Malediction of the Queen

Prologue

I flew high above the clouds, my huge wings propelling me high into the sun-kissed sky. I looked down to the small camp below. A young faerie in a purple gown and clear dragonfly wings fluttered up to me.

“Did something happen?” I asked.

“Altha has gone into labor but something has gone wrong, Queen Faylinn has told us to bid her farewell,” the faerie whispered.

My chest ached. I followed her to the hut. She didn’t follow me inside. The Queen stared at me, her gaze glistening with rage.

“That human has brought us a halfling,” she seethed.

She retreated back into her hut.

I turned to the screaming babe squirming in the Healer’s arms.

“Is it well?” I asked.

The Healer nodded.

“Indeed, we shall welcome the young one, even if our Queen does not,” she replied.

I nodded and took a closer look.

Worry seized me.

“What will our Queen do?” I asked carefully.

Healer sighed, “she will not banish a babe, though she will not survive long without her mother.”

I nodded once more. I glanced at Altha’s deceased form, scarlet staining where her she lay.

I sighed. No faerie was skilled enough to raise a babe, not even myself.

“None of us are skilled enough to raise a babe,” I murmured.

“That is the reason I decided to raise her myself,” replied Healer, “besides, my apprentice knows enough to heal many ailments.”

I nodded and walked back outside.

I beat my wings, sending me high into the air. I spun through the clouds with ease, the sun glowing against my skin. I forgot about everything; even the death of our only dust-bender.

“Please Spirits, do not let any harm come to our youngest,” I begged.

I soared through the clouds, my thoughts slowly fading into obscurity. I tried to imagine what the halfling would look like as a young girl.

I envisioned her with a flawless complexion, golden curls, and sapphire eyes.

I smiled, she would be simply enchanting.

I looked to my left. A huge raven soared beside me. It had large brown eyes that tore deep into my soul. It crowed and disappeared into the clouds.

I reached out as the avian’s shadow echoed my own. It broke free from its misty cage. Its silky feathers rasped against my fingers.

I chuckled as it disappeared with a squall. My wings sliced the clouds with ease.

All my worries about the future dissipated like the very dewdrops upon the dawn grass. What the future held was unknown to even Queen Faylinn. Unbeknownst to myself, my fears for the halfling’s safety were not to be ignored.

Chapter I

I greeted the many faeries of our camp, beaming as they began their various duties. A particular faerie dressed in a purple gown with clear dragonfly wings, charcoal-kissed locks and dark eyes I had grown to adore.

Her name was Aleda, and she was Queen Faylinn’s adviser. Though secretive, she was a cheerful young faerie. She fluttered up to me. Something was wrong. Her joyous smile was concealed in sadness.

“Greetings, Aurora,” she said, trying desperately to be her old self.

“Good morning, Aleda, is something wrong?” I asked.

“I am just tired, I didn’t sleep well last night,” she replied.

“What happened?” I asked, curious.

“Only nightmares, nothing important,” she replied, swiftly retreating back inside the Queen’s hut.

“Strange, she never acted this way,” I thought.

Shrugging my shoulders, I sat on a stump, watching the different insects flutter by. I thought I could hear something rather faint. I listened intently.

“She has never acted so strange,” said a male.

“Indeed, I cannot understand, should I alert our Queen?” inquired a female.

I heard nothing more.

Curious, I journeyed toward the two voices. I crept around a small hut and found a muscular man dressed in light brown armor, his large dragonfly wings hanging down to his lower thighs and a young woman donning a long red gown with wide dragonfly wings. The male’s name was Albern and the woman’s was Angelene.

“Greetings, Aurora, do you need something?” asked Albern.

“Who were you talking about?” I inquired.

They shared a glance.

“We must go, farewell,” Angelene said quickly.

They flew into the sky.

I sighed. I wasn’t born with wings like every other faerie, I never complained, knowing it was out of my power. Even though I didn’t have wings or magic, I was always cheerful.

Some young faeries often teased me. I never let it bother me, by now, I had gotten used to it.

I sat on a stump, watching the clouds roll by. I could hear all the chatter of the curious apprentices and the wise replies of their mentors. Being an apprentice without a mentor was humiliating, no matter who complained to the Queen, nothing ever changed.

Against all odds, I had somehow managed to pass all the assignments I was given. Then again, I often listened to battle tips other apprentices were given.

I was listening to a mentor named Xona giving his apprentice, Zasha, battle tips when she said I name I had never heard of.

“Remember,” murmured Xona, “the strongest warrior will fail if he or she cannot properly understand orders.”

“Xona, forgive me for saying things not associated with this topic but can you tell me the story of Maleficent, so I can remember?” she requested.

“Later, Apprentice, you must practice more,” Xona replied.

“Maleficent, I’ve never heard that name before,” I thought.

Curiosity burned within me. I had to know more of this “Maleficent” character.

Aldan, the camp Elder, knew many stories about every faerie from when our Queen was a babe. He was bound to know of a “Maleficent”.

