Wings of my Enemy

Tree Council

Tree Council

The Elders held council every week. Father had always claimed its importance to village affairs, while Mother called it an excuse to drink. By contrast, a Fae gathering—outside of a celebration—was a rarity. For two days at each turning of the season, we would gather at Stone Meadow to mingle, dance, learn, or write; otherwise, the twenty-seven of us lived as village life demanded.

Traditions made the Fae strong, just as the changing of the leaves marked every season. We honored nature with our dances and kept the history of Aisling in our stories and words. That was our calling. The Elders gave leadership while the Fae offered blessings, for only faeries could heal. But no rule came to pass in Aisling without consent of the Fae.

A visit to the temple was the most cherished moment that I knew. When invited there, an occasion demanded our attention. Three days after my Day of Promise, I walked across the road between our houses and along the flat stones leading to Madeline’s front door. We were going to the temple for a gathering.

A chilly wind blew past, carrying colorful leaves through the forest. I pulled my shawl tight. Although no warmth came from it, it brought familiar comfort. Her door opened when I arrived and Madeline stood facing me. She was also dressed in her white gown, covered with her golden shawl and hood. Tiny white angel flowers weaved through her braided hair.

“Come inside,” she said, smiling, “you look cold.” Her voice was warm and soft. It reminded me of a songbird on a summer day.

Madeline held out her arms in greeting. With thanks, I accepted her embrace and followed my friend inside. In the warm sitting room at the end of the hall, I chose a seat on her plush pink couch.

“Are you hungry?” asked Madeline. She sat next to me and folded her arms.

“No, thank you.”

While we chatted about the day, Colin entered the little room. He wore a cream tunic and short pants that exposed his pale bare feet. He reclined on the wooden bench across from us and crossed his legs.

“Do you know what’s happening?” I finally asked Madeline, distracted by Colin’s wiggling toes. “Why have they called for a Tree Council?”

She patted my leg. “Your father didn’t tell you?”

“No,” I answered, shaking my head. “He’s been quiet the last few days.”

“The weather is turning,” said Colin. “With trouble in the village and a new season upon us, we must prepare.” He switched legs.

I tried to look straight at him, but kept glancing down at his feet. Dangling toes wasn’t the impression I expected from the Chief Elder. I wondered if Sean would display the same bold behavior, once we were married, and cringed at the thought.

Colin continued. “We need a village security review. The Elders asked the Fae for help, in preparation for the Moon Season Celebration.”

“Oh.” I reflected back to the trouble at Stone Meadow; it already seemed long ago. I didn’t want to dwell on that, so I turned to Madeline. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, dear.” Madeline leaned across the room to kiss her husband.

I left them and walked down the hall toward the front door. Madeline followed, pulling Colin in hand behind her. I allowed them to open the door for me, and wished Colin good day, before daring myself to venture back into the cold.

Madeline pulled her shawl tight around her shoulders and reached around me. Then side-by-side, we left her yard and hurried down the road. As we walked, huddled together to block the wind, we joined more faeries, all properly dressed for the gathering. Most of them nodded silent greetings. A few offered me brief wishes of good fortune. It was too cold to mingle much, and we were all in a rush.