The Portal to Sidhe: Book 1 Page 6

  “Will she make it?”

  “I think so…I hope so. It is just going to take time and a lot of magic to get her back on her feet. Roger’s extremely powerful and it was a lot for her handle…too much. It would have killed any other fairy. Its good Florence did the magic.”

  I felt awful for Damon, so I reached out to embrace him. He held me tight in his arms. Then he asked, “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m doing quite a bit better today, but last night I was in bad shape.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to see you last night…all of us fairies were so busy with Florence—”

  “It’s okay Damon, I understand. Luckily, Ben helped me home. You all are doing so much for my family. I hate to ask, but is there any word on Roger?”

  “I’m glad Ben was there for you,” Damon said. “Florence is in such bad shape, she hasn’t been able to say much. After the results from you and your aunt’s test and from the amount of power Roger produced, we all assume he is half dark fairy.”

  “That is what I thought,” I said nodding my head. “Are you excited about the ceremony tonight?”

  “Excited—nervous, all at the same time.”

  I smiled. I was excited as well.

  I had an easy day; I spent most of the day relaxing with my father and Damon. I was still dehydrated and a bit nauseous, but not as sick as I had been the night before. The three of us sat in the parlor, while my dad and Damon took turns bringing me water and electrolyte drinks to help hydrate me. Once evening came around, I was feeling completely myself once more. Damon went home to get ready for the ceremony and I went upstairs.

  I hadn’t seen Ben all day. I assumed Damon was guarding me for awhile, while Ben took a break. I felt a bit relieved by Ben’s absence as I was a bit embarrassed by my actions the evening before.

  It was no longer storming, but the sky was still a bit gray when my father and I headed to the lake. As the emerging ceremony was a very special event, the fairies wanted to make it beautiful. When we arrived at the lake, the fairies had several candles and chairs sitting around the dock, while two torches illuminated it. The shadows from the flames danced in the calm water of the lake as a gentle breeze blew through the air.

  All the fairies except Florence had already arrive. They were waiting excitedly, dressed for the event. My aunt and Damon were already waiting on the dock when my father and I arrived. My father sat down with Nathen and the fairies, and I joined Damon and my aunt on the dock.

  A few minutes after my arrival, Virgo, Sophia and Loxes escorted Roger in. The four of them stood nearby the dock as we waited for the ceremony to begin. Addison and Ayden stood up as Ayden began to speak, “Good evening my friends. We are gathered here today to witness the emerging of our fellow fairies’ powers. Let’s not wait another moment to begin.”

  Addison and Ayden stepped forward towards the dock; they each held a glass bottle of yellow potion.

  “Please step forward Damon,” Addison said with a smile. I could see Delia had a big smile on her face as her son stepped forward. I smiled at Damon for encouragement.

  Addison handed Damon a bottle of potion and he quickly drank it. Ayden pulled a bag out of his pocket and quickly reached in. He scooped out a handful of fairy dust and threw it over Damon’s head. The dust landed on Damon, then after only a few seconds, it lifted back up and floated into the air once more. The dust spiraled above Damon’s head creating a lighted energy. The energized dust made a soft swishing noise as it danced through the air. I could hear the crowd awed by its magnificence.

  Finally the dust slowed down and created a lighted shape in the air. The dust looked like a spiral. The spiral stayed in place for a few moments, while the fairies clapped and cheered.

  When the dust fell to the ground, Ayden stepped forward to shake Damon’s hand and said, “Congratulation, you are the fairy of tranquility.”

  Damon smiled, and I quickly kissed him on the cheek. Then he went to join his family in the chairs. His brother and parents hugged him and I could see they were congratulating him.

  Once the crowd settled down, Addison called my aunt forward. Like Damon, she drank the potion and Addison threw dust over her head. The dust danced in the air and created a shape; it was the shape of a moon.

  The crowd cheered once more as Allison smiled. Addison announced proudly, “Congratulations Allison, you are a powerful fairy of the moon.” Ayden and Addison shook her hand and I gave her a hug. The crowd clapped for her as she returned to her seat.

