by Tara Maya, Elle Casey, J L Bryan, Anthea Sharp, Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, Alexia Purdy (epub)
The rest of the gang gathered around the entrance as Ewan held up his hands to the air and mumbled some words. Shade looked about, not seeing anyone else around them. The feeling of being watched returned, with a vengeance. Her eyes moved up the cliffs that gave way to a jagged overhang. The rock formation was shaped like a half moon, and it wasn’t just a simple hole or opening in the wall. The rocks were expansive, and they looked as if they may crumble onto anyone who dared to walk into the cave underneath it.
A shiver of glamour swept over her, like ripples in a pool of water, and all around the cave. Of course! The looming stones were a deterrent, like a spell of reluctance to whoever passed by, making them fear the large hanging rocks and stay clear of them. As Ewan spoke softly, the glamour melted away, revealing an enormous double door. The door had intricate carvings and was made of heavy wood that appeared old and weathered. Shade drew in her breath, amazed by how beautiful it was.
The wood blended into the shades of rock around it and seemed to fade into the background if she did not stare right at it. Wow, what kind of people live here to make such a fascinating place? She watched as the group gathered around the great doorway while Ewan gave the enormous doors a good shove. They creaked loudly as they opened. The groan they emitted made it clear they were rarely used. He motioned for the group to follow him.
As they entered the archway, the darkness swallowed them. Soon after, a flickering light ignited from the torches that lined the walls. The doors slammed behind them with a thunderous clap. Everyone jumped, and some had even drawn their weapons while staring at the large doors. It seemed they had closed by themselves, because no one in the group had closed them. There was no one else in the room. This is unsettling. Shade turned back toward the darkness ahead. Where is everyone? She followed her group while thinking this, wondering when the people who lived here would greet them.
They walked deeper into the dismal cave to where it led into a massive room. There were tall stone columns that reached high above them; they were made of the same grey-streaked white rock as the rest of cave. There appeared to be no one there, but to Shade’s surprise, the torches around the room began to light up by themselves to brighten the space. Soon after, figures appeared out of the shadows, also holding torches. They materialized from the darkness in the blink of an eye. Each one of them was dressed in guard’s uniforms, and they were engulfed in white and blue flames while electricity crackled along their skin. Shade thought of Jack and his powers. Surely, they must be Teleen.
The guards came to a stop in the middle of the room, completely surrounding them. Their eyes shone luminously, and their bodies rippled with the heat of their fire. They scared Shade, and she struggled to contain her shock. They were much more frightening than Jack had been, maybe because there were so many of them. She hoped they were not going to harm them. They made her hair stand on end as their magic and power buzzed across the room. It was like a swarm of bees or static tingling on her skin.
“Um, Ewan, are we in danger here?” Sary shouted to the giant. One hand on her bow and the other with an arrow ready to fly if needed.
He waved back at her, shaking his head but not responding. His other hand flew up, palm facing the guards as he spoke. “Guard of the Teleen, we’re here under invitation of your queen. Our Queen, Zinara, has sent word of our arrival. Please stand down. I demand to speak with the Captain of the Guard.”
The group tightened together as the guards’ proximity grew closer. Everyone backed into each other as sword after sword was drawn and arrows nocked. Knives were also unsheathed and glinting. Everyone was ready, except Shade.
She was sweating and feeling her stomach knot into a tight cramp. She pulled one of her own knives out of her pack, shaking profusely as she gripped it. Once again, she realized her lack of training for a fight. She felt naked and exposed as she shrank into the circle of bodies around her, and let them shield her from the guards.
The Captain of the Guard stepped up and pointed his sword to the ground. He glowed a brilliant white blue all over his exposed skin. The fire burned so brightly, it hurt Shade’s eyes to look at him. He seemed to realize this and immediately weaved glamour over his lighted body, assuming a more human appearance. The tan skin over his large muscles still seemed to glow slightly as the fire receded. His eyes were a blue-green fire that slowly turned to steel grey and gleamed in the torchlight. He was extremely handsome, and his long, black hair pulled taut into a low ponytail. In awe of him, Shade sucked in her breath. His charm ended as he spoke and narrowed his eyes at them, smirking.
