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

“In here,” said the prince, pointing to a pair of black doors with miniature carved demon heads for handles.


The naked demon standing guard opened the doors and Prince Arrok marched in, followed by Xavier and Jacob.


The first thing Jacob saw was the dining table, which was immense, although only three places had been set.


“That was fast,” Jacob commented. “How did they know?”


“It’s their job to know,” was all the answer the prince offered. “Please, take a seat.”


A demon, who’d been standing by the doors on the inside, pulled the prince’s chair out for him and helped him to settle into it. Another demon brought wine and poured a generous measure into each goblet.


“It’s delicious,” said Jacob, whose mouth, after one sip, was filled with a delightful fruity flavour that made his tongue tingle.


Chapter 22