Chapter 10

Relic interrupted, “Hey, we have our plan now, so we don’t need to waste any time with any of this. Let us get everyone on the same page, and let’s do this.”

Relic was trying to lighten the moment and distract Meridian from having too much more thought about his new rival, Kieren.

“Caius, I know we need to get the fairies in here and explain what we need, and we need to get their support before we jump in all the way.” Relic seemed now entirely different toward the idea.

“Yes, Relic, you are right. I am going to find Selena and Luna and see who else we can count on for help. I want to be clear to you, Meridian. You are to stay here with your mother, and you are not to leave or do anything without our say so. Understood?”

Caius looked hard at his rebellious daughter.

“Yes, Dad, I understand.”

Without another word, Caius, Relic and Chance left to find the fairies. Ridge had disappeared again with Cora, and it seemed to Meridian that they went back to find Janus. She could hear them talking down the hall but could not make out what was being said.

Arianna noticed her daughter’s gaze. “Meridian, are you all right?”

“Yes, Mom, I do feel better, but at the same time, I feel worse too. I am afraid for Dad, and all this talk about demons, fairies and a powerful stone has my head spinning. So, now we just have to sit and wait again and do nothing while everyone else is out risking themselves for us. It just doesn’t seem right.”

Meridian might be a little rebellious, but she was showing her true self as the compassion poured from her heart.

“Meridian, it will be okay. These things would have happened at some point, either now or later. We have to try to get things back the way they were before you were born,” Arianna said while she put her arm around Meridian.

The whispers of Ridge, Janus and Cora were then drowned out by all-too-familiar giggles that Meridian loved to hear. Pramlee and Slaten had returned from who knew where.

Meridian found it unusual that Pramlee would be giggling at a time like this. “Pramlee, what are you laughing about?”

“Hey! Well, just fairy jokes.”

Pramlee couldn’t help but be sarcastic with a wink. She then walked up to Meridian and took her by the hand, leaving Slaten behind, and walked her over toward Ridge.

“Meridian, I already knew everything about my mother. The old maid who has cared for me all these years told me a long time ago. I did not realize my father was obsessed with your mother and I certainly didn’t know about Farrah and Talon.”

Pramlee’s voice had dropped low, and she had a look of shame.

“So, now you and Slaten are going to Farrah, right?” Meridian asked.

“Yes, and I will do whatever it takes to help you and your family. I love my father, and I feel sorry for him, but I can’t quite bring myself to support all this that is going on. I will do what I can for you; I love you, Meridian.”

Caius, Relic and Chance had their own explaining to do. As they made their way through the fairy realm back to Selena’s quarters, they all felt as though they were not alone. Strange feelings took over them. The hallway was dark and made of rock and stone, and it was always cool, damp and dark like the floor of a rainforest. As they inched closer to Selena’s door, green eyes emerged.

Caius stopped and asked, “Who is there? Selena, is that you?”

The two green eyes moved forward, and out of the shadows, a tall and muscular fairy made his appearance.

“Caius, you know who it is.”

“Orion?” Caius answered with doubt.

“Caius, it is good to know you have not forgotten me. I am sorry I startled you. With everything that has taken place, Selena has called in an extra patrol of the realm particularly with you all here. Selena said you would be coming. Let me walk you in. She is waiting for you.”

Orion was quiet after as he led the way. Tall and intimidating, he was as powerful as the fairies, but with his soft spoken way disarmed many that he encountered.

The four walked through the large doors into Selena’s quarters. Giggles were audible throughout the large room that remained dim but colorful with lavender, green and soft yellow flowers. The smells were intoxicating with thick aroma of oils accompanied by the overture of the massive floral arrangements placed strategically around the room.

“Man, this place really gives me the creeps.” Chance was uncomfortable and not used to the fairy atmosphere.

“Shut up, man, and get the stick out of your rear.” Relic was feeling his usual snarky self.

“I sure am glad you are feeling yourself again, Relic. After all, you always were a little free,” Chance popped off.

They both gave a chuckle but quickly stopped as they could feel the eyes of Orion and Caius upon them. The two quickly were hushed with glares and after a moment of silence, the group stood facing the hall they anticipated Selena would come out of.

“I will leave you all here, and Selena will be with your shortly.”

Orion was gone in a flash. The giggles grew in volume and quantity—childlike but daunting, scary...like a warning. A voice from behind them began to whisper.

“Why don’t you find a seat and stay a while. We get lonely here and like to play.”

The voice though, sweet and light sounded creepy and unsettling.

Chance shouted, “Okay, that’s it! I’m out of here. I am going to the realm back home. I think I’d rather take my chances with the psycho running things back there.”

Relic, who had made his way over to the bar and made himself at home, poured a drink. As Chance paced the floor waiting for some calming words from Caius, Relic could not help himself. “See, Caius, this is the fairy Kool-Aid I was talking about. I was certain with your harebrained idea that you stopped here for a drink.”

Relic laughed and though Caius found his humor annoying at times, he needed a laugh. Caius winked at Relic who was enjoying his drink.

“Chance, you need one of these. You will feel better. You may even like yourself.” Relic was on a roll. His pointless banter was halted when he looked at Caius who was now looking at Selena.

“Well, well...I see you have found something to quench your thirst, Relic. You always were one to make yourself right at home.”

Selena’s voice was low and coy as she spoke, and her grin was chilling. Her face was pale, her eyes sharp, and her black hair against her translucent skin made her eyes even more piercing and fluorescent green. Her eyes changed colors with her moods. Despite Relic having known Selena for some time, she was still an enigma to him.

Relic stumbled around on his words. “Uh, yes, sorry, Selena. You know how I have always enjoyed the pleasures of the fairies.”

“Yes, you have to include my daughter’s, and that is not to say the least of it. You know my daughter’s fondness for you is why I do you such favors. I see you have brought some friends,” Selena snapped. Relic was nervous in his answers.

“Uh, yes, this is—” Relic was cut off before he could say another word.

“I know who your friends are. The fairies may live in a plane far away, but we know all.” Selena ended her last word as she watched Caius.

“Selena, I wish not to waste your time or to take advantage of your kindness here. But I have come here in need of your help.” Caius said.

“I know what you want,” she replied. “We do not need to waste time with talk. The fairies agree that your master is out of control. We know what he has done to your fallen, and to your wife, what he wants from Meridian, and what he wants for you. I agree that he needs to be overthrown for the realms to exist as they were in a time that seems ages ago. We will help you, but I will require something in return. We know about the stone, and that stone has uses to all beings of the realm.