*** Prologue ***

Shaelan ran through the stillness of the forest, silent accept for her ragged breathing. She didn’t feel the bitter cold or her snow-soaked clothing that clung to her like a second skin. She reached for a white and black trunk of an aspen tree and wrapped her arms around it; grateful for its strength to keep her from collapsing to the ground. She was shaking from exertion, her lungs burned with every breath as if she was inhaling shards of glass. Her vibrant blue eyes were wide with fear as she paused to look back the way she had come. Her hearing was exceptional as were all her senses. This was normal for those born of the Fae. At almost seventy-five years of age she looked to be around twenty by human standards. Seventy-four she reminded herself; still considered a child and only a few months away from her coming of age when her powers would fully manifest. She’d stand a chance had she been a little older.

Being Fae and immortal didn’t mean you couldn’t die, it just meant that exclusive of any major trauma you could live forever. The problem for Shaelan was that those who pursued her were High Fae, like herself, capable of easily ending her life. They were from the Court of the Night; Dark Fae, unleashed upon the Fae lands and under the control of the new self-proclaimed Empress, Gwenyth. They carried forbidden iron weapons. Beneath the mountains of the far northwest, Gwenyth had been building an army. For a thousand years they secretly enslaved human slaves to dig iron from the ground and forge it into weapons the Dark Fae could use. Hardwood handles fused to iron became the weapons of her military.

Shaelan continued to run, even her Fae strength and speed were beginning to fade. She ran south towards the human lands. Gwenyth hadn’t been content to simply enslave and destroy the Court of the Light, she wanted more. The Court of Dawn would be next and then the tenuous peace that lasted between the Fae in the north and the humans of the south would soon come to an end as the burning hatred that fueled Gwenyth would ultimately consume the world. Shaelan didn’t expect help from the humans, but she had nowhere else to go.

Her parents, Emmeline and Ceard Scarletsun, had done what they could to protect Shaelan. Knowing of the spreading dark threat, they sent her, their only heir, to the south-eastern reaches where she would be cared for and protected within the relative obscurity of the many Fae hamlets and villages near the border with the humans. Shaelan was fifty-three years old when they sent her away. Her parents were High Fae, King and Queen of the Court of Light. Except for Gwenyth, their power was unmatched yet they ruled their realm with love and compassion. The people loved them for it; Gwenyth hated them.

Shaelan faltered as she ran, a branch tearing the sleeve of her cloak exposing the intricate whorls of a dark blue tattoo that ran along her arm. Her parents mixed their blood with blue ink and tattooed her arm with protective spells before they sent her off. She was sent away from their loving touches and gentle caresses to keep her safe from their enemies; for Shaelan’s blood contained the magical power of two of the High Fae’s strongest bloodlines. While no one knew how she might manifest when she came of age, if at all, it was always assumed she’d be a force like no other. That’s why Gwenyth wanted her. She wanted to steal her essence, the power from her bloodlines, to make herself the ultimate force in the world.

Shaelan staggered back to her feet and paused. The silent snowy forest became even quieter. She felt it, sensed it; shadows flickered at the edges of her vision. They darted between the trees as she ran for all she was worth. Faster than a horse or a deer, as agile as a mountain lion, she ran. Her lungs burned, but she pushed harder than she ever had before until the darkness seethed before her. She skidded to a stop as tendrils of dark mist coalesced, the dark threads pulling the light from the forest. In a flash of inky darkness, black membranous wings appeared, and a male High Dark Fae stepped forward. He held a wood handled iron spear in his hand. His dark skin rippled with fine-honed muscles beneath. Shaelan turned to run the opposite direction only to stop in her tracks as Gwenyth stepped out from behind a large tree.

“There you are, and aren’t you precious.”

Shaelan drew her dagger knowing it would do little against either of the Dark Fae, let alone, a High Dark Fae with hundreds of years to master her powers and skills of artful killing. She hissed at the tall, slender, and beautiful woman before her. Three hundred years old and she didn’t look a day over thirty. She felt the Fae male moving closer behind her but she kept her focus on Gwenyth.

“Is that any way to greet your Empress, youngling? You should be on your knees.”

“I’ll never kneel to the murderer of my parents and the enslaver of my people!”

“You shouldn’t snarl like that. It ruins that beautiful face of yours. You inherited the looks of your mother Emmeline, considered the fairest of all the Fae… I believe you outshine her. Did you know I have her preserved in my throne room? She’s pinned to the wall with an iron spear next to your father, perfectly preserved with their final throws of agony upon their faces.”

Shaelan hissed again and lunged forward, but instead of running Gwenyth through she slammed into an invisible shield.

“Still haven’t reached your seventy-fifth birthday I see. Once I feed on your essence nothing will stop me. My first task will be to destroy the disgusting Court of Dawn and then the retched human realms will fall. It’s hard to expand my empire with those vermin in the way. Kill her cleanly, Deverell.”

Shaelan whirled and slashed Deverell across his left forearm. The roar that came from him shook the forest as he leapt into the air. His iron spear suspended above her head. As fast as lightning Deverell descended, the spear aimed for her heart. Shaelan managed to catch the spear in her hands and the force of the blow buckled her knees and collapsed her onto her back. Her hands seared against the touch of the iron, wisps of smoke rose from them. Deverell pushed downward, the iron tip sliding closer and closer to her heart. The skin of her hands burned away leaving nothing but charred bone and tendons. Even so, she hung on to her last shred of life. She heard Gwenyth laughing in the background as the point of the spear burned her chest. With one final push Deverell plunged the spear through her heart and deep into the ground beneath her.

The light from Shaelan’s eyes dimmed quickly. Gwenyth continued her joyous laughter until the tattoos on Shaelan’s arm began glowing brightly. Deverell, still holding onto the spear, was cleaved in two as an invisible wall spread rapidly outward from Shaelan’s body.

“No!!!” Gwenyth screamed in fury. Darkness gathered towards her as she stepped towards Shaelan. She was seething and shaking as she reached her hands over Shaelan’s dead body only to be repulsed by a sizzling force that pushed her away. It was the final act of protection from Emmeline and Ceard Scarletsun. She reached again for Shaelan only to feel the shock against her hand once more; Shaelan’s essence had been magically sealed away. Gwenyth’s scream shook the forest and darkness descended.

 

*** The Encounter ***

 

I crept stealthily through the aspen forest on my hunt for what little food I could find. It had been a week since I had a decent meal. I was told I that I was a fool for hunting so far north from the village; the last village before the so-called border with the Fae lands. Not only was I a fool, the local villagers laughingly stated, but I would just be one of many that never returned. Rumors of Fae coming through the wall and slaughtering or kidnapping humans were commonplace, yet no one alive would ever say they had seen one. The ridiculous villagers believed looking upon a Fae was the last thing you would ever see.

They call me a fool yet they’re the fools. I’m not a man to trifle with. I’m a survivor. Looking down on my bare forearm as I held my bow at the ready, I could easily see the burned scar that marked me as a slave of the Empire. Twenty four horizontal scars moved from that point up my arm signifying twenty-four years of fighting in the rings. On my right arm, the tattooed insignia of the New Empire and indicator of my rank as General. I was a slave for thirty-four years in total, and a conscripted soldier for another fifteen. Three years ago, I was finally free for the first time in my wretched life only to discover freedom in this gods-forsaken land came with a heavy price. The New Empire taxed the citizens ruthlessly and prosecuted those that hunted in the Empire’s land. I had no skills other than fighting and mercenaries were considered unlawful as they were believed to be a risk to the current regime. When I became free, I travelled as far away from the cities of the Empire as I could, moving north until there was nothing left. Here, I found a broken-down shack I could purchase with my last piece of gold.

With no money or skills, I had been forced to hunt illegally for food as everyone at the remote edges of the Empire did. Pausing, I listened intently but nothing came to my ears. Even the normal rustling of the leaves was silent. The only noise was the growling of my stomach. Ignore it, Marcus. You’ve been hungry before.

Born into slavery, I never knew my parents. I was left to die in the basalt mines of Gloster at the end of an abandoned shaft. Someone found me and brought me to the overseer. I was only four when I was returned, deemed strong enough to at least clean the mining carts and earn my keep.

By the time I was ten, my daily existence was using a pickaxe to cut through solid chunks of stone. I was already strong, having swung an axe millions of times. The conditions were brutal, the heat oppressive, and the food barely enough for the smallest to survive. We were expendable, yet somehow, I managed to find enough to live. I’d grown accustomed to the whippings and the beatings; my back was covered in scars. But one day, I finally snapped. Something deep within me rose up. I stood defiant as a guard lashed his whip at me. It slashed across my face cutting my cheek deeply. Roaring in pain, I moved toward the guard with my pickaxe in hand. He lashed out at me again but I ignored the sting across my filthy, dirt-covered shoulder. Instead, I put everything I had into my swing, my pickaxe drove deeply through the guard’s foot and embedded itself into the rock below. He screamed, dropping his whip giving me a chance to grab his dagger and slice across his abdomen before I was surrounded and beaten into submission by other guards.

Mercifully, or perhaps not, the overseer whistled to stop the beatings and the guards were commanded to be bring me to his presence. The order was given to stay my immediate execution so that I could die in the fighting rings for the Emperor’s pleasure. I would be heading into the ring to fight against seasoned veterans and I was the youngest to ever have that honor. I survived that first fight and every fight thereafter. For twenty-four years I fought. They marked my years of service with slashes across my left forearm. If I received twenty-five, I would have become a free man; but no one ever got to twenty-five and found freedom.

Looking down at my scarred arms, they were frightening. I had more scar tissue across my entire body than I did normal skin. I had lost one of my fingers on my left hand, but I was a survivor after all. In my twenty-fourth year in the ring, I had lasted longer than any other fighter in history, but my freedom wouldn’t come until much later. Three self-pronounced kings rallied together to overthrow the Emperor. I was conscripted from the ring to fight for one of them. It quickly became apparent that I was a seasoned fighter and could lead men. I was elevated through the ranks and fifteen years later, after the rebellion had been successful and the three kings set themselves up rulers over the human lands, did I finally gain my freedom, such as it was.

Now, in the remotest forest of the world, miles from anything resembling civilization, my scarred and torn body ache every day, but I reported to no one. I’m free. I just don’t have any food and from what I can see, there is none around.

Sitting down in the moist spring soil, I realized I was close to the so-called wall between the Fae and human lands. I was told the barrier had existed for three hundred years. No wall could last that long. If the wildlife in these lands was gone, then I would travel north until I found the wall or a new hunting ground that no one would ever dare travel to. It’s damn eerie how quiet the forest is.

Ignoring the pain in my stomach, I continued moving north. The stories of Fae monsters are a lie. The wall is a lie. Continuing my steadfast plodding, I reached a small glen and squinted from the brilliance of the sun as it beamed down upon the little opening in the forest. Flowers abounded. It was breathtakingly beautiful yet this beauty in the middle of the forest felt out of place.

Walking halfway across the glen, I could feel my hair standing on end as if static electricity filled the air. Taking a few more steps forward I bumped into something solid. I could see through it, but it was there, nonetheless. Stretching out my hand I felt the electrical tingle. My fingers could feel holes, as if the wall was made of stone and the stones were falling out. The wall exists even if it is invisible.

I took a step back and stared into the forest beyond marveling that it was so close and yet so far. Magic. I’ve never seen anything magic before. Wisps of dark smoke began filling the glen. They formed rapidly, pulling the light from everything around it. Turning quickly to face the point where the darkness was coalescing, I raised my bow as a man stepped forward. He was a man and yet not. Dark wings and pointed ears reminded me of the tales of Fae monsters. Can it be? Can the tales be true?It stepped towards me as I held an arrow trained on his heart.

“Put that useless weapon down, filthy human. I can crush you in an instant.”

The sheer force of his presence was overwhelming. I fought thousands of men through my life and even the largest and most imposing never frightened me like this creature. I had no doubt he could do exactly as he said. “You’re on our side of the wall.” That was about all I could say, stupid as it sounded to my own ears.

“The wall has been decaying for years. I found a way through. Prepare to die, human scum!”

My head erupted in pain while he stood smugly before me. My mouth filled with the metallic taste of my own blood and I felt a sticky warmth running from my nose and ears. Gritting my teeth, I managed to whisper out a few words. “Don’t kill me with your filthy Fae magic. Give me an honorable death by fighting me like a man!” The pain in my head immediately stopped.

“The outcome will be no different, but a challenge is a challenge.” He moved so quickly that I didn’t even have time to draw my sword. His hand slammed into my chest and I flew back twenty feet and only stopped because of the tree I crashed into. Staggering to my feet, I drew my sword; the effort caused me to wince at my now broken ribs. I have nothing to lose. I’m not afraid to die.

Drawing his sword, he approached slowly this time as if savoring my imminent death. Our swords clashed, and I was stunned at his speed and strength, however, I had not survived thirty-nine years of fighting by not being good at killing. Feigning left, I dove right and slashed upwards, cutting through the skin and muscles on his chest; my iron blade burning and searing him. We battled back and forth for some time but I was losing badly. The Fae was wounded but nothing critical and he wasn’t even breathing hard.

My life was forfeit so I chose to die by killing my enemy at the same time. In a desperate move I left myself open, enough to allow his blade to pass through my stomach. My left hand grabbed his wrist holding his blade within me and exposing himself at the same time. Sliding my blade up and under his rib cage, he twisted so violently my blade missed his heart and his blade pulled back from me opening me wide.

His screams were deafening as he bled out, but he still had enough strength in him to lift me off the ground and slam my back against his knee. Mercifully with my shattered back, I now felt nothing below my ribs. His eyes flared in anger, but I knew he was going to die. I had seen it too many times before. With a beat of his strong wings, he lifted me high once again and threw me down into the flowers of the glen as if I was a discarded piece of trash. Crashing into the soft earth, incredible pain ripped through my body as something hard punctured into my back and up through my chest. I stared at the aged and pitted rusted iron spike as it protruded from my rib cage. Unable to move anything but my head, darkness crept in to the edges of my sight. Glancing over towards the Fae, I could see him on his knees as he slowly lost his breath. Taking a shuddered breath, I closed my eyes and let the peace of my death sink into my soul.

 

*** Rebirth ***

 

There was warmth that spreads throughout my body as my lifeblood spilled from me. Opening my eyes again, I saw the iron protruding from my chest was glowing. Am I hallucinating?I closed my eyes again expecting the darkness to overwhelm me, yet it seemed to push back. I was feeling almost euphoric, lighter, and whole. Can this be what happens when you die?I could smell the forest and the flowers, the metallic scent of blood on the ground, and the Fae nearby. I could feel and sense his heartbeat growing weaker and weaker.

Hesitantly I opened my eyes once again. The iron stake in my chest was gone. There were filaments of light floating towards me, like glowing seeds drifting on the wind. I watched as they landed on my body, slowly covering me like a blanket of snow. My body began glowing and I could feel a gentle caressing touch, as if hands were somehow molding me and lifting me off the forest floor. The glen became filled with pulsing light. It’s so beautiful. So beautiful and freeing that I wept in my death; never had I felt anything so wonderful and peaceful. I’m freer than any time in my life. A flash of light as bright as the sun lit up the forest and a shock wave emanated outward from me. Closing my eyes against the light, I felt myself gently being placed back upon the ground.

I don’t know how long I laid there. Perhaps I am now in my afterlife. I felt warm and there was no pain. Breathing deeply, I sensed the life of things all around me. Opening my eyes, I was stunned at what I saw. I was still in the glen, but the colors were bolder and brighter. I could see details of a leaf a dozen yards away. I don’t think the afterlife looks like this. Hearing a noise to my right, I turned my head to see what it was. The Fae was there, still alive but barely moving. His eyes were wide with fear as he stared at me.

The peace and warmth continued to grow as I looked down and over my body. I was now dressed in lavender silk. I had never seen fabric so wonderfully wrought. My chest… there appeared to be breasts under the fabric. Sitting up, I expected to see my insides exposed, but instead, long golden hair fell in front of my eyes. I peered through it at my body; now clearly registering in my brain that the body I saw belonged to a young woman. I’m alive, but how?Standing to my feet, I looked at my unscarred and lithe body. I feel so strong and healthy. Sensing movement to my right, I looked down at the Fae. He was reaching for his sword.

He stopped when he saw me looking at him. Dark blood dripped from his mouth. “It can’t be! Shaelan Scarletsun… is dead three hundred years.”

The name he spoke resonated within me. It gathered power and formed itself into my mind. Fragments of memories not my own became part of me.I’m Shaelan, but no, I’m Marcus. I’m Marcus with the essence of Shaelan. I looked back at the Fae on the ground as an unnatural hatred washed over me. I recognized what he was. They did this to me, to her. The Court of Night, the Dark Fae, and Gwenyth. Taking a step back, I shook my head, ignoring the hair that moved in front of my eyes. I looked down at my hands. They were golden skinned, slender, with slightly longer fingers than normal. They’re not human hands. I glanced back at the Dark Fae. “Who are you?” My voice sounded so feminine, even sensual.

He coughed and spat out blood and focused on me with his hate-filled eyes. “I’m your death. The magnificent Empress Gwenyth will be pleased you’ve returned. She will feast on your essence then peel the skin from your body.” An image flickered in my mind of Gwenyth laughing as I, Shaelan, held back an iron spear suspended over my chest.

Reaching down to my old sword, I picked it up; the iron handle warmed my skin. The Dark Fae stared at my hand on the hilt. “You don’t burn at the touch of iron, yet you’re Fae. That’s impossible.” He coughed again.

Squatting in front of him, I placed the tip of the sword against his chest and over his heart. His skin seared and smoked. From within me I could feel a reply form on my lips. A statement my own and yet not. “I’m Shaelan Scarletsun. I was murdered by your kin, Deverell, and that wicked monstrosity you call your Empress, Gwenyth. They drove an iron spear through my heart, unlocking the powerful spell written on my skin by my parents. That spell formed the wall and protected my essence. For three hundred years my essence has waited; slowly absorbing the iron from the spear. My body dissolved away leaving nothing but the remnants of the spear buried in the forest floor. Your hatred for humans unwittingly released my essence. For that, I thank you. I will have my seventy-fifth birthday soon and then I will destroy Gwenyth and any that oppose me.”

Looking at the Dark Fae, I had a desire to see him suffer. The iron sword caused his wounds to not heal magically. He would suffer a long time before he finally died. Perhaps it was compassion, something I wasn’t very familiar with, but I plunged the sword into his heart.

I gathered the weapons that littered the forest floor and stepped away from the scene. Moving to the far edge of the glen, I sat down. I’m a woman. A Fae. What does this mean? Can I undo it?Taking my sword, I held it in front of me using the polished metal to reflect a distorted image of my face. I could see my long golden hair and ears that were pointed at the top. My eyes were blue and intense, and my lips were full. I had been given women for a night as rewards throughout my life, but they were frightened things. Some were good looking, but none were impressive like the ladies of the court. Even through the distorted reflection off the blade, this face was the most beautiful I had ever seen and that both frightened me and put me at peace.

Gazing back down upon my body, I saw there was not a mark or blemish on my skin. It was flawless. No scars. No marks of slavery. I realized I had no pain. Putting my hands on my breasts, they felt large to me. Their movement and sensitivity were both foreign and arousing. My hand moved between my legs knowing what I wouldn’t find but I had to be certain. I’m a woman that can be raped and degraded.

Now what do I do? If this transformation hadn’t happened, I’d be dead now. While I rebelled at the thought of being a woman, I was at least alive. I’m a survivor and I can live through this. The gods know why this happened. To the south, my broken-down home and people that would try to kill me for what I now was. To the north, Fae. Shaelan’s memories were like small trickles of water, but I knew there were Fae that would help me. I was still hungry, and the Fae would have food. I tried to ignore the pleas in my head for justice for the Fae that were enslaved and murdered. Have I ever cared for anyone other than myself?Coming face-to-face with the reality of my answer brought a stifled cry from my now feminine lips. I’m selfish in my survival, but Shaelan cares for her people and believes she needs to free them at all costs. I’ve been a slave all my life. How would I feel if someone had come to free me? I’d be grateful at first, but then I’d have to learn to do things for myself all over again. You can’t just free people without giving them some way to also live. How can I, a Fae female, do any of these things?

Standing, I nocked an arrow into my bow and pulled the string back with such ease. I’m stronger than I ever was. I focused on a tree knot fifty feet away and shot the arrow. It flew true to its mark. I have my old skills still. I retrieved the arrow and modified my old trappings to secure them to my new smaller frame. I looked south. There is nothing for me there. North, it will have to be.

I paused another moment and considered the startling revelations of the past hours. The villagers are right. There is a wall. There are Fae. Had it not been for this…I looked down at my feminine body… transformation, I would have died and the last thing I saw would have been a Fae. The legends are true.With one last look towards the south, I turned north.

 

*** The Fae ***

 

Ignoring the new graceful movements of my new body, I faced the invisible wall and stretched out my hand. A tingle of recognition moved up my arm. I could feel the wall and sensed where it’s weak, but my hand passed through. It was as if the wall recognized me and let me pass. Stepping through the invisible barrier, I immediately felt the air cool around me. This land appeared normal from the other side of the wall, but from this side, I could spot signs of death in the forest. I sensed the Dark Fae magic slowly killing things. I placed a hand on one of the trees and felt its life force and how I was connected to it. An understanding came into my mind. All Fae have magic from birth, but their powers don’t fully manifest until they come of age. Feeling an urge to breathe life into the tree, a soft voice escaped my lips. “Live.” With the single word I felt a very natural flow of energy pass through me into the tree. The leaves of the tree became vibrant green. Taking my hand from the tree, I looked at it in awe. Such power and yet I’m weak; a child even. The darkness is great in this realm.

I started walking northward. I move so silently. My feet seem to know exactly how to step to become a part of the forest. As a hunter, I trained myself and watched the placement of my feet. This new body flows effortlessly without a sound. I realized I was still hungry, but I wasn’t certain if it was because I was hungry before, or this new body needed sustenance on its own. My new memories guided me towards a small village five miles north. I pushed the pangs of hunger aside and decided to test my new-found speed. I jogged for a while, feeling how effortless the motion was. My bouncing breasts were disconcerting, and my hair flew around becoming a distraction, but I pushed onward, faster and faster. I’m so incredibly fast and yet I still move as silently through the forest as a mountain cat.

I slowed when I realized I was burning energy I needed to preserve. Who knows what I might run into? I need to protect myself. A mile to go. I felt the threads of life drawing me forward. People, my people, kept echoing through my mind. As I approached the edge of the forest, I could see Fae working in the fields. The tiny village behind them was in rough shape. These beautiful golden-skinned people, their eyes… There is so little life in their eyes. My new heart broke at the sight of it all. Closing my eyes, I extended my Fae senses as naturally as if I was breathing. I identified the darkness. A single pinpoint of dark in the village. It’s a Dark Fae.

My eyes were so strong I could easily see details within the distant village. A Dark Fae, his bat-like black wings folded as he stood overlooking the fields. Hate and contempt filled his eyes as he watched over the enslaved Fae. He pulled his whip from his side. I could see the iron embedded in the tip. Lashes from that whip would take extra time to heal and be infinitely more painful. I watched as he raised his hand and let the whip fly towards a young Fae boy. My mind flashed back to that day in the mines and anger rose in me as I hear the crack of the whip and the boy’s scream.

Standing, I nocked an arrow, knowing it would do little to the Dark Fae, but I had to do something. I was a long way off, but with my enhanced abilities I was confident I could hit my mark. I paused momentarily contemplating how badly my last fight with a Fae went, but my legs were moving, and my heart drove me onward. I let the arrow fly as I ran and didn’t stop firing arrows until my quiver was empty. Each arrow found its mark in the chest of the Dark Fae. As I figured, it didn’t hurt him too badly but as each arrow hit him it slowed him down. Throwing my bow to the side, I vaulted for him, drawing my sword at the same time. Although he was still reeling from the arrows, he managed to raise his wood-handled spear and deflected my attack, but my blade still sliced through his left bicep, sizzling as it went.

He was still recovering from the arrows and regaining his strength and position when I felt a magical attack from him. As before, I could feel pressure in my head, but it was far less than when I was a mere human. The Fae must have resistance to this type of attack. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I focused on him as he moved forward with his iron-tipped spear. I noted how he moved. It was like the other Dark Fae’s style as if they learned to fight from the same instructor. While I had far fewer years of training and fighting, I made up for it in the sheer variety of weapons and fighting techniques I was pitted against in the ring. I anticipated his moves easily. He thrust his spear faster than anything I had ever seen before, but unlike my battle before, I was faster yet. I dodged to the side and slashed down on his right hand, nearly severing it; his spear fell to the ground. Diving behind him, I took advantage of his momentary hesitation and pain by slicing through his hamstrings. With his legs useless he fell forward providing me a chance to plunge my sword between his wings and into his heart.

The entire fight took less than a minute. Looking at my hand and the sword in it, I was surprised at my strength, speed, and agility. I put the sword away and moved to the young boy that was still lying on the ground; blood oozed from his back. Other Fae slowly approached, but I sensed no threat from them. My hand rested on the boy as I squatted down. He seemed so young. Like the tree, I willed life into him, but his wounds closed only a small amount. His breathing became a little easier.

“Is there a healer among you?” I didn’t realize I had started crying. I had never cried in my life before, but there was something inside me that just broke. A dam being released. The injustice of it all!

A woman approached me, bowed, and pointed to the village. “We have a healer in the village, my Lady.”

I didn’t take time to ponder her behavior or her strange greeting. Picking up the boy, I carried him; my tears still flowing. I brought him to a small building and placed him on the table in the middle of the room. A different woman came out from the back of the building.

“Can you heal him?”

She bowed to me but shook her head. “I’m sorry, my Lady. If I heal him we’ll all be punished.”

“Tell them I healed him if you have to. I’ll face any punishment that’s given. Just heal him. Please!”

The woman looked at me like I was crazy, but then something registered in her eyes. Is it recognition?She placed her hands on the boy and I could feel the magic in the air. His back slowly knit together. There would be a scar, the iron saw to that. “It’s all I can do, my Lady. He’ll need rest.”

The boy’s mother ran in and wrapped her arms around him. “I heard what happened!” She glared at me. “What have you done? You’ve brought death to this village!”

The healer looked wide-eyed at the woman. “Brangwen, you don’t know what you’re saying. You must apologize to the Lady.”

Brangwen looked angrily at the healer and then back at me. Her eyes suddenly softened, and she bowed her head towards me. “I’m very sorry, my Lady.”

I had fragments of memories of who Shaelan had been, but I was still confused. I recognized my draw to these people; that I was inexplicably entwined with them. I glanced at the boy and placed a gentle hand on him as others flooded into the small building. Someone brought the Dark Fae’s weapons and my bow and arrows.

