Page 16 of Curse the Fae

“So, you have a combative tongue, after all. That’s new. I had expected to be dealing with another mortal guppy instead of a stingray.”

“I’m neither. I’m a mortal woman, three months shy of my twentieth year and wise enough to dispute the words of an enemy. For one, I don’t understand how the loss of fauna contributes to this realm fading. Animals die and get born all the time, in each of our worlds. It’s a cycle, so how does losing any of them destroy your land?”

“It’s the way they died—at the hands of outsiders, those who have no Fae blood. The fauna were taken from this land. They were stolen by humans rather than perishing naturally. That disrupts our life force.”

I think about the animals and Fae who had suffered in The Trapping, as well as the humans who’d endured eons of wretched treatment by the Folk. Those villagers saw no other resort for protecting themselves.

Silence encourages others to keep talking. I bite my tongue and wait.

It doesn’t take long. The grotto says, “As to what particular game you’re to play, that’s for Elixir to impart.”

“Elixir,” I repeat. “That’s the river ruler’s name?”

Of all the hypocritical monikers to choose. An elixir is a remedy, a means of healing, whereas everything that viper represents is corrosive and deadly. Truly, is he being sarcastic?

I taste the brine of his name, each syllable pinching my tongue. I make no effort to hide my repugnance. Whether the grotto notices, I have no clue.

“In the mountain, tradition decides the game’s precedent and rules,” the water continues. “In the forest, the woodland itself chooses. Here in the river, its leader bears that responsibility.”

The muffled thrust of water resounds against the walls. A bead of condensation worms down my spine. “Your ruler confiscated my spear. I want it back.”

“Then get it back,” the grotto says without a shred of interest.

“I will, if you tell me where to find it.”

“Mortal, when I said you have strength in defiance, I didn’t mean you should apply it by driving a weapon through Elixir’s heart. If that comes to pass, you will lose the game and endure the wrath of his subjects. Likewise, my own.”

“He dumped me into a shark-infested pool.”

“It’s called The Shiver of Sharks. Many territories in the Solitary wild are named after the resident fauna or have sacred titles, such as The Twisted Canals, which is the hub of this realm, where the bridges and residences intersect. You saw it when the water lord hauled you through that area upon arrival, then led you to The Sunken Isle, where you’re a guest.”

“A prisoner,” I correct.

“The isle’s name comes from an event centuries ago, when the landmass sank beneath the ground. The surrounding lake has maintained that sinking effect ever since. Faeries have the vigor to swim through, but any mortal who tries will flounder just as the island once did. The water will pull them down.”

I will drown you.

I shove away the memory. “We’re digressing. When using me for shark feed didn’t go to plan, your ruler tried to suffocate me.”

“He’s overly ambitious, a trait which your presence seems to have intensified.”

“Then he tried to blind me.”

“Yet he failed,” the grotto dismisses. “Elixir is intentional. Nevertheless, that was a self-defensive reflex, a lifelong habit. Thankfully, the shock of his failure brought Elixir to his senses, enough for him to remember the impending game. He won’t attempt to maim you again, so long as you play. Your point?”

“I can’t play if I have no means to protect myself. Even if Elixir doesn’t pose another physical threat, the water Fae do.”

“They would never disobey his rule, however much they’d enjoy tearing you to ribbons for besting him today. They might engage in glamour and tricks that could result in a measly cut or two, or a depletion of your dignity, but that’s hardly cause to wield a spear.”

A measly cut or two. The depletion of my dignity.

Evidently, the grotto’s being serious. “What about the fauna?”

I’m not as well-versed on the mystical animals of Faerie as Juniper, but if they’re anything like mortal animals, some will be tame, and some won’t. Beyond that, I’ll have more than fangs and claws to contend with, if the Fables are correct. The predators of this realm have powers and strengths that I’ll need to arm myself against.

“The spear is your concern,” the grotto maintains. “I’m The Deep’s history, not your mentor. This orientation is concluded. Now if I were you, I would make haste. As of three minutes ago, you were already late.”

“Late? The ruler’s expecting me?” I balk. “You mean to say, I’ve kept him waiting?”

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