Journey into the Realm: The Stolen Child (Journey into the Realm Series) (18 page)

In true tour guide fashion, Rafik narrated our journey to Ellamara with facts and details about the Woodland Fairy Realm and its capital. Having been stationed here for so long, he spoke with great wisdom and credibility.

“The city is named after the Queen, Ella,” Rafik explained. “And it’s not a city, really. More like a gathering place. Instead of well-groomed dirt streets and wooden cabins, the fairies of Ellamara live in the trees and come down at night to dance.”

“How can you tell when it’s night?” I asked.

“The sky never changes – never lightens, never darkens. It remains the same. The only way to tell time is by looking at the sun. It transforms into a blue moon at night.”

“How can the sun and the moon be the same?” Aimee wondered.

Rafik shrugged. “I don’t know. All I know is this Realm operates differently than any other and its forces cannot be controlled – not that anyone here would ever try. Nature invigorates and enriches the Woodland fae, much like it does for elves. But unlike elven folk, who prefer some sort of civilized advancement, Woodland fairies invite nature to completely encompass their lives, and they do their very best to survive without disturbing it.”

“Sounds magical,” I commented, awed by the enchanting simplicity of the Realm. Despite the stark landscape, nature still ruled this Realm. It lived seemingly untouched. Here, nature experienced the freedom it had lost in other Realms.

As the group walked on, I fell behind, my steps slowing as I was mesmerized by how this place made me feel. Almost entrapped, as if I were a marionette and beauty held my strings. I moved in a kind of trance, seeing and breathing and feeling its wonder whole-heartedly. A Realm this breathtaking couldn’t be home to terrible creatures. I held on to this as we traveled under the never-changing lavender sky.

The rich, dark wood of the trees begged for my touch, as if they yearned for me to feel the magic they held inside. On impulse, I reached out and put my fingertips to the rough bark of an enormous weeping willow. An electric current spread through me once my fingers pressed against the tree, and I had to recoil my hand instantly from the shock.

I felt the wind pick up around me, and the feathery grass underfoot swayed and tickled my legs. Something was happening, something my touch had provoked.

The willow vines began to move in little circles, rustling against the tree and brushing gently across my face. Soon the vines were wrapping around me, but not in a way that made me feel nervous or scared. They were caressing me, welcoming me. I knew that I was safe, secure, and protected.

Then the vines twirled faster, dancing before my eyes. The green swirling made me feel dizzy. The sensation of wind flowing through my hair thrilled me. I felt its enchantment spread and when it reached me, I was drunk with delight. I had to close my eyes; everything was just too overwhelming for the elfen part of me to bear.

When I opened them, I gasped with awe. Standing before me, no, floating before me, was a woman. She was tall and slender, almost stick thin but still sensational to look upon. She wore no clothing; instead she was draped in willow vines that twisted and coiled around her body. They were entwined in her dark, wild hair, long and tangled hair that was also gloriously refulgent. Her skin matched the texture and color of the willow bark, rough and dark.

“Hello,” she greeted in a silky voice.

Her voice drew me in, pulling me close. “You’re a dryad,” I realized, putting it all together.

The woman nodded. “A willow.”

“Do you have a name?”

She shook her head. “My kind does not go by names, but by the trees that claim our spirits,” she explained.

“I understand. I’ve never met a dryad before. This is…unreal to me,” I admitted, noticing but not caring that I was totally gawking at her.

“New, yes? All those who have never laid their eyes upon a dryad feel this way the first time. It is natural to find it hard to understand what we are, how we ourselves are simply spirits of trees. Those who do not dwell in our presence find it difficult to accept that some trees are alive in this way.”

“You’re right,” I agreed. “I can’t quite comprehend it. Seeing you, knowing what you are. I thought this could only happen in my dreams or in storybooks.”

“I know not of your storybooks, but I do know of dreams. And many times, a dream is not just a dream,” she said.

“Yes, I believe you’re right,” I replied.

“I have heard of you, Ramsey.”

I blinked. “You know my name?”

“Yes. You are the one journeying to end the war. The Chosen Daughter. Words of your arrival have been sent in whispers across the Realm.”

I wondered if Eder had played some part in that. He was, after all, acting as my unofficial announcer.

“You seek Queen Ella’s crown.”

It was more of a statement then a question, but I decided to answer her anyway. “Yes,” I replied.

“It will not be easy.”

“Why is that?” I asked. “Doesn’t she want the war to end?”