A man stepped forward and I could see his ageless wisdom He seemed familiar to me. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and I felt more damned moisture on my face. Such tremendous loss. How can I be having these feelings? I’m not Shaelan, and yet I am. I’m still me but somehow, I’m more than I was before.

“Shaelan!” He cried as he pulled me into his arms. I heard gasps within the room and more threads of memories unlocked within me. Looking into his eyes, his name came to mind. People begin dropping to their knees all around me.

I stepped back. “No! Never kneel to me!” The people looked as stunned as I felt. I don’t deserve anyone’s worship. “Darnel?” The man nodded. “I need to speak with you. I need answers.”

“Come with me, Shaelan.” He took my hand and led me to another room where he sat me down on a bed. “Tell me how you’re here.”

“That’s a little hard for me to explain as I’m not clear about everything myself. I was born a human male slave in the basalt mines in the human realms. At the age of ten I was removed from the mines and put into the slave fighting rings. I fought in those rings for twenty-four years before a revolution took place and I was conscripted into the military. I fought in the military for another fifteen years before I was finally released as a free man. The past three years I’ve struggled to find food and I found myself travelling further and further north. Earlier today I was at the barrier between the realms. A Dark Fae found me there and attacked me, but in the fight, he broke my back and threw me to the ground. An iron spike that was in the ground penetrated my body. As I lay there with darkness forming around me, the iron spike began to glow. I was infused with energy. My body changed to what you see now and I have thoughts and memories of Shaelan.”

Struggling to catch my breath, I continued. “I’m still Marcus, the slave and fighter, but I’m also Shaelan. I see her memories of her death, I feel her heart for her people. I should be dead, but here I am.”

“In all my years I’ve only heard of something like this happening once in the history of the Fae people. To think that a human male can absorb the essence of Shaelan is remarkable. There’s a reason this has happened and only the gods know why for certain, but I believe there is something within your character that is needed to defeat Gwenyth and retake the throne. I understand your confusion, however, you are Shaelan Scarletsun.”

I listened intently as he emphasized the word ‘are’. “How can this be and how come I feel like I’m two people?”

“Marcus truly died today, but your life essence merged with that of Shaelan’s. Over time, you’ll learn to let go of your old self. Do you know who Shaelan is and what you mean to all of us?”

I shook my head. “No.” I looked down at myself with a sense of foreignness.

“You’re Shaelan Scarletsun, daughter of Emmeline and Ceard Scarletsun, King and Queen of the Court of the Light.”

Their names triggered deep loss within me.

“They were murdered by Gwenyth who, over the past three hundred years, has enslaved the people of the Court of Light and the Court of Dawn. After the death of your parents, you were hunted by Gwenyth so that she could steal your essence. At the moment of your death, your essence was trapped and protected and the wall between realms was formed. That wall prevented Gwenyth from destroying the human lands.”

“The wall is decaying, yet it seemed to recognize me. I was able to walk through it.”

“Yes, but with your return I believe it will be restored as you come of age. That should be in about two months. You, Shaelan, were two months from your seventy-fifth birthday. That will be when your powers fully manifest.”

“But I have power now. I was able to heal the boy a little bit.”

“Every Fae has some healing ability. When the time comes, you might be able to heal the entire realm at once. Your father was an elemental Fae, with powerful magic with earth, air, fire, and water. Your mother was a powerful healer and transformer. If the prophecies about you are correct, you’ll have their powers magnified, a force so mighty that an entire Dark Fae army couldn’t stand against you.”

I watched as his eyes slid downward to my iron sword.

“You can touch iron?”

“It warms to my touch. I was thinking that somehow my essence melded with the iron through the centuries.”

“That’s possible, but also your essence merged with that of a human. You’re the first Fae to withstand iron.”

“I recognize you but I don’t remember you, just your name.”

“I‘m Darnel Scarletsun, your uncle. We looked after you the years before Gwenyth took over.”

“What happens now? Why is the boy’s mother upset with me?”

“Gwenyth has ruled these lands for three hundred years; savagely and cruelly. Her Dark Fae minions are ruthless. Killing one will bring her wrath down upon us. She’s liable to destroy the entire village.”

Anger rose within me. “I was supposed to let him kill that boy?”

“Don’t let the fear of your court decide for you what needs to be done. Brangwen didn’t recognize who you are and what you represent.”

“I know you tell me I’m Shaelan, but who am I to all of you and what do I represent?”

“You’re our Queen and you represent hope; hope for the entire world.”

“In my human life, I was a slave. I was never even given a family name and I was left to die as a baby. How can a I become queen of an entire realm? How can I offer hope to people that have been enslaved for three hundred years?”

“While I cannot say it will be easy, or without pain, you’ll take back what’s rightfully yours. Just follow your heart.”

Rising from the bed, I felt something stir within me. Family. I never had that before and never had a sense of belonging.That darned moistness was upon my cheek again as I reached for Darnell and hugged him. As I pulled back, I could see the joy in his face and yet deeper there was concern.

“How and when will the Dark Fae retaliate, Darnel?”

“We have several days before that will happen. Tonight, we celebrate and tomorrow… tomorrow’s the first day the Court of Light rises up in three hundred years.”

Darnell led me out into the main room again. The place was now filled with people and I could see more standing outside and stretching their necks to peer inside. A hushed silence fell across the room. Some knelt, and others bowed. “Please!” I implored them gently. “I don’t need to be bowed or knelt to.” Inside I was terrified of this burden that had been thrust upon me. As Marcus, I would have walked away from such responsibility, but Shaelan would never leave or abandon her people. “I’m here to serve you.”

Darnel pushed me forward into the crowd of people that had begun weeping. “Our Queen has returned to us. Tonight, we celebrate her return. Tomorrow, we plan, for we all know Gwenyth will send more overseers.”

Needing air, I squeezed through the people towards the front door. As I did, the villagers reached out to touch me, to feel my hair, and to bless me. I noted how careful they were to avoid touching my sword. When I got outside, I took a deep breath and looked back down at my body. The eyes of everyone were upon me; they waited expectantly for me to say or do something. My confusion was debilitating. Except for a hazy reflection, I still had no idea what I looked like. All I knew is that I was a young Fae woman that just started a war and these people believed I was their savior.

Darnel stood nearby and seemed to sense what I needed before I even could vocalize it. He slowly guided me to another building where there was a room with a bed and a bathroom. “Use this room as your own. Rest up, Shaelan. I’ll have a little food sent over and a change of clothing for later tonight. Take your time and absorb the changes that have happened to you.”

I merely nodded and sank down onto the bed as Darnel left and closed the door behind him.

 

*** Reality Awaits ***

 

My eyes drifted from my heaving bosom covered in delicate lavender fabric to the bathroom. I spotted a mirror there and I moved towards it like a moth drawn to the light. My hand moved to my face and my long fingers traced my lips. I had to touch myself to make sure what I saw was real. Am I dreaming? Am I still lying in the glen in the forest?

In the reflection, I saw the most beautiful woman I had ever seen; such beauty that I felt unworthy to even look upon myself. Is this why people react to me as they have? Is it my large vibrant blue eyes or how my long golden hair flows around my face in gentle twists? Perhaps it’s my full and sensual lips or perfect skin?Taking a deep breath, I continued to stare at my reflection and let my mind be blissfully silent.

A knock at the door shook me out of my trance. I moved to the door and opened it. A young woman stood on the front step looking anxious; her eyes averted from mine as if she was embarrassed to look me in the eyes. She waited in silence expecting something from me.

“Please, come in.”

The young woman came in and placed a large basket on the bed. “I have clothing and some food and drink for you, my Lady.” Her feet shuffled back and forth.

“What’s your name?”

“My name’s Cadie, my Lady.”

They see me as royalty. If they only knew the truth. I was still very touched by her gentle demeanor.

“Well, Cadie. Please call me Shaelan. Why do you keep your eyes averted from mine?”

“You’re my Queen, Shaelan. It isn’t polite to look a High Fae in the eyes.”

I gently touched her chin and lifted it. “It’s alright, Cadie. I’m nothing special. You’ll not dishonor me by looking at me. How old are you?”

“I’m one hundred and forty years old.”

I can’t fathom living that long. She was born into slavery like me, but has lived it for three times longer than I ever did. “You were born a slave?”

She nodded. “I’m sorry, Shaelan. I didn’t recognize you. I heard the legends that one day you would return, but after so long I always believed them to be stories to try to bring a little hope to all of us and nothing more. But, you’re real. You’re going to defeat Gwenyth. How can you stand touching that awful iron sword at your hip?”

“I may be real, Cadie, but I’m born anew. It will take time for me to fully grasp the task before me, who I am, and… what I am. Were you told that I was killed?”

“No. The legends said you left to build an army and would return when you had one.”

I had enough of Shaelan’s memories combined with Darnel filling me in on a little history to piece together what had happened. “Three hundred years ago I was killed by Gwenyth. She and her Dark Fae minion used an iron spear. My essence was protected by powerful spells but through the years it absorbed the iron. It was only today that I was released and reborn. Iron no longer burns me. I’m afraid I have no army and I’m still not of age and don’t have my powers. I’ve no idea how I can help everyone or how I can help you.” I lowered my head suddenly ashamed at being so unfit for the task everyone expected of me and, at the same time, confused as to why I felt so compelled to help anyone at all.

Cadie’s hand gently touched my arm. “Shaelan, don’t worry. You’re special and worthy of all of our honor and respect. What you did to that Dark Fae today… He was a trained fighter and a brutal, vicious overseer. You killed him easily even without your magic. Our Fae legends may have been incorrect, but you’re here. I swear to you that earlier today I felt a wave of joy wash over me. I could feel a small glimmer of hope in the depths of my soul for the first time in my life. I didn’t know what it was, but now, standing next to you, I feel it again. There’s a thread of life that interconnects us all. It’s stronger than fate and for my entire life it was missing until your arrival. I believe the world became unbalanced, the thread of life severed when you were killed, and now that you’re back it has come alive again and balance will be brought back into the world. I’ll fight by your side and use what my Lesser Fae powers can do to protect you.”

Sitting on the bed, I wept at her words; overwhelmed by the thought someone was willing to fight to protect me. Never had anyone placed any significance on me. “I’m not worthy to have you risk your life for mine.”

“Shaelan, it’s because you’re so humble and not lording over people that makes you worthy. Your blood screams power to all the Fae. We can feel your royalty. I, for one, have never been in the presence of someone that makes me want to kneel before them. What do you feel towards me, towards our people?”

What strange new reality I find myself in. My life has been supplanted by another, yet it doesn’t feel wrong.

“I feel you’re my people and that from deep within me there is a sense I must right the wrongs done to you and protect you. I would risk my life for yours or anyone here without hesitation. I have no fear of dying, Cadie, only fear of not living up to other people’s expectations.” Looking Cadie in her eyes, I noticed she didn’t flinch or look away this time. “If you were to die trying to protect me, I’m not sure I could live with the guilt of your loss.”

“Then you feel it too. That thread, the bond that connects us and entwines us all together. If you feel this burden for us, you can understand how we also feel this burden for you. For now, we need to protect you until you come of age and we’ll do so with everything we have in us. People will willingly die to protect you for you’re the hope of this world and for our children. After you come of age and your powers manifest, it might take time for you to master them, but I’ve no doubt that you’ll be able to restore the Court of Light to its former glory. Don’t ever feel you’re alone, we love you.”

Before I could say anything else, she turned, bowed her head slightly, and left. There was such power and wisdom in Cadie’s words. Perhaps if I lived hundreds or thousands of years, I might also be wise like her.

After taking a moment to absorb our brief conversation, I began unpacking the basket and was a little dismayed at the beautiful gown that she left me. What I was wearing was at least versatile, halfway between a dress and a pant set and womanly enough. This dress was light, frilly, and would leave no one doubting the femininity of my new body. Sighing, I unpacked the food and water which I rapidly ate allowing it to appease my growling stomach.

Heading back into to the bathroom, I started the water in the tub before turning back to the mirror that transfixed me. Once again, I stared at my face for a long time before stepping back and looking over the rest of my body. I slid my clothes from my body and carefully placed them on a chair out of force of habit. As a slave, I had to maintain the clothing I had and looked after them the best I could. I hope I never become complacent or take anyone for granted.

Standing naked and staring at my reflection, I knew as a man I would have been fully aroused at what I saw before me. This body is flawless. I was lean and toned but had ample breasts and a sexy flair to my hips. My fingers gently caressed my skin and slid effortlessly across my flat stomach and smooth unscarred skin. Turning around, my eyes followed the line of my thighs and buttocks. The Fae are beautiful. I’m beautiful. The leftover vestiges of my male mind struggled with what I saw in the mirror.

I climbed into the bath and let the hot water soak into my bones. Dunking my head under the water, I washed my long hair. The Marcus side of me wanted to be practical and cut it off, but something else inside me rebelled at the thought. Perhaps I’ll learn to live with it being so long.

With the water cooling I stepped out of the tub and dried myself off before focusing on the dress once again. I stared at it a long time before picking up the undergarments and putting those on. I next attempted to put on the dress but fought with the multiple layers. Finally, the pink dress fell into place and I slipped on the flat slipper-like shoes that were also left for me. Checking myself out again in the mirror, I stood breathlessly in awe. The dress clung to every curve and accentuated everything I had. I almost began taking it off when I heard a knocking sound once again.

I opened the door to see Cadie and another young woman. Cadie must have schooled the other woman as they both merely tipped their heads towards me. “Shaelan, we’ve come to help you with your hair. I realized you had nothing to comb it out with. I’m sorry I didn’t think of that earlier.”

I looked down at my long hair and noted it was already shiny and beautiful, but perhaps I could learn something from how they styled it.

“Please, come in. No apologies are necessary. And who might you be?”

“I’m Lorwen, my Lady.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you, Lorwen.”

Lorwen bowed a little and blushed. They sat me down in a chair and used combs and brushes to tease the knots out of my hair.

“My Lady, you look absolutely beautiful.”

“Please call me Shaelan, Lorwen.”

Cadie then spoke up. “While we’re with you in private we’ll call you Shaelan, but in front of others we’ll refer to you as my Lady, or my Queen. We hope you understand, this isn’t to make you feel uncomfortable, but to show honor. Not everyone, especially the elders, will be as accepting of being less formal and we could be chastised for not following the traditions we have long upheld.”

“I understand.” Holding my hair in my hands, I looked at the shimmering golden and soft ends. It was beautiful before, but now it practically glowed. “Thank you both so much.”

“It’s our pleasure. If you’ll follow us, we’d like to escort you to the celebration.”

“Let me put my sword on first.” I watched them frown as I strapped the iron sword to my hip. “We live in a dangerous time and I don’t want to be unprepared.”

“We understand, although once we find weapons for ourselves, you may find you’ve set a new fashion trend for women. You look both feminine and threatening at the same time, especially with that iron sword. Most women might carry a dagger under their skirts, but no longer as all our weapons were taken away from us and young people like myself have never been trained how to use them anyways.”

“I’d be happy to teach you, Cadie.”

Cadie beamed a smile at me. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to use a bow and arrows.”

“Then I’ll make time for you.”

I was led to another building that was larger than the rest. It used to be a meeting place for the villagers but had long since been used for storage. Many people must have worked hard to clean the place and set it up for the celebration as it practically sparkled. Several hundred villagers were in attendance. They bowed to me as I passed them. Is the light in their eyes brighter?

Darnel greeted us and introduced me to the remaining village elders. There were three of them and the ancient wisdom in their eyes caused me to falter in my steps as I approached them. By human terms, they appeared no older than men of fifty. Being unaware of the protocol, I bowed in respect to them. They huffed and pulled me into their arms with tears glistening from their eyes. “The Queen of the Court of Light does not bow to the likes of us.”

“I’m sorry, I bow to you in respect of your age and wisdom.”

The three men laughed casually and joked with each other as only friends that have known each other for hundreds, if not thousands of years could. “I rather like it, Owen. When was the last time a beautiful queen bowed to you?”

“Oh, hush, Gruffin. You’re embarrassing her.”

He was right as I could feel my blush spread across my face. I’ve never been called beautiful before and I felt a strange mixture of vulnerability and power come over me.

“Welcome back to us, Shaelan Scarletsun. I’d thought I’d pass on before I could feel the hope within me again that now rises up in your presence. You’re reborn. I can only recall one other soul that had a rebirth like yours. The gods knew they were needed when they came back to us. You being here has set in motion changes of historical proportion, legendary even. Have you experienced any glimmers yet?”

“Glimmers? I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

“Glimmers of your power. As you get closer to your coming of age, your hidden powers will begin manifesting. They should start soon, so don’t be surprised.”

Gruffin then leaned forward and looked into my eyes. “Have you given any consideration to whom you’ll choose as your mate?”

I knew my eyes went wide and I took a step back. “Once again, Gruffin, you have no sense of timing. She’s been with us less than a day and you’re already trying to marry her off.”

“It needs to be asked, plain and simple. Of course there aren’t many High Fae around that would be acceptable.”

“Are you saying I need to marry right away?” I was unclear on the customs and frightened of the possibility of marriage.

“Not at all, but it may help establish your court.”

“Gruffin, she may be our Queen, but there is no court yet, let alone a palace she can use until she kills Gwenyth.”

“Exactly my point. She needs to start thinking about these things.”

Darnel thankfully rescued me as he took my arm and led me back into the crowd. “They mean well.”

“Glimmers? How will I know when they manifest? How will I control it so not to hurt myself or others?”

“You’ll see them. Your father was an elemental. I wouldn’t be surprised if your sword burst into flames or a small fireball erupts from your hand. Unless you intend to harm someone, it won’t.”

“I guess that’s a relief.”

Darnel introduced me to many people, many of whom commented on my beauty and the iron sword at my hip. Walking in a dress that swished with every small movement and the feeling of my hips swaying and my breasts bouncing was constantly distracting to me. People’s eyes were riveted on me and I felt rather exposed even though I knew I was safe here.

Darnel got everyone’s attention and thankfully all eyes shifted to him. “As you’re all well aware, our Queen has returned. This will have significant ramifications for us. Gwenyth’s minions will see this as a threat and will do everything in their power to stop Shaelen and absorb her essence. Shaelan hasn’t come of age, but that doesn’t mean she’s weak. Far from it. We all saw what she did to the Dark Fae overseer. We must prepare ourselves. We begin that tomorrow, but, for now, we celebrate!”

There was light cheering and laughter, but I could tell people were frightened. How can people rise after three hundred years of slavery?My heart grew heavy. Heavy for the toll they’ve taken. Heavy for the burden that fell upon my now slender shoulders to protect them.

The plate in front of me was full of food and I was still hungry, but I couldn’t eat as I looked upon the gaunt faces and how their plates were nearly empty. I stood, and the room went silent.

“You’re my people. I feel it in the core of who I am. My heart weeps for you. I pledge I’ll fight to my dying breath to keep you safe and to free you from the tyranny of the Dark Fae. You’ve been so gracious to me, filling my plate with food when you yourselves take so little. Forgive me that I don’t eat until you’ve all had your fill.” Taking my plate, I placed items from it on other’s plates until mine was empty. I sat back down as conversations slowly started again.

My world has turned upside down. I was a slave and a fighter. Keeping myself alive was all I ever knew and now I’m a queen? What twist of fate is this?

“Darnel, I’m nothing special, certainly no better than anyone in this room. I don’t understand the reverence for me. I can understand hope, but I never could figure out why kings and emperors demand to be worshipped.”

“A good leader sets the tone for all the people that follow them. How you behave is how those that follow you behave. Did you notice that once you gave up your food that others gave up some of theirs? I can already tell you’ll be a remarkable leader. No one in authority has given or cared for these people in three hundred years. In a single day, people have gone from fear of you and what you represent to worshipping you.”

“But I don’t want their worship!” I don’t deserve it!”

“Real worship comes from earning it, not demanding it. They worship you for who you are. You gave up your food and promised to care for them.”

My emotions were all over the place. My mind was telling me to run for the hills, yet my heart would stop beating in my chest if I did. Reaching for a glass of water, the water inside instantly froze, and the glass shattered sending pieces across the table.

“I’m so sorry. Did I do that?”

The crowd stared in awe at me and the broken, frozen glass of water.

“That, my dear, is a glimmer.”

“Some use that will be when I’m thirsty.”

Gruffin came forward. “That’s more than any glimmer I’ve ever seen. Most elementals might see water move a little or warm to their touch, but to freeze a glass solid might indicate significant power beyond the likes we have seen in many millennia.”

“But what use is freezing water?”

“Let’s say you were facing a flying army of Dark Fae. Our bodies are made up of mostly water. You could freeze them solid and watch them fall and shatter on the ground.”

I frowned. “You think that’s even be possible?”

“Glimmers represent the tiniest fraction of power compared to your full powers, so yes, in theory you could. Think of glimmers as your body’s natural way of exploring its powers and getting you used to them. Can you image if you suddenly had all your power all at once and didn’t know how to use them? You could wipe out a forest merely by accident. Now that this has manifested, try it again.” He handed me another glass of water. “Focus your thoughts on the water and what you want to do with it. Move it, freeze it, or heat it. The water is yours to command.”

I looked dubiously at the water. Magical powers didn’t exist in the human realms. Staring at the water, I pictured it splashing out of the glass. The subsequent eruption of water from the glass rained down upon everyone at the table. I was shocked as much as anyone but the whole table cheered and laughed.

“Very nicely done Shaelan. You’re a natural. Beauty, compassion, and power make for a dangerous mix.”

The evening slowly wound down and Cadie led me back to my room for the night. As a celebration, it was a little subdued, but I could certainly understand the reasons why.

“I must say I’m more and more impressed with you, Shaelan. I’ve never really met a High Fae before, but you seem so normal and not arrogant or haughty at all. Your glimmer was unbelievable! I’ve known Fae with their full powers that couldn’t even melt a piece of ice. I’m gifted with sight, and my glimmer allowed me to see splinters in my hand easily. Now, with my full powers, I can spot an insect on a leaf a thousand feet away. It’s not much of a gift, but I’m grateful for it.”

“I bet your gift will be even more valuable when you get a bow in your hands. I’m looking forward to teaching you. How long do you think we may have before Gwenyth sends reinforcements here?”

“It’ll be a few days, but less than a week. The timing depends upon when the overseer normally communicated up their hierarchy. This place is a little out of the way for them which is why they sent their nastiest as punishment to oversee us. The cities are where all the action is, but I’m told female Fae are often raped there.”

I shivered at the thought of being pinned down against my will. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning, Cadie. Let’s get you training with the bow.”

I’m finally alone again. It had been a long day and surprisingly I wasn’t tired. Something about this Fae body gave me more energy, but then again, it could simply be that this is what a young, unscarred, female Fae normally feels like. In a way, I’ve become both older and younger at the same time. Seventy-four years old is still a child in the lifespan of an immortal Fae.

Carefully removing the dress, I realized that after a while I sort of enjoyed the feel of it against my body. It wasn’t such a foreign thing after all and it was exceptionally comfortable. As a man, I never held power to captivate others. The dress made me feel desirable and powerful.

I moved to the bathroom and looked once again at my reflection. Am I Shaelan or am I Marcus? I feel more like Shaelan if I’m honest with myself, but within me I know my mind rejects the notion of being female. My life before hadn’t ever been much of a life and I’m happy to have a fresh start, even if it means I’m a woman, a queen, and the hope of the world…

I continued to stare at myself believing that if stared long enough I might fully accept who I now was or make it less disturbing to see a strange face looking back at me. I never considered what life as a female would be like. Aside from being weaker and more vulnerable than men, are they really that much different? Although, the way I fought the Dark Fae overseer, I certainly didn’t feel weaker or vulnerable. I only feel vulnerable when I imagine I can be raped and impregnated. How much different can it be? It’s not like I have a choice.

Moving back to the bed, I was acutely aware of how my unbound breasts moved and the extra width of my hips make my backside sway a little from side to side. I slid under the sheets and found my hair tangled around my face and neck as I laid my head down on the pillow. After spending a frustrating thirty minutes rolling around with the weight from my breasts shifting from side to side and my hair getting caught in my mouth, I finally sat up and found something to tie my hair back before lying back down. It took a while, but I finally drift off to sleep.

 

*** Preparations ***

 

I woke quickly as the first hints of light entered the window. I was very refreshed and filled with energy. I couldn’t remember a day where I hadn’t awakened without pain, but today I had no pain whatsoever. Heading to the bathroom, I sat down to relieve myself. What’s the big deal if I can’t pee standing up anymore if I’m pain free? It doesn’t seem like such a burden, at least not now.

I hesitated a moment as I examined the two sets of clothing. I wanted to wear the dress from last night, but I chose to put the other clothes on as they are far more practical from a fighting perspective. I’m changing quickly. My mind isn’t fighting me as much as it was yesterday.Should this be bothering me?

A knock at the door sounded and I could almost sense it was Cadie. I wondered if this is just logical thinking or if the Fae could truly sense the presence of another person. I opened the door to find Cadie smiling at me. “Good morning, my Lady. I’ve brought you some breakfast. You must be hungry after not having eaten anything last night.”

I am hungry. “Thank you, Cadie. I don’t feel right about taking someone else’s food. Are you certain everyone has enough? I should be working to earn my keep here. I’ve been given a private room, clothes, and food.”

“Yes, Shaelan. The gardens seem to have sprung to life overnight and even some trees are showing signs of recovery. Perhaps this thread of life I feel from you is also affecting other living things as well.” Sitting down on the bed, I thankfully ate the bread and cheese that Cadie brought. Cadie moved to my dress. “Would you like me to clean this for you?”

“I’m not sure where you even found the dress, Cadie. I can clean it and bring it back to whomever you borrowed it from.”

“It’s yours. It belonged to my mother and I have enough. Besides, it appears you need it more than I do at this point.”

“I’m so grateful for your generosity, Cadie. No one has ever freely given me anything before. Are you ready to start learning archery?”

“Oh yes!”

“Let’s go then.”

I grabbed my bow and arrows that were recovered for me yesterday and we headed out to the field near the forest edge. Cadie was correct in that the fields and some trees were looking healthier. I had a hard time believing that this was somehow being caused by my presence, however, more and more I felt the connection to the people and the land. It was as if my awareness was slowly awakening from a deep sleep and my new Fae senses continued to stretch further and further.

“I know you’ll do very well, Cadie, so let’s cover the basics first.” I showed her proper stance, how to aim, the importance of understanding wind and how an arrow will fly upwards before it begins to fall. I then aimed at a bale of hay a hundred feet away. “Different bows have different pull strengths and different arrows weigh different amounts. It’s important to learn to pull back consistently each time when you’re learning so that the force applied to the arrow is also consistent. I’ve marked this bow for different distances. The hay bale is about a hundred feet away.” I showed Cadie the height mark for one hundred feet, then slowly drew the bow back and let the arrow fly straight into the center of the bale. “Now, you try.”