  Finally, Ayden announced for me to step forward and I drank the yellow potion. This potion was much different from the one I had drank the evening before. I felt no side effects, except a bit of excitement. As Ayden threw the dust over my head, I could feel the movement of its energy above me. I had no idea what to expect, but after a few moments, the crowd cheered and Ayden smiled.

  “You are the fairy of fire!” he exclaimed. “Powerful magic indeed.”

  Ayden and Addison shook my hand and everyone clapped. I had no idea what fire magic even was, but I was excited by my reveal.

  Once I was seated, the fairies called Roger forward. Although most of the town saw him as a threat, the fairies felt he deserved a ceremony. Roger informed us he didn’t know what his dominant power was and the town wanted to know what he was capable of.

  Virgo and Loxes stopped at the dock, but Sophia followed Roger all the way to Addison. Sophia didn’t leave Roger’s side as he drank the yellow potion and Addison threw the dust in the air. The dust twirled around creating a beautiful show of energy as it had before. It continued to sparkle and glow for some time, as his emergence seemed to be taking quite awhile. Finally the glowing dust settled into a magnificent shape; it was the shape of wings.

  The crowd was completely silent as fear washed over their faces.

  “Take him back to his cell,” Addison said quietly. She looked quite worried and neglected to name his dominant power.

  When Roger was out of sight, she put her hand over her mouth and said quietly, “Roger is the fairy of death.”

  Chapter 6

  Damon went home to celebrate his emergence with his mother and brother, but my father and I headed straight to the mansion with the rest of the counsel. When we arrived at the mansion, my father called for Brandon and Maria and explained to them what we had discovered about Roger.

  “This could be bad,” Ayden explained, “If Roger did not have a history of being vile, I would not be concerned, but death is some of the most powerful magic. He has fifty percent of the power in his blood.

  “I don’t understand,” Brandon said.

  “Dark fairies carry some of the most powerful and burdensome magic of any fairy...death is one of the heaviest of all.” Ayden said. “He could…oh dear—”

  “So, what does that mean?” Maria asked.

  “Roger can use magic on the veil between life and death. He may even have the capability to move souls between the veil and communicate with the dead.” Addison took a deep breath, “Roger cannot find out his power. If he has even a bit of evil left in his DNA…it could be devastating.” Addison continued.

  “But any fairy can bring a soul back from the dead.” My father said.

  “Yes, but it is extremely difficult and takes at least three or more full blood fairies. Even a half blooded death fairy can bring a soul back from the dead by themselves.” Addison replied.

  My father gasped, “I think we need to put him down!”

  “I agree!” Nathen cried.”

  “Dad!” I exclaimed, “He’s my grandfather and he’s been nothing but cooperative!”

  “I agree,” Addison said, “He may have a bit of evil in him, but how are we any better if we condemn him to his death.”

  My father frowned and grunted, as he hated the vile more than anything.

  “Why don’t we vote?” Brandon said.

  “Fine!” My father spat as his face turned red.

  “Those in favor of killing Roger raise y
our hand.” Brandon said.

  My father, Nathen and Brandon raised their hands.

  “God Dammit!” my father yelled and slammed his fist onto the table. I jumped and everyone looked shocked by his explosive behavior.

  I had never seen my father so angry before Roger’s arrival.

  “I think we should all head home for the night. We can continue tomorrow,” Brandon said. He looked towards my dad, “Alexander, I’ll send Ben back to your home,” Brandon looked toward the others, “Ayden and Addison, I’ll send Laura with you. Nathen will your family be okay with Damon?”

  “My son and I can handle things.” Nathen replied.

  My father and I headed home, as it was already midnight. I was a bit nervous to see Ben, as I was embarrassed by my behavior the night before.

  Ben was already at our house when we arrived and he smiled softly as soon as he saw me. My father went inside while Ben and I stood on the front porch for a few minutes.