I skipped to his hut, which was carved into a wide stump, and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” rasped a cracked voice.

I opened the door and stepped inside. The only light was the minuscule flame of a candle. It illuminated an elderly man dressed in white robes.

“Elder Aldan,” I requested, “may I have a minute with you?”

“Of course, young Aurora, it has indeed been a while since you have visited,” he replied with a smile.

I thanked him as I sat in front of him. His old eyes gleamed with wisdom.

“What do you wish to know?” he asked.

I sighed.

“What can you tell me about Maleficent?”

He looked at his hands for a moment.

“Well,” he rasped with a click of his tongue, “she is one of our most powerful, though it is rare anyone sees her.”

I took a moment to let his words sink in.

“Rare?” I asked.

He nodded slowly.

“I have only seen her once in your lifetime, though no one can blame you,” he whispered, “but I can show you where she resides.”

I smiled.

“Can you?” I asked.

He nodded. He grabbed his cane and led me slowly out of the hut. I followed him past many faeries and huts to a shaded area under a huge spruce tree. A large nest sat between the trunk and the large stone.

“A nest? I thought all faeries lived in a hut,” I thought.

“This is it,” Aldan rasped, pointing his cane at the nest.

“Don’t all faeries live in huts?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“If you look closely, you can see a natural hut not ever touched by any,” he answered.

I squinted.

The leaf canopy served as the roof, the rock as the walls and the nest as a bed.

“We shouldn’t be here, Maleficent doesn’t enjoy visitors,” the Elder rasped.

I nodded and thanked him.

I slipped away from the strange hut, fearful of what would transpire if I were caught. I walked into my hut and shut the door. I sat on my bed, leaning my head on my palms. I felt as if I was being lied to. The information Aldan gave me was far too vague. My curiosity was still hungry.

I drummed my fingertips against my dresser. After many hours, I heard a soft knock on my door. I got up and opened it. Standing outside my hut was Queen Faylinn herself.

Chapter II

The Queen was tall with flawless golden locks, a short green and gold dress and beautiful purple-tinted wings with golden swirls.

My anxiety peaked. I had no idea why.

“Why hello, Aurora, I need to speak with you,” greeted the Queen.

I stepped aside, allowing her entry. She stepped inside.

She pulled up a chair and pat my bed gently with her hand. I sat back down.

“Aurora, I overheard you are curious about Maleficent, yes?” she inquired.

I gulped.

“Yes, Queen Faylinn,” I replied.

Her eyebrow arched.

“Why are you so interested in her?”

I shrank into my shoulders. I was afraid this would happen.

“I know everyone in this camp so well, except her that is, her name is all I have heard of her,” I explained.

Her eyes clouded with memory.

“Aurora, this is your only warning, she is a faerie you do not want to meet,” the Queen sighed, “she lures you in with her mysterious nature and puts you in a trance that you can never escape.”

I gasped, was this true?

“Elder Aldan said it is rare to see her,” I replied.

Queen Faylinn stood up.

“Listen well, young Aurora,” she murmured sternly, “do not meddle in business that doesn’t concern you.”

I nodded.

She slammed the door.

I stepped outside and sat on my usual stump. I watched the sparrows fly in front of the clouds in huge flocks.

A loud horn startled me.

I knew what it meant instantly. My heart thumped against my chest. I raced into my hut and slammed the door. I peered through the window. Above all the chaos, a huge shadow loomed above.

As the last of the faeries ducked for cover, I kept my eyes fixed on the shadow. Its patterns were unlike any hawk I had come across in my fifteen years of life.

A hawk circled, but this creature’s shadow grew and shrank. My heart skipped along as a huge black form landed in the camp center.

The bird’s beady eyes inspected every feature of the huts as the faeries tried their hardest to not give themselves away. Its inky feathers ruffled in the faint breeze. Its huge black beak pecked at the stiff earth. Its wrinkled feet tapped against the dirt. It turned its head toward the huge forest that rested beyond our border. With a mighty crow, it leaped into the air.

I felt something was horribly wrong. I saw many faeries emerge cautiously from where they hid. Feeling it was safe, I walked outside.

The vile feeling didn’t leave me. The answer made me feel even worse.

“That bird captured Maleficent!” yelled one.

Queen Faylinn was outside within seconds, demanding if the statement were true.

Much to my dismay, it was.

As some faeries exited the camp, the apprentice who had uttered the dreaded sentence became visible.

The young male had auburn hair with huge wings and dark brown armor. My guess was he was training to be a Soldier.

He noticed me staring at him and fluttered over.

He was simply enchanting.

“Is what you said true?” I asked.

He nodded.

“I saw her wing from behind a small tree and the next thing I know I see her limp in its talons,” he explained, shaking.

My curiosity shot high into the sky.

“Where were you hiding?” I asked.

He led me to a tree whose roots were lifted just enough to fit a faerie inside.

“If you were there, where was she?” I pressed.

