The World Below, page 97
Yet another opportunity gone. Although my head is starting to tell me we’re not meant to be, my heart refuses to move on.
Standing between Eleanora and Nisha, I watch the great and the good of creature society enter the ballroom. As a sprite, I stand tall and proud to be part of this moment in our history even though I think our inclusion is long overdue. There are a few brownies, sprites, pixies, and gnomes here, but too few compared to elves, witches, goblins, and dwarves. This will change. I will see to that—I promised the grove I would.
Ed’rima had dropped me at the grove after our audience with the Dragon Queen. She insisted I needed time to recover, although my thoughts were of singing my father’s spirit to rest—and of course testing my ability to be at one with the forest.
It was odd being in the grove without Nisha, who still had work to do in the Capitol, but the gap her presence left was more than filled by the grove itself—my home sang to me for the first time in hundreds of years. Tears form in my eyes even now as I remember the joy rushing through me.
The elders soon swept my plans aside. ‘We are pleased you are back with us and able to commune.’
‘Thank you,’ I had said. ‘I hope to bring Nisha back and settle here once the new government is in place.’
‘And you would be welcome, but we want you to consider a different option. You have been in the world for some time now and know how it works, yet you also know what it means to be a sprite. We would like you to put yourself forward for election to the new council.’
My first thought had been to reject their request, but my brother Emrys had taken me aside. ‘Our father foresaw this, and the spirits of the grove sense it is right. Please, think about it.’
Nisha’s hand on my arm draws me from my thoughts. ‘Surely you should do something other than stand here daydreaming.’
‘Perhaps, but let us simply enjoy being here for a while before I do my duty and greet the members of the court.’
She smiles at me, and my heart leaps. My time in the grove was nothing compared to last night. Ed’rima had come and taken me back to the palace so I could prepare for today. When I entered the rooms I had been allocated, I found Nisha had transformed the bedroom into a grove away from home.
She had removed my bed and replaced it with trees. All right, the trees are in pots, and the moss around the base will require a lot of upkeep and will probably have to be changed frequently, but it is a grove. And in that grove, I can sleep in sprite form and recharge my energy.
Last night, bathed in candlelight and connected with the trees, Nisha and I had finally cemented our bond—and it was life altering. Being fully bonded is a transformation like no other. It is not that we became one, but that we became three. There is Nisha, there is me, and there is us. When we choose, we open the connection our bond created and share our essence, and we are one.
The memory brings a smile to my lips until Nisha digs me in the ribs and whispers, ‘If you are going to think inappropriate thoughts, then perhaps it is time we mingled.’
Eleanora chokes back a laugh, but she schools her face as Queen Cecily heads our way, leading the two newly anointed Princesses of the Royal Blood.
‘Eleanora, Percival, and Nisha, may I present Princess Ember and Princess Eloise.’
‘Please,’ Princess Ember says, colour infusing her cheeks, ‘just Ember will do.’
‘It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Eloise and… Ember,’ I smile kindly at the princess. She reminds me a little of Pris when I first met her.
As we form a group, the two princesses position themselves near Nisha.
Queen Cecily starts, ‘The twins are studying healing at the university and asked especially to be introduced to you, Nisha.’
It is my bonded mate’s turn to colour. She is not used to being the centre of attention and though she no longer shies away from it, nor does she court it.
Princess Ember steps closer. ‘We have been told that you might have time on your hands now that your patients have been moved to the hospital in the Capitol. So… Eloise and I thought you might consider teaching a semester class in sprite healing techniques. We have already spoken to the Head of Faculty, and he is quite excited by the idea.’
Nisha takes my hand and through our bond asks, What do you think, Percival? Should I do this?
Not used to having her in my head, I’m also not sure I am in a position to advise her. She loves the grove, but from the way she helped during the war, it is clear she has so much to offer the wider world. Perhaps this would be good for her.
You would make a wonderful teacher, but it is up to you. We think there will not be full elections for perhaps ten or so months, so I will be in the Capitol longer than a semester.
Nisha nods at me, but still chooses her words carefully before answering, ‘I would be honoured to take up such a role, but I have other commitments. I am training two students in the grove, and I cannot leave them for that long.’
‘I would be happy to sponsor them for entry into the university. That way they could continue to study,’ Queen Cecily says.
A ghost of a smile hovers at the edge of Nisha’s mouth, telling me that this is only part of her plan.
‘That is very generous of you, Your Majesty, but I am afraid I could not ask such young sprites to spend so much time away from the grove. The Capitol is not a healthy place for our kind to live.’
Queen Cecily taps her lips in thought. ‘I believe you have transformed your quarters into a sort of grove.’
‘That is merely a stop gap, Your Highness. For sprites to feel welcome and at home in the Capitol, we really need our own grove here. It would also help me better teach the healing practices of our kind.’
Queen Cecily smiles, appreciating how deftly Nisha has handled the situation.
‘Cousin Cecily, this is such a great idea. Ember and I would love to help Healer Nisha establish a grove in the Capitol,’ Princess Eloise gushes.
