Shade scrambled after him.
Chapter Four
The entourage filled the entranceway with all their things spread out in massive mounds. It was almost time to leave the Faery’s dwelling. Everyone was stuffing bags or strapping last minute weapons onto their bodies. Braelynn looked up from the many small bags of herbs and ground stones she and Sary had prepped, and was slowly arranging them in a medicine bag. The low hum of voices stopped as they approached the group. Sary and Stephen turned towards them and stopped sharpening their knives. Jack stood erect, all ready to the right, and gave them both a short nod. No one seemed to know what to say to them.
“Guess your ears were burning, Shade, Soap. We were waiting for you.” Ewan interrupted. “Here are your sleeping tent packs and they’re all ready to go. Ilarial will be up in a moment, I’m sure she already knows you are here.” Ewan’s deep voice boomed like a drum; it seemed to almost come from deep within him, like a belly laugh echoing in a large room. He walked up to them smiling. His husky shoulders were wide but he was not by any means fat. Shade smiled at him; he was a big boned and but looked like a fluffy teddy bear.
“Ewan, I appreciate your efforts. Now, is everyone pretty much ready? I think we are a bit late now. We must start moving if we are to cross into the Teleen territory before dark.” Soap stood taller now, an air of complete authority swirled around him that she had not expected. Shade hadn’t even known that he was a leader in this band. Soap didn’t seem to volunteer much information about a lot of things now that she thought about it. There would be plenty of time to ask him how he had become so authoritative during the journey.
“Hello, Shade, Soap, and everyone. I am happy to send you off with news of great weather to come, at least in the beginning. I have read the stones and they tell me of good fortune for the start of your journey. I trust everyone is ready? Ewan will be your guide to the land of the Santirans. Your journey will be perilous, fraught with danger and a challenge to your endurance. Not many have ever traveled so far from the Guildrin mound. My heart and spirit are with you, Shade.” Ilarial’s voice suddenly filled the space. She motioned to her to come closer.
Shade was taken by surprise because she hadn’t seen or heard Ilarial approach her, but she went to her without hesitation.
“Shade is our most special Halfling: she is unselfish to aide us in our fight. Take good care of her, teach her the ways of our magic, for she may look fragile and harmless, but the potential to be great lies within her. Now, I send you off my friends. Good journey!” She smiled and wrapped her arm around Shade’s shoulders. She felt instantly alert and happy. Ilarial sure had a way with comforting others; she was like walking Xanax.
Ewan turned towards the group; everyone was stuffing the last of their items away into their charmed packs, and like Shade’s appeared to hold many things. He cleared his throat and held his arms out above his head.
“Alright everybody, listen up for this will not be repeated. The privacy spell is in place and nothing we say here will be heard by any mortals. I’ll be guiding you on the path to the Santiran lands; our stop today will be the Teleen caverns. Please stay with the group at all times, we start north until almost dusk. The Teleen are private people, Jack has assured us of their complete cooperation. They will host us for the night. I remind everyone to keep their hands to themselves for, like Jack, they can electrocute with one touch. So absolutely no touching!
Second, if we are separated for any reason at all, follow the North Star to the great hills of wild flowers. From there, you will find the great gate to the caverns on the northwest end of the valley. Please let them know who you are and you will have safe passage. They have our names from Ilarial already. Good Journey everyone.” He nodded and bent to grab his own pack and slung it onto his back. He waved everyone to follow.
Shade quickly shoved the sleeping roll into her backpack and zipped it up. She watched everyone filing in behind Ewan and cut into the line to join him, right ahead of Soap. She glanced at him as she turned her head slightly, absorbing his cool smiling eyes. There was much behind those eyes Shade wondered about. She wasn’t sure if his overly happy exterior matched the soul within.
The forest floor crunched under their feet as they walked at a slow and steady pace. Some of the group was shifting into pairs while others chose to remain in single file. She looked over her shoulder to find Soap and for a moment couldn’t see him. She realized then that he was walking beside her now. He glanced over at her, smiling. His eyebrows lifted into questioning look.
