by Julie Cassar
Jeremy spoke up, with a look of amazement on his face. “Wow. This is just like watching somebody with multiple personality disorder.” Anya giggled and threw a pillow at Jeremy and answered me, “Soon. We’ve got to be to Lake Superior by ten.”
“SUPERIOR?!?!” I screeched. “As in, LAKE SUPERIOR??!?” I almost fell off of the stool I was sitting on. Jeremy cheered from his comfy seat on the couch as he swallowed a mouthful of pizza, “Woohoo! Road trip!!” I annoyingly shook my finger at Jeremy (feeling like a school teacher scolding a 5-year old, I might add) “Ohhhhh you! You just shut it! You hate cold water, you big baby!”
“Well,” he chortled, “I’m not the one that’s gettin’ wet tonight.” I shot him my best evil glare. The thought of swimming in Lake Superior was chilling. Literally. Being the coldest of the Great Lakes, this was not going to be like a dip in the backyard 80-degree swimming pool. “Why didn’t you guys tell me I was gonna have to swim in Superior?!?” I whined to Anya.
She looked sympathetic. “Ruby, honestly, I didn’t really want to stress you out. I mean, just taking on all of the swimming stuff and dealing with all of the Fairy security was enough, don’t you think? I didn’t want you freaking out about where you were going to be doing this.”
I gulped as the enormity of the situation began to sink in. There was no use arguing. There was no use whining. It is what it is. Ready or not, I was going to have to do this. I sat there silently staring out the window, while Anya and Jeremy continued to chat on the couch and Brennan continued to stuff his face. Lake Superior was over a three-hour drive from here. I was not looking forward to sitting in the car for three-and-a-half hours with Brennan. I had a lot on my mind. I didn’t want to lose, but I felt I was going to. I would let down all of the members of the Earthen Court (including my friends, the Princess and Prince), ruin Celestine’s chance for true love, and fail miserably. I rubbed my forehead with my hands, and then felt a wave of nausea hit me. I felt like any movement I made or any sound I whispered would push me over the edge into full-on crazy panic mode. I tried to remain very still to keep the shaking and trembling at bay. Maybe if I didn’t move or didn’t speak, the fear would silently slip away.
But no, I wasn’t that lucky.
The sick feeling in my stomach began to work its way up my throat, and I suddenly felt like I was going to vomit. I stood up quickly from my barstool and sharply, yet calmly, announced, “I’m going to go throw up. And then I’m going to change into my swimsuit.” And without looking back, I walked into the bathroom.
Chapter 22
Because the drive to Lake Superior was going to take so long, Anya and Brennan suggested that they take one of their cars. They never drove. Anywhere. They always just soda-pop fizzed in and POPPED out of wherever they needed to be. I hoped Brennan would drive, then maybe he would be distracted enough not to talk to me. I couldn’t handle him right now. I had too many other things on my mind. And, lucky for me, he did. We all decided that Anya’s lime-green Volkswagon bug was just too small for all four of us to ride in for that long of a drive. We piled into Brennan’s beautiful Caribbean blue convertible Ford Mustang and took off for our destination. (Not that the Mustang was much bigger, but it did offer a bit more leg room in the front seats.) The bright Caribbean blue color of his car reminded me of the color of the sky where it meets the water on a clear day…but with a kick. Brennan liked to go fast. Of course, the classic American muscle car was a must for him. Three hours in the car. Ugh. How was I going to make it without throwing up? Maybe I could take a nap. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world. The entire world! I didn’t understand why we had to go there, when I saw Celestine in the waters of Lake Michigan. But, apparently, the Grá mo Chroí Dúshlán – the Challenge I was to participate in – was to take place where the Water Royal Court resided when they were in this state…which was in Lake Superior. So on our way we went.
Brennan drove and Jeremy sat in the passenger seat next to him so he could stretch out his long, lanky legs. Anya and I sat in the back and enjoyed the wind that whooshed over us in the cool convertible. I was thankful that I was actually able to doze off on the way there. I think Anya may have had something to do with that…she and her Fairy spells…I suppose I didn’t really mind though. It gave me time to rest my mind. My nerves have been on high alert for so long, that sleep was a welcome relief. Brennan seemed busy talking to Jeremy about whatever Jeremy wanted to talk about. And, with the top down, the noise of the wind made it nearly impossible to hear the conversation that was going on between the two boys sitting up front. I was grateful for the little snooze. I hadn’t been sleeping very well lately.