Now Queen Cecily is grinning. ‘I am going to like having you around, Nisha, although I sense I am going to have to watch myself. I will discuss this with the interim council, but I am sure we will be able to accommodate your request. The Capitol should have a place for all creatures to feel at home and supported.’
As Queen Cecily leads her cousins away, I lean close to Nisha and say, ‘I’m not sure I am the best one of the two of us to be sitting on the interim council. You are a much better politician’
Nisha smiles a shy smile. ‘I think the creatures of the Capitol should watch out for both of us. Together we will ensure sprites are seen in this new world we are making.’
CHAPTER 17
Beginnings and Endings
Eugenia’s second-story apartment overlooks a leafy square in the Witch’s district. Normally, it is more of an office cum dormitory. Tonight it is alight with candles, and a large circular dining table laden with food fills the room. The wine has been flowing, as has the conversation as the three witch sisters, Drow, Heart, Mandor, Nisha, and myself eat, drink, and celebrate our being together.
As Drow and Genie clear away the last course, I study the usually spartan room, noting little changes here and there. I am sure that painting on the wall used to be in Ellie’s bedroom in Wimbledon. And that armchair by the window definitely was not here last time I visited.
‘Ellie?’
‘Mmm?’ my friend responds, not taking her eyes from the pie Drow is carrying into the room.
‘Have you something you wish to tell me?’
A cheeky grin transforms Ellie’s face as she turns towards me. ‘Perhaps.’
‘Is it something about your staying in the World Below?’ I guess.
She barks out a laugh. ‘You are too observant, old friend. Yes, I am staying.’
‘But what about your role as the Witch of Wimbledon? Who will look after creatures in London?’ Eleanora has been The Witch of Wimbledon for so long, I cannot see anyone else ever filling her kitchen.
‘Mae has been training for years. She is ready,’ Ellie says.
‘Won’t she be busy, what with the shop and—’
‘And filling your pocket with cake?’ Ellie teases.
It is true, I had set up a small portal back to a room in Ellie’s house accessed via my trouser pocket. Mae is good enough to ensure it is always stocked with cake and tea. However, that was not what I meant.
‘And your grandson,’ I say a little tartly.
‘Mae is going to be working with Verona. Unbeknown to me, the two have been talking about setting up a creature way station in London for years. The health food shop in Wimbledon will be a contact point, and Verona wants to turn the elven house in Grosvenor Square into a kind of hostel,’ Ellie explains.
I suddenly feel very old. ‘It seems the younger generation have it all in hand.’
‘They do. And that frees me up for some new challenges.’ Ellie passes me a plate filled with apple pie and ice-cream.
I place the dessert in front of me, sneak a quick glance Mandor’s way, then ask, ‘And do those plans include anyone else?’
Ellie eats some pie before answering, her face thoughtful. ‘Possibly, or yes, and depending on why you’re asking. I will work with Cecily and Mandor to find places for the ex-wizards who do not want to return to the order.’
I raise an eyebrow. ‘I thought the order would disband because the new constitution allows any creature to study and use higher magic.’
Ellie shakes her head. ‘No, some like the quiet of the Wizard Order, and some are not happy that the study and use of higher magic outside of the order will have to be licensed. So, a few are returning and taking their vows.’
‘And I take it from your new role, not all of them want to study higher magic with Mandor to get a licence?’
‘No, not all of them, especially the younger ex-wizards born into the order. We want to find a place for all of them. In fact, one of them, Alyce, is going to the World Above with Genie, isn’t she?’ Ellie turns to her sister.
Genie looks up from her dessert, swallows her mouthful, and says, ‘What? Alyce? Yes, I am pleased she is coming with me to train as the new Hag in the Bog, as Pris once called me.’
Effie joins the conversation. ‘And you’ll find one for me too, won’t you?’
I do not believe what I am hearing. ‘You are all retiring? But you are in the prime of your lives.’
Effie barks out a laugh. ‘Retiring from our roles in the World Above, but we’re not going out to pasture yet. When I’ve trained a replacement, I will work with Petunia setting up a community where human magic workers can live in peace. Loch Ness is so remote—it’s a perfect place for them to gather. Maddox has agreed to support us as part of his efforts to improve the creation of magic in the World Above.’
‘So you won’t return to the World Below?’ I ask.
Effie’s eyes drift to Drow, then back to me. ‘There is nothing here for me. At least not now that Drow and Elias have rekindled their friendship.’
My eyes widen, and Effie’s mouth twists into a sad smile. How long has she known?
‘Oh, Effie…,’
‘I have always known his heart lay elsewhere, just not where until recently. So, although I may visit sometimes, I will pledge myself to the Unseelie Court,’ Effie says.
‘And what will you do when you retire?’ I ask Genie to give Effie some space.
My witch friend beams. ‘I am going to do what I always wanted to. I am going home to help Mamma tend to magic in the Wyld Woods.’
‘And keep an eye on Bernais,’ Drow adds.
Genie nods. ‘Yes, that too.’
There is a lull in the proceedings, and Mandor chooses that moment to push back his chair and stand up. ‘Who knew when we fought the blight and challenged the council that we would end up here, hundreds of years later, having finally achieved what we once set out to do? I toast us, my friends, and I toast the World Below—may we in the World Below finally be as one.’
