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

“Don’t get me wrong. I believe you. I do.” Jacob held out his hands in a placatory gesture. “It’s just a lot to take in.” He let his arms drop to his sides. “A week ago, though, I wouldn’t have believed any of this. I would have argued ‘til I was blue in the face that fairies and demons didn’t exist outside of children’s books. Only by chance did I see my very first fairy, but I can tell you now I wish I hadn’t been so curious.”


“Why?” asked Xavier. “Have you not enjoyed your adventure? Not been thrilled and amazed?”


Jacob shrugged. “Well, yes, I’ve been both those things, but if I had the power to relive the past day or two, I wouldn’t have gone looking for that fairy. I would have been quite content with my ignorance. And even more content to be in my own, familiar world.”


Xavier nodded. “I can understand that. Most creatures prefer the place they know best. The human changelings are the most miserable creatures you’ll ever set eyes on. If you haven’t already encountered them.”


Chapter 17