Of Gods and Fae

by Tom Keller

  "You can thank the dogs," Siegfried answered. "When the wall went up, Charlie and Sophie became concerned."

  "To say the least," Diantha added. "He means they went crazy. Sophie said something and Charlie literally dug his way through the wall."

  "Charlie is bound to his master," I heard Sophie say.

  "Yes," Charlie said. "The magic binds us. You need not worry. I will always find you."

  "Good to know." I said. I turned back to Sylvana and Plataia. "My apologies, I fear I let my anger get the better of me."

  "You are a God. You may do as you will," Sylvana replied. "My daughters were right to follow you, sword bearer. Your claim is recognized. Welcome, Lord of the Dryad," she added as if the past few minutes had never occurred.

  "The Temple is now yours." Plataia said, now more composed. Then she gestured to an opening in the wall of roots that had appeared behind them. "The way to the Temple proper is through there. We will be here when you return."

  "Yes," Siegfried said. "Sendy has certainly contacted your aunt by now. They will be waiting."

  I walked to the opening of the portal. It was like looking through a bottle. I could see Fae through the magic but individuals were not distinguishable. There was no one on the dais, my aunt had apparently not yet arrived. The rest were in the field in front of the Temple floor. I took a moment to try and reach out and feel their mood. I could sense their emotions. I could tell most had no idea why they had been called. Some were excited, some frightened. But some thoughts, although not clearly readable, were threatening. Just figures.

  "Looks like this might get a bit dicey."

  "What can you sense," Siegfried asked.

  "As before, nothing specific. But the Fae are gathering out there and a few don't seem to be too happy."

  "We anticipated that," he responded. "I say we follow the plan."

  The others just nodded.

  "I wish I could set up a dog and pony show like we did for your Boss's friends but we're just gonna have to go with simple here. Not that anything we've done has yet to be that way. Oh well. Let's just do it." I pulled my sword, took a step and then stopped, turning back to Sylvana and Plataia. "It could get dangerous but you are both welcome if you wish to come."

  "It is not my place," Plataia replied. "I will stand guard here and await your return."

  "And you," I asked, gesturing at Sylvana.

  "It is forbidden," she answered. "I must remain to guard this entrance."

  "What do you mean, forbidden?"

  "My place is here, guarding the hidden entrance, as Demeter decreed."

  "Can't Plataia do that? And what do you mean decreed?"

  "Plataia guards the water, but I must prevent entrance to the Temple, I cannot leave."

  "Can't leave? So… what? You stay down here?"

  "Yes."

  I stepped back down and walked over to her. "What exactly does stay down here, mean? You mean like, all the time?"

  Gesturing with my sword I followed the wisps of magic that bound her to her tree. Then I saw it. It was a knot of magic, a dull black glow against the white and gold tendrils that bound her and the tree together. This was the root structure of Sylvana's tree. It was ancient and larger than any root I'd ever seen. To lock her down here was an atrocity. She could feel the sunlight as it warmed the wood, but never see it or touch it. Suddenly I was reminded of the Fae back at the inn, reveling in the warmth as the sun passed into night.

  "Who placed that there?" I asked, incredulously.

  "Why, Demeter, of course. But it was my duty to my Lady, so I do not complain."

  "Just how long have you been down here?"

  "I have not seen the sun in many an age," she answered.

  "But you can control who enters from anywhere, and besides, Demeter is long dead?"

  "It matters not. Nor does it change my obligation," she replied. "My God's decree did not end when she did not return."

  I reached out and felt the magic that bound her and it sickened me. The knot of dark magic left her bound to the tree, but it also imprisoned her down here.

  "I 'm really getting tired of this shit," I declared. "No one deserves this." I reached over with the tip of my sword and severed the dark knot that bound her. There was a flash of light, dirty and dark, if that's possible, and Sylvana fell to the floor.

  "Damn." I knelt down beside her, joined immediately by Plataia and the others. "Are you alright?" I asked as I placed my arm around her to help her up.

  "I… I… I am free!" There was a look of sheer glee on her face. Then suddenly, she became solemn. "But why?" she asked.

