As the afternoon went on, more and more Fae appeared on the Knotted Willow’s doorsteps. Some came prepared with wagons carrying supplies, while others came with only what they could carry on their backs.
Behind the inn lay a large grassy field. Earth Fae constructed small enclosures for the new arrivals. Groups of them stood together, using their magic to raise the earth into small hills and then carve out the inside to create hut-like structures built into the field itself. They left grass growing on top of the homes, which allowed the structures to blend into the surroundings. What once lay flat and open now looked more like rolling hills. A brilliant idea from Corbin to protect our citizens—no, our warriors—from anything flying overhead.
To the left in an adjacent field, other earth Fae constructed gardens, sowing the plots of land to harvest fruits and vegetables for the growing number of people. William had traveled to order supplies for the inn and picked up a few plants as well to make sure we could carry on as arrivals showed up.
To the right, a group of metal wielders began construction on a makeshift forge. Fae built a covered structure with plenty of ventilation for more than one metal wielder to forge weapons in. We would need so many more than we had in order to arm everyone for the battle to come. Storm had already agreed to help each morning to stoke the fires.
Corbin walked over, standing next to me as he looked on, overseeing it all. “This is incredible,” I whispered as the awe of what the Fae were accomplishing overtook me.
“They’ve been adapting and working together to build these structures all on their own,” Corbin said, crossing his arms. He looked on proudly.
I nudged my shoulder into his. “With some guidance from you.”
He shook his head. “Honestly, once we set up a team of leaders for each area, they ran with it. They’re teaching each other different ways to use their magic. Expanding their abilities. Then working on projects together, figuring out ways to make their magic last longer.”
I couldn’t stop the grin as pride swelled in my chest.
It didn’t matter in what direction I looked, every Fae, both man and woman, worked together to create a space for our army to build, grow, and thrive. They’d traveled for miles, away from their homes and families, to fight for our kingdom. To fight for all our freedom.
Nobility in Ellevail would scoff and look down on most of the Fae here as unimportant. Yet I knew better. These were the people our kingdom relied on. The Fae allowing our kingdomto flourish. I’d always known it, feeling more comfortable in the lesser Fae parts of Ellevail than among nobility. All this did was solidify that knowledge.
I sighed. “They’re considered lesser Fae, yet they’re so much greater than the nobles flicking their wrists around, showing off parlor tricks.”
Corbin turned, standing in front of me, and placed his hands on my shoulders. “You see them. You always have.”
I met my friend’s determined gaze as he continued. “You ran through the palace as a princess, greeting the lesser Fae by name. Those living in the lower parts of Ellevail know you better than most of the nobles combined. When you take your place on the throne, you will change everything. These people will be seen because of you.”
I smiled. “Thank you for reminding me. For always saying what I need to hear.”
He nodded once and moved to stand next to me again as we watched our people.
When we won this war, things would change. The division and insinuation that these Fae were lesser in any way with all that they accomplished would cease. We would live as one people.
While I should have been feeling scared or nervous because of everything to come, I couldn’t help but feel such an overwhelming sense of calm. I was honored so many had answered my request. I would not let them down.
Two children ran around a small patch of flowers at the base of a tree by the forest’s edge.
“How do you think my garden is holding up?” I asked wistfully.
Corbin glanced over at me as a grin appeared on his face. “I too learned tricks with my magic,” he said. “If the flowers havedied or withered, the soil will remember them. It’s a sort of protection spell.”
My jaw dropped. “How?”
He shrugged. “Self-taught.”
I shook my head in amazement. “So all the flowers you’ve created, we can bring them back year after year.”
He nodded. “Yes. Or change them. Whatever you’d like.”
I threw my arms around him, feeling him tense slightly beneath me. He was, after all, the most formal of everyone. But I didn’t care. “You’re amazing, Corbin. Thank you for always being here.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, my queen.”
I let go, sighing. “When we finish this and get home, I think we should share some of your beautiful creations. I’ve been hoarding your talent all to myself.”
Kalliah bumped into me from behind, surprising both of us with her appearance. “Tommy would love a huge garden outside the pub. Especially having to take care of it after his patrons vomit in it.”
I shoved her right back. “I bet Tommy would adore the shit out of some roses.”
