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“Queen’s do not bow," he says, nervously looking from me to the crowd.
I shake my head and turn back to them. “Today, your Queen bows to you. You have put your faith in me, and I respect that decision," I reply firmly. Allwyn gives me a proud smile and looks over the crowd and our group one last time.
“Allwyn, how will we get the supplies through the undergrowth?” I ask quietly. Some of the bigger things have two people sharing the weight and it won’t be an easy trek if they can’t navigate the terrain. He just smiles and grabs my hand, leading me forward. I ignore the few murmurs of surprise at his gesture. I know he’s just offering me strength and I take it for what it is. A tentative sign of our budding friendship. Though my heart seems to have other ideas, slamming in my chest at the feeling of it.
As we walk forward, I notice that the path the Gatekeeper’s magic led me through, is now cut down to form a path. I glance questioningly at Allwyn and he nods with a grin. He apparently came through last night and cleared a path to make our journey easier. He really thought of everything.
“Thanks, Allwyn,” I whisper. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
When we’re standing outside of the tree, I call out for everyone to stop before walking inside the hollowed space.
“Gatekeeper. I’m ready to travel to Faerie, as are some of my people," I announce. He looks up from his spot at the table with a happy grin.
“Queen Arabella! I knew you would come!” He walks to the mirror with a beaming smile. After a few words the surface begins to swirl until it ripples like water. My gasp of shock has him turning. “Don’t fear, this is a portal to Faerie,” he reassures me.
“Where will it come out?” I ask as I walk closer to inspect the mirror. No one else knew but I figured he’d have some actual insight.
“It will be near the meeting grounds of the courts. There is a small archway built into the landscape that is Faeries portal to Earth. You will exit there,” he replies.
“Thank you, I’ll bring them in now,” I say. With one last deep breath I go back out to address the group.
“The portal is ready. Good news, it will connect directly with the meeting grounds or neutral lands, as some of you know it. That will be our new home for now. Once we’ve restored Faerie you are free to go wherever you feel safe, but I have no idea how long that will be," I inform the crowd as I usher them forward. Once the last of the group steps through, including the supplies, Allwyn pulls me into the tree.
“I will enter first, to ensure the safety of my Queen. Is anyone else armed and willing?” he asks the crowd, before giving me a look that clearly says not to argue. I pull him closer and kiss his cheek as a sign of my thanks.
“Thank you, my guard," I whisper as I pull away. His face shows his shock and a slight blush tints his cheeks. Finally a reaction! His surprise is almost comical, but he collects himself and turns back to the crowd.
A man and a woman step forward, weapons at the ready. She has a quiver of arrows secured to her back and he has a dagger in each hand. They fall in line behind Allwyn as he steps through first. Once they disappear safely I hold a breath. TheGatekeeper holds up a hand and steps halfway into the mirror. He steps back in with a grin and motions us forward. I once again wait behind the crowd and usher them forward. Once Jacob and I are the last ones left, the Gatekeeper turns to me.
“Be safe and good luck, my Queen.” He bows low. “I look forward to going home again one day.”
“I want that too,” I promise with a smile. “More may come, please let them through. Be safe as well, my friend," I say, with a bow of my head before turning to Jacob. He deserves one last chance to back out. “You ready to do this Prince Jacob? Are you sure?”
“Let’s go, Queenie!” he says without hesitation, linking his arm through mine. We step through the portal arm in arm, my other hand holding on to my little mouse.
Chapter 10
My mouth hangs open in awe as I look around at my new world. We exit under a large stone arch, just like the Gatekeeper said. We’re on an island that’s much bigger than it seemed on our map. I would say it’s comparable to the size of Silver Forest’s shopping district.
The brilliant sunlight reflects off of the rippling, crystal clear water, flowing in a river around our new home. The soothing sound of the rushing water, gives a sense of peace and calm to the area.
Over the water there are four wooden bridges, evenly spaced. Each leading to a different Court of Faerie. I can clearly label each of the lands by sight alone.
The closest has frosty grass, glittering in the sunlight and I know it’s the lands of Winter. Snow is falling lightly, swirling around in the icy breeze.
Summer is like a jungle with thick greenery covering every inch of it. Tropical flowers and plants mix together in an array of color. It seems like it won’t be easy to travel, but I have a feeling it has a lot more to see than just what’s visible now.
Spring also has a vast array of colors, but the colors are more muted like those on Earth. The flowers are blooming amid the twisting green vines, much like our little island. It looks like it’s lightly raining, though it’s bright and sunny where we stand.
Autumn is beautiful with its mix of deep red, bright golds, and warm brown leaves. The colors are just as vibrant as the other courts, right down to the yellowing grass and red brick path leading further into the court.
If this is merely the edge of the lands, I can’t wait to explore them more. With the trees blocking the entrance, it’s hard to see anything beyond. But I know one day I’ll be able to unlock all of Faerie’s secrets.
The grass under our feet is a shade of green I have never seen on Earth. Even the plateau is purple, reminding me every second we’re not on Earth anymore. But I love being able to stand here and take it all in, the colors and sights won’t get old, that’s for sure.
The purple plateau is huge, stone stairs lead up from the ground below which will be helpful as we get set up. It takes up about a third of the island. Even though it’s bare now, I can see why they held their meetings here, not just convenience, it’s gorgeous.
There aren’t many trees in the middle grounds, so I’m able to take in the whole view unobstructed, and it is both breathtaking and indescribable.
