“Hush now, you’re hurt. Don’t move or you’ll hurt yourself even more. One moment; this might, unfortunately, hurt a bit,” a gentle voice warned.
She felt a hard tug on her body and screamed as an unbearable pain flared up her left arm. Her body shifted and dragged farther up the shore, over more beach sand and onto a dry blanket before she looked up at her rescuer. It was becoming nearly impossible to keep her eyes open. Her head rolled from side to side as the pain from her damaged shoulder burned through her body. Before the darkness came, she caught sight of a pair of gleaming green eyes, dried autumn leaves and a flash of brown linen. Trying to open her mouth to speak was futile as she slipped away into the silence of unconsciousness.
Chapter Fourteen
SHADE, FORGIVE US. We have tried to reach you, but you’ve cast us out. We’re here to help you heal and awaken you from your deep sleep. Now only dreams will find us. The voices were gentle, but spoke with urgency, echoing in her head.
Shade stood in an open field; the mountains and rivers were nowhere in sight. The breezes caressed the tall grasses and swirled about her hair, dancing and playing with the strands like unseen ballerinas.
Where the heck am I now?
Astrid, Duende and Elaby stood before her. She knew them. Her spirit guides were familiar and comforting. They were flesh and bone standing in front of her now. The three sisters were carbon copies of each other. Their long black hair and gowns floated around them as if suspended in water. Their pale skin shone like moonlight glistening on the surface of a lake. She could not see their feet; it was as if they hung above the grass without touching the ground. They were beautiful.
“What’s going on? Where am I? Why can’t I hear you guys anymore?” Shade felt the sting of tears as her voice wavered. She was through with crying; there had been enough sorrow surrounding her, making her feel suddenly so tired. She brought her hand to her left shoulder and found it no longer dislocated, hanging normally in its place. It moved effortlessly, without any pain. She hoped she was dreaming and not dead.
“Shade, we know you’re afraid, but we won’t harm you. It could not be helped that we were away,” the sisters told her all at once. “Somehow your magic trapped Darren in the mirror, but it also pushed us out of your head, too. We are unable to communicate with you, our ties now severed. We’ve worked hard to find you again. Your magic shields you, letting us in only in your dreams.”
Shade pondered their words for a moment. Damn it… Darren! He had scarred her far worse than she’d even imagined. The loss of her spirit guides was like having a chunk of her soul ripped away. She sighed and watched them smile at her. Each sister finished the others’ sentences. It was intriguing to listen to them as they harmonized in one voice.
“So where am I? I was on some shore, freezing. My arm was probably broken and not in the right place. Am I awake? Dead? Dreaming?”
“You are still asleep. Fear not, dear Shade, we have healed you with our powers. We have been away for too long,” said the women. “Now, we are unbound.”
“What do you mean? I won’t hear you in my head anymore? How could I have let this happen?” Shade felt her knees weaken but caught herself before they failed.
“We are so sorry. We had no idea this would come to pass. We can only believe that any further communication with us will be only through your dreams.”
Shade nodded at the revelation. No point in trying to undo what was already done. Even so, the loss twisted in her chest, making it hard to breathe.
The dream shifted rapidly, and the bright warm sunlight faded into a deep grey and cloudy day. Shade spun around, watching the swirling dark grey clouds grow above her. “What’s happening?” The wind howled around her, whipping the grass across her legs.
“We must go, your dream is breaking. It’s time to wake up Shade; wake up.” The clouds came down around in a deep, billowing fog that swallowed the spirits, landscape and Shade alike.
“Wake up….”
*****
“WAKE UP! IT’S just a bad dream, wake up!”
The voice sounded familiar, but Shade couldn’t place it. She squeezed her eyes together before slowly opening them to a dimly lit room. Her eyes narrowed in at the shadowy figure in front of her, focusing on its blurred edges. His face was partially covered by a dark, hooded cloak. The hood only allowed lips to show through, obscuring the rest of his face in darkness.
