Chapter 1
“Lady Casilla!” Elizabeth shouted as she jumped down from the back of her unicorn Lilac. She and Edric both hurrying toward the fae.
It had been a perfect day. Elizabeth and Edric had ridden into the mountains early, leaving their mounts in the stable at the high meadow before hiking up one of the trails to hunt, stopping now and then to admire the view. It felt good to have some relaxing time alone together after the stress of the past few months. Fortunately, all had worked out, but there was still a lot of work ahead to help the newly discovered Kingdom of Adarlyndra get back on their feet. Elizabeth worried that she and Edric would have time for their newly born twins, Lady Wynter and Lord Hunter, but looking at Edric smiling at her, dressed in his old, worn, dragon leather riding clothes, she felt as if all was right in their world again. She was even getting used to her new appearance. If felt strange to look in the mirror and see silver hair instead of her former golden locks. Her skin was now paler and looked almost iridescent with the constant glow of her magic. Overall, she was pleased with her fae appearance and she knew that it would make acceptance of the fae easier now that the Dragon’s Eye had transformed her into a fae, although Elizabeth knew that her magic far exceeded that of a normal fae’s.
The pair were talking about the next day’s trip to Seaside Castle when their quiet ride was interrupted by the sound of Castle North’s dragon alarm. Both instinctively looked up, trying to spot the dragon. Edric immediately pointed to a huge red dragon flying toward the castle. Elizabeth quickly discerned that the red dragon was no ordinary dragon. She urged her unicorn into a gallop, Edric on his unicorn racing close behind her. The pair reached the castle courtyard just in time to stop Lord Dellmont, Castle North’s Chief Armsmen, from ordering his armsmen to fire on the fast approaching dragon. They all looked on as the red dragon descended near the castle.
Casilla landed just outside the castle gate, transforming from a red dragon back to her fairy self. The dark brown leather riding clothes she wore were a stark contrast to her pale skin and silver hair. She looked tired from the tremendous effort it had taken to reach Castle North, but it did little to diminish her stunning appearance.
“Your Majesties,” Casilla bowed as Elizabeth and Edric reached her.
“I’m assuming that whatever brought you here must be urgent, so let’s dispense with formalities and get right to it,” Elizabeth urged. She knew that whatever had caused the fae to fly all the way from Adarlyndra to Castle North in dragon form, must be extremely pressing.
“It’s Lady Eve,” Casilla gave Elizabeth a pained expression.
“What about my mother?” Elizabeth gave Edric a worried glance.
“She’s disappeared!”
***
“Tell us everything you know,” Edric requested.
Edric and Elizabeth had decided that it would be best to let Lady Casilla relay the events that led up to Lady Eve’s disappearance to a group of those on hand who might have thoughts or suggestions on the matter. They met in Castle North’s Grand Chamber at one of the tables that staff had set up for dinner that evening. The group included Elizabeth’s personal secretary Vika, King Aden of Mardylla, along with his son, Prince Talbot, King Evan of Kellmorgen, Edric’s father, Lord Warren, Elizabeth’s brother, Lord Lark, and Lord Dellmont, Chief Armsmen of Castle North.
“I’ve sent a rider to Knight’s Hall with a message for Lord Maymar,” Lord Dellmont informed Elizabeth and Edric. “I thought it best if he sent Lord Forest and Lord Avery here.”
“Thank you,” Edric nodded to the elder Chief Armsmen. Lord Dellmont had been Chief Armsmen of Castle North since before Edric was born, and Edric depended on his keen judgement.
“Shall we begin?” Elizabeth looked around the table to make certain that everyone was settled in.
“Wait!” a voice shouted from the chamber’s doorway as the two armsmen on duty opened the heavy wooden doors to allow Lady Shaylee and Lady Ellyann to enter.
“I hope you don’t mind us joining you?” Shaylee asked as the pair approached.
“Who’s watching the twins?” Elizabeth had left the pair in Shaylee and Lady Ellen’s care, but she knew that Lady Ellen would be busy by now supervising the preparation of the evening’s meal.
“Lady Milley and Ryder,” Shaylee replied as she and Ellyann found seats at the table.
“Ryder?” Elizabeth knew that Shaylee and Lark’s son had helped supervise the children on the journey south to Dragon Castle and then again on the voyage back, but she had thought he had only done so to prove to his parents that he was responsible enough to become a trainee at Knight’s Hall this season.
“He’s really taken with them and volunteered to help,” Shaylee explained. She suspected that he was hoping to see Lady Wynter transform into an animal even though she had told him that it wouldn’t happen until the fae infant was older.
“Why don’t we begin,” Edric suggested as he put his hand over Elizabeth’s. He knew that she was concerned about fulfilling her duties as queen, as well as, taking care of their newborn twins. As only she could perform her royal duties, she would have to rely on others to take care of her children.
“Of course,” Elizabeth smiled at him and nodded. She had to have confidence that her twins were getting the best of care when she was not with them. “Lady Casilla, tell us what happened.”
Lady Casilla slowly stood up, cringing slightly as her chair made a loud scrapping sound on the wooden floor as she pushed it backwards. She was nervous to speak in front of the group containing royals from several kingdoms. Casilla was fearful that they would look harshly upon her as she was the one who had removed the Dragon’s Eye from the Great Tree all those years ago, starting the endless conflict in Adarlyndra. But the warm smile on Elizabeth’s face reminded her that they did not blame her. In fact, they considered her to be a key figure in the plan to rebuild Adarlyndra and to repair the relationship between the humans and the fairies in her kingdom.
“I was not present when Lady Eve disappeared, but I’ll tell you what I know,” Casilla began. “Lord Jannan contacted Queen Kira and offered to send several senior members of his castle staff to the new castle in Kendoor to help Lady Eve assess what her needs would be and to assist her in finding staff and getting everything prepared for the ambassadors that would be coming to live in Kendoor with their staff.”
“That was very generous of Lord Jannan,” Elizabeth noted.
“Queen Kira and Lady Eve rode to Kendoor and met up there with those from the castle in Verrland. Everything went very well. They stayed overnight in the new castle and the next morning, Lady Eve told Queen Kira that she wanted to take a walk down to the bay before breakfast and look around.” Casilla let out a heavy sigh and then continued. “When Lady Eve did not come back for breakfast, everyone went down to the bay to search for her, but they could not find her. After searching everywhere around the castle, Queen Kira sent a messenger to Norland requesting that I come. She asked me to transform and to fly here to find Queen Elizabeth.”
“Thank you, Casilla.” Edric gestured for the fae to take her seat.
“I’m sorry to say it, but could Lady Eve have fallen into the water and drowned?” Lord Warren felt the possibility had to be considered.
“My mother has never been prone to accidents and she wouldn’t have walked into icy waters that she wasn’t familiar with.” Elizabeth decided to dismiss the possibility.
“Is it possible that there are some in Adarlyndra who are unhappy with current events?” Aden spoke up. “Could there still be supporters of the Order of the Fallen Crown who could have possibly kidnapped Lady Eve in revenge for Queen Elizabeth turning their leaders into rats?”
“Lady Casilla?” Edric deferred the question to the fae.
Casilla shook her head. “I really couldn’t say. Lord Varden would have a better idea if the Order still lingers.”
“I should go to Adarlyndra,” Elizabeth decided, turning to Edric for confirmation.
“No,” Edric shook his head. “Elnara needs you and our twins need you.”
“I need to find my mother!” Elizabeth argued. She would not let anything happen to Lady Eve.
“I’ll go!” Prince Talbot stood up as he volunteered, quickly pushing back the strands of hair that had fallen into his handsome face.
“I’ll go with him,” King Aden stood up, glancing over at his son. He was proud of Talbot for volunteering but thought that the situation could use a more seasoned eye.
“There you go,” Edric turned to Elizabeth, a smile on his face. “They’ll go.”
“Lady Casilla can’t transport them and traveling by ship will take too long.” Elizabeth felt that time was of the essence if they were to find her mother.
“May I suggest that you have Lord Forest transport us with the Dragon Sword.” Aden knew that Forest and Avery would be showing up at any time.
“Lord Forest isn’t very experienced at using the magic of the Dragon Sword.” Elizabeth still thought that she should go.
“Just send Ellis,” Edric sighed and rolled his eyes. “You know she’s going to go as soon as she finds out what’s happened.” Experience told him that nothing could stop Lady Ellis from getting involved in such situations.
“Lady Ellis has a baby to care for,” Elizabeth reminded Edric.
“Lady Nara can watch Ellis’s child,” Edric dismissed her objection.
“Perhaps Lady Nara can watch our twins so that we can go,” Elizabeth glared at Edric. She did not wish to sit idly by while others searched for her mother.
“It’s not the same and you know it!” Edric raised his voice. He would not have Elizabeth put herself in possible danger.
“What do you expect me to do while everyone else is looking for my mother!”
Edric took a deep breath and looked lovingly at Elizabeth. “I expect us to travel to Seaside Castle and tell your father what’s happened.”
The anger that had been building inside Elizabeth melted away. She hadn’t thought about her father. He didn’t even know that his wife was in Adarlyndra, let alone that she was missing.
“You’re right,” Elizabeth nodded, a pained expression on her face. If they didn’t find her mother, she feared the loss would kill her father. “I’ll get Lady Ellis while you wait for Avery and Forest to arrive.” Elizabeth got up slowly, everyone present standing as she rose. They all remained standing until Elizabeth, accompanied by Vika, left the chamber.
With Elizabeth now gone, Edric turned to Lady Casilla. “Does Queen Kira think that Lady Eve is dead?”
Casilla shook her head. “She has no reason to think the worst,” Casilla told them. “She just can’t imagine what happened to Lady Eve.”
“Are you okay with Lady Ellis going?” Edric looked at Aden. He knew that Ellis and Aden had fought on opposite sides of the war in Kellmorgen.
“Lady Ellis and I made our peace a long time ago.” Aden knew that Ellis’s magic and experience could prove invaluable.
“Good,” Edric nodded. “I can’t thank you enough for volunteering. I’d like to keep Elizabeth out of this if possible.”
“Agreed.” Aden owed his very life to Elizabeth and would do his best to find Lady Eve and keep Elizabeth out of any possible danger.
As the meeting broke up and castle staff entered the chamber to set up for the evening meal, Edric walked over to where King Evan stood.
“I know you’d probably rather that I didn’t volunteer your mother but…” Edric began only to have Evan hold up his hand to stop him.
“Everyone’s first priority is Elizabeth,” Evan told him. “Besides, your correct that Ellis won’t stay out of it, even with my baby sister and Lord Kafella in her life now.”
***
Elizabeth and Vika appeared in the Pixie Village in the spot reserved for that purpose. As soon as the pixies noticed them, they began running about and announcing their presence.
“Go find Lady Ellis and tell her the queen is here to see her!” Vika shouted to several of the pixies.
“This is one of my favorite places.” Elizabeth smiled as she gazed up at the Guardian Trees which towered over everything. The Pixie Village was unlike any other in Elnara. All the living quarters were built on platforms suspended high in the trees. The overhead paths that connected the cottages could be accessed by stairways carved inside several of the Guardian Trees. There was a central clearing in the forest for meals, entertainment, and meetings. The pixies were expert hunters and wood carvers, the latter proving to be a lucrative vocation as visitors to Village North would pay a good price for carved goods.
“Mine too.” Vika had lived in the Pixie Forest in Faelyndra and then in the new Pixie Forest in Elnara until Elizabeth had offered her the position of secretary on Elizabeth’s personal staff. “One day Maymar and I will retire here.”
“You will let me know in advance,” a voice chimed in. “I want to make sure they build your cottage way on the other side of the forest.”
Vika frowned at Ellis. “You look very casual,” Vika noted. Lady Ellis usually dressed in fine clothes with lots of spider silk, but now she wore a simple woolen shirt and tunic with brown dragon leather boots.
“Now that I’m living in the Pixie Village, I decided to embrace the lifestyle,” Ellis smiled.
“You look wonderful,” Elizabeth smiled. It felt good to see Ellis looking so content.
“Thank you,” Ellis smiled back, always happy to be complimented. “What tears you away from Castle North?” Ellis knew that it must be important.
“We need to talk in private.” Elizabeth glanced around at the crowd of pixies that had formed to see her.
“Of course,” Ellis nodded. “We can go to my cottage.”
Elizabeth thought for a moment. “I have a better idea.” In a flash of light, Elizabeth, Vika, and Ellis disappeared.
A few moments later, Lady Nara came hurrying over to the spot.
“I thought you said that the queen and Vika where here?” Nara questioned the pixies standing by.
“They were,” one of the pixies told her. “They just disappeared with Lady Ellis.”
Lady Nara frowned. “I’m sure they’ll be back soon. I best wait here until they do.” Nara found a comfortable spot and sat on the ground to wait, a few of the pixies deciding to join her.
***
The three appeared in the meadow next to the replica of the Pixie Bridge that Robb had built for Lady Nara. Elizabeth knew that it was Ellis’s favorite spot in the Pixie Forest and it was far enough away from the Pixie Village to give them the privacy they were looking for.
“How is River?” Elizabeth inquired after Ellis’s daughter.
“Growing quickly, as I’m sure you know,” Ellis smiled.
Ellis’s daughter was a fae as were Elizabeth and Edric’s twins. Fae were the original fairies. The fae had pale, almost white skin, with silver hair and the elegant, pointed ears of all fairies. Fae had amazingly quick reflexes that made them superior sword fighters and amazing dancers. Female fae all had the magic given to them by the Great Tree. They could make plants grow and had an affinity for animals. In fact, female fae could shift into the form of any animal that they had seen. Over time, as a result of the fae marrying humans, they began to change in appearance and lose their nature magic. Over time, the birth of any fae became a rare occurrence. No one in Elnara had given birth to a fae, or even knew about their fae ancestry until Elizabeth had been transformed into a fae by the wish made on the Dragon’s Eye so that she could conceive. Elizabeth had given birth to fae twins and Ellis had given birth to a fae daughter, both mothers learning that fae babies matured quickly. The new additions would be walking in another month or so with River and Wynter starting to use magic and transform around age three. The two females along with Wynter’s twin Hunter, would be fully grown by the time they were ten years of age.
“I couldn’t believe the change in them after Edric and I had an outing into the mountains.” Elizabeth had been shocked by the visible change in her twin’s appearance when she and Edric had checked in on the pair.
“Kafella tells me that the changes won’t happen quite as fast after the first year.”
Kafella was a fae and had lived in the Kingdom of Adarlyndra over ten thousand years ago. He had been a member of the Order of the Northern Star that had worked to restore the magical Dragon’s Eye to the Fairy Queen in Adarlyndra after its removal which had caused ongoing wars to possess its magic. It had been he who hid the Dragon’s Eye in the cove at Seaside Castle in Elnara and after it’s discovery, he had been brought to the present time by its magic. Now he and his sister, Maylin, lived with Ellis and River in the Pixie Forest.
“Are you and Kafella going to get married?” Elizabeth knew that Ellis had fallen in love with Kafella.
“Perhaps in the future,” Ellis speculated. “Right know I’d just like to enjoy some peace and contentment, but I’m thinking that I might have to wait on that?” She looked at Elizabeth for confirmation of her assessment.
“Casilla showed up at Castle North,” Elizabeth explained.
“What happened?” Ellis’s face turned serious. She knew that it must have been urgent for the fae to come on her own.
“My mother has disappeared.”
“What do you need from me?” Ellis didn’t bother to ask the details, she knew that she’d get them later. Right now, she only needed to know what Elizabeth required of her. Whatever it was, she would do it.
“I need you to transport Aden, Talbot, Avery, and Forest back to Adarlyndra with Casilla,” Elizabeth told her. “I need you to help them find my mother.”
“I’ll find her.” Ellis would do whatever it took to find Lady Eve. She owed Elizabeth everything and she would not fail her.
“I’m sorry to have to ask you…” Elizabeth began but was cut off by Ellis.
“Kafella can take care of River,” Ellis assured Elizabeth. “He’s far more maternal than I am,” she smiled. Ellis was amazed at how easily Kafella took care of the newborn and his young sister. “I’ll find Lady Eve.”
“Thank you!” Elizabeth put her arms around Ellis. “I’m certain that if anyone can find her, it’s you.”
***
Maymar sat in one of the classrooms at Knight’s Hall with Avery, Clara, Forest, and Kartymin. The new trainees would be arriving soon for the beginning of the new season and they were woefully behind schedule.
“We have so many new trainees coming this season that we’re going to have to make three main groups,” Maymar decided.
This season they had many more trainees coming from the Kingdom of Kellmorgen to Elnara’s north and more female trainees from both Elnara and Kellmorgen. Maymar attributed the spike in female interest to Lady Ivy’s victory in the team sword competition at the festival in Dragon Village. She had been up against a seemingly unbeatable armsmen from the Kellmorgen team, but she had used her wits to defeat him. Ivy stripped from the waist up, which was not against the rules that had been written for the previously all male competition. Her opponent was so distracted that Ivy was able to score the necessary three hits before he could collect himself. After her victory, Ivy became a role model for females in all the kingdoms, showing that females had what it took to compete against males. The story had become a favorite topic for puppet shows amongst traveling players much to Princess Clara’s delight. She was proud of her daughter, although poor Avery was already tired of seeing red-headed puppets with bare bosom.
“When’s the new teacher arriving?” Maymar looked at Kartymin.
“She should be here any day,” the elf assured Maymar.
“She?” Clara perked up at the thought of another female in the prominently male environment.
“Yes,” Kartymin nodded. “The new teacher’s name is Ciarra. She comes highly recommended from Castle South.
“What about the new maps?” Maymar inquired next.
Kartymin let out an exasperated sigh. “I’ve sent messages to Lakeland asking that they put our maps on the priority list, but I just keep getting told that only ships can be put on the priority list right now.”
“I’ll send a message to my sister and get your maps on the list,” Forest promised. His sister was the future Noble Lady of Lakeland Castle and was supervising the making and distribution of maps with the addition of the Kingdom of Adarlyndra and the new travel routes to and from that island kingdom.
“Thank you!” Kartymin nodded to Forest.
“How are we going to handle the training schedule with the increase of trainees?” Clara wondered.
“I’m thinking that we can use one of our more advanced trainees to help out until we can find more permanent staff,” Maymar informed them.
“Who!” Avery and Clara asked simultaneously.
“Prince Ellery,” Maymar smiled.
“I want him,” Avery jumped in before Clara could speak.
“I need him!” Clara glared at Avery before turning to Maymar.
Ellery, the heir to the throne of Kellmorgen, was one of the best trainees to attend Knight’s Hall.
“I think that Prince Ellery can handle teaching one or two beginner classes for both of you,” Maymar decided.
“Now that Lady Ellis and Lord Kafella are living in the Pixie Forest, I thought we could invite them to teach some sword classes once a week or so,” Forest suggested. He knew that everyone could benefit from the pair’s expert instruction.
“That would be great,” Avery agreed.
A knock on the classroom door caught everyone’s attention. “Come in,” Maymar shouted.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Sir Jarell told them as he stepped into the classroom. “A message just arrived from Castle North for Lord Maymar.”
Maymar reached out his hand to Sir Jarell who took the queue, walking across the room to hand him the sealed letter before leaving the group to their meeting.
“What is it?” Avery wondered.
“Let’s see,” Maymar broke the wax seal on the letter and opened it, quickly scanning its content. “It’s from Lord Dellmont,” he informed them. “He requests that I send Lord Avery and Lord Forest with all haste to Castle North.”
“Does he say why?” Forest thought it must be important for Lord Dellmont to expect them to make the ride this late in the day.
“Lady Casilla showed up at Castle North,” Maymar continued to read the letter. He stopped suddenly and looked at the group.
“What is it?” Clara could tell it was bad.
“Lady Eve is missing.”
“If you’ll excuse us, Lord Maymar, we best leave now.” Forest stood up and gave Avery a nudge.
“I just need to see Archer and then I’ll meet you in the courtyard,” Avery told him.
“I better grab the Dragon Sword,” Forest thought that he might need the sword’s magic.
“I’ll have your mounts readied and brought to the courtyard,” Clara told them, jumping up to leave with them.
“Who’s going to teach the advanced sword class with Lord Avery gone?” Kartymin asked Maymar, the pair now alone in the classroom.
“I haven’t taught a class in a while,” he smiled at the elf.
“Of course!” Kartymin smiled back. “You’ll have Prince Ellery teach the advance classes and you can teach the beginner classes.”
“Are you implying that I’m not that good with a sword?”
“You’re an elf,” Kartymin shook his head. “How good could you be with a sword.”
Maymar chuckled as he stood up. Kartymin was right. Elves were naturally skilled with the bow, not the sword, although Maymar had become more than proficient with a blade.
“Too bad you can’t get Prince Talbot to fill in for a while.” Kartymin knew that Prince Talbot had been Knight’s Hall’s top trainee. He had received a knighthood in the Order of the Dragon Sword.
“I’m afraid that Prince Talbot and Lady Ellyann will be leaving to spend a year in Adarlyndra as the ambassadors from the Kingdom of Mardylla,” Maymar reminded the teacher, although he wondered if the recent news would affect that timetable.
***
“You’re not upset that I volunteered to go, are you?”
Talbot and Ellyann sat on the small sofa in the sitting chamber off the front hallway. They had hurried off as soon as the meeting was over to find a quiet spot and found the room unoccupied. The chamber was cozy with minimal furnishings and a small fireplace that had already been lit for the evening. The walls of the chamber had depictions of all the castles in Elnara and was a favorite of Elizabeth’s. Ellyann knew that there was a similar chamber in the front hallway of Dragon Castle as she and Talbot had stolen private moments in that chamber as well.
“Of course not.” Ellyann kissed her betrothed. She still found it hard to believe that she and Talbot would be married. It seemed only a short time ago a marriage between the two was impossible, but Storm’s unselfish wish on the Dragon’s Eye had made it possible. The queen’s pregnancy had released Ellyann from her position as royal heir and made it possible for her to become betrothed to Talbot. “I should come with you,” she decided, smiling and kissing him again.
“I’d rather you wait until we find out what’s happened,” Talbot told her. “I doubt any of the ambassadors will head to Adarlyndra until it’s determined what happened to Lady Eve.
“I just hate to be parted from you,” she kissed him again, hoping that she could change his mind.
Talbot kissed her back. He was starting to think that maybe she was right, when he suddenly broke away for a moment to clear his head.
“Don’t stop,” Ellyann leaned forward to kiss him again.
“I’m happy to continue, but it won’t change my mind.” Talbot was resolved to stick to his decision.
“I’ll miss you terribly.” Ellyann looked genuinely distraught.
“I know. I’ll miss you too.” Talbot put his arms around her and held her close to him. “You should help the queen. I’m sure she’d feel better if you were helping to care for her twins.”
“You’re right.” Ellyann did want to help ease the queen’s mind. “I just hope that you’re not gone too long.”
“With any luck, they’ll have found Lady Eve and she’ll be waiting for us when we arrive,” Talbot smile at her.
“I hope so,” Ellyann smiled back before kissing him once again.
***
When Elizabeth returned with Lady Ellis and Vika, she found not only Lady Nara and a group of pixies waiting for them, but also Lord Kafella, who was holding a sleeping Lady River in his arms, and Kafella’s sister Maylin who was playing a game with a few of the pixies.
“I’m sorry I missed you when you arrived, Your Majesty.” Lady Nara jumped to her feet. “Can you stay for the evening meal?”
“I can’t,” Elizabeth smiled and shook her head. “I have urgent business for Lady Ellis.”
“Is everything alright?” Lady Nara asked, although she knew if Elizabeth needed Lady Ellis’s help that something was amiss.
“I’m confident that everything will be fine shortly with Lady Ellis’s assistance,” Elizabeth smiled. She could see that the pixies looked relieved, but she could tell that Lady Nara wasn’t buying the smile.
“Don’t worry, Lady Ellis,” Lady Nara told the Pixie Village’s new resident. “We’re all happy to help Lord Kafella with baby River if he needs it, although he seems to be very able with children.”
“Will you be gone long?” Kafella stood up, handing the sleeping baby to one of the pixies.
“Probably not,” Ellis told him. “If I need to be gone more than a few days, I’ll send word.”
“We really must get going!” Elizabeth urged Ellis to say goodbye.
“I’ll see you soon,” Ellis kissed Kafella and then glanced at her sleeping child.
“Be careful!” Kafella yelled to Ellis as the three females made ready to leave.
“Careful?” Ellis chuckled. “I thought you knew me better than that.”
Before Kafella could say another word, the three vanished in a flash of light.
“Did I miss the Queen!” a voice shouted.
Everyone turned to see Robb running toward them. He stopped next to Lady Nara as he tried to catch his breath.
“She couldn’t stay,” Nara informed her husband.
“I was hoping to show her the new sword that I made for her in honor of the birth of her twins.”
“You finished it?” Nara knew that the blacksmith had been working on the sword since they had learned of the queen’s pregnancy.
“Come have a look.” Robb held out his hand to his wife who took it, walking with him back toward his workshop. As they strolled up the path, Robb noticed that several of the pixies were following them. “No work to do?” Robb suddenly stopped and glared at the group.
“It’s our rest day,” one of the pixies smiled. None of the pixies took Robb’s glaring and harsh tones seriously. They all knew that no one cared more about them or the Pixie Forest than the ancient blacksmith. He had been their leader and protector for thousands of years, made immortal by Lady Nara with the power of the Dragon Sword. He was no longer immortal, and he and Lady Nara had chosen to spend the rest of their days with the pixies.
“Your rest day is it?” Robb sighed. “We’ll come along then.”
When they reached the workshop, Robb went inside for a moment, returning with the new sword. The sword was a completely new style. It had a long, narrow blade with an intricate, swirling guard and a polished wooden grip.
“It’s beautiful!” Nara exclaimed. “May I see it?” She held out her hand.
Robb handed her the sword. “You can see here I engraved the queen’s name on the blade.”
“It has a nice feel,” Nara decided. “I don’t think that anyone’s seen anything like it.”
“I should think not,” Robb took the sword back, holding it up and examining it. “I’ve been working on this design for a long time.”
***
“Tristen, I’m looking for Archer.” Avery had thought to find his son in his chambers, but instead found Maymar’s son Tristen.
“He went looking for Forest,” Tristen informed him. “He has an idea to make translating that book easier.”
“Really?” Avery wondered what his son had come up with. “I hope he realizes that the queen doesn’t wish us to use magic to translate the text.”
“He knows that,” Tristen nodded. “He should be back soon.”
“I’m in somewhat of a hurry,” Avery explained. “Forest and I have been called to Castle North on urgent business.”
“It will just take a moment!”
Avery and Tristen heard voices in the hallway.
“I hope so. I’m in a hurry!”
“Father!” Archer was surprised to see Avery in his chambers. “I’m glad you’re here. I have a wonderful idea for translating the book.” Archer was referring to the book that was found in the library at High Castle in Kellmorgen. It had originally come from Adarlyndra and reportedly had arrived there with the humans that came to Adarlyndra thousands of years ago. The only word that they could read in the book was a name, Elizabeth.
“What is it?” Avery was anxious to hear his son’s idea and had totally forgotten about being in a rush.
“Remember, we’re in a hurry,” Forest reminded Avery.
“It will just take a moment,” Archer pleaded.
“Alright,” Forest gave in. “What did you need me for?”
“I need you to use the Dragon Sword to make a duplicate of the book,” Archer smiled.
“How will that help?” Avery was confused by his son’s proposal.
“Oh, sorry,” Archer realized that he hadn’t made his request very clear. “I need you to create an exact replica of the book but with the pages blank.”
“I see…” Avery started nodding his head in understanding.
“Want to fill me in?” Forest still wasn’t clear on the plan.
“When I translate any word, I’ll write it in the blank book,” Archer explained. “Many of the words are used repeatedly so I can go through the book and transfer the translated words to the blank book.”
Forest smiled. “You can start using the context to translate other words using the work in progress.”
“Exactly!” Archer was glad that they approved of his plan.
“Where’s the book?” Forest asked. “I’ll make your duplicate and then we have to leave.”
Archer walked over to a chest against the wall and lifted out a bundle. He set the bundle on the wooden table in the chamber and unwrapped it. Inside was the large book with the symbol of the northern star on its cover.
“Everyone stand back,” Forest instructed. He still wasn’t experienced enough with the sword to feel overly confident. He pointed the sword at the spot on the table next to the book and closed his eyes. He envisioned the duplicate book and then opened his eyes. The air on the table began to shimmer, a replica of the ancient tomb appearing next to the original.
“You did it!” Archer quickly opened the new book to find its pages blank.
“We have to go now,” Forest looked at Avery.
“Good luck,” Avery told Archer as he and Forest hurried to the courtyard. He knew that translating the book was going to be challenging as the language was totally unfamiliar.
***
“What took you so long?” Clara asked as the pair hurried into the courtyard. She’d had their mounts standing ready for some time now.
“I got a bit distracted,” Avery confessed.
“Really?” Clara said sarcastically. “Hard to believe.”
“I know,” Avery replied, oblivious to his wife’s comment.
Forest shook his head as he mounted his unicorn. He found his future in-laws very amusing.
“Where’s Ivy?” Clara asked Forest. She’d assumed that her daughter would be here to say goodbye to her betrothed.
“Ivy and Willow left a while ago to ride to the Pixie Village,” Forest told Clara. “They’re picking up the new practice swords from Robb.”
“She’ll be sorry she missed you.” Clara was certain that Ivy would have tried to find a way to accompany Forest if she’d been present.
“Tell her that I’ll miss her,” Forest smiled.
“I will,” Clara promised.
“Will you miss me?” Avery put one arm around his wife.
Forest cringed. Princess Clara had such a volatile personality that you could never be certain if she was going to kiss Avery or punch him. This time, much to Forest’s relief, the redheaded Kellmorg threw her arms around Avery and gave him a passionate kiss.
“I guess that means you’ll miss me,” Avery smiled when they parted.
“Take care of yourself,” Clara told him as he mounted his unicorn and made ready to leave.
“I’m sure we’ll be back soon,” Avery shouted as he and Forest rode out of the courtyard.
Clara watched them ride out of sight, turning when she felt someone else’s presence. It was Maymar.
“What’s wrong?” Maymar had known Clara long enough to know when something was up.
“I had something to tell Avery and now I wish I had told him before he left.”
“You want to tell me?” Maymar could see that Clara looked distraught.
Clara stared at the elf for a moment and then sighed. “I’m pregnant.”
“What!” It was not what Maymar had expected her to say. “Aren’t you too…” Maymar stopped when he saw the look on Clara’s face.
“Am I too what?” Clara glared at him. “too old?”
“Obviously not,” Maymar began to take a few steps backward. He’d seen that look before and didn’t want to be on the receiving end of Clara’s wrath.
“How old do you think I am?” Clara took a step toward Maymar.
“I stopped counting a long time ago,” Maymar smiled, cringing when he realized his mistake.
“A long time ago?” Clara’s face started turning red.
Maymar decided his best strategy was retreat. “Kartymin is waiting for me,” he told her as he turned and ran into the castle.