“What’s wrong, dear Shade? You looked mighty concerned.” He was shoulder to shoulder with her now.
She gave him another quick look before darting her eyes back to the trail. She had to often check for fallen tree branches and tangled vines and roots that impeded their pathway. No wonder we’re moving so slowly. “Um nothing, just nervous, I guess. Isn’t there a better way to travel than on foot? How far away are the Santiran Lands? What was that spell that Ewan was talking about? Hey, why are you laughing?” Shade pressed her lips together, feeling the blood rushing to her cheeks.
Soap was chuckling. “Sorry. My dear Shade, I meant no disrespect. You are so like a young child in that you know almost nothing about the fey. That’s how we’ll pass the time, I guess, chatting about our peculiar lives. To answer your questions, yes, there are better ways to get around than on foot. We have to leave the Guildrin forest for it is forbidden to fly or travel any other way near the Faery’s dwelling. Once we leave the trees behind us, we can fly, run really fast, or travel by horse if available. We won’t have horses because there are none so close to an iron city. We can’t run like we usually do or fly because some of us can’t fly at all. Plus, you are part mortal and can’t keep up with us, or in the case of flying, can’t at all. That leaves one option, walking.” He looked forward, swinging his short sword in front of him to slice off a branch that had swung back towards them.
“What about with a car? Or even by airplane? Why not go that way?” She felt utterly confused and not one bit satisfied with his answers. She was starting to wonder what was so great about being a faery if you can’t do regular stuff, like ride an airplane!
“No way would any fey ride in those things, they reek of iron! Like I have told you, iron is deadly to the fey. If faeries stayed around iron for long periods of time they become seriously ill and have poor quality of life.” He snickered as he beat back another branch as he walked along. He seemed amused and maybe a little frustrated that he had to explain the iron sickness again. “But, you and Jack can tolerate it. You guys didn’t seem one bit bothered. And it doesn’t bother me at all either, why? I’m part fey, supposedly. Is it because I’m part human?” She dodged a large leafy bush that was in her way just before it slammed into her chest.
“Yes, because we are Teleen, we love iron or any kind of metals. Again, we like the conductivity it provides us. You, I guess, it’s because you are part human. The fact that you’re Halfling gives you an advantage and a valuable strength. It is the human part of you that allows you to escape from danger and you can hide in the iron cities without any problems.”
“What else are the fey vulnerable to?”
He furrowed his brows and seemed to pause for a second to ponder her question.
Shade realized she would never get over how amazingly handsome he was. She wondered if he had a girlfriend in this faery tale life of his. He wore no glamour right now; he was just in changeling mode so none was needed. None of them did, besides Jack, for they were staying within the Guildrin forest until they reached the valley of the Teleen. She wondered how big the forest really was. She had so many questions that she just didn’t even know where to start. For now though, she pushed her fluttery feelings aside.
“Well, if you think about the stories about faeries, they can be quite useful in helping you defend yourself against the fey. Cold iron is toxic, as you know. People can fend the fey off by reversing their clothes. We also have an ointment
of truth that humans can use to have ‘true sight’ and see past our glamours or tricks. Fire keeps most wild fey away; I guess they don’t like the burning carbon. I’m not sure though. Not much of it bothers me, and anything not related to nature is an anti-fey charm. I would always keep some sort of a memory charm on you to remember your way home. Those are impervious to spells any faery might throw at you to make you forget who you are and enslave you.”
“You don’t sound like a friendly bunch. Honestly, I can’t see you guys being that bad.” Shade waved towards the other warriors and shook her head. “I just don’t get it.”
Soap laughed the deep belly laugh that made Shade glare at him. She hated being laughed at. She shook her head and continued on, ignoring his giggling. The other warriors were already a good deal ahead of them.
