by LH Nicole
“Yes, and they are more dangerous than you can imagine. Humans are far more susceptible to their dark magic than other creatures are. Once caught in their trap, no one can escape, not even you.” Deidre’s voice was solemn and troubled.
Aliana shivered at the Nymph’s warning. “So how do I avoid getting caught?”
“The Sidhe rest during the day. Their power wanes with the rays of the sun, but at night, it reaches its zenith. Your only hope of getting into the ruins and back out again is to do so while the sun is still high in the sky.”
Deidre pointed to Aliana’s new map. “I will warn you that you must follow the path shown here. The Sidhe are not the only creatures that pose a great danger to you. As long as you do not stray from this path, you will be protected. Leave it, and I cannot guarantee your safe travel.”
“What else do I have to fear here?” Aliana was an accomplished traveler and had spent a lot of time in dangerous parts of the world both with her parents and on her own. She glanced down at the map and brushed her fingers across it.
“Avalon has many children. She is full of creatures that are born of magic and do not take kindly to humans. Some, like the Sidhe, are not on the side of goodness.”
“Is there anything else you can tell me? Like what these other creatures are or what exactly Loyalty and Magic are?”
“I can only guide your way to your first task. We all have our parts to play in this. What is to come is something you must discover on your own. That is the law of Avalon.”
Aliana quirked an eyebrow and gave a small snort of annoyance. “Law of Avalon? Of course! Why wouldn’t a magical land have its own crazy law against giving me the information I’ll need to protect myself?”
Deidre smiled. “But I have, sweet Aliana. I have set you a safe path. From there, you will find your own ways to protect yourself.”
Heaving a sigh, Aliana returned a small smile before nodding. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to seem rude or ungrateful for your help. This is just a lot to take in.”
The Nymph nodded, seeming to understand. “You can do this. You are the Destined One, after all.” She gazed up at the sky. “You must go now if you are to reach the ruins of the keep before midday. You cannot linger in one place too long or you’ll risk being found by the wrong forces.”
“I understand,” Aliana said, dropping her eyes.
The Water Nymph glided to Aliana, placing a cold hand on her shoulder. “May the grace of Avalon go with you, sweet Aliana. I will be waiting here for your return and that of the king.”
After Aliana nodded her thanks, Deidre walked to the pond, stepping across its surface. She turned to look at Aliana. With another curtsy, the Lady of the Lake sank back into the pond from whence she had come.
2
The call of Avalon’s magic shook me from my slumber. The Destined one must have found Avalon. I will search out Sabine, as she will need to make everything ready for the king. But how will I find them? Titania’s magic has forbidden my return to the forests. I’ll have to find another way. Soon Arthur will be restored, and so will my powers.
~Merlin
LOOKING DOWN AT THE MAP AGAIN, Aliana noticed a small red spark on it. “Very handy—a magical GPS.”
She made her way across the meadow to the opening in the forest. Loneliness rose within her, adding to her unease and frustration. Papa would know what to do, what to expect. Fighting sudden tears, she set out at a brisk pace, peering past thick clusters of leaves and tall, thin tree trunks. According to the map, she was heading northeast in the part of the forest labeled Red Wind. She hoped that referred to a kind of tree or something rather than some magical beastie that would want to eat her for lunch.
She quickened her pace, keeping her camera in her hands to capture the area around her. A new series of photos was already forming in her mind. Suddenly, a clump of bushes off to the left started to shake. She heard little whimpers coming from the shrubs, and it sounded like a small animal was hurt.
Aliana knew she needed to keep moving—the sun was rising higher and higher and she still had a long way to go. But could she really leave behind an animal that may need help? She went to the bushes and kneeled down, carefully brushing the leaves aside. Caught at the foot of one of the bushes was a small, gray and black fox-like creature, its small paw tangled in the roots. The animal looked up at her with big, black, frightened eyes.
“Aw, you poor thing,” she cooed softly. “It’s okay. I’ll help you.”