The figure reached toward her, making her scramble in a panic, pushing away until her back hit the wall. Her left arm throbbed with a dull ache, but she found she could use it just fine. Still confused, she wrapped her arms around her legs, gripping them while she stared at the stranger. She concentrated on keeping her eyes in focus; the room tilted in a wave of dizziness. She’d sat up way too fast.
The figure stopped advancing and eyed her. Seeing her pull away, he retreated, stood straighter and waited. When he did finally speak, his voice was soft but thick and flowing, like rich syrup.
“I apologize; I meant no harm. Please, I only want to help you. My name is Ursad and I live here in the forest by the ocean.” He paused, waiting for a reaction from her. When none came, he proceeded. “Is there anything I can do? Do you need anything? Water? Are you hungry? Any pain? You looked like you’ve been through a wringer.” He spoke quickly, overly eager to help her.
Shade’s face flushed, and her eyebrows furrowed in further confusion.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to frighten you,” he apologized.
“Where am I?” Shade relaxed a little, as he did not try to come closer again.
“You’re here in my house; it’s not much, but it’s home. I hope you found the bed to your liking. I really don’t have a lot of room, but it’s comfortable enough for me, at least.” He studied her closely, chewing on his smooth, plump lips.
Shade stared right back at him. He looked pretty harmless, but the hood hid too much of his face for her to read him well enough. Trying to relax, she sat cross-legged on the bed, pulling the soft, threadbare blanket around her. Her body was cozy warm, and her aches weren’t as sharp as they had been. She sighed; at least she wasn’t in Blythe’s care. This was definitely the better half of her current situation.
“I’m sorry. My name’s Shade. I just wasn’t sure if it was safe here. I was being chased….” She stopped, wondering if she should trust this stranger with anything, especially with her story. Maybe he knew too much already. “I guess I lost them. How did you find me? Was I out of it for long?”
“Shade?” The way her name spilled out of his mouth made her shiver. “Well, nice to meet you. I found you on the beach. It shares the shore with a small pool of water that feeds from a small stream that breaks off from one of the great rivers. I live near it, and I happened to walk by when I saw you. You passed out after that. I am truly sorry that I hurt you pulling on your shoulder like that. I didn’t know it was dislocated, but somehow it’s not anymore. You must be full of healing magic, you’ve healed quite rapidly. It’s amazing, if you don’t mind me saying so. I would love to know how you do it.” He was smiling, but she definitely did not like having his face so hidden. She reached toward him to pull the hood back as he spoke, since he was not too far from the bed. It was his turn to pull away and crouch by the door.
“No, please!” He shook his head and hid the rest of his face in his sleeve. He bounced nervously back and forth on his feet as though the thought of pulling off the hood caused him great anxiety.
“Why not?” Shade demanded. “I don’t feel very comfortable talking to you when I can’t see your face. Let me see. Is there, um, is there something wrong with your face?” She sat back down and blushed with embarrassment, realizing just how forward she’d been, possibly even rude. She hadn’t meant to offend him; her nervousness had her reacting without thinking.
Maybe he’s deformed under there. She gulped, shaking the thought out of her head. How bad can it be?
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that, but really, yo
u need to take it off. It’s okay; you’ll scare me more with it on.” Shade waited and watched him bring his arm down.
He seemed to be thinking about what she’d said because he let his gaze linger on her for a long time. Unexpectedly, he nodded. “You’re right. I am what I am, but please don’t be afraid. I tend to frighten everyone. I don’t get too many visitors here at all, not even other fey. I’ve gotten used to solitude. It has been so long since I’ve been around others.” He sighed and lifted his chin. Tentatively, he reached up and pulled the hood down, letting it fall away from his face.
Shade tried to keep in the gasp that fought to escape her lips. She knew, however, that her shock showed in her widening eyes. She immediately composed herself, hoping the slip would not anger him. His face was unusual, but she wouldn’t say it was scary; not with such sad eyes staring back at her.