He pointed to a small, twisted tree with missing bark.

“That one?”

He nodded.

“We really shouldn’t be out here, we never know if that bird will return for more,” he said.

I nodded and led him back to the safety of the other faeries.

We parted ways with a wave. I sat on the stump, watching the day progress as I did most days. I simply adored watching the clouds soar as if they were huge birds. I couldn’t help but feel something on my back.

It wasn’t evil in any way but rather pleading. I glanced back but saw nothing. Something sharp pressed against my head. I leaped forward and whirled around.

A huge bird covered in inky feathers stared at me, its dark eyes burning forever into my memory. I hadn’t heard the horn, nor did I hear any panic.

Through my pounding heart, I could hear nothing. My chest wailed in agony.

The bird croaked and cocked its head to one side. It faintly spread its wings. I shakily held up my hand as I braced for the embrace of the inevitable. My fear fell away as silk rasped against my fingertips.

I looked up and beamed.

I stroked the bird’s head, chuckling in pure delight. It seemed to be enjoying it. It recalled its head and glanced back. I kept my eyes locked on it as it ruffled its feathers.

It lowered its belly to the earth. It nudged me onto its back. My amazement never ceased. The avian spread its wings and took to the air. I could hear many faeries yelling in confusion.

The bird glided through the sky, the wind ruffling my hair.

“This is what it is like to fly,” I thought with a broad smile.

After many moments of silence, we landed in another forest clearing.

I dismounted, my legs shaky from the ride.

I looked around for any sign of any life. At last, I felt a presence near.

I turned to a thin tree with few leaves.

“I know you’re there, don’t be afraid,” I called.

I heard a deep chuckle that belonged to no one I knew.

“I am not afraid,” purred a detached voice.

“Then come out,” I pressed.

“Then you’ll be afraid,” the voice responded.

“No, I won’t,” I vowed with a cheery smile.

A woman landed in front of me with a sickening thud. She arose from her crouch, her huge feathered wings creations I had never seen before.

She donned a simple black gown with long hanging sleeves, emerald green eyes, brown hair, sharp cheekbones, black twisted horns sitting upon her head, the palest of skin, hands tipped with fierce claws, and huge hawk-like wings.

From her horns, I recalled a shadow I used to see every day in my youth.

“I know who you are,” I murmured.

“Do you?” she asked, her face blank.

I nodded, grinning.

“You’re my Faerie Godmother,” I replied.

Her eyes gleamed with confusion.

“What?”

“My Faerie Godmother, you have been watching over me my whole life, wherever I went, your shadow was always with me,” I explained with a delighted chuckle.

She stepped toward me, her piercing eyes staring into my soul. Her eyes gleamed with many painful memories.

“Who brought me here?” I asked cautiously.

Godmother chuckled as the bird from before landed beside her.

“This is Diaval,” she murmured.

She waved her hand.

In a puff of black smoke, the raven turned into a lean male with black clothing split to the middle of his chest, the darkest of eyes, slicked back black hair and scars on his temples, down both sides of his neck, one stretching across both collarbones and one extending to the middle of his chest.

I stepped back, wondering how in the name of Queen Faylinn’s wings he did that.

“Hello, Aurora,” he greeted softly, “I have known you since you were quite little.”

He raised my hand to his lips and kissed it lightly. I smiled. It was the most anyone seemed to care for me.

“Aurora!” I heard a familiar voice call.

Aleda.

Chapter III

I saw her purple gown flutter among the wind. I glanced back, only to see Godmother and Diaval gone.

The Queen’s adviser fluttered up to me. Her eyes blazed with both seething rage and relief.

“We tracked that wretched bird to here, why in the name of the Spirits would you mount it?” she demanded.

My shoulders slumped. I couldn’t tell her about my faerie godmother or Diaval, something inside told me it would be wrong.

“I-It didn’t harm me in any way, I promise,” I replied, my head low.

She folded her arms.

“Queen Faylinn isn’t pleased with your actions recently, Aurora, why is it you are suddenly so interested in Maleficent?” she asked, arching an eyebrow.

I fell into my shoulders.

“I-I cannot lie to you, I have known everyone in the camp, for she I only know her by name,” I replied shakily.

She sighed and clapped a hand on my shoulder.

“Aurora, you are putting yourself in danger, Queen Faylinn is bound to get suspicious sooner or later. Come on, we must to get back to camp,” she murmured.

“I’ll only be a moment, you go on ahead,” I replied.

She shrugged her shoulders and flew off.

I turned just as Godmother landed in front of me.

“I do not have long but how can we meet without Queen Faylinn getting suspicious?” I asked.

“That is for you to decide,” she murmured, “farewell, Aurora.”

“Goodbye, Godmother.”

I walked to the edge of the clearing where Aleda was waiting. She led me back to camp. Once I stepped inside, many demanded to know why I had mounted the bird and if I was injured.

I politely answered all their questions, eventually making my way to my hut and shutting the door quietly. With the sunlight swiftly dying, I laid on my bed. I fell into a deep sleep.