“So, this is Queen Zinara’s last hope? Don’t really look like much, do you?” He laughed, but it sounded full of spite more than anything.
“Dylan,” Jack responded. “Good to see you again; it’s been a long time.”
The captain briefly scrutinized Jack but barely acknowledged him. “You were so easy to surround and entrap. I thought for sure that she’d have known better than to send such a weak force to do the job of soldiers. I’ll never understand her ways.” He walked around the group, eyeing them with distain. Their weapons were drawn, but no one seemed to be holding them in readiness. Everyone was waiting. Waiting for what? Shade wished she knew.
Dylan came around to stand by Shade, having passed by the ring of warriors in the group as if they were not even there. He inspected Shade with an intensity that dug into her skin. He reached out to her to touch her cheek, but she stepped back, remembering what Jack had told her about touching a Teleen. He could electrocute her if he wanted to. She was not going take the chance to find out.
“Are you afraid of me?” Dylan sneered as his hand returned to his side. He seemed to be pondering a thought as his eyes pierced back at her. Shade made no further movements but avoided his glare. Leaning forward, he tilted his head slightly, whispering just loud enough for her to hear him. “You rightfully should be.”
He gave his head the slightest of shakes and spun back around toward his guards. Signaling them to back off, he turned back to the travelers and addressed them all.
“I have announced you to our queen. She’ll be most pleased to meet all of you, especially your precious halfling.” He chuckled, sending a tingle across Shade’s skin. He wasn’t just Teleen. She was willing to bet he was something else, too. She was almost sure of it. Even so, she wasn’t quite sure that he knew it. Jack couldn’t do magic with his voice like this one could. Shade shivered from the aftereffects of his rippling laughter and close proximity. She ran her hands up and down her arms, trying to rub the feeling away with the warmth of friction. Shade wondered why she could sense that he was different. Maybe a power of hers was finally waking up.
After the captain signaled for them to leave, the guards departed, falling into step behind each other. No one was quite relaxed yet, remaining on alert. The group fell in behind the soldiers and followed. The hall seemed to stretch on forever, and Shade’s stomach grumbled again, making her glad that all the noise of the footsteps absorbed the sound of it. She hoped they would find a nice banquet waiting for them. She could only hope for such a thing from what she’d seen so far.
The ground was also made of stone; smoothed down and worn from years of use. It was a darker grey, and sandy in color with bits of red and yellow speckled throughout it. The entire hall was the same color. There were no decorations, and nothing but the burning torches to indicate that anyone even lived there. They reached the end of the great hall as it funneled into a smaller tunnel.
The torches continued along each side of the cave. The stone did not change much, and Shade could not find any doors, much less windows. Claustrophobia seemed to creep in as she tried to slow her breathing to remain calm. The air was cool, and never seemed to change in temperature. The smell of earth, mold and humid dirt grew stronger the deeper they went. Shade swore she could hear water echoing far away and vibrating against the walls. These tunnels probably ran so deep that you could pop out on the other side of the world. Not really a comfort
ing thought.
The hallway finally opened up once again. To Shade’s surprise, it wasn’t to a lair or anything she expected. A huge underground crevice loomed beneath them, opening up into a dark void. They were standing on a ledge that led to a creaky old bridge. The roof of the cave loomed high above them with small streams of sunlight spiking through and piercing the rocks above.
A bridge, Shade thought nervously. No way would she cross that; it was made of rope and wood, and it didn’t look very sturdy. She sighed as she looked down over the ledge into a shadowy abyss. She could hear some water echoing and splashing down the sides of the ridge just to her right. There was probably an underground river down there, but it wasn’t visible from this far up. The air was cooler and filled with light misty water sprays that she didn’t find comforting. Shade had been so engrossed in staring at the rickety bridge that she didn’t realize the captain was now standing by her. He was watching her reaction intently with a slight smile playing on his lips. He seemed to be enjoying her horror at having to cross the creaky bridge.