Cadie was a trooper as her fingers became raw from several hundred shots at different distances and targets, but she was a remarkably quick study. Before long she was hitting mere inches away from the center of the targets.

I could sense Darnell before I saw him as he began walking across the field toward us. “Good morning, Darnell.”

“You seem in good spirits this morning, Shaelan. Good morning, Cadie.” Cadie nodded to Darnell but she couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she held the bow. “I see you have a protégé.”

“I do, and Cadie is brilliant with the bow. Of course there’s a lot of practicing to do, but I believe for mostly stationary objects she’s very capable.”

“That’s good because we need to be prepared for the arrival of more Dark Fae.”

“Can you show me where they might arrive and what we have to work with?”

“Of course. We have several experienced fighters in the village, but most haven’t touched a weapon in many years. I’ve taken the liberty to distribute the overseer’s weapons amongst them. I’ll introduce you later this morning as they’ll make up the bulk of your protective guard.”

“You can’t leave me out, Darnell. Now that I have a weapon, I won’t let Shaelan fight alone.” I saw the fierceness in Cadie’s eyes. She was determined to be by my side. Darnell smiled knowingly and nodded.

“Come, both of you. Let’s figure out how we’ll handle the Dark Fae when they arrive.”

We walked through the small village and Darnell pointed out the most likely direction the Dark Fae would arrive from. Northwest was the direction to the nearest city and where they would be dispatched from.

“How many fighters do we have?”

“We have six, but only have three weapons. Four if you count Cadie with your bow.”

“The Dark Fae have iron-tipped weapons. Do we have any smelting ability? Could we melt some iron down and tip the arrows with it?”

“We could do that, but no one can touch the stuff but you. We wouldn’t need much.”

“My sword has a fine iron chain on the hilt. I can remove that and wrap it with leather instead.”

“I’ll make that happen for you. It’s a great idea and will put some real stopping power behind the bow.”

“When they arrive, is it on horseback, do they fly, materialize, or walk?”

“Quite possibly materialize and fly as they always like to make an imposing entrance. Gwenyth is powerful enough to materialize from a far distance. I suspect you’ll also be able to do that after you come of age. We call it sifting.”

“Can we get volunteers to help Cadie practice with moving targets? They can throw things for her to shoot. I also might need something new to wear if there’s something available.”

“I can arrange for the volunteers. If they know what it’s for we’ll likely have the entire village wanting to help you. About the clothes, what do you have in mind?”

“You know my past, Darnell, and how I spent my time. I’ve learned that sometimes distraction can be a powerful weapon. I may not have magical power yet, but the right clothing could convey power. I think we should try to use every advantage we can.”

Darnell smiled. “I have just the outfits for you. I’ll get those to you tonight. We need to be prepared as early as tomorrow for the arrival of Dark Fae.”

We walked over to a small square where six men were fighting with wooden weapons. Someone had already manufactured wooden swords to look and feel like the iron-tipped ones of the overseer. It amazed me how talented these people were. Looking over the men, I could see their muscles ripple under their bronze, sun-kissed skin. I was surprised that their shirtless forms stirred me.I wasn’t expecting that.I focused on their fighting techniques and although rusty, they were excellent fighters.

Striding into the middle of them, they all paused and bowed to me. I bowed my head to them which caused them some grief, but I would show respect to these people.

One stepped forward. “My Lady. My name is Ewen. We’re here to protect you, to be your honor guard.”

“Thank you, Ewen. I appreciate your willingness to put yourselves at risk on my behalf. I’ll not ask any of you to do so out of a feeling of obligation on your part. I may have royal blood, but I’m no Queen as a Queen has a kingdom and that’s something we must ultimately take back. I’m a fighter. I’ll not sit back while you risk your lives for me. I’ll fight for your freedom and my own. If you wish to still fight next to me, then it will be my honor to have you with me.”

I watched as one after the other they knelt on the ground before me. Even Cadie went to her knees. A tear slid down my cheek. Would they do this if they really knew me?

“Rise then. You honor me and I don’t take the risk to your own lives lightly. We have so little time to prepare and we don’t know if one or a hundred Dark Fae might come here. Do you have a spare sword?”

A young boy, the same as the one from yesterday, ran and found me another wooden sword. I placed my hand on his head and thanked him before moving to the center of the fighters.

“Attack me.”

Ewen looked at me like I was crazy. “You wish me to attack you, my Lady?”

“Not just you. I want all six of you to attack me. We don’t know how many Dark Fae will arrive and there may be situations where you’ll be fighting close to one another. You’re all very skilled, but we need to make sure you are all communicating well in a group fight. As you know, I’ve been reborn and I need to challenge my own skills as well.”

“The Shaelan of old wasn’t a fighter, my Queen. Perhaps you might want to spar with just one of us first?”

“If I fail early, then we will try again your way, Ewen. Please, all of you attack me as I feel a need to be sure I can handle myself.”

“Yes, my Lady.” He launched himself at me and the others followed suit. At first, I was pressed back, but they slowly began interfering with each other. I used that to my advantage and my strength, speed, and years of fighting in the ring began giving me the upper hand. I started pushing them back, slowly at first, then one by one I isolated them from one another. My wooden sword flew so swiftly it was as if I created a wooden shield around me. Fighting for my life and skills learned over the years clearly had given me an edge over the core training these fighters had. One by one I took them out until only Ewen remained. We circled each other, and he swung a blow that smashed against my sword. Intentionally letting my sword fall from my grasp, I taunted him to continue. He swung tentatively at me which I expected. Rushing him once his sword swung clear, I grabbed his sword arm to hold his sword away from me as I threw my weight against his legs forcing him to the ground. His blade now rested close to his throat. Try as I might, I couldn’t press any further as his strength was too much for me. He slowly pushed the sword away from himself and in a burst of speed and force rolled me onto my back and had the sword at my throat.

He looked panicked, but I start laughing. “Well done!”

He smiled and pulled me to my feet. “You intentionally gave up your sword. It was hardly fair at that point."

“True, but without my sword you held back. You should never do that.”

“I’ve never seen any Fae, Dark or Light, High, or Lesser fight the way you fight. We may be rusty, as you say, but we belonged to your parent’s royal guard. We were training eons before you were born. You bested five of us and then you were simply playing with me. I don’t understand, my Lady, but quite frankly I don’t care. I’d fight beside you any day.” He tipped his head in a deep bow.

“I’ve seen what I need to see. Cadie, with your sight, I want you on top of the furthest building starting tomorrow morning. You’ll be our first warning for when the Dark Fae arrive. Alert us when you see them coming, but I want you securely hidden and not shoot if the numbers are less than six. Let them come. You have six arrows which we’ll tip with iron. Take no chances until I give a sign or they attack. Take out any archers they may have first or any that fly up to get into a better position. If there are more than six, then shoot as many as you can once they’re within range.”

I turned to Ewen. “We have three weapons, plus my sword. I’ll want your three best fighters off to the sides, hidden by the buildings. I’ll give a sign when I want you to attack. Again, if the numbers are under six, I want to personally greet them to throw them off guard and possibly see if there is any information we can glean from them. If there are more than six, then as soon as Cadie takes as many out as she can, then it’s an all-out fight. I recommend in either case the additional fighters without weapons stand in the wings and look for opportunities to join the fight.”

“Why do I get the feeling you’ve done this before?”

“Let’s just say I wasn’t entirely idle while I was dead, Ewen.”

Darnel stepped forward and whistled low. “I’ve never seen the likes before. A warrior Queen. The gods knew what we needed in these times. Come, let them continue to practice, Shaelan. We have a lot yet to do today.”

I was completely exhausted but exhilarated by the end of the day. The village was abuzz with activity and rumors quickly made their rounds as to how their Queen bested a dozen trained fighters. Even though I tried, there was no squashing the rumors. Plunking myself down on the edge of my bed, I looked down at myself. I was dirty, and my clothes were splattered with mud. I realized I hadn’t spent much time considering my body today. Someday I won’t even question the sensations and feelings I now have; assuming I live, of course.Stripping out of my clothes, I washed them carefully in the tub, and hung them up to dry before stepping into the tub myself.

After my bath, I put my hair up and had just slipped into the red dress for a moment when I heard a soft tapping at the door. It’s Cadie. I can feel her presence now. I opened the door to see Cadie holding another basket.

“I have the clothes Darnell fetched for you, Shaelan. I also found a nightgown for you.” She looked around the room and spotted my clothes from the day drying. “I can’t believe you’re High Fae. I mean I know you are, your presence simply screams it, but you’re so nice to people and you do your own laundry.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you, Cadie.” Cadie set the basket down and winced a little. “What’s wrong, Cadie.”

“Nothing.” She gave a weak smile then resignedly held out her fingers. They were raw and almost bleeding.

“How long did you practice today?”

“All day.”

“Let me see your fingers.”

“There’s nothing you can do for them.”

She put her hand in mine anyways. I felt the connection so deeply with everything around me at that moment. I reached inward and willed healing into her fingers. When I let her hand go her fingers were healed.

“That’s amazing. Your healing powers are so strong and you haven’t even come of age yet.”

“I thought we all have healing gifts?”

“We do, but it can vary from person to person. Some can heal muscles while others bones. You healed the boy’s cuts yesterday and yet you healed my fingers today. That’s not normal.”

I smiled and laughed gently. “That’s the story of my life. Not normal. Besides, an archer isn’t any good with her fingers all damaged. If the Dark Fae don’t arrive tomorrow promise me you’ll not practice so hard.”

“If you can heal my fingers like this every night, it’s worth the pain to keep practicing. It’s not every day someone gets to fight alongside a future Fae legend. I saw what you did to those men. I swear you let Ewen beat you in the end. He’s handsome. I wouldn’t mind a roll in the dirt with him.”

“Cadie!”

“Sorry, my Lady.” She blushed brightly.

“First Gruffin, now you. Is everyone trying to get me married off?”

“Oh no, my Lady!”

It finally dawned on me. “You like Ewen, don’t you?”

“Yes! But don’t say anything to him. I’d be terribly embarrassed!” She giggled. “Good night, Shaelan.”

“Good night, Cadie.”

I took a moment to unpack the basket of clothing. I could easily make a few adjustments, but it was perfect for what I had in mind. Setting the basket aside until morning, I undressed and put the nightgown on. As with the dress the night before, it felt so free and light on me. I can get used to wearing clothes like this.

I slipped into bed, but sleep eluded me. I replayed all the events that had happened to me over the past few days. A woman. A very beautiful woman is what I’ve become.I surprised myself by feeling some arousal today looking at the men. It makes me wonder what sex will be like as a woman. A gentle warmth spread through me at the thought. The women I had sex with had all been forced into the situation and I could understand why they would find it unpleasant or unfulfilling. There were a few times with one woman that seemed to like me that appeared to enjoy herself. I wasn’t completely unfamiliar with a woman’s body and knew the major places that seem to stimulate them…

My hand slipped of its own volition under my nightgown. A heated flush spread quickly throughout my body but as soon as my male thoughts began to analyze the sensations I was feeling the sensations dwindled. I was stymied.I never lost feeling like this as a man.How can this be?I started to think about another beautiful woman; someone like Cadie who I felt close to, but as before the sensations evaporated. However, when I thought of the handsome, finely-chiseled bodies of the male Fae, I gasped loudly at the sudden onslaught of emotions and feelings…

An orange glow suddenly appeared in the window of my room from somewhere outside, but I ignored it at first as I was blissfully enthralled by this body of mine. I contemplated how, like the dresses, I could find myself enjoying life as a woman when my thoughts were interrupted by the commotion of many people scurrying around outside my room. Getting up and out of bed quickly, I wrapped a blanket around me and opened the door. A small bush outside my room was on fire.

Cadie rushed up to me. “Are you all right, my Lady?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” I tried to act nonchalant as I was certain I was still flushed from my experience. “What happened, Cadie?”

“I was about to ask you that question.”

“Why would you think I had something to do with this?”

Cadie’s eyes had a hint of mischievousness in them. “I think it’s another glimmer. What were you doing? What were you thinking?”

“I… I was just thinking I was warm under the blanket.” I lied.

“Try putting it out. If it was you, you should be able to control the flames.”

I looked at Cadie hoping she hadn’t seen through my lie. I then pictured the flames dissipating and they suddenly stop.

“That’s amazing.”

I held out my hand and imagined a small flicker of flame and one arose in the palm of my hand.

“I think you’ll be fine now, my Lady. Glimmers are sort of random and spontaneous the first time, but after that you can generally control when and where they happen. You’re so powerful and yet you’ve still not come of age. Gwenyth won’t stand a chance.”

“That’s assuming I live long enough to reach my seventy-fifth birthday.”

“You will. I’ll make sure of it. Good night, my Lady.” She bowed slightly and the rest of the crowd disappeared with her.

“Good thing I wasn’t near a forest.” I whispered to myself.

 

*** The Rebellion Begins ***

 

Early the next morning I spent time re-working the outfits Darnel found for me. Working with my hands was an excellent distraction from my mind screaming at me about last night. I found the Fae women beautiful, but the longer I was Shaelan the more I found myself attracted to men. I was fighting these thoughts even though I knew I was losing the battle.

When the outfit was completed, I put it on. Standing in front of the mirror, I was impressed by how it turned out. I worked my hair to one side and a small thin silver strip circled my head under my hair and across my forehead. The silver strip was very ornate and gave me a look that reminded me of someone wearing a crown or tiara, but much more understated. On the tips of my pointed ears I placed ornate silver coverings with fine silver chains. This emphasized my regal look. My dress was fine and delicate, exposing my arms and one shoulder, but angling down in an asymmetrical way from my right shoulder down to my left knee. Another layer underneath added dimension to the dress and formed a skirt that stopped mid-thigh. Knee-high leather boots with silver highlights covered my lower legs and silver bicep bracelets and wrist bracelets adorned my arms. Everything was designed to give me freedom of movement yet, at the same time, project authority and beauty. It was exactly the effect I want it to have.

I strapped on my sword on my left hip; my dagger was strapped on my bare right thigh. “Come in, Cadie!” This time I could feel her before she even knocked. I watched as the door slowly opened and Cadie stepped inside.

“My Lady!” She immediately bowed low.

“Cadie, please. You don’t need to bow to me.”

“I’m sorry, Shaelan. You look positively queenly. I feel compelled by your look and your presence.”

“That’s the impression I want to give to the Dark Fae, not everyone here. Least of all, you. I never want to be feared or appear as unapproachable.”

“You look stunning. The design is so unique, where did Darnel ever find such clothing?”

“I made modifications from several outfits. I need to make sure I can move freely in a fight.”

“Darnel and the guards are waiting for you in the village square. Did you have something to eat yet?”

“I did. I see you’re also wearing your bow.”

“It’s your bow, Shaelan, and it won’t leave my side until you request it back.”

“No, Cadie. It’s your bow now. You’ve done so well with it and you deserve it. I’ve a feeling I’ll not need one any more anyways.”

“Then I graciously and humbly accept. Thank you, my Queen, I mean, Shaelan! Why don’t you think you’ll be needing it anymore?”

“I’ve been practicing a little. Watch.” Sensing the water in a glass nearby, I drew three six-inch slivers of water from the glass. I froze them solid then caused them to fly across the room, embedding them into the wooden window frame. Cadie stood with her mouth open and her eyes wide.

“That’s incredible! How are you doing this?”

“It just seems to come naturally to me. Whatever I picture I want the water to do, it does it. Three slivers are all I’ve been able to manage so far. It’s almost like that’s all the magic I have.”

“And yet, that’s more magic than I’ve seen anyone use with water before. Come on, let’s go greet the others. I can’t wait to see their reaction to your outfit.”

As we walked to the square, people stared and bowed, murmuring ‘my Queen’. It was unnerving as I wanted these people, my people, to feel protected and cared for by me, not the other way around. When we got to the square Darnel has his back to us, but when he turned, he smiled broadly as he saw me, and all the fighters knelt.

“Please, everyone. You don’t need to kneel or bow to me, but my outfit seems to have the effect I’m hoping for. I want the Dark Fae to hesitate, to think I’m more powerful and confident than I am. This give us all an advantage.”

Darnel stepped forward and took my hands in his. “You’re breathtaking, Shaelan. You’ll no doubt stop them in their tracks as well as a few hearts around here.”

Ewen smiled at Cadie then addressed me. “I understand you had another glimmer, my Lady?”

Hoping Cadie never mentioned how the glimmer came about, I held up my hand as it burst into flames; my hand and skin unaffected by the fire. “I had a bit of an accident with a bush last night.”

“How well can you control it?”

“Not as good as water. I can get it to move and shape. I’ve thought about altering intensity and size, but inside a building isn’t the right place to test and train with fire.”

“I saw my Lady throw small spears of water into wood this morning!”

“You’re learning so quickly, Shaelan. Perhaps we should place containers of water around the village so it is available to you in a fight.”

“I doubt a few shards of ice would do much damage to a Dark Fae.”

“Magically formed weapons will hurt them as badly as iron.”

“Twice when I fought the Dark Fae, I felt pressure in my mind. How can I prevent that?”

“The Dark Fae all have that ability, but they have to be close to you. You can sense and feel living things all around you. Use that same skill to form a shield in your mind. Imagine building a living hedge around you.” Darnell turned to everyone and let them know they should move to their places around the village in case the Dark Fae arrived. Cadie and the men ran off leaving me with Darnell. “I know you’re capable, Shaelan, but please don’t put yourself in any danger.”

“I learned a long time ago that the best defense is staying outside of someone’s reach.”

We walked the village and I greeted more people.

It was nearly noon when we heard Cadie’s whistle. I’m nervous. I have no idea what we might be facing and for the first time in my life I’m afraid of dying and letting other people down.I looked down the street towards the northwest and could see the darkness pooling. Walking slowly forward towards where the Dark Fae would appear, I watched as three Dark Fae coalesced before me; hovering with their large black wings. I made sure my chin was high and my shoulders back as they landed in front of me. They look startled and I sensed they recognized me.

“You’re not welcome here!” I spoke clearly and loudly, trying to portray authority. One drew his wooden handled sword, another his whip. I didn’t draw my weapons but chose to show as much confidence as possible.

“Shaelan Scarletsun.” The center Dark Fae spat out my name with hatred and venom as he stepped forward. “You’ll come with us.” I could feel the immense pressure within my head start and I hastily brought the image of a hedge in my mind. I pictured a thorny hedge just in case a fluffy green one didn’t do the trick. Thankfully, the pain and pressure immediately eased. Two of the three Dark Fae started looking a little worried.

“I think not. Lay down your weapons and leave now or die.” I still hadn’t reached for my sword or dagger.

“She’s not yet of age, don’t let her fool you.” He raised his whip and I pictured the handle of it bursting with intense fire. The affect was rather startling as his hand sizzled and the whip fell to the ground; the handle dissolved into nothing but smoldering cinders. Drawing his sword, he screamed and rushed me. My sword was drawn and blocked his attack before he even got close.

“Now!” I shouted. An arrow sank into the eye socket of the Dark Fae attacking me. He instantly fell dead at my feet. My guards were immediately at my side and pushed to get in front of me. It wasn’t what I planned, but there was such light in their eyes. They had a fire within them; three hundred years of pent up anger unleashed. I had seen this type of rebellious anger before and took a step back to allow them their vengeance.

Another arrow plunged into the chest of the second Dark Fae and our unarmed guards were now hovering nearby. One grabbed a wood-handled sword from the first Dark Fae and attacked the remaining one. I could sense another arrow coming and watched as it passes through the neck of the third Dark Fae. In moments, it’s all over and three Dark Fae lay at our feet. None of the guards had been injured. Cadie quickly arrived at our sides and retrieved her arrows.

Villagers came out and surrounded us with singing and cheering. The fear in their eyes greatly diminished. Darnel hugged me. “Our first victory!”

Ewen took charge and distributed the Dark Fae weapons to the remaining guards. His eyes were shining and intense. I moved to Cadie and hugged her tightly. She was shaking slightly. “You did incredible, Cadie!”

“I was so worried I’d hit you or the others.”

“Assuming you meant to hit these Dark Fae where you did, you’re aim was perfect.” Cadie held onto me until her shaking subsided. I moved to hug and thank the guards who were all shocked I did so. “Ewen, you and your men were fantastic. Well done! I barely had to do anything.”

“There is no way we’d let you stand before three Dark Fae on your own, even though I’m sure you could handle them all by yourself. You represent our future. If you were to be injured or killed, our rebellion might be over before it even begins. I struggle with the idea that you’re so skilled as a fighter, but you’re more valuable to us as our leader.”

“I just won’t feel right if I’m not at your side when the battle is raging. I’ll not risk anyone’s life without risking my own as well. I understand your thinking and I’ll honor your wishes to stay back unless absolutely necessary. What happens now? What will the Dark Fae do when these three don’t return?”

“I think we have several weeks, my Lady. If I place myself in their position, they just sent three here and won’t expect any trouble. A week will likely pass before they’re concerned. By then, they’ll mobilize a much larger force which will take another week to organize.”

“What if we aren’t here when they arrive? There are other small villages nearby. Can we move from village to village, freeing the people and gaining a larger force for ourselves? Once we have enough we can take over a city. However, I’m just not sure how the people here will take to moving.”

Ewen sat on a wooden fence rail pondering this for a while. “With Cadie, we have seven armed guards now. The next town over is about twice our size and will have two overseers. I do know there are more than a dozen trained fighters there. There are two smaller villages beyond that one. In total, I’d say we could have twenty-five fighting men, but we’ll need weapons. There is a small city northwest of here. It’s possibly where these Dark Fae came from. The city will have twenty or so Dark Fae protecting it. I know for a fact that the city is one of the five locations where the weapons of the Court of Light are stored. If we do as you suggest, I recommend we travel north to the larger village and take back control there, then make forays to the other villages to free them as well, consolidating everyone to the larger village. From there we try to unlock the Court of Light weapons cache before making an attempt on the cities beyond.”

“I want your honest opinion, Ewen. Is this feasible? What about food for everyone?”

“Yes, my Lady. It removes the immediate threat to this village. We can send runners to the other villages with information. Younger Fae will not be noticed by the overseers and can get messages safely through. Have you seen the crops, my Lady?”

“No. What’s happening to the crops?”

“They’re flourishing. More than I’ve ever seen them in three hundred years. Your presence in the larger village as well as moving food stores from the smaller villages will be more than enough. If our timing is right, Gwenyth will remove most of its guards from the city to attack our village here. When they do, we take the city. The timing can work to our advantage, my Lady.”

The entire village had come out and surrounds us. “It’s their decision. I won’t decide their fate for them.” I turned to the crowd. “I’ll not risk any of you unless you choose this path. You can stay, and I’ll stay with you and fight for you, or we can choose to move and take back our land and free our people. Either way, I’ll not think less of you.”

There was murmuring but then the three elders stepped forward. “We choose to follow you, Shaelan Scarletsun, Queen of the Court of Light. We willingly move with you. As you free more of our soldiers, there will be a need for cooks, menders, and healers. An army cannot fight our enemies without these things.”

“Then it’s settled. Ewen, send runners to the three villages. Tell the smaller ones to prepare to move once they’re freed. Tell the larger one we’re coming and we’ll need space for people. Do we know the layout of the larger village?”

“I recommend eight of us travel to scout the larger village out tomorrow. If you don’t mind sleeping under the stars, my Lady, we could plan an attack the following morning.”

I smiled at Ewen. “I’m as happy sleeping in the forest as I am in a bed.”

He raised an eyebrow at me clearly not believing royalty would ever wish to get dirty. “I might suggest you change first, my Lady. You should keep that outfit clean for battle days. It’s rather inspiring.”

I wasn’t sure how to take that. Cadie took my arm in hers. “I’ll make sure our Queen is properly outfitted for roughing it in the forest.”

 

*** The Truth ***

 

Back in my room, Cadie sat with me on the bed. She found additional travel clothes for me and I tried them on. I always pictured kings and queens having ultimate authority about what they did day-in and day-out, but I was finding leaders were subject to all sorts of expectations. For example, my outdoor roughing it clothes were designed to be functional, but also made me look regal and sexy at the same time. I also felt as much of a servant to the people as I had been a slave to my masters before; albeit the difference was this was now my choice.

I was much more aware of my body now than ever before. I had never considered myself a sensual being before, but the feel of my new body and the responses it elicited from people made me constantly aware of what I now was. If I was to admit to myself that I was rather enjoying the feelings I would need to admit I no longer looked at myself through the eyes of a man. Shaelan’s memories weren’t complete in any way and I wondered if I would ever grow into the role I was expected to fulfill.

“Cadie, what happens if I never fully recover the knowledge and memories of my life before? I feel like I’m blindly walking through a maze. I have no desire to disappoint anyone or tread on cultural expectations or protocols I can’t remember.”

“I can’t imagine being reborn like you were after so long, but in a way, I’m not in such a different position than you.”

“How so?”

“Did you know that by giving me your bow, a weapon, that the exchange also bequeathed upon me a set of cultural expectations? By my receiving them willingly, I’ve found myself now a part of an intricate web of rules within the Fae world; a world I’ve never seen before or knew existed. Ewen has tried to explain this to me. I’m forever bound in service to you now. Not as a slave, but in friendship. Not that I mind in the least, but actions here carry more weight than we realize.”

“If I’d known, I’d never have put you in that position.”

Cadie laughed. “I’m happy to be bound to you. I’ve never felt such purpose in my life before and I feel part of something that’s worthwhile. You and I may fail in our understanding of things beyond our knowledge, but three hundred years has past and we can write our own rules. The world is a different place and who’s to say the old ways are still the best ways?”

Cadie had a way of making me feel better about myself. I laughed lightly. “As long as I don’t inadvertently ask someone to marry me, I’m okay with that.”

Cadie smiled brightly. “You mean you have your eyes on someone?”

“No… not at all. It’s just I don’t want to accidently accept someone’s sword and suddenly be betrothed. Do you know what really happened to me?”

“I’m not sure what you mean?”

“I shared with Darnell some things I haven’t shared with anyone else. I have memories of events and things from before I was killed by Gwenyth, but not many. I recall when Gwenyth and another Dark Fae plunged the iron spear through my chest. Cadie, this may sound very strange to you, but I feel I must confide in someone I can trust. Most of my memories are from another life.”

“Do you mean your life before as Shaelan?”

“No…” I looked down feeling like I might lose my best friend, someone who for the first time in my life would willingly die for me. “Darnel explained that rebirth requires a strong life essence to be merged. A catalyst perhaps. A life that joins the remaining essence of Shaelan… I had a life before my rebirth.”

