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

“Would you humour me and open your mouth so I might examine your teeth.”


“Please, my love,” said Jacob. “Do it.”


Xavier had a good look inside and then turned his attention to Robert’s scalp. He searched through Robert’s hair, although Jacob knew he wouldn’t find anything. If Robert had horns then he would have noticed them.


Jacob shot up from his chair and craned his neck to see what Xavier had found.


On either side of Robert’s skull, where the demons had their horns, were two barely noticeable circles of hardened flesh. Not exactly horns, but it sure did look like they had tried their best to become horns.


“One last thing,” said Xavier, leaning in to examine Robert’s left ear. “There! That proves it!”


Robert stood up, nearly knocking Xavier over as he did so.


“Would someone tell me what the hell is going on?”


Chapter 26