Once Upon a Faerie Tale

Chapter Ten

Ten:

The door has been closed many times over the course of the years, but it has never been opened as wide as it was for the many thousands of years when our world was connected and completely open. That’s where many of our myths come from. But magic gravitated toward one side of the wall and when the mortals began to fear the magic they could no longer understand, the door was closed. Periodically, the door has been open for different reasons, many times because the magic was too difficult to maintain the entire time. 

But the last time it was opened, was only briefly, but the kingdoms wanted to ensure that it would stay closed unless it was opened on both sides of the wall. Previously, only one side had protected the opening, but if it could be closed on the non-magical side, it would offer more protection. However, in order to close the door on the non-magical side, someone would have to stay on that side.

For many years a debate raged on and on about who would sacrifice themselves to stay on the other side of the wall forever. During the beginning of this debate, Andrew, the new heir to the throne of the East Kingdom began to feel the pressure to take a wife. Unfortunately, his heart still yearned for the beautiful woman who had been a slave for many years, but she had disappeared, and no one had seen her for many years. 

With the woman he really loved gone, he found a wife in the court of the kingdom. Her name was Veronica and she was one of the younger women in the court. When Andrew asked for her hand in marriage, she accepted immediately, as she had fancied the man for many years. But whispers and rumors spread, saying Andrew married Veronica because of her friendship with Cleo before she had disappeared.

But the young girl was naïve and believed she had been chosen because of love. But their marriage started with many empty nights, and quiet conversations. On the few nights Veronica had with her husband, she tried to make him love her, but he would not warm to her. 

One day, however, a few months after they were married, Veronica began to feel a stirring in her belly, and had a growing suspicion at her sickness each morning. With excitement shaking her hand she sent a message to the ancient witch Renalie, the only woman who could surely confirm her suspicion. 

The witch arrived a day later, smiling at the young woman who was glowing with joy. “I see you already know the answer which I bring.” Renalie said, smiling. 

“I will have a child?” Veronica smiled, her joy overwhelming. Not just for the child, but also that the prospect of a child would hopefully be enough to spark some love in her husband who seemed to be growing ever distant from her as debates raged on. 

“You will, and this child will aid in bringing forth the beginning of a new era for this county.” The witch predicted. It was an honor to have a prophecy, especially one as promising as this, bestowed upon a child. “But be warned, this will not be as you expect, but you will know the time when it shall come.” Renalie stayed for the rest of the day, instructing the young mother and giving her advice. This was another great honor, for the great witch to spend time with her and to offer some of the great wisdom she had collected over the many years she had lived. 

“Veronica,” Renalie said, touching the young woman’s shoulder, “Things will not seem to go as they should in the years to come, nor will they be easy. But you must always remember that there is happiness waiting for you in a new place you have never seen.” These parting words were peculiar, yet haunting enough the Veronica remembered them in all the years to come. 

When her son was born, Veronica thought her husband would take more interest in her and the child, but he did not seem to care any more than he had previously. The years passed and her son grew, learning to ride horses, playing with other boys in the village, and he also began to read. On his tenth birthday, Veronica was alone with him, and she was disappointed in his father who was debating for another solution to keep the door closed.