“You’re saying you were someone else, and through whatever circumstances, your essence merged with Shaelan’s? I spoke with our elders the other night about rebirth and they explained what they knew. They said the only way this works is if the essence, the character, the life force is very similar, or perhaps what the gods determined was needed. Who were you before? A High Fae?”

“Hardly. I was born a male slave in the human realm.” I looked into Cadie’s eyes and expected betrayal or disgust but all I saw is sympathy and understanding.

“Tell me about your life.” She leaned forward towards me, so I told her everything and how I found myself as Shaelan. “I understand now. Your fighting abilities, your knowledge of warfare and strategy. How you can relate to all of us being slaves.”

I nodded. “If you choose, I release you from any binding to me you have as I can understand how you must be feeling about me now. I’m an imposter living inside the shell of a High Fae Queen.”

“Oh hush! Sorry, my Lady. I shouldn’t speak to you that way.”

“Cadie, you’re one of the few who will speak to me what I really need to hear. You can always speak what’s on your mind to me.”

“I’m honored to be chosen as your confidant this way. You’re Shaelan, my Queen. You’re not an imposter in her body. Let me put it this way. Whose body is that?”

“Shaelan’s”

“No, it’s yours.”

“And who are you inside? Who’s the person that loves their people? Was that Marcus that belongs to this land and this people?”

“I think I understand what you’re telling me. I’m not individually Marcus and I’m not individually Shaelan, but something new.”

“Exactly. You’re Shaelan with additional life experience and skills and essence that you need to accomplish the tasks the gods have set before you. You mustn’t let this worry you. You’re not an imposter, rather you’re an enhanced Shaelan Scarletsun. If anything, it makes me even more in awe of you and who you are.”

“You don’t think it is strange that I was a man before? A slave?”

“Who else could lead all our people effectively but one that was a slave, one that experienced life from both perspectives, a fighter and a leader? You’re what we need.”

“As always, Cadie, your wisdom far exceeds your years.”

“May I ask a question, Shaelan?” I watched as Cadie blushed slightly.

“Anything.”

“What was it like as a man and how do you feel now?”

“That’s a difficult question to answer. In a way, as a slave, I was nothing. Perhaps closer to a beast of burden. I’m not sure I really knew what it was to be a man. Comparatively, I was far stronger than a human woman, but that just made me more valuable as a slave. I feel so comfortable in this body, lithe, strong, even pure if that makes sense. I feel powerful in many ways and even far more sensual.”

Cadie smiled. “We women do have that power over men. And what about the other things? Personal things? The difference between…” She blushed again.

I laughed. It’s odd to think the Fae had such thoughts but I had been finding they’re highly sensual beings. “My experience as a man wasn’t the best comparison. I was never with anyone I cared about and partnering with someone out of love was never an option for me. I believe from a woman’s perspective, that the experience can be far more emotionally and physically satisfying than for a man if performed in an emotionally enriching way.”

“And how would you as a man show your interest in a woman?”

“Sadly, I never had the opportunity. However, I do believe if I had the chance, I’d show special interest in that person. I’d go out of my way to show them I cared. Sort of the way I see Ewen treating you.”

If a woman could blush any more, I don’t think it would be possible. “You think he’s interested in me?”

“I do.”

“What should I do?”

“If you like Ewen, then there’s nothing wrong with you showing equal interest. Of course, that’s my own opinion and completely without knowledge of Fae customs.”

“And what about you? Practically every male in the village drools over you as you walk by. I’ve even seen a few women fan themselves. You’re beauty is beyond compare.”

Now it was my turn to blush. “I haven’t noticed. That’s not entirely accurate. I’ve noticed how people look at me, but I don’t feel it’s anything serious.”

“But if you could choose, do you know whether you would choose a man or a woman as your partner?”

“I didn’t know I had a choice.”

“Of course, you do.”

“I’ve not considered it. I’m not sure I’m ready for either but I do know this body responds to men.”

“You’ll know when you’re ready. I must get myself prepared for tomorrow. Good night Shaelan!” Cadie hugged me then left me alone in my room.

It had been less than a week since my transformation and I was beginning to feel much more at home in my situation. What I admitted to Cadie galvanized my own sense of personhood. I was happy to be Shaelan. My life was better and softer. It was filled with compassion and people that cared about me. Walking into the bathroom, I stared at myself in the mirror. The person looking back no longer seemed quite so foreign.

 

*** Another Glimmer ***

 

The next morning, I donned my travel outfit and put my other clothes into a small pack along with a little food and water. Horses were uncommon these days so we would be travelling on foot. It would take a full day to get to the next village. Walking through the village, people came out to greeted me and touched my hands. I encouraged them to pack as much food as possible and prepare to meet us in the next village in a few days.

I met Darnel, the elders, and my honor guard of seven in the village square. The elders placed their hands on my head and spoke a blessing over me and everyone. Darnel hugged me and encouraged me to let the guard do their job. I sighed at that. It was hard letting others fight battles for me.

Throughout the day I noticed Cadie walking close to Ewen. They seemed to be drawing closer together. I could feel the spark between them. It was late in the day when we approached the village. Looking down upon it from a rocky outcropping that overlooked the area, I could see that the village was at least twice the size of ours and there were both crops and flocks being taken care of. I stretched my Fae senses and could feel three Dark Fae in the area. We were still a long way off and Cadie was relaying what she was seeing with her enhanced sight. That’s a nice trick. I wish I could do that. Feeling a small shudder flow through my body, suddenly things became very focused and clear and I could now see what Cadie was seeing.

“My Lady? Are you all right?” Ewen was looking at me strangely.

“I’m fine Ewen. I can see everything so clearly now.”

“Your eyes, my Lady.” Ewen fumbled with his clothes and produced a small hand-sized mirror. What I saw was rather startling. My blue eyes were still blue, and their shape was the same, but they reminded me more of bird’s eyes. I closed my eyes and opened them again and they’re once again back to normal, but my vision wasn’t as far-reaching anymore.

Cadie came to my side. “Another glimmer?”

Ewen nodded. “Transformation magic. Can you think of claws, or wings, perhaps even cat eyes?”

Claws?I held out my hand and thought of mountain lion claws. Before my eyes, my finger nails extruded and became razor sharp talons. “That’s so strange. Frightening even.”

Cadie held my clawed hand and watched the claws disappeared. “That could come in handy if you’re bound and your weapons taken. You could escape easily. I wonder if you’ll be able to fully transform when you get your full powers?”

I tried switching to my hawk-like eyes and looked down on the village again before shifting them back. “What’s our plan?” I thought discussing the plan might help me calm my rapidly beating heart.

“I saw two Dark Fae.”

“There’s three. I could feel a third down there.”

Cadie looked at me and smiled knowingly. “Your High Fae senses are growing stronger as you approach your birthday. You’ll be able to feel the land soon and after your birthday, you’ll likely be able to sift as far as you can feel.”

“Wonderful. Another magic anomaly from your Queen.”

“This is a good thing, my Queen. What you see as a burden, we see as hope through your growing powers. How will we deal with these Dark Fae?”

“The village knows we’re coming, correct?”

“We must assume our messenger arrived and the people know already.” Ewen sat next to Cadie and I caught a small flicker of a smile from her.

“The village is laid out much like ours is. If they’re expecting us, then what if I simply walk into the town square? Wouldn’t that draw the attention of the Dark Fae?”

Ewen chuckled. “You going anywhere draws attention, my Lady.” Cadie elbowed him lightly. “Uh hmmm. What I meant was you’d be spotted early so any positioning we do around the square would be undone.”

“Would the Dark Fae sense us, or me while they’re sleeping?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean they won’t take shifts or one might be awake. A Dark Fae can sense a few hundred feet.”

“Then what about a distraction? Do you see that bale of straw between the crops and the barns?”

“Barely, my Lady.”

“What if in the early morning before the sun rises, we move ourselves down there. Cadie can get on the roof of the barn, the rest of us hidden as we did before. I can set the straw on fire which should cause the Dark Fae to come and investigate. Then we simply attack them.”

“I’m glad this time you said you would remain hidden with us, my Lady.”

“I’m just trying to do my part. Personally I’d rather just walk down there and attack them on my own.”

Ewen sighed. “We need to consider the impact you can have on the village people. We need to show strength, power, and confidence. They’re broken people. I don’t want you front and center, but you’ve proven to all of us we can trust you in a fight. So let’s do this in a different way. Before dawn, we all move to the square. It’s possible we may be intercepted, but that’s not a huge concern. Let’s assume we aren’t as these Dark Fae are lazy brutes like they tend to be. We position ourselves around the square and you wake up the town. There’s usually a town bell in the square, simply ring it a few times.”

“It all sounds rather simple. We should try to keep at least one of them alive. We might be able to gain some information from them. Can we prevent ones we capture from sifting?”

“Pain will distract them from sifting. Then chains or something to hold them to a position. We should get ready for sleep. We have much to do tomorrow.”

That night I laid on a thin blanket and stared into the night sky. The stars here seem so close and vibrant.Closing my eyes, I thought of seeing in the dark like a cat. When I opened my eyes, the world was transformed. Everything was bright, almost as bright as day, but there was little to no color. I could see movements of the minutest creatures as small flashes of light. The world became alive to the point it was almost confusing. I closed my eyes and returned to normal and stretched out my senses. Cadie is right. I can feel further and further. I traveled in my mind to the next village. I felt the Dark Fae there and saw a young female being dragged to one of the Dark Fae’s beds unwillingly. My anger burned at the Dark Fae. Then I sensed something completely different. It was strong, very strong. A man was chained, but his mind was free. I could feel him; my senses keenly aware of his surroundings and his position almost as if I could see him with my own eyes. I whispered to him. “I’m coming.”And then I heard it in my mind as I felt the man stir. “My Lady!”

I was shocked and stunned. How can I speak and be heard to another person so far away? I can’t speak to Cadie this way.Between the speaking to the man and the anger that burned over the young woman being taken unwillingly, sleep eluded me for a long time.

 

*** I have an anchor ***

 

I woke several hours before dawn and changed into my royal battle outfit. Within moments our team was ready to go, and I fell into step next to Cadie as we headed towards the village.

“Cadie, last night… I wanted to see how far my senses could go and I directed them north and beyond the village. I could almost see things in my mind. In the next village… I sensed a man, a Fae. He was chained. I whispered to him to let him know I was coming. He felt powerful. I think he heard me. Is that possible?”

Cadie’s face looked rather pale in the early dawn light. “Yes, my Lady and also no.”

“That makes no sense.”

“You’re not of age yet so you shouldn’t be able to see or sense that far. Even for a High Fae as powerful as you are. Did you feel your senses could move further east or west?”

“I’m not sure, it seemed easy to move north.”

“Try now, but go west, then try going north again.”

I stopped walking and closed my eyes. Reaching as far west as I could, I could only go a little way west of the city. Then I tried going north and easily sensed the next village. I tried to go further but couldn’t. “I can go north as far as the next village, but not too far west.”

We started walking again and Cadie grabbed Ewen’s arm and whispered into his ear. He looked back at me like he must consider something before whispering back to Cadie. Cadie then spoke to me again. “I can’t tell you too much as this is rather unheard of. You have an anchor in the next village. Something that allows you to sense in a line to that point.”

“An anchor. What about the man and the fact I thought he heard me?”

“Ewen thinks that’s a conversation for another time and I agree with him. Let’s focus on this village and take care of the situation here first. We can discuss this more later, my Lady.” Do I sense a smile lurking on her face?

We arrived at the village square without incident. The sun was just rising. I could feel the village stirring and getting ready for the day. As soon as the sun hit the square, I rang the village bell three times. Within minutes doors opened and people came out of the buildings to stare at me. Three Dark Fae materialized directly in front of me.

“Good morning.” I tried to put as much cheerfulness into my voice as I could. “Lay down your weapons now and surrender. This is my village and these are my people.” I could see Ewen reach for his sword and I indicated with my hand for him to pause.

The largest of the Dark Fae stepped forward. His wings unfurled and flicked about as if he was agitated. He’s huge.

“I don’t care if our Empress wants you. No one comes to my village and demands anything. You’re dead!”

He drew his sword and I disarmed him in a split second. I then grabbed his neck with my left hand and extended my claws as my sword pressed against his bloated stomach. The other Dark Fae drew their weapons, but both went down seconds later with arrows through their heads. I started closing my fingers letting my claws dig into the Dark Fae’s neck and I ran the tip of my sword along his stomach causing it to sizzle.

“He’s all yours.” Ewen and the other guards were instantly pushing the Dark Fae to the ground and tying him. “I’m sorry, Ewen, I couldn’t let you have all the fun.”

“It’s quite all right, my Lady. You’re inspiring to watch.”

“Cadie, you’ve been practicing!”

Cadie stood by my side and kept an arrow trained on the Dark Fae until they had him fully bound and staked to the ground. “I’ve spent six hours a day practicing. I’m getting much faster and better.”

Turning to the people of the village that had circled us, they began to bow to me. “Please stand. You’re free.” I waited until they were all standing before I continued. “I’m Shaelan Scarletsun reborn and returned to you. It’s my promise to you that I will fight against Gwenyth, free the Court of Light, and restore the land or die trying. Our village to the south is also free, but they’ll need shelter for a few weeks until we can build up our strength. You’re no longer slaves to the Dark Fae.”

A cheer arose and people came forward to thank each of us with tears and hugs. One of the remaining elders held me tightly. “You really returned. I had almost lost hope. I’m assuming you’ve had some glimmers. How many glimmers have you had?”

“Three. No four. Water, fire, transformation, and some special kind of far sense. I’m guessing the last one is a glimmer.”

Cadie and Ewen snuck closer and interrupted us. “Santhiel. It’s so good to see you!” Ewen hugged the elder and led him away as Cadie asked another woman if there was a private room where she and I could talk. We were led through the village to a small cabin. The woman left us be and closed the door behind her.

“What’s going on, Cadie?”

“Your far sense isn’t a glimmer. It’s something else. We didn’t want to tell you earlier.”

“Tell me what?”

“The anchor in the other village… It’s the man.”

“I sensed he’s very strong.”

“That’s not it.” Cadie was wringing her hands.

“Cadie, please. What does this mean?”

“You said you thought you could speak to him and he heard?”

“Yes.”

“Shaelan… that man is likely a High Fae and… he’s your soul mate.”

“My what?”

“Your soul mate. The one person in the world you’re meant, or should I say destined, to be with. You’re very strong, Shaelan, but no one can sense that far before they come of age. You can always sense in the direction of your soul mate. When you whispered to him, did he respond?”

“I thought I heard him say my Lady.”

Cadie bit her lip. “Shaelan, the gods have chosen your mate for you, one that will fulfill your desires, complement your power, and help you restore the world. You must save him. We must save him.”

I sat down on the bed. “This must be a mistake. I’m not even sure I can be with a man.”

“Regardless, my Lady, the gods have chosen your mate. He’ll know when he sees you and you have time to get to know him.”

“Why do I suddenly feel like a slave again? A slave to the gods.”

“My Lady… Shaelan… You’re always free to choose your own path, but know this… I believe the gods are looking after you and after everyone’s best interest. Any other path will lead to death and pain for you, or for many others. If I may offer some advice?”

“Certainly, Cadie.”

“Don’t be too quick to dismiss this. You’re reborn; you have a new life. A life that impacts many thousands of lives. Find joy within yourself, with who you are, with the people around you that love and adore you, and everything will fall into place.”

“And you, Cadie? Do you have this connection with Ewen?”

“We have a connection, but it’s not like what you’ve described. Lesser Fae have never been known to have the type of connection to their mates as High Fae. Perhaps it’s because of the lower level of our power. No one really knows. Even with High Fae, what you’re experiencing is rare, perhaps only occurring once every few hundred years.”

“Were my parents soul mates?”

“I only know what I’ve learned from history, but everyone believes so. They married for love and not for political gain, which is the usual High Fae bonding.”

Putting my head in my hands, I thought about fate and destiny. Am I better off since I became Shaelan or have I simply traded one life of pain and suffering for another?“Will you come with me, Cadie?”

“Of course. Where are we going?”

“To the next village. There’s a single Dark Fae there that deserves to die, and I suppose I need to free my gods-picked future husband.”

“What about the rest of the guards and the people here?”

“Ewen will have enough on his hands getting this place organized. We can handle a single Dark Fae. Last night, he was raping a young girl. He receives no mercy.”

We left the room and were immediately set upon by over a hundred villagers. They needed to see me and touched me to make sure I was real. I was happy to see them, yet, at the same time, all this activity wore me out. I had never been a people person and being Shaelan had immensely helped me become more extroverted, but the change from being on my own to having so many people depend upon me added to my stress. Ewen squeezed through the throng of people to give me a report. Thirteen villagers were trained fighters and ready to take up arms. We had enough weapons for only four of them, bringing our armed fighters to eleven.

“Ewen, you’re doing an excellent job but there’s something Cadie and I must do. We’re heading to the next village. There’s only a single Dark Fae there and I’m sure you’re aware of Cadie’s suspicions regarding my ‘anchor’.”

“Let me send more men with you both, just in case.”

“You need all the help you can get to help the villagers here. Tomorrow our village should arrive and perhaps even the one further north too in a few days. This will take all the help you can get to be prepared. We also need to be ready for the fourth village and send scouts to the city to find the weapons cache. Cadie and I can defeat a single Dark Fae and I promise to bring her back to you safely in two days.”

It was clear Ewen didn’t like the idea, but he nodded and with a quick squeeze of Cadie’s hand left us.

“Come on, Cadie. Let’s get moving.”

 

*** The Gods Must Be Wrong ***

 

The next village was only half a day’s journey and we make good time, arriving just after the sun reached its peak. This village was laid out much like the first one with the exception that the crops seemed to be thriving more. Cadie told me she suspected this was due to the influence of the High Fae, similar in a way to my presence bringing life to the land at the other village.

“I can feel him strongly.”

“The Dark Fae?”

“No, my anchor.” I still had a hard time believing or saying he was my soul mate. Just as we entered the village, my left hand flared with searing pain. I almost shouted but when I checked my hand there was nothing wrong with it.

"What’s the matter, Shaelan?”

“My hand is burning.”

“Reach out with your senses. What’s happening to your soul mate?”

“Oh gods… We need to move.”

There were villagers in the field that we ignored as we ran into the village. I knew instinctively where to go, and I bolted for a door of one of the larger buildings. Cadie was barely able to keep up with me so driven was my urgency. Throwing the door open, I drew my sword and stared at a Dark Fae holding a small torch under the shackled hand of a man. I was incensed. Putting the torch out with my magic, I threw myself at the Dark Fae. My iron sword slicing up between his legs. “That’s for the girl last night.” I seethed at the creature. The Dark Fae nearly passed out from the pain. I managed to regain his attention by cutting through his membranous wings. “That’s for torturing him.”

The Dark Fae suddenly went wild in my arms, grabbing me and throwing me across the room. My sword clattered away. Cadie tried to maneuver to train her bow on him, but the room was too confining.

“Your death… will bring me great riches, Shaelan Scarletsun.”

I looked at him. His wings were ruined, and dark blood dripped from his loins. He would die slowly if I just left him but one thought as to what he did to the young girl and to this man and rage filled me afresh. Drawing my dagger as he drew his sword, I crashed into him again; my vision picking out every twitch of his muscles and my reactions faster than I even knew I was capable of. I dodged his clumsy sword play easily and began tearing him to shreds with my dagger. He swung again and I grabbed his wrist stopping the force of his blow and I willed freezing into his arm. I watched as his arm crystalized. He screamed in pain.

“Die you filthy beast!” I shouted as I drove my dagger under his chin and into his brain. Pulling my dagger out, I watched as he fell to the building floor; his arm shattering into a thousand pieces.

“My Lady, you’re hurt!” I felt Cadie’s gentle touch on my left shoulder. I turned towards her and she gasped. “Your eyes, my Lady.”

I hadn’t even realized I shifted them. I closed them and took a deep breath. When I opened them again Cadie’s smile returned.

“That’s never happened before. I have heard of people called bezerkers in battle. I’ve never lost myself in a fight like that before.” Looking at my shoulder, I could see it was bruised and cut, but was rapidly healing.

Cadie touched my shoulder again. “I’ve never seen anyone fight like that before. I couldn’t even see you move you were so quick.”

“That’s all very touching ladies, but do you think you could get me out of here?”

We turned to look at the man who was shackled and chained at both wrists. An iron band was around his head and I could see it burning his skin. He was stripped bare, with only his breeches left on. His face was bruised, and bleeding and his torso stripped with whip scars. His left hand was blistered. For all that, I took a hesitant inward gasp of air. He was extremely handsome, and his muscles were well defined under his bronzed skin.

I moved to him involuntarily. My heart ready to burst within my chest. I gently removed the iron band and tossed it away. Placing my hands on his sweated and dirty brow, I willed healing into him. It was almost as if something snapped inside me as I drew on magic I never knew I had. Cadie would tell me later it was another glimmer, but I didn’t care as my heart would have broken if I didn’t touch him.

He was staring at me as I pulled away. He was healed with only minor scars left across his chest and back. His blue eyes drew me in, and I found it hard to breathe. Then he smiled. “Thank you for that, but I have been hanging here for three days and I’m rather hungry and thirsty. Why don’t you find something for me to eat and drink while this other one here finds the keys and unlocks me?”

Cadie almost pushed me aside as she was very upset. “You’ll not talk to our Queen like that you miserable piece of…” She stopped when he started laughing. It wasn’t a mirthless laugh, but the laugh of someone who knew exactly what he had just done. Cadie turned to me. “I think we should leave him here.” She stomped her foot and stormed out of the building.

I looked into his eyes again. They were softer, more compassionate. “Do you know where the keys are?”

“There’s a drawer in that wooden desk over there. They should be inside.”

I found the keys and unlocked the man. He stood and stretched almost like a cat. His long matted brown hair extended to his broad shoulders. I gathered my weapons and sheathed them then handed the Dark Fae’s sword to the man. Not sure what I should be doing as his presence confused me, I turned and walked out the door into the village square. Once again, the entire village has turned out and was waiting to greet me. They all bowed low and whispered, “My Queen.” I moved from person to person and raised them to their feet. They waited for me to speak to them.

Looking around the crowd of people, my eyes fell upon a young woman. She was beaten and bruised. I knew she was the one the Dark Fae raped. I moved through the crowd without saying a word; strangely I could feel the man standing on the steps of the building behind me, watching me. At first the girl shied at my touch as I reached for her, but then she fell into my arms and sobbed. I held her and once again poured healing into her body. The crowd gasped as her bruises disappeared.

I looked her in the eyes and stroked her hair. “I want you to know that hideous creature that did this to you is dead. I made him suffer for what he did to you.” She bowed her head not wanting to look me in the eyes. I gently lifted her chin. “You never have to bow to me. Never feel ashamed of yourself. Use your pain to make you stronger.” She hugged me and clung to me as I stood.

Wiping the tears from my cheek, I addressed the people. “People of the Court of Light, you’re free! The Dark Fae will eventually come to investigate this village, but we’re rebuilding at the village to the south. The people there are making room for all of you. Until we can gather enough fighters and weapons, we’re still at risk. Gather your things, your valuables, and your food. Tomorrow we travel to the other village where you’ll be protected and cared for.”

There was a cheer and a half dozen men pressed forward. They told me they were trained fighters.

“I welcome you all. We need every available fighter. Be with your families now and get them prepared.”

Two elders approached and wept openly. They were both women and they pulled me into hugs, and they kissed my cheeks. “You’re welcome to stay with us tonight. You’ll honor us at a feast as well?”

The Fae do love food and I realized this was an important part of my life now. “I would be honored. Thank you.”

The crowd dispersed some and I turned to see the man standing there still staring at me. Cadie came around the corner of the building with a bucket of water in her hand. She tossed the water at the man, soaking him. “Here’s your water you asked for! You’ll need more than that to remove the stink though.”

I burst out laughing not expecting Cadie to ever do something like that.

The man started laughing as well. “I guess I deserved that. We’ve not formally met yet.” He extended a hand to Cadie who looked him straight in the eye with a slight level of distrust. “I’m Altarin Camdenoly.”

I watched Cadie’s eyes go wide, but she maintained her eye contact with him.

Altarin grinned. “You’re a feisty one. I like that. Most people won’t look me in the eyes.”

“I’m Cadie and I’ve been trained well, your Majesty. My Queen insists I not bow or look away.”

“Your Queen is a remarkable and unique woman.”

“She’s the most beautiful, courageous, and gifted person in the world.”

“I’m right here you two. What’s with the ‘your majesty’ stuff?”

Altarin turned and bowed slightly towards me. He took my hand in his and I felt like my knees would give way. He kissed my knuckles and looked me straight in the eyes. “So you’re the one? The prophecies are true after all. I wasn’t sure what to expect. When I felt your touch last night I admit I was disheartened. After all, who wants to marry someone they’ve never met before? You could have been an old hag.”

I threw my hand down releasing his hand from mine as I watched him smile mischievously. “How dare you insinuate we’re getting married! You’re insufferable!” I was blushing and I knew it, so I turned my back on him and walked off. Cadie followed closely after me.

“I can’t believe I threw a bucket of water on the King of the Court of Dawn. I’m so dead!”

I stopped walking and turned to Cadie. “What do you mean he’s the King of the Court of Dawn?”

“The Court of Dawn is an island kingdom in the far west. The Court of Light and the Court of Dawn were allies, but Gwenyth attacked the Court of Light early on in her war against us to decimate our armies as we were by far the biggest threat to her. History says she all but ignored the Court of Dawn until a about a hundred years ago. Altarin’s father was killed by Gwenyth and his court scattered. I had heard rumors that Altarin, the rightful heir to the Court of Dawn, came to our lands to try to build an army to fight Gwenyth.”

We continued to walk as I felt a need to put some distance between Altarin and myself. “How old is he?”

Cadie beamed. “You like him!”

“No I don’t. He’s a… he’s a real piece of work.” I was blushing again.

“It’s alright, Shaelan. I saw how you look at him and how he looks at you. You really are soul mates, but that doesn’t mean you’ll instantly fall in love with each other. He’s young, six or seven hundred years old I think. He’s also powerful, a transformer and a telekinetic. The iron band that was around his head negates Fae magic. I’m told it’s very painful.”

 

*** Infuriating and Confusing Destinies ***

 

Cadie and I found a runner to take a message to Ewen at the other village to let them know we were fine and to be prepared for more people arriving tomorrow. We made ourselves as useful as we could and leveraged our new guards to keep the people organized. Altarin disappeared even though I seemed to know exactly where he was always. I suspect he was helping the people but kept his distance on purpose, which was fine with me. I spent time with the people in the fields and helped them dig vegetables and lift them into carts. The people couldn’t get over the fact that their queen was doing manual labor. I needed the distraction and the labor helped make me feel useful.