Trying not to spook the little creature, Aliana gently grasped the rough wood wrapped around its paw, pulling it away until the fox-like critter gave a small yelp, breaking free and springing to its feet. Releasing the branches, Aliana walked around the bush, leaving her pack on the path and inching closer to the curious animal as it carefully watched her. The little thing sat back on his haunches like a dog begging for a treat. Its gray fur was fluffy and long, reminding her of a Pomeranian. Except this creature had three long, bushy tails, each tipped with the same patches of black that covered its paws, muzzle, eyes, and the tips of its long, curved ears.
“Aren’t you the cutest thing?” she said, trying to keep it distracted as she lifted her camera and aimed it.
When she pressed the shutter button, the little creature started and jumped back, eyeing the camera before turning and disappearing into the trees. Shaking her head, she checked the image.
“Not possible!” she gasped.
The creature in her photo wasn’t the adorable animal that had just been in front of her. The thing in the picture had glowing red eyes and small, sharp fangs lining the rim of its mouth. The fur was spiky and clumped together, and deadly sharp claws poked out from the paw that had been only inches from Aliana’s hand. The little monster looked like it was ready to pounce through the camera screen and take a bite out of her.
Confused, Aliana studied the trees, trying to see if the thing was still there, but she saw nothing. Getting up, she looked back only to realize that she was now several feet from the protected path she had been warned to not leave.
“Not good.” She slung her camera over her shoulder and scooped up her bag, hoping she hadn’t broken whatever protection the path provided. Shuddering, she picked up her pace until she reached the path.
She walked another mile before she heard whinnying and the unmistakable sound of hooves hitting the ground. Baffled, she looked in the direction of the sound but made sure she didn’t move from the path. Her jaw dropped. There, becoming visible through the trees, was a tan-colored horse with a white mane that matched its large, feathered wings.
“A Pegasus!” Forgetting everything else, Aliana made her way to the creature, fascinated and excited to try to get photos of the mythical animal. Before the Pegasus moved away, she brought up her camera, taking several pictures of the beast half hidden in the trees.
Its head bobbed, as it tossed its beautiful mane and whinnied again. Aliana peered into the animal’s intelligent, brown eyes and moved closer, stretching out her hand and gently brushing the silky soft fur on its nose.
“Beautiful,” she whispered. The creature was taller than any horse she had ever seen, and its strong wings stretched from its shoulders to past its tail.
The Pegasus nudged her hands with its head, asking for more attention. Laughing, she stroked the creature’s nose and rubbed its neck. The large animal huffed at her before moving back.
“Don’t go,” Aliana pleaded, stepping forward to keep her hand on its neck. “I won’t hurt you.” She followed it as it continued backing away, until she remembered—“The path!” She spun around, seeing only trees. “No! How could I be so stupid?”
Flustered, she turned back to the Pegasus. “This is your fault you know.” More than a little afraid, she stepped closer to the beautiful creature. “It shouldn’t be that hard to find my way back. I just have to go back the way we came.”
The creature stilled, its ears twitching. Something whistled by Aliana’s head, followed by a loud
thunk. Whatever it was had hit the tree next to her. Aliana’s hair fell from its high ponytail before cascading down her back and around her face.
Frozen where she stood, she saw an arrow with black feathers stuck in the tree, still vibrating from the force of its hit. Her hair band and a thin pile of her hair lay at her feet. The Pegasus reared up on its hind legs, wings flaring as it cried in fright.
Grunting shouts came from their left, getting louder and closer. Another arrow shot from the trees, this time missing them completely. Aliana jolted into action. “Run!” she cried, pushing at the Pegasus.
“Get it! Get it! Don’t let the beast get away,” a voice commanded in a pig-like squeal.
“Come on, girl!” Aliana shouted, winding her way through the trees. The Pegasus stayed close, keeping her large body between Aliana and the grunting creatures. Another whistling sound passed right behind them, the bolt hitting another tree.
“We gotta keep going!” She darted to the left, trying to put more trees between them and their pursuers.
“Stop!” a new voice shouted, this one deep and melodic.
Heart pounding in her ears, Aliana couldn’t help but obey the command that had come from the distance. She looked around frantically, keeping her hand pressed to the Pegasus, ready to take off running again when she could figure out a safe direction.
“You have no right to stop us!” the piggy voice grunted.
