JOURNEY INTO THE REALM: The Spell Master (Journey into the Realm Series) (20 page)

The meadow. Usually my nightmare, now my salvation. Pain was nonexistent. And for the first time, I found myself in the dream rather than watching it like a movie. Feeling liberated and rejuvenated, I was about to sit down on the soft green grass when something caught my eye.

Standing before me was a beautiful woman. She had an oval-shaped face with high cheekbones that accentuated her beauty. Her lips were the color of pale roses, and she had long, flowing honey-colored hair that fell well past her waist, cascading over her shoulders in wisps and waves. She wore a shimmering, strapless golden dress that was torn at the edges. Her bare feet rested lightly on the grass. As she reached her hand out to me, I stepped toward her and placed my hand in hers. I didn’t know why I did it, but something inside had willed me forward. She smiled and closed her slender amber eyes. I closed my own.

I opened my eyes to find that we were in a very different place than before. I immediately recognized Aaliyah’s orchard just outside of Birchwood City. I wondered why this dream was turning out to be so different from my past dreams. The meadow had never changed this drastically until now.

The woman beckoned me to follow her to a Golden Delicious apple tree. It was ironic, considering the woman was golden herself.

She opened up her left hand, which before now had been closed into a tight fist. Her hand revealed a large brass key attached to a thick black string. She picked up the string with her right hand and dangled it before my eyes. Then she slipped it on to one of the apple tree branches. The dangling brass sparkled, catching the light of the setting sun. The woman turned to me, pointed to the key, and nodded her head. I wanted to tell her that I understood. She wanted me to know the location of the key. But I found that I had no voice. So I nodded as well. She smiled again.

The woman, still watching me with an unblinking gaze, was so lovely I could barely keep tears from flooding my eyes. She took my hand, squeezed it tightly, and during that brief moment I could have sworn her eyes flashed the same emerald color as mine.

I opened my eyes after my slumber, only to find myself staring at
Zora’s
emerald eyes. She stood above me, her expression reminding me of Nathan’s earlier that day – worried and concerned. As my vision became clearer, I noticed she was shaking. Beads of sweat collected on her forehead and her upper lip trembled noticeably.

“Ramsey,” she said quietly, “what happened to you?”

“I…I came home from school because I wasn’t feeling well. Then I kind of blacked out, I guess,” I explained.

“Blacked out? That’s all?”

I didn’t answer. I was too astonished by my environment. I wasn’t on the floor. I was in bed. My bed. How did I get here?

“What happened to the floor?” I asked, still groggy and not making any sense at all.

“Ramsey, you’re in bed. I found you here. What’s this about the floor?”

Again, I didn’t say anything. For some reason, I didn’t want to tell her about my dream or my back pain. Maybe I felt this way because I knew she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, help me in the least.

I was far more concerned with where I was. I distinctly remembered passing out on the floor. I remembered the fogginess brought on by the pain, slipping into the dream, seeing the beautiful woman…and hearing Nathan, urging me to stay awake.

“Nathan,” I whispered.

“What?” Zora asked, her gaze piercing.

“Nothing. I just blacked out. I think I was a little dehydrated. I feel better now.”

That was the truth. My back pain was gone and I no longer felt woozy. Things had become clearer already, in more areas than one. Nathan had taken care of me. He must have carried me to my bed. I turned my head toward the bedside table, where a single yellow marigold rested across the wooden finish. My suspicions were confirmed. I picked up the flower and held it under my nose. The fresh scent was invigorating, as if I were breathing in new life.

“Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Yeah,” I said absentmindedly, completely and utterly in awe of Nathan.

I wanted nothing more than to brush past Zora, forget that I was supposed to be mending our relationship, and run straight to Nathan’s doorstep. I needed to thank him. I needed to
see
him – his striking emerald eyes and those beautiful silver slashes, that easygoing smile. I was too grateful to feel guilty about these thoughts; they were too natural to ignore or regret.

Zora’s hand covered mine, jarring me from blissful thinking. “Good, because I’m leaving Birchwood.”

Nothing could have prepared me for that.
Nothing
.

I sat up in bed and dropped the marigold onto my lap. “What do you mean, you’re leaving?” I asked.