“So what’s so special about you? You look less than ordinary.” Dylan regarded her, his breath pressing on her ear−he was that close. She turned and almost bumped noses with the captain. He didn’t budge but seemed to lean closer, invading her space so much Shade actually took a step back. He was still glamoured, and before she could complete her step, he gripped her arms to pull her back toward him. His fingers dug in with just enough pressure to hurt her skin. Shade’s breath caught in her throat, and she was half-relieved he hadn’t shed his glamour to shoot her up with electricity. She knew darn well he could at any time.
“Let go of me! What do you want?” She pulled, but his grip was firm. His breath was hot and sent shivers down her neck as he pulled her to him. His arms embraced her like a lover sweeping up his mistress. Her skin prickled as he let some static electricity seep around her, making her gasp with fear. She heard clinks of swords drawn behind her. He ignored it.
“You almost slipped off the edge.” He gave her an amused grin. “Is this how you say ‘Thank you,’ human? I was just watching out for you. You don’t have me fooled. I don’t know what Queen Zinara really has planned, but the Teleen will not fall for her jests. She can fight her own fight. You are not true fey. You barely reek of fey blood. I have more magic in my finger than you possess in your entire body. I intend to find out what trick is behind this so-called quest that will supposedly save us all.” With that he let her go abruptly, making her lose her step as she stumbled to regain her balance. Soap caught her mid-stumble as Jack stood before the captain.
“That’s enough, Dylan,” Jack stated firmly as he put himself between the captain and Shade. “We have no quarrel. We are here under Teleen protection, and you act hostile toward your own guests. The Queen will not be pleased knowing your hospitality was so lacking.” His chest puffed out and his head tilted down, clearly challenging Dylan.
Relieved that someone had come to her aide, she turned toward Soap, who was holding her tightly. Her nerves were shredded, and she was afraid her knees would crumble beneath her.
Dylan snickered and turned back to the bridge. Walking forward to the edge of the landing, he turned around gave her a smirk. He was enjoying the growing terror on her face as he continued walking backward over the ledge.
Shade screamed but stopped suddenly, not believing her eyes. The captain continued walking backward as he floated on air and started laughing loudly while shaking his head. He then turned and continued while the rest of the guard also laughed, following behind him. They obviously got a kick out of watching their visitors panic when they learned about the invisible bridge. The entire guard walked across and did not fall into the ravine.
They have an invisible bridge? Shade and the group followed, slowly sheathing their weapons. They stepped tentatively onto the bridge which was seemingly made of air, still not convinced it was solid. Shade cautiously walked forward. It was like standing on glass, and she was surprised her legs didn’t go through. Peering down, she could see the looming darkness below swallowing up the rocks.
Shade took a deep breath and continued following the rest of the warriors, trying not to look down and through the glass bridge. The cool air wasn’t comforting, for she didn’t know where the sides of the glass bridge were or how narrow it could very well be. She made sure she didn’t step anywhere the guards hadn’t stepped already.
On the other side, they re-entered a cave, but this one branched into three tunnels. Everyone stayed to the left and continued down the dark corridor until they reached another large room. It was so brightly illuminated, it was as if the daylight sun was shining in, but Shade couldn’t find any windows. However, she did see other Teleen, scores of them.
The guard had split up around the room; they lined the walls in a single file. Great stone columns with veins of multi colored cracks laced with gold were at the room’s edges. Large drapes of fabric spilled down the walls in colors of crimson and jade, bringing warmth to the cold, stone-lined walls. Everyone inside the room wore brightly colored clothing, the women with long flowing dresses. The men were more conservative with crisp tunics and pants made of either linen or leather.
The Teleen were all staring, as though they’d never been taught that it could be considered rude. Maybe it wasn’t. It could be commonplace among the fey to stare. Whispers floated around the air as people commented on the new arrivals. Some reached out to touch them, pulling at their clothes in soft tugs of curiosity. Some of the women even blushed and giggled as Jack walked by them.
