by Elle Casey
“Jayne, just tell the truth – all of it. Good or bad, it’ll be okay,” said Tony.
“The truth shall set me free, Tony? Is that what you’re saying?”
He shrugged.
It seemed ironic to me that this same phrase had come to me before when I stood outside the fourth waypoint after the changeling test, deciding whether to enter the compound or not. The truth had set me free then, at least inside my own blocked mind; hopefully, it would do the same today.
I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. “Okay, so I’ll tell you what happened and it will be the truth. But I’m warning you – some of it will probably piss you off, and I’m sorry about that. I never meant to hurt anyone ... ”
And so I told them the story about Chase and how he ended up there, and how The Green came to me through Water, and finally how Chase delivered us back, even after declaring his loyalty to the Dark Fae.
The entire time I talked, everyone stayed completely silent, hanging on my every word. I could see that some of the things I said surprised them. Some things made them upset, and others just made them look more curious. When it was all over, I looked at Dardennes and then back to the assembled fae.
“So that’s the story. I don’t really know how I got back here, since I blacked out when I was still in the Dark Fae compound. But Tim can tell you the rest.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary, Jayne, but thank you for your honesty and forthrightness. We do appreciate that.” He nodded to me and then looked back to the crowd. “The council considers that this act against one of our own is an overt act of war and that we must respond in kind. Therefore, we bring this notion to your attention for your deliberation. The topic is now officially open to debate for anyone who would like to submit a comment.”
I raised my hand immediately, not sure what the protocol was. But a gray elf beat me to it, leaping to his feet and talking right away.
“The gray elves have done a significant amount of planning with regard to this war, and we all agree that we need more resources.” He looked at Tony and nodded. “The changeling Tony has been a very welcome addition to our ranks and has proven himself to have a sharp mind when it comes to developing strategy and considering various battle scenarios. He suggests that we need to train our changelings in an accelerated fashion so we can include them as resources in our planning models. This will help, but it’s still not enough. We need to bring in the others.”
This last comment brought a chorus of cries from the fae, and not just from the audience. The council was also in an uproar.
Dardennes held up his hands for silence. “Are you saying that we need to call in all of the others? Because that would be a logistical nightmare I’m not sure we could manage, especially in such a short time frame.”
“No, of course not,” responded the gray elf. “But we could bring in a couple hundred who have the skills that we need to fill the holes in our arsenal.”
One of the council members stood, this one being the werewolf guy I encountered during my changeling test. Today he looked like a regular, muscley guy. He began speaking in his deep, rumbling voice, “You say that we will have what we need to defeat the Dark Fae with the addition of two hundred more fae?”
Another gray elf stood to join the first and responded, “Yes, so long as they are the specific fae we have identified.”
“Why not just get three hundred then, and end it faster?”
The gray elves looked at each other in confusion. Then the first one answered, “Because that wouldn’t be the most efficient use of our assets.”
That got a few laughs from the crowd, but none from the gray elf group. I had to smile too. They were so anal about their numbers and plans. No wonder they liked Tony so much. He was totally awesome in math. I was with the werewolf guy, though. Seemed like more was always better. Maybe I’d get Tony to explain their logic to me later.
I raised my hand again, still not comfortable with just talking out of turn.
A witch stood and began talking. “The witches of the Light Fae would like to speak to the changeling Jayne and the pixie about the spells used in the Dark Fae compound.”
Dardennes responded without even looking at me. “Jayne and Tim will be made available to all fae groups that need her input in their planning.”
I held my raised hand up with my other hand now, getting tired of keeping it up in the air.
“Why does the changeling Jayne stand with her hand in the air? Is this a side effect of her torture?” asked a wood sprite out in the assembly. I was starting to get the impression that wood sprites on the whole were not the sharpest knives in the drawer.
“Jayne, do you have something you want to say?” asked Dardennes, a little confused himself.
“Uh, yeah. That’s why I have my hand up. Anyway, I just wanted to say that they told me the reason they kidnapped me was to start the war. They figured you’d come and get me and that would be what got everything rolling.”
I could tell right away that the gray elves were eating this shit up. I could practically hear their brains calculating from here. Tony was getting antsy too, so I knew he was right there with them. I’d bet his first stop after this meeting would be war-planning central. Even though I’d never seen it, I’d bet they had some sort of war room somewhere in this place. Tony was probably going to drag his mattress over and sleep there. This was like the biggest and most complicated chess match ever – and with real life and death stakes too.
A dwarf stood and yelled out, “This is the proof we needed! They are deliberately calling us to war – I say we answer the call!” Several roars of approval rang out, especially from all of the fae under four feet tall. But there was also some agreement among the others, especially the green elves and some of the witches. I’m not sure that they all had the same motivations though, and that concerned me.
I realized that hand-raising made no sense in this forum so I just started talking really loud, hoping they would listen to me. “Hey! I was just wondering!” That intro got the roars down to murmurs, so I continued without yelling. “I mean, shouldn’t we all be going into this thing for the right reasons? And shouldn’t those reasons be kinda the same?”
