The Queen Witch

By Hollis Jo McCollum

This is the awaited sequel to my first book, To Save a World. All of your favorite characters who survived the first book are back and it is twenty years later. Raashan has been restored and all has been quiet and happy during this time. Darian and Eithne now have a young daughter named Beatris, who has been playing with fairies in the garden, b

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hollis Jo McCollum
• Release date: Apr 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798218135720

Hollis Jo McCollum

Hollis has a happy life with her husband and two cats. When she's not writing, she enjoys expressing herself through many different creative mediums-including cosplay, drawing, and dance. She loves animals and helping others, so when she isn't working on her next creative project, she is working with animals and volunteering. Stricken with a terrible case of wanderlust, traveling is her happy place, and she will not stop until she's seen everything . . . twice. Having been raised a Navy brat and spent seven years as an immigration officer in the world of higher education, much of the world has already been seen, but it's never enough!

Book preview

You can’t catch me, Daddy! Beatris squeaked with a giggle of excitement as she darted across the green grass with her long, fiery hair trailing behind her like a flag in the wind. The little elf girl was just a few years out of toddlerhood. She had recently turned twelve years old, but as a long lived elf, that equated to about five or six in human years of maturity. She was a happy and bright child who favored her father in most of her features, but her vibrant red hair and creamy skin with rosy cheeks were all her mother.

Here I come! Darian called out playfully after letting his daughter get a few seconds head start. The once Captain of the Guard for the Aranni tribe still had a military air about him. He still wore his raven black hair in the traditional Aranni style of a ponytail tied at the nape of his neck, and he was still quite tanned from long hours spent training outside. Though now, his gray blue eyes had a certain softness in them since the birth of his daughter. The familiar steely gaze flashed less often since becoming a father. It must have made him more patient.

He did a slow, loping run after little Beatris, and caught up with her easily. When she saw him pause and motion like he was about to grab her, she shrieked with joy of the game, and darted in a different direction. This game of cat and mouse went on for several moments before Darian suddenly snatched her up with surprising speed and held her out in front of him. She laughed and pretended to protest while her little feet pumped in the air.

You weren’t supposed to catch me yet, Daddy! I’m supposed to be faster than you! Little Beatris complained as she pouted at her father with her own gray blue eyes and sticking out her bottom lip.

Darian chuckled warmly with a broad grin. Well, sometimes Daddy breaks the rules.

That’s what Mummy does! Beatris replied with an enthusiastic smile.

He gave her a skeptical smile and cocked an eyebrow at his budding rebel. She was generally a good child, but she had similar impulses to her mother when it came to doing what suited her goals. He wondered quietly for a few seconds as he studied her sweet face how much trouble she would get into over the course of her life.

Unhand that child, you pirate! A bubbling, feminine voice rang out across the lawn.

Auntie Yocelin, save me! Beatris cried with absolute glee as she saw her favorite Auntie coming toward them with a playful stride. Uncle Aram was only a few steps behind with a musing smile on his lips.

I’ll save you! Yocelin boomed with heroism, but then mischief glinted in her midnight blue eyes. And then, I’ll keep you for myself! Hahahaha!

Beatris squealed and struggled to be put down, so she could run again. Her father obliged and whispered that she should run fast as he set her down. She went in a blur of bright red.

As Yocelin ran past Darian she abruptly hugged him hello with a cheerful ‘Hi, Darian!’ then sped off with her own violet hair flowing around her curling black horns and behind as she chased her little niece across the green lawn.

Aram, who never seemed to be in a hurry, walked up to Darian and greeted his best friend with a clap on the back.

This way, they can both get their energy out. He quipped with his dry humor.

Darian smirked. Aram was funnier than most people realized.

What have you two been up to since yesterday? Darian asked as he watched his daughter evade her persistent Aunt. Aram and Yocelin had visited just yesterday morning. They were neighbors, and rarely went a full day without seeing each other. They all liked it that way.

Aram shrugged absentmindedly. Nothing much.

The two men stood together in quiet solidarity. They were comfortable in silence with one another. They breathed in the fresh spring air and appreciated the blue sky on this beautiful day. They lived on the outskirts of the port city of Duomo. Their homes had been built next door to each other with a broad green expanse of grass and wildflowers between them. They were some of the furthermost homes in Duomo. So, there was the forest to one side, and steadily increasing residents and businesses to the other. It was the perfect mixture of convenience and nature for them.