  “How are you feeling?” he said quietly as he reached for my shoulder. He instantly pulled his hand back when I quickly jumped away.

  “I’m sorry!” I sighed. “I’m just a little shaken up.”

  Ben looked sympathetic, as he softly said, “It’s okay. I have just been worried about you. You were so sick…I stayed in your sitting room all night in case you needed me. Your dad sent me home this morning to get some rest. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you today.”

  “It’s all right,” I said quietly. “I’m just tired.”

  Ben walked behind me as the two of us headed in the front door. My father was already in the library, sitting quietly.

  “I’ll be in the library with your father,” Ben said as he took a seat.

  “Good night, Miranda,” My father said softly as he kissed me on the cheek.

  “Good night Dad,” I replied. “Goodnight, Ben.” I called out as I headed up the stairs.

  “Goodnight,” Ben said from behind me.

  When I woke up the next morning my father was already gone. Ben was sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for me to wake up. When I walked in, he quickly stood up and asked, “Can I make you breakfast?”

  “You don’t have to make me breakfast, you’re my guard, not caretaker.” I laughed.

  “I really don’t mind,” he said. Then he frowned and said, “I’ll be honest...I’m lonely. Spending the last week with you has been great for me...maybe the best week of my life since Loxes got married. The town has always been nice to me, but I’m just not like everyone else. Loxes is my only real friend and he’s busy with Jewl. I really don’t have anyone else.”

  “Well, I like your company too.” I smiled.

  He smiled, then his face went serious, “May I ask why you act so strange sometimes? Are you scared of me? I would never hurt you. I thought we were really getting along, then the other day—”

  “I can’t really explain to you Ben, something feels off when you touch me.”

  “Huh?” he said. What does it feel like?”

  “Like a jolt...or a shock maybe. It’s weird…warm felling.”

  “Hmm,” he said looking confused. “I’m sorry—”

  “It’s okay. It just shocked me.”

  He was thoughtful about what I said for a few moments. Then he changed the subject, “Is everything else okay with you? It has been a hectic week for you. You’re training to be Queen, your vile grandfather showed up out of nowhere...your fairy friend was hurt and you found out you’re a fairy. That has to be a lot to deal with.”

  “Not to mention, I found out my father...isn’t my father.” I added. Suddenly tears began to form in my eyes. I felt embarrassed as I quickly wiped them away.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you,” he cried. He leaned over to comfort me, but thought a moment and sat back. “I don’t want to freak you out.”

  “It’s fine,” I sniffled. “You don’t scare me. I was just surprised before.”

  He reached his hand over and gave my shoulder a quick squeeze as I wiped the tears from my eyes. I wanted to jump away as I felt a small zap of energy, but I took a deep breath and didn’t move. The zap gave me chills for a moment, but suddenly I felt cozy and secure. Once I let the zap run through my body, his touch grew pleasant and made me smile. He gazed deeply into my eyes as he sent a warm smile in return. For a moment, I just gazed into his beautiful blue eyes, but soon realized I was staring. As I truly looked at Ben for the first time in my life, I felt embarrassed when I realized I was very attracted him. I quickly looked down as I felt heat rising to my cheeks.

  Ben was over a hundred years old, but he looked like he was in his late twenties. He was very tall and muscular with sparkling blue eyes and golden blond hair. I felt very self-conscious that I found him attractive, because he was so much older then me. After a few moments, I realized the two of us were just standing in silence, while I stared at my feet.

  Ben finally broke the silence, “Well, I would be happy to make you something to eat if you’re hungry.”

  I thought for a moment and agreed. Despite Ben living on a diet of blood, he was a decent cook. He made me bacon and toast, and the two of us sat at the table while I ate. When I was almost finished eating, I felt bad that Ben had nothing to eat. I felt very nervous to ask, but I said, “Do you want some of my blood?”

  Ben didn’t say anything at first, but his cheeks turned bright pink. Then he replied, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “I don’t mind,” I said innocently.