“Ursad, can I ask you something? What exactly are you?” I’ve never seen anyone like him, she thought as she observed his face. Where the facial hair ended, his skin grew like tree bark, all tan and dark with lines trailing through it. His hair was made of green, thin leaves with twigs and small thin vines springing from his head. She could definitely tell he was faerie or human, but he’d been transformed into what appeared to be a tree man. His hands were smooth and human in appearance, but nothing above the neck resembled a normal human face.
“I didn’t always look this way. I was cursed a long time ago, and my face and hair have been affected in this way ever since.” His face turned sad, and he lowered his eyes to stare down at the floor as he continued. “I guess I should explain further.” He looked up at her and paused, waiting for her approval.
She nodded to him, eager for an explanation.
“I was a faery prince once, a long time ago. I was very handsome, and women threw themselves at my feet, catering to my every whim. I had my choice of any fey or human woman. Well, you could say I was arrogant, knowing my effect on women. I thought myself undeniable and irresistible. That is, until one night I was in a tavern, enjoying the party and drinking a bit too much liquor. I was surrounded by beauties and laughing with the lot of them. It was quite fun.
“One woman approached me then. She wasn’t the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, but definitely not the ugliest. She was quite plain in appearance, with flat brown hair, plain brown eyes and nothing remarkable in her smile to speak of. It was as if when she was created, no animation or personality of any kind was added. I was just not interested… but she had other ideas.
“She told me, ‘I am Elinia, daughter of Talik, the were-stone maker. I am here to offer marriage to you. I love you and would be honored to be your wife,’ It came out cold, lacking any kind of warmth and stiff as a board.
“Of course, I didn’t know who she was or what she was for that matter. I laughed at her request and snubbed her in front of the whole tavern in my drunken stupor. Everyone laughed at my smart antics, and I gave her a quick shove to get her out of my immediate sight. I didn’t know what it was I was doing. I laughed and laughed until she scrambled off the floor and ran out of the tavern crying, to my satisfaction. I was glad I didn’t have to ridicule her anymore, relieved that she was gone.
“I finished out the night laughing and having a fabulous time. Not once did I give another thought to the girl. When I readied myself to leave, I walked out of the tavern and to the stables where my horse was waiting. When I was untying my horse, she approached me from behind.
“‘I curse you, Ursad, Prince of the lands of Santire. Prince of nothing you will be! Fair as the bark of a tree, I curse you for infinity! Return you to how you are freed, gentle kiss from a queen-to-be!’ I stared at her as she finished her words and started laughing again.
“‘You’ll regret this, Ursad. You will look back with a heart broken and filled with remorse. I promise you that.’ She disappeared then, as suddenly as she had come. I was left alone in the silence of the dark stables. I didn’t feel different, but curses are not taken lightly in fey culture. I began to wonder what she meant by her words. I shrugged them off and rode away into the night, back to my kingdom.”
“It was a long journey home, so I had to stop for the night. As I walked to a lodge at the side of a country road, I wiped my face because it was covered in dripping sweat. I felt sick then, and wondered what was going on. I checked into the lodge and fell into a deep sleep, exhausted.
“The next morning, after I woke, I walked to the mirror hanging in the room to comb my hair. My hair and my face had changed. What I saw was what you see now. Horrified, I fled my country, for no one would recognize me looking like such a monster. I haven’t returned since. So, here I am, alone.” Ursad looked back up at Shade and their eyes met.
“I’m drawn to the forest, the ocean, and the pools of water. They pull me like a magnet so I chose this place to live. They give me solace in my pain and exile. The waters bless me with their favor, leaving bits of the world, and food is easily attainable here on the banks. Now they’ve brought you to me, and I can’t help but wonder why. You were hurt, so I had to help. I hope you are not afraid of me; I mean no harm, really.” He sucked in a deep breath, the memories wearing on him. “I guess you could say I have been humbled from the years of isolation.” He was watching her so intensely, speaking rapidly, making it clear that he was lonely and excited to be with another person.
Shade fought to look away. His face was smooth and serious, but his deep green eyes were wrought with sorrow. When she found him still watching her, she spoke. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t insult you.”
