Jacob is a photographer and artist. One day, as he is walking through the woods, he catches a glimpse of a fairy, a tiny, flying human-shaped creature. He knows no one will believe him, not even his lover Robert, so the following day Jacob ventures back into the woods whereupon he discovers more than he bargains for. An old oak lying across the rushing waters of a small river is the gateway to another world. Fairy Land is a place of wonders where he meets Kellen, a fairy soldier, Faena, a vain beauty, and King Utrin. Jacob is eager to return home to Robert, but the fairy king gives Jacob a task he must complete before they will show him the way back. He must break the energy barrier between Fairy Land and the Demon Realm for the fairy soldiers to pass through. In the realm of the Demons, Jacob meets Xavier, from whom he discovers what the fairies have been hiding from him -- time passes differently in these realms than on earth. Devastated, far away in both time and distance from his home and beloved Robert, what is the twist that returns the smile to Jacob’s face? The surprise that brings the joy back to his now miserable existence?

Changelings

“I was waiting to see what the weather did. I was thinking we could have a look at that new Old Masters exhibition at the art gallery in town.” Jacob took a sip of wine. “Although it looks like this weather is here to stay.”


Robert shrugged. “Don’t worry, babe. I have to go into the surgery tomorrow.”


Jacob screwed up his face. “Aw what? Really?”


Robert nodded. “‘Fraid so. Someone brought in a Corgi this afternoon. Hit by a car. Had to operate straight away. Jean’s in there now keeping an eye on him, but she’ll need someone to take over tomorrow.”


Jean, slim and middle-aged, was the first employee Robert hired for his surgery and was not only the longest serving member of staff, but also his most trusted.


“Can’t someone else go in? It’s the weekend.”


“It’ll only be for the morning. If the little bloke can hang in ‘til the morning, he’ll be fine. So we can do something tomorrow afternoon.”


An almighty gust of wind shook the house.


Chapter 3