Chapter 9
Chapter Nine
A rnica gripped my hand as we trailed behind Brennan, who navigated us through the manor until we reached the stables. In every passing second, I was consumed by thoughts of Ambrose, replaying recent events in an endless loop in my mind. Arnica’s reassuring squeeze offered some comfort, yet I knew she, too, was plagued by countless questions.
The stable was vast, with six rows of horse stalls and a spacious open courtyard, likely used for training and exercise. To my surprise, our horses were already prepared and saddled. Brennan must have arranged everything for today’s adventure.
I gently nudged my horse forward as we began our ride into the setting sun. He transitioned into a graceful trot like he was gliding through the air. Brennan had named him ‘Beastly,’ though he assured me he was one of the more patient and reliable stallions. Meanwhile, Arnica’s horse appeared somewhat hesitant.
“This darn horse isn’t listening to me,” Arnica grumbled, struggling to control him. She tugged the reins. The massive, cream-coloured horse resisted, attempting to lower its head to the ground with a fervent shake, as if trying to be free of her. Brennan slowed down to ride alongside her.
“Whoa, Onyx,” he murmured, his tone soothing. He clicked his tongue. “Give him some time; he’ll settle down once we hit the trail. He’s young and full of energy.” The sunlight gleamed on the stallion’s impressive muscles.
“How did I end up with the wild one?” Arnica wondered aloud.
I peered behind me and observed Arnica bobbing as Onyx reluctantly broke into a trot.
“You two are a perfect match,” I called, earning a glare in return. “What? It’s the truth.” The horse was clearly fighting the urge to gallop off into the distance, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Arnica and I were far from skilled riders. We hadn’t had the privilege of learning as children. It was a pastime reserved for the wealthy and privileged in Sagaya. At the orphanage, an organised group visited once a month with a pony or two, yet because there were so many children, we only had time for a quick, circular stroll with someone holding the reins—assuming we even got a turn. It was nothing like the freedom of this experience. I closed my eyes and savoured the sensation of the wind against my face as we continued along the trail. I could slowly sense myself becoming more attuned to Beastly, adjusting my body to fit his movements.
While striding through the thick woods, Brennan spoke of the social hierarchy in Faerie, the courts’ seasonal power, and blood nobility. He explained how the kingdom is divided into four courts: Summer, Spring, Winter, and Autumn. Though it sounded complex, he broke it down until we understood. “Each court has a high lord ruling over it. Summer is ruled by Lord Oden and Elara, while the Spring Court is governed by Lord Aric and Gwendolyn,” he stated. “They are fair rulers, known for their strength and benevolence over their domain. They are said to be so powerful, their magic combined feeds the lands, bringing life to whatever it touches…”
When the trees parted, we entered the clearing, enveloped by the colours of the land. I knew where he had brought us. The sweet smell of citrus and blooming flowers embraced my senses, inviting me closer to the land’s elements. It felt as though they spoke directly to me, like gentle whispers affirming that this was where I truly belonged. I turned to Arnica, and she, too, seemed captivated, entranced by the running waterfalls and rivers. It was clear by her expression that she longed to break free and dive into the water, but she kept herself in check, listening to Brennan speak of the glory surrounding us.
“Fae in the Summer and Spring courts favour spells of conjuration and elemental magic. They are also naturally inclined towards illusory and nature magic, inherent to all fae.” We gradually brought our horses to a halt as we approached a running river that seemed to stretch eternally, giving our horses time to recuperate. Brennan knelt by the water’s edge. Cupping his hands, he scooped the cool water into his palms, wetting his face and neck. Arnica wasted no time peeling off her boots before immersing her feet in the stream. I observed the ripples of rushing water flowing past her feet and legs as she inched further in. Arnica smiled with pure joy, her eyes now glowing a vivid blue, mirroring our surroundings.
The water was astonishingly clear, like a sheet of glass, allowing me to peer straight into the riverbed. I spotted a school of small fish and mud crabs traversing the downstream currents. A yearning stirred within me for my fish net and spear. I could have fished and hunted here for days. Although the air kept a crispness, it was far from the biting cold of the mountains we had left behind. Overhead, the sky remained unblemished, mirroring the splendour of our surroundings. As I gazed at the landscape, my thoughts drifted towards Ambrose and his actions earlier in the day.
