The Faerie Slayer

Chapter 37

Everything in the land of the folk is evil, I concluded, don't depend on anyones warning, from the flowers, to the music to this very wine, and brought the glass of wine to my lips. It was just as intolerable as before, if not worse. I struggled to mask my aversion but Edmund did not seem to notice. Instead, his testy expression was focused on a set of twin boys who strutted our way. My eyes fell upon their bottom halves where instead of legs they bore two thick trunks of trees each. They halted in front of us and both extended an arm out. Their hands were made of combinations of fingers and branches. Some even grew little brown and green leaves.
They were rather handsome, with strong masculine jaws and built broad shoulders.
"It's so nice to finally make your acquaintance, princess," the first one said in a rather pleasant voice. I smiled politely and shook his strong palms and then his brothers.

"You can't imagine how long we have been awaiting your arrival," said the other in an identical voice.

I raised my eyebrows with some surprise. It was a shock that my arrival was not dissenting for all faeries.
"That's so nice to hear," was all I could manage to say.

"I suppose I could lie and say that it is nice to see you too Edmund," the first one continued," but as I said, I would be lying, and faeries cannot lie."

"It's not very nice to see you here as well, Edward."

A tiny bird flew out from behind Edwards ear and flattered around Edmunds face. He struggled to swat it out of the way whilst Edward and his brother mumbled soft effortless commands like," stop it...come back here...you naughty bird."

The creature finally retrieved back to wherever it came from behind Edwards back and Edmund raised a suspecting finger," you did that on purpose."

"I would never dream of ruining your night Edmund," Edward rolled his eyes.

"Perhaps you should leave then."

"Perhaps not, Benjamin and I have some business at the bar. Izibba will be joining me soon as well, you should know."

They bowed simultaneously my way," have a perfect time princess."

They walked away and I turned to watch an angered Edmund.
"Are you alright? You did not seem to like them very much."

"They are acrid and covetous descendants of Rootmen, a disgrace to their ancestors if you ask me."

As we marched away hand in hand, I could not help but wonder what Rootmen were although the name was fitting for two brothers with trunks for legs.

Kades Pov

We had stopped a few hours later by a boulder that held itself to many others in a trail that eventually led back to Chip Woods. I could hear the sound of a nearby waterfall but I could not see it. The sky had gloomed into a shade of burnt orange. The further we had ridden into the water, the darker it became.
I sat on the third boulder watching as the Kelpie rested. Elie was flying just above the highest tree in search of her messenger bird. Moments later, she soared down, holding the creature in her small grasp.

"Look! A note from Aubrette!"

I grabbed the letter hanging from the birds narrow beak.

"This says that the wedding date is changed. That means we have till tomorrow."

"The queen must have found out about your visit. I hope she doesn't know I'm here."

I read the remainder of the letter.

Elie, please do what I told you

A

"What does she mean by this?" I pointed an accusing finger at the note.