Unveiled Secrets: The Promise of the Fae

Chapter 49 – Who are you?

When King Edward and Vince returned, they gathered the others for a quick meeting. They shall go back to the fae in two days. Aaron would use an enchantment. Nate and Vince would try if it’s possible to transport a fairy from the castle to the borders. If they have time, they would scout places near the borders where they can set up camp. It was all preparation at this point. In their last venture inside the dark lands, they can almost see the castle. Admittedly, it’s still a great distance from where they stood.

Everyone readied themselves. Aaron was a little nervous, but Hannah’s hand on his calmed him. It was Alec on his other side. They formed a circle.

“Treat this as scouting enemy territory. Take note of places that would be useful in the future.” That was the only reminder the king has for them. There was no pressure this time.

When they appeared in the fae, they scattered in different directions. King Florian assigned each one of them with a guide, or guard. Corrine and Alec went on separate ways. Nate wondered where they would reappear in the human world if they were suddenly surrounded by the lights while they’re on different places in the fae. She shrugged. Hopefully, no one would witness their reappearance in the human world.

She and Vince went together, being able to use enchantments to fly out. Or float. Whichever term is more accurate. Regardless, it allowed them to travel great lengths.

King Florian, his advisors and best knights had another meeting with King Edward and Queen Elise. Hannah sat with them. Aaron, being able to fly by himself, went on and did as he was told. Scouting the fae world and studying the lay of the land.

After walking about and climbing trees, Corrine dismissed the fairy with her. Sometimes, she prefers working alone. Especially when the task is studying. She retains information much easier when there’s solitude and it’s quiet.

After another while, though, it started raining. She looked up at the sky. Oddly, it was bright and clear. The clouds are dark but not enough to render the area below it to be as dark. She’d heard the day stood still in this part of the fae while the night was stuck in the dark lands. Such a weird curse, she thought. As her magic is over water, she easily prevented the drops from soaking her. It’s as if there’s a bubble around her. She continued. Time is of the essence. As she walked, she heard someone yelling. She stopped to listen as she squints at her surroundings. The rain is making everything blurry in her eyes. It’s on the left side of the path. Should she check? Her curiosity made her move in that direction.

She was surprised to see a cave this close to the castle. On closer look, it’s situated in a small hill, not quite a mountain. It shouldn’t be too deep. At most, it would be a shallow cave. It’s useful for a temporary shelter for a time like this.

As she approached, she couldn’t make out the inside of the cave. The voice she heard earlier was gone as well.

When she stepped inside, safe from the rain, she released her concentration on her magic. She took a few steps inside but it was oddly dark. Is it not a shallow cave? She waited a while, hoping her eyes would adjust to the darkness but nothing… she sighed as she turned around and faced the entrance, watching the rain.

It hasn’t been an hour yet, has it? She pondered as she listened to the pitter-patter on the ground.

Corrine gasped as an arm wrapped around her neck, pulling her head back. She could feel something cold against her throat. A blade? She shuddered. From the cold? No. From the fact that she didn’t sense this person’s presence. She carefully lifted her hands in front of her, trying to balance herself on her feet. The way this person holds her is dangerous. If she stumbles, that blade is sure to cut into her.

“Who are you?”

She heard an almost whispered question. A man. His tone was controlled. She can’t trace a hint of fear. Of course, she’s the one with a blade on her neck.

“Corrine. My name is Corrine.” She moved a little, ensuring the blade can’t cut into her.

Erik studied her more closely. He already noticed that she didn’t have wings. She’s not fae. He heard her approach and hid himself in a dark corner.

“Are you a human? Why are you here?” In his mind, she does look like a human and not any other creature.

“Yes. I’m here for Queen Elise.” Maybe he knows Queen Elise? He should, since this is the royal’s territory. Oh, wait…

“I meant, Princess Elise…” She weakly added. The queen is still a princess is this dimension.

Hearing his sister’s name, Erik understood. She’s one of those humans. His sister’s family have brought other humans before, but he rarely interacts with them. Initially, he was doubtful. Skeptical that her husband would be able to accomplish what many fae kings have failed to achieve. He almost voiced them out as well, but his sister trusted him completely. Princess Elise has her own temper and he knows she would severely berate him if he speaks ill of her husband. So, he shut his mouth and left them to it. He doubts his father would even allow him to participate. He recalls his conversation with his sister…

He sighed and Corrine relaxed a little when his arm loosened. He removed the blade and gently pushed her forward to stand on her feet. She wobbled a little. As a warrior, she’d always said that she’s prepared to die any moment. In battle. On missions. In a war. But to be caught without a fight, she couldn’t accept that.