“No, you didn’t,” said Ursad with a kind smile.
It was alarming to look at him at first, but she could see his handsome features underneath all of it, and in a peculiar way, found him striking. Time had not withered this man; he was preserved in the prison he had made for himself. I wonder if he really was a prince. This is so strange, she thought to herself. A prince of the Santiran lands, of all things, the very place she needed to go.
“Ursad, I’m thirsty and hungry. I could use something to eat, if you have anything to share. Oh, do you know where my things are?”
He nodded as he turned toward the door. “I will get them for you. I left your pack near the fireplace to make sure it dried out a bit, though it seems impervious to water. I couldn’t take anything out; it has a personalized lock charm on it and would not open for me. I do hope your things are not ruined.” He ducked out the door and Shade was left staring after him.
She suddenly became aware she was not wearing her own tattered muddy clothes from before, but wearing soft cotton, drawstring pajama pants and an oversized tunic instead. They were clean and soft but she pulled the blankets even tighter around herself. She tried not to imagine him changing her out of her soaked, dirty clothes. Squirming at the thought, she felt her cheeks flush red.
Ursad returned with a tray of fruit, a meat sandwich and a cup of juice. Her stomach growled at the sight of the food. He set it gently in front of her, not smiling but extremely serious. She tried to smile and soon forgot her embarrassment. She settled in and started to inhale the meal. Food in Faerie seemed to taste so much better than in her world. She wondered if it was really better or if she was just ravenous having not eaten in hours, not to mention all the exertion of the journey. She chewed and ate so fast she started hiccupping. She guzzled down the juice, hoping to stave them off.
As Shade finished, she realized Ursad had stayed and watched her. She’d been gorging herself and, embarrassed, she slowed her chomping to a moderate chew. Swallowing the last bite, she observed Ursad a little closer. Brilliant green eyes shone in the dim light of the room, piercing into her soul.
She raked her eyes over his hair of vines and leaves. It was so long, it tumbled down past his waist like tendrils of flowers. Would it hurt to pluck a leaf off the thin vines that draped him like a shroud and dangled over his shoulders? He was dressed in dark brown clothes; they hung frayed and well worn, reminding her of peasant’s cloth
ing from fairytale stories.
Shade chuckled to herself. Maybe this was her “fairytale” in a way. Nothing is as it should be. Nothing is going the way it should be, for that matter. The world was not normal here, and Shade wasn’t sure she liked it that much. And now, I’m lost.
“Is everything all right? Was the food good, Shade?” Ursad asked, breaking her thoughts and dragging her back to the present. She nodded and pushed the food tray away, signaling that she was done. Ursad promptly stood up, collected it and left through the door. He was now smiling widely and humming softly with a happy skip in his step.
Shade shook her head. Faery men are so strange! She sighed and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She grabbed the footboard and stood up slowly, feeling her legs wobble beneath her. Standing for a minute and relaxing her muscles, she breathed through the dull pain that resonated throughout her bones. It was a cold reminder of the chill of the river, making her shudder.
She glanced down at her fingers and flexed them. They felt slightly stiff but functional; the slight ache wasn’t bothering her much at all. She’d been counting her blessings. Somehow she had healed her horrendous injuries; maybe her spirit guides had done what they had promised.
Thank you for this gracious gift. Shade hoped that somehow they had heard her.
Ursad entered the room, holding out her pack and a folded pile of clothes that she’d been wearing before. They were washed, repaired and folded neatly. Shade gave him a small grin and let him place it on the bed next to her. “I took the liberty of repairing your clothes; the rocks nearly ripped them to shreds. Your pack is dry. I take it you don’t want to be staying very long, which is really too bad. I would like to get to know you and hear your story. Like I said, I haven’t had any company in such a long time.” His voice drifted off, a longing clinging to his words.
When she didn’t say anything, he continued. “I mean, you shouldn’t hurry out. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, of course.” He waited again, shifting nervously back and forth on his feet before turning to rush out of the room, closing the door behind him.