“I have to go to Tarlore.”

“Why? For how long?”

“I’m going for the Winter Solstice,” she explained.

“But
why
?” I repeated, with emphasis this time.

“It’s complicated, Ramsey. I just have to go.”

“I’m not settling for that lame answer!” I protested.

“I’m sorry, but that’s all the answer I can give you,” she explained.

Then I noticed the nervousness in her expression, the pain clouding her usually clear emerald gaze. I understood why she was leaving.

“You don’t want to be around Stellan, do you?” I figured.

“That is not my reason for leaving,” she insisted.

“It is too! I was right about you still caring for him, so now you are going to run away and hide!”

“Of course I still care for him, Ramsey! I have known him all of my life! I thought…,” she trailed off.

“You thought what?”

“I thought if I hadn’t been taken I would have…”

“Would have what?”

“Settled down with him,” she said quietly.

I was taken aback by her words. Sure, I knew she still cared about him – loved him, even – but I hadn’t considered that they could have had a life together if I hadn’t come along. Stellan had promised the relationship wasn’t a big deal – just a casual test to see if they could be more than friends. Zora had said something along the same lines. Had they both lied to me? Had their relationship consisted of more than a few dates? Or was Zora the only one who had experienced true feelings of love? And how would I ever know the truth when I was constantly being deceived?

“You had better start packing then,” I said, choosing to forget the subject because it just wasn’t worth my time and energy. Besides, I had other concerns. Like Nathan. And dreams. And Element fairies.

But mostly Nathan.

I got up slowly and left the room.

Everything was falling apart. Zora, who was supposed to be the nicest elfen on the planet, had suddenly gone a complete one-eighty. She was a stranger to me. I felt that I knew her less now than when I didn’t know she existed.

What would I say to Stellan about this? I didn’t know if I should bring it up at all. Maybe it was all in the past. Maybe not. Maybe feelings between them hadn’t disappeared entirely with my entrance into their lives.

And even though I hated to admit it, I was slowly beginning to understand Zora’s situation. My strong feelings for Nathan hadn’t left me since the day I first bumped into him, despite all I had gone through with Stellan. Perhaps Zora’s lingering feelings for Stellan were stronger than her determination to move on with her life.

But I was still angry with her for choosing to leave rather than face her problems. With a sigh loud enough to wake the dead, I headed outside to spend time with the dragons. I just couldn’t be in the same room with my sister, let alone the same house.

Kalani greeted me with a low growl.
I heard that
, she seemed to say.

“Bad, huh?”

Kalani nodded.

Flying?
she asked.

“Oh yeah. Let’s go.”

I jumped onto Kalani’s back and gave her a tap to signal that I was ready. I heard her inhale, and then she leapt off the ground.

Flying soothed me. I wasn’t entirely fine, but it was great medicine for a while.

Then again…

“We need to make a quick stop,” I shouted against the wind.

Kalani instantly knew what I had in mind.

The best medicine actually came in the form of an elf with emerald green eyes.

***

Nathan wouldn’t settle for a harmless flying trip. He insisted on stopping somewhere to have a
talk
. I knew he was tired of my secrets and was ready for me to be completely honest with him. I agreed, because I was ready too.

Nathan was right; I knew I could trust him. It was time I acted on that belief.

We stopped at the edge of the field stretching between Birchwood City and the line of trees leading to the forest. I was uneasy about entering the woods since stumbling upon that piece of sheet music, but I also wanted to be far enough away from town to avoid Zora in case she came looking for me. Razi was hunting, so if Zora decided to track me down, she would need to walk. I highly doubted that she would walk this far from the city, so for now I felt safe.

My discussion with Nathan had to be completely private. Even our tree wasn’t secluded enough for this particular exchange, especially in broad daylight.

Kalani flew somewhere nearby, although I couldn’t see her from where we stood on the ground. She wanted to give us privacy, but she also needed to be close if any Element fairies appeared. Considering the events of the last few days, this was a strong possibility rather than a simple
what if
.

