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THE PLAN WAS SIMPLE. Get in. Drop off Aoife with the help of Nuala. Get out. What could go wrong?
***
ONCE THEY ARRIVED AT the veil, Cian tried to take charge by grabbing Teagan’s arm and leading her away from the group towards the stones. Aidan wasn’t having it and wouldn’t let go of her either. She felt like the rope in the middle of a tug-a-war game for a moment. While Cian pulled her one way, Aidan pulled her the other way. Finally fed up with their stupid show of male dominance, Teagan decided to teach them a lesson. She was proud of herself when she managed zapped them both with a small electric bolt of her power. Both men let her go at once, shaking their tingling fingers. Cian glared at her, and Aidan raised an eyebrow at her in annoyance.
“I’ll take Teagan.” Aidan said tersely to Cian.
“Don’t be a ninny.” Cian replied in a clipped tone. “I can sift. It’ll will hurt her less. You follow with Colin. Plus, I can hide her once we get there while we’re waiting for you.” Teagan wanted to wipe the smartass look right off Cian’s face with her fist, but he did have a point. She looked at Aidan trying to judge his response.
“He’s got a point, Aidan. If you and I use the portal, your mother might go commando on me again. It’s best she doesn’t know I’m there and stick with the plan. Four guardians showing up because the queen summoned them to make ready for war, will not be questioned.”
“Fine,” he said through clenched teeth, “but you’d better be waiting at the designated spot,” and Aidan kissed her cheek and took a step back from her reluctantly.
Cian instantly grabbed her arm before Aidan could change his mind, and Teagan followed him a little reluctant to leave Aidan even if it was just for a moment. As Cian and Teagan were about to enter the stone archway, Aidan spoke again, and she could feel the steel warning in his voice.
“Cian?” They both turned in unison towards Aidan, “If any harm comes to her, I’ll kill you.”
Cian nodded jerkily, all his smugness gone, and Teagan shook her head. “Men,” she thought, “sometimes I just don’t understand them.” In the next instant, before Teagan knew what was happening, her and Cian were whirling through the blackness into the Fae Realm.
A fraction of a second later, Cian and Teagan landed in a thickly wooded area, which she assumed was the designated meeting spot, somewhere in Tir na nÓg. Cian was right, she thought when her mind became less hazy, the jump hadn’t hurt as bad this time.
The two of them were crouched in some bushes, although Teagan wondered at the extra precaution because she assumed Cian had made them invisible. Cian was so close to her that Teagan could feel him breathing on her neck. She squirmed uneasily. Too close. Instead of moving away, he inched closer to her. The slight movement sent Teagan over the edge. She had limits, and she was way over his cocky ass. She was not Aoife. Teagan shoved him away from her and he lost his balance landing softly on his butt.
“You know Cian, technically, you’re my uncle, and your insufferable nearness is kind-of grossing me out.”
“Not by blood,” he grinned at her rakishly, “and technically Aoife and I weren’t married. Her mother had forbidden it actually.” He said sobering a little at the memory.
“Uh, just back off, will you?” Teagan said and was about to shove him again when he clamped his hand over her mouth.
“Shh, someone’s coming.” He whispered into her ear.
Teagan sucked in a breath too scared to move. When she saw Aria, Ian, Airic, and Aidan land by the stones she gave a glad cry and pushed him off her.
“Wait!” Cian hissed grabbing her.
Aria and Aidan embraced, and the guide left through the portal. As soon as she was out of sight, Cian released his hold on her. Leaving the bushes, Teagan ran to Aidan. He put his arm around her and kissed her forehead.
“Are you ready?” Aidan asked Teagan.
She trembled nervously but nodded her head. “It’s now or never, right? Let’s go.”
“Stick to the plan.” Cian whispered, and then he and the other two disappeared out of sight.
As Aidan and Teagan walked silently down the furrowed path, she gazed around at her surroundings in wonder at the new-to-her realm. The vibrant mossy cover that crept along the ground seemed to chase the path they followed. Vivid, star-shaped purple flowers sprang to life and blossomed in front of them as they walked silently through the wooded glade.
Everytime her foot made an impression on the leaf scattered ground, a fine mist sprang up from the indent and rolled outwards towards the massive, towering trees that surrounded them. Teagan inhaled the crisp earthen scent and sighed in delight. She almost squealed as a cloud of little dragonfly-like creatures, numbering in the hundreds, their wings resplendent with color, flew past, and her hair floated delicately in the breeze that their flight left behind.