  He looked embarrassed, “I don’t think…”

  I wasn’t sure where vampires usually drank from, so I handed him my wrist. He didn’t say anything else. He took my wrist in his hand and looked at it for a few moments. He shook his head and handed me my hand back.

  “I don’t mind,” I said again, “You have been there for me all week, it’s the least I could do.”

  Ben’s face was still rosy as he took a deep breath in and said, “I usually drink from animals. When vampires drink blood from humans…it triggers emotion. When older vampires drink from a human, sometimes it can trigger strong emotion…”

  “I don’t know what you mean?”

  Ben turned from pink to red, “It may cause a strong feelings of desire. With your beauty—”

  “Oh!” I interrupted. “I’m sorry.” But then I had to ask, “If you drank my blood, would you absorb my power?”

  Ben looked thoughtful. “I have never considered that. I drank from your mother on accident many years ago…only once. She smelt so different and even tasted different; I knew something was different about her. Now I know…she was not only superhuman, but half fairy. I didn’t recognize her powers through her blood, but the taste and the sensation is so different than drinking from human. Now that I think about it, I did feel stronger. That would be an interesting experiment.” Then he looked down “I don’t think I should try though. You’re...very…um...beautiful.”

  “I understand,” I smiled bashfully as butterflies fluttered through my stomach. I was in shock that Ben found me beautiful. I felt shy, so I changed the subject, “I need to check in with my dad to see if I’m needed at the mansion.”

  I called my father’s cell phone to check in. I wasn’t Queen yet, but I wasn’t sure if I was expected to shadow every meeting and event. My father told me to take the day off as they had already decided Roger’s fate. As long as Roger was cooperative and agreeable, they would allow him to live in the mansion cell. My father told me they would ensure the room was comfortable and feed him three times a day. While Roger was kept in the cell, the fairies would work hard to determine the purity of his soul.

  In the meantime, the warrior’s suggested Ben move in with us, so he could look over me around the clock. Laura would be staying with my aunt and grandmother, and three warriors would guard the mansion twenty-four seven. My father let me know that I would continue three more weeks of training and the ball was to go on as scheduled.

  After I hung up the phone, I immediat
ely asked Ben if he would move in our house for awhile. Surprisingly, Ben seemed thrilled to move in. It was clear, Ben was very lonely and enjoyed helping my father and I.

  I took Ben to the second floor and led him to the nicest guest room. He was very pleased with his temporary bedroom.

  “I’ll go home and get some belongings when your dad comes home for the night. I don’t want you to be alone,” he said.

  “That’s fine,” I said.

  “Do you want to do something fun today?” he asked?

  I didn’t answer. Instead I changed the subject, “can I tell you something?”

  “Of course,” he said.

  “I know I’m only eighteen years old, but in a few weeks, I am going to be living in the mansion on my own and running the town, but my father still treats me like a child. I am half superhuman, yet I don’t know how to fight, and I don’t know what my powers are. I hardly even know the healing chant. How am I supposed to lead the town, when I know nothing.”

  Ben replied, “First of all, you will be an amazing ruler. I only knew your mother a short time, but you are every bit like her. You are kind-hearted, but strong-willed. Your father raised you and he is the wisest and smartest man I know. On top of all of that, you have fairy blood, so not only do you have superhuman powers, but fairy magic. Miranda, you will be an amazing ruler.” he continued, “I would be happy to help you. I realize I’m not a fairy or a superhuman, but I do know how to fight, and I have battled with superhumans. I think it would be a great idea to learn to defend yourself.”

  “Could we start today?” I asked.

  “I don’t want to make your father mad...but you are an adult. I guess we could if that is what you want.”

  Not thinking, I jumped up and hugged him in excitement. When his skin touched mine, I felt a charge of electricity shoot through his body to mine. It sent chills down my spine, but turned to warmth that overwhelmed my body. Just as before, I didn’t back away, instead I let the feeling overwhelm my body. It felt amazing, and the longer I held him, the better it felt.