Through the Fairy Ring

Chapter Seventeen

"Slow down now. The Fairy Ring is just ahead." Arden's words shook me out of the dreamlike stupor into which I'd fallen. I pulled Dara's reins, and she slowed to a walk. He pointed to a stand of thin-trunked white trees with silver leaves edging the meadow. "The ring is in there."

We left the horses on the outside of the trees. Arden led us to a depression in the ground, filled with vibrant green grass and encircled by large polished stones. Each stone held a unique pattern of swirled aqua-green, deep blue, and velvety purple.

"I've been thinking," I said. "I should go to Edlark's by myself from here."

Tavi stepped back and folded her arms. "No way. We're all going."

"I'm going, at the very least." Drostan scowled, probably afraid to disobey the Queen.

"Just wait a second and let me explain. Edlark is touchy enough already. He doesn't like me, he doesn't like Arden and I imagine he probably doesn't care for Drostan just because of him being a Pixie. If all of us show up on his doorstep, I'm thinking he's not going to be in a mood to agree to anything. If I go by myself, I'll be less threatening, and he won't have an audience to his behavior. He won't have to save face."

"But you don't know how to get there," Tavi said. "And when you come back, you'll be all alone with that creature out there."

Arden rubbed his forehead. "Actually, Edlark's house isn't hard to find. It's just down the pathway from the Fairy Ring. There's a Fairy Ring about a mile from my home that Edlark uses when he visits. She could have the Fairies send her there when she's finished speaking to Edlark. While I don't like the idea of you going alone, Hazel, you make a good point. If I'm with you, he'd probably say no to any request just to spite me."

Tavi eyed Arden, like she still expected him to talk me out of it. He shrugged. "I'm sorry, Tavi, but I think she's right. Hazel's learned how to use magic here, so it's not as if she's defenseless. And I don't believe Edlark would do anything to hurt her, because he needs his place in the Realm. I don't think it will hurt for her to try on her own."

"I'm going with you," Drostan said. "The Queen was very clear about my orders."

"Do you really want to have to explain to Queen Amena how you hindered the process? I'm not going to run away or anything. I need Edlark's cooperation as much as you do. You're going to have to trust me."

Drostan's mouth pinched together, but he must have believed me, because he gave a quick nod.

"I thought you all could go to Arden's, and I'd come there after I'm done. I really want to check on Garron and Meara." When I left them, I thought I'd be gone an hour, not all day. I was starting to feel anxious about how they were doing.

"Agreed," Arden said. "Go ahead and stand in the center, and I'll send you through. On the other side, just follow the path up the hill. It'll lead you directly to Edlark. After you've finished, make sure the Fairies send you to the Fairy Ring by my house. You'll recognize where you're at, so you won't need directions."

"Does it matter where I cross inside?"

"No." He took my hand, his eyes glowing with concern. "Be careful, okay. There is still much you don't know about the Realm that is dangerous."

I smiled up at him. "No worries! I'll be okay. Maybe I'll even beat you home."

I entered the circle and turned to look back at them. Tavi watched me, a worried expression on her face. Drostan waited by her, his hand on her shoulder.

"I guess I'm ready."

Arden chanted some words, and the world outside of the circle became blurry, but not before I saw a figure join Tavi and Drostan. Breeju had returned.

And then I was on a rocky beach. Alone.