Teagan could feel the magic of this place all the way down in her soul. She felt that at any given moment she could just lift her arms and float listlessly through the air like the little creatures. Her heart thrummed excitedly in her chest, giving her a euphoric feeling. Teagan felt alive. She felt like she was finally home. A thousand thoughts whirled through her mind as she continued the trek through the magical woods with Aidan at her side. She wondered what it would be like to live in a place that was so invigorating.
She stopped dead in her tracks.
“Aidan,” Teagan asked, “If the Fae are immortals, then how can stop the traitor? How can they be contained or killed?”
“The Fae warriors and the warriors of the brotherhood all carry a sword called a bos cruach. The blade is forged in magic and made from a special metal.” He pulled a dirk out from his belt and flicked his wrist. She watched in fascination as the tiny piece of metal turned into a huge curved, double-sided sword. “If the blade cuts a Fae, and the warrior isn’t treated within five hours by a healer, it will poison him, although it’s rumored that some of the older Fae, the ones closer to the ancients, have built up immunities to the poison. The Fae can also be killed by beheading, but that’s very hard to do because all Fae warriors have advanced fighting skills combined with exceptional powers, and most of them can sift.”
Teagan shuddered at the prospect.
“We should continue,” he said quietly, but before they did, he pulled another tiny blade out and handed it to her. “You don’t have to open it to use it.”
She nodded somberly, taking the blade from him and continued walking. She could save the rest of her questions for later.
They walked the rest of the way through the wooded forest in silence. Aidan stayed keenly alert with his hand on his sword. The tension in Aidan spilled over to her through their bond, so she stayed close to him. Her euphoric feelings were gone now. A few times, they heard noises in the woods, and Teagan jumped skittishly. She wasn’t exactly sure what Aidan was expecting, and it made her even more nervous.
“This must be the place Aoife told me about. Where is everyone? Colin should be her with the horses.”
***
THEY WAITED FOR WHAT seemed like hours to Teagan, but Aidan assured her in Faery it was no time at all and nothing to worry about. She’d found a fallen tree and propped her back against it as she’d waited. After a while, some of the creatures in the forest became curious and came to check her out. A nearby vine had even curled towards her and touched her arm, before shying away. She couldn’t help but think, if Ian were here, he’d be in his element.
The sound of approaching hooves had Aidan moving to guard her, and she stood up in case she needed to get away quickly. The breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding released as Colin rounded the corner on horseback followed closely by Kylan, another Fae, Cian, Airic, and Ian and two extra horses. She smiled as they approached.
Colin jumped from his horse while it was still moving and caught her in a huge hug. Taken off guard by his unusual display of affection, Teagan hugged him back loosely.
“Okay. What’s this for?” she asked with a laugh, trying to lighten the look creeping up on Aidan’s face. Was he deliberately trying to make Aidan jealous, because it was working.
“I missed you. I’ve been worried about you.”
“Colin, you’ve only been gone a few hours.” She gave him a confused look. “Hasn’t he?” She directed at Aidan.
“Teagan, it’s been almost a week.” Colin told her.
“Oh.” She peered around him to the men that had followed him. “Boys,” she greeted Ian and Airic and received two huge smiles in return. “Kylan, how nice to see you again.”
The Fae messenger tilted his head to her with an out sweep and flourish of his hand. A Fae bow on horseback? She would’ve laughed but felt it might hurt his feelings.
“Who’s your friend?” She nodded at the other Fae male.
“This is Árdghal, Captain of the Queen’s Royal Guard.” The Fae also inclined his head.
“The queen’s guard?” Teagan answered, a little worried by the introduction of the newcomer. He wasn’t part of the plan.
“The queen has sent him as escort, although, Nuala has advised that our original plan is still the best course for us to take. She will meet us as soon as she can get away without causing whispers. He’s trustworthy.” She saw the Fae bristle a little at that.
“Hello Árdghal. I’m pleased to meet you,” Teagan said as she stepped closer to him and held her hand out in a welcoming gesture. He looked at her hand and then back at her face.
“Fae don’t really shake hands, Teag,” Airic laughed from behind her.
She shrugged it off and surprised everyone when she hugged him instead. Árdghal stiffened upon contact, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Even the serious-looking Kylan had a smirk on his face.
“What?” she said feigning innocence.
“We definitely don’t hug,” Kylan said.
“Well, what a shame. You’ve no idea what you’re missing.”
Kylan dismounted and led one of the horsed toward her.
“Don’t tell me you expect me to ride that thing? It’s a beast.” Teagan said scared out of her wits.
Árdghal stepped forward, took the reins from Kylan, and rubbed the stallion’s dark mane soothingly.
“There, there Equinox, she didn’t mean to call you a beast.” Árdghal crooned to the huge horse.