They remained in silence for a good deal after that. No one spoke, everyone silently hiking along, slicing down branches. Only the crunch of dead leaves and twigs filled the afternoon air. The birds twittered above, sometimes flying in groups with their wings flapping loudly. It wasn’t easy moving fast in the forest. Roots and uneven ground were plenty, threatening every footstep with a fall or worse, broken bones if one was not careful. This situation is just a twisted ankle waiting to happen, Shade gritted her teeth concentrating on the loose rocks and roots that lay haphazardly across their path.
They came upon a clearing in the forest. The warriors paused, watching Jack and Ewan for a signal. Jack scouted the clearing’s edge and looked for any kind of movement. The rest of the group was hunched, and hiding behind trees and bushes, waiting for the all clear. Shade perched herself behind a large redwood tree, the bark was rough and crumbled under her fingers. It felt warm under her touch, like there was life pulsating inside the massive trunk. She wondered why she suddenly could feel the life all around her. Did it have to do with this forest being fey territory? She wondered if there was something new happening within her or if they all were being affected by an unknown force around them.
She suddenly realized then it had been quite some time since she heard ‘the voices’ in her head. She felt relieved but it also felt like something was missing. Maybe she would try what Ilarial had mentioned to her. Since she took the medicine that Ilarial gave her to control the voices, it was easier to think. She thought now she would try and speak to them with specific requests, and listen then for a specific answer. Ilarial had said that this exercise would help her get to know the voices and hopefully learn to use her spirit guides, to her own advantage.
Are we safe? Shade waited, quieting her mind and listening for the response.
Yes, they said as one.
She jumped. The answer had come like a voice on the breeze, or like someone whispering into her ear. She spun around but saw no one. She glanced over to Soap who was behind another tree to her left. He placed a finger to his lips, signaling for silence and turned back towards the front of the group. Wow, a one-word answer. It was enough to make her freak out, Ok, well that was a good little exercise. She watched Ewan give them an ‘all clear’ signal. She then stood up and shuffled back into line behind the warriors.
The sun felt warm on her back. They worked their way across the field, and made sure they were not in the center because they would be exposed. They were near the edge and it would take longer to get through, but it felt safer knowing cover was nearby. Shade inhaled the fresh air of the countryside. Flowers, pine trees, and deadened mulch were on the ground and mixed with dirt, but perfumed the air. The forest was surreal, compared to her usual reality of constant smog, exhaust, honking cars and the smell of iron in the city. Out here none of that seem to exist and she let herself enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Dragonflies and ladybugs buzzed around her, and disappeared into the forest. She wondered if they were close to a body of water with so many dragonflies about. She was surprised to not see any other of the tiny winged fey she had encountered with Jack. There was no one besides them around. Where is everyone? Are there more fey out here?
Yes, they are watching, wondering who you are. Wondering why so many are treading the trails with you.
Shade smiled, the voice was gentle and did not scare her like the voices had before. It seemed like a light caress, a lover’s promise in a whisper. She knew then that it would never be like before; Ilarial had channeled the guides to help her better and understand them with the use of the medicine. The voices would not be an overbearing force on her ever again. She had to remember to thank Ilarial profusely for this gift. Do you have a name? Is there more than one of you?
Yes, there are three of us that remain with you. Each of us will answer you in a specific situation. We each are helpful in certain things. I am Duende; the others are Astrid and Elaby. We are your spirit guides. There were more but Ilarial has forced them away for they are too much for you to handle. We are entrusted with your wellbeing Shade. Ask us what you will, we will always answer.
Shade shivered despite the heat of the sun. Their whispers were like the gentle chill of winter, the feeling ran along prickling her skin, and was full of magic. She wondered if she would ever get used to these changes. The group re-entered the forest on the other side of the clearing. The cool cover of the forest canopy felt colder than it had before. Shade noticed how much darker it seemed on this end. It seemed quieter too; only a breeze rustling through the leaves broke up the silence. Even the forest floor was barer with packed dark dirt and had occasional twigs littered about. This was not the same territory. She wondered if this was the start of Teleen territory or maybe even something else.