In the case of Darian and Eithne, who are tribal elves of the Aranni tribe, they simply did not feel comfortable being confined inside city walls. In the case of Aram and Yocelin, it was more a function of requiring more privacy for a werewolf and a she demon. Though Yocelin herself had come to be generally accepted in the community of Duomo, old prejudices against demons were hard to shake for most humans and elves. With her mostly elvish appearance, except for her violet hair and black curling horns, and overly friendly disposition she was seen as an anomaly among demons for the most part. It was unfair that most people did not broaden their perspective to think more demons than just Yocelin could be this way, but that was simply how it was. The only people who knew Aram was a werewolf were Yocelin, Darian, Eithne, the wizard Tim and Giev, who lived with Tim in his mansion in the city center. It would remain that way as far as any of them were concerned. Aram truly was an anomaly through his own extreme self discipline. Almost all who were bitten did not have the fortitude to overcome the ferocious urges of the beast within and descended into homicidal madness. Though his features were generally considered delicately handsome, his inky black hair that always appeared tousled, tanned skin and intense brown eyes hinted at the dark turmoil within.

Well, you two are either deep in philosophical thought, or thinking nothing at all. A charming voice teased breaking their collective reverie.

Darian turned and cocked an eyebrow at his feisty wife. The latter. He replied as his eyes wandered up and down her lithe frame. Eithne was wearing a long brown skirt and simple white blouse tucked into it with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her bright red hair was loosely knotted in a bun on top of her head. A slight smile twitched at the corners of his mouth. He was of the mind to unleash those fiery locks.

Seeing his look, she cocked an inquisitive eyebrow back at her husband before turning her attention to Aram. Are you and Yocelin staying for dinner?

If you’ll have us. Aram replied warmly.

Always. She beamed kindly.

It had been twenty years since the Rebirth of the Gods, when Anut and Muntros had been reborn from Eithne and Yocelin. The world of Raashan had flourished since then. The seasons had resumed their regular patterns, and the world itself was beginning to thrive again. With the return of the gods came the return of magic as it had been before. Wizards and shamans were becoming more and more commonplace again. Tim’s mansion was once again full of apprentices. So many hopefuls wished to study under the great wizard that every year he had to turn away hundreds of applicants.

This resurgence of magic in the world also meant many magical creatures were resurrected. Magical beasts such as dragons, chimeras, pegasus, griffons, and even the elusive unicorn walked the planet again. Other magical beings, such as fairies, were also rumored to have reappeared. It was becoming more and more like the Raashan before the Heavenly Wars and subsequent Death of the Gods that happened nearly ninety years ago. There were many alive today, like Beatris, who would have no recollection of what it was to live in a dying world filled with cataclysmic chaos. Darian and Eithne were grateful their child would never know that hardship.

Beatris was named after her grandmother, Darian’s mother, who perished from a malnourishment illness before the Rebirth of the Gods. Though it wasn’t his fault, Darian felt guilty over her death. She had died a mere two months prior to the Rebirth of the Gods, while they were all still questing for the missing god pieces. He learned of her death shortly after completing the quest. Shortly after Eithne had been burned up by Anut’s energy, and had yet to return to him safely. It was a very dark time in his life. He would turn questions over in his mind again and again. Why couldn’t they have finished the quest sooner? Would things have been different if he had been there to help her? None of it could make any difference now. It was not his fault. It wasn’t anyone’s fault, but knowing that did not make him feel any better. He was still a boy who missed his mother. He thought of her everyday. It did, however, make him feel better to have his daughter carry on her name. In a way, it made Darian feel like she had a connection to the grandmother she would never meet.

Well, while you have my little munchkin occupied, I’m going to get dinner started. Eithne stated as she watched Yocelin playing tag with Beatris, and turned to walk back to their thatched roof cottage home. It wasn’t a large house, but it was plenty big for the family of three. It even had an extra room for guests if any had occasion to stay overnight.

Darian’s eyes lingered on how her hips swayed as she walked. Everything about her felt like a suggestion. Do you think you two could keep Beatris occupied out here for the next little bit?

Aram followed his gaze. You got it.

Darian patted his friend on the shoulder in thanks. He looked to make sure Beatris wasn’t watching him, and followed his wife.

He found Eithne washing vegetables and potatoes at the kitchen sink. Darian had personally built and installed a water pump in the kitchen that fed from an underground well. So, they only had to pump the lever several times to have fresh water readily available. He was quite proud of himself for that feat of convenience. Darian had become very adept at finding ways to create domestic convenience. It was something that gave him much satisfaction in his life as a father and civilian. He came up behind her, slipped his arms around her slender waist, and brushed his lips against her neck softly.