I dreamt of a man dressed in cold iron armor surrounded by blazing flames.

I was rescued from the nightmare by a loud knocking at my door.

Groaning, I got out of bed and answered it. The young male whom I had spoken with yesterday stood on the other side.

“Aurora,” he whispered, “Queen Faylinn has requested a meeting.”

I nodded and allowed him to lead me to the Queen’s hut. He walked off as I knocked on the door. The door creaked open. No one was inside.

“Hello,” I called, “is anyone here?”

No answer.

After a few moments, I gave up and walked out. I got the sudden urge to visit Godmother. I missed her even if it only had been a night since our meeting. Diaval was quite a gentleman as well, I simply couldn’t forget about him.

Making sure no one was around, I slipped out of camp. I swiftly made my way to the clearing. Strangely, no one was around.

I called for Godmother and Diaval but neither showed. My stomach sank. I had a horrible feeling.

Had we been discovered? Had Godmother been approached by one of the camp?

I heard a loud crack behind me. I whirled around and saw an arrow stuck in the tree just inches from me!

Arrows zoomed past me as I ducked behind a tree.

“Are they firing at me?” I pondered.

I looked all around for Godmother and Diaval, still finding nothing.

As much as I wished to, I couldn’t release enough courage to cry out. A searing pain coursed through my shoulder. I fell to my knees, crying out in agony. I glanced back.

Just what I feared.

Arrows whizzed past, each earning a yelp. I had no voice left. My muffled cries of “Godmother” and “Diaval” only made me more afraid.

A loud ruffle in the leave litter stopped my heart dead. I snuck a peek and nearly screamed.

Godmother struggled to look at the trees. Arrows aimed right at her. Her wings spread, exposing an arrow deep inside.

She held her arm in front of her face as gold wisped around her. The magic appeared eerily reminiscent of fire. Arrows harmlessly bounced off and landed next to her.

I covered my mouth as I tried to quench my fear. I wanted to run out there and order them to stop before any more damage was done.

But before I could, Queen Faylinn flew into the clearing, commanding the arrows be gone.

The arrows came to a close. I listened intently.

“Thank the Spirits you are not hurt,” she murmured.

I squinted. The arrow in her wing laid behind her.

Before Godmother could say anything, the Queen continued on.

“You must return to camp, every faerie is concerned.”

Godmother nodded and the Queen helped her up. The Queen glanced at my tree. I ducked away and prayed she hadn’t seen me. She was about to take a closer look when my faerie godmother spoke.

“My Queen, we best leave now, it is getting quite late.”

The Queen turned and nodded. She led Godmother away. Feeling it was safe, I crept from my hiding spot.

I was at the edge of the clearing when I realized the arrow would be noticed. I gripped it tightly and pulled.

Fire coursed through my veins as scarlet stained my dress. I fixed my hair to cover the wound.

“I will see Aeson about this tomorrow, now I have to get back to my hut unnoticed,” I thought.

Chapter IV

As the shadows of night swirled about, I crept back into camp. My chest ached as I tiptoed toward my hut. I feared the awakening of one.

I glanced up at the trees bordering our home and spotted Godmother’s pale skin. She was nearly invisible, that much was true. I waved.

She kept her eyes locked onto mine, her head moving ever so slowly to stare into my soul.

I quietly entered my hut, my wound stinging. I laid on my bed, trying hard to get comfortable.

Eventually, everything went numb.

I awoke to the soft twittering of many birds. I yawned and stretched the weariness away. I slowly got out of bed and stared into my mirror.

I twirled about, inspecting my features. I stared at my wound... or where it used to be. The blood was gone too.

“Strange, was the battle all in my head?” I considered silently.

While fixing my hair, I noticed a strange golden substance glittering all over. I stole a bit with my finger and held it close.

Pollen.

Fearing it would trace to my disappearance, I swiftly undressed. I chose a dull yellow dress with a simple brown sash.

Once I was dressed, I threw my clothing into an old wooden basket. I walked over to the stone entrance warded by lichen claws. The surprise on the other side had been carved centuries ago. I thought the lichen prevented entry when I was young and never dare venture forth. I had journeyed beyond the lichen on my thirteenth birthday and instantly adored the sight.

Gathering my composure, I brushed the lichen aside and journeyed into the cave.

My heels echoed throughout the rock. My heart pounded. Anyone could enter my hut at any time. The aggressive churning of the Spirits’ gift filled me with relief.

I knelt at the small pool and dipped my dress into the icy water. The water sloshed loudly, seeping swiftly into the cloth. At last, I was finished.

I turned to leave when something faintly glowing caught my eye. I walked over and knelt. I reached into the mound of rock and began setting the ones I could lift aside.

Eventually, I dug away enough rock to uncover a strange egg. It was a dark yellow with red blotches. Though rather large, I was able to lift it with little strain.

I set it in my basket and exited the cave. I hung up my dress to dry and hid my treasure under my bed.

