The Land Never Lost

Chapter 12

The big fairy stepped forward and bowed, "If you would, allow us to properly introduce ourselves. We are the five fairies bestowed the duties of training and protecting our princess. We were once regarded as the royal guardians of Princess Fairbelle. Now we are referred to as the Fallen Fairies. Although, any title that demonstrates how strong our loyalty is to Lady Fairbelle, we wear proudly." He returned back to his place at the table and stood at attention. "Fallen, please announce yourself to our guest."

The wild short red haired fairy gave an energetic wave. Peter thought to himself that this guy looked like fun. "Blink Belgard. Combat specialist. Front line fighter. Pretty much just an all around awesome guy."

The taller red haired fairy bowed, "Brutus Belgard. Royal defender. Pleased to meet you."

"Don't forget to mention you are my little brother." Blink added with a chuckle.

"Shut up! I'm your 'younger' brother. I haven't been little in a long time." Brutus and his brother shot each other challenging smiles.

"Anyways" The beautiful lady fairy bowed gracefully. "I am Ramona Belrein. Keeper of knowledge. Although these days, my Princess requires my skills as more of a strategist. I would like to speak with you in private, my lady after greetings are made."

Trinkett nodded.

The fairy in all black was tapping his foot anxiously. Peter looked down and noticed his own foot was tapping nervously. He knew, just like himself, this fairy wanted to be out doing something instead of dealing with formalities. "Belias Gemini. Fallen Fairy. Loyal to the Princess." He pulled his hood back over his head and stepped backwards towards the shaded part of the room.

The big fairy turned to face Peter. The boy looked like he was about to explode. Peter did not do well with too much information. This is what he had James for. Peter fought back tears at the thought of James.

"And I am Leif Corbellia. Second in command of the Fallen and healer." He bowed again.

"These are the most loyal and capable fairies I know. With their help and what I have seen from you already, I know you will succeed in your training." Trinkett said. Peter looked around at all the fairies. If Trinkett trusted them, he had every reason to as well. But first...

"Why?" Peter asked. "Why are you guys called the Fallen? Why were you so eager to bring me here Trinkett? I don't have James here, but I can hear him nagging in my head. What is the plan?"

Trinkett studied Peter. She was impressed with the boy more and more.

"My grandfather believed his whole life that fairies should not sit idly by while humans were unfairly harassed by glooms. As protectors of the natural order of your world, he said it was our responsibility to fight in the place of humans. I agree wholeheartedly with my grandfather's ideology. My royal guard sees this ancient duty the same way. The current Fairy King has grown disillusioned by the number of fairies we have lost in the ongoing battle with the glooms. My father is a great and kind man. The land of Pan radiates with the care and love the King displays. I can't fathom the guilt he feels knowing we are fighting a losing battle. It is by his decree that fairies cease all missions to dispel glooms." It hurt Trinkett to admit she did not support her father's decision. Peter could not identify with the problems between a parent and child, but he saw how much it bothered Tink.

"I could not follow that order. When I told my guards I could not support my father's decision, they had similar sentiments. We oppose our king, hence the name Fallen Fairies. So we fight. For the human's sake, we choose to protect them. But we are loyal to my father and his crown in every other way. We need to find a middle ground." Trinkett gestured to Ramona.