Nathan and I stood facing each other before the line of trees. I was fidgety, my hands tapping against my thighs in a nervous cadence. I wanted to come out with it and be honest, but I didn’t know how to begin. I just wasn’t the best conversation starter. Although I had moved to a new world and rescued my sister and made new friends, a part of me was still the awkward girl with freakish ears from the Human Realm. Pieces of my old life would never leave. They would resurface from time to time.

Like now, for instance.

“Ramsey, are we going to talk, or did we come to enjoy the scenery?” Nathan wondered.

“I liked the marigold you left me,” I declared, boldly meeting his eyes.

His gaze dropped to the ground. “You saw that, huh?”

“Yeah, I did.” I bit my lip. “How did you know marigolds were my favorite flowers?”

“You mentioned once how ironic it was that your horse was named after your favorite flower,” he explained.

I smiled, taking a step closer to him. “You listen to…
everything
.”

“Everything involving you,” he added quietly. He took one step closer too.

I noticed the closing distance between us and turned away, placing my palm against the trunk of a birch tree for balance. My pulse was already quickening, and the confessions hadn’t even begun. I knew I could tell Nathan anything. Why was I still so afraid?

“Look, Nathan, what I’ve been feeling lately…” I sighed, dropping my hands to my sides. “I’m living in fear…and that makes it difficult to open up to anyone, even you, someone I trust.”

“I understand what you mean,” he sympathized. “I know that change is frightening. I know that by being here, you’re going against every bit of your rationality. But when something’s right…it’s just
right
, you know?”

“Right,” I agreed, leaning my back against the tree so I could face him. I had to stop hiding. “And with Zora acting the way she’s been, I’ve been forced to keep secrets I don’t like.”

Nathan nodded. “She’s interfered with your instincts from the start.”

“Yeah, so what I’m about to tell you isn’t going to be easy for me to say. Please bear with me.”

He surprised me by reaching forward and taking my hand. “Take as long as you need. As long as we’re honest with each other about our feelings, time doesn’t matter.”

Wait a minute. Something wasn’t right. The way he phrased that last statement…it didn’t sound like we were talking about the same thing.

“We’re both talking about what happened earlier, right? The passing out and the erratic behavior? My run-ins with Element fairies? The danger I’m facing?”

“Of course we are.” But his tone was all wrong. I could tell he was confused and trying to cover up his mistake.

“Nathan?” I leaned toward him. “
Nathan
.”

“What?” he asked, as if emerging from some kind of daze.

“Since we’re being honest…”

“Ramsey…”

“What aren’t you telling me?” I asked.

His gaze was deeply penetrating as he muttered, “Nothing your denial hasn’t already buried.”

My mouth was dry. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Am I…interrupting something?”

I froze. That silky voice didn’t belong to Nathan. Or any elf for that matter.

My suspicions were confirmed as I turned to meet the intruder. An earth fairy with pixie-like brown hair, perfect for her heart-shaped face, stood before us with her arms crossed against her chest. She wore a brown skirt and a green off-the-shoulder tank clinging to her slim figure like a second skin. Her eyes, dark and devouring, were trained on me alone.

I was defenseless against this creature. I had no weapons, no special powers other than my elfen ability to see memories. And really, what good would that do? But I did have Nathan.

“Ramsey, you need to run. Find Kalani,” Nathan whispered. “I’ll take care of this.”

I was reluctant to leave him. “What if she’s too strong?”

“You’re the one she’s after. You need to go,” he insisted.

If anyone else had told me to flee instead of fight, I would have laughed in their face. But because Nathan asked me to, I complied. I ran.

I darted into the forest, narrowly passing tree after tree, ignoring the branches that scraped my arms as I plunged deeper into the foliage. I ran as though slowing would mean certain death. Pumping my arms and legs, I didn’t even try to pace myself like I did when I ran for pure enjoyment back in Wisconsin. This wasn’t a leisurely activity. This was survival.

I rounded a close clump of birch trees and found myself standing before a narrow river, swift and frightening. Ever since I had nearly drowned in the Human Realm, water had not been my ally, no matter how big or small.

“Afraid of water, Ramsey?”

“How did you…?” I asked, as the earth fairy stepped out from the trees. She stood on the other side of the river, smiling triumphantly.