  "What do you mean, why? Did you like being locked up down here?"

  "That is not the point," she said, now standing with Plataia's help. "How will you know your Temple is safe?"

  "What the f… Why is everything so difficult?" I asked, already knowing the answer. Then I changed my tack. "Don't you still want the job?"

  "Indeed," she answered. "But…"

  "Then it's yours." I answered back. "I am only going to say this to you once. I am not the same as those that came before me." Thank the Gods for that, I chuckled to myself. That line was starting to get old.

  "I am sorry to interrupt," Siegfried chimed in before she could say anything else. "But we have wasted too much time. Perhaps we should proceed and discuss this later."

  "You're right," I answered. "We'll continue this conversation later. In the meantime, you're welcome to join me at the Temple." I turned and walked back to where the portal was. Looking through I could see others on the raised dais. "Looks like we're late, let's go before something else happens," I said as I stepped through, Charlie at my heels.

  Although I knew it wasn't far to go it was still like stepping through the oak tree as I had when I first entered the Fae worlds. One second I was back at the tunnel entrance and suddenly I was here. As I turned to look at those present I saw that, although not full, the Temple floor was filling with Fae. I could also feel the tension in the Temple area rise. Many, if not most were confused. With the exception of Cacilia, who'd been forewarned by Sendy, no one else expected me to be the one to appear and they weren't sure what was happening.

  Knowing that Charlie was at my side and that Siegfried and Diantha had fanned out to my flanks meant that at least I had some cover. Even with Gerda tasked to observe she was still a warrior. Although I hadn’t seen her, I knew Sophie would be around as well. I guess it was time to get to business. I walked towards Cacilia, who was standing to the left of a stone throne with Sendy at her side. As I reached her, Sendy stepped forward.

  "My Lord," Sendy said, bowing as I stopped in front of her. "I present, Cacilia, Lady of this realm. Lady Cacilia, I present my Lord, Robert Hoskins, High Fae of the Dryad, accompanied by Karalos, the hound, and party."

  Then she stepped back and I faced my aunt. She didn't appear look particularly happy, but then I hadn't expected her to be. Maybe it was just my initial reaction, it had taken me a second to recognize her. I'd totally forgotten the Fae persona thing. She now looked to be in her early thirties, and was quite beautiful.

  "I see that things have changed since we last met," she said, bowing.

  "Indeed they have," I answered, nodding my head in return.

  "I should be angry," she continued. "I do not appreciate being summoned in my own realm. We could have discussed this earlier. It might have been easier."

  "Perhaps," I replied. "But sometimes the direct approach is best."

  "At least you followed the ancient way by sending in the Aurae." she replied. "Here we are then. Tell me why you are here and what you want."

  I glanced down to the Temple floor and watched the Fae there. They were milling around in small groups, watching the two of us as we talked, many whispering to each other. They were curious and I could still feel the apprehension among them, as well as danger from an unknown few.

  "As Maria was rightful ruler and my mother is dead. I ask that you recognize my right to s
uccession," I said in my best politically correct voice.

  "Is that all?" she remarked. "I should have known Maria had something like that in mind when she offered her solution," she said. "Well, the past is the past." She paused in front of me as she came full circle. "You know that no male has ever lead the Dryad."

  "So I've been told," I answered. "But I also know that it is not forbidden."

  "It may not be forbidden," she replied with just a hint of sarcasm. "But it has never happened here." I saw the briefest motion of her hand and then several male Fae warriors moved slowly through the crowd towards us.

  "I don't think that would be wise," I remarked, removing the sword of Cronus from my belt. I held the hilt in my hand and I caught the barest of a flinch as she saw what I carried even though I had not extended the magic blade. Without a word Charlie began moving between me and the crowd, which was now becoming more excited.

  "Do you intend to take this realm by force?" she asked, once again appearing composed. The warriors stopped in their tracks.

  "I would prefer not to," I answered truthfully. "There is no reason for us to be at odds."

  "This is madness," she said after a moment. "Surely you know your history. These Fae will never accept a male as their leader. And as to being a High Fae, we have not forgotten the prophecy. We would rather die than risk a dark Lord rising amongst us."

