by Tara Maya, Elle Casey, J L Bryan, Anthea Sharp, Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, Alexia Purdy (epub)
Tears itched the back of her eyes. “Yes.”
She stepped forward, and one of the techs made room for her at the side of the bed. Behind her, she felt Dad’s solid presence. He put a hand on her shoulder, apology and forgiveness in that touch.
“Jennet,” Tam said.
Just her name, but it was enough. Their gazes locked. He was pale, and his eyes held shadows. Shadows she knew lurked in her own - memories of Feyland and their battles against the Dark Queen.
“Hi.” She wanted to touch him, but her hands were unwieldy lumps of gauze.
He reached for her, instead, and set one hand on her wrist, just above the bandages. His fingers were warm and alive, and her skin tingled at the touch.
They had won.
That night, Jennet dreamed she was in Feyland. She stood in a meadow of pale flowers. Above her the sky was pink with approaching dawn, and the air tasted of magic and possibility. There was a peaceful hush on the land, as though at any moment birds would break into full-throated song.
“Jennet?”
She turned to find Tam standing beside her. The light breeze ruffled his hair and pulled at his T-shirt. It was strange to see him without his armor. He smiled at her, something tentative and tender in his eyes.
“Hi,” she said.
A thousand other words danced on her tongue, things like thanks and sacrifice, fear and joy, hope and longing. Love. She didn’t know where to begin.
“Are you ok?” he asked. “I mean… it was a little confusing there for a while.”
“I’m all right. But how could you sacrifice yourself like that, Tam? I nearly lost you.”
Her heart clenched at the memory. She wanted to shake him. She wanted to throw her arms tight around him and never let go.
“I had to.” His eyes held hers, their expression unguarded. “Trading myself for you was the only way. But I’m glad you figured out how to free me.”
“Me, too.” She had to look away from him, or she’d start crying. “Puck helped, though. And Thomas.”
“Thomas. Do you think we’ll ever see him again?”
“At least once.” The quiet answer came from behind them.
Jennet whirled, to see the bard. The first sunlight lay on his cheek and glinted in his wise and weary eyes.
“Thomas!” She hugged him, hard. “I was so afraid…but your book of ballads had the answer, and then you helped…” The tears she’d tried to hide from Tam tipped over onto her cheeks.
“Hush.” Thomas stroked her hair. “Your battle with the Dark Queen is over now. The gate remains closed. You and your champion both sacrificed much, but you have won.”
“What about you?” she asked. “Can you come back to the real world now?”
He shook his head, and she pulled away. She should have known better than to hope. Her voice trembled. “Will I see you again?”
“Perchance. I have an inkling that the magic of Faerie is not yet done with the two of you.” He looked at Tam. “Guard your lady well, bold knight.”
Tam stepped up beside her and slid his arm around her shoulders. He felt warm and solid - a strength she could lean into.
“I will,” Tam said. “And she’s watching out for me too, you know.”
Thomas nodded. “Then I bid you both farewell. And good luck.”
He began to fade as though he were made of mist. Jennet could see the pale bells of the meadow flowers through him, the transparent half-smile on his face.
“Goodbye, Thomas,” she whispered as he disappeared.
Then there was only empty air, and birds singing. And Tam beside her, holding her, strong and true.
He looked at her, his green eyes so serious. Slowly, he dipped his head, bringing their faces close. His hair brushed over her cheek and she tilted her mouth up to meet his. Their lips touched in a perfect kiss.
Jennet closed her eyes. Light spread through her, like she’d sipped the sunrise.
No matter what happened next, she and Tam would face it. Together.
THE BALLAD OF TAM LIN
I forbid you maidens all
That wear gold in your hair
To come or go by Carter Hall
For young Tam Lin is there.
Janet has kilted her kirtle green
A little about her knee,
And she has braided her yellow hair
A little above her bree,
And she's away to Carter Hall,
As fast as she can hie.
When she came to Carter Hall
Tam Lin was at the well,
And there she found his steed standing,
But away was himself.
The steed that my true-love rides on
Is lighter than the wind,
With silver he is shod before,
With burning gold behind.
She had not pulled a double rose,
A rose but only two,
Till up then started young Tam Lin,
Says, ‘Lady, pick no more.
And once it fell upon a day,
A cold day and a snell,
When we were from the hunting come,
That from my horse I fell;
The Queen o Fairies she caught me,
In yon green hill to dwell.’
'And pleasant is the fairy land,
But an eerie tale to tell,
Aye at the end of seven years
We pay a tiend to hell;
I am so fair and full o flesh,
I'm feared it be myself.
The night is Halloween, lady,
The morn is Hallowday,
And for to win me, win me well
Take heed to what I say.