This village had several horses that would pull the carts. These were the first horses I had seen in the Fae lands. They were large, strong, and beautiful animals. I considered moving on to the next village, but the larger village needed time to adjust as the community grew and I needed to be here for the people to help them be ready to move.

The feast was held in the village’s large community building. A special table and chair were set for me, but I refused to sit there by myself. I picked up my plate of food and squeezed in beside some of the villagers so I could get to know them better. I still couldn’t bring myself to allow them to serve me, even if I was their queen.

It wasn’t long before I felt Altarin’s presence nearby. It was unnerving to feel the constant connection. I was in the middle of pondering my situation again and looking down at my hair and body when he came into the building.

Looking up, our eyes meet. He gave me a slight nod and a smile, then I watched as he mingled with the crowd. He knew all of them by name. They loved him. I watched as he gracefully moved from table to table and person to person. He was a natural leader. He had also cleaned himself up well. His dark brown hair shone and flowed to his shoulders. His hair had the lightest touch of curls. He was clean and wearing clothing that slightly exposed his chest and his tanned skin. My heart beat faster in my chest as he neared. Can I ever be with a man? Are my feelings contrived or manipulated by the gods?Does he feel what I feel?Even though I questioned myself, my body yearned to be in his arms.

Finding another plate, I got some food together. I brought Altarin the plate and watched his eyes dance merrily. Cadie, who had been talking animatedly with the villagers paused to watch our interaction.

Altarin tipped his head towards me and showed another devastating smile. “It’s not every day I’m served by someone as beautiful as you, my Lady.” I felt the heat rise to my face. “Will this be a daily occurrence once you’re Shaelan Camdenoly-Scarletsun?”

“The only thing larger than this room, your Majesty, is your ego.” I turned and placed the plate of food in front of one of the villagers who looked confused since he already had a plate of food. “Sleep well, your Majesty.” I turned to go but my way was blocked.

“My Lady, please forgive me. Sometimes my witty remarks leave my mouth faster than my brain can stop them when I’m nervous.”

I turned back, flustered at not having an escape route and reminded myself of who I was and the power I had over men. Giving him a smile I knew could melt an iceberg, I placed the flat of my hand on his chest for emphasis. “Why would the strong, courageous, King of the Court of Dawn ever be nervous?”

He straightened himself out and tried hard to keep his eyes focused on mine and not at the cleavage my clothing generously displayed. “In all my years, I’ve never been challenged; I’ve never seen anyone or anything so beautiful as you. I find myself stumbling over myself trying to make a good impression.”

Cadie’s mouth fell open. I moved my hand from his chest to his cheek as I gave him another smile. “That almost sounds like a compliment. I suggest you keep working on trying to make a good impression. Good night, your Majesty.” I squeezed pass him and slipped out into the cool night air taking a deep breath to calm my nerves.

Cadie rushed up behind me and took my arm in hers. “That was some excellent dinner entertainment back there.”

“If he expects me to faint at his words and fall immediately into bed with him, he’s got another thing coming. He’s so infuriating!”

“But you’re attracted to him, aren’t you?”

I paused and thought about that. I was a man a week ago. How in the name of the gods can I even remotely be attracted to him?I sat down on a bench and Cadie sat down next to me. Shaelan hadn’t been interested in women, only men. We’re one person now and I know I’m drawn to Altarin. “Yes…” I whispered with a hint of resignation and maybe more than a hint of acknowledgement of who I really was now.

“Who wouldn’t be attracted to him? He’s incredibly handsome and a good match for your beauty. If he can only keep his mouth shut he might even be perfect.”

That caused me to laugh so deeply tears formed in my eyes. I’ve never laughed so hard in my entire life. Is this what joy is like?“Come on, Cadie. Let’s go get some rest as we have a busy day tomorrow getting the people to the other village.” I felt a little surge of magic and a pair of eyes watching us from the forest. Smiling, I grabbed hold of Cadie’s arm and headed to the elder’s cabin.

 

*** Ambushed ***

 

It was late the next morning that the people were finally ready to go. They had worked through the night in anxious preparation. I watched Altarin as he helped load the carts and organized the people. He would lead us back to the other village and I would follow up the rear with Cadie. The unarmed guards spread themselves out within the line of people. They wanted to surround me but I convinced them I was fine and to move on ahead.

We had just started moving and the last of the villagers were crossing the fields when I sensed darkness pooling behind me. I turned and drew my sword just as four Dark Fae materialized before me. There was no discussion or parlay as they immediately drew their weapons and surged forward to attack.

Cadie backed off and started firing arrows, killing one of the Dark Fae, but she was too close and a powerful backhanded hit from one of them sent her flying to the ground unconscious. As I watched her crumple in a heap on the ground, I could feel myself snap in anger. I only vaguely heard the screams of the villagers as three more Dark Fae materialized to my right. I was the wind and fire as I wove through the Dark Fae like they were statues. There was no quarter or mercy as I slashed, burned, and froze them. Within seconds four of the six were dead. I had taken some hits, but I just kept going. Suddenly I felt slow and sluggish and pain washed over my body. I wasn’t sure what was happening to me, but I realized I was bleeding and being pushed back, my strength was rapidly fading.

The two remaining Dark Fae were closing in on me. My blocks were becoming weaker and weaker. I reached for my magic only to find it not there. I continued to battle fiercely but I knew I was in trouble. I backed up as I fought, my tiredness growing by the second. My heel connected with something solid, a fallen Dark Fae, and I tripped backwards. Raising my sword feebly, I could see the smiles on the Dark Fae as they closed in for the kill. My head swam with dizziness and I felt darkness creeping in around me. And then, in a flash, the two Dark Fae were slammed from the side. I saw a golden hide, fangs, and claws, then nothing.

When I opened my eyes Altarin was cradling me. His eyes were golden with dark vertical slits reminding me of a cat’s. He blinked and they were normal again. I tried to speak but I was so exhausted nothing came out. “Shhhh. Stay still, Shaelan.” I could feel tendrils of magic wrap around me. My energy was returning. My voice as well.

“Cadie! The villagers!”

“Are fine thanks to you.”

Cadie came to my side looking worried. “I’m so sorry, my Lady. I failed you!” She was crying. I reached my hand up to touch her face, but my arm felt like it is made of stone.

“You did well, Cadie. A bow isn’t a good weapon for such close fighting. I’ll need to teach you to use a sword.” She smiled weakly.

“You completely expended your magic. That’s why you’re so tired. You’re amazing. I’ve never seen anyone take out four Dark Fae before and you still haven’t come of age yet.”

Altarin tenderly brushed my hair from my eyes. Do I get the impression Altarin is concerned for me?

The elders and villagers laid their hands on me and I could feel my energy returning and my cuts and bruises began to heal. I slowly got to my feet and looked at the carnage. The six guards had already collected the weapons from the slaughtered remains of the Dark Fae. They stood guard around us. Altarin held me even though I no longer needed his help. I leaned into him a little. “What happened?”

One of the elders spoke up. “What do you remember?”

“I remember Cadie getting hurt, then it was as if time stood still. As suddenly as it happened, it stopped and it felt like I woke from a dream. I was exhausted and fell, then a great cat rescued me.” I turned to Altarin. “That was you?” He nodded.

The elder continued. “I’ve never seen anyone fight like you did, my Lady. You were so fast, and you wove your magic into your fight effortlessly. It seemed like only seconds and the four Dark Fae were dead. Then Altarin arrived from the front of our line and killed the remaining two.”

“When will my magic return?”

“It already is, but when you completely expend yourself it can take longer. A day, perhaps.”

Altarin’s arm was around my shoulders and I felt comfort and protection but then it dawned on me how intimate the touch was. “We have a ways to go. We should keep moving.” I glanced at Altarin’s eyes and turned away from the intensity of them. Four guards decided they would stay with me and Altarin took his place back at the front of the line. I was grateful to get going again and have the attention off me for a while.

“I’m so sorry, my Lady.”

“Cadie, these things happen in battle. We weren’t expecting an attack, let alone one so swift and with so many. You killed one, and at such close range, that’s admirable. I think I know what’s happening to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“You say Altarin is my soul mate. When I felt his pain, when I was concerned for his safety, that’s when I lost it. When I saw you hurt, it happened again. It’s as if when someone I’m close to is in danger, I do everything I can to protect them. I lose sense of space and time. I think I might be able to control it better next time.”

Cadie’s eyes became moist. “You’re saying you care for me?”

“No, Cadie. I love you like the sister I never had. I’ve never had family and few people I would call friends. I feel loss over my Fae parents, but it’s such a vague memory. You’re my best friend. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

She took my arm in hers. “The feeling is mutual.”

“If I adopted you would you become a princess?”

Cadie laughed. “It doesn’t work that way. I have to be High Fae to be royalty of any kind.”

“That’s ridiculous. You’re more royal and wiser than anyone else I know. If I can’t make you princess, then what good of a Queen am I?”

“I don’t need to be a princess.”

“And I don’t need to be a queen but I have to build my court. What if I start with you? Advisor and head of my archery divisions.”

Cadie giggled. “Divisions of one person.”

“I’m serious. You may be one now, but I foresee thousands soon. What do you say?”

Cadie stopped and I stared back at her. “You’re not kidding are you?”

“No, Cadie. I really mean it.”

“I’m not qualified.”

“You’re no more qualified than I am to be queen. You can do this and I already trust your wisdom, which is well beyond your years.”

“Then I’d be honored, my Queen.” She curtsied and I found a small branch and touched both her shoulders with it.

“Now it’s official.” We both laughed and caught up with the rest of the villagers.

It was late in the evening when the last of us straggled into the village. By the time we got there the first villagers had greatly exaggerated the heroics of their queen and Ewen rushed to us full of concern. He even hugged Cadie. It wasn’t long before Darnel showed up and some of the other villagers. It was like a reunion even though we had only been gone a few days. Altarin had been standing back from us, but I waved him forward.

“Ewen, Darnell, meet Altarin Camdenoly, rightful King of the Court of Dawn.”

Ewen gave him an appraising look then glanced at Cadie who nodded. He stepped forward and shook Altarin’s hand. “Well met, your Majesty.”

Darnel, who wasn’t into handshakes, simply hugged Altarin. He glanced between me and Altarin. It was as if everyone shared our secret which I wasn’t certain I even believed myself.

Stories were shared and we found out that several Dark Fae attacked this village earlier in the day. It was clear the Dark Fae were aware of things happening in the area. We now had twenty-one armed fighters, including myself. We needed more weapons, fighters, and space as one look at all the people I knew things would be tight. The people remarkably had a joyous perspective though and it felt like one giant family.

Ewen wasted no time and invited the elders, several key fighters, two scouts that had headed into the city, Altarin, and me to an evening meeting in the large hall. I was still exhausted, but I pulled Cadie to my side and told them she was the first appointment of my council and in charge of our archery divisions. While it raised a few eyebrows, no one questioned me. Ewen smiled and led us all to the hall.

In a way, this is the first strategy planning session of the rebellion. Ewen brought us all up to speed and the scouts shared what they had seen. The city was called Atheron and it was a moderately sized city, capable of housing nearly ten thousand people. While most of the city sat desolate, three or four thousand people still lived there. The city itself sat on the banks of a river and had a small palace on the west side. The weapons cache was under the palace.

Dark Fae were visible throughout the city. An estimated thirty or forty of them were seen, however, the numbers seemed to be dwindling. We calculated at least a dozen had been killed by us that were likely reinforcements from the city.

I yawned and apologized. “I’m sorry, I’m exhausted.”

Ewen wanted to keep the meeting going but I could see Cadie place a hand on his arm.

“I don’t want to delay long, but I think we need a week to prepare for this. We have many skilled craftsmen from the three villages. We need more archers and iron-tipped arrows. Cadie can oversee those interested in joining her ranks and the stocking of her supplies. We should send three or four guards to the further village, take back control and bring them all back here. How defensible is the city? Are their gardens and food supplies within the walls in case we get inside and have to sustain ourselves against an extended siege?”

The scouts suggested the high walls of the palace made for an exceptional city for defense. There was enough water and gardens within the Atheron’s walls to sustain it indefinitely.

“Then I suggest we send runners into the city to awaken the population. We’ll need their help to overthrow the Dark Fae there. We plan our attack carefully, take over the city, and make it our base and stronghold.”

“I’ll go to the far village.”

Looking at Altarin, I knew I didn’t want him to go but he was the only other High Fae and they would need the extra protection. I nodded sadly which didn’t go unnoticed by Altarin or Cadie. Ewen agreed to the suggestions and we finished the meeting.

We were walking out into the evening when Altarin called my name. Cadie gave me some space.

“Shaelan.”

I looked into Altarin’s eyes as we both fumbled for words.

“You know they’ll need me.”

I nodded.

“Am I getting the feeling you’re worried about me?”

I smiled sleepily. “Don’t get your hopes up. Have you considered I agreed to your going merely to be free of seeing your face for a few days?”

“And here I thought I was leaving so you could sleep well at night without the constant passions running through your mind from seeing me all day long.”

“Keep working on trying to make good impressions, your Majesty.”

I turned to meet up with Cadie when I felt his touch. His hand stroked my hair and he looked into my eyes. “Be safe, my Queen.”

“You too, my Panther.” It sounded a little too endearing but I was too tired to care. I watched him smile and sneak off into the shadows.

 

*** Preparing for War ***

 

The next four days were busy ones. No Dark Fae were spotted and Cadie was doing an excellent job identifying good archers and overseeing the building of new bows and arrows. My energy had fully restored, and I even had another glimmer of air magic which proved very useful for archery situations.

Every night we met to go over the plans for attacking the city and each day when I got a chance I stretched my senses north towards a certain individual. I could hear his voice but it was harder for him to hear mine. I suspect that was due to me not being of age yet and the distance separating us. When he was nearer I didn’t seem to have any difficulty speaking to him through our connection. He gave updates on their status which gave me some comfort. The further village had more horses and several trained archers as well as a few more fighters. Of course, he never missed an opportunity to try to seduce me. I found myself strangely looking forward to his ramblings about my beauty and his hints of how I needed him.

When our scouts alerted us to a large group of people arriving from the north I ran out to greet them. I wanted to see my people, but secretly I was hoping for a glimpse of Altarin. I hugged the people one by one as they arrived and kissed the foreheads of the children. When the last of them entered the village I felt a little lost. I knew Altarin was near, but he wasn’t in the crowd of villagers.

“You missed me.”

I turned around to see him standing right behind me and smiling. “How?”

“It’s part of my magic to mask my sound, scent, and hide from magical sensing if I so choose. You were worried about me.” He smiled smugly.

I had never felt so relieved to see anyone before. The truth was I was desperately worried and missed him terribly. This soul mate thing was causing such conflicting emotions within me. Throwing my arms around his neck, I held him tight.

“I knew it. You want me.” He slipped his hand to my butt.

I grabbed his hand, spun, and pushed his back up against a wall. “Don’t press your luck. You’re not that good looking.” I lied.

“So what you’re saying is that I’m somewhat good looking. I’ll take that as a step in the right direction.”

“Besides, you stink and need a bath.”

“And am I to assume the fresh scent of flowers in your hair was for everyone’s benefit? Maybe you freshened up just because you knew I was arriving today?”

I pushed him towards the bath then carried on my business for the day, but I had a hard time removing my smile. I did add some flower scent into my hair. It had been almost two weeks since I was transformed, and I had never felt so alive and free to be me. I adored the clothing, feeling beautiful, smelling nice, and being desired. I even noticed how people looked at me. There were subtle differences between how they treated Altarin and me. They loved Altarin, but towards him it was a cool respect and an awe of his strength. To me, they were warm and loving and the women liked to emulate me. I’d say they were even more in awe of me and my powers, but it felt softer, kinder.

Wandering out to the field to watch Cadie practicing with her archers, I could safely say I had never seen anyone so talented as Cadie with the bow. I would be hard pressed to do any better and I was considered a master marksman. The only edge I might have over her now was with my small control of wind. I praised Cadie in front of the others. Cadie thrived on encouragement as did all the people. Three hundred years of slavery and not hearing positive words could put even the most positive person into a depression.

Noticing a young woman in Cadie’s group, I realized it was the same one that had been raped. I called her over to us. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Emily, my Queen.” She bowed to me but she looked me in the eyes.

“I was watching you practice. You’re very good.”

Cadie put a hand on Emily’s shoulder. “She’s one of our best.”

“Please let me fight, my Queen!”

I thought back to the day I attacked the guard in the mine. I’d been ten years old.

“How old are you Emily?”

“I’ll be twenty-two next week, my Queen.”

“You realize you have an entire lifetime to fight. We’re at war and war isn’t a pretty thing.”

“Yes, my Queen. But I’ve already seen the hardness of war; it’s tainted me and soiled me. I never want another Dark Fae to do to another what they did to me.”

I looked at Cadie who nodded.

“Then you have my blessing to fight by our side. I’m honored to stand with you. Come here.” I hugged Emily tightly. “You know if you get hurt I’ll never forgive myself.”

She smiled brightly. “I won’t get hurt then, my Queen.”

I turned to Cadie as Emily ran back to her place and continued practicing. “I sure hope not.”

Cadie hugged me. “Remember one of our first talks? People will get hurt and people will die. You can’t protect them all. Just know that if they do, they die paving the way for future generations to be free.”

I went back to my room and laid on my bed. Closing my eyes, I felt Altarin smiling at the other end of our connection. “Cheeky bastard.” I whispered to myself.

 

*** The Battle for Atheron ***

 

The day of the attack on the city had arrived and we all got into position. We had ten archers and fifteen fighters. We left the rest of our guards to protect the village. There were eight Dark Fae on the city walls as early warning guards, the rest were spread throughout the city. Each of our archers had one of these guards targeted. We waited for the gates to open in the morning knowing at each gatehouse there would be several guards helping to concentrate our efforts. The Fae had a remarkable sense of time and we selected the moment when our archers would fire and we’d attack the gates.

I was situated at the south gate and Altarin was at the north gate. I sent a whisper to him. “Be safe.”I was very thankful that our bond seemed to be growing stronger and the shorter distances allowed us the ability to communicate easily.

I felt a moment later, “Dinner for two if this works? You’d need to wear something sexy.”

I whispered back to him, “When this works, you can take me to dinner with Cadie and Ewen as chaperones and I’ll wear the ugliest outfit I can find.”

“I’ll take that.”

I smiled and felt the time was near and snuck closer to the open gates. When the moment was right, I heard the whisper of arrows and the falling of heavy Dark Fae bodies. We rushed the gate and I was careful not to use any magic as we easily vanquished the three guards at the gate. From here on out it would be a free for all. Our archers quickly regrouped to join us. I could see the gleam in Emily’s eyes. This was her first battle and she had a grudge to take care of.

We moved steadily through the city taking out the odd guard we came across. Reaching the city square, I could see Altarin and their group arrive at the same time. Something wasn’t right.“Fan your archers out, Altarin. There’s something wrong here.”I directed my archers to the left.

Taking a step forward, forty Dark Fae materialized in the square in front of us. They were well armed and I could feel the presence of at least two High Dark Fae. It was then that I saw the people of the city. There were Dark Fae guards blocking the streets that entered the square and hundreds, if not thousands of our people were blocked and obviously frightened. Our archers opened fire and took out a dozen, but their bows and arrows began to bend. The High Dark Fae had magical ability to warp wood.

Walking forward into the square, I heard Altarin scream into my mind “No!”The pressure in my mind was more intense than ever before. I put up my hedge shield and it eased. A massive High Dark Fae strode forward.

“You seem to be at a disadvantage, Shaelan Scarletsun. Surrender and we spare all the people in the city and surrounding villages.”

“What would Gwenyth do to you if you killed me?”

“If I bring you in alive or dead, she’ll raise me to the highest position in the land. She wants you alive which is a real pity, but accidents in battle do happen.”

I knew this type of fighter as I’ve fought many like him before. He was extremely prideful and wanted all the glory for himself. “And if one of these behind you kill me in open battle then they would be elevated before you?”

The High Dark Fae grunted which I took as an affirmative.

“In that case, then I suggest just you and I fight. If you win, we surrender. If I win your men surrender.”

I whispered to Altarin through our connection, “They’ll never surrender. As soon as I beat this fellow, attack with everything you’ve got, but send a few to the Dark Fae blocking the city people.”

I heard his voice in my head, “Please don’t do this.”

I whispered back, “Trust me. We’ll have our dinner date. I’ve beat bigger foes than this one.”

“We have a deal. How can you possibly defeat me? You’re scrawny and you’re not even of age.”

“Stop talking and get on with it.”

His sword was massive as were the muscles on his arms. I was also sure he would be quick as well. No magic. I must hold off long enough so that we can get into position. He swung a blow that would have cleaved me in two, but I lightly skipped out of the way. He forced me around the square as I watched his stance and technique. He was good, very good, and very fast. I bided my time, my arms stinging with each blow he landed against my sword. I slowly began to move more on the offensive and still withheld my magic. I’m far faster than he is, and my endurance is greater. I began to whittle away at him, my iron sword burning cuts into his thighs and arms. He swung viciously getting more and more desperate. I dove and rolled out of the way, then sliced upwards digging deeply into his thigh.

He bellowed a roar and I cut him again. I pushed him back towards his men who all scattered out of the way of the fight. I whispered to Altarin, “Now!”I let myself snap and unleashed the magic I had. Everything slowed as I shredded the High Dark Fae before me and wove my way through the stunned and unprepared Dark Fae. I could feel the bottom of the well of my magic and stopped myself this time before I ran dry. Turning, I looked back. Ten Dark Fae, High and Lesser lay dead on the ground. Our men were busy taking out the remainder and I heard the people of the city cheer wildly and begin fighting their guards.

I was busy with more fighters and watched Altarin effortlessly and gracefully slice his way towards me. One Dark Fae got behind me and was about to slice me open when an arrow stabbed though his neck. I saw Emily and Cadie fighting with nothing but arrows. Soon it was all over. Dark Fae littered the grounds. Moving to our fighters first, I healed whomever was injured, but my magic was dangerously low. I then moved to the people of the city, those that were wounded trying to join the fight. I healed them until I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Altarin. I collapsed into his arms.

I’m floating, but no, that’s not quite right. I feel like I’m lying on big fluffy pillows. Wherever I am, it’s the most comfortable I’ve ever been. I opened my eyes to see I was in a large expansive room with incredibly high ceilings. Light was streaming through windows and I was in a very large bed. Looking down, I found I was still dressed in my battle outfit with the exception my boots had been removed. I could see the dark stains of blood on my clothes. I sat up and looked around. Cadie was sleeping in a chair not far from me but at the slightest sound and she woke and was immediately at my side.

“Shealan, how are you feeling?”

“I feel fine, great actually. Where are we?”

“You’re in the palace. After the fight, you tapped out your magic again healing people. By then the city was ours. Altarin carried you here so you could recover. This room and palace is where your parents used to stay when they visited this city.”

I glanced around the room and began noticing the decimation of it. At first glance it looked so grand, but now I could see it had been left to decay. Dirt had built up on the walls and floors, but still, it could easily be brought back to what it once was. “Where’s everyone else?”

“Altarin is seeing to the city defenses. We found and opened the weapons cache and Ewen is working with the fighters in the city distributing weapons and setting up an interior guard.”

I reached out and touched Altarin’s mind. “Good morning.” I whispered.

“It’s about time you’re up. You must stop doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Draining yourself.”

“And I thought you rather enjoyed holding me in your arms.”

“I’m sure I would as long as you were aware I was doing it. I’ll be right there.”

I looked over at Cadie. “I sort of made a promise to Altarin.”

“Oh?”

“If we won the day he wanted dinner with me. I told him I’d accept dinner as long as you and Ewen ate with us.”

“I’m sure we can arrange something. I get the feeling you’re starting to like Altarin.”

“Let’s just say I’m no longer entirely displeased with his attentions.”

I put on my boots and strapped on my weapons when a knock came at the door and Altarin and Ewen poked their heads in. “Cadie, my Lady.”

“Ewen, and your Majesty.” I nodded towards them. “How’s the city doing?”

“Come see for yourself. Everyone is asking about the golden-haired goddess Queen with fire in her eyes and an iron sword at her hip. You’ve made quite the impression.”

We started walking through the hallways and I noticed guards had been posted inside the palace. “What are they protecting, Ewen?”

“You, my Queen.”

I don’t know how I should feel about that. I sighed. “What of the villagers?”

“They’re on their way and should be here by nightfall.”

I was led to a large balcony that overlooked the city square. When the doors opened I squinted in the brilliant sunshine. Throngs of people were moving everywhere as they cleaned the city. Sections that had been closed for years were being reopened for the villagers. Hundreds stopped and stared at me. Cheers arose from them and more and more people came to the square to look upon their savior. Me. Tears were falling from my eyes as I looked upon them. I turned to Altarin. “I need to be with them.” He nodded and tenderly wiped a tear from my cheek.

“I would expect no less from someone that gives all they have for them. You and I need to talk about your little stunt with the High Dark Fae.”

I looked up into his eyes and felt his hands on my shoulders. In the past, I would’ve been angry. Who is he to tell me or scold me about anything?But as I sought his eyes I could only see concern and my feelings became confused. I never had anyone care for me or look after me. While Cadie and these people do, it’s different with Altarin. I’ve longed for a feeling of being protected. The warmth from his hands on my shoulders poured into me and I pictured myself enfolded in his strong arms. I bit my lower lip and suddenly felt very vulnerable and feminine yet I tried to put up a brave face. “You know I had to do it and I was more than capable of protecting myself. These people need to believe in something, to know I’m willing to stand and fight for them.”

We all walked together towards the square where more and more people stopped what they were doing to come see us, or more likely me. Altarin drew much attention anywhere he went, but I was a flame and the people moths.

Altarin paused, gently touching my arm. I turned towards him again. “You know we have a rather unique and rare bond, my Lady? I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you.”

Perhaps it was female hormones, or the tiniest miniscule amount of male pride that still resided within me, but my anger flared. “I’m fully aware of the bond we have between us. I feel your pain. I can sense you all the time. But I can’t be smothered or coddled. I made a promise to fight for these people and, gods be dammed, I’ll not shy away from that, regardless of the pain it might cause me or you.”

Ewen and Cadie had a look of disbelief on their faces and I could see Altarin was hurt by my words. I reached a hesitant hand towards his face and pulled it back. “I’m sorry… I…” Now fully embarrassed and ashamed I turned away to hide the conflicting emotions within me.

“I sure hope you get cleaned up for our dinner tonight. That Dark Fae blood on your clothes and in your hair could prove distracting.” There was a lightness to his words and a smugness behind his smile as he said it.

How can he do this to me? How can he say a few words and I melt inside?I needed to laugh and smile. I turned back to them and took Cadie’s arm in mine and pulled a little of my golden hair in front of my eyes in a very feminine way. “I saw a nice burlap shop on the way into the city. Cadie and I will go there later to look for a suitable sack for me for dinner.” Cadie started laughing.

