The Game

A Simple Game of Chess

Nate and Greg were only steps behind me by the time I reached the cottage, but I still felt utterly alone. I did not know what to expect behind the front door. I passed the well, the garden, as I tried up the stone pathway. Everything looked so entirely innocent. As I laid my hand upon the doorknob I noticed I was trembling. I felt a hand rest on my shoulder and nearly jumped out of my skin.

Nate lifted a finger to his lips as he pushed the door open. I got behind him as the door revealed a long hallway, lined with doors, an archway darkened. As we stepped inside, a single dim light appeared in the darkness. I shared a look with Nate, then Greg, who stepped in front of me. Nate stayed behind and shut the door.

In a single file line we walked down the hall towards that single light. When we reached the end and had entered the room, the lights switched on and illuminated a cutely designed living room with trinkets and heirlooms covering each available space. And in the Center was a man. An average man with average salt and pepper hair and a goutee. He wore and average button down shirt with khakis and loafers. The only thing that was extraordinary was his eyes, piercing, cold and boring a hole straight through my chest as I stood there, in his living room, frozen in place.

"Welcome," He said and his voice echoed around the small space, off double French doors and shag carpeting and different colored lamps. He rose from a chair and straightened his shirt with a finely manicured hand. "I am Elric Hreidmar, of Northern Descent, King of the Fey, and Ruler of the Five Thousand Forests."

He held out his hand, and I shook it. If he wanted to play niceties so could I. "My name is Daniella Kennedy. But you may call me Dana... your majesty."

A pleased smile appeared across King Elric's face. "Manners." He approved. "Good girl." He motioned towards the couch. "Please, take a seat." I glanced back at Nate and Greg, who warily stood at the entryway, still frozen as I had been. They did not even move a muscle or share a look with me.

  I sat down on the couch and sunk into the fluffy cushions. King Elric placed himself back in the chair, and crossed his legs, smiling endearingly. "So, my dear, Dana, I understand this was all just a simple hiking trip for you?" I nodded my head. "Turned into quiet an adventure, I might say."

"Yes, you could say that." I faked a laugh.

"Well, I'm sure you have many questions. Go ahead and ask."

I cocked my head to one side and considered. I smiled, "How do I leave this forest?"

King Elric threw back his head and laughed. "Polite And Smart, what a combination." He looked to Nate and Greg. "I can see why you showed her favor." Neither of the two men flinched at the sound of their names.

I gave them a questioning look, which the King must have noticed as he explained, "Nevermind them. As King I dictate the use of Fey power. Whether they can use it or not. Or simple freeze it, as I have with them. Since they both are such powerful boys the freezing of their powers freezes both of them. It's quite useful."

I desperately tried to conceal my fear. If something happened they could not protect me. I was utterly alone in the King's domain. And I had seen too much of the Fey already. If he was the King of such ruthless creatures, surely he was much much worse. But I did not let my fear reveal itself.

The ruler of the Fey turned his cold eyes back on me. "I cannot show you the way out. That is something you must find for yourself. But I doubt it is possible that you can."

I nodded. "You're Fey are smart." For the meantime it was fine for him to underestimate me. "They wouldn't let me leave."

"You find my dominion cruel." He said, seeming hurt. "But they are only creatures led by instinct. They are ruled by their crave to play, hunt, hurt. It is why they live. Who you should really fear are those with more than that, those of royal blood, with minds and thoughts. Such as your companions."