“You have trespassed in the Red Wind forests. You are not welcome here.” Though deep and melodic, the new voice pulsed with danger. “Go back to your caves where you belong. This forest is not yours to hunt.”
Outraged squeals rang through the forest, and rushed footfalls became quieter as the hunters apparently ran away.
Pressing close to the Pegasus, Aliana hoped that whoever had chased those things off wasn’t coming for her next. Groping blindly in her pack, she grabbed the journal. But there was no little red star or any other sign of her location on the map to guide her to the safe path. She stepped away from the surprisingly calm Pegasus, looking around, trying to find something that would help her find the way back.
“Halt!” The sound of the deep, dangerously melodious order came from behind her. The Pegasus’s wings flared slightly as it lifted and dropped its front hooves. Annoyed by her own fear, Aliana took a deep breath, hiding her fright away and squaring her shoulders. She turned to face whatever or whoever was behind her.
There stood a man only a few inches taller than her, dressed in gold and black. He had a regal air about him, with pale, cream-colored skin, a long lean face, and silver eyes. A curved, wickedly sharp sword hung at his waist. In his hand, he had a long wooden bow, and strapped to his back was a quiver full of arrows. He was like a character out of Robin Hood or The Lord of the Rings.
His hair was pin straight and black, falling to just past his shoulders. Aliana saw the top part of a pointed ear poking out from the dark curtain of hair. His enchanting beauty made her pretty sure that he was an Elf, and she felt some reassurance—Elves were the good guys, right? After all, he did just save her from whatever those things were.
“Who are you? What are you doing in this forest?” he asked.
“I’m lost,” she explained, hoping she was right to trust him. “I was following the path The Lady of the Lake told me to take when I saw this Pegasus, and then we were chased and shot at by those things you scared off.” Her nerves were too short to censor her thoughts. “I can’t find where I am on my map either, and I need to find a safe place for this Pegasus.”
The Elf studied her, and Aliana wondered what he must see. Probably a fool with crazy hair, she thought to herself, just now remembering that she had lost her hair tie and nearly her head. She ran her free hand through the windblown locks, trying to get them in some semblance of neatness.
The Elf looked from her to the Pegasus. Her troublesome companion started whinnying again, bobbing its head up and down before gently pushing at her shoulder, trying to move her closer to the Elf. He nodded at the Pegasus as if he understood what it was saying.
Returning his attention to Aliana and bowing his head slightly, he said, “Forgive my harsh tone. These forests are not safe for travelers, especially your kind.”
“My kind?” Aliana narrowed her eyes, wondering if he was slighting her because she was human.
He nodded. “The Pegasus told me she accidently pulled you from your path just before you were found by the Goblins. She says you protected her, and for that I will show you the way back to the path you are meant to be taking.”
Grateful, but still wary of the Elf, Aliana showed him her map. He glanced at it briefly.
“We are close to the path, but we must move swiftly. These woods become more dangerous as the day goes on.” He turned and started walking.
Aliana looked at the Pegasus, then quickly caught up to her guide. “What were those things? And how did you show up at just the right time?”
“Red Wind forest is one of our territories, our home. We Elves keep watch and protect all the creatures of the forest from those filthy Goblins, the Sidhe, and all others who would seek to do harm.”
“Wait, you said Goblins, as in the short, mischievous, creepy-bad-magic kind of creatures that love to hoard gold?”
The Elf gave her a lopsided smile. “I have never heard them described in such a manner before, but yes, those are the creatures I am referring to. But they are not like the stories you humans tell. They are dangerous and deadly creatures. Their lust for magic and gold is what drives them.” The Elf’s face turned dark and angry. “They will swear fealty to whoever will give them what they desire. They swore allegiance to dark magic during the great battle of Avalon.” Amazed, Aliana paid rapt attention. “They remain loyal to it to this day. Far too many times the Goblins and others have killed the animals to use in their magic rites.”
“That’s horrible!” Aliana gasped, looking at her Pegasus friend, who was still beside her. Gently, she rubbed the soft neck.
The Elf regarded Aliana out of the corner of his eye. “The Pegasus possesses great magic not unlike the Unicorns. Take the magic of a Pegasus, and you gain their ability to fly and run at incredible speeds.”