“And I, for one, will no doubt still be held breathless by your beauty and grace. Come on, there’s a lot to do yet today.”

 

*** Dinner and Glimmers ***

 

It was nice not to have to talk about serious things for a while. We wandered the entire city greeting and meeting people. I helped some women cleaning windows for a while and sweeping the streets with a group of men that owned some shops. Cadie disappeared for a while to inspect the archers on the walls. They now had bows supplied to them from the weapons cache. Ewen was interviewing fighters and assigning responsibilities to the guards. Altarin took it upon himself to see to the city defenses. It was rather late in the afternoon when Ewen and Cadie found me cleaning a fountain.

“We found a vault in the palace and thought perhaps you would like to be there when we open it.”

“Of course.”

“Besides…” Cadie chimed in, “We need to get you ready for dinner tonight.”

I knew how filthy I must look. My hands were almost black with dirt and I was certain my face was smudged. My hair was matted and I still had blood stains on my clothing. “You mean I can’t go like this?”

They led me into the palace and down into the basement. A large metal door blocked the room beyond and it had several locks on it. A locksmith within the city had been found and was working on the last lock. With a click it came away and the door was pulled open. I stood transfixed by what I saw. “What is all of this?”

“It’s a very small portion of the riches of your court, my Queen.”

“But there’s so much! How could it all be so well preserved?”

“When the artisans make these objects, they infuse preservation magic into them. The same as the weapons, my Queen.”

I walked into the large room and never in my life seen so much wealth. There were portraits, furniture, weapons, and artwork. Silver and gold. “Why did Gwenyth and the Dark Fae not use this or destroy them?”

“They don’t find beauty in such things. For them, beauty is darkness, pain, and suffering. They had us remove these things from their sight, my Queen.”

My fingers glided across the items until I came to an object that brought me to my knees. A portrait stashed at the back of the room as large as I was. I wept uncontrollably as I recognized Shaelan’s parents in the portrait. My parents. It released some memories and the tragic loss. He was so handsome and strong and my mother, so beautiful, caring, and compassionate. I felt Cadie’s hand on my shoulder and Altarin’s presence comforting me in my mind. “Are you alright, Shaelan?”

I whispered back. “How can I ever be? How can we ever undo what’s been done?”

“I’m coming…”

“It’s okay. I just found a portrait of my parents.”I felt his sadness well up in him.  “I’m fine. I’ll see you soon.”

I stood and turned towards the people in the room. “These items belong to the people of the Court of Light. Distribute them accordingly to where they belong.”

“Yes, my Queen.”

I looked and found a pair of bows. They were exquisite with ivory and silver inlay. I picked them up and handed them to Cadie. “Take this bow for yourself and give the other to Emily. You both deserve them.”

Cadie’s eyes went wide. The bows were worth a fortune. “Thank you, my Lady! Look here!” Cadie had opened a large chest. I looked inside, then back to the portrait. There were dresses and clothes and one looked exactly like the outfit my mother had worn in the painting. “I think these were your mother’s clothes. At least some of them. Let’s bring them to your room to see if we can find one you can wear tonight.”

Unbeknownst to me, my room in the palace had been cleaned and scrubbed. The bathrooms were sparkling and the linens washed. I found a robe and towels and had a long soak in the bath. By the time I was becoming more like a prune and got out of the bath, I noticed my battle clothing had been removed. Someone had come to wash them. I sighed again knowing that left me fewer options for dinner. “Come in, Cadie.” I’d felt her hesitating to knock at the door. I watched as she peaked in to make sure it was okay. I waved her in. She looked stunning. Her hair was pulled up and she was wearing a lovely blue sequined dress. “Wow! Cadie, you look beautiful!”

“I want to make an impression on Ewen tonight.”

“Cadie, you already made an impression on him.”

“I know, but I’ve never had a chance to really dress up like this. Do you know what you’re going to wear?”

“Not a clue.” I shook my head as I looked at the clothes spread across the bed.

I watched as Cadie dragged her fingers across the clothes and looked back at me then back at the clothes. She had a mischievous glint in her eyes. “This one!”

“It looks very expensive. Would it send the right message to the people?”

“Shaelan, you just gave away the city’s wealth to your people. They’re celebrating and wearing their finest tonight. They have you and the city returned to them. Not only will this make a statement to them, but, more importantly, it’ll make a huge statement to Altarin.”

“If you’re sure, then I’ll try it on.”

An hour later I looked at myself in the mirror. Cadie was excitedly jumping up and down behind me.

“It doesn’t leave much to the imagination, does it Cadie?”

“By the gods, Shaelan, you’re beyond stunning.”

Cadie helped me pull my hair up and style it. She even put some light makeup on she’d found that highlighted my eyes even more and a lipstick that enhanced the fullness of my lips. Pearl earrings and a necklace drew my eyes to my pointed ears and exposed neck. The gold fabric of my dress, if you could call it that, covered the areas that needed covering, but left my cleavage, midriff, back, and legs bare. Thin gold fabric tied it all together and fell to the floor behind me. Gold sandals adorned my feet.

“You need one more thing. I found this in the vault.” She handed me a gold jeweled dagger. “You need to keep up the look.”

I smiled at Cadie and tied it to my right thigh and looked back at myself in the mirror. I was amazed at what I saw. I didn’t know such beauty existed in the world. “What’s the message I’m sending with this outfit?”

“I can’t wait to find out. Come on, the guys are waiting.”

I had never worn anything so revealing in my life, but this apparently was the way things were done in the Fae world. The Fae were highly monogamous and also highly sexual beings. I felt powerful, yet exposed. This was different than the battle outfit I designed more for regal confidence, this was pure raw sensuality. I had given myself over to it and found I was enjoying myself immensely.

The city was lit for the night and sections of the city had raucous music and cheering happening. The villagers had arrived earlier and were busy settling in. Cadie, Ewen, and Altarin spent a fair amount of time seeking a venue for our dinner. I was pleasantly surprised to be led through a building entrance into a quaint courtyard with lighting overhead that reminded me of stars. I had to smile at the ingenuity of Altarin in that there were two tables set for two, but separated by a low hedge. Several wait staff stood in the corners of the courtyard, dressed in their finest but what drew my eyes were Ewen and Altarin. I wasn’t sure where they found their clothes, but they looked magnificent. Altarin had his shirt open but tied across his hips was a sash of golden cloth. His sword hung from his hip. His hair unbound and shining across his shoulders. My heart skipped a beat or two or more likely twenty. I’m in trouble. I still struggled somewhat with my attraction for him, almost questioning whether the gods were smiling or laughing at me.

I watched Altarin’s eyes light up when he saw me and felt his raw desire pour forth as he looked me up and down. I glanced at Ewen who only had eyes for Cadie. They stepped towards us and I wrapped my arms around Altarin’s neck as I did before and pulled myself close. I felt his lips brush my cheek.

“I’ve seen many beautiful sights in my life, but there’s nothing that comes close to you. Your eyes are like the deepest ocean and your hair softer than the finest of furs. I must find the burlap dealer and congratulate him, for I’ve never seen burlap like this.”

I smiled as we pulled apart. I could sense the desire within Altarin and I felt a fair bit of it myself. “You’re getting better at making good impressions. You clean up very nicely. I thought we were eating with Cadie and Ewen.” I emphasized the word ‘with’.

“I tried, but Ewen just didn’t want to eat with you.”

“Oh really?” I hugged Ewen. “If I didn’t know any better, I think this looks a little contrived.”

Ewen shrugged his shoulders. “It wasn’t my idea.”

Altarin laughed. “Traitor.”

Cadie whispered in my ear. “Altarin can’t keep his eyes off of you.”

“So, Cadie and I are eating together over there?”

Cadie giggled. “Sorry, my Lady. I was planning on talking strategy with Ewen tonight.”

“Traitor. I guess that means I sit with you then.” I extended my arm as Altarin led me to my seat. “Just how did you find this place?”

“It was easy to find someone that wanted to feed the Queen. The hard part was trying to find the place with the right ambiance.”

“How will I pay them for the meal?”

“It’s already taken care of. Relax. This is just you and me. Let the rest of the world, our worries, and fears drift away, if only for one night.”

“That’s a luxury I feel I don’t deserve.”

“The entire city and villagers are reveling in our victory tonight. Your victory. Your return. The Lesser Dark Fae can’t sift into the city, we’re well protected. Tomorrow will worry for itself.” He reached over and took my hand in his. I felt his thumb brush lightly across the soft skin of the back of my hand.

“I’m sorry for what I said earlier today, Altarin. I didn’t mean it to come out that way.”

“And I’m sorry you ever feel smothered by me. I look at you and I can’t control my heart. I’ve never desired anything in my life like I do you.”

“The first time I snapped, was when I felt your pain. Nothing in the world would have kept me from coming to you. Do you feel conflicted that we can have such strong emotions like we do? At times I feel like a puppet of the gods.”

“Gods or no gods, I’ve never felt so alive as the day you first touched me with your mind. About your snapping, I’ve never seen anything like it before. You move so fast, you’re a blur to my vision. I have a theory about it.”

“Tell me.”

“When you come of age, you’ll be able to sift. Your glimmers are strong so your sifting power will also be strong. You also have the gift of transformation. I believe you’re tapping into the speed and agility of your transformation ability, with a type of sifting. How does it feel when you do that?”

“Like the world slows down. Everything is at quarter speed except for me. This last time, I protected my magic until everything was right and I could sense when I was about to run out.”

“You’re the most amazing fighter I’ve ever seen and yet it’s hard for me to see you put yourself at risk.”

“What if I promise you I’ll be careful and not risk myself?”

“I couldn’t let you do that. It would be like caging a wild animal. Promise me you’ll always come back to me.”

“You know as well as I do that things happen. I can’t promise something I’ve no control over.” Fae culture taught me one thing so far, and that is a vow goes far deeper than a promise. “I vow to always return if possible, that I’ll always consider our lives, yours and mine together, whenever making a decision that puts me at risk.” I saw his eyes widen and deep down I knew I’ve just made a commitment far deeper than I’ve ever made to someone before. It meant I would return to Altarin at all costs. It was almost as much of an acceptance of our bonding as marriage would be. Looking into his eyes, I felt deep within my soul that what I had done was right.

“I can’t tell you what your words mean to me, Shaelan. Know that I vow to always be there for you within my ability and while I have breath. To protect you and provide for you.”

There, he said it as well. Did we just give ourselves to each other, one slight step away from marriage? It sure felt like we did and with that realization my body yearned for him. I know he feels it to. I tried to shift our conversation to other topics. “Tell me about the Court of Dawn.”

I could sense he wanted to climb across the table and take me in his arms.

“They’ll love you.” I was about to object at the inference, but I realized I was okay with it. “They’re a warm and friendly people, masters of the sea. They value courage, compassion, and family. My bond with them cries out to me. They’re broken and torn apart, in much the same way the people here are.”

“We’ll defeat Gwenyth and restore them. Tell me about your parents.”

“My father’s dead, but you already know that. My mother, Ellena Forsyth, was taken and I have no idea where she is or even if she’s alive. They were very loving parents. Always had a kind word for everyone, but dedicated time to be with me as I grew up. I have a younger brother, Estable, but he is back in the Court of Dawn trying to hold our people together as I try to find a way to end all of this.”

I was overwhelmed with emotion and sadness. Tears were flowing freely again as I thought about his people. Why am I crying?Suddenly, overwhelming anger washed over me and I saw Altarin’s eyes darken. A brick exploded next to us and the next thing I knew Altarin was holding me. “What’s happening?”

“Your emotions are tied to mine, I’m sorry. When I saw you start to cry, I got angry about all that’s happened. You had another glimmer. They start with heightened emotions.”

“I did that?”

“You’re an elemental. You can control earth, wind, fire, and water. Try to put the brick back together.”

I looked at the brick dust and willed it all back together as a brick. I watched amazed as it reformed before our eyes. Altarin reached for it and I put my hand on his arm. “No.” I lifted it back into place with my mind. “I wanted to see if I could do that.”

Altarin sat back down. “One of the High Dark Fae yesterday bent the wood of the bows. He likely could only control wood. I suspect you can do the same, but also affect metal.”

“Why do I have these powers?”

“They’re handed down through your parents, but it’s more than that. There are cycles. Think of the seasons how they ebb and flow. Magic does the same. When a Fae is born, the magic from your father’s bloodline and from your mother’s combine. Most High Fae receive a moderate amount of magic depending on how the magic cycle is with their ancestry. My father’s magic of transformation was likely at a moderate level. I can transform into a panther but nothing else. My mother had telekinetic ability and farsense, and her magic ancestry cycle seemed to be high when I was born. When you were born, I believe both your father’s and your mother’s magic cycles were at their peak. When that happens, the results are usually powerful and unpredictable.”

“I can shift my eyes from bird to cat.”

“Which tells me you’ll likely be able to transform into any creature or even portions of them. There’s no doubt you’ll have power beyond the likes the Fae have ever seen. That’s why you’re such a threat. We need to keep you safe for another six weeks. The problem is, we just had a very visible impact on the Dark Fae world. Gwenyth knows she’s lost ground and she will not hesitate to come full force to reclaim it.”

“So what do we do?”

“We have to keep moving and taking back land. We now have several hundred fighters. The Dark Fae army is nearly fifty thousand strong throughout the world. There’s a larger city west of here that might hold up to a thousand of our fighters. Rest assured it will also hold a lot more Dark Fae.”

I was still a little shaken about my latest glimmer and the intensity of emotions I channeled from Altarin. I tried to keep myself focused. “We ran into fifty or more Dark Fae for three thousand people. They either knew we were coming, we underestimated their numbers, or they fortified knowing that the Dark Fae they sent to the villages weren’t returning. Still, that’s one for every sixty people. The next city has how many people?”

“At least six thousand. It’s twice this size. Based upon your estimates, there would likely be one hundred or more Dark Fae there.”

“How many High Fae did we rescue?”

Altarin looked downcast. “None.”

“What do you think happened to them all?”

“I suspect they were killed. When I was captured, they put the iron band around my head right away. I don’t know what their purpose was except to remove any threats. High Fae are comparable to three or four Dark Fae, plus their powers could potentially swing a battle.”

“Then it’s you and me against four or five High Dark Fae?”

“You’re worth a dozen regular Dark Fae in a fight and you killed two High Dark Fae yesterday. I only wish you’d be of age before we were forced to fight.”

“There’s no guarantee I’ll be anything special.”

“You’re already special.”

I suddenly felt guilty that Altarin didn’t know my history, that I’d been a human male. I couldn’t continue feeling like a fraud, so I told him everything. He listened quietly and asked the odd question from time to time but his silence made me nervous. I was finally feeling like I was in a good place with myself, and the one person that I felt compelled to be with could simply walk away from me any second. I was on the verge of tears feeling very foolish when Altarin reached across the table and took my hand in his.

“Thank you for sharing that with me. I’d wondered a little about your fighting skills and where you might have learned them. I even had a few discussions with some elders about rebirth and how that could change someone. Do you know what they told me?”

I was so hesitant and afraid I almost got up and left the table. I managed to squeak out a reply. “No.”

“They told me that for rebirth to occur, the essence of the living must be compatible with the essence of the dead. In other words, you were practically identical in all ways. Shaelan, look at me.” I slowly lifted my eyes to his, feeling more vulnerable than I ever had in my life. “You’re my soul mate. I can’t fight my attraction to you. I have no fears, no doubts. You’re Shaelan, my future wife and everything in the world to me. The question is, what do you feel for me?”

Tears started falling from my eyes at his acceptance and knowing he fully understood what happened to me. I thought of something funny to say but my heart took over for my brain. “Don’t ever leave me.”

“Let me take you back to the palace.”

I looked over and noticed Cadie and Ewen had already left. I didn’t even recall my meal much. I thanked the owners and Altarin took my arm and led me back. Instead of going straight to my room he veered off and headed to another balcony that overlooked the river. The moon was high and it reflected off the waters. The view was stunningly beautiful. Altarin held me in his arms. My eyes met his and I felt deep contentment. I’m Shaelan and no longer Marcus. I’ve met my femininity head on and it won. I love being a woman, being beautiful, and being cherished. Whether the gods are playing with me or not, I’ve given Altarin my heart. I didn’t have to, even with the overwhelming pressure of the soul-mate tie, but I did anyways.

Pressing myself up against Altarin’s firm body, I knew he was struggling. “I want you Shaelan, with every fiber of my being. Your body calls to mine like a siren’s song. I’m drowning in your beauty. But, we must remain pure. By law, I can’t even ask you to marry me before you come of age.”

I sighed. “Then we’ll wait for as long as it takes.”

He cupped my face with his hands and kissed me. It was a long tender kiss that made my legs buckle and my heart flutter like the wings of a bird. My lips were on fire and I could feel my body flood with warmth. All I could do was let out a little moan. When he pulled back, it was like the vastness of space had erupted between us. He felt so far away.

He smiled. “I’ve been wanting to do that for weeks now. Luckily there’s no law against kissing. You, however, need to get to bed before I break all the laws in the Fae kingdoms.”

I placed my head on his shoulder. “Mmmmhmm.” I forced myself to let go and turn away. I felt his eyes on my backside the entire time. When I got to my room I nearly collapsed with desire. My breathing was heavy and my breasts were heaving. I stripped out of my clothing and splashed cold water on my face. When I crawled into bed, sleep eluded me. I imagined myself with Altarin, my body pressed against his. Is this love?I smiled and drifted off to sleep.

 

*** Gwenyth ***

 

Waking in a room larger than the size of most homes, in a bed larger than anything I had ever slept in before, in a palace with throngs of people at my beck and call, was bewildering. Yet, surprisingly, of all the things that made me feel out of place this morning, the one that didn’t was that I was a young, beautiful, Fae female. For the first time since my transformation I felt like I was who I should be.

Stretching as I got out of bed, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I tried. Last night had been magical. Something about Altarin’s kiss removed the last mental barriers I had kept up inside of me. All that seemed to hold me back was now gone.

Reaching out with my mind I could sense Altarin in another part of the palace. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, Shaelan. Care to join me for breakfast?”

“On my way. I just need a couple of minutes to make myself presentable. I barely have anything on.”

“How is that different from last night?”

“You obviously haven’t seen my nightgown yet.”

“You do realize this could be considered torture and I could lock you up?”

“Chain me to the bed, will you?” I could feel his sexual tension building and grinned. “Be there in a few minutes, my panther.”

Walking into the closet, I found someone had cleaned and placed every one of my mother’s dresses up for display. I picked a red one that might have been used for moderate activities as I wasn’t planning on being idle. There was a lot of work to do.

The beauty of Altarin’s connection with me was that I seemed to know exactly where he was so finding him wasn’t a problem. However, after last night, I was unprepared for the wave of desire that swept over me when I spotted him sitting at a table that overlooked the city and river beyond.

“Did you make it yourself and shouldn’t you be bringing it to me in bed?”

Altarin stood quickly and another warm flush raced through me as his eyes swept over my body. “I thought that was your job to wait on me.”

My arms wrapped around his neck as I kissed him then whispered into his ear. “Dream on.”

He smiled and brushed the hair gently away from my eyes. “I’ve been dreaming about a lot of things these days. You better eat before the onslaught.”

“Onslaught?”

Almost on cue, Cadie and Ewen found us. Behind them were at least a dozen men and women anxiously awaiting a word with their queen. Looking down at a fresh baked sweet roll, I grabbed it and started eating.

“I didn’t see you leave the restaurant last night, Cadie. How was the strategy discussion?”

Cadie blushed. “It was invigorating. And how was your late-night stroll with Altarin?” I glanced up at Altarin and smiled. “Ha! I knew it! That dress was perfect.”

Now it was my turn to blush.

Ewen had been waiting patiently. “My Lady, we have been through the city this morning and there are more and more volunteers for the upcoming battles. I recommend that you take the day to be with the people while Cadie and I look to the city defenses.”

“That sounds like a plan, but tomorrow I want to work with the fighters and review our next steps. We must be ready for a counter attack. Who are these people behind you?”

“They are city merchants wishing to understand the taxation requirements under your reign, people that wish to serve you, and the others… I’m not sure what they want.”

“Taxation? Good thing Altarin is here to guide me.”

Altarin was giving me one of his mischievous looks. “Actually, your Majesty, I was planning on evaluating the state of the city. I need to make sure we have enough people producing food and craftsmen working to repair the damage to the city infrastructure.” He looked over at the throngs of people and smiled at me. “You’ll do fine.”

“You’re leaving me?”

“Only physically. My heart and mind will forever have their attention on our illustrious and most beautiful Queen of the Court of Light.”

Cadie and Ewen vanished quickly and as Altarin bowed and snuck away the crowd of people pressed forward.

It was early afternoon before I had a break from the nonstop interruptions. In the villages, it was easier. We had to worry about defending ourselves and rescuing the next village. The people from the city expected me to be their queen and handle the most insignificant of issues. Now I fully understood why a queen had a court to spread the burden of needs across more people.

I was exhausted by the time Altarin showed up again. “Now you show up! After everyone is gone!”

One look at him and I realized I couldn’t be angry. My heart pounded in my chest and I could feel my breathing become a little faster. How can he do this to me?

“It’s not considered polite to do this when people are waiting for answers.”

“Do what?”

I felt his arms around my body pulling me close to him. His lips pressed against mine.

“Mmmm. If I had known you were waiting for the people to be gone before you did this I would have sent them away a long time ago.”

Taking my hand in his he led me through the palace. “They needed to be with you, and you needed to know what your life is going to be like. It gets easier, but there’s nothing like being thrown into leadership all at once.”

“I’m so flawed. I’ll make too many mistakes.”

“Yes, you will, but that’s all part of the learning process.”

“When your father was killed, your mother didn’t take over for him?”

“When he was killed, she was captured. I had thought they might hand over the reins of the kingdom three hundred years from now. I was… impetuous and self-absorbed at the time.”

“I would have never dreamed you were like that.”

“I can hear it in your voice. You’re mocking me.”

I giggled but became more serious. “You’re a natural leader. People respect you.”

“But people love you, Shaelan. It’s one thing for people to defer to you out of respect, it’s another for people to willingly die for you. They love you because you’re one of them. You genuinely care for them.”

“I would risk my life for yours.”

“That’s an adorable sentiment, but never do it. You’re needed here too much. This revolution could never happen without you.”

“I’m not that important.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, Shaelan. You’re everything. I’ve tried for decades to do what you accomplished in days. There are prophecies about you. There are no prophecies about me.”

“Just don’t get in danger then, because if I had to choose between my life and yours, I will choose you to live every time.”

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. I worked with our fighters and helped get them trained and ready for battle. Cadie worked with our archers and Ewen sent scouts to the city of Wennolyn, just west of us. We had no more attacks of Dark Fae and we were all growing a little suspicious that they were up to something big. Ever since our dinner and our first kiss, my connection with Altarin was stronger than ever. Not only would we talk throughout that day no matter where we were, but in the evenings, we’d always find time to spend with each other. While we hadn’t said the words to each other yet, I knew I was in love.

We sent scouts out to the villages and cities nearby and somehow the people there had already heard I had returned and that we had rescued several villages and the city. We even heard of some villages rebelling and overthrowing their overseers. The rebellion was happening just with the knowledge that it began elsewhere. I was worried that people may get hurt or killed without the right resources. This caused us to rethink our plans and consider sending out fighters and weapons to various villages, yet our focus was still to take the next big city. We finally adapted and adjusted a little and sent resources where we could, but it remained a huge concern as it left us with too few fighters to protect our city and take on another.

Two more weeks went by and we felt we were finally prepared to attack. Our fighters had returned and with them more villagers making a pilgrimage to our city. We were now fairly bursting at the seams and had no choice but to attack and expand. This wasn’t the way I had ever done battle before. Building an army from scratch is difficult enough, but being pitted against a huge army with a fledgling army is borderline insane.

It was the last day before we left to take the next city and I was in the square practicing with several new fighters when a dozen High Dark Fae and Gwenyth sifted into the square. I tried to move but found I was frozen in place by Gwenyth’s magic and my nose started bleeding with the immense pressure inside my head. I stood helpless as the combined pressure from all of them was focused on me. Even my screaming out to Altarin through our connection was blocked.

I could hear people yelling and I felt a wave emanate from Gwenyth that threw the fighters I had been working with backwards from her like feathers. I watched in horror as they collided with the walls of the square. “Say goodbye to your people.” Gwenyth sneered. She grabbed my shoulder, and everything went black.

 

*** Trapped ***

 

I was surprised I woke up at all recalling Gwenyth’s last attempt at stealing my essence. I felt surprisingly good, but I was surrounded by iron. I was chained with it, I had an iron circlet on my head, and the walls and bars were all iron. It was a dark and filthy place. Trying to reach Altarin was useless and with that came an overwhelming feeling of loss. I had grown accustomed to having him there with me. The iron walls prevented my sense from reaching beyond them, but I still had my magic and I could feel it.

Hearing a noise, I looked around to see a beautiful Fae woman chained to the wall within my cell. They weren’t using iron on her like me, but it was clear she’d suffered through many years here.

“Where am I?”

“You’re in the main city of the Court of Light, Escalon.”

“You’re hurt.” I stretched myself as far as the chains would allow and touched the woman’s ankle. I poured a little healing into her, but as I did so, I could feel the iron heating on me.

“How can you do that? How can you use magic with the iron on you?”

“I’m afraid I’m a bit unique that way.” I was hesitant to share much with someone I didn’t know well.

“Don’t let them see you do that and don’t worry about me. Keep your magic in case you get a chance to escape.”

“Why do you look familiar to me?”

“I’m no one, my Lady. My life was destroyed and I’ve nothing and no one anymore. Why is Gwenyth so interested in you?”

“She’s power hungry and believes she can take my essence. I’m not sure why she just didn’t do it already.”

“There are two ways this can happen. Before you come of age it can be stolen at the moment of your death. After you come of age, it’s much riskier. First you need to be released from the iron as that would block the process, then a crystal is used as a conduit. The danger is that the conduit can go both ways and Gwenyth would have to be secure she’s stronger than you before attempting it. This means they would likely beat you close to death to give them the advantage.”

“None of that sounds too pleasing. I think I know why she hasn’t attempted to kill me yet.”

“Why is that?”

“She tried once before, but was thwarted.”

“By the gods! You’re Shaelan Scarletsun!”

I looked at her cautiously and nodded. What difference would it make for her to know?

“I heard you were dead.”

“I was, for three hundred years. Then, by the gods, I was reborn.”

“Then all is not lost.”

I looked at the chains around us and the iron walls. “I’m not in the best of predicaments. You have me at a disadvantage. What’s your name?”

