Journey into the Realm: The Stolen Child (Journey into the Realm Series) (11 page)

“What does that mean?” I wondered.

“Exactly what you think it means,” he responded. “Now, please step within the circle.” He smiled and departed without waiting to see if I would comply.

Dutifully, I stepped into the circle. Could it be true that I had power within me that could overcome ancient beings? Such a possibility was difficult to imagine, let alone ponder. I had grown up believing I was a genetic abnormality and nothing more. Adjusting to life as an elfen and then a half-fairy was hard enough. How much more could I handle before I broke? Before I lost control? If I had the kind of power Daur suggested, I was almost certainly not ready for it.

***

I didn’t notice the exact moment it happened, but one minute I was looking down at my feet in deep concentration, and the next I was staring in wonder at the sudden appearance of the capital.

In front of me was a circle of trees, bent slightly inward to form a canopy of foliage. I quickly identified all nine: oak, ash, yew, hawthorn, hazel, willow, birch, elm, and alder. Through the spaces between the trunks I detected movement, but the shadows were too dark and I was too far away to see clearly.

So this was Honeysuckle. Obviously, all seven circles of grass must have been occupied. The process had occurred much quicker than I had anticipated. I was grateful, considering how much time had been wasted in the Mermaid Realm, but I was also nervous and uncertain of what lay ahead. I prayed the Flower fairies would accept our presence and help us continue on our journey. I knew it probably seemed silly to worry; they were tiny beings and regarded as gentle folk, but I knew nothing of their magic. I wasn’t about to underestimate any fairies, no matter their size.

At this point, I didn’t know what to do with myself. The Tree fairies hadn’t explained what would happen
after
the capital was revealed. Was I supposed to stand here waiting for a certain period of time or was I free to leave the circle?

Just like before, when I sensed he could read my thoughts, Daur appeared in front of me and said, “You may leave the circle. Honeysuckle has been revealed.”

I complied with his instructions, my eyes scanning the field for Nathan and the others. I wanted to enter the capital as a group, just in case the Flower fairies were defensive or hostile toward foreign visitors. I spotted Nathan with Tavis in the distance, but I couldn’t see Aimee, Elvina, or Drasill, which meant they were most likely hidden from view somewhere beyond the capital. I decided to join Nathan and Tavis before locating the others. As I set off, I noticed quickly that Daur wasn’t following.

“Prepare yourself,” he said softly.

I paused mid-step, suddenly feeling cold despite the warmth of the sun. “Before, I asked you what that meant. Are you ready to tell me now?” I wondered.

I heard Daur sigh. “It will start happening soon. Surges of power you will inevitably surrender to. I see it when I look into your eyes. The power sits there, dormant but ready….Waiting to overwhelm you. Waiting for your call.”

I bit my lip nervously. “What kind of call?”

“I cannot say.”

“But you must have some idea,” I insisted, allowing some exasperation creep into my words.

“I was told not to interfere,” he replied. I could hear the regret in his tone. He wanted to tell me more. “The process is meant to occur naturally.”

“Then why warn me at all?” I asked bitterly.

Daur suddenly appeared at my side. His slender fingers touched my arm, purposeful and warm. “When I look to you next, go to the oak.” He began walking before my reply.

I clenched my fists at my sides, startled and angry with him for yet another cryptic message. “What?
Why?
”

The oak fairy continued onward. The conversation had ended.

Knowing I wouldn’t get anything more out of him, I trudged forward and joined Nathan and Tavis near the circle of trees. Nathan regarded me with concern. I ignored him because I didn’t know what I would say if he asked what was wrong. I knew very little at this point. Tavis seemed unaware of my inner turmoil. His wide gaze remained focused on the capital.

A little over a minute passed before Drasill, Elvina, and Aimee rejoined the group. “Remember what I told you,” the ash fairy muttered, before turning her attention to the rest of us. Curious, I decided I would question Elvina and Aimee later about what Drasill had disclosed to them.

“It is time to enter the capital. Stay close. Be careful where you step. Flower fairies are like insects,” she said with distaste.

“However, Flower fairies are much more attractive,” Daur added humorously, which got him a few laughs from us and a sour glare from Drasill.