I opened the door and stepped outside, inhaling the crisp dawn air.

I smiled and sat on the stump as per usual. I watched the faeries arise and greet each other warmly. Aleda fluttered up to me, smiling at last.

“Good morning, Aurora, have you seen Zasha? Xona is looking for her,” she greeted.

I shook my head and she departed. Many others came forward, asking where the apprentice had gone. Each answer was one of unknowing.

The young apprentice was curious, no doubt, she often got into trouble for going beyond camp boundaries. I didn’t know her as well as Aleda, but I knew she looked up to Maleficent.

Loud murmurs spread through the camp, drowning out my thoughts.

“Quiet!” shouted the Queen.

Everyone looked up to the huge tree where she lived, silencing themselves. I gave her my full attention.

“I am just as concerned as you all, I have Scouts out now. Until this matter is settled, no one is to leave camp,” she told us.

Everyone nodded.

“Not allowed to leave camp? How will I see Godmother now?” I pondered.

I couldn't understand for the longest time why Zasha would run away. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that her curiosity had gotten the better of her.

The sun disappeared and arose with no signs of the young apprentice.

Days turned into weeks with no signs. Soon, the faeries gave her up as dead. Although, I couldn't think like that. I just couldn’t.

Queen Faylinn had addressed us that if we were to leave camp, we would need to be warded at all times.

They would be bound to know now why I disappeared briefly that day. On the rare occasion I would see Godmother around camp, she would either be leaving or in a tree I couldn’t reach.

Faeries would sometimes call her “Angelina” affectionately, earning themselves either a smile or chuckle.

I never said it because I was not sure if it would offend her. Still, it was a beautiful name.

I made sure to keep the egg hidden, though its glow was quite difficult. I came home one night from seeing Godmother and Diaval to see the shell in shambles! I swiftly disposed of what was left where I found it.

When I returned, I saw a small dark grey creature with a thick beak, large white fins all along its back, underbelly and sides, tendrils all around its head, two more wing-like sails on its head, large amber eyes and front legs tipped with claws. It looked to be half-fish and half-bird.

I held out my hand as it floated toward me. Its rough scales rasped against my hand. A purr rumbled deep in its throat. It seemed docile enough to tame.

“What will they think of me if they find this majestic creature?” I wondered.

I gestured for the creature to stay and it obeyed. I walked into the clearing and wondered about the creature I had hatched.

How was I to keep it alive? What did it eat? What part of the forest did it reside?

I walked to our small library, greeted our librarian, and traced the spines.

Eventually, I found a book on mythical creatures. I sat down and began flipping through the pages.

I finally found a yellowing page with a detailed sketch of the creature. I wrote down all the information I could. I found out the creature was called a “Greywing”. Most lived in a land with a plentiful water source as they enjoyed swimming. They consume underwater plants and were very friendly. The one I hatched was a male. Females had golden eyes. They grew to be the size of a horse.

Once I was done, I put the book back and returned the pen. I exited the library, thanking the librarian. I walked back to my hut and greeted my new companion. He rubbed his head against my hand.

I giggled.

“I wonder what I shall name you,” I told him.

He purred loudly.

It was our Healer who named newborn babes, though I knew Aeson would never bestow the honor onto a Greywing.

I tapped my chin.

“What about Truett?” I asked.

To my words, the creature wrapped his head around me affectionately.

I wrapped my arms around the creature, laughing joyously. We released each other.

I set the paper on my nightstand and motioned for him to stay. He obliged with a grunt.

Chapter V

I visited Godmother any day I could, which wasn't as often as I would have enjoyed. I was forced to keep Truett in the cave as he was just too large to stay in my hut.

Each day, I visited the marsh and gathered as much plants as I could carry. It was hard work, yes, but I couldn't let the young creature starve.

I skipped to the clearing, Truett in tow. I decided it was time for Godmother to meet him. It had been a week since our last meeting.

The Greywing floated behind me, his eyes darting to and fro. I smiled and ushered him along.

“Godmother!” I called.

To my voice, she revealed herself from behind a large tree.

“Hello, Aurora,” she murmured.

Truett floated over to her, purring.

“Ah, I see you have tamed a Greywing, I am quite impressed,” she said as he circled her.

“I named him Truett, but I fear he will grow far too large to be kept in the camp,” I replied.

“I understand, I know of a lake where he would be quite content,” she told me.

“Can you show me?” I requested.

She nodded and led me through the forest. We finally came to a stop at a huge water body warded by enchanting mountains in the distance.

I noticed many other eggs laying all around the shore. Truett purred and floated over to a clutch of three eggs.

“No humans come here, he will be safe, you did well to raise him,” Godmother whispered.

“Thank you,” I replied with a smile.

Many Greywings leaped out of the water, their deep voices calming to hear.

We sat among the trees, watching the creatures swim and their young play. I had a smile the whole time. I wondered how my faerie godmother had known of their existence.