“Ellena Forsyth, my Lady.”

I started to cry for joy.

“My Lady, what’s wrong?”

“You’re the mother of my soul mate.”

“Altarin?”

“Yes!”

“How?”

Over the next few hours I told the story of how I found the first village and how I found Altarin. Ellena was weeping knowing her son was still alive. Over the next days we shared much, cried, and laughed. She’d told me how the High Fae had been brought to the dungeons and kept alive here. There were hundreds of them. She believed Gwenyth wanted to pull their essence from them as well, but she was waiting for something. I assumed it was me, that some part of my magic would unlock her ability to gather magic to herself.

I began formulating a plan, but much depended upon what would happen after I came of age. I could feel the day and hour growing closer; feel the tickling of power that just eluded me. We were fed, but barely. We had no visitors other than the Dark Fae that delivered our food. Every night I cried myself to sleep over the separation of not feeling Altarin. Often I’d wake to Ellena stroking my hair.

Ellena and I grew very close over the days and nights we spent together. In a way she felt like the mother I never had. She was so caring towards me.

I had been in the dungeon for nearly two weeks and I could feel myself sitting on the edge of my coming of age. It was a strange feeling. Almost like an anticipation; as if my fingers could reach and touch it, but I couldn’t quite get there.

I was speaking with Ellena when the Dark Fae came for me. They took Ellena too which surprised me a little. As we were dragged up to into the city, the sunlight stung our eyes and the Dark Fae laughed at us. Once out of the dungeons and away from all the iron, I could feel Altarin. He was close and I smiled even as I fought back the tears. I didn’t wish to use my magic trying to reach him as I might need every bit of it, and this was the hardest thing I ever had to restrain myself from.

We entered the palace, once beautiful and once my home. The doors to the main hall opened and we were thrown unceremoniously to the floor. High Dark Fae sat and laughed at us from their chairs that looked down upon the floor. Looking up at Gwenyth sitting smugly on the throne, I almost retched in her presence. To her right my parents still preserved in their final deaths, pierced with iron spears, hung on the walls as ornaments.

I was about to unleash everything I had out of pure anger when I felt Altarin’s presence. He was thrown, bound in iron near me. “Altarin!” I screamed. I was close enough that I could reach out and touch him but I was yanked back. He was beaten and not responding but he was alive. I stood angrily and defiantly to my feet.

“Well, little one. It comes down to this. Do you like what I’ve done to the place?” She waved her hands at the room.

I stood defiantly not saying a word. A High Dark Fae slugged me across the face. “Our Empress asked you a question.”

I staggered but I didn’t fall. “If you like filth and dirt, then it suits you well.”

She stood gracefully. “I have no attachment to cleanliness.” She walked over to us and stroked Altarin’s face in a loving way.

“Don’t touch him!” I hissed at her.

“He’s very handsome. I understand you’re rather fond of him. I think I’ll chain him as a pet next to my throne. With your power, I’ll be able to force him into his animal form and wipe the memories from him. He’ll be a big dumb animal. And you… Mother of the King of the Court of Dawn. I want you here to see your son become my personal slave.”

Altarin moaned but remained where he was. I knew he was trying to conserve his energy just as I needed to do as well.

“Did you know he attacked this city all by himself? He must really love you to do something so reckless.” She came and stood in front of me and lifted my chin with her fingers. “You’ve been a bad girl. You made me wait three hundred years and when you came back, you killed dozens of my beloved pets. But, you’ll be happy to know that your little rebellion is about to be over. Twenty thousand of my army is even now approaching Atheron; ready to destroy it. I sent another twenty thousand to the islands of the Court of Dawn to slaughter all of them. I want you to know that they could have lived reasonably happy lives had you not interfered. Now, they’ll all die.”

She turned away and I considered making my move. My fists were clenched. “The moment of your coming of age is at hand. Sorry that we can’t celebrate it with the normal Fae pomp and ceremony. Prepare her.”

I knew what was coming and I could do little about it. Altarin yelled as Dark Fae surrounded me and began beating me. What magic I had I used to keep myself conscious and internally healed. The blows were devastating. I could feel the blood dripping from my mouth and nose. I could feel the agony as my bones shattered and tore into my muscles. The pain was unbearable, and I collapsed on the ground in a bloody heap, screaming in agony. I laid there and wept, trickling what little magic I had into healing myself, but my well of magic was almost dry, the beatings continued, and the iron was now burning me.

I was dazed and confused. Pain ripped through my body. I had never been in such pain before. Through my bruised and swollen eyes, I could see a large crystal being brought into the room. “Can you feel it, little one? Can you feel your magic ready to be released?”

I can feel it. It was coming closer and closer, and then it was finally here. As I looked into myself, I could see no bottom to my well of magic. It was frightening at the amount of power I had but my mind was unclear do to the pain. “Remove her iron.” As soon as they did, I could feel the pull as she began to drain my essence. Wisps of light came out of me and through the crystal as it flowed toward Gwenyth. “Yes!” She almost moaned in ecstasy.

The pain of my essence leaving me was horrendous, but my mind was clearing. I laid their whimpering until I remembered Ellena’s words that the crystal could go both ways. Stealing myself, I tried a tentative pull on my magic. Immediately my pain diminished and I could taste Gwenyth’s magical abilities. I could feel her ability to make shields and her ability to cast a wave of telekinetic energy away from her.

At first it was like a tug of war. Pain would tear through my body but all that did was clear my mind for another pull on my part. Every time I pulled I felt better and I could see her face begin contorting in pain. Slowly, little by little I was gaining control.

“No!” She screamed.

As I gained more and more of her magic, I felt I had spare magic to fully heal myself. My bones knit together and my cuts and bruises vanished. Strangely, I felt compelled to continue pulling at her magic. It was now like a flood, pouring into me faster and faster. I couldn’t stop it if I tried.

I could hear the shouts and dismay of the Dark Fae in the room. Realizing what was happening, the Dark Fae nearest to me tried to beat me again, but before they could even get close I flung them away from me and burst them into flames. All that remained were the High Fae in the seats looking down on the throne room in abject terror.

Reaching out with my magic, I dissolved the iron around Altarin and the bindings on Ellena. I healed them without touching them. Gwenyth’s magic continued to stream into me and she was helpless and there was no way I could stop.

Altarin was up, grabbed a sword and helped his mother to his feet. He came and stood protectively by my side. I was standing and aware of everything around me, but unable to move from the spot. I could feel what little power was left in Gwenyth and suddenly, the connection was severed. Gwenyth collapsed on the ground. There was nothing but a dried husk of her left. I didn’t mean to kill her and I felt horrible. I wanted her to pay for her terrible deeds, but I didn’t want that to be through death. She deserved to suffer for many years.

Now free to move, I turned my attention on the stands and the throngs of High Dark Fae. I could see their anger and felt their magic being thrown at us. Making a shield around us, I looked at them angrily. “Your magic cannot stop us. You didn’t have enough to stop Gwenyth and now all that she had is in me with everything I just gained from my coming of age. You have two choices. Drop your weapons and leave peacefully and return to where you came from, release the mortals in the mines immediately, or die.” One High Dark Fae vaulted over the railing and swung his blade at me. His blade, much like my dagger when I tried to attack Gwenyth three hundred years ago, harmlessly bounced off my shield. I froze him completely and watched as he shattered on the floor. “Any others?” One by one they dropped their weapons and left.

I turned to Altarin and Ellena who were standing and staring at me in amazement. I paused a moment to read their eyes. Bewilderment and shock, but there was no fear in them. That’s all I needed as I ran into Altarin’s arms and kissed him. “By the gods, I’ve missed you!”

Altarin clung to me and I pulled his mother into our hug.

“There’s not been a second of day or night that my heart wasn’t shattered by your loss, Shaelan. Mother, I thought I’d lost you forever. I get the feeling you two have met?”

“We shared accommodations, my son. She’s both courageous, lovely, compassionate, and beautiful.”

Altarin turned to me and kissed me again. “You were stronger than Gwenyth. I failed you. I couldn’t protect you the way I should have.”

“Nonsense. You attacked an entire city on your own to find and save me.” I sought my feelings and knew that I had nothing but love for this man in my heart. “I love you, Altarin.”

My words seemed to catch Altarin off guard as he enfolded me into his arms and kissed me like the world was about to end, which, in a way, it was. “If we survive all of this, will you, Shaelan Scarletsun marry me, for I cannot endure to live without you?”

I looked to Ellena. “I guess that somewhat depends on what your family thinks of me. But should they accept me for who I am, with all my flaws, then I’d like nothing other than to be your wife.”

“Oh for heaven’s sake, Shaelan, my Lady, my Queen! I love you like my own daughter already.”

I kissed Altarin again and kissed Ellena on her cheek. I looked back at the dried husk of her Gwenyth’s body and shivered. “I’m very grateful what they said was true about me. That could have been me. I didn’t want to kill her. Even after all she has done, but once the flow of magical essence started, it would only stop if one or the other of us was dead.”

“The High Fae are in the dungeons. We must release them and make sure the Dark Fae are not destroying the city, but I need to do something first.”

I walked up to the wall where my parents hung. I screamed in anger and tears flowed freely from me. I felt Ellena and Altarin touching me and giving me their love and support. I used my telekinetic power to gently pull my father and mother from the wall and lay them on the floor. I disintegrated the spears out of disgust. Kneeling between them, I used my fingers to lovingly bring their faces back to a position that made them look like they were peacefully sleeping. I then draped my arms across them both and wept.

“Shaelan, my love. We can properly take care of your parents soon, but we must help the others.” I looked up and slowly stood, still shaking uncontrollably.

“They’ll pay! Either they leave peacefully, or they all die!”

 

*** The Armies of the Dark Fae Approach ***

 

Altarin took my hand and led us back outside. The Dark Fae were running scared as I was sure the High Fae that were in the palace had quickly spread the word that Gwenyth was dead. Those that we did run across ran the opposite direction. One look at my revenge-filled eyes and they knew not to come close. However, it could also be that they felt the raw power I now possessed.

When we reached the dungeons the Dark Fae guards blocked our entry. I was a little surprised when Ellena lashed out with her magic and sent the Dark Fae tumbling into each other and over a thirty foot wall to their deaths. I looked at Ellena.

“What? I wasn’t going to let you both have all the fun. Besides, these kept me locked up here for many years and they certainly didn’t deserve the easy death they got.”

Neither Altarin nor Ellena could touch the iron doors that lined the long hallway before us. I closed my eyes and disintegrated the doors and the chains making it easier on everyone. One by one the High Fae from the Court of Light and the Court of Dawn came out of their cells. I washed them with a wave of healing power, restoring their strength. Hundreds of them came and knelt at our feet. I heard many “My Kings and My Queens” being murmured.

I looked them over with deep compassion. “Stand, please. I’m Shaelan Scarletsun reborn. Gwenyth is dead. Our people across our kingdom need your help. There are Dark Fae armies ready to attack the Court of Light at the city of Atheron and the Court of the Dawn. We also have this city that needs to be fully returned to its people. Suggestions?”

Altarin spoke up. “The Court of Dawn is a land surrounded by water. The Dark Fae army would have to come by sea. There are only a dozen Dark Fae that I know left on the islands keeping the people in slavery. I can sift there and take care of them, then prepare the land for battle.”

I looked over the High Fae and felt their combined power. “Take twenty with you. I suspect this city has few Dark Fae fighters left but I need the majority here to take care of this city. I need more to head to Atheron to support Ewen and Cadie.” Twenty High Fae volunteered to head to Atheron and take my message to Cadie and Ewen that I would be arriving shortly.

“The rest of you, take back this city. You don’t need to kill all of the Dark Fae, just those that refuse to leave immediately and peacefully and return to their homeland." There were nods in agreement, but I could tell none wanted me left unprotected. “Please, don’t worry about me, the way I feel right now, the entire armies of the Dark Fae wouldn’t stand a chance. One more thing to those that stay here. My parents are lying on the floor of the palace. They deserve every honor we can provide them. When time permits, treat them properly.” The High Fae separated into two groups and some headed into the city.

Altarin took my hand in his and searched my eyes. “This doesn’t feel right. I don’t want you out of my sight. You’ve not tested your full powers yet or how much magic reserves you have.”

“For once, I’ve no fear of tapping out my magic. It’s limitless as far as I can tell. This is all the power that Gwenyth felt she needed to take over the world. An army of Dark Fae won’t stand a chance.” He nodded but still hadn’t let me go. “But I need something from you.”

“Anything, my love.”

“Promise me you’ll stay alive for I can’t live without you.”

“I promise, but I need something from you. A kiss.”

I kissed him long and passionately and watched him sift back to his homeland. My heart lurched and skipped a beat at the sudden loss.

Turning back to the city, it was organized chaos. The High Dark Fae had quickly spread the word and the Court of Light was quickly taking up arms that were left by the Dark Fae in their scramble to leave the city. They needed me here and yet Atheron was about to be destroyed.

Reaching out with my senses, I could feel the city of Atheron and found Cadie and Ewen on the ramparts looking out to the north at the gathering Dark Fae army.

I materialized before Ewen and Cadie with a flash of white light. I heard a cheer rise from within the city. In the city square the twenty High Fae from Escalon were preparing for battle. Cadie ran to hug me once she realized it was me. I turned and hugged Ewen. “Did you two miss me?”

“More than you’ll ever know. What happened? Gwenyth took you away and Altarin went nuts.”

I quickly told them of the events and how Altarin had gone to the Court of Dawn.

“What’s the situation here?”

Ewen pointed out towards the approaching army. The ground beneath their feet trembled and dust rose as they slowly approached.

“We’re prepared, my Lady. We have our archers on the walls and fighters behind the gates ready to go. Just say the word.”

“Hopefully they won’t be needed.”

“What are you thinking?”

“I’ll go and talk to them. See if they will be willing to turn around and go home.”

Ewen lightly touched my arm. “You don’t know what your loss has done to our fighters and the people here. For many, the rebellion was over. They feared for their lives. Don’t put yourself at risk.”

I winked at Cadie and Ewen. “Don’t worry about me. I’m more than fine.” I closed my eyes and a pair of large wings appeared on my back. Cadie and Ewen stepped back amazed. Flying over the edge of the rampart, I headed towards the army. When I got close I shouted down to their general, a High Dark Fae. “Your Empress, Gwenyth, is dead. The city of Escalon has fallen to the Court of Light and the Court of Dawn. Drop your weapons and leave, heading back to you original homes or risk death.”

I felt the pressure in my head but this time I pushed back to see his nose start to bleed. “Fire!” He yelled. A thousand arrows bounced harmlessly off my shield. I looked down at the ground and a fissure opened in front of their feet.

“I’m Shaelan Scarletsun and I killed and took the power from your Empress. Are you sure you wish to attack?” The Dark Fae hesitated and looked worried. Many dropped their weapons and ran, but that still left thousands.

“Attack!”

Hundreds of Dark Fae rose up on their wings and rushed forward. I froze the wings of their front line and sent a strong wind throwing them back. Dozens of Dark Fae crashed from the sky. “This is your last warning. I don’t want to kill you. You’re members of the Fae kingdom.” I lowered myself so I was on the ground and I removed my wings. I stood a few feet from the general. More and more Dark Fae were dropping their weapons and leaving.

A dozen High Dark Fae pushed their way forward. “We won’t stand for this!” They sifted to my sides with their weapons drawn. I could hear the gasps of the people in the city behind me. Before they could lift their swords, they were flung away from me in all directions, their weapons dissolving at the same time.

Many more of the army dropped their weapons and ran away. Their army of twenty thousand was now only two thousand. I extended my hand. “If you leave peacefully now, I’ll give you my vow as Queen of the Court of Light that I’ll do everything I can to restore peace between the Dark Fae and the rest of the Fae Courts.”

The general dropped to a knee and placed his sword on the ground. The remaining army did likewise. “On behalf of the Dark Fae I represent, I accept and vow to honor our agreement.” He extended his hand and we agreed.

“Send word to your overseers and the Dark Fae within the villages and cities to pull out immediately and peacefully. Any retaliation on their part will be dealt with by me personally. In six months’ time, I’ll come to your court to plan a way forward.”

He bowed and I tipped my head and sifted back to Ewen and Cadie. “If I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. Why seek peace with them?”

“I believe that the gods know why they’re here. There’s a purpose for them and they’re part of the Fae. Why should they die for the lack of guidance from Gwenyth? They’ve done terrible things to the Fae kingdom and their way to peace with the rest of us will be a long one. I need to get to Altarin. We’ll be back soon.” I hugged them both as cheers erupted within the city as the Dark Fae departed. I sifted to Altarin’s side.

Altarin practically tackled me with a hug and kiss the moment I arrived. “What happened at Atheron?”

“The Dark Fae army decided it was in their best interest to go back to their homelands and withdraw.”

“Clearly, you’re not telling me the full story.”

“They looked upon the city and how determined the Fae there were to defend themselves and they left.”

“You’re lying to me. I can tell when you lie as your ears turn pink.”

“They do not!”

“They do. You put yourself at risk, didn’t you?”

“I was never really at risk… there were only twenty thousand of them.” I whispered.

“I will hear the full story even if I have to tickle it out of you.”

“That might be fun. I promised the Dark Fae I’d come to them in six months’ time to find a way to restore peace between our courts.”

“You brokered a peace deal with them?”

“If you look in their eyes, you can see they were as much slaves as the rest of the Fae kingdom. One step out of line and they would be punished or killed. I’ve had enough killing in my life and making an enemy an ally could be a great thing.”

“When did you get so wise?”

“I’ve been listening to Cadie. How fares the Court of Dawn?”

“It didn’t take long for us to rid ourselves of the Dark Fae here, but we only found weapons for about fifty fighters. We still have a big problem.” He pointed out to sea where hundreds of ships floated on the horizon.

I turned back to see all eyes on us both. Thousands of Fae from the Court of Dawn looked fearfully towards us. One Fae stepped forward. He was a High Fae and looked a little like Altarin. He looked at Altarin and then at me and how our hands were clasped together.

“I’m guessing that you never intended to build an army and that you merely went to the Court of Light to find a bride?”

Altarin ran into his brother’s arms. “Estable!” They held each other tight and I could see their strong family bond. “Let me introduce you to someone. Estable, meet Shaelan Scarletsun, Queen of the Court of Light.”

“By the gods, brother, you sure know how to pick them. She’s stunning.” He nodded towards me. “Your Majesty.”

“You should see her when she’s cleaned up.”

“What?” I said in mock anger.

“She’s also feisty, and very good with a sword, so I wouldn’t recommend crossing her.”

I hugged Estable. “I’m very glad to meet you. I hope your manners are better than your brother’s.”

“Of course they are. Are you here to watch us get slaughtered?”

I smiled. “No one here is in danger today.”

Estable looked frustrated. “Don’t you see what awaits us?”

“I think the bigger question is do they know what they are getting themselves into?” Estable grew even more irritated. “Would you like to join us as we persuade them to go home?”

“What can we do?” He was clearly angry now.

“Watch.”

We all turned to look at the approaching ships and I concentrated on the water. I could feel the power building inside of me as I released a mighty wave. A wall of water formed and stretched for thousands of feet in each direction and rose higher than the tops of the ship’s masts. I released it and it raced towards the oncoming ships. We could hear the screams of the Dark Fae on board the ships as the wave approached them. Just as the wave was about to hit the ships it dissolved into nothing.

“Can you sift?” I asked Estable who stood open mouthed. Altarin was ginning. He nodded. “Then come with us.”

We sifted to the deck of the lead Dark Fae ship. I immediately tossed up a shield around us. The Dark Fae stood in shock having just been saved from the massive wave. The general, a large High Dark Fae drew his sword and approached.

“Drop your weapons or that wave I sent will be the last of your worries.” They hesitated. “I’m Shaelan Scarletsun, Queen of the Court of Light and the one that recently killed and absorbed the essence of your Empress, Gwenyth.” They began speaking back and forth amongst themselves.

“And I’m Altarin Camdenoly, King of the Court of Dawn and betrothed of the Queen of the Court of Light.” Estable looked at his brother like he was a little crazy for not telling him. “I’m sure you’ve heard the legends and prophecies, I’m here as witness that those prophecies are true. You quailed in the presence of your Empress, but her power is nothing compared to Shaelan’s.”

“We’ve not heard from our Empress. This is a trick!”

I sighed and snapped, this time I was even faster and without a limit to my magic, I disarmed the entire ship and returned to my spot in seconds. When the general noticed his men were disarmed he bowed his head.

“We’re at your mercy.”

“You are indeed at our mercy. The City of Escalon and the entire kingdom of the Court of Light is now in full control. As we speak, the armies of the Dark Fae are returning to their homelands. I’ve vowed to them that in six months I’ll come to the Court of Night and find a way we can all live peacefully together. These ships once belonged to the Court of Dawn. Leave your weapons behind, consolidate your men to as few ships as possible, and we’ll let you leave peacefully. Any action from any Dark Fae to harm another person of the Court of Light or the Court of Dawn will be considered an act of war and will be dealt with most harshly. Pass the word and make it happen.”

“You won’t kill us?”

“Not unless you make us.”

“You’re our sworn enemy and yet you spare our lives. That’s more than our own Empress would ever do. I vow we’ll honor your request and depart peacefully. I look forward to a time when perhaps we can all live in peace together.”

 

*** Crisis Averted ***

 

We sifted back to the coast overlooking the Dark Fae army. Altarin quickly organized some of the High Fae to oversee their departure. Estable and Altarin sent runners to the people of the Court of Dawn to let them know the threat had passed and they were free. Cheering rose in volume as the word spread and thousands began congregating in the Court of Dawn’s largest city, Gortumnal.

I stood alone for a few moments pondering our next steps when Altarin and Estable came back to my side.

Estable knelt on one knee before me. “Please forgive my rudeness, your Majesty. I’m awed by your power.”

I pulled Estable up and into a hug. I was surprising myself by how loving and caring I had become. “You’re almost family, Estable. I didn’t know my own power until today, and I still don’t know what I’m capable of. There is no forgiveness required because there is nothing to forgive.”

Estable looked at Altarin. “You realize I’ve already fallen in love with your bride to be.”

Altarin hugged his brother firmly. “As has all of the Fae kingdom.”

Estable looked at me. “You don’t happen to have any sisters do you?”

I smiled. “Not that I’m aware of, but I do know a pretty young woman I could introduce you to.” I was thinking of Emily, the young Fae girl that became Cadie’s protégé.

With the immediate threat passed, we decided I would head back to Escalon to oversee the challenges of that city. Altarin would stay at Gortumnal long enough for Estable and his mother to take command. We’d all rejoin Ewen and Cadie back in Atheron.

“By the gods, Shaelan, I hate to be apart from you. If the people only knew the abuse you had taken in Escalon, I’m not sure they’d be so willing to let the Dark Fae go. I felt every blow, every broken bone they caused you and I was unable to help you. I’ve never felt so helpless in all my life.”

I placed my hands on his chest and leaned into him. “We’ll only be apart one night until we see each other again. This bond we have is both a blessing and a curse, but more a blessing I think. I knew you could feel my pain and in a way I was so focused on you that I wasn’t thinking about myself. Our bond helped me to survive. How long do we have to wait?”

“Wait for what, my love?”

“To be married.” I couldn’t believe I was saying these words but I wanted this so badly. In the dungeons I even dreamed of having children.

“It almost sounds like you’re anxious.” He grabbed my butt and pulled me closer but I spun away.

“No touching until we’re married!” I teased him. “Just a little cuddling and kissing. We have to adhere to protocol.”

He laughed. “Let’s see… I suspect it will take a month to visit all the cities and villages, then once everyone is prepared we could be wed in as little as another two months. Gods… to think I’ll have to look upon your lithe and beautiful body for three months before I can touch you. I’ll go mad.”

I smiled and kissed him. “Then we’ll both go mad together. I’ll see you tomorrow, my love.” I grabbed his butt and sifted hearing “Hey!”in my mind through our connection.

I arrived in Escalon’s main square with a bright flash of white light which immediately notified everyone around that I arrived. Within moments I had hundreds if not thousands of people surrounding me, anxious to hear about the Court of Dawn and the city of Atheron, wanting to touch me to believe I was real, and to give me updates on the state of the city. There was no stage or podium and the number of people so great, I needed a better vantage point to speak with them all. I unfolded a pair of large white wings that might have given the people an initial scare, but I soon found they thought I looked more like an angel.

I raised myself above them slightly and shared the news. “Good people of the Courts of Light and Dawn. For those that haven’t yet met me, I’m Shaelan Scarletsun.” There were many cheers but it was clear that everyone pretty much knew who I was already. “The armies of the Dark Fae are returning to their homelands. They were poised to attack the thousands of Fae at the city of Atheron and the islands of the Court of Dawn, but we managed to convince them to drop their weapons and leave peacefully.”

“How did you convince them?” One man shouted.

“I showed them how foolish it would be to not leave peacefully.” That drew chuckles and laughter but I could tell there were still a few people questioning. I gently lifted the man up into the air and placed him back down. “Think of what I just did to you, but doing it to twenty thousand armed Dark Fae at the same time.”

The man was smiling broadly and bowed low. “Then with your great power, my Queen, we’ll never have to fear being enslaved again.”

“I vow to protect you all with my very life for as long as I live.” That elicited a very loud cheer. “I want you all to know several more things. I’ve promised the Dark Fae that in six months’ time I’ll go to the Court of Night and begin discussing a plan to allow us all to live peacefully with each other. I realize how this may make you all feel, but I don’t believe the Dark Fae are our enemies as they belong to the Fae kingdoms. It’s my belief that the Fae kingdoms can be united and thus forever strong together. It was Gwenyth that corrupted them and the one they feared that caused them to enslave you all. However, I’ll not tolerate any deception upon their part.”

There were a few grumbles, but that was to be expected. “What’s the second thing?” Someone shouted.

“Altarin, the King of the Court of Dawn has requested my hand in marriage, and I have accepted.” The crowd cheered wildly at that.

I lowered myself back down and removed my wings to mingled with the people. One of the High Fae I had released earlier introduced themselves. “I’m Dragoth, my Queen. The city of Escalon is secured. We’ve found a very large weapons cache and are seeing to rebuilding the palace guard and city defenses. There are approximately twenty thousand Court of Light citizens living here and another five thousand Court of Dawn citizens. There’s much room in the city, with space enough for another thirty thousand. The palace, and in particular, your quarters are already being restored.”

“Thank you, Dragoth. I’m happy to help out anywhere I can. The homes and livelihood of the people here must come first. What of my parents?”

“I understand your wishes, my Queen, but there’s no stopping the women that used to wait on your family. I would have to take the sword to them to keep them from getting the palace ready for you. It’s their joy and honor to serve you. I’ve placed guards in the throne room to protect your parents and stand as an honor guard. We’ve also found your mother’s clothing and the treasure vaults. Your ladies in waiting have already brought the clothing to your rooms.”