The dwarf answered me. “We go to defeat the Darkness!”
A witch yelled, “We fight to assert the superiority of Light over the Darkness!”
A green elf joined the fray, “We fight to protect our own!”
Shit. After hearing this, I knew we were in trouble. “I know I’m just a changeling, and not a very good one either, and I realize I kinda got myself in hot water and that caused us all some problems, and I’m really sorry about that ... but I have to say that it just seems like none of you really agree on what this war is supposed to be about. And I can tell you that the Dark Fae seem to have a very solid plan and they all seem to agree on what it is and why they’re following it. The winner of this thing is probably going to be the one that’s the most organized.”
“Organization is important, but it is strength that wins wars, young changeling. But you would not understand this. You are too young and inexperienced,” said the outspoken dwarf in the crowd. His friends all nodded, impressed with his wisdom.
But me? Not so much. I fixed the little twerp with my hardest stare. “I may be young, but I know stupid when I see it. Trust me – I’ve done plenty of stupid things in my very short lifetime. What you all fail to realize is that they have strength – the same as us. They have green elves, they have dwarves, they have witches doing the same spells on their compound that ours do here. They have daemons now too, thanks to more of my stupidity. So the only thing that sets them apart from us right now, is they’re more organized. And that means they’re gonna win if we don’t get our asses and our priorities figured out.”
The dwarf looked like he wanted to say something belligerent back, but he gave up, turning to look at his friends. I was saved from another verbal assault by a gray elf.
“The cha
ngeling is correct. We must be united in our efforts and we must organize. The gray elves are prepared to meet that task, if our Light Fae brethren are willing to work with us. But we must warn you – we do not have the luxury of time. We must begin today. The Dark Fae are ready to attack at any moment, and we must be ready.”
Dardennes looked out at the crowd, scanning all the eyes he saw. Everyone was looking at him, waiting for him to speak.
“The council will now take a short recess to discuss the comments you have thoughtfully provided.”
He stepped back from his chair and began visiting with Céline who had stood to be next to him, Niles standing off to the side listening in. Jared was talking to Ivar. The werewolf began talking to Naida and the old witchy looking guy I remembered from my last grilling – the one who didn’t want Tony to be a changeling. I’ll bet he’s sorry now about that stupid recommendation he made to turn Tony away. The other council members were speaking with one another in hushed tones.
The fae in the room were all talking to their neighbors in low tones as well. I took it as a sign of respect that they didn’t interrupt the council or speak very loudly. I turned to my friends. “So, what do you guys think?”
“I think you hit the nail right on the kisser,” said Finn. “We gotta get our butts in gear here or they’re gonna smear us, plain and simple.”
“Yeah. It’s kinda scary that we could actually be involved in a war though,” said Becky, her usual dopey smile replaced with a frown of worry.
“I don’t think you have to worry about it so much, Becky. I’m not sure the sprites are going to be in the middle of the action,” said Scrum.
“I hate to be so callous about this whole thing, but I’m looking forward to the training,” said Spike. “Valentine’s cool and all, but my training can be pretty boring sometimes.”
“Yeah, all that suckin’ on guys and stuff,” said Finn, mockingly.
Spike punched him in the shoulder. “Better watch it before I start getting a craving for ginger elf energy.”
Finn punched him back, “Don’t call me a ginger.” He thought for a second and added, “And you keep your suckin’ ideas to yourself. I ain’t on the market for none o’ that guy-on-guy stuff.”
I saw that Spike was thinking seriously about being offended by Finn’s continued ribbing, so I got between them. “Listen boys, we have a bigger problem than Finn’s homophobia and Spike’s denial, so let’s just simmah, okay?” I smiled at both of their fish-out-of-water faces.
Becky giggled. “Good one, Jayne.”
Scrum spoke up, “I don’t get it. Is Spike gay? Not that it matters, I’m just curious.” He looked at Finn, “And are you really afraid of gay guys? ‘Cuz in my experience, they’re usually pretty nice.”
I rolled my eyes.
Finn looked at Spike. “Are you gonna do it or am I?”
“Let’s both do it.”
Scrum looked at the two of them, suspicion in his eyes, as they advanced on him. “Hey guys, I don’t know what you’re planning, but you better stay away. I can take you both down, you know. And not like you’re probably hoping either, Spike, cuz I’m not gay.”
Just as Finn and Spike were about to reach out for Scrum’s arms, Dardennes cleared his throat loudly and began speaking again, foiling their plans for the mighty pantsing or wedgie-ing they had in mind.
“Thank you for your patience ... ” announced Dardennes.
Everyone in the place stopped talking and sat forward, listening in rapt attention. Spike, Finn, and Scrum immediately stopped messing around and became serious as they waited to hear Dardennes’ next words.