What do you think you’re doing? She purred as she leaned into him. The look he had given her a few moments ago gave her an idea or two as well.

Darian coaxed her to turn and face him. He rested his hands on the counter on either side of her hips as he stepped in closer suggestively. I think I’m seducing you.

He grinned handsomely and held her eyes with his for a few seconds, savoring the tension before hungrily kissing her mouth. The kiss deepened. Darian lifted her to sit on the countertop as he started to push up her skirt around her knees. Eithne returned his passion as she kissed him back and wrapped her long legs around his torso. He pulled her hair loose from the constricting bun with one hand and ran his fingers through those soft red locks he loved.

Wait! Eithne broke the kiss and looked at her husband with sudden concern. Beatris could come in at any second! We can’t do this right now.

He gave her a coy smile as he undid two buttons on her blouse. Not this time. I asked Aram to make sure to keep her occupied.

So, Aram knows exactly what we’re doing in here?! She countered with embarrassment.

Calm down. He muttered sweetly as he softly kissed her neck and ran his hands up between her thighs under the skirt. We’re happily married with a child. That we have intimate relations is no surprise to anyone.

His kisses and caressing touch were stirring the heat inside of her again, causing her to forget her embarrassment. Eithne grinned wickedly as she kissed him hotly and began quickly undoing the buttons of his shirt. Darian groaned with desire as he pressed his body closer to hers and pushed his hand further between her thighs while he began unbuckling his belt with the other. She finished with the buttons, pushed the offensive shirt open and over his strong shoulders. Then, she began roaming her hands over his muscular torso. She could not get enough of him.

Mummy! Daddy! Come and see what I found! The small excited voice of little Beatris rang out clearly in the small kitchen.

Her parents froze instantly.

Beatris stared at her parents quizzically as she tried to process why they would be in such an embrace.

Aram and Yocelin came barging into the kitchen next.

Sorry! Sorry! She was supposed to be hiding for us to seek her. We were counting when we saw her running back to the house. Yocelin sputtered out helplessly and slightly out of breath. Really, really sorry.

What are you doing? Beatris asked in a pointedly innocent tone as she continued to stare at her parents, who appeared to be taking off their clothes for some unknown reason.

Laundry! Eithne blurted out as she redid the buttons on her blouse and pushed Darian’s hands away. Your Daddy’s shirt has a stain on it.

Daddy gets stains on his shirt a lot. Their daughter responded skeptically. She knew something else was happening, but could not comprehend what it was. Her little face had the same expression as her mother when she was suspicious.

Yocelin smirked and suppressed a giggle.

Darian shot her a warning look as he got himself back together and helped Eithne off the counter. What did you want to show us, sweetheart?

Her suspicions suddenly forgotten, Beatris beamed with delight. Come and see! I was going to hide behind the tree, but there it was! It’s so pretty, Daddy.

Using her tiny hands to take the larger hands of each of their parents, she began leading them outside to show them her discovery.

You owe me one. Darian grumbled quietly at Aram with disappointment.

Noted. Your kid is really fast. Aram accepted his mistake. He was also silently grateful that he and Yocelin did not have to overcome such hurdles in their love life.

The little girl led the four adults out to a small cluster of trees in the meadow just outside of her house. It was one of her favorite places to play, so it was not a surprising location to her parents. They expected her to show them a new flower in bloom, or perhaps a bird perched in the branches of one of the trees. They were surprised this time, however. Beatris grinned as she pointed to a perfect ring of wildflowers near the largest tree. They were small, multicolored flowers all growing in a circle of about one meter in diameter. Oddly, the flowers almost seemed to sparkle like crystals in the late afternoon sun. It was a brilliant sight to behold, but something about it made the adults uncomfortable. Perhaps it was just that it seemed so unnatural.

Eithne knelt down next to the flower circle while still holding her daughter’s hand. Her brow knitted in confusion.

Isn’t it pretty, Mummy? Beatris was disappointed by the silent reactions of the adults to her discovery. They should be much, much more excited.

Yes. It’s gorgeous, darling. You have found something very special. What do you think it is? Eithne pushed as much excitement into her voice as she could muster. She knew what her child wanted to hear. Though she was conscious not to let go of Beatris’s hand. There was something here that made her distrustful. She hoped Beatris had not already touched the circle of flowers.