We pulled into a secluded area near the Tahquamenon Falls State Park in record time, thanks to Brennan’s lead foot driving. This wasn’t any local tourist attraction, that’s for sure. In fact, if you didn’t know it was there, you’d never see the turn-off on the road. The Tahquamenon Falls are a set of waterfalls flowing into the Tahquamenon River, tinted with a unique copper color…earning them the nickname of the “Root Beer Falls.” The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, so it was quite a site to see. But, unfortunately, we weren’t going to see the waterfalls. We were going to a secluded section of the beach right on Lake Superior, where I would soon be getting my ass swished.
We walked along the star lit beach until we neared a small gathering of “people.” I soon found out that the “people” in attendance were the Water Court King and Queen; Celestine; Celestine’s sister, Freya; Celestine’s love, the Troll Bexin; and Bexin’s brother, Grobel (AKA Creepy Stalker Dude); and Simon, that Royal Guard I’d first met at Martino’s Pizza. I suppose I was expecting a bigger gathering of people…or Merpeople…like a grand event. I thought it would be a huge spectacle…Maybe I have seen too many Harry Potter movies…I guess I was expecting a big grandstand and onlookers like in the Goblet of Fire. Where was Cedric Diggory? Where were the fans? Sigh. What a let-down. This was a deserted beach. The only sounds were the lapping of the water on the beach, the toads croaking and the katydids chirping in the nearby trees. This was a private matter – a matter to be dealt with by only the King and Queen of the Court and those that were to be betrothed. I suppose it was better this way. It did seem to settle my nerves a little, knowing that a bunch of strangers wouldn’t be cheering or booing my performance in the as-yet unknown spectacle.
Celestine, as usual, looked stunning. Her sister, Freya, was just as beautiful, with the same somewhat freakish purple eyes. The main difference between the sisters was their hair color. Where Celestine’s was a shimmering white-blond, Freya’s was the color of Aquamarine, with streaks of white-blond running through it. Freya’s hair was just a few shades lighter than the color of Brennan’s Mustang actually. Grobel looked as tough and stocky as always, with his stone features and short cropped hair. Bexin, although very similar in stature and appearance to his brother, was slightly thinner and a bit softer looking. I could see why Celestine might mistake the two of them at a distance…Bexin had the same angular, sharp features as Grobel, but his nose didn’t look like it was broken and smashed about ten times, like Grobel’s did. Celestine definitely picked the right brother. Bexin was a notch or two up on the good-looking scale.
The King and Queen of the Water Court were standing regally on the sandy beach next to the Troll brothers. I was told that the King and Queen were not Celestine’s parents. Celestine was not of royal decent, but merely a subject of the Court. As such, her parents were not entitled to be in attendance. The King and Queen, as rulers of the Water Court, would oversee the Challenge and declare the winner. As all inhabitants of Fey, Celestine’s parents would learn of the outcome immediately through their telepathic communication. Celestine would be broadcasting the entire event to them as it happened. My eyes settled on the King and Queen, who were both stunningly magnificent sights. Draped in simple white cloths, they too, were beautiful specimens, just as Celestine and Freya were. Both had
long flowing hair, both were athletically muscular and seemingly young. This King didn’t look like the images I’d seen of King Neptune or anything. No white hair. No beard. No spear with fish symbols. He had long, dark hair, almost black but not quite as dark as Brennan’s. His muscular chest was bare, except for an elaborate symbolic tattoo over his heart. The Queen’s hair was much wavier and much longer – down to her waist – and it was a fiery shade of red. She had a similar tattoo, matching the King’s, starting at her shoulder and winding down her left arm. They also both wore crowns. They were small, intricate bands of gold that were woven together with small, sparkling gem stones in shades of green, turquoise and blue sprinkled throughout. Subtle, yet beautiful, the crowns glittered in the moonlight. It’s like that old saying, sometimes less is more. Even though these crowns were not huge and ornate, they had an air of distinction…of regalness and of pure and simple beauty…just like the wearers.