“Queen Ella is good to her fae. She keeps them happy and preoccupied with wine and dancing. She demands magical excellence from her fae and is an astounding teacher. She tries to remain focused on these duties, especially while other Realms are at war. Unfortunately, the Queen is also selfish. She is tempted by power. Currently, Vortigern’s power. I believe he has promised her a great deal if she works to keep you imprisoned here, in a sense. She revels in being adored, so she will be happy to accept more patrons to her kingdom. And her fae are very persuasive. They will not hesitate to slip you a drink or two of fairy wine if the opportunity provides itself, thus tying you to them and this Realm.”

“But I
must
get her crown,” I told her. “I can’t stay here.”

“Yes, that is true,” the willow dryad said, nodding slowly. “Success means resisting every temptation the Woodland fae put before you. As I said, once you give in, there is no going back. No hope of leaving.”

I frowned. “Is it that hard to resist them?” I asked.

“The hardest test of your life so far. Every part of you will want to succumb to them. However, if you want to leave this place and continue your journey, you must hold your ground. You are at great risk,” she warned.

I nodded, storing the information mentally for later retrieval. “Thank you for sharing this with me. I didn’t think you would, because…”

“Because I am fae as well?” she guessed.

“Yes,” I admitted.

“While I wish no harm upon the Woodland folk, I have my own opinions. I want this war to end. Many of my sisters and brothers in the Elf Realm and the Element Fairy Realm suffer from the destruction and terror the war has caused. Horrible, it is, to see such beautiful trees destroyed.”

“I will do my best to succeed, but I can’t imagine getting past the Woodland fairies easily. Is there anything you can add that will help me further? Any strategies?” I asked.

“Seek the beasts,” she said simply.

“The what?”

“Seek the beasts. They will help you, if you find yourself in dire need,” she explained.

“What are these beasts you speak of?” I asked.

“Seek them out and you will learn.” The willow vines began to blow around her and her form began to fade, the tree drawing the dryad back into its depths, her shape growing diaphanous and foggy.

“Don’t leave. Please explain this to me more,” I pleaded.

Unfortunately, she was already gone.

What great timing
, I thought to myself. Moving past my disappointment, I decided to replay her last words over and over in my head. I needed to figure out her advice if there was any hope for us to pass Queen’s Ella tempting test.

Seek the beasts….

“Whatever that means,” I muttered, walking ahead to rejoin my friends.

***

As we made our way through the forest, Rafik’s delightful chatter filling every silence, I heard a rustling and a sort of flutter, which led me to believe some type of fae was nearby. Wondering if the willow dryad had returned, I spun around to see if she was following me or something. She wasn’t, so I turned back to continue walking, a little suspicious and nervous and trying to tell myself the noise had only been some kind of bird.

When I turned, however, someone was standing before me, and she wasn’t a bird.

“Elvina,” I said, releasing a sigh of relief, “you scared the crap out of me.”

She laughed, her voice light and airy. “Your human words still fascinate me, Ramsey.”

“That’s great, but still. Try not sneaking up on me again. I’m not good with that kind of stuff, just ask anyone in the Realms I’ve come in contact with before,” I said, trying to get the point across so she wouldn’t
ever
surprise me again.

“I’m sorry, but I wanted to have a word with you…apart from the others,” she revealed.

“Oh, okay,” I said, “what is it?”

“Did you meet with one?” she asked. “A dryad?”

I smiled at her enthusiasm. “Yeah, a female. She was beautiful…and wise,” I said.

Elvina beamed. “They all are. Wisest of the wise, I have heard creatures say.”

I hadn’t realized we were walking forward until I almost tripped over a tangle of tree roots. I switched to flying again to keep myself from stumbling. Elvina did the same, although I knew she probably could have handled walking better than I could.

I heard Elvina sigh deeply. “I’m frightened, Ramsey,” she said.

“Of what?’ I wondered.

“This place,” she expressed, spreading her hands as if to show me what she meant. “The enticement is strong, difficult to tolerate.”

“You’re afraid you won’t be able to resist the temptation,” I guessed. “That you’ll be trapped here.”

She shook her head. “What I’m most afraid of is losing myself in this place. Losing everything I learned in the Elf Realm. This Realm is supposed to be my home. It calls to me, graciously accepting my return, but…”

“You don’t want to be a part of it,” I added.

She turned to me, and I was taken aback by the misty film covering her warm eyes. “I’ve never wanted to,” she whispered, the sorrow clearly readable across her face. “But I must. It’s the only way.”