I reached out and took his hand in mine. “Thank you for all that you’ve done.”

“My Queen, it’s a true honor to witness the very prophecy that was foretold three hundred years ago. The city wants to hold a feast.”

“Let them celebrate. I need to return to Atheron tomorrow as we make plans on uniting the kingdom. I’ll return tomorrow night and we can feast then if you wish to pass the word.” He bowed and quickly sent messengers running in all directions.

“My Queen?” A pretty woman bowed to me.

“Yes?”

“May I take you to your rooms now? We also have food and bath ready.”

I suddenly realized I must look terrible and my stomach growled at the thought of food. In all the fighting and events I’d forgotten I’d been wearing the same clothes for several weeks and not had a bath in all that time. Food had also been meager. “Yes, please, and thank you for arranging all of this. What’s your name?”

“Weslia, my Queen.” She had a hard time looking into my eyes.

I took Weslia’s arm in mine. “Well, Weslia, please feel free to look me in the eyes and when we’re alone, call me Shaelan.”

“My Queen?”

“It’s quite all right. I’m not your typical High Fae, or queen.”

“Whatever you say, my Queen. I want to thank you for freeing us. I sense you just came of age today?”

“Yes.”

“Oh my! I’m so sorry, my Queen! We’re not prepared. I… gods… please forgive us!”

She had stopped and was crying. “Weslia, what’s wrong?”

“Normally on the day of one’s coming of age, there are celebrations. Gifts are given. It’s one thing for a Lesser Fae like myself, but for a High Fae, our Queen, the celebrations become enormous and we’ve not done anything for you.”

I lifted her chin and looked her in the eyes and wiped her tears. “What possible celebration and gift could be better than our people being freed after three hundred years? I’m also grateful to simply be alive.”

“You’re so kind and gracious, my Queen. I still feel badly.”

“I’m sure I look quite the fright. A bath right now and some food would be the greatest gift anyone could possibly give me right now.”

She smiled and led me to my rooms.

The palace was huge and I could tell it would take me time to learn all the hallways and passageways. We walked for a long time and I could see hundreds of people scrubbing and cleaning. I wanted to tell them to take care of themselves first, but one look at the profound sense of loyalty in their eyes and how happy they were to see me made it difficult for me to send them away.

Finally we came to a large set of double doors that rose to the ceiling in a great arch. Weslia pushed the doors open and I almost cried at the opulence and the beauty of the room. A very large canopied bed was off to the side, a separate bathroom that glittered with silver and gold, balconies that overlooked the mountains in the distance and the city, a sitting room, and a dressing room.

“This is all for me?”

“Of course, Shaelan.” I noticed Weslia looked around to make sure we were alone when using less formal ways of addressing me. “You deserve the very best.”

How can I get across to everyone that I don’t deserve the best?I looked at the bathroom and at the food on the table in the sitting room and was suddenly torn. A little food first, then a bath, then more food. That’s what I need.

“Would you like help bathing, with your hair, or selecting clothes, Shaelan?”

“It’s been a difficult day, Weslia. I’ll be fine on my own today. Please, go home to your family if you have one. Be with them.”

“Thank you, Shaelan. There are celebrations all over the city tonight in case you wish to attend. Also, I understand you’ll be leaving and coming back tomorrow night?”

“Yes.”

“Then I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

“Weslia?”

“Yes, Shaelan?”

“Thank you!” I pulled her into a hug which caused her to gasp in astonishment.

“Are you always this kind, caring, and loving, Shaelan?”

I thought about that for a second. “I am now.”

When the door finally closed behind me I practically ran to the food and ate a quick snack. I carefully removed my clothing, which, now that I looked at them, were terribly soiled and filthy. I checked myself out in the mirror and saw dungeon straw in my hair still and how my face was caked in dirt and who knows what else. I must really smell horrible.

I practically screamed in delight as I sank beneath the hot soapy waters of the tub. I whispered to Altarin. “Escalon is free, and I have ladies in waiting that have scrubbed my rooms, found me clothes from my mother, and drew a bath for me. I think I’m in heaven!”

“Heaven is where I’ll take you the night we’re wed. Gortumnal is well. Celebrations are happening all over the islands. Our fleet has been restored to us by the Dark Fae. I too happen to have ladies in waiting and they even asked if I needed help in my bath.”

A surge of jealousy overcame me. “That’s not acceptable!”

Altarin laughed. “I’d never dream of it as I have the most beautiful woman in the entire world to look forward to. But the bath is a wonderful idea.”

“That’s good, because you needed one.”

“Did you look in the mirror, my love?”

“Oh hush! You should have told me that I was so filthy.”

“It was a test.”

“A test?”

“Definitely. If the people could love and accept you while you looked like you slept in a barn for a few weeks, then they would certainly love you when you are all cleaned up.”

I needed to get back at him for that. “Do you realize that I’m completely naked right now and all alone with a very large bed nearby?”

“That’s not fair, but I could sift right there. You could wash my back.”

I pictured him in the bath with me and a sudden flush came over me. “And I could press my body against yours and kiss your neck as I did so.”I felt the desire rise from him.

“You realize if we continue like this neither of us will be much good to anyone, let alone sleeping tonight?”

“Fine, but you can picture me alone in this big bed of mine, with nothing on, shivering with the cold.”

“You’re a vixen!”He paused for a moment. “I have a gift for you for your coming of age. I guess it will need to wait until tomorrow.”

“Escalon is throwing a celebration dinner tomorrow in our honor. I think we should bring, Cadie, Ewen, and Darnel.”

“We’ll make it happen. Good night, my love.”

“Good night, Altarin.”

I climbed out of the bath infinitely cleaner than when I went in. Even after using the towels my thick, long hair was still wet so I encouraged it to dry a little faster by using some magically heated wind just to keep myself learning. That’s what I told myself anyways. I thought it was just fun having never really seen magic before. Once my hair was dry I found a silver and gold hairbrush that I painstakingly used to brush my hair out and tried to recall how Cadie had helped me style it.

I next walked into the dressing area and was startled by the vast array of clothing that was before me. There were hundreds of outfits and by the look of them they hadn’t aged a day. I wondered what Emmeline, my Fae mother, would say to me right now. I walked down the aisles of clothing and surprised myself when I chose a silver dress and silver boots. The outfit came with a variety of jewelry. It took some figuring out, but when I looked at myself in the mirror I was once again startled by how exquisite I looked. The dress turned out to be more of a very short skirt, ending mid-thigh. Filmy silver cloth wrapped around my midsection and my breasts. Bracelets were on my arms and wrists along with earrings and a necklace. My boots hugged my calves to my knees.

I certainly felt much better about my look. It was still early evening and I wasn’t tired yet so I left my room and headed into the city to take the time to show appreciation for everyone I met. As I left the palace a pair of finely dressed guards started walking with me. I stopped and asked their names and suggested that perhaps they could join their families. Dantoi and Zolast were their names and I could tell they would love to be with their families but were unwilling to leave my side.

“Dantoi, why don’t you introduce me to your family?” He smiled brightly and led us through the city to an open area where hundreds of people were celebrating. Everywhere I went I was getting admiring glances, but even something more than that. There was a deep respect, perhaps for my power, or perhaps it was reverence for their queen. When we entered the open area, the celebration stopped suddenly as people turned and bowed. I encouraged them to continue their celebration. Dantoi led me to his family.

“This is my wife, Alise.”

Alise’s eyes were wide looking at me. I hugged her and shook the hands of the men and learned a little about each of them. I was fed and was given drink and I was thrilled to be there with them all. After a while I turned to Alise. “I’m so honored to have your husband watch over me tonight, but I’m well protected. Please makes sure he has fun tonight.”

“I will, my Queen.” She smiled and I gently pushed Dantoi into Alise’s arms.

I turned to Zolast. “Let’s go find your family.”

“My family is dead, my Queen, but I do have a young woman I’m very interested in. She would be in another part of the city.”

“Then by all means, let’s go find her.”

He grinned and led me through various sections of the city until we came to another large celebration. There was music and singing. Once again, the celebration stopped as I entered, but a few words from me and the celebration continued.

“There she is!” I was surprised I knew her. It was Weslia. I watched as Weslia smiled and ran into Zolast’s arms.

She nodded to me and smiled. “You look stunning, my Queen. I couldn’t have chosen a better outfit or hairstyle for you. I must say, even with the state you were in before, you were beautiful then, but now, you truly look like royalty.”

Zolast was a little shocked at Weslia’s suggestion that I wasn’t at my best earlier in the day. I laughed. “You’re too generous, Weslia. I looked dreadful and we all know it.”

“Only as dreadful as a diamond necklace that’s fallen into the dirt, my Queen. It still sparkled and shone brightly even beneath the dirt.”

I hugged her tight. “Zolast, tonight my orders for you are to stay with the celebration and to have fun.”

I left them and wandered the streets and celebrations until I finally headed back to the palace. I was still too awake to sleep so I whispered to Altarin. “You still awake?”

“Who can sleep with all the racket these people are making?”

“Are you decent?”

“I’m always decent, my love. I’m on the balcony overlooking the party, sipping some wine the Dark Fae were so kind to leave for us. Wish you…”I sifted to his side. “…were here.”

With the flash of light from my sift all the people cheered my arrival. “I kept telling myself I could stand to be without you for a day. Looks like I can’t after all.”

“Do you know how much power it takes to sift that far? I’m still regenerating from earlier today.”

I snuggled into his arms as he kissed me. “I missed you.”

“You look amazing, my love. You always look sensational, but all cleaned up, I’m not sure this is a good thing for me. You’re a temptation of the highest magnitude.”

Estable came out onto the balcony with a glass of wine in his hand. He whistled. “When you get tired of this arrogant and pompous brother of mine, I’ll be happy to oblige you, your Majesty.”

“Careful brother. I can still beat you in a fair fight. She’s mine.”

Estable sighed. “You can’t help a fellow for trying.”

Altarin kept his arm around me. “It’s still your coming of age day. I have your gift in my pocket.”

I raised an eyebrow. “You are desperate, aren’t you?”

Ellena came out onto the balcony and she rushed to give me a hug. “I never would have believed it, Shaelan. You really saved us all. I’m so glad all that power belongs to someone that will use it wisely and for the good of the people. All I hear from anyone is the golden-haired angel sent by the gods to save us.”

“Ahem… Mother, Estable… Perhaps you could give Shaelan and me a moment?”

They stepped back a ways and I looked into Altarin’s eyes. I was once again lost in them. He fished into his pocket and then dropped to one knee and took my hand in his. “This ring belonged to my great grandmother.” He placed it on my finger and I felt the weight of it, the significance. “In honor of your coming of age and being willing to marry a fool like me, I thought it appropriate.”

I looked down upon the silver ring with a large diamond solitaire and smiled. I was sure it would be worth a small fortune, but here, in the Fae lands, such trinkets seemed easier to come by. “I love it!”

“Damn the gods! Why didn’t I think of that?” Estable was ranting.

Altarin grinned at him then turned back to me. “Until you accept the ring, the marriage proposal is merely informal. This formalizes it. Had Estable got you to take a ring, you’d be marrying him instead.”

I placed my hands on Altarin’s cheeks and kissed him passionately and let my body press into his. I didn’t care that Estable was still whining or his mother was there. “Mmmmm” I moaned softly into his ear. “It’s going to be a very long wait. I should get back to Escalon in case they think they lost me and send out search parties. I had to convince the guards I could be on my own for a bit.”

“You’ll get used to it, your Majesty.” Ellena came and hugged us both.

I smiled at Ellena. “Should I start calling you mom?”

 

*** The Beginning of a New Age ***

 

I woke for the first time in my new bed without the immediate threat that someone would try to kill me. I had fallen asleep very quickly and slept well. I did have nightmares about being turned into a dried-up husk and being beaten but waking at all was a blessing. It had been two months since my transformation and I never felt better. I didn’t miss the old me in the least. There was something incredibly special about who I now was. Not the royalty part. It was the female part and being cherished by so many people. As a slave, I lived in isolation. Now I had friends everywhere.

I ate and dressed and found Weslia waiting for me outside my door. “Good morning, Weslia.”

“Good morning, my Queen. Have you looked outside yet?”

“No, not yet.”

“I think you’ll be surprised.”

We stepped outside and the trees and flowers were all blooming. The city looked amazingly beautiful. “It’s so wonderful.”

“For the feast tonight, will it just be you?”

“I’ll have Altarin, Estable, Ellena, Cadie, Ewen, Emily, and Darnel joining tonight.”

“I’ll make sure there are enough seats at the head table for you all.”

“I don’t need a head table, Weslia. We can sit wherever there are seats.”

“You’re so different from what I’d expected.”

“I hope I don’t disappoint.”

“Never, my Queen.”

“I’ll see you tonight, Weslia.” With that I sifted to Atheron.

I arrived at Atheron’s city square and was promptly set upon by hundreds of adoring people and elders. Altarin had arrived earlier and he, Cadie, Ewen, Estable, Ellena, and Darnel all rushed out to greet me. Cadie noticed my ring right away. “So, it’s official?”

I nodded as Altarin swept me into his arms.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

All of us were led into the palace and into a large room with a round table. We sat and I invited the elders of the city to join us. They were all starved for information so I relayed all the happenings of the day before. Afterwards, one of the elders placed his hands on my head and confirmed my magic powers. I wasn’t sure exactly how he did it, but I assumed this was his special gifting.

“Our Queen has peak magical gifting in at least five specialties. There is so much power there, that I doubt she could ever expend it.”

We spent the day reviewing plans. Altarin and I would travel from city to city and village to village to make sure everyone in the kingdom had a chance to voice their opinions and meet us. After all, in a few months’ time, we would be married and would be King and Queen of the newly merged Fae kingdom, the Court of Day. We would travel to the wall and I’d strengthen it for now. In the future, we would reach out to the humans and forge new alliances and trading with them.

Cadie and Ewen would oversee rebuilding the cities’ defenses. Estable and Ellena would work within the Court of Dawn to rebuild their lands.

It was late in the afternoon when I sifted Cadie, Ewen, Emily, and Darnel to Escalon. When we arrived with Altarin, Estable, and Ellena sifting there on their own, the city was in full swing. Weslia was immediately at my side. “Good afternoon, my Queen!” I gave her a hug and she beamed. “The feast will start in a few hours. There are people awaiting all of you in the palace.”

“Lead the way, Weslia.”

We walked up from the city square to the palace. The throne room had been transformed to its sparkling former glory. The High Fae and the elders from far and wide had converged here. The place was brimming with people. Altarin pushed me forward. “Go on, love.”

I walked towards the throne as one of the oldest of the elders spoke. “Our Queen has returned to us!”

“Long live Queen Shaelan!” everyone shouted.

“Come Shaelan Scarletsun and receive your rightful and honored place.”

I saw the elder held a tiara made of silver and diamonds. I knelt in front of him and he placed it upon my head. The weight of it was frightening. The weight of thousands of lives now under my care. I looked up at the throne and was disgusted by the memory of Gwenyth sitting there. As I stood and everyone cheered but I held my hand up for silence. “Please make a space in the center.” Everyone moved to the sides. I concentrated and the throne disappeared and a round table of crystal appeared in the center of the throne room. “While I accept the honor of being your queen, to care for all of you, I’ll not rule from a throne that has been tainted by Gwenyth, rather, I wish to give power to the people. In this place, at this table, any Fae can come and voice their concern. Any Fae can sway the direction of the kingdom. The world is far too great and the Fae kingdom far too important to reside under the decisions of a single flawed person as myself. Let’s join the feast and eat and drink to our freedom!”

There was a loud cheer and yet I could tell this was frightening for them. The concept of people guiding a kingdom instead of their queen. I shrugged and felt happy. I found Cadie and Weslia and we sent the men on ahead. “Cadie, it’s time for you to either break a heart or get engaged to be married.”

“What do you have in mind?”

When we were escorted to the feast I felt amazing. The fear of being killed was gone, there was peace and joy emanating from everyone around me, and I smiled knowing Altarin and Ewen’s hearts would practically give out when they saw Cadie and me. I was dressed in a shimmering silver gown that gave off iridescent hues as the light reflected off it. The short skirt length exposed my thighs and long lean legs. As I walked I felt the gentle bounce of my hair and my breasts. I could feel the sway of my hips and the warm night breeze against the skin of my exposed back. Cadie was wearing an exquisite black gown that revealed more than it covered. She looked radiant and dangerous with her bow strapped to her back and dagger on her thigh. I reminded myself I still needed to work with her on fighting with a sword and dagger. I opted for just my dagger, but felt I didn’t really need it anymore.

When we entered the city square the people erupted with cheers. Altarin was at my side in seconds and kissed me so deeply and passionately I was almost embarrassed in front of all these people. Almost, but not quite as I melted into his kiss. I looked into his eyes and wished my power to affect time and shorten the three months we had to wait. I ignored the additional cheers that rose from our kiss.

“You sure we can’t break protocol?”

Altarin smiled. “I’ve got infinite willpower, besides, it makes me happy to know you can’t keep your hands off of me.”

“Infinite willpower, huh?” I snuggled into his arms and brushed my lips against his neck and whispered into his ears. “I guess I shouldn’t tell you that this dress doesn’t allow for undergarments then.” Altarin visibly restrained himself. “I thought so. Nice to know I have that effect on you.”

We turned to witness Ewen kissing Cadie in a greeting and obviously was struggling keeping his hands to himself. Cadie looked at me and winked. I told Altarin I’d find him again in a few minutes.

“Estable, there you are.”

He grinned as he saw me. “Radiant as ever, your Majesty.”

I grabbed his arm in mine and led him through the crowd. When we got to where I wanted to go I let go of his arm and he looked at me questioningly. I turned and hugged a pretty dark haired girl. “Emily, so nice to see you tonight.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, my Queen. Especially since you sifted me here.”

“I’m very proud of you, Emily. You’re remarkable. I’d like you to meet Estable. Estable, this is Emily.”

Emily tipped her head towards Estable who stood open mouthed. Emily was very pretty and shy. I hoped the two of them could at the very least be friends. I watched for a moment as the two hesitantly started speaking with each other. I smiled and left them to themselves and went to find Altarin.

“I saw that. Are you trying to play matchmaker?”

“I could be. I thought Emily would be a healthy distraction for your brother as long as he treats her well that is.”

Altarin and I turned back to the crowd and enjoyed the feast and celebrations long into the night.

A few weeks later Altarin and I sifted to the first village I arrived at. It was mostly deserted, but a few people had come back and started farming the land and rebuilding their lives. We headed into the forest which had blossomed with fresh new life. Altarin paused and took my hand in his. “Do you think you can keep up with me?” He smiled and transformed into a large golden panther. With a challenging roar, he ran south into the forest. I stood for a moment admiring the way his transformed body moved.

I imagined myself as a hawk and I flew into the air and charged after him. This was the first time I fully transformed and it felt absolutely amazing. I flew just over the tops of the trees and watched as Altarin ran through the forest below me. I swooped down and in front of him, transforming into a panther and running ahead. We stopped at the invisible wall between the realms and transformed again.

“You cheated!” He pulled me into his arms.

“You didn’t say I couldn’t transform. Take my hand.” We walked through the wall into the Mortal realm and to the glade where my life had been changed for the better. The flowers were still there as was the very decayed body of the Dark Fae. I let go of Altarin’s hand and knelt in the flowers, placing my hand on the ground. I started to cry, thinking about everything that had happened, the lives that were lost over the past three hundred years, my parents, my life as a slave that seemed so distant now. I felt Altarin’s hand on my shoulder.

“This is where it all happened?” I nodded. “It’s hard to believe a human could have killed a Dark Fae. This is a special place, one that I will forever cherish.”

I stood silently and looked south. “One day, we’ll visit the human kings and encourage them to release the slaves.”

“It means that much to you? We could live behind the wall in peace and prosperity, never venturing into these realms.”

“We could, but then again, I’d not be able to look myself in the mirror every day.”

He smiled and took me in his arms. “That’s what I love about you. You’re always thinking of others.”

“Not always…” I reached up and cupped his face and kissed him. I took his hand in mine and I strengthened the wall once again before we sifted back to Escalon.

 

*** Becoming a Wife ***

 

Looking at myself in the mirror, the reflection was no longer foreign but no less startling. Five months had transpired since I became Shaelan. Every day I consider myself blessed by the gods to have had this happen to me. Not only was I free, but I was alive for the first time in my life. I ran my fingers over the exposed skin of my flat stomach, moving them upwards, and tracing the line of my breasts. I imagined what might happen tonight and I was both afraid and excited at the same time. My eyes refocused on my flawless body. In the Fae world, less seemed to be more and there was very little fabric covering me. What did cover me was the finest white silk, held together by fine diamond-encrusted platinum chains. The wisp of fabric that made up my skirt, was very short, sitting would be tricky, but I did have more fabric covering me underneath just in case. My breasts were covered, barely. Fine gossamer white satin fell from my shoulders like a cape that was secured against my thin waist with more platinum chains.

My eyes were highlighted with blue eyeshadow and flecks of silver, my lips glossy with red lipstick. A necklace and earrings, probably worth a small fortune and could buy a kingdom in the human realms adorned me. My ears were tipped with platinum and diamond coverings, accentuating their pointed length. Platinum and diamond-encrusted bracelets rested on my biceps, wrists, and one ankle. My golden hair was half done up and half down and flowed around my crown. Small white flowers were braided into my hair.

“You look so beautiful, Shaelan.”

Cadie and Weslia stood nearby. I turned to them. “I think I’m more frightened of the four hour ceremony than I am of tonight.”

Cadie smiled and I looked at her ring on her finger. She was married a few weeks earlier to Ewen. “If Altarin is even half as good as Ewen, we might have to move the servants out of the palace so they don’t hear your moans of pleasure.”

“Cadie!”

She blushed brightly and shrugged. “I’m your Maid of Honor so I have to ease your nerves.” She giggled and they both held out their arms.

“You sure I can’t sift over there? It would be so much nicer than to parade myself in front of everyone.”

“And deny the Fae kingdom a chance to see their breathtaking Queen? Not a chance.”

I took one last look at my bedroom, soon to be Altarin’s bedroom as well even though tonight Altarin had promised me we wouldn’t be here. Of course my ladies in waiting just about pitched a fit about that as they would normally decorate the royal bed chamber and considered it a huge honor to do so. I told them they could still decorate for tomorrow night which seemed to appease them greatly.

It was a long walk through the city and ultimately back to the throne room. I was grateful I had been slowly getting used to wearing revealing clothing as I was rather self-conscious. Of course, the Fae lining the streets had no such concerns and the cheering and warm greetings I got from everyone was almost overwhelming. I had an entire retinue around me. Guards in front, Cadie and Weslia, a dozen maids in waiting following behind, and more guards. I recalled seeing kings in the human realms have their parades that might have looked similar.

When we finally arrived at the palace, the entire city seemed to have come out to watch and spread out behind me. The doors opened and I was led inside. At the far end of the palace stood the elders and Altarin, Estable, Ewen, and Ellena. My heart faltered within my chest as I looked upon Altarin. He was incredibly handsome. His eyes caressed my body sensually and I blushed at his mere look. It was even more embarrassing that tens of thousands of people knew I would sleep in his bed tonight, or rather, not sleep.

Darnel took my arm in his as Cadie and Weslia walked ahead of us. “It’s an honor to release you into the hands of your husband to be.”

“Who else would I choose for this? I only wish my parents could be here right now. Of all the magic and power I have, I can’t bring them back or roll back time. It’s frustrating.”

“They would have been very proud of you.”

“I hope so.”

As we walked up the aisle, all eyes were on me. I saw so many people that I had fought side by side with, that had risked their lives for me, and I was honored to call them my friends and my people. Emily curtsied to me as I passed and I watched her eyes turn to Estable, who looked rather dashing as he stood next to Altarin.

Standing on the raised platform with Altarin and taking my hand in his, I knew this is right. My fears vanished. He spoke to me in my mind. “I have no idea what I have done right in this life to deserve to stand in the presence of the most incredibly beautiful creature the gods have ever created.”

“I was wondering the same thing. You look so handsome today. Women’s hearts are breaking around the world right now.”

I watched his smile spread as the ceremony began in earnest.

Hours later we mingled with thousands of people that had come to greet us and wish us well. I was officially Shaelan Camdenoly-Scarletsun, Queen of the newly merged Courts of Day. I recently found out that I was in no way secondary to the king, rather I was still preeminent. This had something to do with court size. I was sort of hoping Altarin would take over the leadership of everything and I could relax in blissful obscurity.

Throughout the long day Altarin stayed at my side, not letting me leave his sight. It was endearing to me. We spent extra time with Cadie and Ewen and all our friends that now numbered in the hundreds. Finally, as nightfall came and dinner was completed and with the dance winding down, Altarin and I bid our farewells to everyone. We stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the city and we sifted away.

We emerged in a beautiful moon-lit forest next to a crystal-clear lake. A waterfall cascaded over a cliff face hundreds of feet above the lake. Forest flowers were blooming everywhere, and their fresh scents filled the air.

Altarin took my hand in his and stared into my eyes. “I thought this day would never come. Are you nervous?”

“A little.”

“If ever you want me to stop, just say so.”

I smiled. “I’m more nervous I might not be able to stop.”

He led me to a cottage and opened the door. A fire burned in the fireplace and candles were everywhere. Rose petals littered the floor. A bottle of wine and two glasses stood waiting for us on a small table nearby. I felt myself lifted off the ground and I rested my head on Altarin’s broad shoulder as he carried me inside. He laid me gently on the bed, my arms around his neck pulling him with me.

“I need you.” My voice was soft. His lips met mine gently at first then our kissing grew in intensity. I felt his strong hands caressing my body. I was a fire that could not be quenched. I paused our kissing long enough to stand by the fire and drop my clothing to the floor. I watched as his eyes devoured me. He was the first person I ever stood naked before as a woman.

“Gods, you’re perfect.”

We made love all night long, sleeping for brief periods of time before waking, eating a snack and drinking some wine, then making love some more. I was Shaelan Camdenoly-Scarletsun now and forever.

Stepping out onto the deck as the first rays of light fell across the lake and onto the cabin, my fingers were entwined with Altarin’s. He pulled me next to him and my body yearned for his touch and warmth. I looked up into his eyes as he caressed my cheek and kissed me.

“What now my beautiful wife?”

“The world can wait another day, but my lips can’t wait another second. Kiss me again, my love.”

***

 

The End

***

It takes a lot of time and effort to write a story like this. I write stories to release the pent-up relentless energies that come from strongly desiring that which I can never be. I hope these stories touch your heart, bring hope, and encourage you to live your life.

Please take a moment to review the story or simply share your thoughts.

- Casey Brooke