Slowly, she turned to see who it is. He looked a little older than her, a young man. His clothes look normal, except for the sword on his side and the dagger he’s now returning to its sheath. And of course, his wings. The experience made her pant. Her heart raced upon being released. Surely it was a delayed reaction.

“Are you well?” He raised an eyebrow, watching the woman suddenly trying to catch her breath.

“I am. You surprised me. Are you a knight?”

“I am.”

“Why are you alone?”

Erik paused for a second before raising his eyebrow again. “Why are YOU alone?”

Corrine stiffened at the returned question. Right.

She exhaled before turning at the cave entrance. The rain poured much harder.

She blew out another breath. It would not do if this trip becomes useless. She must do something.

“I was supposed to study the lay of the land, but then it rained. I didn’t think it would rain, considering they say day stood still in this part of the fae.”

Erik snorted at her assumptions. “Time stood still. Day was stuck here. Rain continues when it wants to pour down. Be it here or there.”

She tilted her head at his explanation. Maybe that makes sense.

If Erik was paying attention, he should’ve noticed a glaring detail about her. Not a drop of rain on her, despite the outpour before she stepped into the cave. Who knew why he didn’t think of it?

“Well, there’s nothing else to do, unless you plan to do it under the rain?” He stepped next to her, gauging the time it would take before the rain stops. It shouldn’t take long.

Corrine glanced at him. In a way, she could say he defeated her. Even if it was carelessness on her part. She glanced at the sword on his side, and Erik noticed. Then, he glanced at the sword on her side.

“How about a spar? I trained as a warrior. Not exactly a knight but I know enough about swords.” She took hers, slowly brandishing it in front of him.

Erik grinned. Well, now. He won’t be bored as he waits for the rain to stop. And a spar would be fruitful. A new opponent, one he has no read on. Let’s see if he can win against her.

Corrine was doubtful. Archery is her best weapon, not a sword. Her skill on a sword is passable. Training with Alec might have made her better than average, but still…

Slowly, they circled the space available to them, after Erik drew his own weapon. The cave was big enough, as spacious as a normal training room.

Odd. Only older women are allowed in their army and mostly wives of existing knights. The young ones… let’s just say they do not have the inclination to join as opportunities are rare. There are other things the young women of fae can turn to.

They started off lightly, feeling each other out. Corrine started the offense and Erik smiled a little as he started taking it seriously. He won’t be able to accept it if she wins. His father would mock him if he hears such a thing.

Her own lips curved upwards after sensing his demeanor. Does he think she can best him? He’s not giving her any serious opening at all. Too many feints were set as traps for her. Only her intuition told her as much. The clang of metal against metal resounded in the almost enclosed space. She was glad to hear him grunt as he pushes her blade away. His strikes have enough weight that she’d been grunting this whole time just to parry them. Any time now, her hands would be too numb and stressed to properly hold the sword. Her predictions were on point. She’s clearly no match for him, but it was fun having a new opponent. She took deep breaths as she sat on the ground. She couldn’t be bothered to pick up her sword. She’d have time later.

Erik remained standing, watching her as she leans back. Supporting herself with her arms which gave out, she lay on the floor. It was a combination of soil, grass, and stone. It was good exercise, her blood is running, her energy is up, she’s more alert…

Well, the scouting may not have happened… she turned her head to look at the rain.

“It has slowed down, isn’t it?” She asked, but Erik only frowned. He couldn’t tell any difference from earlier. Her affinity for water told her the minute changes. Yes, it slowed down by a tiny little bit. She chuckled. If it was Alec, he would have replied with a roll of his eyes. You know better than me, is what he would say.

“How many of you came today?” Erik knew how hard it is for humans to come here. It is for that reason alone that he didn’t question her presence earlier. Also, she knows his sister’s name and called her queen.

“There are seven of us.”

Erik recalled King Edward, Vincent, Nate, Hannah and the other guy…

“Who’s the other one?” He only counted six, including her.

“The other one?”

“I have met the others and you, except one.”

“Oh, that would be Alec.” She sat up and squinted at him.

“You’ve met the others?”

She figured he can’t be an ordinary fae if he did.

“I am Erik.” Had she heard about him? He watched her expression and her mouth formed an o.

Unexpectedly, she scrambled to her feet and bowed. “THE Prince Erik? I apologize, my lord. Have I offended you? It was not intentional, I swear.”

His frown deepened. Did she hear bad things about him?

“What have they told you about me?” He snorted as he relaxed. “Sit down.”

He added when she remained bowing. Her actions became awkward. As a commoner, she’d always been careful around nobles and royals.