  "I am no dark Lord," I answered. "And as to acceptance, the Hamadryad have already done so. Why should they be any different than the Fae gathered here?"

  "The Hamadryad," she stammered and then I saw her reach out with her mind. I could guess what she found. "The realm is closed off… What have you done?"

  "Perhaps I can answer that," a voice proclaimed before I could respond.

  I turned and saw Sylvana walk away from the portal that emanated from her tree, the ethereal threads of magic that bound her to the huge oak trailing golden light as she came towards us. The Fae below us immediately became quiet.

  "Sylvana…" Cacilia sputtered, forgetting about me for the moment and running over to her. "But how?" she asked as she hugged her.

  "He freed me," she answered, pointing in my direction.

  "But who guards the Temple?" Cacilia asked, glancing back at me.

  "I do." Sylvana looked at me, smiled, and then turned to the crowd of Fae that stood before us.

  "Gentle Fae," she began. "Not in 2000 years have I seen the sun. And even then, only when our Lady, Demeter, would allow it. As a pledge of loyalty I gave my word to protect her Temple. For this oath I was bound to the roots of my tree to insure that I would always be faithful.

  "Yet today, this Fae, no, this High Fae, Robert, son of Gabriele and heir to Maria, released me from this bond without a word or demand of service. Then, instead of demanding, he asked me what I wanted. Once again, I pledged my oath to protect the Temple. But this time he placed his faith in me without bond, trusting in me alone to perform my duty. No dark Fae would do such a thing.

  "As eldest of the Hamadryad, and as my daughters have already done so, I acknowledge this Fae, Robert Hoskins, grandson of Maria, as rightful heir to the throne. What say you, eldest of the Dryad?" she asked as she turned to Cacilia.

  Talk about putting her on the spot.

  "Not since the days of Demeter has this throne been occupied," Cacilia said. "And never in our history by a male. Perhaps Maria was right to do what she did. If that is the case than you have been wronged. But I cannot doubt Sylvana's trust in you. We have spent our lives protecting the Fae here since The Fall. The wheel turns and I will turn with it. I will acknowledge you as the rightful heir of Maria." With that she bowed. There was a burst of commotion in the Temple by the other Fae, then one by one they bowed as well, or at least most of them did.

  "No!" came a screech from the center of the crowd. Fae were pushed back as an older female, flanked by at least four others, stepped forward. She pointed a finger at me. "You will never lead the Dryad, half breed."

  Where had I heard that before? I thought as she turned toward the crowd.

  "This... usurper… should have died long ago," she said and her face changed into that of an old witch. "And you two," she added, now directing her anger at Cacilia and Sylvana. "You have failed as well." Then she reached into a pocket of her skirt with both hands and pulled something out. Throwing her arms out she scattered what looked like small stones into the air. "Kill them all," she cried.

  I realized what she had thrown as Spartoi began popping up from where, what had to have been more Dragon's teeth, had fallen. Then she stepped back as at least four male Fae pulled bows and began to lift them in the direction we were standing.

  Grabbing both Cacilia and Sylvana I carried them to the portal with Sendy flying behind me. Cacilia started to protest but I held up my hand. "I need you safe," I yelled.

  "But it is forbidden to enter, and what of my Fae?" she started to say, but once again I chimed in.

  "New boss, new rules. Sylvana, keep her safe. Sendy, stay with them. Go!" I yelled, pushing them towards the shimmering gate. Turning back I saw Siegfried grabbing a handful of arrows from his quiver and faster than I thought possible, firing them one after another toward the other Fae archers and at the Spartoi that were rushing the dais.

  Charlie was still with me, having guarded my back as I escorted my aunt to the portal. "Grab Sophie and get the other Fae out of here," I ordered as I extended my blade and ran toward Siegfried, now in front of the dais, dodging arrows as I leapt from the stage to join him.

  Fae where running in all directions and several of them were battling one another as I dodged the rushing Spartoi to reach him. None of them would cause him further problems as my enchanted blade had cut them down and they were no longer moving.