“Yes, I did,” Teagan nodded her head vigorously, “just look at the size of him. You don’t really believe he understands you, do you?” Teagan asked Árdghal appalled.
“Of course, he understands me. Horses are very intelligent creatures. Come now and make up with him so he will let you ride him.” Árdghal said still crooning to the horse.
Teagan walked over hesitantly and put her hand out for the huge black stallion to sniff. He sniffed her once and tossed his head back, snickering at her.
“See, he doesn’t like me.”
“Well?” Árdghal implored. “Tell him you’re sorry. You hurt his feelings. He’s one of the queen’s finest war horses. He’s proud, but steady and sure footed.”
“Here goes,” Teagan said. “I’m sorry Equinox. I didn’t mean it. You are a beautiful thing, aren’t you?” She crooned at the massive horse while she timidly patted his side.
The horse turned his head and stuck his nose under her armpit. It tickled, and Teagan laughed, relaxing. She took a few extra minutes to pat his silken mane.
“See, now you’ve just made a new friend.” Aidan said with humor in his voice.
“That’s great,” Teagan said, “but I still don’t think I can ride him.”
Árdghal spoke again, “Teagan, síofra, my child, every Fae is born with certain powers. With practice, we can control the elements; earth, air, fire, and water, and we can communicate with all living things; trees, flowers, and animals.” He squeezed her arm reassuringly, shocking her with his touch. “Just be the Fae we know you are. The rest will come naturally.”
“I’ll try.” Teagan sighed dramatically, but she was touched by his warmth and acceptance of her. She thought all Fae hated humans.
When Aidan helped her into the saddle, she could see that he was having a hard time holding in his laughter.
“It’s not funny Aidan,” She said as she landed heavily in the saddle and playfully kicked him. Equinox snickered shaking his head up and down in approval. “See he’s on my side, I like him already.” Teagan told Aidan, and she laughed as she leaned to pat the horse again.
Aidan and the others mounted their own horses still greatly amused by the situation and they all filed out ready to continue their journey.
“Why don’t we just sift to Mag mell? Wouldn’t it be faster?” Teagan asked earnestly.
“It would be faster yes, but sifting leaves a heat signature behind, like a trail. We want to have some aspect of surprise.” Colin was the one who answered her. She’d noticed that he’d taken the spot to her left, while Aidan held the spot to her right.
Árdghal rode ahead of them and spurred his horse into a gait, and without even thinking about how to do it Teagan followed suit.
A few minutes into the ride, Aidan spoke to Teagan, his voice riddled with genuine worry.
“Teagan, if something happens, I want you to promise to stay back. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Teagan nodded, in response, hoping that he wouldn’t make her promise.
She had an odd feeling that she was going to have to defy him, and Teagan knew he wouldn’t be happy with her if she broke a verbal promise.
As they reached the edge of the thicker forest, called the Weeping Forest, and prepared to enter, a hush fell over them. The silence, with which they now walked and rode, as opposed to the din of a few minutes ago, astounded Teagan. Her ears tingled and strained at the eerie silence. She couldn’t even hear the horse’s footsteps. Teagan noticed Equinox’s ears laid back as he also sensed the disturbingly, spooky silence.
Teagan glanced over and caught Árdghal regarding her reaction and she raised a brow at him in question. He sidled his horse closer to hers and spoke in a hushed tone.
“A Fae warrior has many talents, as you will soon learn síofra, and we must be able to hear every possible danger. The warriors are trained to cloak the noise they make.” She nodded in response feeling hesitant to speak and intrude on the consuming silence.
As Árdghal spurred his mount and rode away and the only sound she could hear was her heart thrumming in her chest. She gradually became more aware of her surroundings. Massive trees that looked thousands of years old surrounded them. The multitude of branches overhead created a dark green canopy above. The density of the canopy almost completely blocked the sun from view, except for the occasional small spectrums of light which played peek-a-boo through the millions of leaves. In a miraculous display wherever the bands of light landed, on the forest floor, little rainbows began to form and seemed to dance merrily above the mist. Teagan gazed in awe at the incredible beauty that surrounded her.
The small trail they rode on rutted its way windingly through the densely-wooded forest and a thick layer of wet leaves covered the path. The ground alongside the trail was overabundant in sage colored moss and dark green ferns. The same star-shaped purple flowers that bloomed on the vines in the castle bloomed in profusion here, and Teagan closed her eyes in pleasure as she breathed in the invigorating sent of them.
The two Fae that rode ahead of them had picked up their pace again, moving with an inhuman swiftness, so that her and Aidan’s horses had to gallop to keep up with them. As she watched them press on, Teagan became uneasy. She could barely make out their silhouetted forms as they unexpectedly disappeared into a thick layer of fog that swiftly rose between them. The fog crept up from the ground at an alarming pace and consumed everything in its path with a fine mist. Teagan shivered, feeling pungently chilled, and Equinox stiffened at her movement.