Fairies made it. The little girl said matter of factly.

How do you know that? Eithne pressed, but with a pleasant smile so her daughter wouldn’t think she was in trouble.

Because I saw one fly away when I first saw it.

You did? What did the fairy look like?

Beatris thought for a few seconds while she tried to remember. Like a fairy, Mummy. It had pink flowers for hair, and all over its body, pretty wings and was even smaller than me.

Darian too was growing more and more concerned about the phenomenon. It would have been easy to dismiss as childish whimsy, but this felt different than it did when Beatris made up stories. He knelt on one knee next to his wife and daughter. Have you seen fairies before, sweetheart?

Beatris nodded affirmatively, but with much less enthusiasm. She could sense something was wrong, and she was beginning to feel upset by the adult’s reactions.

You know who would love to see this? Eithne said with a big smile and positive energy. Seeing her child grow uncomfortable when she had done nothing wrong was upsetting the mother further. She needed to diffuse the situation. Uncle Giev would love to see this.

Beatris brightened again. Because Uncle Giev loves magic things!

Eithne nodded. He sure does. How about Daddy and Uncle Aram go get Uncle Giev while you, Auntie Yocelin and I make dinner for everyone?

The girl’s smile broadened. She loved helping her mother in the kitchen. Can I stir the pot? She asked happily as they all began to disperse away from the cluster of trees.

Of course, you can. Now, give Daddy and Uncle Aram hugs. They’ll be back soon with Uncle Giev, and then we can all have dinner together. Her mother replied.

Beatris gave them both hugs, and all the adults exchanged brief kisses and meaningful looks of concern as they went their designated ways. Something wasn’t right about that circle of flowers.

Well, it certainly looks like a fairy circle from the legends. Giev said thoughtfully as he squatted next to the unnatural flower circle to examine it. Giev had matured quite a bit in the years since the Rebirth of the Gods. Helping the wizard,Tim, to run the mansion and teaching apprentices the ways of magic had given him a studious air. Though, he was still a playful person with that familiar teasing glint in his eyes, even if his white blond hair was more neatly combed these days.

How did you grow a beard? Aram asked flatly of his shaman friend investigating the circle. They were surprised to find Giev with a fully grown beard, trimmed neatly around his jaw when they went to fetch him at the wizard’s mansion. It did suit his professor persona, but it was rather perplexing to his fellow elf friends since elves could not grow full beards unless they had human or demon blood as well. They were not a hairy race, like humans. At the moment, Aram found Giev’s new beard slightly more perplexing than the flower circle.

Giev beamed with manly pride as he reached up and stroked his bearded chin. A simple spell. I think it looks good on me, don’t you?

Aram shrugged noncommittally.

How long does the spell last? Darian asked with interest. He too was curious about the beard, and had been waiting for the right moment to ask about it. He wondered if one might look good on him too.

The shaman grinned. The spell can be cast and taken away at will. It will last until I cast the counter spell to take it away. Want one?

Darian rubbed his smooth face with his hand. Kind of, yes.

Giev spoke brief words of magic, and Darian felt an intense tingling on his face for a moment while a neat, full beard of jet black quickly grew on his face. He rubbed his freshly bearded chin with a pleased expression. I like how this feels.

Looks good on you too. Giev complimented, obviously pleased with himself. How about you, Aram? Fancy a new look?

No.

Giev rolled his eyes and focused his attention back on the shimmering circle of flowers.

Are fairies even real? Aram asked.

There had always been legends and rumors about the magical creatures, but evidence of their actual existence never seemed to present itself. It was feasible, of course, but felt silly to believe in fairies all the same.

Giev shrugged as he stood from his squatted position. No idea, honestly. I’ve never given it much thought. We should ask Tim. Anyway, this is definitely made using a type of magic I’m unfamiliar with. It may even be a portal of some kind.

How do we get rid of it? Darian asked with his military authority in his voice. He didn’t like the idea of his daughter slipping into some unknown dimension because of this thing. He wanted it gone now.

The shaman held up his hands to calm his friend. Hold on there. That’s just a guess. It could have been made for the sake of pure aesthetic value for all I know. We need to investigate this further. I’d like to talk to Beatris more about the fairy she says she saw, if that’s okay.

Darian nodded. Please do. Have dinner with all of us tonight. You can talk to her about it then.

Giev grinned. I love dinner. Let’s get to your house. There’s nothing more to do with the flower circle for now anyway.