“I can fly, remember?” The fairy’s earthy green wings twitched in accordance to her statement. “Escaping your friend didn’t pose any real difficulties. He’s so…grounded. Like you. And now you’re trapped even further.”

“It’s just water,” I lied.

“Really?” She feigned astonishment; I knew she was playing me for a fool. “What about that accident you had? On the bridge?”

“How do you know about my accident?” I questioned. My pulse was racing. I was breathing heavily. All I wanted to do was run again, but I knew it would only dampen my chances for survival now. She was far too close this time.

“Oh, everyone knows you,
Ramsey
,” she remarked, fluttering over the river to join me on the grass. She was so near; I had to back up. She smiled playfully, relishing my fear. “You, the Chosen Daughter. The fate of the Realms. Your death will mean great things for me back in the Element Fairy Realm.”

“Too bad your little speech just ruined your chances.”

“Nathan!” I cried, my knees weak with relief.

The earth fairy scowled. “Run away, little elf,” she said, as the earth began to rise around her. “Fights with fairies are rather…dirty.”

The dirt rose and coiled, collecting like a living swarm. It fell over Nathan like a wave, drenching him in grime. It didn’t look heavy, but the force was enough to knock him to the ground.

A strangled cry escaped my throat. What would I do if Nathan didn’t fight back? I looked up to the sky in search of Kalani, but I couldn’t see her purple form among the clouds.

“Now that that’s settled,” the earth fairy muttered, wiping her palms on her skirt, “on to more important matters.”

She advanced toward me, hands raised and poised for attack.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Nathan rose from the ground, brushing off dirt and regaining his balance. I waited for his next move, praying he would be able to do something before she attacked with the intent to kill. Whatever she had planned for me, I knew it wasn’t dirt.

Nathan picked an ordinary twig from the ground.
What is he going to do with that?
I wondered.
Hit her over the head with it?
I was starting to lose confidence in my best friend’s abilities. Time was running out.

“Uproot!” he cried.

Then I saw an image I would never forget.

A tree nearby uprooted itself and hurtled into the earth fairy, crushing her completely. I jumped back to avoid contact with its branches.

It occurred to me that until now I had never witnessed Nathan casting a spell. He always told me about them but had never performed one in front of me.

I remembered what Brielle said before, how Nathan was almost human. He let his emotions guide him, not his strength. But now, as I watched raw power radiate from Nathan’s hands, I knew I would never see him as simply human again. He was all of that and
more
.

A kind of transformation occurred within me, a change of perspective. I was seeing the elf in front of me in a whole new way. I was not only seeing Nathan, but also the Spell Master.

And
nothing
had ever impressed me more.

“What was
that
?” I asked, my thoughts finally in place so I could speak.

“
That
was a spell,” he explained.

“Holy crap…you were
amazing
,” I gushed.

He looked at me quizzically. “Thanks?”

I shrugged. “Human words.”

“Okay...,” he trailed off, still watching me.

“So how do we know if she’s dead?” I asked.

“I think the answer to your question is obvious. There’s a tree on top of her,” he reminded me.

I rolled my eyes. “No, I’m sorry. I guess I didn’t notice,” I said sarcastically.

He shrugged. “It’s not my fault you are so unobservant.”

“I love how you can be so sarcastic after just killing someone,” I remarked.

“I guess I have a gift. You aren’t so bad yourself.”

I smiled sardonically. “Let’s get out of here,” I suggested.

“Are we just going to leave her here?” Nathan asked, gesturing to the earth fairy under the tree.

“I guess so. Bringing the dead body of an earth fairy home to Birchwood probably wouldn’t be the best idea.”

“You’re right,” he replied. “Let’s go.” Then he frowned. “Ramsey, you’re shaking.”

“What?” I looked down at my trembling hands. “Oh, yeah. I guess I am. Just a little on edge after…well, you know.”

He put his arms around me and my trembling ceased. I didn’t worry about how close we were. I was just grateful to be alive with my best friend by my side.

“Nathan, why doesn’t it matter that you killed her?” I asked in a small voice. “Be serious this time.”

“Because I did it for you,” he said gently. “Nothing is more important to me than keeping you safe.”