A beautiful melody sounded from a distance, faint yet haunting. The air twirled, the whoosh of the breeze accompanied by a flute and a harp. My worries floated away with the song. I peered in the distance, mesmerised by the two figures emerging from the waters, drawing me closer, inch by inch.
One of them sang with a voice that could only be described as angelic, beckoning me forward with clawed fingers.
“That’s right, my dear child. Come to me; come closer,” it crooned, its voice resonating with an otherworldly sweetness. The melody of its words danced like dappled sunlight on the water’s surface, inviting me deeper. Meanwhile, its companion playfully whipped its tail, and the splashes glistened like diamonds in the sun’s caress.
Each step I took invited me deeper into a dreamlike world where the rules of reality and reason had faded. I was no longer aware of the icy cold water creeping into my clothing, nor did I heed the distant voices calling out to me. My singular focus was on the mesmerising figures before me, beckoning me closer to immerse in their mystical realm.
The first creature became more visible until I could see its vibrant blue eyes and pearlescent scales, a lattice pattern across its face and cheeks. Its long, flowing mane of aquatic tendrils framed its visage like an ethereal crown.
The second being had an equally captivating face. Its eyes were molten pools of liquid silver, and opalescent patterns adorned its cheeks, swirling in mesmerising designs that shifted and changed with every blink. The creature’s lips were graceful and serene, and a delicate, translucent fringe framed its face.
Somewhere far away, someone yelled, desperately telling me to stop. I couldn’t heed their warnings; I needed to get closer.
“Jayne! Arnica!” The voice was urgent now. “Arnica!”
We both jumped back.
“Receptum.” Bright light split the atmosphere, shattering my trance. A harrowing, ear-piercing shriek erupted from the watery beings, whose faces contorted from human to ferocious, baring their razor-sharp teeth. Startled, I staggered backward to the bank’s edge, my senses snapping back to reality. Brennan rushed to Arnica, urgently tugging at her arm and guiding her into the shallows. She collapsed beside me, gasping for breath.
“You need to be aware, girl, that there are creatures residing in our waters. Selkies, merepeople, grindylows, sirens—I could go on. Don’t ever be fooled by their beauty or voices. Given half the chance, they can and will lure you to your death. You cannot be careless. Stay shallow and use your shield when you are in the water. Do you understand?”
Arnica nodded vigorously, wide-eyed as she scanned the water, hunting for the monsters we had witnessed just moments ago.
I draped my arm over Arnica’s shoulder and pressed my hand against my racing heart. I studied her trembling hands and grave expression. Her gaze locked onto mine, her voice shaky as she burst out, “What in the worlds?”
We both paused, watching each other. Then she laughed. She laughed! Uncontrollable laughter poured out of her.
“Oh, honestly, Arnica,” I groaned. “Those creatures nearly had you!” She continued laughing—whole-hearted, mouth open, belly-clutching laughter. I hadn’t seen her laugh like this since we were children. Soon enough, she had me in stitches, too.
“Oh, I’m delighted you both find this so amusing. I, on the other hand, find no humour in this at all. You almost gave me a heart attack!” Brennan grumbled.
“It’s all right, Brennan. I’m perfectly fine. Look at me; I don’t have a scratch,” she said, now out of the water. She twirled around to demonstrate her well-being. “Live a little.” She patted his head before walking past him and settling on a nearby rock to fasten her boots.
“Live a little?” he echoed slowly, clearly puzzled.
“It’s a saying from where I come from,” I explained with a chuckle. “It means to relax, take it easy, and calm down.”
He looked at me, still confused. “Chill out?”
“Yes, exactly, ‘chill out,’” I confirmed, gathering my belongings and walking to Beastly.
Brennan mounted his horse, and we followed suit.
Brennan looked over his shoulder, his brows furrowed. “Chill as in chilly?” he asked, “Like, ‘Is it chilly this evening?’”
“Kind of, I guess,” I said.
“I see, okay.” He nodded. “I will chill out when I get you back to the castle,” he added, making his point clear.
“Yes, that’s it! You’ve got it,” Arnica cheered, clapping her hands.
“You girls may be mischievous, but you truly are a breath of fresh air,” he admitted, smiling.
We returned onto the trail, continuing through the woods to retrace the path home.
