Beyond the Veil of Yonder (Book 1)

18. Iorlainn

As the travellers proceeded, the ghostly glow illuminating the path out of the cave grew closer. Their horses, sensing the freedom, stirred and neighed. "Steady now, we're almost there." William calmed the animals with a firm yet tender touch.

Soon, a sharp beam of daylight pierced the cave's opening, and Elizabeth raised her hand to shield her eyes from the dazzling light. She inhaled deeply, savouring the crisp, clean air that filled her lungs. After the stagnant atmosphere of the cave, it seemed a real indulgence.

Outside, a vast plain unfolded before them. A lush sea of grass stretched to a distant forest, its vibrant emerald hues sparkling under the bright morning sun. Red poppies, emerging from the grass, dotted the field like scattered rubies.

"Is this... are we really in the kingdom of the fairies? It's more beautiful than I imagined," Elizabeth whispered in awe, blinking amidst the onslaught of colours and light.

"Yes, this is Iorlainn," said William. "That's what the fairies themselves call their kingdom. It's hidden from the world, protected by the mountains."

They paused in the field at the cave's entrance, and their horses began to graze on the fresh, crackling grass.

Dan scanned the area with doubt on his face. "So, where are these fairies then? Shouldn't they be welcoming us or something?"

"Patience, Dan," William replied. "They know we're here. They'll come to us when they're ready."

Elizabeth looked nervously around. "I just hope they don't appear out of nowhere. I'm not sure I could handle that."

But as soon as she said those words, two riders emerged from the forest. Their long hair flowed in the wind, mirroring the sway of the tall grass around their horses' hooves. One horse was white, and the other—a light brown, almost golden. The horses, unburdened by harnesses, carried their riders with ease.

William watched the approaching figures with an unwavering gaze. "These are royal guards," he said in a low voice. "Remember, speak only when spoken to."

"Guards without weapons? That doesn't make any sense." Dan's eyebrow shot up in surprise as he watched the unarmed figures gracefully dismount and approach them.

The newcomers were two young men—or rather, fairy males—with moonlight-pale hair. From this distance, their non-human features became apparent. They had pointed ears and their skin emitted an ethereal glow, like soft lanterns in daylight, giving them an otherworldly look that made them seem almost... untouchable. They wore no armour, but their clothing was rich, royal, yet not excessive.

Recalling William's advice, Elizabeth resisted the urge to ask the many questions swirling in her mind. The idea of causing a conflict with these magical beings sent a chill of apprehension down her spine.

One fairy had purple eyes, and the other's were pale blue, almost white. Their eyes shimmered with an inner light. The fairy guards were not quite tall—about their size—but still managed to convey an air of superiority, so that Elizabeth shrank into herself under their unsettling gazes, and a lump formed in her throat.

"You brought humans here?" the purple-eyed guard asked William with a hint of disdain. His tone alone confirmed Elizabeth's fear that the fairies were not pleased with their arrival.

"Their presence is for the king to judge," replied William.

"Enough. Surrender your weapons and follow us. King Eolan awaits." The second guard interjected.

Unfazed, William handed over his weaponry. "They are unarmed," he said, referring to Elizabeth and Dan.

The fairy with purple eyes exchanged a knowing gaze with his companion before thoroughly searching the pair. He raised an eyebrow, finding no weapons. "Unarmed humans? How unusual."