“Godmother,” I asked, earning her attention, “how did you know they resided here?”

She took a moment before answering.

“I had seen one years ago as a child and followed it here, there used to be so many more,” she murmured.

“There used to be more? What happened to them?” I pressed.

She didn't respond.

I shut my mouth.

Did I say something wrong?

She stood up.

A beautiful blue creature with four tail-like appendages floated around her. Its beautiful body was covered in scales from the waist down. Its plump face housed the largest sapphire eyes. Down its back were small feather-like spines. A pink light glowed in its chest.

It squeaked and led its small group back near the shore. It was so beautiful.

“Godmother?” I asked.

She kept her eyes locked on the forest. Diaval landed and she waved her hand. He appeared frightened and out of breath.

“What is wrong?” she demanded.

“I saw a strange figure dressed in armor, I-I don’t know if it saw me,” he explained through gasps for breath.

My heart froze. I shot up.

“Where did you see it?” Godmother asked.

“Back where we first met Aurora,” he replied, his lungs finally full of air.

I was frozen where I stood.

In a puff of smoke, he transformed.

“Come along, Aurora, you must go home,” Godmother commanded.

Diaval let his legs fold out from under him. I mounted and he beat his wings. Godmother led us to the outside of the camp.

She landed softly and ushered me inside.

I dismounted and snuck to my hut. I entered and just barely held in a scream.

Elder Aldan sat on a chair just inches from my bed. His old eyes glowed in anger.

“Where have you been?” he demanded.

I couldn't speak at first.

“I-I… er, I ca-” I stumbled over my words, unable to say anything true.

Aldan raised an aged eyebrow.

“Your guilt has burned your tongue I see, no matter, I know what you did,” he rasped.

I swallowed hard.

Before I could say anything else, the Elder continued.

“That wretched faerie has taken control of you, you are no longer one of Queen Faylinn,” he snarled, “it was no wonder she cursed you!”

I fell back into my door, my bones thumping against the wood.

I had never seen the Elder so angered.

He continued, just as angered as before, “Maleficent has changed you, she is the evil in this world, and you foolishly lived upon her trance!”

Panicking, I pushed the door open and ran out into the woods. My vision faded into a blurred mass.

I could hear the vague cries of Aleda, ordering me to return. I couldn’t listen to her and forced my legs to pump faster.

I finally heard her wings fade.

I burst into the clearing, yelling for my faerie godmother.

She landed in the leaves with a thud. She noticed my tears.

“Aurora?” she asked.

“When are you going to tell me that I am cursed?” I asked weakly, just barely managing to speak through my gulping sobs.

“Aurora-” she cut herself off as tears welled up in her eyes.

“Aldan said it was a wretched faerie… I can't remember her name,” I rasped.

“Maleficent,” Godmother replied softly.

“I-Is that you?” I whispered, my face growing hot.

Tears streamed down my face.

She took a step forward but feeling she was the evil in the world, I stepped back.

“No,” I shouted, “don't touch me!”

I swiftly turned and raced away.

I could only faintly hear her shouting for me to come back.

I ran into my hut and slammed the door. I sobbed into my hands until my throat hurt.

Once every single one of my tears left my body, I raised my head. My finger throbbed. I rubbed it, hoping it would pass. It never subsided.

Growing restless, I paced back and forth. I clenched my teeth as the fires exploded through my fingertip.

As the sunlight slowly dwindled, I exited my hut. I stared at the trees bordering our camp. I could hear Aleda’s purring wings behind me. I didn’t turn.

“Aurora,” she asked, “what are you doing?”

I didn’t respond.

I walked into the forest, a melodic voice whispering in my ear.

“Sixteenth birthday… Hellish scarlet drops…”

All my thoughts swarmed around making the pain stop.

I eventually made my way to a huge wall of spined brambles.

The pain grew worse and worse as I raised my hand. The sun was just minutes from vanishing. I let my fingertip fall. Drowsiness pumped through my veins. Everything went numb.

Chapter VI

I raced through the darkness, trying to escape the cackling laughter of one I had never heard before. My lungs burned. My heavy breaths only made me more afraid.

His deep, echoing laughter only made my legs pump harder. That was when I heard a voice deep inside my head. A voice I had loved.

“Sweet Aurora, I know this may be our last day together, but I wished I was powerful enough to revoke the curse your infant self had been gifted. Before I say ‘goodbye’ one last time, I promise, no harm will come to you for as long as I survive.”

I skidded to a halt as the cackling at last faded.

My eyelids grew heavy. A golden light swirled around me. It was hard to open my eyes.

The light from the moon glowed all around me. I caught my Godmother spreading her beautiful wings.

“Hello, Faerie Godmother,” I whispered.

She folded her wings and turned back to me. Her eyes were damp with tears.

She rested a pale hand on my own. I smiled. I could see joy flaring in her emerald rings for the first time.

Pure joy.

She helped me to my feet and led me outside. I noticed something strange; every faerie was gone.