“Fae in the Autumn Court are ruled by Lord Eamon and Isolde. Unlike the other courts, the Winter Court is unique, as it possesses both a king and a queen. This dual monarchy is believed to bring balance and strength to their realm. Additionally, the king and queen of the Winter Court holds authority over all the other courts, ruling over the entire kingdom and maintaining harmony and order among them. Both courts are renowned for their storms and cold elemental magic. I’ve witnessed Ambrose manipulate the weather with just his mind. His favourite is lightning, like what you saw the night you arrived.” He chuckled. “His father, King Lysander, can drastically lower temperatures, freezing anything he touches. The Winter Court, also called the Season of Darkness or the Night Court, resides closest to the wall and, therefore, our job is to defend the outer gates from outsiders.”
He bowed his head. “We are the Protectors of this Realm.”
The sun hung low on the horizon as we approached the trail’s end, and just then, Brennan drew to an abrupt halt. Faint voices carried through the air, mingling with the distant strains of music. It seemed a celebration was in full swing further down the hill.
“Blimey, I’ve completely lost track of the date. It’s the winter solstice! The festival feast,” Brennan confessed, a chuckle escaping his lips. “We must turn around, and I’ll find another route for us.” He chuckled again, yet his laughter held a touch of awkwardness as he gestured for us to pivot and head back the way we came. “We can’t be present at that gathering. If I were to cross paths with my past self, it could be quite catastrophic. Time to return to the castle, girls. It was lovely while it lasted,” he sang with his characteristic cheerfulness.
“Whoa!” Arnica slowed her pace, and I did the same, following her lead. Brennan stared back at us, his face a canvas of puzzlement. “I’ve never been to a celebration before,” Arnica confessed, her eyes widening with excitement. “And a winter solstice celebration at that!” A faint squeal escaped her, a sound I’d never heard. “Could we just take a peek?”
“Take a peek?” Brennan echoed, puzzled once more. We fell into a collective hush as we heard the distant cacophony of laughter and the clinking of cutlery and glassware.
“Yes.” She nodded eagerly. “Just a quick look. We won’t get too close; I just want to see what it’s like from afar. Come on, Jaynie,” Arnica urged, dismounting Onyx and leading him over to a nearby tree. Intrigued, I followed suit, sharing in her curiosity.
Once Arnica finished securing Onyx, she helped me do the same for Beastly. Brennan dismounted and ran over to us, muttering under his breath and gesturing frantically. When he reached me, he tugged on my wrist.
“Stop her at once, Jayne. You can’t do this. What if you’re seen?”
“They don’t know who we are, Brennan,” I reassured him, smiling.
“And we’ll stay hidden,” Arnica chimed in.
“I’m not sure you’re understanding me correctly,” Brennan sighed, motioning toward the source of the noise. “Eighty years ago, tonight, we all attended that celebration—Ambrose, Kaelan, Nicolias, Lillian—we were all there with other royalty and high lords.” He caught his breath. “If you disturb a point in the past, in any way, even without intending to, you could change how events unfold and thus significantly alter the future.” His eyes pierced mine.
“We will be careful, Brennan.” I patted him on the shoulder. “Nevertheless, there is no stopping Arnica once she gets these ideas in her head. Don’t worry; we won’t get close enough to be seen. Like she said, we will have a little look and return in a few minutes. I will keep a close eye on her.”
“Need I remind you two that you’re clearly human?” Brennan pointed to my ears before gesturing to the rest of my body. He glanced between me and Arnica, emphasising the point.
“Thank you for the reminder, Brennan.” Arnica playfully tapped him on the head before continuing past him, heading toward the path leading to the celebration.
Brennan’s concern lingered, and he called out after her, “The extinction of your race occurred centuries ago! Who knows how someone would react if they see you?”
“Arnica, wait,” I interjected, turning back to Brennan.
“Oh, thank gods! You have come to your senses!”
I lowered my voice and made a request. “Glamour us!”
“Excuse me?” he asked, appearing perplexed.
“Don’t act clueless, Brennan. Nicolias spilled the beans about your glamour abilities. We’re aware of your talent. Why not use it to give us a more fae-like appearance? Alter our ears and give our skin a fairer hue. It’ll be subtle—hardly noticeable,” I proposed, flashing a sweet smile.
“Oh, what a brilliant idea!” Arnica exclaimed.
He shook his head. “Absolutely not!”
“Please,” we pleaded. He looked at us with compassion, a touch of pity softening his tough, unruly features. His eyes dropped to the floor, and he muttered something under his breath. He met our gazes again.