Again, I was reminded that her situation was
my fault
. I was the reason she abandoned the Elf Realm, the only place she called home. To guide me, Elvina had to put my interests before hers, had to put my life before hers.

“Ramsey, although I’m unable to share any details with you, you must know that I will not be able to leave Ellamara once we enter,” she confided in me. All traces of sorrow had dissipated from her voice, and now her tone was grave. “I just wanted to prepare you for when the time comes.”

I nodded, flying silently beside her, wondering what I should do or say next. Wondering what I could say that would make everything all right, if that were even possible.

“I heard a bit of your conversation with Brielle before we left Tarlore. She put you up to this, didn’t she?” I asked, anger springing suddenly within me.

Elvina blinked hard. “Only upon Eder’s request.”

I scoffed, ducking my head to avoid low-hanging willow vines. “You mean Eder told Brielle what to do…and she listened?”

Elvina pursed her lips unpleasantly. “She had no choice.”

“What power does he hold over you? Over everyone? Elvina, please, I have to know.”

She reached over and took my hand, squeezing it gently before saying, “You will. Sooner rather than later. Trust me. It’s for the best that you find out for yourself.”

I dropped her hand and closed my eyes tight, trying to keep my frustration at bay. Fighting didn’t work with Elvina. I had realized that after our dispute in the Mermaid Realm. I wouldn’t resort to hurting her again.

Maybe I should just listen to her after all. She said I would understand everything soon, and I knew that wasn’t a lie. Maybe waiting was for the best.

I took a deep breath, making up my mind and choosing to accept her advice. “Was it worth it?” I wondered, unable to stop myself from asking. It was one question I needed answered. I needed to know if my destiny had ruined her life. “Coming along?”

“I’ve yet to decide,” she said truthfully, wistfully. “We shall see if my presence will make a difference in your journey once we reach Ellamara.”

Dumbfounded by her words, I could only nod as she flew ahead.

***

Although we had fallen behind while conversing, we quickly caught up to the others. They had stopped to rest only a short distance ahead, and they greeted us with eager and questioning eyes as Elvina and I approached.

“What made you fall behind?” Nathan asked, rising from a moss-covered rock and standing by my side. I was surprised by his interest because I knew he was still upset with me.

“Elvina and I had a few things to discuss. Oh, and I met a dryad,” I confessed, not bothering to hide the truth. I was sick of keeping secrets. Having more would only ruin the trust between my friends and me.

“Are you okay?” Nathan whispered into my ear. His closeness was both comforting and unnerving. I couldn’t tell if he had forgiven me for keeping the rebellion a secret from him or if he was just putting his anger on hold. I was too afraid to ask.

“I’m fine.” I smiled reassuringly. “But thanks.”

I definitely wasn’t fine. Elvina was going to stay in Ellamara against her wishes, and I was partly to blame. And if I didn’t “seek the beasts,” resisting Ellamara’s temptations would be a nearly impossible feat. But it wouldn’t do me any good to whine.

He nodded curtly and looked to the others. “Let’s keep moving,” he suggested.

Everyone rose from the ground, Rafik assuming the lead once more. I glanced toward Elvina, but she didn’t look my way. She was probably avoiding me, figuring it was the best way to ignore my questions. What she didn’t understand was that I had given up on her answering anything. From now on, I was just going to trust her. It was the least I could do after what she had confessed about remaining here.

“How much farther do we have to go?” Tavis wondered.

“You’re complaining already?” Aimee replied, amusement in her tone.

“I just wanted to know,” Tavis retorted.

Aimee leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek, which finally made the grumpy elf crack a smile. He slung an arm around her shoulders and drew her to him, and the sight of their blossoming, easy relationship made everything inside of me ache. Why couldn’t I be like that with Nathan? Why did it seem like we had lost a love we barely had the opportunity to explore in the first place? What if we never got it back?

I knew if we didn’t, it would be my fault. I was the one pushing him away and pulling him back to me selfishly, alternating between my desire to remain focused on my journey and my need for his comfort.

“To answer your question, Tavis, it won’t be much longer,” Rafik informed. “Although I’m afraid I can’t give you anything specific.”

Tavis sighed, but said no more. Itching to reach our destination, I tried to distract my anxious mind with other thoughts, but all that stuck was Nathan’s look of disappointment and Elvina’s teary eyes. Needless to say, I gave up and accepted my impatience.