Chapter 20
Bowen and I realized that the cave was a straightforward tunnel that ran below the village and connected in a nearby hillside. The metal grate the covered the entrance was locked, but Bowen was able to snap the latch and release it.
We hurried up the hill and backtracked toward the village. I could hear shouting from here and it sounded like Jacob. I gave Bowen a nervous glance before I took off at a run.
“You lying two faced son of a bitch! How could you use and hurt Bella like that? Someone give me a weapon, this man deserves to feel pain. She is such a kind person, you evil dick!” Jacob bellowed into Allwyn’s face, before pulling his fist back and smashing it into Allwyn’s jaw.
“Back up, you filthy human!” Allwyn spat at him. I rushed forward and gently pulled Jacob away. He saw it was me and wrapped me in a hug. I started to giggle as I processed the words he was yelling at Allwyn. I loved how Jacob always had my back.
“I love you, my prince, thanks for having my back.” I said as I squeezed him. I wiggled out of his embrace and walked up to Allwyn. “Don’t you dare speak to him that way.” I threatened in a low voice, before bringing my arm back and propelling my fist forward into his face. I made contact and he immediately crumpled to the ground again, this time unmoving.
“Well that makes our lives easier.” Maddox said with an appreciative chuckle. I grinned at him.
“You found the stone?” Emrick asked, glancing at the lone stone on the crown.
“Yes.” I said hesitantly. I glanced at Bowen who still looked unbothered. He looked happy, even. I couldn’t understand it.
“She also found the first king.” He announced, when he noticed my hesitation. Jacob spun his head around to me.
“You got married without me? That’s a bitch move, Queenie!” Jacob whined dramatically. I rolled my eyes at him.
“Who is the king?” Maddox asked, confused. He looked behind us, apparently looking for another man walking behind us.
“Bowen.” Gerwyn said. I knew he was the observant and smart one. “I had a feeling that’s what would happen. We are unnaturally close for a group from such different backgrounds, and we all felt the connection to her.” He gave me a warm smile.
“Wait, you are okay with being bound to me too?” I asked in a shocked voice. What the hell was wrong with these men? I had barely processed it and they had accepted it without hesitation.
“It would be an honor, why would I mind?” He asked, brushing a strand of my silver hair out of my eyes.
“It’s permanent, that’s why. You would be a king, Wyn.” I said slowly, waiting for them to freak out and leave me.
“Bells, I don’t think they are going to back out. Not everyone will abandon you.” Jacob said in a low voice.
“We would never abandon you. If you want us, we are yours.” Emrick responded in his rumbling, yet calming voice. I looked at him and I was met with a determined and reassuring look.
“Four men? You go from innocent little human to Fae queen with a harem of hot guys.” Jacob joked, making me gasp in surprise. I shoved him and laughed.
“Can we not be called a harem?” Maddox scowled.
“Agreed, we are going to be kings, damnit.” Emrick grumbled.
“She calls us her knights, we could be the knights of balance or the knights of Faerie.” Gerwyn suggested, looking deep in thought. I had to laugh at the adorable look he got when he concentrated.
“No, no, no. We are far to amazing for such generic names. We need something cool like the stone knights. It’s fitting.” Bowen joked, puffing out his chest.
“Oh, geez. Calm it down you great Fae knights.” Jacob said with an eye roll. I chuckled and turned to him.
“Where are the others?” I asked, he pointed toward the front of the village.
“They were packing up some more supplies.” He said, linking his arm through mine. “Let’s go get them and get this traitorous bastard back to camp.”
“Put this bastard into one of the extra tents, I want guards on him at all times. You can feed him twice a day.” Maddox ordered the people and two men stepped forward. He directed them to the tent and barked orders at them for a few minutes.
I turned my attention to the group that had clearly expanded in our absence. More Fae had traveled here than before.
“I need to go back to the spot of power tomorrow and ensure that the Court of Spring is mending.” I told Bowen. He nodded and tugged on my hand until we reached my tent.
“I just wanted to get you away from the chaos for a minute. River and Gwen are distributing clothes, Jacob and Andras are making sure everyone is fed and has a place to sleep. It’s covered.” He reassured me. I slipped off my boots and sat on my bedroll. Bowen pulled me into his arms after settling down next to me.