Not even a moment later I knew why. An orange light glowed against the sky, making every inch of forest a wailing sickening mound of blackened wood.

She journeyed ahead, pausing in the camp center to gesture toward me. I took a step forward before a voice froze me where I stood.

“Release!”

A huge net dropped onto Godmother, sending her on her knees. Her wings flapped helplessly as she cried out in agony.

I ran over. I could see her skin glowing a nasty orange as sickening burns stained her palms. I reached her side but many armored men raced in from all directions, stabbing and jabbing the net with spears.

I gripped the net and pulled with all my might. It was far too heavy.

“Get back!” snarled one as he pushed me aside.

Godmother beat her wings furiously, sending some men reeling and others getting tangled within their very creation.

My heart pounded, what was I to do? A loud horn rocked the forest. Every Soldier from our camp raced in, swords drawn and bows pulled tautly.

“Attack!” I heard one shout.

Our soldiers leaped onto many but more and more enemies seemed to arrive with each arrow fired.

Soon, we were outnumbered, fighting a losing battle. Still, our forces fought with the strength of a kettle of hawks. It wasn’t enough.

Enemies swarmed the camp, wounding many with their superior weapons.

“Please Spirits, don’t let us lose this fight,” I begged.

My pleads were answered within seconds.

A huge shadow loomed over us, blocking out the moon. Though the scarce moonlight, I saw the outline of a bird. It grew larger and larger with each beat of my racing heart.

I watched in amazement as the avian gripped the net in its talons and pulled it from the ground within seconds.

Godmother caught herself just feet from her former position, wings heavily scarred with jet black gashes.

Diaval cast away the net as men rushed toward him. He knocked a few to the ground before long chains wrapped around him, effectively pinning him to the grit.

She rose to her feet as armored men surrounded her on all sides, their massive shields banging against the dirt. She unsteadily walked toward one and touched it.

The metal glowed a nasty orange as she retreated to the center, fear wide in her glowing eyes.

As Diaval struggled, I ducked behind a hut, fearing I would be killed any moment.

I kept my eyes locked on the ferocious battle, unable to look away from even a second.

A man approached Godmother, a long chain resting in his hands. He whipped it at her side, causing her to be thrown into one of the shields. She struggled to her knees. He stood over her coldly as she gasped for breath.

He slowly removed his helmet.

His face was torn with scars, accompanied by a scraggly brown beard and thick brown hair that kissed his chin.

“How does it feel,” he sneered, “to be in a world you belong not?”

Seconds after finishing his statement, he wrapped the chain around her. She bent forward, her mouth gaping as if she wished to cry out.

He threw her into a rock, earning himself a pained groan from his prey. I gasped as he drew a long sword from its sheath. The blade sang as it met the stinging air.

She pressed herself up against the stone, her face contorted in pure terror.

He charged.

Her mouth fell open as the blade vanished into the night.

“No!” I wailed.

Tears blurred my vision as fury pounded in my blood. I raced through the chaos and leaped onto the man’s back. He staggered while screaming in rage.

Godmother looked up at me in astonishment.

“Fly!” I shouted.

She spread her wings as the man threw me hard onto the ground. I grunted as I hit the ground, the air in my chest at last being able to grow into the smog that loomed over the camp.

Godmother soared against the smoke, coughing and wheezing. I watched as she glided toward Diaval, her eyes narrowing. My mouth fell open as a single chain snapped.

The avian cawed and shook away his bonds. He wreaked havoc upon his captors, his massive body knocking men away to and fro. His jet black wings were almost impossible to see.

The fire closed in closer and closer, faster than I preferred.

A whimper of fright escaped me as the man wrapped me in an inescapable hold. He pressed his sword to my throat as I screamed helplessly.

Godmother heard my cries and was just bounds from me when a huge spear pierced her wing. She wailed in anguish as she crashed to the ground.

“No!” I cried as I tried to wrestle from the male’s powerful grasp.

“Say one more word and your blood shall stain this land,” he growled in my ear, pressing the sword closer to my skin.

My struggling ceased.

Godmother beat her wings helplessly as the intruders threw chains around her. Orange scorched her wrists as her pained shrieks too became prey for the starving blaze.

Her wings beat the air harder and harder, soon throwing some assailants away. Her binds snapped with bone-chilling wails. She looked at me, then to my aggressor. Her thrashing wings sent her high into the air.

She was only a blur seen by my eyes for a mere blink. A powerful force set me free. I fell to the ground and watched in horror as the man slashed my guardian’s cheek with his blade!

She yelped and leaped back, her hand covering her wound. Shock stained her eyes.

I gasped as the man charged. She didn’t have time to get away and the sword ripped through her flesh. I could hear it tearing muscle and flesh with such ease.

Instead of collapsing, she leaped away and into the air.

I got to my feet and stepped out of the way of the battle. The fire formed a perfect ring around our camp. There was nowhere to run. Every single one of us, ones loyal to the Queen and ones not, were trapped.