“ ... The council has discussed the matter at hand and has the following directives for our community.” Dardennes looked around and made sure everyone was paying attention before continuing. “First, each fae here will be expected to join with those of his or her race, to begin an enhanced and accelerated training program, as outlined by the gray elves. Please send one representative from each group to get your schedules. There will be some crossover, with different groups training together and different groups conducting training. At times you will be the trainers and at others you will be the trainees. I expect all of us can agree that we could use a refresher course in some areas, so even our elder fae are expected to comply.” Dardennes shot some looks out at the witches and then over at the old coot on the council, who returned his look with a frown.
“Second, we must all be aware that the Dark Fae are actively working towards starting this war, and we know they will do things we wouldn’t consider doing as part of their strategy. Therefore, the council finds it must insist that no one go into the forest without at least one partner – and this partner must be highly skilled in the art of combating Dark Fae magic.” He heard the grumbling coming from the witches, so he finished with, “Note that as we conduct this training, more and more fae will fit that description, so if any particular fae group feels burdened by this directive, please understand that its effects will only be temporary.”
I looked over at the witches, and while they seemed to still be a little put out, they appeared at least a bit mollified by his last statement.
“Last, the Dark Fae obviously want access to our compound. Our witches have done a fine job of spelling it, but we cannot assume it has not been breached or will not be breached in the future. Please be vigilant. Keep your eyes and ears open. If you see or hear anything that seems suspicious, please contact someone on the council immediately. We ask that you not engage any Dark Fae directly unless you have adequate resources at your disposal.” I noted his eyes scanned the room and locked on various changelings who were scattered around. The message was clear: changelings, don’t even think about it.
Heads were nodding all over the room. The sprites in the assembly looked around in fear at all the other fae around them. I wouldn’t be surprised if they all jumped ship and went to live out in the trees and lake until this was all over. I think they were all part of the ‘lover not a fighter’ brand of fae.
“This meeting is now adjourned. Please send your representatives to Tony and the gray elves for assignments.”
The noise level rose as people got up out of their seats and headed towards the door. The gray elves were immediately surrounded by well-meaning fae, doing the council’s bidding. I looked at the council table behind us and saw that Dardennes and Céline were both coming over. Céline’s gaze in particular was very focused.
Chapter 31
I took hold of the hand nearest to me. Spike looked down at me warmly, the amber and red gently swirling in his eyes. I hoped he understood this was not meant as a girlfriend thing – it was my need for reassurance. Dardennes and Céline didn’t look mad, but they definitely looked something, and their intensity was freaking me out a little.
Tony had left us as soon as the meeting was over to join the gray elves who were gathered near the exit door, and a quick glance in his direction told me he was busy coordinating the training of various groups. Everyone wanted to talk to him and he looked very businesslike. I was so friggin’ proud of him in that moment, my heart wanted to burst. My joy was short-lived, however, when I sensed the arrival of the two silver elves; I tore my eyes away from Tony to greet them.
“Jayne, thank you for coming here today and telling your story. It could not have been easy for you,” said Céline, searching my eyes.
“You’re welcome.”
“I know you don’t feel like what you did was anything special, but it was. You proved to all of us where your loyalties lie and the depth of your commitment to us. This will not be forgotten.”
Her praise made me uncomfortable. It’s not like I was a saint or anything. If I was being honest with myself, I wasn’t sure that my refusal to give up secrets was a matter of commitment to the Light Fae, or my distaste for Leck himself and my stubborn nature refusing to give someone I don’t like something he wants.
“Ask her about Maléna,” said Tim.
I loo
ked at Céline to see if she heard him. All she did was raise her eyebrow a fraction of an inch, and then turn to Dardennes. “Shall we go talk to the gray elves? See what they have in store for the council members?”
“Yes. Go ahead, I’ll be there momentarily.”
Céline nodded to all of us and walked away. I watched her back, suspicious that she was obviously hiding something from us and that Dardennes knew exactly what it was. I was now officially on a mission – to figure out who Maléna was to Céline and if she was hiding that connection from me ... and why.
Dardennes spoke to me then. “I want to echo Céline’s sentiments and let you know that all of the council members are grateful to you. We understand that you suffered for your family here. If there is anything you need, to aid in your recuperation, I hope you know that you may ask any of us. We are all happy to help.”
“I have my friends,” I said, looking at each of them in turn, seeing their loyal smiles. “That’s all I need right now for my, uh, recuperation. But I do have some questions I’d like answered.”
“I would be delighted to answer them; however, right now I believe we all need to focus on our new training regimens and schedules. Why don’t we agree to meet later in my office to go over your questions? Would that be agreeable to you?”
He was being so formal, I couldn’t tell if he was messing with me and putting me off, or if he was just being polite.
I shrugged. “I guess.”
“Splendid. I will see you at dinner then. Please bring your food to my office and we will eat together.”
“Can I bring anyone?”
“As you wish,” he said, smiling. “And now, I will take my leave. I believe the gray elves would like to speak with all of you.” He bowed his head and turned to go, leaving us standing there.
“Well, I guess that’s that,” said Finn. “You got yourself a date with the boss t’night.”
“I guess so,” I said absently, watching Dardennes walk away. I squeezed Spike’s hand in a silent thank you and then pulled my hand away. “You guys ready to do this thing?”