Then there was Simon, the Royal Guard from the Earthen Court. I didn’t really know why he was here. He was looking as nondescript as ever with his brown tousled hair, jeans, and plain brown t-shirt. He was a stark contrast to the elegance and beauty of the King and Queen.
The King spoke, “Whom do you bring at your side, Prince of the Earthen Court?”
I looked over at Brennan, and he bowed gracefully to the King, looking serious and stoic. Without blinking an eye, he loudly answered, “King of the Water Court, it is an honor to stand in your presence for the Challenge. Representing my Court is Lady Ruby Blue and her consort, Jeremy, my sister, Princess Anya and, of course, my personal Royal Guard, Simon. He is in attendance for my security at the request of my father, the King of the Earthen Court. My father, as you know, could not attend tonight, so I am here in his stead.” My eyes bugged out in surprise and I gulped back a gasp when Brennan referred to me as “Lady Ruby Blue” and Jeremy as my “consort.” Consort of what?! Any time I had ever heard that term, consort meant a friend of the sexual nature…there was definitely none of that going on with me and Jer. Ichhh! I inwardly shuddered at that thought. I then noticed Jeremy eyeing Simon up and down, drinking him in like he was a glass of cold lemonade. I nudged Jeremy’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, “Ahem. You have a boyfriend, remember? Michael?” Without taking his eyes off of Simon, he whispered back, “I’m just lookin’ at the menu. Didn’t say I was gonna order.” I snickered at his little remark, and I turned my attention back to the King.
The King spoke again, “I address the Mermaid Celestine. You are of the Water Court and have so desired to marry out of our clan. Is that correct?” Celestine nodded, and the King continued on, “Whom do you bring at your side to compete on behalf of the Water Court?”
“My sister, Freya.” Celestine answered with a nod of respect. Freya graciously curtsied to the King. The King nodded, and replied, “I address the Mermaid Freya. Before you answer my next question, all must be advised that, as a member of my Court, I will be aware of all of your inner-most truths. Your word and honor will be sealed with a bond, and if you do not compete honorably and to the best of your ability, the highest penalty shall be paid.” Freya nodded in understanding as the King continued on, “Do you accept the challenge to compete?” Freya answered, “I do, Sire.” The King nodded and placed his hands on her shoulders. They seemed to be in some kind of silent prayer. I leaned over to Brennan and whispered, “What’s going on?”
Brennan replied with Fairy telepathy, and I heard his voice inside of my head, “He is looking within her, determining whether or not she is being truthful and sealing her promise with the magic of their Court. The penalty for deceit or purposely throwing the Challenge is death. It’s their way of assuring that the Water Court Competitor is not going to be sympathetic to the couple…to ensure Freya will not betray her Court just so her sister can marry the Troll. And, Ruby, next time use your Fairy-speak. We don’t need everyone here knowing our conversations.” Oops. My bad. I suppose Brennan is right. I gave him an apologetic look and he shrugged in response. “It’s alright,” I heard him say. “Just remember for next time, okay?”
The King seemed to approve of Freya’s response and turned to us again. He said, “I address the Troll Bexin. Do you forever love the Mermaid Celestine?”
Bexin bowed deeply and answered solemnly, “I do, Sire. She is grá mo chroí go deo…the love of my heart forever,” he looked adoringly at Celestine, with their hands entwined. I could almost feel the love oozing out of every pore of their bodies. Surely, these two were meant to be together. I couldn’t imagine someone looking at me with such longing, such endearment… such… such pure love. I swallowed down the big lump in my throat as I stared at the two beings on the beach, both of whom looked like they were in their own little world, unaware of the several pairs of eyes on them.
The King continued, “Who is the next of kin that will compete for you in the Grá mo Chroí Dúshlán?”
Bexin gestured to Grobel, and wrapped his arm over the stony Troll’s shoulder, “My brother, Grobel.”
The King nodded, and then looked around at all of us before turning to Grobel, “I address the Troll Grobel. You have been chosen to compete in the Grá mo Chroí Dúshlán. Do you accept the Challenge to compete?”
