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

He smiled when he thought of Robert. He was a lucky man. He knew it and was grateful every day to have such a wonderful man in his life, a beautiful home, and a great life doing what he loved most—being creative. He even enjoyed playing nursemaid to the patients Robert occasionally brought home to recuperate. Dogs especially loved the wide open spaces where they could exercise. His smile widened. Yes, he loved animals as much as Robert. Unfortunately, they had forgone getting any of their own since they both loved travelling so much. It was difficult at the best of times to get friends to watch pets, but when they lived on the outskirts of the city it was unfair to expect even the best of friends to make daily trips out to look after a beloved dog or a treasured cat.


Chapter 7