“Keep together everyone. We are near the borders of the Teleen’s property. It is guarded well by their soldiers that were banished fey and are ghosts alike. Welcome to the haunted forest.” Ewan snickered, obviously thinking that everyone enjoyed his humor. No one was laughing. Shade hurried up to him as the group tightened. She was curious about the place, figuring he would be the one to ask about the name of the place.
“Ewan!” She slowed her breathing as she neared him; he had been a lot farther up in the front of the group than she had thought. She hunched over, holding her knees as her breath returned to her.
Ewan paused and looked at Shade. His eyes shined even without the sun breaking through the canopy, like small flashlights glinting back at her from his black irises. He was big; he had to be at least six eleven. He hovered over her, like he was one of the trees himself. His broad shoulders were wide and strong muscular arms followed. He mostly looked like a tall, husky human male. His stubble was almost long enough for a beard and was dark black, like his hair. He had a long ponytail tied near the base of his neck; it was black as night and lay just below his neckline. He had a rounded nose and full pink lips. He wasn’t that bad looking, his height and largeness made him scary though. Ewan never bothered with any glamour. “Well, little one, what heeds you?” Smiling brought out deep wrinkles around his eyes and laugh lines that creased at his mouth. This man had a smile that showed he enjoyed living. He nodded and started walking again when she had caught up and they were now moving together in stride.
“I was just wondering. Why do they call this the haunted forest? What do you mean it has ghosts? Will we see any? Will they hurt anyone?” She fired her questions at him all at once.
Ewan’s deep booming laughed echoed around them. The forest made no reply. “Slow down miss, won’t want to wake the dead would we? Nothing to fear now, there are ghosts and spirits aplenty here, hence the name. But since we will leave this forest for the Great Teleen caves before nightfall, we will mostly miss them. They can harm you, but only if you fear them and let them overwhelm your mind. So just ignore them, show no fear and stay calm, they will mostly leave you alone.” He grinned down at her.
She liked him instantly. He was like a large teddy bear. At least he was nice; he made her feel warm and safe. “Do we have a long way to go to the caves?”
“Hmm, well I’d say two to three hours journey, we will hit the hills first and then the incl
ine to the mountains of the Teleen. They live in massive caves that run miles underground. You’ll be most impressed.” Ewan’s face stilled. He glanced at her, and his eyes intensified. “Miss Shade, may I ask a question,” he continued the trek forward, glancing forward only to assess each step.
“Yes, of course Ewan, feel free.”
“Are you alright with this, being the chosen one and all? Do you want to turn back yet?”
Shade’s eyes widened as she stared at him. She was scared. She didn’t want to go, but how could she say no? Her voice failed to answer.
“I thought so,” Ewan nodded, keeping in step with her, dodging the large tree trunks in their path. It was much easier to walk on the packed earth that was so dark and rich. The previous shrubs and plants they had to cut down were such a bother. The trees seemed to grow larger here too, flat out gigantic.
“Ewan, I can’t say no, something just tells me I should be here. I don’t even know how to explain it. It is as if I’m being pulled involuntarily along for a ride I didn’t sign up for; but I cannot unwrap myself from it. Besides, maybe I might find out who my real father is and more about myself too. I do want to learn my fey powers, if I have any. That would be kinda cool. I have so many questions about things now and no answers yet; and I’m guessing this is the best way to find out.” She stared at the ground. She felt weary already, and they hadn’t even gone too far.
Shade stopped in her tracks. The hair on her neck stood on end and a sense of being watched crept up her spine. Her eyes widened as they darted, glancing around them.
“What’s wrong Shade, feel something?” Ewan stopped also, listening hard and signaling a full stop with his hand, at the group. Everyone crouched by the trees looked around, studied the woods and they were still. No sound, not even the birds chirping could be heard; the silence felt deafening, heavy and forlorn.