The Tree fairies led the way between the yew and the hawthorn. As we passed through shadow, what lay on the other side became clearer. The field had completely transformed. Mushrooms of all colors and shapes dotted the flower-covered ground, some as tall as the trees and others barely noticeable amongst the petals. Moss-covered rocks and glassy ponds created the allure of a forest, separating the capital from the field beyond the circle of trees. Entering the capital was almost like stepping into another Realm completely.

Sunlight passed through the open spaces of the trees, creating dappled patterns across the ground. I could hear birdsong and the pitter-patter of small animals, but overpowering everything else was the sound of indistinct chatter.

Flower fairies sat upon nearly every mushroom and rock. They were each about as big as my hand, as dainty and beautiful as dolls. Their butterfly-like wings fluttered even though not one fairy occupied the air. The wings seemed to be in a constant state of motion, like hummingbirds.

It was hard to tell – what with their small size – but the fairies all appeared to be looking at me.

The chatter among the Flower fairies rose until the urge to cover my ears became almost painful. The worst part about the noise was that I couldn’t understand what the fairies were saying. Either they spoke too fast, or they spoke another language entirely. I didn’t want to disrespect them by showing a negative reaction, but at this rate, I knew it wouldn’t be long before I screamed.

I wanted to look at the others in my group to see how they were faring, but the cacophony was so distracting that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the source. My gaze remained tethered to the Flower fae, as if they chanted a kind of spell. My head started to pound. I wiped my clammy hands on my shirt and tried to appear unscathed, but the noise was slowly eating away at my control.

With the arrival of the Queen, all conversation ceased. I exhaled in relief and stilled my fidgety hands at my sides. I was about to meet another royal. I could only pray that she was nothing like King Almog and Queen Naida. Hopefully, her lovely appearance reflected her inner nature.

The Queen flew unaccompanied toward our group. She wore a dress fashioned out of honeysuckle petals, and the pale yellow matched the blonde tresses of her hair. She gave off an air of purity, which I hoped was genuine and not just a front. I wouldn’t know for sure until she spoke.

I could see the object of my desire atop her head: The floral crown that, like her dress, was made of honeysuckle petals. For a moment, I considered reaching out and taking the crown by force. I felt immediately sickened by the thought. I wouldn’t steal from such a gentle-looking creature unless it was my last remaining option. I had to give the Flower fairies a chance before I judged them.

The Queen smiled, her perfect face radiating curiosity and delight. She appeared openly pleased to see us, and the thought was comforting.

“Welcome! Welcome to Honeysuckle!” she greeted exuberantly. “We have long been expecting your arrival. I am Queen Flora.”

Her warm tone surprised me, as well as the part about her expecting us. Had the Element fairies informed her of my journey as they had the mermaids? The possibility was unsettling.

“We all know why you have come to our Realm,” she continued, her gaze resting on me alone. “We want to help you in whatever way we can,” she finished affectionately, holding her hands in a way that looked like she was praying.

“But why?” I asked, taken aback by her kindness. “You aren’t involved in the war.”

“Not involved? How are we not involved? All fae, even the Element fairies, are a part of us. How can we be happy when our brethren are dying? We do not approve of loss of life that is not just. This war is not just.”

“But…the things I’ve heard…your desire to remain untouched by the fighting….” I didn’t know how to explain my reasoning. She was just too happy to see us, and rather than her reaction pleasing me, it bothered me. I had expected just a little bit of hesitation. Yet Queen Flora seemed perfectly fine with involving herself in magical politics. I didn’t know why I was pushing the issue. I should just accept the fact that these fairies wanted to help us. But I couldn’t stop myself from questioning.

“Rumors! All rumors. I understand your concern for us, but do not worry. We all know what our involvement means. What matters now is that we help you, and that the help we give you makes your journey easier. You have so many counting on you. We do not wish to let you down in any way.”

“Thank you for your generosity, Queen Flora,” I said, still completely shocked by how easily this was progressing.

“You are welcome!” she responded happily, her pink wings beating, her face glowing with warmth. “Now, what is it you need from us? We are at your service.” She curtsied, and the hordes of Flower fae before us mimicked her gesture.