Just at the mirk and midnight hour
The faerie folk will ride,
And they that would their true-love win,
At Miles Cross must bide.
Oh first let pass the black horse,
And then let pass the brown,
But quickly run to the milk-white steed
And pull the rider down.
'They'll turn me in your arms, lady,
An adder and a snake;
But hold me fast, let me not go,
To be your worldly mate.
'They'll turn me to a bear
And then a lion bold;
But hold me fast, and fear me not,
As ye shall love your child.
'Again they'll turn me in your arms
To a red hot bar of iron;
But hold me fast, and fear me not,
I'll do to you no harm.
At last they’ll turn me in your arms
Into a naked knight,
Then cloak me in your mantle green,
And cover me from sight.'
Gloomy, gloomy was the night,
And eerie was the way,
As fair Janet in her mantle green
To Miles Cross she did go.
About the middle of the night
She heard the bridles ring;
This lady was as glad at that
As any earthly thing.
First she let the black pass by,
And then she let the brown;
But quickly she ran to the milk-white steed,
And pulled the rider down.
So well she minded what he did say,
And young Tam Lin did win;
Then covered him with her mantle green,
As blithe's a bird in spring.
Out then spoke the Queen o Fairies,
Out of a bush of broom;
'She that has gotten young Tam Lin
Has got a stately groom.'
Out then spoke the Queen o Fairies,
Out of a bush of rye:
'She that has gotten young Tam Lin
Has the best knight in my company.
Had I but known, Tam Lin,' she says,
'Before I came from home,
I’d taken out that heart of flesh,
Put in a heart of stone.'
Collected by Franc
is James Child, English and Scottish Popular Ballads
Thank you!
Thanks for reading FEYLAND: THE DARK REALM! The next two books in the trilogy, FEYLAND: THE BRIGHT COURT and FEYLAND: THE TWILIGHT KINGDOM are available in both print and digital from all online retailers - plus a *FREE* short story prequel, FEYLAND: THE FIRST ADVENTURE.
If you enjoyed this story, please consider helping other readers find this book:
1. This e-book is lendable – consider sending it to a friend who you think might like it.
2. Leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or any other site of your choice. It makes a difference, and is greatly appreciated!
3. Request that your local library purchase a print copy, so that other readers can discover the Feyland trilogy.
Be the first to know about new releases and reader perks by subscribing to Anthea’s quarterly newsletter, Sharp Tales, at https://tinyletter.com/AntheaSharp.
FEYLAND: THE BRIGHT COURT -
INSIDE THE GAME…
Jennet Carter escaped the dark faeries of Feyland once. Now, fey magic is seeping out of the prototype game, beguiling the unwary and threatening everyone she cares about.
MAGIC…
Tam Linn may be a hero in-game, but his real life is severely complicated. Still, he’ll do whatever it takes to stop the creatures of Feyland, even if it means pushing Jennet toward the new guy in school–the one with an inside connection to sim-gaming… and the uncanny ability to charm everyone he meets.
ALWAYS WINS…
Despite the danger, Jennet and Tam must return to Feyland to face the magic of the Bright Court–and a powerful new enemy who won’t stop until the human world is at the mercy of the Realm of Faerie.
FEYLAND: THE TWILIGHT KINGDOM
THEIR LAST CHANCE…
Jennet Carter and Tam Linn are almost out of time. Feyland, the most immersive computer game ever designed, is about to be released into the world–along with the Realm of Faerie’s dangerous magic.
WIN THE GAME…
The faeries, desperate to break free from their realm, have set treacherous plans in motion. Despite magical allies of their own, Jennet and Tam have no idea what dire threats await, both in-game and out.
OR DIE TRYING…
Battling for their lives against the united powers of the Dark Queen and Bright King, Jennet and Tam’s quest to stop the fey takes them into the perilous Twilight Kingdom, where illusion reigns–and magic can break all the rules.
The complete trilogy is also available in one epic digital bundle:
FEYLAND: THE COMPLETE TRILOGY
Faeries. Computer games. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and the girl he's afraid to love...
What if a high-tech computer game was a gateway to the treacherous Realm of Faerie?
"Ms. Sharp is a master storyteller... The Feyland books have found a prized place on my all-time favorite books list." - Rebecca McKinnon, The Crooked Word
"This is a great series that deserves more attention. The books are quick and exciting reads, and if you like stories based on fairy tales, or if you enjoyed both the portrayal of the fae in Mercy Thompson and October Daye and the virtual world of Ready Player One, you will love this series." - Kate, Epic Chocolate Fantasy
"The series has come full circle with the great cast of characters and events that take place. Would recommend for everyone!" - Jen, What's on the Bookshelf
And don’t miss the FREE short story prequel, FEYLAND: THE FIRST ADVENTURE!
