Page 111 of Whispers of the Elderoak

“Yes.” Thorne nodded.

“Your grandfather visited me over one hundred years ago, knowing he was the last living fae with portal magic in his blood.” She paused, glancing at the rest of the group before continuing. “He wished to know how to defeat Deidamia. If he even could.”

“But it was told Pellas was supposed to send Deidamia back. That he abandoned us.”

“He did not abandon you,” Nelida explained. “I told him it would not be him who could send Deidamia back to her realm and seal the portal shut forever, destroying it. He wasn’t strong enough.” She paused, then her eyes snapped to Ava’s. “But there would be someone who was.”

“Me?” Ava whispered, her worst fears confirmed.

Nelida nodded. “Aurelia didn’t even know she was with child when he visited. I told Pellas and he made the decision to take your mother somewhere safe to raise you until you were ready.”

Thorne looked at Nelida. “Ava still looks human. Has no magic. Is there a way to access it?”

“Yes,” Nelida replied as she walked closer to Ava, wet soil squelching under her steps. Ava tensed. Nelida’s rotten breathwas warm as she stood over her. “But it is dangerous, especially for a human.”

“How?”

“She must make the journey to the Elderoak Tree. Something that was done thousands of years ago for the fae of Monterre to be blessed with their magic.” Growls sounded in the distance as Nelida continued. “It is a perilous journey that some fae did not survive.”

“We’ve never heard of this,” said Thorne. “Why?”

“That, I do not know. Past kings were not invested in the history of our kingdom. I assume there are ancient texts somewhere.” She stepped back and looked at Thorne.

“What will she face on this journey?”

“I cannot tell you the details, for I do not know all of it.” The snarling grew closer. “The journey is perilous, and different for each fae. No one knows exactly what happens in those woods surrounding the sacred tree.” Her eyes bored into Ava’s as she continued. “You will face your deepest darkest fears and secrets. Only then are you deemed worthy to be blessed by the Elderoak.”

The sounds of the beasts were growing ever closer as the mist thickened and swirled around them, preparing itself to close in again to prevent their escape.

“The swamp creatures are getting restless. While I may not harm you, I cannot deny them a meal,” Nelida said.

“Why are the creatures behaving this way?” asked Thorne.

Nelida backed up and spoke. “They do not want to see Ava succeed. They are glad the daemon queen is back. If she wins, they will be free to roam and devour as they please.”

“Do you wish Deidamia to win?” he asked.

Nelida seemed to ponder on his question, then replied, “No… I do not wish to see my land destroyed.”

Something screamed from behind them, and Ava jumped, the group circling around her, protecting their princess.

“Call your eagle, King. For it is time you leave before the beasts can fill their bellies. And they’ve never tasted human before.” Nelida slinked back in her tree, leaving the group of fae alone in the swamp, surrounded by growls and snarls, screams and cries. Mist swirling feet away from them.

“Protect Ava,” Thorne directed the group. “Skye’s on her way.”

Ava drew her bow and aimed in between the warriors, her shaking hands making it difficult to aim.

“Put your bow down,” Casimir ordered from in front of her. “You’re too scared, you’ll only end up shooting one of us.”

“No,” she answered. “I’m going to help if I can.”

“Quit being so stubborn—” He was cut off by a creature lunging at the group through the mist. The same kind she and Casimir had fought earlier, only much larger.

It jumped straight at Quinn, who was in front of Ava on her right, but she dodged it with a roll, landing in a crouch with her hands extended, aiming her magic. Roots came up from the ground, grasping the creature’s legs to slow it down.

The monster struggled, but broke free as it noticed the opening left in front of Ava and charged directly for her. She screamed and released an arrow, but Casimir was right. She was trembling too hard, and her aim was off. The arrow landed feet away from the creature, almost hitting Quinn.

“You’re going to get us killed!” Quinn yelled at her as Casimir shoved her behind him and she fell. Quinn had wrapped her roots around it again and the moment it was still, Casimir lunged and impaled it through the top of its head.

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