The Incandescent | Book 7 | The Fairy arc

Chapter 15 ~ The Fairy Queen

Killian held the reins with a loose grip as Viridian slowed to a canter. The horse cautiously stepped over a water puddle, the only obstruction in the clear path through the forest.

The Emerald Glare glowed a beautiful greenish purple from within the sheath resting against Killian's leather clad thigh. Erasmo peered over the saddle, feeling very safe with Killian.

It was late at night, much later than the bedtime hour. But Killian was alert, not moving his head as his eyes perused the forest, on the lookout for any danger. This was a secure route, but it was good practice to keep a lookout. Bandits sometimes liked to rob people, even on patrolled roads.

Before long, the dark forest was illuminated with thousands of glowing diamond-shaped fireflies. Viridian neighed delightedly, Erasmo sparkled joyfully, and Killian smiled happily. Despite the serious matter of business, one couldn't help but feel wonderful the closer to the Fairy Queen's domain.

After the magical firefly dance came the waltz of the hedgehogs, the adorable spikey creatures that were the peacemakers in the realm. The pearly light pink hedgehogs shuffled across the grass, carrying strawberries on their backs, as they waltzed in the firefly lit forest.

The hedgehogs lifted their noses and cheerfully approached, recognizing Killian and Viridian. They didn't recognize the Vanquesha, but they sensed he was a good lifeform.

Erasmo moved out of the way while Killian dismounted. His black boots landed firmly on the ground as he moved from the horse in an easy move, one hand pushing back some of his long dark hair. Several hedgehogs came near, offering strawberries. Killian crouched, lowering to one knee. He smiled and thanked the hedgehogs, allowing them to place the strawberries in his open hand.

Erasmo hugged the hedgehogs and gave each one a sparkle. The happy hedgehogs were fascinated by the sparkles, either balancing the sparkles on their noses or placing the sparkles on their backs.

Low pitched caws alerted them to the plum purple vorodnik birds that patrolled the skies, keeping sharp eyes on their surroundings. The vorodniks nodded at the human, horse, and Vanquesha, permitting them to go further into the realm where the Fairy Queen dwelled.

Killian loosely held the reins as he walked alongside his horse. Erasmo hovered excitedly near his shoulder.

Shadow beings called cientien loomed on either side of the path. They were guardians that protected the forest from peril and natural disasters. Erasmo shivered, not liking the sight of enormous black ghost-like creatures the size of houses, but Killian was unafraid, familiar with the cientien. He thanked them for their guidance before walking towards a clearing.

Silver unicorns stood as patrol guards near the holographic opal castle that was the Fairy Queen's home. The unicorns relaxed their soldier stance when they recognized Killian, lifting their horns and sending a signal to the golden red griffins at the gemstone gate.

The griffins blew at the doors, opening the gate. Erasmo hid inside Killian's trench coat, fearing the winged lion-like creature. The gate closed soon as they entered.

A marble courtyard stretched forward, glistening white with pink-streaked energy flowing underneath the marble floor. The courtyard led to a garden where every kind of flower teemed with life, sparkling in the enchanted night.

In the center of the garden was the Fairy Queen, Laurvellina Meadowspar.

A dance of shimmering sparkles surrounded her. Her pink wings were the largest wings in the realm. Even larger than Iredescent wings, Killian thought, never ceasing to be amazed.

Laurvellina's fuchsia pink energy flowed around her wings and body, casting a pink pallor on her dark chestnut brown skin. Her champagne blonde-streaked coffee brown hair was in a half bun, half up and half down, straight until wavy towards the ends.