We raise our glasses and drink, and I can’t help but think that this really is the end of something. It’s a beginning, too, but it is the end of our youthful dreams as we step up and take on the mantel of community elders.
As if we all sense the mood has changed, the evening winds up. Nisha and I say our goodbyes, and, feeling a little melancholy, I suggest we walk home via the university.
As we enter the courtyard, the ancient oaks whisper to me. A welcoming hum fills my ears, and tears fill my eyes as I send soothing greetings back. As always I feel sad that the song of the trees in the Capitol is but a shadow of the music their counterparts make in the grove.
A long time ago, in what seems to be another lifetime, I came here and listened to the song of the oaks, and it almost broke my heart. When I had attempted to commune with the trees, it had almost crushed my spirit. I place my hand against the trunk of the closest tree, letting it know I am here and it is loved. I smile as the tree returns my affection.
Nisha appears oblivious to the ancient oaks and our shared emotions as she studies the buildings surrounding us. ‘I never studied here like you, yet I will begin teaching students next week,’ she says, amazement and excitement glinting in her eyes.
‘You are a great healer, but I am sure you are an even better teacher.’
She turns to me. ‘I want to teach, Percival. In my bones, I feel this is right for me. If I stay after this semester to teach and help sprites who want a future in the Capitol, will that work for you? Will it work for the life we wish to build?’
She has had a calling, and she is asking if I will support her. Part of me desperately wants to go home to the grove, to make up for lost time with my family and to find a role there. However, the elders and the grove wish a different path for me.
‘If you want to be here, Nisha, then we will be here.’
‘You will stand for council?’
‘I will.’
‘And together we will make a difference for sprite-kind.’
The song of the trees is thrumming through me now, as if agreeing with our decision. I take Nisha’s hand and place it beside mine on the wood. She closes her eyes and we become one as we change and merge with the trees. Moving from tree to tree, we begin the process of healing.
After closing the leather straps on the bag containing the clothing and supplies my father and mother had thoughtfully provided for me, I lean the neck of the guitar Brynn allowed me to keep on top of it before turning to my father.
‘I guess that’s it, then.’
‘I hope you left something here just in case you want to stay the occasional night,’ Dad says, clearly trying to keep the tone casual, but he is unable to hide the hope in his eyes.
I smile. ‘Of course. Everyone has made it clear that Sunday dinners are an open invitation, and I’m sure I’ll need something decent to eat if most of my meals are coming from the university canteen.’
Dad’s brows draw into a frown. ‘You don’t have to eat there. I have opened an account for you. There’s enough in there to cover fees and some spending money too.’
I flush and fiddle with the straps on my bag. My father has been trying for years to find ways to support my mother and me, so I know this means a lot to him. I give him this moment and keep the fact the dragons are paying me a salary to myself.
‘Thank you,’ I say. ‘It’ll take a weight off my mind. Professor Xander suggested I apply for the position of his research assistant to cover fees, but I was wondering how I was going to fit that in with my duties at court.’
My father beams, and I’m pleased I kept my mouth shut.
A face appears over my father’s shoulder. Dad steps aside, and Drow enters. ‘The carriage is downstairs, if you’re ready.’
I nod briefly, but I’m not. Over the past couple of months, I have done so much, grown up so much, but this is too like leaving home for the first time. My palms are sweaty, and I’m suddenly finding it hard to breathe.
As if sensing my unease, Dad picks up the guitar, leaving the bag for me, and leads the way downstairs. Drow follows, catching us up at the door. I’m almost relieved to find Earth and Glisth standing outside, waiting for us.
‘I always imagined this day would happen in the World Above,’ Earth says, wiping a tear from his eye.
Glisth draws me into a hug, then hands me a paper bag. I catch a whiff of chocolate, and my stomach rumbles appreciatively. ‘A little something to tide you over until Sunday.’
Drow places my luggage in the horse-drawn carriage and follows it inside.
‘Bye, Dad.’ I give him a quick hug, then get inside before I lose my nerve.
Dad leans his head in through the window. ‘We are here if you need us.’
Drow snorts. ‘He will have me close by should he run into trouble.’
Dad and I exchange a knowing glance. For all his best intentions, Drow is often too caught up in his own world to remember where he is, let alone care for someone else.
The ride to the university is short. In fact, I could easily have walked it except Drow had rented a carriage to take his books and offered me a lift. As he had been so good about arranging rooms for me at the last minute, I felt I had to accept.
I regret my decision as soon as we arrive. The few students mingling in the courtyard stop what they are doing and watch our progress. They follow the carriage to the main entrance to see what is going on. So much for staying under the radar here.
Oblivious to the stir we’re causing, Drow sweeps through the vestibule, then up a flight of stairs, and I follow in his wake. ‘These rooms belong to those with places sponsored by the Crown,’ Drow tells me. ‘Nisha’s trainees will have the suite beside yours.’ He points at a door as we pass before stopping at the next one and opening it. ‘You know, this is the very same suite Eleanora and Percival had when they attended the university.
