Folk Lore (12 page)

Over the following days it came to pass Sera’s best weapon of choice for defending attack was the sword. Her strength and speed were exceptional and she was competitive against Keelor. This appeased his concern over her safety albeit slightly. Although it also increased his intense attraction to her as she now encompassed everything he sought in a mate.
Beauty, intellect, strength and courage which Sera possessed in abundance, much to his despair.

Over the following nights the Elders agreed to allow her to keep the Book with her so she could study the chants before retiring each evening. Sera noticed Keelor was obviously avoiding her apart from during their lessons and his indifference toward her increased tenfold. She began to wonder whether their attraction was mutual after all. Whatever it was that drew him to her had obviously passed for him and she felt a crushing sadness. She was thankful that there was much to study and prepare for as it occupied her troubled thoughts.

Each day Sera returned to the courtyard to seek him out and join him for lunch or dinner however he appeared to have stopped dining within the scenic eatery. He seemed pleased with her proficiency with the sword and Sera even surprised herself at what seemed to come naturally. She assumed this was because she was a chosen one and was in her blood.

On the third morning after their last, most passionate encounter in the field, the circle would be convening to plan their retrieval of the pixie princess. Sera decided when the day arrived to dedicate her thoughts to the task ahead and forget about the irresistible Keelor
-
for now.

Sampson was waiting for her on the path by the small garden which led into what she now considered her new home and wasn’t anxious to leave if all were to be over by day’s end. If they were successful in bringing Nermina safely back to the mystic lands the
elders would consult their visions again to ascertain any impending danger and decide on a course of action if necessary. Sera although not wanting harm to befall anyone or an ensuing fight nonetheless was eager for an excuse to remain and determined whatever the outcome she was going to stay whether her mother wanted her to or not.

“Morning Sam,” she called as she approached him on the path. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable.
“Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m preparing myself for what we’re about to encounter.”

“I have never seen you like this before its
...
comforting.”

“Good because I would lose my life to protect you.”

“What is it with protectors and their dramatics?”

“What?”

“Nothing, let’s go.”

Upon arriving at the garden she discovered they were not the last to arrive and was relieved as it would give her a moment to recite the words she would be required to recall within the circle when they began. She glanced quickly towards Keelor to discover him deep in conversation with a pretty young elfin that was not part of the circle and along with a stab of jealousy was curious about her presence. She appeared to carry a bow and arrows upon her back much like Keelor carried his staff. Her dark hair was tied back neatly and her bright green eyes were studying Keelor intently. How could she possibly compete for his affections with so many delectable elfin to choose from? She chastised herself for losing concentration and resolved to keep her mind on the job.

As the elders joined the group, Angelique and Angeles finally arrived. Both stared at her with different expressions and Sera decided before they began to confront them both. As she walked towards them, she heard Sam call out to her and ignored him.

“Good morning, Angelique, Angeles. I was wondering if we could talk a moment.” 

They glanced at each and then shrugged.

“I wanted to ask you both why you look at me the way you do?” 

Angeles roared with laughter and Angelique suppressed a smile.

“Angeles tells me you smell good which I don’t agree with. Your aroma doesn’t please my palate. You should know why I do.”

Sera stared at Angeles for a moment startled by Angel’s words and he licked his lips emphatically. She took an involuntary step back which induced laughter from him again.

“I would appreciate it if you would stop looking at me as though I am your next meal.”  She turned her attention to Angel.
“You have no need to feel threatened by me. Sam is my best friend and nothing more.” 

She turned and walked over to Sam.

“What did you say to them?” he whispered.

“I simply asked them to cease their intimidating stares.”

“Well it worked, now they just look amused.”

“Good morning all,” their conversation cut short by Kalar addressing the group.
“Today we venture to retrieve Nermina from Mecaldorf and we believe a protection chant would aid the journey.” 

Sera was relieved to hear the words as this was the incantation she’d purposely spent most time on assuming it may be used. Kalar stepped out from the circle as the princesses took their places and summoned their gem. Sera felt proud as she recited the words perfectly with the rest. Once the protection spell was complete she felt stronger and slightly invincible.

“Do not let your sudden feelings fool you,” whispered Sam
.“
You’re still breakable.” 

She smiled at him and turned back when Kalar addressed them again.

“It has been decided a small elfin, hazer, pixie and nymph army will join the chosen ones on their mission today. We have foreseen a large force created by Mecaldorf and although we endeavour to avoid bloodshed we are to remain realistic and prepare ourselves for battle.” 

Sera wondered whether the pretty Elfin was part of this army and decided it would account for her presence.

“Once Keelor, Nermo, Sampson and Angeles with the army have located Nermina they will bring her to the princesses and remaining protectors awaiting them in the forest by the wizard’s castle. Then return to the garden where we will wait for you. The remainder will ensure their return will be unchallenged before passing through the gate.
Any questions?”

“Will we be returning through the gate?”  Sera asked.

“Oh, Seraphina, have you become familiar with the transporting spell?”

“Yes.”

“You will be using this as it is swifter and safer than opening the gate. All eight of you are to be present for it to be effective so you will use the gate to travel to the banished lands.”