The man threw his chain, managing to wrap around Godmother’s ankle. She yelped as she struggled against his weight.

“Kill her!” he cried.

Spears flew at her, being deflected with her hands. Her short cries of rage sent fear crashing down on my chest. Her wings flapped with such force, repelling the flames and their desperate bawls for prey.

The man held onto the chain as he lost his footing. She dragged him around the camp and came dangerously close to the fire. His sabatons grew too close and the fire licked the metal. Godmother screamed in rage and lifted him high into the air.

He cried out in anguish, clutching his shoulder. They disappeared into the thick black smog, along with his tormented roars.

I covered my eyes, in fear of what I was to witness.

All I heard was the impact. Against my better judgement, I let my hands fall away.

The leader’s broken body lay in the camp center, his lifeless eyes forever burning with nothingness.

Godmother landed beside me and took my hand. She followed Diaval and our Soldiers to another part of the forest untouched by the blazing evils.

She landed and let me go. She leaned against a tree, her skin fading to a sickly ash color. Aeson walked over to her, just in time to catch her.

He laid her on the ground, her emotionless features impaling my heart. Aeson turned to me, his eyes gleaming with sympathy.

“Aurora, come here,” he murmured.

My chest ached.

I walked over and Aeson retreated to the Queen. I knelt down to Godmother’s level.

“Godmother, please get up,” I begged.

Her eyes met my own, the life in her form gradually melting away.

“Aurora,” she rasped, “can you do something for me?”

Tears teetered on the edge of my eyelids.

“Anything, Godmother,” I choked out.

Sobs stole away my breath.

My guardian faintly grasped my hands.

“Queen Faylinn is withering away, the Spirits chose…” Godmother trailed off as her eyes began to close.

My tears fell onto her face.

“No! Don't go to sleep! I need you!” I bawled.

“Aurora, my time has come,” she croaked.

She went limp in my arms. She was right.

I gently laid her on the earth. I buried my face in my hands, sobbing even harder than ever before. I felt a soft hand on my shoulder.

I looked up to see Aleda’s sympathetic rings.

She knelt down beside me and took her hands into her own.

“Aurora,” she consoled, “she gave her life to save us. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

I sniffled.

“She didn’t have to leave!” I sobbed.

The Queen’s advisor wiped my tears away with a small smile.

“She will not die in vain, Queen Faylinn has planned to bestow her crown unto me though I am unfit to lead,” she whispered.

I nodded.

“What does that have to do with her death not being in vain?” I asked, pausing more than once to regain my composure.

She smiled warmly.

“It is time to rebuild our empire to its former glory,” she murmured.

Epilogue

I walked up the small glen to a small half circle of pointed stones. It had been many months since Godmother’s burial. Diaval passed away one month later from an unknown illness. We buried him next to his mistress.

I missed them greatly but I accepted it as fate, as hard as it was. My fears vanished as my golden gown fluttered in the wind.

Every faerie looked on as I approached Queen Faylinn and Aleda.

Her advisor handed her a crown made from golden leaves. I bowed my head as she gently placed it upon my head. I looked up to see the Queen smiling for the first time in all my life.

I turned to the Fae Folk as they cheered.

The fae male I had met before walked to the stone as we smiled at each other affectionately.

My rule over the faeries was a kind one. I had birthed a female and had named her “Angelina” after Godmother’s nickname.

As Angelina and I sat on the edge of the lake, we watched the Waterfaeries and Greywings swim and socialize warmly. Truett had since raised three hatchlings into enchanting creatures of legend.

I couldn’t help but feel a strange presence among us. My daughter tugged on my dress after a few minutes.

She pointed to a familiar figure staring at us with a gold and green aura. I got up and walked over with my young daughter in tow.

I couldn't help but wipe tears from my eyes.

There she was, after all this time. She was just as beautiful as I remembered.

Around her feet was a small puddle of gold and green swirls.

She smiled once I got closer. Her eyes sparkled with endless wisdom.

“Greetings, Queen Aurora,” she murmured, her voice echoing throughout the forest, “you have set my spirit free, you have accomplished a true empire.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

She took my hand. Her fingers were cold to the touch.

“Queen Aurora,” she continued, “as a way to thank you for softening my heart, I shall bestow upon you a gift. Use it wisely, my dear.”

I nodded.

She waved her hand. A golden orb slashed with green floated into both mine and my daughter’s hearts.

She released me.

“Farewell, Aurora, I won’t forget you.”

She faded with a tear streaming down her cheek. I wiped a tear from my eye.

“I won't either, Godmother,” I thought.

The day faded into dusk then into dawn. I awoke to a strange weight on my shoulders. I looked back and beamed.

After so long of being ridiculed and teased, I was finally no longer a victim. I held out my hand as golden dust flurried throughout my palm.

For years my guardian was trapped within me, wishing for so long I would change the way the faeries thought of halflings.

It was my luck, some said. I believe it was something far stronger. I believe it to be the path the Spirits had gifted me.

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