“Tell me how you are really feeling about all this, Bo. I still feel guilty.” I whispered. He turned me to face him and gave me a hard look.
“I was honest every time. Stop feeling guilty for something Faerie decided.” He said.
“She didn’t, I think I did it when I touched you.” I mumbled. He shook his head and laughed.
“You are far too hard on yourself. I chose you before you even chose me.” He gave me a suggestive look, before crashing his lips into mine. I was quickly lost in his kisses, forgetting about my guilt and worries.
“Bella? The people are asking about a council meeting.” Gerwyns voice drifted into the tent as he lifted the flap. He blushed as he saw he interrupted our kiss.
“Tell them to spread the word we will hold a meeting at breakfast tomorrow.” I responded. “Tonight I need rest.”
“I will, we will all join you guys in a few minutes.” He warned with a smile, before hurrying off.
He was true to his word, the others filed in ten minutes later, stripped off their boots and shirts, before joining Bowen and I on the bedrolls. Exhaustion crashed into me as we all settled in. Once my eyes closed I fell asleep within minutes, in my first king’s arms.
“We will be having a council meeting. I want at least six volunteers to be on my council. That is not including my guards and Prince Jacob. Please spend the rest of breakfast figuring it out. I want each person suggested to at least be backed by several others. This is not the place to do a power play. I want honest and trustworthy councilors.” I spoke to the crowd, before settling down in my seat.
After breakfast I had nine individuals in front of me, hoping for a spot. I tapped into my magic, hoping that with my increased levels I could feel the intentions of those in front of me. I pushed my magic out to meet each of the candidates. I felt three people who felt darker then the rest. I could feel slight anger and distrust in them. Not exactly good feelings for a council.
“You three may leave.” I sated, pointing out the three my magic rejected. They glared at me and walked away. “Andras, please join the council. That makes ten. Perfect. The rest of you have been approved by my magic, let’s all make our way to the stone plateau and discuss a few things.”
Once we all settled onto the plateau I looked around at our group. “Welcome! Could everyone introduce yourselves? Also explain what skills you have.”
I allowed Jacob, Andras, and my kings to introduce themselves first. Jacob got a few curious looks, but no protests.
“I am Tristan” An older Fae said, bowing in introduction. “I was a mechanic on Earth. In Faerie I helped construct the buildings.”
“I’m Adara, I was a teacher.” A short, cheerful Fae announced.
“I’m Tegan. Guard.” A stony faced man answered. He wasn’t rude, he was just a serious individual.
“I’m Gareth, I was a servant in the castle, on Earth I was a personal assistant.” A quiet voiced young Fae answered. Though young in Fae could mean he is older than I am.
“I am Brynn, I was a magic trainer.” Brynn had an athletic build. She seemed friendly, but serious.
“I am going to cast a spell that will keep our discussions to ourselves, you will not be able to tell anyone about what we discuss here, if you do not agree, you may leave.” I waited a few moments, but when they all stayed I used my magic to create a spell that would stop them from breaking their promise of silence.
“Thank you. Please call me Queen Bella, I prefer it over Arabella. I wish to get started on rebuild efforts. Tristan, I would like to work with you soon to work on building our new castle and council chambers.” He smiled broadly at the news.
“Does that mean the council will live in the town when it is built?” Brynn inquired.
“Not a requirement, but encouraged. I will find a way to communicate further if we need to call a council meeting. I would like Gareth, Adara, and Andras to come up with a list. Ask each individual what their skills or preferred jobs are. That way we can direct them in the best effort to help. Brynn, if you could help to train the younger Fae who haven’t had the chance to learn their magic, I would appreciate it. Finally, Tegan, if you could seek out and train potential guards, once I am able to restore the lands, that means the creatures of Faerie will be back as well. We also found out the hard way that not everyone is trustworthy. Be vigilant and report any odd behavior to me or my knights.” I finished and gave everyone a moment to process.
“Queen Bella, what about the trial?” Maddox inquired.
“Allwyn has betrayed us, we need to decide on his fate. He was found plotting to kill me, after allowing me to restore lands. He was a threat to the humans and mixed Fae we have here. We need to create a fair punishment for his crimes.” I explained to the group.