Sensing his nervousness, Teagan patted the horse’s head in order to calm him. When she chanced a look behind her, Teagan realized she could see nothing through the intense fog. She stiffened abruptly as a sense of dread washed over her. Teagan glanced sideways and was immediately relieved when she noticed Aidan was still beside her, although the look on his face unnerved.
“What is it,” she whispered.
“Shh.”
She could feel the tension in Equinox as he followed close behind the other horses, and she straightened in her saddle trying to stay alert. Teagan noticed Árdghal and Aidan as they attempted unsuccessfully to peer through the mist and see into the forest. When she noticed the stiffness of the other mounted warriors as well, and realized she wasn’t the only one feeling uncomfortable, she couldn’t relax.
After what seemed like endless hours of watching and waiting as they rode, the fog began to seep back into the woods, and Teagan leaned forward eagerly. She sighed with relief as she saw beams of sunlight hitting the path up ahead of them. The foot soldiers, invisible just a short time ago, were now highly visible and Teagan breathed another sigh of relief as she saw the clearing. The rest of the group were almost to the clearing, when out of nowhere a wall of mist shot up right in front of the horses, driving them back. Teagan’s eyes widened in horror.
Suddenly, Equinox tensed and jerked to a halt almost throwing Teagan from the saddle. The horse reared back just as an arrow whizzed past her face and embedded itself in one of the massive tree trunks mere inches from her head. What happened next happened so quickly that Teagan barely had time to process it and her body tensed as her mind froze with terror. They were under attack. Teagan didn’t even see Aidan dismount, but she felt him reach up and put his hands around her waist as he pulled her from the saddle and threw her to the ground. Over the fierce roar of battle, the sound so divergent from the perfect silence that had accompanied them moments ago, in the back of her mind Teagan heard Aidan yelling at her to stay down and get her knife. She crouched low to the ground in a daze.
Equinox stood over Teagan, like a shield, but she had to bite her lip to keep from begging Aidan to stay with her as he rushed forward to join Árdghal and his men in the thick of the battle which was taking place about a hundred feet from where she was. Teagan cowered on the wet, leaf-covered ground with her hand on her dagger, waiting, afraid to breathe. Equinox snorted at her, steam puffing from his flaring nostrils, and her eyes widened at the rush of frigid air that suddenly surrounded them. Goosebumps traveled up her arms and the base of her neck.
With a nod of his head, Equinox swished his tail nervously and pawed the ground. He stood like a great wall in front of Teagan. She peeked out between his legs, the only view she had, and just ahead she could see Árdghal and Aidan standing with their backs together as they took turns swinging their blades at the foe that appeared out of the mist like ghosts and surrounded them on all sides. Teagan held her breath as she counted four maybe five dozen figures emerge from the mists. An eerie feeling crept over her.
The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and Equinox pawed the ground again shaking his head in warning. Too late, Teagan turned around. Her scream was stifled as something, she hoped was a clean cloth, was roughly shoved into her mouth. Teagan stared in horror at the odd-looking man in front of her. He was taller than any man she had ever seen, he was barely clothed, and his skin was a very rich bronze color. His eyes were an unusual iridescent mixture of colors, which led her to believe he was at least part Fae, but he had pointy ears which were hidden partially behind his long copper hair.
Teagan shook her head at him, because she was gagged and couldn’t speak. There was desperation in her eyes. He ignored her pleading look and turned her around roughly. Teagan could feel a coarse rope biting into her wrists as he started to bind her hands behind her back. As he worked to bind her, Teagan had a clear view of her warriors and noticed that all of them had been forced from their horses. They were surrounded by the attackers and were being forced to surrender their weapons as the attackers held them at spear point. Any hope Teagan had of being saved was immediately dashed from her mind. Something forced her to look up and she caught Aidan’s gaze. Noticing the wild fury, she saw in his eyes, Teagan pleaded with him silently to stay where he was. And then her gaze found Colin’s, he was undone with fury.
Teagan realized she was going to have to save herself, and she tried to push against her captor with all her strength, hoping to make it harder for him to tie her. Somehow, Teagan needed to get closer her men before one of them did something irrational. She fought against her captor frantically and kicked out at him. Unfortunately, her blow fell just short of its mark and her captor tightened his hold on her, continuing to bind her wrists. Teagan’s heart pumped wildly in her chest and she felt her lungs constricting in desperation. As her captor managed to bind one of her arms, Teagan could feel her power pumping inside her veins, and her eyes flashed angrily.
