realm, we shake only with one hand. Why is it different here?” I asked.

  “Oh, I see,” she said, pausing for a moment afterward to asses my question. “Elves touch both hands in greeting so they can discover each other’s power,” she explained.

  “Why?” I asked.

  “So there are no surprises. If you are formally meeting someone, you want to trust him or her. When elves join hands, they can identify each other’s ability.”

  “How? I couldn’t,” I said, baffled.

  “You learn the skill at ability school. Elves must have their power to know what another’s is through the greeting. The same goes for elves who shake hands with others who do not have a power yet. I couldn’t tell what your power is because you haven’t received one.”

  “Then why do the gesture?” I wondered.

  “It has become a common greeting for all elves, not just those with abilities,” she said.

  “Oh, well, thanks for explaining it to me. I was so confused, and every time I wanted to ask, it didn’t seem like the appropriate moment. But I felt like an idiot not knowing exactly what it meant,” I admitted.

  “That’s quite all right. Now you know. Do you have any other questions for me?” she wondered.

  “So what am I allowed to do here?” I asked.

  “Tour the palace,” she replied.

  “Lead the way then,” I suggested, knowing it was my only option, considering I was basically under palace arrest.

  Jacqueline nodded and started walking down the hall. I followed her quickly. It was hard to keep up with her. She walked very fast.