Kalar glanced around the circle and when no further questions were asked she said the words
-
which Seraphina now understood
-
to summon the gate and they began to pass through. Sam and Keelor both seemed to hesitate and wait for the army to pass through and when Angelique with Angeles followed their forces
-
who had appeared out of nowhere as far as Sera was concerned as she’d only noticed the pretty elfin prior to the starting of the meeting
-
Sampson gestured for Sera to follow and he was close behind her. Keelor brought up the rear directly behind Keela.

As Seraphina crossed through she discovered the forest they entered was darker and eerie and held none of the uplifting sounds and smells found within the mystic forests.

Tiana called forth a guiding fairy and with Tanner led the group towards the edge of the forest. When they stopped, Sera was unable to see what lay ahead because of the twenty odd militia standing before them and resolved to take a closer look once they marched towards the castle. Sera grew concerned about Sam not because he was leaving her alone
-
not alone but unprotected by him
-
but because she was concerned for his safety.

“I’ll be alright, Seraphina. I have been trained for this,” he told her quietly as if sensing her mood. She realised he’d always had an
uncanny way of doing that and thought perhaps they’d always been connected in this way too.

“Be careful and come back to me,” she whispered before embracing him and kissing his cheek which emitted a hiss from Angelique.

Sera merely smiled sardonically over her shoulder at Angelique.

The group suddenly disappeared through to the clearing and she noted Keelor seek out her eyes before he too departed. She mentally kicked herself again for reading into every small detail like a school girl.

She peeked through the trees and watched as they walked cautiously towards what appeared to be an abandoned castle. A tall dark grey circular stone tower looked sinister and Sera found it disturbing. Chills tickled her skin as she watched them cross the field.

Sera noticed Nermo watching her with quiet curiosity as he’d often done over the past days. His pursuit of her had ceased and Sera hoped he’d lost interest although the way he was staring at her now thwarted that idea. Perhaps a warning about his obvious affection for her had been issued and he was listening, which surprised her a little. He did also appear very concerned and it occurred to her he was more worried about Nermina than he let on. She walked toward him and a strange pained look crossed his face.

“Nermo, I know you’re concerned about Nermina but she will be alright.”

“Yes, even if they are not successful today she will return to us. I saw it in the same dream I saw you, whilst in the trance.”

“Nermina and I were in the same dream?”

“Yes you will be an important factor when it comes to defeating Mecaldorf.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“You will see. This is why I have such high regard for you. You have powers you are unaware of, the circle are not aware of. I am not sure what it is yet but it is there nonetheless.”

“It was only a dream.”

“It was a vision, Seraphina
,
and due to this dream you fill my thoughts constantly.”

“Then why are you avoiding me?”

“I do not want to break the law and be banished then I would be further from you. I will wait, the law will change.”

For a few puzzled moments Sera stared at him and suddenly confused, elect to sit. She found a mossy log to rest upon to wait. Audrey joined her and they made idle conversation as they anxiously lingered. Sera asked her usual line of inquisitive questions which Audrey answered patiently and realised she was going to find a remarkable friend in Audrey.

“What is your favourite shape to change into?”

“That’s easy, a tiger. I feel powerful and sleek and I fight best this way. I also like the panther because I can blend in with the darkness.”

“What does it feel like?”

“To change?”
  Sera nodded.
“The first few times it feels strange. My heart pounds and my blood boils like
it’s
on fire until I change and then I sort of encompass the traits and habits of the particular creature.”

“It seems like a pretty cool power to me.”

“The one you have is much more powerful and useful than any we have. Except the vampires, of course, who are immortal and can heal themselves, although, they do have to drink blood.”  She stopped and made a disgusted face before continuing.
“You still win though because you can heal others.”

“Doesn’t seem all that exciting to me.”

“Wait until you really need to use it, like during times like these when you save someone’s life. That is pretty awesome.” 

Her blue eyes grew excited as her blonde ponytail danced around. Sera hoped she wouldn’t have to use her power today. To be cautious, Sera channelled into the feeling and her hands simmered with a soft glow. Audrey clapped her hands with excitement.

“Just in case.”
  Sera shrugged.

Angeles broke through the trees at that moment covered in blood his or others Sera couldn’t be sure for any wounds he’d received would have healed already.

“You all have to leave now!” he yelled.

Keela summoned the gate and they all clambered through with Angeles in the rear.

16

Rescue

Nermina awoke in her dark imprisonment to discover two red eyes staring at her through the darkness. Startled at first, she realised it was probably a hazer in his shifted form.

“Who is there?” she commanded.

She heard the unmistakable noise of a hazer returning to human form and knew her assumption was correct.

“It is Mortimer.”

“Mortimer? I thought you were dead.”

“No, simply banished. I have missed your pretty face.”

“Why are you here with Mecaldorf?”

“I wish to return to the mystic lands and my hazer home within.”

“Most of the hazers live in the human world now.”

“Not all of them and you live in the mystic lands.”

“Are you still harbouring a ridiculous fantasy?”

He snarled and instantly appeared beside her cell as a wolf with fangs exposed.

“Never could control your temper could you, Mortimer?”