  "Many of the locals are fighting the hag's Fae as well. Where is your aunt?" Siegfried asked as I knelt down beside him.

  "Safe," I replied. "I ordered the dogs to start clearing out the civilians. How many are with her?"

  "Perhaps several dozen, counting the Spartoi," he answered. "Gerda is trying to get the locals out of here as well.

  "Have you seen Diantha," I asked.

  "No," he replied. "But she will be close."

  "True… Ok. Keep em busy, I'll take care of the Spartoi," I said, letting the magic take over. I jumped up and ran toward the closest two, my sword glowing blue as arcs of electricity shot up and down the blade.

  I cut through the first two as if they were paper, the magic of my Fae blood and the power of the sword merging as I hurdled toward another three chasing down some escaping Fae. Then it was off to the next group as Spartoi after Spartoi fell to my enchanted blade. When the last one was down, I stopped to locate, what had Siegfried called her? The hag. The magic was surging through me now and I immediately turned back to the dais where I felt her presence. She was standing in the center with several of her archers surrounding her.

  With the Spartoi gone, Siegfried and the others had a pretty good handle on things in the crowd so I headed for the dais to end this madness. As I stepped up she turned towards me, still flanked by her archers.

  "Protected the old ones, have you half breed," she cackled. "It matters not. You cannot save them all." With one hand she grabbed at her neck and I saw that she, too, carried one of the same pendants we had found on the other Spartoi. Then, with her other hand she reached into her skirt again. Mumbling an incantation as she did so.

  I rushed towards her to stop her but was slowed as her Fae defended her. Then, just as she raised her hand, a shot rang out and she fell. I guess Diantha was around after all. Finishing off the warriors she had surrounded herself with I knelt down to see if she was still alive, Diantha joining me.

  She took a last look at me, then smiled as she died. But she had had the last laugh as her hand opened and a large piece of what looked like coal tumbled out. There was a spark, and then a flash and a large cloud appeared on the dais next to her. Pushing Diantha behind me, I backed up to see what the hell
I was gonna have to deal with now.

  "Get to Siegfried," I yelled and then turned back to face it. As it coalesced, I saw I wasn't facing another Spartoi, this was… well, this thing was different. It was winged and held a large shimmering blade. Some kind of Demon, then. It turned to me and I could smell the reek of dark magic as it burst into flames. Shit, I thought to myself, some kind of Ifrit. That's all I need in the middle of a Fae forest.

  It raised its blade and attacked. The battle was on. We fought up and down the dais, neither one being able to do much damage to the other. My blade seemed to have little effect, other than to block his swings. Every time it went through the Demon it was like cutting smoke. It seemed focused only on me and as it moved flames dripped and flew outward from it. Through the accompanying smoke, I saw one of the flames land on a fleeing Dryad. She burst aflame.

  "Get the Fae out of here," I yelled at Siegfried, who had been firing arrows into the thing. I watched as he slung his bow and ran to a few other Fae who were just standing there.

  As we fought I wondered how I could beat it. I guess I could have called on the Pterippus for help, but for some reason that was a card best left hidden. No, what I really needed was a damn rainstorm. Wait, I thought, parrying another swing. I don't need water, dirt would do just fine. Seeing that the Temple floor was emptying, I jumped from the dais, the creature following. As I faced him once again, I dodged his attacks and retreated towards the center and as we reached it, I let the magic flow outward to the trees.

  As I had commanded, great roots burst forth from the ground and enveloped the Demon. As they encircled him, less and less of his flame was visible. With a loud whoosh, the roots engulfed the Demon and then dragged him under the ground, entombing him as the earth covered him and extinguished his flames. As the smoke cleared I looked around at the Temple floor and dais to see how much damage had been done. Several Fae were dead and not all had been with the hag. Many more were injured and even Gerda was limping.

  "Nice move," I heard Diantha say from behind me. "Sorry I couldn’t get to her sooner."

  "It worked," I answered. "Have the others render as much aid as possible." Then I sent a command to Sendy to have Cacilia come out and headed back to the dais to meet her. Siegfried joined me as I began to step up to it.