Agreed. Darian took the opportunity to stroke his bearded chin, and found he liked it very much.

The three of them walked back to the cozy, yellow thatched roof cottage at the far side of the meadow.

Absolutely not. Eithne said flatly as she beheld her newly bearded husband. Her grass green eyes flicked over to the troublesome shaman who also suddenly had hair on his face. Undo whatever you did to his face and don’t do it again.

Giev looked offended.

Eithne gave him a stern look. It was the same look she would give her child when Beatris refused her chores.

You really hate it that much? Darian asked, feeling disheartened. Just let me keep it for a couple days. It might grow on you.

Aram and Giev smirked at the pun and exchanged a look.

Eithne walked up to her husband and gave the beard a long, scrutinizing look.

He grinned back at her persuasively as he reached up and stroked her rosy cheek in a coaxing manner.

If I still hate it by the time dinner is over, I want it gone. She answered curtly before turning away to get back to finish preparing dinner.

Daddy, you look really weird. Like Grandpa Tim, but weirder. Beatris stated with the blatant honesty that children possess. She had stopped stirring the custard pudding when her Father came in, and had been quietly forming her opinion while the adults were talking.

Darian put his hands on his hips and dropped his head in a defeated fashion. Weird like Grandpa Tim, huh?

His daughter nodded affirmatively and went back to stirring the pudding.

Darian gave a glance to Yocelin hoping one female present might like his beard.

The she demon smiled sympathetically. Sorry, but no. Just no.

Eithne smirked quietly to herself. She liked winning.

What about mine? Giev asked suddenly feeling insecure about the effect his new look might have on women.

You’re supposed to look weird, Uncle Giev. Beatris chimed in helpfully.

Yocelin laughed. I have to admit it somehow works on you. Though, it will still take some getting used to.

I actually agree with that. Eithne said as she handed a bowl of nut and berry salad to Giev to put on the table. Somehow, it looks more fitting on you.

I’ll take it. Giev beamed from the approval as he brushed by the defeated Darian to complete his task.

Thank you for refraining. Yocelin leaned up and whispered in Aram’s ear quietly.

Aram bent down, kissed her forehead and whispered back to her. I don’t want one. No need to thank me.

She smiled at him as she went to help bring more food to the table from the kitchen. Aram followed suit. Soon, they were all seated around the familiar oak table Darian had built with their plates full of delicious roasted chicken, spiced potatoes, asparagus and fruit and nut salad. They all took a few moments to enjoy their food and compliment the chef before getting into the business of conversation.

Beatris, I heard you made quite a discovery today. Would you mind telling me more about it? Giev asked his niece.

Eithne glanced across the table at Darian who nodded to her that everything was okay.

Do you mean the fairy circle? It’s so pretty, Uncle Giev! Did Daddy show you?

He did. It is very pretty and definitely magical, which is why I’m so curious to know more about it. Giev grinned with childish excitement in his pale green eyes. He had always been good with children. Perhaps it was because he was such a naturally playful person himself.

Little Beatris was elated to have an adult so interested in her discovery. I saw the fairy that made it too! He waved at me before he disappeared.

Oh wow! So, is the fairy your friend? Have you seen him before?

Yes! I hadn’t seen him before, but I’ve met lots of other fairies. They are nice and give me sweet candy… The excitement ebbed from her voice as a sudden wave of sullenness washed over her. She sat back in her chair with her head down. She wasn’t supposed to talk about that. Her friends might get mad at her.

Are you okay, sweetheart? Darian asked with kind concern in between slow bites of chicken. He was trying to maintain normal behavior so his daughter would not become alarmed, but so far, the conversation was causing him to lose his appetite. Although, the sudden change in her mood was not altogether unusual. She could be very sensitive at times.

Beatris nodded, but said nothing. She could feel everyone staring at her. She didn’t like it.

Can you tell us what’s wrong, honey? You’re not in any trouble at all. We want to hear more about the fairies. Eithne cooed as sweetly as she could manage. Inwardly, her protective instincts were churning with alarm.

She looked at her mother with stormy eyes. I wasn’t supposed to tell you about the fairies. They said you would be mad at me.

Eithne was growing more and more concerned her daughter wasn’t just having childish fantasies about talking to fairies. Somehow, this seemed real, even though it sounded implausible. Still, Eithne was cautious not to let her maternal fear creep into her voice. You are not in trouble, honey. We just want to know more about your friends.