Grobel nervously looked at Brennan, who stood across from him, staring him down with his steely ice-blue eyes. It was as if he was shooting daggers at Grobel. The Troll cleared his throat, and in his gravelly voice he answered, “I do not.”
The King’s expression changed slightly, as if he was mildly surprised, “Who do you choose as your Challenger?”
Again, Grobel nervously cleared his throat, looking down at the sand and then looking up at the King, almost afraid to meet his eyes, he answered, “I choose Lady Ruby Blue.”
The King’s and Queen’s looks of puzzlement were evident on their faces. The Queen spoke up now, “But surely, you cannot believe that we would permit a human to compete on behalf of the Earthen Court?”
Grobel didn’t speak, but merely looked slightly shaken and unsure of what to say, “It is she that I choose.” He answered again, keeping his face stony and severe, with no further explanation.
The King spoke to Brennan now, “Prince Brennan, you cannot think that I would allow such a Challenger. She is not of Fey. More importantly, she has not proclaimed her allegiance to any Court. And, I will surely have repercussions to face with your Court if it is deemed that the Challenge was unfair. I must proceed with caution and careful consideration. I cannot accept that your King would approve of such an unworthy competitor.” I was a little annoyed at that last comment. Unworthy? Who the hell was he calling unworthy? Excuse me for being just a lowly human.
Brennan bowed slightly and spoke firmly and confidently, “Majesty, Lady Ruby is unique. She is connected to the Earth and gifted with Fairy Sight and Fairy Telepathy. She is connected to Fey. She has pledged her fealty to my Court. And, if I may remind you Majesty, there are no rules that strictly forbid a human from participating. ” I stood there, silently twisting my hands and noticed that Brennan left out the part about me having received some of those gifts (as well as the swimming one, which he also didn’t mention) from a dragon, thereby tying me to the Water Court as well.
The King considered this and then answered, “You realize, that the competitor for the Water Court is a Mermaid, and therefore has a much greater chance of prevailing over your representative, who is not of either Court? You understand your chosen Challenger will most likely be defeated?”
Brennan nodded solemnly in understanding, “I do.”
The King continued, “And yet you still endorse her as the Challenger for the Troll Grobel, to compete on behalf of the Troll Bexin?”
Again, Brennan nodded, “I do.”
The King nodded once firmly, with a slight smile as if he knew the Water Court Challenger, Freya, would surely prevail. Then he turned and spoke to me, “I address the Lady Ruby Blue. I ask you: do you pledge fealty to the Earthen Royal Court and represent th
eir King and Queen, so say you?”
I blinked, unable to find my voice and I nodded my head. Everyone at the beach seemed to be staring at me to continue. I cleared my throat and managed to squeak out, “Um. Yeah. Yes. I do.” Then I gave an awkward curtsey. I should really pay more attention when the Royal Family of England is in the news…I’m sure I could learn how to curtsey properly if I watched Princess Katherine or Queen Elizabeth. I made a mental note to search the internet for some youtube videos of the Royals.
The King nodded and went on, “As Challenger for the Earthen Court, you have been chosen to compete in the Grá mo Chroí Dúshlán. Do you accept the Challenge to compete?”
I swallowed down the lump in my throat, and squeaked out, “I do.” I felt a tingle of magic, like energy radiating around the entire circle we stood in. It was as if the words I spoke sealed the deal. Holy crap. This was it. What the hell did I just do?
Chapter 23
Jeremy echoed my shudder while he stood silently next to me. I guess we both felt the tingling magic. He had been a virtual statue up until this point. I think we were both so engrossed in what was going on, we were almost too afraid to breathe. Just then, I noticed a few dragonflies begin to buzz nearby on the beach. I glanced over at the beautiful bugs and remembered something Brennan had told me once. He said, “…The dragonfly is the essence of true magical transformation. It is a descendent directly from our world that lives in your world. That is very powerful stuff Ruby. To harness its power takes a very special talent…Strong magic... They can bring you luck and balance…” I hoped they would bring me a little luck tonight. I heard Anya’s Fairy-speak voice in my head, “Yes, Ruby. I’m sure they will bring you luck. You are connected to them. They sense your fear and your strength of spirit.” I looked over at her, and she stood smiling, looking ever-so-graceful as she gave her attention to the King and Queen.