Narine of Noe: Faerie Tales from the White Forest, #4

By Danika Dinsmore

Narine of Noe should have had her whole life to train to take her father's place as High Sage. But when a mysterious force falls from the skies, sending the world into elemental chaos, the fate of every living being lands on her shoulders . . . even that of the Eternal Dragon. Without the Dragon to maintain the Balance of All Things, an elaborate plan to save Faweh must be hatched, and Narine is forced to take charge in a world gone mad.Before the White Forest was born, before the Great World Cry, the story that started it all ...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hydra House
• Release date: Apr 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9780989082860

Book preview

What others are saying about Faerie Tales from the White Forest:

A radiant first novel!

~Lori Calabrese, National Children’s Book Examiner

A wild and wonderful ride . . . There are talking plants and floating eyeballs and powerful potions, but the heart of the magic is in the story of an ordinary girl who must take extraordinary risks to save her people.

~Sara Nickerson, author, How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found and The Secrets of Blueberries, Brothers, Moose, and Me

. . . whimsical and imaginative . . . I had to keep reading and reading because my own world disappeared into Brigitta’s and I wanted to stay in hers. If only I could grow my own set of wings.

~Jennette McCurdy, singer / actor

A fabulous – can’t put it down – lost in a fantasy world – read.

~David Ford, former publisher Little, Brown Books

. . . magical and engaging . . .

~Clockwork Reviews

Dinsmore weaves a coming of age story through a world that is both fantastic and believable.

~Rise Reviews

Brigitta is an engaging heroine, resourceful and just arrogant enough to get herself into interesting trouble.

~Young Adult Books Central

I couldn’t stop reading… I highly recommend [Ruins of Noe] to anyone who loves adventure . . . very entertaining.

~Peyton List, actor, Diary of a Wimpy Kid

A charming, magical journey...

Cassandra Rose Clarke, Author, The Assassin’s Curse series

narine-title-page

Copyright © 2015 by Danika Dinsmore.

All rights reserved. Except for brief passages quoted in a newspaper, magazine, radio, or television review, no part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Author or the Publisher.

ISBN: 978-0-9890828-9-1

Cover art by Julie Fain

www.juliefain.com

Original map and illustrations by Alison Woodward

www.alisonannwoodward.com/

Map revisions, illustration revisions, and cover design by Christian Fink-Jensen

finkjensen.com

Interior design by Tod McCoy

www.todmccoy.com

Copyediting by Jennifer D. Munro

JenniferDMunro.com

Published by:

Hydra House

2850 SW Yancy St. #106

Seattle, WA 98126

www.hydrahousebooks.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, situations, faeries, Nhords, Chakau’un, Qeals, Saari, Ancients, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

None of us knows what might happen even in the next minute, yet still we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have faith.

~Paulo Coelho

foraglenn-map-final

Chapter One

Narine fidgeted onstage, facing the gathered Assembly and guests. Several hundred bodies filled the Great Hall as she and six other Mentee selects stood waiting for their official Keeper assignments. Their Life Tasks.

Sweating under her heavy ceremonial cloak, she reached over her shoulder and scratched at the top of her right wing. When she became High Sage, she decided, she’d get rid of these ridiculous costumes.

She glanced down at Mabbe, the shorter, darker faerie by her side, who swam inside her own thick green carpet of material, her brown and orange wings poking out the back like webbed tree limbs. Mabbe nodded toward the ceiling. Narine looked up at the piercing blue day beyond the crystal dome.

We should be outside, Narine thought into Mabbe’s mind.

This ceremony is so long, Mabbe thought back, we could have flown to the Standing Stones by now.

Narine stifled a laugh. Applause erupted in the room and she composed herself, dutifully clapping along. Mabbe elbowed her.

Narine elbowed Mabbe back. What?

Mabbe nodded toward center stage. They called your name.

Narine whirled to her left to face the line of Sages and Transition Mentors. Sage Shonore of Carraiglenn, the first non-faerie to ever preside over the Transition Ceremony, beckoned her across the stage. Cheeks red with embarrassment, Narine strode up to her, palms pressed together in front of her chest. When she reached Shonore, she opened her hands and held them up, cupped, as if to feel for rain.

I offer my service, said Narine, as a Keeper of Faweh.

Shonore stepped back, hooves clacking against the wooden floor, and Narine’s father, High Sage Thorze, appeared in her place. He placed his hands together and then offered them up to Narine, his crystal grey-blue eyes shining.

I offer you Mentorship through our Transition, his deep voice resonated from within his solid body, and the Dragon’s Gift when my service is complete.

Thorze held up his scepter as Shonore stepped forward again. She clapped her front hooves together and beamed down with wide brown eyes.

Narine of Noe, she said, by consensus of the Sages of Noe, and by authority of the Eternal Dragon, you are hereby Transition Matched with Thorze of Noe, High Sage and Keeper of the Elements.

Narine took her father’s scepter in both hands. They held it together between them, grinning at each other briefly before composing themselves.

Thorze of Noe, continued Shonore, do you accept this Transition Match?

Indeed I do, he boomed. A smattering of laughter danced around the room.

Shonore bowed to Thorze and Narine, her thick mane spilling over her knobby horns. Father and daughter, Sage and Mentee, turned to the audience and approached the front of the stage together, holding the scepter between them. Narine fought with the bottom of her robe, kicking it out with her right foot. She caught sight of her mother’s angular face in the front row. She stopped kicking and lowered her eyes.

Mabbe’s Transition Match was announced with Eld Petra, Keeper of the Hollows, and after the formal exchanges they took their place beside Narine.

So, Mabbe said in Narine’s mind, we meet again.

Shhhhh! Narine shot back with a glance at the front row.

Her mother’s stern look held her in place as five more matches were announced. Then the World Sages, one each from the four civilizations on the four other continents, made short statements about the importance of the Keeper lineage in protecting Faweh and the beauty of such rites marking the passing of one’s youth.

Finally, Sage Shonore clip-clopped to the front of the stage, addressing the new Mentors and Mentees. Your journey together in the great cycle begins. The Balance of All Things is kept through the Dragon’s Gift, the Balance in turn sustains the Dragon, and the Dragon Transitions Its Gift when it is time. She looked each Mentee in the eyes as she spoke her parting words. Serving the Balance is your duty, your honor, and your lineage.

The Great Hall erupted in applause, all the faerie Sages stood up to stretch, and Narine was jostled away from her father. He found her again and guided her through the bodies to the side of the stage.

I’m proud of you, lola. He blinked back tears and pressed his forehead into hers.

Thank you, Narine thought into his mind, and he pulled back and smiled.

I will see you in a few suns. He hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, and was gone, immediately swept into a conversation with Trigg, the tentacled Qeal Sage from Storlglenn, who hummed at Thorze excitedly from the opening in the top of his head, gesturing wildly with his tentacle arms.

Come on! squealed Mabbe, suddenly at Narine’s side. Mabbe yanked off her ceremonial cloak with a great heaving sigh. Let’s get out of here!

Narine shook off her own robe, freeing her green and gold wings, and allowed Mabbe to push her through the crowd, dodging congratulations. They caught up to Mabbe’s parents, standing at the top of the stairs with Carlotto, the Saarin Sage from Pariglenn.

Ahem! coughed Mabbe, tossing their two cloaks to her mother.

Mabbe’s mother, Eld Moni, caught the cloaks and laughed. The girls have been pestering us for an entire season about taking the Purview to the Standing Stones, she told Sage Carlotto.

His pinky-grey face lit up, and he leaned toward the girls. More fun having than meeting of World Sages, much sure.

"And now that we’re officially matched, we can go through!" said Narine happily.

Mabbe buzzed her wings and pulled at her mother’s arm.

Patience, lola, said Moni, the Standing Stones aren’t about to disappear.

But I’ve only got seven suns before I report to Eld Petra for my Mentoring, Mabbe pleaded. And Narine has even less than that!

Mabbe’s father, Sage Burion, smiled and ruffled her hair. Well, then, he teased, I suppose we should ask Narine’s father to rush us there immediately!

Mabbe crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at Narine.

Don’t even think about it, Narine warned her friend.

What good is it to be the High Sage’s daughter, she narrowed her eyes, "and his Transition Match, if you can’t ask for a little favor once in a while?"

Mabbe’s mother turned to the other adults. I suppose we should be off before Mabbe loses all self-restraint.

They all laughed and turned to exit the hall.

Narine! Narine’s mother appeared beside them on her bold teal wings. With her was Eld Damara, the Castle Keeper at Dragon Mountain. Each Faerie adult exchanged greetings by placing their hands together, then offering them out, palms up.

Frenzia, said Sage Carlotto, joining you your daughter on her holiday having?

If only time would allow. Frenzia bowed slightly to everyone. Narine, I’m afraid something has come up, and I won’t be able to join you. Eld Damara will be your chaperone.

Oh, said Narine, not entirely disappointed. She turned to Eld Damara. Are you sure? I don’t want to deprive the Sages of their Castle Keeper.

Eld Damara laughed. I’m sure the World Sages can manage one retreat at Dragon Mountain without me.

Managing, yes, said Carlotto. Though always forgetting eating when you not at Castle being.

The adults laughed once again.

Please excuse us, said Frenzia. I need to have a word with Narine before she departs. She turned and gestured for Narine to follow.

I’ll meet you on the hill, Narine said to Mabbe and kissed her on the cheek.

Narine fluttered after her mother down the hallway, through the main corridor, and outside into the sunny courtyard. Ancients and guests enjoyed each other’s company among the white columns and blossoming vines, and younglings sprawled on the lush grass poking at their furry little pet chygpallas.

But her mother didn’t stop there. She led Narine past the courtyard and its treed border, all the way to the edge of the Valley Plateau overlooking the Tiered Realm, home of the Fae, the fledgling faeries under the Ancient’s care, where her mother spent most of her time.

Frenzia whipped up a silencing barrier with a flick of her scepter. She tapped a stone with her foot, transforming it to ice, and then stood looking out over the Tiered Realm.

Turn it back, she said to Narine without taking her eyes off of the valley below.

Narine stared down at the stone. Even without a mind-mist, she could tell the ice-stone was solid. She fumed. Her mother knew transformation was not her strong suit.

Narine— her mother whirled around.

Yes, I know, Narine interrupted, I haven’t been practicing.

And?

And I should have been paying more attention during the ceremony.

Then why weren’t you?

Narine opened her mouth to speak, but there was nothing she could say.

You are no longer a youngling, her mother lectured. Mind work is not all secret conversations with our friends.

But it’s not like I won’t have seasons and seasons of mentoring with Father, Narine reasoned. And it’s not like the Transition Matches weren’t set already. Everyone knows the ceremony is just a formality, and it’s… the words really dull sat on her lips, but she knew her mother would never agree to that as an excuse.

Receiving your Transition Match in front of the Assembly is an honor, said Frenzia. You will not be granted special allowances simply because you are Thorze’s daughter. On the contrary, I expect twice as much from you so that no one will doubt the Sages’ choice of your Mentorship.

Narine was about to say that no one would ever doubt the Transition Match choices the Sages made. Their authority was granted by the Dragon Itself to make such decisions.

Yes, Mother, she said instead.

I know it’s difficult to understand when you are so young, her mother conceded, and your Transition itself is many, many seasons of Mentoring away. But you must never make light of what we are or abuse the power in it. Frenzia gestured to the world below, from the visitors ascending and descending the silver steps that led up to the House of Ancients, to the Tiered Realm of the Fae, and beyond. We are the duty-bound Keepers of Faweh. In time, you will understand what a great privilege and reward this is.

Narine nodded and did her best to exude contriteness.

When you join your father on Dragon Mountain after your holiday, said Frenzia, her dark crystal blue eyes boring into Narine’s, he will expect nothing less than your undivided attention and complete diligence.

Yes, Mother, she repeated.

Now, Frenzia whipped away the silencing barrier and led Narine, cheeks burning, toward the stairs, I am truly sorry I cannot join you for your first trip through the Purview. She kissed the top of her daughter’s head. Listen to Eld Damara and have a wonderful time.

Yes, Mother.

Frenzia whipped her scepter around once more, generating a light whirlwind that plucked her up and shot her effortlessly into the air on a direct route to the Tiered Realm.

Chapter Two

Her satchel bulging with snacks and sundreaming supplies, Narine joined Mabbe at the top of Lake Hill to await the adults, who were, Mabbe grumbled, Taking their sweet time.

Narine set down her pack and studied the imposing waters of Lake Indago. Beyond the lake, Noe Valley stretched north, the River Pyth cutting through the vast green like a long braid. The river drew itself down the center of the valley, gathering trickling tributaries from surrounding mountains until descending in a cataract that foamed wildly into Lake Indago, vast and exquisite as liquid twilight.

Something in the middle of the lake caught the corner of Narine’s eye. She turned to watch the rippling water as it calmed itself once again. She would have to get used to the disquieting waters of the lake if she were going to replace her father as High Sage one day.

High Sage. The words didn’t even seem real. Maybe that’s why it was so hard to take the Transition ceremony seriously. She had so many seasons of training ahead of her. As it stood, she was no more suited to be High Sage than a pet chygpalla.

The bottomless abyss. Mabbe chucked a stone down toward the lake. It bounced off a pillar and zipped into the rocky hillside.

That’s a cheery way to put it, said Narine.

As if you’d ever dare swim in its waters.

Mabbe, Narine snorted at her friend’s suggestion. Not even you would do such a thing.

Mabbe shrugged but her eyes twinkled. How do we know it’s actually infinite unless we find out?

Narine’s mouth dropped open in shock. You would risk disturbing the Dragon? You would risk the Balance of All Things?

I was kidding. Mabbe shook her head. I can see you’re going to be all kinds of fun on our holiday.

To the west, a few younglings tumbled out of the Hollows and chased each other to the embankment. Even at that distance, Narine could hear their laughter on the breeze.

We’re not younglings any longer.

I won’t even tell you who you sound like right now.

A lump formed in Narine’s chest as she watched the children race around the edge of the embankment. It was only last season she and Mabbe had been racing with them.

My parents and Eld Damara are here. Mabbe hefted her pack up. Can you at least try to have a good time?

Mabbe crossed her eyes and made fish lips with her mouth. Narine laughed and crossed her eyes in return to show her friend, yes, she could have a good time.

They fluttered down the hillside and landed next to the Purview platform, an elevated structure jutting up from the ground in front of a U-shaped row of seats. Beyond the Purview grounds, at the bottom of the hill, the purple-hued Southcoast forest beckoned with birdsong.

The adults arrived with their own supplies, and they all bowed slightly to the silver ring, which stood perfectly balanced on the center of the platform. The vine-patterned etchings around the ring were still, but the energy emanating from it made Narine’s hair stand on end.

The girls instinctively grabbed hold of each other’s hands as they stood there gaping at it, sunlight sparking its silver surface. It looked much bigger than Narine remembered.

Sage Burion put his meaty arm around his daughter. First time through the Purview! Our little Hollows Keeper.

Father, Mabbe groaned.

It’ll be fine. Narine squeezed Mabbe’s hand. You’ll see.

Of course. Mabbe squeezed back. Why wouldn’t it be?

Sage Shonore came buzzing up the path on a whirling, traveling vibration. Little dust storms twirled beneath the carpet of energy as she moved across the hill. A white bird with piercing red and yellow eyes perched upon her shoulder and greeted them with a melodic whistle.

Greetings, chirped Shonore along with her bird.

The Faerie Elds placed their hands together and then opened them, palms out. Narine and Mabbe bowed slightly before remembering that they, too, were now officially Keepers of Faweh. They imitated the Elds’ gesture, opening their hands to Shonore.

She jumped from the vibration and shook her mane before addressing Mabbe and Narine. I hope I performed the High Sage’s duties adequately during your ceremony, she said.

Yes, they said, nodding politely.

And that I was not over-boring.

Narine stiffened at

Reviews for Narine of Noe

[montzaleew · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Narine of Noe (Faerie Tales from the White Forest #4) by Danika Dinsmore is a children's fantasy book that is hard to describe. It has so much in it and it is all wonderful. It has so many creatures, adventures, mysterious forces, evil, and a girl that has to grow up before her time. Although there is so many new creatures, the author blends them together to make it work and introduces them in a way that makes sense. There is not creatures there Just To Be There, or show that the author has an imagination, as in some stories. The creatures here have a purpose or symbol in the end. Great read. Characters are well developed and plot is well done. Received this book for a honest review. Nice fantasy fairy tale. I didn't know it was book 4 in a series because it reads as a stand alone.