None of us have ever met a fairy before. Yocelin persisted with happy interest. It’s so exciting that they are your friends. Would you please tell us more? No one will be mad, only happy.

Beatris carefully studied the faces of the adults at the table all watching her attentively. None of them appeared upset, which was good. It was rare that the adults were all so interested in something she had to say. Adult interest was usually the polite kind that wasn’t necessarily genuine. This was different. This was like when Grandpa Tim spoke about magic or history, which Beatris found painfully boring and never understood. For once, she knew something the adults did not. The intoxication of their apt attention won out in the end. After all, the fairies never said they would be mad if she talked about them.

The fairies are all nice and pretty, and their voices are very small, and they look like flowers. The little girl began with renewed brightness.

What do you talk about with them? Darian encouraged.

Different things, but mostly we play games. Fairies love to play games.

What kinds of games do they like to play? Are they fun? Her Father continued.

Fun ones, Daddy! Hide and seek, treasure hunt, and guessing games. They are so much fun to play with! She giggled gleefully as she remembered the joy of playing those games. She was so enraptured of being the center of attention, she was unaware of the growing concern among the adults. Oh! And they do magic tricks too! They are even better than Grandpa Tim.

Wow! I didn’t think anybody was better than Grandpa Tim. Giev interjected in an animated fashion. He was conscious of the growing tension and did not want Beatris to feel it and stop talking. It was important she remained at ease with the conversation. I would very much like to see the fairies do magic tricks. Do you think we could meet them?

Yes, and maybe we could play games or try some of their candy too. Eithne added with a forced smile. The earlier mention of candy had stuck in her mind. She didn’t like this one bit. To say that she was concerned was a vast understatement. As a mother, Eithne was downright terrified. The safety of her only child was at risk right under her own nose. How long has this been going on? She chanced a look at her husband. They locked eyes and read each other’s thoughts. The fervent fear was mutual.

Beatris continued on, blissfully ignorant of the swirl of emotions at the table. Fairies don’t like adults. They said adults grew up and forgot all about them.

Yocelin watched Eithne’s expression fall with heavy worry as she took a long sip of water from her earthenware cup in an attempt to cover her face while she tried to regain a happy outward composure for her daughter. Her heart went out to her friend. This must be so frightening to deal with as a parent. How could talking about fairies with a little girl be so scary? It was quite out of place. Something was very wrong.

Maybe if you told the fairies we want to apologize for forgetting about them they would talk to us. What do you think? Aram surprised everyone with his suggestion, including Beatris.

She pursed her pink lips together thoughtfully and looked up at the underside of the thatched roof as she considered the suggestion. I guess I can ask them. It might make them feel better if you apologized.

Please do, sweetheart. We would love to meet your fairy friends. How long have you been playing with them? Darian asked anxiously.

Since the last time we visited Grandpa Tim and played in his courtyard. His daughter answered plainly before taking another mouthful of nut and berry salad. Her chicken, potatoes and asparagus were virtually untouched. Her mother habitually prompted her to eat the rest of her food by reminding her she needed to try everything if she wanted any custard pudding for dessert. Beatris sighed and nibbled at her potatoes a bit more.

So, you’ve been playing with the fairies for a whole two weeks? Darian continued. He was bewildered that this contact had gone on for so long without he or Eithne knowing about it. Beatris was better at keeping secrets than they both realized. It made the father’s mind anxiously wander into wondering what other secrets their daughter was keeping. Were they childish things that didn’t matter, or was there anything else upsetting like this? What other potentially dangerous things did he not know about his own little girl?

Yocelin, who was keenly aware of the panic stirring within her dear friends, decided to jump in and take over the line of questioning. Truth be told, her stomach was also knotting uncomfortably at the notion of her favorite niece having contact with magical beings when they had no idea of the fairies’ motives.

So, you met the first fairy at Grandpa Tim’s house? Where in the house did you meet them?

In the courtyard. I went to play outside because you were all talking about boring things. Mummy said I could go. Remember, Mummy?

Eithne gave her daughter a kind, but strained smile and nodded that she did remember.

Beatris continued. I was playing in the courtyard, and suddenly a pretty gold fairy was there! She said they were visiting Grandpa Tim because they liked him. Her name is Zash. She’s pretty like a dandelion and she smells like spring time. We played tag and guessing games.

The little girl continued to prattle on about what she and the fairy called Zash did that afternoon. Giev’s mind was racing with new thoughts though. He was