High-tech gaming and ancient magic collide when a computer game opens a gateway to the treacherous Realm of Faerie.
Jennet Carter never thought hacking into her dad's new epic-fantasy sim-game would be so exciting... or dangerous. Behind the interface, dark forces lie in wait, leading her toward a battle that will test her to her limits and cost her more than she ever imagined.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Thank you to the many people who made this book possible: the encouragement of my terrific CP Peggy, fabulous proof and beta-readers Colin, Sean (aka Captain Grammar Pants), Chassily, Marissa, Nicole, Kaitlynn, and Brynn. My patient and supportive in-house editor, Lawson, and keen-eyed reader Ginger. Thanks also to Annette Nishimoto for skillful copy-editing.
For great design work, Kim Killion, and for the inspiration to move forward, gratitude to Kris, Dean, and PG.
Finally, for all the adventures in-game, epic thanks to Sylven, Dom, and Fates Legion that was.
For other wonderful YA retellings of the ballad of Tam Lin, Anthea recommends Elizabeth Pope’s The Perilous Gard and Diana Wynne Jones’s Fire and Hemlock.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Growing up, Anthea Sharp spent most of her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website – www.antheasharp.com
Anthea also writes historical romance under the pen name Anthea Lawson. Find out about her acclaimed Victorian romantic adventures at www.anthealawson.com.
Be the first to know about new releases and reader perks by subscribing to Anthea’s quarterly newsletter, Sharp Tales, at https://tinyletter.com/AntheaSharp.
FAELOREHN
Book One of the
Otherworld Trilogy
by
Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
Copyrighted Material
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. All material in connection with Celtic myth has been borrowed and interpreted for use in the plot of the story only. Cover image is the sole property of the author. The Faelorehn font on the cover image and interior of this book was created by P.A. Vannucci (www.alphabetype.it) to be used in the Otherworld Trilogy. Any resemblance to actual persons is entirely coincidental.
Faelorehn
Copyright © 2012 by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
All rights reserved.
No part of this book or its cover may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from its creator.
For more information and to contact the author, visit:
www.jennaelizabethjohnson.com
This book was written with Annalee Rejhon in mind. Thank you for instilling in me a love for all things Celtic.
Contents
One
Memories
Two
Vagrant
Three
Voices
Four
Illusion
Five
Samhain
Six
Encounter
Seven
Evidence
Eight
Familiar
Nine
Revelation
Ten
Message
Eleven
Rescued
Twelve
Answers
Thirteen
Attacked
Fourteen
Smitten
Fifteen
Confession
Sixteen
Depressed
Seventeen
Betrayed
Eighteen
Heart-broken
Nineteen
Eile
Twenty
Explanation
Acknowledgments
About The Author
Other Books by this Author
Connect with me Online
Sneak Peek of Dolmarehn, Book Two of the Otherworld Trilogy
Faelorehn
-One-
Memories
The only reason I knew that I was awake was because of the pale green glow of neon stars staring back at me from my ceiling. I lay in my bed for a few moments, taking deep, steadying breaths while letting my eyes adjust to the darkness of my room. The remnants of a dream still danced in my mind, but as the approaching dawn light chased away the dark, it tried to slip away. Unfortunately, this partic
ular dream was familiar to me, and it would take a lot more than my return to the conscious world to eject it from my mind.
I turned my head on my pillow and blinked my eyes several times at my alarm clock. Groaning at the early hour, I rolled over onto my stomach and buried my head into the pillow. I guess the darkness had some claim on the subconscious world, because instead of dispelling the dream, my actions only made it come racing back.
Huffing in frustration, I kicked off the covers and leaned over the side of my bed, scrabbling around stray pairs of shoes and forgotten socks as I searched out my current journal. Years ago the therapist I had been seeing thought it would be a good idea to keep track of these strange recurring dreams. Anytime I dreamt of anything that reminded me of my past before entering the foster system, I was supposed to write it down. That and anything strange that I saw or heard while I was awake. I hate to say it, but the visions happened more often than I would like to admit.
Although my collection of diaries held other frivolous information alongside the crazy stuff, at least once a year, on the same date, the exact same dream was described in near perfect detail.
I dusted off the cover of my latest journal, grabbed a pen from my bedside table, clicked on the lamp and opened up a brand new page. The dream was starting to slip away once again, but it wasn't as if I wouldn't be able to remember the details. I had written about this exact dream so many times before I could probably recite it in front of a crowded gymnasium without glancing at the page it was written on. Not that I would ever have the gumption to speak in front of a crowd. Nevertheless, I began writing: