A woman stands at the edge of the great forest, called by the fairies’ song. Her feet know the way so she does not need the moonlight falling through the canopy of leaves to lead her, turning the shadows to silver, but she does not go in, hesitating just at the edge of the tree … Continue reading Epilogue

They yanked me away from Gavin, pulling my arms sharply behind my back. He was unconscious, his eyes shut, blood dripping down his chin. I felt my stomach clench at the sight of it, then transferred my gaze to glare murderously at the witch. She smiled, her eyes cold. We were dragged back into the … Continue reading Chapter Thirteen

The light of torches illuminated the dimness I’d grown accustomed to, causing me to squint against the sudden brightness. I heard the footsteps of a single guard, and felt a knot of apprehension loosen itself in my stomach. The witch was not with him. Still, I pressed myself against the farthest wall, keeping in the … Continue reading Chapter Twelve

When the truth I’d been avoiding half my life finally caught up to me it was so forceful for a moment I could not breathe. I remembered how I felt standing in the clearing with the fairies, the understanding of what I was. Though, it was a fact I neglected and ignored still in the … Continue reading Chapter Eleven

The rhythm of my horses’ hooves pounding the earth became all I was aware of.  Thud, thud, thud.  With each sounding we were closer to the warriors, closer to my father, closer to taking action and farther away from death. Hours passed, and we pushed our mounts to keep going. Cormack had made it clear … Continue reading Chapter Ten

The light of dawn saw the majority of the warriors of Harfeld off.  The sky was red with the coming light, painting the sky the color of blood. I stood beside my mother to see them off, Thilda at my left. The cavalry in front, the two companies of archers ready to march behind. All … Continue reading Chapter Nine

Months passed.  And they were as uneventful as the passing of seasons sometimes are, almost as if the world was entirely unaffected by the excitement my kingdom and I had faced. The attack had been warded off, the witch driven back with a promise of war should she ever think to breech our borders again. … Continue reading Chapter Eight

Light fell into the cave and bird song began.  Knowing that Harfeld had not fallen made me anxious to be on our way, making progress back through the wood towards the Forest Path. "Is it safe?" the words were hopeful, tentative, "Can I go home?" I knew Cormack was awake and listening. He’d been standing … Continue reading Chapter Seven

The safe place Cormack was speaking of turned out to be a cave. "Don't worry, there are likely no monsters we'll have to share it with," he flashed a smile. "Monsters don't frighten me," I replied with a shrug, finding it to be the truth. He smiled a little then, giving a slight shake of … Continue reading Chapter Six

The campfire dimmed, the snores of men could be heard from above where they slept in hammocks, but the rest of the world was silent. My body ached, the pain in my shin had dimmed to a dull throb and by all rights I should have fallen fast asleep. I lay there, under the blankets … Continue reading Chapter Five