“Okay, you listen here,” he began, his tone earnest. “You go down, look, and come back to me right away.”
“We will, I promise,” I assured him, crouching to his eye level and kissing his cheek.
“Now, stay still and close your eyes. This will only take a second.”
Even with my eyes closed, the brilliance of his incantation hit me. A tingling sensation ignited through my body, originating at the tips of my ears and slowly spreading down like a stretchy rope being pulled. “Dissimulo sic Quit vide quem ego vere sum, primum aures nunc pellis.”
The strange sensation gradually faded, and when I opened my eyes, Brennan stared back at me, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. He gave a confident nod. “And that, too.” He gestured to my attire and snapped his fingers. My leggings and tunic instantly morphed into an exquisite gold gown.
I ran my fingers along the ornate bodice, tracing the split that extended from my hip to the ground, marvelling at its intricate details.
“Yes, that will do.” Arnica gawked at me.
“Hurry along, girl. We don’t have all night.” He motioned for her to come closer.
Now, it was my turn to watch. I gaped as a powerful burst of light emanated from Brennan’s hands and soared through the air like a living entity, swirling and dancing like a graceful butterfly. The glow finally settled on Arnica’s head and trickled down her body. I squinted and raised my hand to shield my eyes. When the radiance dissipated, Arnica stood before me in a forest green ensemble, looking like her usual self, albeit slightly taller and with fairer skin. Her signature auburn curls had transformed into straight, shimmering locks that gleamed in the light of the setting sun. As a gentle breeze swept the hair off her face, I noticed her pointed ears peeking through. Though unnatural, they seemed like an integral part of her now. She had always been beautiful, but her beauty was somehow magnified, as if graced with every aspect of the surrounding land.
Brennan seemed shocked at the sight of us before him, as if he had not noticed the changes moments earlier. I found Brennan a bit peculiar at times yet undeniably sweet. His quirky nature made me wonder if these traits were common among most dwarves.
“Are you okay?” I asked, concerned.
“Seeing you like this, you just look… oh, never mind.” He dismissed my concern with a wave of his hand. “The day’s events are making a fool out of me.”
Arnica and I shared a look, absorbing the remarkable changes that had unfolded between us.
“You look graceful,” Arnica remarked. I reached up and traced the angular edges of my ears. Indeed, it was a peculiar feeling.
“Run along. I’ve done my best, but we don’t have all night. The glamour won’t last long, and they’ll have my head if you’re not back at the manor soon, as you promised. Be discreet, keep your eyes down, blend into the background, and, most importantly, speak to no one. Do you understand?” We both nodded like two little children. “I will be right here waiting for you.”
As Arnica and I strode down the pathway, surrounded by winding vines, I couldn’t resist glancing back at Brennan, who looked somewhat defeated, slumped over a fallen tree stump, muttering to himself. I imagined he was criticising himself for ending up in this mess. A faint smile played on my lips when Arnica pulled me alongside her, shoving me onto the outskirts of the path as a couple strolled past, engrossed in their own world and unaware of our presence.
Arnica couldn’t contain her astonishment, muttering a curse word I had never heard her say. “Arnica!” I gasped, but she didn’t pay me any attention. She stared ahead of us. Hundreds of fae had congregated, their laughter and chatter filling the air. My heart stilled as I took in the breathtaking scenery. A lavishly decorated open garden greeted us, with low-hanging lanterns casting a soft glow over the surroundings, reflecting off the golden decorations.
I noticed movement from the corner of my eye as a soft melody ensued, played by an orchestra of violins, cellos, flutes, and basses. No one appeared to hold these instruments. Instead, they floated and danced midair, guided by magic alone. In the room’s centre, a group of guests swayed in time with the music, moving in perfect harmony. Their synchronized motions made it appear like they were floating, mirroring each other’s movements. I watched with fascination as the men bowed before their partners, the women responding with elegant curtsies.
Arnica and I blended into the sidelines, joining small groups of spectators who had gathered to watch the enchanting dance. I did my best to keep my head down, but my eyes couldn’t help but wonder, taking in the surreal scene. I could never imagine such a sight, let alone picture myself in the middle of it. This was no ordinary party; it was an event for the elite in fae society. Those in attendance tonight were high fae and royalty, ladies, and lords of the court.