“Banishment to Earth would be perfect.” Tristan suggested.
“I would also permanently bind his magic.” Brynn added. “I could help with that.”
“I like the way you two think.” Emrick stated. He wasn’t happy Allwyn betrayed us and had been itching to take care of him since we left the castle.
“I do like that plan, we shall announce it tomorrow and carry out the justice. I want to make his exile permanent and bar him from entering the portal.” I decreed.
“We will meet before dinner each night for awhile to keep updated on the plans we are making. I would also like to announce that we have made progress on restoring the lands of Spring. We also have our first King of Faerie, which is Bowen. He will be treated with the same respect I am. The king of each court will be finalized as I travel to those lands.” I finished speaking and stood, officially dismissing our meeting.
“Are you ready to go to your power spot, Bella?” Bowen asked, extending his hand to help me stand.
“Yes, please. I want to see if our efforts were worth it. Would you three stay behind and protect the camp. Bowen and I can handle this mission, and I don’t trust new guards with Allwyn just yet.” I confessed. I had a bad feeling about the woman working with him. I had a feeling I knew her somehow.
“We will guard him, don’t worry.” Maddox promised.
“Actually, Wyn, maybe you and Andras could work out some plans for our new way of life? That seems better suited for you than guard duty. We will join you as soon as we get back.” He gave me a bright smile that told me I made the right choice.
Bowen linked his fingers with mine and led me through our camp, over the bridge and into the garden again.
“Holy shit!” Bo exclaimed. I couldn’t even respond, I was staring slack jawed at the garden in front of us. Instead of the quiet garden it was before, it now had glowing blue butterflies, double the plant life, and a few creatures that looked like deer, but were white with metallic purple antlers.
“Uh, I guess it worked?” I remarked, then kicked myself for how ridiculous I sounded. We cautiously made our way to the stone gazebo. I didn’t want to disturb the deer creatures, but I also wasn’t quite sure if they were friendly.
“Stand up here with me, I don’t want you getting attacked down there.” I said as I perched on top of the stone seat. He gave me a look that clearly conveyed his thoughts on me insinuating he was helpless alone. “I didn’t mean you couldn’t handle yourself, I just don’t want you getting hurt.” I pouted.
“I promise I will be fine, however, if you want me closer to you, I can oblige.” He laughed and stepped up to the raised stone floor of the gazebo. He sat on the floor, leaning against one of the stone pillars.
I turned away and closed my eyes. I sent my magic into the land again. Instead of the sorrow and pain I felt from the land previously, I now felt the hope. I could feel the healing magic spreading, slowly taking out the darkness.
I felt the familiar vision blur and realized I was being transported to the Spirit of Faerie again. I opened my eyes when I saw the white glow behind my eyelids.
“I see you have found your first King.” The echoing voices spoke.
“What’s going on?” Bowen’s shocked voice came from behind me. I turned my head to see he was with me here.
“This is the Spirit of Faerie, Bo.” I whispered. I held my hand out for him to come forward and take it. Instead he scooped me up like I was light as a feather and sat me in his lap, his hands circled protectively at my waist.
“I have found my first king. Though it was a bit unexpected. I thought I had until the crown was complete until I chose.” I stated dryly.
“That was my intention, but fate has a way of changing the best of intentions. His magic called to yours, and the stone chose for you.” She echoed, and Bo tightened his grip around me.
“It seems your magic is going to choose for you on all of the stones.” The echoing voice sounded amused.
“Well, I’ve already found my kings, and I know my magic will choose them.” I stated confidently.
“The Court of Spring is already healing, you did well, Queen of the Fae Courts. Some animals and life have already returned, the others will join slowly. The land is still hostile, but is returning to normal. We fear the land won’t be completely self-sustaining until you restore the four stones. They were created as a means to save the land, though they weren’t needed until the war. Once their corruption is clean, our magic will be fully restored. It is taking all of the magic we have left to keep the animals magically hidden and sustained. It is up to you and your kings to achieve this.” The voices wavered a bit, as if to convey the exhaustion.
“Who is we?” Bo asked. I thought the same thing, but I knew it had something to do with the many voices.
“We are the strongest souls of Faerie, we have become one with the spirit of Faerie, adding our knowledge to hers. We are one now. We sustain the lands, water and air of this realm.” The voices echoed proudly. It was hard to concentrate when all of the voices were loud and strong.