“No way! I’m glad those Goblins didn’t get her.” Aliana sighed, remembering the foxy creature from earlier. She opened her mouth to ask about it, but the Elf interrupted her.
“What is your name?” he asked.
“Aliana Fagan, and I’m sorry again for wandering into your forest, but I’m glad I got to meet this Pegasus.” Gazing sideways at the Elf, she watched for any sign of recognition. If the Lady of the Lake was right, others in Avalon must know who she was. But if the Elf had heard of her, he gave no sign.
He stopped walking, and using his longbow, he pushed aside a tall bush, revealing Aliana’s path.
She smiled. Turning to the Pegasus, she stroked her nose before kissing the creature goodbye. “Stay away from those Goblins.” The Pegasus snorted before nudging its head against her.
The Elf offered his hand to Aliana, helping her step over the thick roots of the bush and onto the path before following.
“You never told me your name,” Aliana said. “I’d like to thank the person who helped me.”
“I am correct in assuming you are the Destined One, am I not, Aliana Fagan?”
Aliana nodded, unsure what he would do.
“Your coming has been foretold for many centuries. We’ve been expecting you. Elves are on the side of good and light. To have the world consumed by darkness would destroy us.”
Aliana let out the breath she was holding and smiled at him.
“My name is J’alel. I will tell my people of your arrival. The Elves will stand beside the king again when he calls us. But heed my warning—do not stray from this path again or its protection will be lost to you. There are few of us who patrol these woods and many creatures that would seek to stop you from fulfilling the prophecy.”
Assuring J’alel that she wouldn
’t leave the path again, she smiled and said goodbye. The Elf stepped back into the forest, and Aliana headed down the path, pulling out her map. Her red star was back, and she was surprised and delighted to find that she was only twenty yards or so from reaching the end of the forest path. “Hell of a detour.”
J’alel’s warnings were heavy in her mind as she stowed the book and her camera into her pack and jogged toward the forest’s edge. She wasn’t going to let herself get distracted again, no matter what. The sun was high in the sky, but beyond the midpoint which meant it was past noon, and she was behind schedule. Finally, she entered the Valley of the Sidhe. The map showed that her destination was just over the next hill. Scaling the mound, she took in the sight of the ruined keep. It was covered with char marks and dead vines. Large piles of rubble still lay where they had fallen during battle. She looked around to see if anyone was keeping watch, but she saw no living thing.
“Creepy and probably not a good sign,” Aliana mumbled. She saw the remains of a wall just a few yards away to her right. “Guess that’s as good a place as any to stow my pack while I free Magic and Loyalty.” Moving aside a chunk of stone, she hid her things in a small gap before rearranging the stone the way it had been.
As quietly as possible, she crept closer to the rounded wall of the tower, making sure to stay low. She examined the burn marks running along the jagged stone wall of the structure. Clearly the keep had been attacked by fire, but what had thrown it? Flying horses, Unicorns, Goblins, and cute-then-creepy fox-like creatures existed here. Who was to say a Dragon hadn’t done that damage?
“You don’t have time for this,” she told herself. But her curiosity was too great. Her camera was still in her pack, so she pulled out her phone instead and took a few pictures of the marred stone so she could study it later when she was home.
She sobered at the thought. I have to get home first, and to do that I need to stop getting distracted! With renewed purpose, she moved toward the front of the keep, counting her blessings that she had yet to find any real threats. As she rounded the front of the tower, she came upon a large, open courtyard rimmed with stone slabs of various sizes. Each one was held up by chunks of rock. Some of the stones bore scorch marks similar to the ones on the keep, and others were covered with tiny trails of brown. In the center of the courtyard was a stone altar large enough that a person could lie atop its surface. But, unlike the keep, all of these stacked stones were smooth and polished, like marble. There were nine slabs altogether, each one with engravings that Aliana didn’t recognize. The slab at the center didn’t seem to fit with the others. It was almost completely covered with reddish-brown stains. Looking closer, she saw that some of whatever it was that had made those stains had run over to trickle in thin lines down several of the supporting stones.