Teagan could feel heat rising up her neck and felt her cheeks flush as adrenaline surged through her body. The fingers of her free hand twitched and tingled waiting for the prime moment to let loose her wrath. Just then, out of the corner of her eye, Teagan saw Equinox rear up and she barely had time to react, and make an impulsive sidestep, as his massive hooves and about fifteen hundred pounds of sinewy horseflesh and muscle came crashing down on her assailant. Thinking fast, she hastily grabbed her dagger from its half-hidden sheath and used it to cut the rope from the arm the assailant had managed to bind.
Teagan saw Aidan’s stubborn stance as he poised himself for battle instead of surrender and her heart jumped to her throat. “Trust me Aidan,” she whispered, hoping somehow, he would hear the message through their link, that he wasn’t too crazed with worry, that the channel was open. There was no way they could win surrounded like they were. A fight would be deadly.
Without thinking, Teagan jumped up onto Equinox and spurred him into action. Equinox flew at the band of warriors and Teagan chanted as she called upon the ancients for power. She raced across the expanse that separated her from the warriors with her hair flowing out around her. Teagan’s eyes sparked like electric bolts, full of mad fury. She hurled her powers at a small group of the attackers, to the left of her warriors, and watched as they flew through the air, their spears flying in opposite directions. Teagan steadied herself and took aim at another small group of the attackers.
“Stop!” Teagan heard the yelled demand and instantly turned towards the sound of the voice, her magic dying on her fingertips.
Equinox skidded to a stop and Teagan lowered her hands glaring menacingly at the one who had spoken. She relaxed only a fraction as the enemy warriors slowly started to back away from her warriors upon his command, but she was still amped up and ready to protect if the need arose. Teagan could feel the power rippling through her body as her fingers pulsated with a need for release.
“Why have you attacked us?” Teagan asked the enemy’s leader in a defiantly level voice, although she was breathing hard from her magical exertions.
“In this day we must be careful who we choose to trust. We noticed the army at the edge of the forest waiting to attack at daybreak, and we assumed you were a part of it. My apologies, I can see now that you are not.” He said without sounding a bit remorseful.
“I am Léachtlann, Ceannaire, and Leader of the daoíone sidhe. But who are you to address me so informal?” He looked disdainful as he watched Teagan and waited for her reply.
Teagan looked at Árdghal for assurance and he nodded his head at her. She straightened her shoulders and spoke with the authority she assumed royalty would possess.
“I am Dearbháil, granddaughter of the Fae queen and granddaughter of Nuala. Who are you to disrespect me and my men so callously? Do you own this forest then? Are we trespassing?” Teagan replied just as haughtily, challenging him with the tone of her voice, hoping he couldn’t sense the humanity in her.
He chuckled lightly at her tone and her words and nodded his head in acquiesce. With a flourished bow he righted himself and waved a hand at his warriors and they backed up pointing their spears to the side. Instantly, the Fae warriors straightened from their fighting stances and lowered their own weapons. Teagan nodded to the leader graciously thankful to avoid this battle.
“No, highness, I do not own this forest, but it is our home. As of late, small bands of hooded Fae warriors have been ransacking our village. Last week a woman was taken. Our only wish is to stop the ones that are harming us.” He said sadly.
Teagan motioned Árdghal forward and he complied with an unthreatening quickness.
“This is my Uncle, captain of the Queen’s mighty army. Perhaps he may be able to enlighten you as to who has been raiding your village.” Teagan told him speaking with sincerity and hoping for a peaceful outcome. The leader called Léachtlann gave a curt nod at her words.
“Tar, ith liom. Come. Refresh yourselves and then eat with me. We have much to discuss.” The leader invited graciously.
Teagan could see that Árdghal was about to decline the invitation and she touched his shoulder gently. He turned to her questioningly and she mouthed the word “allies” to him. He nodded curtly at and accepted Léachtlann’s invitation for Teagan, Árdghal, and the rest of them to accompany Léachtlann to his hidden city.
The men spoke in hushed tones as Aidan reached up to help Teagan down from Equinox. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she turned and hugged the horse vigorously, throwing her arms around his neck. He’d saved her life, and she would never forget it.
Teagan turned to signal to the men that she was ready to go and noticed Léachtlann observing her with a particularly odd expression on his face.
“What you’ve never seen someone hug a horse before?” Teagan asked him saucily.
“No, it isn’t that. A aithint. I recognize you. You bare a remarkable resemblance to a woman I once knew.” He replied.
“Oh.” Was all Teagan said. Since the men were following Léachtlann’s warriors she followed suit.