“We will restore our realm, but how will the people survive without clean water and food?” I asked desperately. We couldn’t exactly ship supplies across realms.
“We will restore the land between the bridges for you. This will require us to release more animals, your travels will become more dangerous. Do you accept this?” What choice did we have? We had weapons to fight back, and enough people to guard us.
“Thoughts?” I turned in Bowen’s lap to look at him. I raised my eyebrows in question. He looked thoughtful for a moment.
“We have enough protection. Safety is not more important than health.” I nodded my agreement and smiled.
“We would be honored for you to restore the land between bridges. Thank you spirits.” I stood and gave a deep bow. Bowen did the same. Without any further words or explanation my vision blurred and we were back in the gardens.
“Well that was different.” Bo laughed. I tried to stand, but wavered. It seemed the spirits used my extra magic as a means to communicate with us. Bo reached over and scooped me up. “Rest now, darling. I’ll carry you to the bridge and then I’ll let you walk.”
I fell asleep to the sound of Bowen’s strong heartbeat. I didn’t wake again until I felt something brushing against my cheek.
“Wake up, Bella. I assumed you would want to walk back into camp this time.” He whispered as he nuzzled his nose against my cheek to wake me up. I smiled and wiggled for him to let me down. He placed me on my feet and I realized I felt refreshed.
“I feel normal again now, that’s odd. It took me an entire night’s sleep last time she spoke to me.” It didn’t make sense, though I was happy to not be carried back into camp.
“Didn’t you say that the spirits said we would share powers now? That probably means I can help lend some of my magical essence to you.” He reasoned with a shrug. I returned the shrug. There was too much we didn’t know or understand here. We linked hands and walked over the wooden bridge leading to our lands.
“Queenie, you did it!” Jacob yelled when he spotted us. He ran over and grabbed my hands to dance me around. “My best friend is a magical badass!” He sang as he spun me.
“What are you talking about? How do you know I did it?” I questioned, not really seeing anything new from here, though most of our view was blocked by the tall canvas tents.
“I was working with Tristan on designs for your new castle, when a rush of magic blasted through the camp. We thought maybe Allwyn got loose, but he was secure still. Then all of these plants sprouted up at the base of the hill, and a well just popped up out of nowhere next to it.” His arms were gesturing wildly as he explained. Eventually he got annoyed with my lack of excitement and pulled me forward. Bo let out a noise of distress at me being pulled away. I could hear him following behind us.
“The queen is not your ragdoll, let her go.” Emrick rumbled from a few feet away. Jacob looked at me and smirked, clearly he wasn’t scared of my guards. I giggled to myself and Jacob dragged me away faster. He finally stopped in the middle of camp and gestured toward the plateau.
There was a well, just as Jacob said, but it was the garden that shocked me. It grew in one plot of land, and was flourishing like it had grown there for years.
“I have begun the restoration process. As a reward the spirits of Faerie have provided us with safe water and food. I will find a crew to work on harvesting the food soon.” I announced to the gathering crowd. They erupted in cheers and a few of the older Fae wiped away tears. The morale was higher now that they had a visual that this could happen.
“I’m going to go find Tristan and see how the plans are going. Then I’m going to speak with Gareth. We need people on this.” I told my guardian shadows as I walked away. It felt odd to have to announce my every move, but I would get used to it eventually.
I found Gareth and Tristan working in the same area. They had pushed any available camp tables together to create a large workspace. I met Gareth first and looked over his list, tasking him with assigning work.
“Queen Bella, we were just working on the castle design. Would you like input?” Tristan asked, giving me a smile. I nodded and reached for his pencil. I made a few adjustments and added more windows. I wanted to be able to see out into the land. I also added a large wrap around balcony.
“Impressive. I believe Gareth even found a glass maker. He can find an apprentice, I’m sure.” He nodded his approval as he eyed the changes to the blueprints.
I stepped away and looked around. It was amazing to see all of the Fae, from all different courts, working together. We now had a fully functioning camp and the beginning of a leading council. I was proud of what we accomplished and I couldn’t wait to see how it developed. I had faith in our people. Now if I could just get this magic figured out.