Tiny flecksof light hung in the air like lightning bugs. It was as if they had their own stars to guide them. Now they could see ahead of them.
“How did you do that?” Michael said in awe.
“It’s magic.” Siena smiled. “Now, we must hurry, however, these steps might be slick since it’s so damp in here, so I want you to be very careful not to fall. Hang on to the back of my cloak.”
She went first and Michael followed her. He slipped once but she caught him, and he giggled. She was glad he was no longer afraid. When they came to the long hallway, he grabbed her hand and they made their way to the very end of the tunnel.
Once they were outside, they had to wait a few minutes for their eyes to adjust to the light. It was late in the day but still much brighter than the tunnel. At this time of the year, the days became longer.
Siena checked to make sure there were no guards, then she and Michael ran for the trees.
“Barra!” Siena called.
“Who is Barra?”
“A friend. You will see in a few minutes.”
“I’m over here . . . come deeper into the woods,” Barra said.
And sure enough there she was fluttering beside a horse.
“It’s a fairy.”
“She is. Barra is our friend.”
“But nobody can see fairies.”
“You have to be special to see a fairy,” Barra said in her lyrical voice. “We must hurry, Michael. I could only find one horse, but I think it might be better this way.”
Siena helped Michael up first and then she mounted behind him.
“It’s best if we cut through the woods and stay off the main road until we are away from the castle,” Barra suggested. “I’ll cut a path for you. Follow me.”
Siena smiled. “You know it is nice to have a fairy for a friend.”
* * *
After they had riddenfor what seemed like hours, Siena felt like they would be safe to stop and rest. It was getting dark and she didn’t think that they would find out Michael was missing until the next morning, which would give them a little time.
“Let’s stop for tonight. I don’t want to injure the horse. We can start again at daybreak.”
She dismounted and then helped Michael down. “Let’s get some rest.”
“But it’s so dark,” Michael said, then added, “I’m not afraid anymore but it is still hard to see.”
“I will build you a fairy fire that will keep you warm,” Barra said as she swung her arm and pointed at the ground. A bluish light burst into a ball and hung just above the ground.
Michael gasped. “Someone will see.”
“Nay, lad. We are the only ones who will be able to see the fire so we will be safe for a time.”
“I wish I could do that,” Michael said in awe.
Siena and Barra laughed.
Siena spread blankets on the ground and then she settled in with Michael. He curled up beside her and murmured, “I miss my, da.”
Siena hugged the child. “He will be so glad to see you because he feared he never would.” She stared at the magical fire which was very relaxing as they ate their bread and cheese. “How did the knights find you?”