Some of the Teleen wore glamour, covering their electrifying blue-fire skins, looking ethereal with their translucent skin and large eyes. Some glamoured to appear human but were far too beautiful to pass as them. Their noses were thin and straight, and they had large almond shaped eyes with perfect, luscious rose-colored lips. She wondered how much time they actually spent with humans outside this morbid place. Jack and Soap did a fine job on their own glamours. At least they could blend in. They had studied well.
There was a throne in the center of the far wall; it had large grey, sleek and worn stone steps that led to the massive dais. The queen’s throne sat upon the great platform. It was also stone, but was lighter, harder and more intricately carved. It looked to be made out of marble, but Shade was no expert. Different colored veins ran through the stone, but they did not break up the smoothness of the carvings.
The Queen observed Shade with large obsidian eyes. They were very similar to Lady Blythe’s luminous insect eyes, and she didn’t glamour herself either. Her fiery blue skin glowed brightly and seemed to hum with the crackle of electricity or lightning. There were constant flames flowing over her body. Her hair also looked afire, but didn’t burn; it was dark with a highlight of blue crackling through it.
So that is what a full Teleen woman looks like unshielded? Shade thought. She’d noticed some of the guard and attendees were in full Teleen glow as well.
They had reached the throne when Ewan knelt down before the blue lightning queen with his head bowed. Everyone followed suit as he spoke. “Your Majesty, Queen Gretel of the Teleen. We’ve come from the Guildrin clan in the city of Aturine, and greet you with open arms and love from our Queen Zinara. We were told of your great hospitality and ask of you permission to rest the night and continue our journey tomorrow.”
The Queen glanced around at them, taking in what she saw. She nodded the slightest of nods and spoke with a voice that echoed off the walls and rippled through the air like a cool mountain breeze. “Please stand, I am aware of your coming from my sister Zinara. She has spoken well of all of you, and I find you most deserving of her praise.
“Please also forgive my Royal Guards. They find tormenting any visitors to be quite amusing. We don’t get too many visitors here, as you can see. We’re an isolated clan and the last of the Teleen bloodlines. I find it a great pleasure that I’m able to aid you on your quest to the Santiran fountains. Please, make yourselv
es comfortable and accept our great hospitality.”
She waved her arm over the crowd as they stood and found that tables had been set up in two rows, one on either side of them. One by one, tiny flying demi-fey servants came out and placed candelabras, bowls, goblets and overflowing platters of food on the tables. They were dressed in great long robes of flowing linen that rustled around them in smooth waves. Fruits, meat and rolls of soft bread filled the middle of the great tables. Shade felt her stomach rumble with hunger, and all of them were looking at each other with glee dancing on their faces.
They filed around a table and eagerly sat down at the end nearest the Queen. The Queen had a table set up right in front of her with anything she asked for. There were stone plates and wooden forks and knives already set up in front of each of them. The small faeries, which had laid out the table and food, were now darting back and forth. They were so quick and efficient at their job; all that could be seen of them was a blur of wings and hands.
Shade watched them, fascinated by how tiny they were with their wings as thin as tissue. Still, they held the tiny stick-thin figures effectively in the air. The ones she was able to gaze upon longer showed her their tiny faces with perfect tiny lips and straight noses. Most had jet-black, body-length hair. Some tied their hair back, and some left it hovering around them like capes. Their large almond, insect eyes were black as night and blinked at her curiously. None of them smiled but just flitted by her, leaving a gust of cool air as they raced by.
Shade could feel the exhaustion seeping from her bones. The food was working on her already and helped fill the void in her stomach. Sleep was pulling at her eyes, and her body ached with every stretch and movement. She looked around at her friends, who also they seemed tired as they quietly munched on the great feast. She had stuffed her belly full and felt a twinge of regret with the pain of her swollen stomach, making it hard to breathe.
Shade sat back in her chair and looked across the table. On the parallel stone table straight across from her was Captain Dylan. He stared at her and smiled. His face took on a softer look as he nodded to her with his cup held up in the air. He set it down and interrupted by a guard to his left. Shade glanced at the man who was now leering at her as he spoke softly to the captain. He had a similar facial structure, but looked a bit younger than the captain.