Stewards floated around the room, offering trays of food and glasses of a sparkling, golden drink. As one steward passed us, Arnica swiftly snagged two flutes, one in each hand. The steward briefly paused, seemingly taken aback, but then he respectfully bowed his head and continued to a nearby group.
“For a second there, I thought he was going to have my head,” Arnica remarked, handing me one of the drinks.
“I think you startled him. You must try to be polite, Arnica. We are among the higher classes here,” I advised her in a hushed whisper.
I took a sip of my drink. Rich flavours burst onto my palate as the sweet taste of fragranced flowers slid down my throat. The bubbles made my eyes water and my nose itch.
I looked at Arnica, who tried to catch her breath. It was like someone had hit her in the face with a giant snowball. We laughed, giggling like little children. I couldn’t work out if it was the wine or the thrill of being here. A faint glass rattled in the distance as a man announced the arrival of a name I could not quite make out. I glanced back at the path, knowing it was almost time to return to Brennan.
“We should start making our way back, Arnica,” I whispered, feeling my anxiety grow.
“Oh, come on, Jaynie! Just a few more minutes,” she pleaded, gaping at the surrounding scene. “Look at this! I mean, really look at this. Take in every part of it.”
The night had fully enveloped the sky, with stars dotting the expanse above. They seemed almost within reach, like I could stretch my arm and touch them, perhaps even cradle them in the palm of my hand. I twirled in a circle, whirling in my elegant gown. I was slowly growing accustomed to this enchanting realm, but being surrounded by a large gathering of immortals in a garden embodying the essence of beauty was incomprehensible.
A trio of fae women subtly pressed into my side to get a better view of the dancing. They were a sight to behold, all tall and slender. One of them had vibrant magenta hair, and her cheekbones shimmered when they caught the light. Her lips, shaped like a heart, were painted a rosy pink. The other two, equally stunning, held a more exotic allure, with their jet-black hair, delicate noses, and paper-thin waistlines. They stood out in their crimson-red and rapture-blue dresses, yet I couldn’t help but wonder how they breathed in such garments.
“Winter Solstice may be my favourite time of the year,” squeaked the first girl.
“I absolutely agree. It’s the perfect opportunity to socialise with the other courts, if you know what I mean.” She nudged the woman in the red dress while Arnica and I remained quiet, discreetly eavesdropping.
“While you guys have your eyes all over this place, I’ve got mine set on one in particular,” the first girl replied.
“Let me take a guess,” her friend teased.
The man’s voice in the background continued to announce the arrivals.
“And lastly, I present our guests of honour for the evening, King Lysander, and Queen Celestine, along with Prince Ambrose and Princess Lillian.”
“Oh, gods!” I exclaimed, choking on my drink. The crowd erupted into cheers, with some whistling in the distance. Arnica shot me a warning look to remain quiet.
“You’re drawing attention to yourself. Stop being silly!” Arnica remained composed and began clapping. Suddenly anxious, I stepped back, slipping into a man and his partner behind me. My heart pounded like it might leap out of my chest. He was here.
Seeming to sense my thoughts, Arnica whispered, “Of course he’s here. It’s a Winter Court celebration, Jayne.”
I scowled at her. Brennan had mentioned he was here tonight. I scanned the room for present-day Brennan. Where was he? I cursed his height, realising that was likely the reason I couldn’t spot him in a room full of towering figures. I kept my head low. We needed to go. I tugged at Arnica’s dress to get her attention, while keeping my eyes on the dais where the King and Queen now sat on their thrones. Queen Celestine smiled and waved with her long, jewelled fingers, directing her gestures at no one in particular.
I couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between her and Lillian, who both possessed a beauty and grace, captivating everyone in the room. I focused on her crown, which was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Unlike the gold and ruby-encrusted crowns for the mortal kings and queens, these were fashioned from metal and iron. Its design was intricate and detailed, with what appeared to be interweaving ivy branching out and forging its own path around her head. They dipped slightly around her temples, accentuating her silver eyes.
King Lysander reached for his wife’s hand and smiled, his eyes crinkling with slight wrinkles at the corners. The queen returned his smile, her face alight with warmth and affection. Power and glory filled the room. I didn’t know whether to cower in terror or simply stare, soaking in their magnetism.
“We need to go, Arn-” I stumbled on my words as Prince Ambrose entered.