“Um, well…”

“Yes?” Queen Flora persisted.

“Well, we need your crown to enter the Woodland Fairy Realm. That’s about it,” I explained.

“As you wish,” Queen Flora said.

“So that’s it? You’re just going to give it to us?” Tavis asked.

Angry glares settled on the elf. I didn’t blame him for speaking out. This whole process seemed a little too simple.

“Yes,” Queen Flora snapped, her demeanor slightly intimidating despite her small stature. “Would you like for us to make it more difficult for you?”

Tavis looked surprised by her tone, but he didn’t back down. “I just think it’s a little strange.”

“Let’s not fight,” Elvina suggested.

“Yes. Be more respectful, Tavis,” Aimee pleaded, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

The Tree fairies remained silent. I wondered what they thought of Queen Flora’s eagerness and Tavis’s suspicions.

Tavis shook his head and looked down at his feet, adhering to the wishes of Elvina and Aimee instead of pursuing his argument. I didn’t want to make the situation worse by speaking out myself, but uncertainty gnawed at my gut. “Well…thank you very much. Your willingness to help means a lot to us.”

The glowing smile reappeared across Queen Flora’s face, but this time it was more eerie than comforting. “I, and my kind, would do anything for you, Lady Ramsey.”

At this point, I just wanted to take the crown and go. Queen Flora’s excessive kindness was making me uncomfortable. I could tell the rest of the group felt the same way. It was time we crossed into the Woodland Fairy Realm.

“But before you go, we must feast!” Queen Flora cried, clapping her hands once to signify her decision.

Cheers erupted from all sides. I froze. We couldn’t possibly eat their food. Did the Flower fairies intend to keep us here? Was Queen Flora’s enthusiasm for our journey just an act?

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I admitted. “We should just leave now.”

“We can’t eat fairy food. It will alter our minds,” Nathan reminded them.

All of the fairies around us, including the Queen herself, began to laugh. The giggles sounded like jingle bells, sweet and charming to the ear. But my confusion took precedence over the wonderful sound.

“I am afraid that we Flower fae are frequently misjudged,” Queen Flora explained. “Our food will not trap you here. We are not that type of fae. We are gentle creatures who enjoy the presence of others, with no wish to steal them away from their lives. Our food will do nothing to you. I promise you that.”

I turned to Daur. “Can we trust her?”

“Who are you talking to, Darling?” Queen Flora wondered. “There is no one beside you.” She placed her hands over her mouth, suppressing a giggle. “You must be quite tired from your journey. That explains your misstep. Worry not, our feast will replenish your spirits. Stem, Thistle,” she called, signaling two of the Flower fairies nearest to her, “escort our guests to the north side of Honeysuckle.”

I realized then why the Tree fairies hadn’t spoken since our arrival. They were invisible to the Flower fairies. I didn’t know why, but they had chosen not to reveal themselves to Queen Flora and her subjects. Did they suspect deceitfulness as well? I wished to know their reasoning, but if I spoke again Queen Flora would know there was something more to the situation than simple exhaustion on my part.

I cleared my throat nervously, feeling panic swell in my chest as I wondered how to proceed. Should we dine with the Flower fae or try to leave? I wanted to go with the latter, but I was afraid that Queen Flora would change her mind about helping us and refuse to relinquish her crown. I understood why Daur wasn’t answering my question about trusting the Queen directly, because saying anything aloud would alert the Flower fairies of his and Drasill’s presence, yet a simple nod or shake of the head would suffice. Frustrated and confused, I decided the only way to move forward would be to take action myself.

“I’m afraid we don’t have time for a feast,” I declared, praying that my words wouldn’t anger her. “We have a long way to go before I can cross into the Golden Fairy Realm, so we really shouldn’t stop for long periods of time. We are all grateful for your hospitality, but I’m sure you can understand our position.”

Queen Flora’s eyes narrowed and then flashed with hostility. However, when she spoke, her voice sounded kind and cheery. “Of course, I understand. The feast will not take long, though. Do not displease and disrespect us by leaving so soon. I can assure you that rest and full stomachs will only aid you in your journey.”