“I choose to be here.” The voice echoed from the doorway. “You can’t do it without me.”
I looked up as Liza entered the hut, still in her nightgown. She must have slipped away from the castle.
“I told Millie I would be spending the day with the Forest Dwellers. It’s not her fault,” she said. “You must know that when I sent you here, I would be present too. I can’t let you do this alone.”
“But Liza—”
“I might be young, but I can make my own decisions. And, Queen Alessia, what choice do you really have? Without me, you are stuck here—very much on the mortal plane.”
I turned to Seer Goddard and implored, “What can she do that you can’t?”
“Lots,” he said simply.
I licked my lips, shook my head. But at the same time, a little bubble with the wordYesin it popped in my chest. I just couldn’t say it aloud. Everyone seemed to understand, and with that, Liza made her way into the hut and sat. The three of us made an odd little gang, all sitting in a circle, contemplating how to defeat the Darkest Lord.
“So,” I began slowly. “How do we go about freeing the spirit army?”
It was hours later before we were ready. The Seer had busied himself gathering several ingredients for a potion he seemed to have already mostly prepared, like he knew I’d be coming to him with this request.
Liza had assisted him, the two speaking occasionally in hushed tones. I followed instructions when they were given. When they were not, I alternated in a state of meditation, in practicing with my powers, and in reviewing the Fae manuscripts that I’d retrieved earlier in the day.
The writings on the underworld were few and far between, more cautionary than helpful. I was able to read the words more, which gave me a boost in confidence that indeed the flow of magic between myself and my ancestors was increasing by the day. The more I practiced, the easier it came. The Fae language no longer felt so foreign on my tongue, like sticky marshmallows cobbled together in my mouth, but a sensical language.
I stumbled across a page with a chariot and a hooded figure midway through the morning. The title was the Harbinger of the Underworld. A cautionary figure that when spotted in the mortal realm meant death was near.
I shuddered, thinking I’d seen this figure multiple times. It felt distinctly like I was toying with death, almost chasing it right into the underworld. But maybe attacking by blitz was the only method that would save so many lives I cared so desperately about.
I worked, too, on managing my new powers as official Queen of Isles. As I meditated, I focused on that little jar of glittering marbles, as I’d come to think of it—each beautiful, unique bead representative of the souls on this island. All different, all wonderful, all a part of me. I could feel knotted concern there today, as if the island as a whole was swelling with fear, and why wouldn’t it be after what had happened last night?
I took a moment to tease out individuals, testing my abilities, beginning with Silas. He was by far the easiest for me to isolate, I was sure due to the bond we shared. As I focused on the link between us, I didn’t note fear so much radiating from him as determination and, maybe, a sense of dread. He knew. He knew something dangerous was coming.
I quickly turned my focus elsewhere, not wanting to linger on Silas. The more I did, the more guilt I felt, and that was just not something that I needed right now. It wasn’t helpful; it wouldn’t change my mind. I needed to do what I thought was best to save The Isle.
As for the rest of the islanders, I was sure they’d be receiving some form of communication this morning about everything that was happening. The Rangers would presumably put out a statement, something reassuring but somber. Not hiding the truth but not meaning to alarm. If only they knew what waited for them in the days ahead. If onlyIknew.
“We’re ready for you,” Seer Goddard announced. “Please join us.”
I joined Seer Goddard and Liza in the circle of stones, the patch surrounded by rosebushes where I’d spent so many hourstraining. Where I’d visited The Glade, leaving my body behind to speak with my ancestors. It felt reminiscent, in a way, of what we were doing here today. Except while that had been a joyful reunion, this one felt reckless and dangerous. Still, there was comfort in the feeling of a familiar space, surrounded by familiar faces.
“The art of dreamwalking is a talent that takes centuries to perfect for someone who was not born a dreamwalker,” Seer Goddard said. “However, it’s my belief that as a Fae Queen, you will have a natural affinity for it. After all, you’ve already visited The Glade, which is something impossible for nearly everyone else on this earth.”
I nodded. “It’s still not super reassuring, the bit about it taking centuries to perfect. What can go wrong?”
“Everything,” Liza blurted. “It’s very dangerous, Alessia.”
I looked into her eyes. “I know. I’m sorry.”
Liza just nodded and fell silent again.
“She’s right. There are too many things to list that could go wrong. The biggest concern would be that your spirit becomes permanently lost from your body.”
I inhaled an involuntary breath. “That sounds miserable and painful?”
“Yes.” Seer Goddard met my gaze. “There are other concerns, of which I won’t list. We are taking precautions against such drastic incidents.” He gestured toward a potion. “Once you drink this, it will create a very tangible link between your spirit and your body that will be difficult for anyone, including the Darkest Lord himself, to sever.”
“Okay.”
“Aside from that, you will have a guide. Liza will be with you for as long as she can,” Seer Goddard said. “I cannot accompany you, as the underworld is not a dreamworld but a spirit one. That is why Liza is the only person here who can accompany you.”
