Tristan left the dell to fetch Felicity, Onyx, and Midnight. The fairy dragon was telling jokes to the jokes, who were whinnying in an approximation of laughter. She looked up as he got closer, “About time! What’s going on?” Tristan filled her in, and she frowned. “I don’t trust strangers.”

  Tristan frowned as he mounted Onyx and nudged him towards the dell. “They were open and honest with me.”

  Felicity grumbled but nodded. “Fine.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Tristan asked, sensing her disapproval still.

  “Did you just get drawn in by those pretty, brown eyes, the stupid angular face, and the stupid, sexy breasts?!” She was almost shouting at the end and was huffing in anger.

  Tristan looked back at her, “What’s up with you?”

  “I hate her, okay? I hate her stupid face, her stupid, ears, her stupid hair, her stupid…everything!”

  “I…I’m sorry I did not consider how you felt. Very well. Instead, we’ll apologize and we’ll just go on our own way.” He began spinning his crucible and pushing the essence into his ring.

  Felicity practically beamed at hearing that, nodding in her elfanoid form from atop Midnight, “Good! And…thank you. For thinking about how it would make me feel.”

  Partly that, Tristan thought, but I also want to rest up in the Fey Realm, and traveling with others, I would not want to vanish in the night and return in the morning to their pestering questions. Plus, the idea of having another Elf enter the Realm and take up some of the essence of the Fey Realm set his teeth on edge. If I’m honest with myself, I would be uncomfortable with someone else, even a lesser via bloodlines alone, getting their hands on any of the ambient essence that belongs to me.

  He had not been a greedy child, but since consuming the essence crucible of the first dragon he slew, he felt himself being more and more possessive. He attributed the trait becoming part of his personality as a side-effect of the act of consuming the creature’s crucible. But this was the first time it had actively intruded into his thoughts in such a fashion. Was grandfather always dealing with this? He thought. Was Fawkes? Or Bertram? Gisele, even? They all consumed dragon’s essence crucibles before I did…it might explain why they acted how they did. Grandfather always doing as he pleased, Fawkes doing whatever brought him glory, Bertram running away to the Pathfinders with this woman, and even Gisele’s greed over noble station?

  It was lordly, in a way, to be greedy. To want more. But Tristan did not want to be that. And yet, he felt that greed over his Realm’s essence. The desire to keep all other Elves out, because it was his Realm to rule, to covet.

  It’s not healthy to think like that, he thought as he tried to push against the emotions in himself. But the thoughts were pierced by a scream in the night. From the direction of the dell. He looked up and saw a series of large, bat-like creatures who were darting into the campsite; they lifted off the two Human archers he had met, first – carrying Connor and Kelly high up before dropping them. They landed on their legs, the bones snapped, and they let out screams of pain.

  Tristan scowled and put his hand up to his lips, “Onyx, Midnight, do not buck. Keep heading forward!” They both snorted as they sped up, and Tristan formed his fingers into the tube shape necessary as he envisioned a blossoming fire and angled up into the sky. He took the essence he had been spinning into his ring and instead directed it to his throat. “The power I took from you is now mine to wield!”

  The blast of fire exploded upward with an enormous Fwoosh as it illuminated the night sky, and the bat creatures flew away from the sudden, bright source of light. Tristan pointed to the downed Human archers, “Felicity! Go get them, sling them over Midnight’s back! And Onyx!” he leaned down to Onyx’s neck, “I’m dismounting. Slow a bit, then follow Midnight.”

  The horse whinnied, and Tristan waited until he slowed before jumping off the mount, rolling, and as he got up to jog to the dell, he began stringing his bow. Putting an arrow to nock against his hand on the grip, he stopped, aimed at the creature that was going towards Felicity, and led it a little bit. Spinning his crucible once more, he pushed the energy into his weapon as he pulled back. The bow glowed with the icy-blue light, and the power transferred to the nocked arrow. Leading the bat-creature just a bit more, he let loose, and the shaft sank into it before exploding in a gory sight of frozen chunks.

  They cascaded down behind Felicity, and Tristan got up to the top of the dell, nocking another shot, pushing essence into the bow once more, and aiming at the other one that made to swoop at the group near the fire – holding various melee weapons. He let loose, hit the creature in the face, and it exploded into frozen chunks that thunked into the ground all around.

  Tristan glanced down at the bardic troupe, “My friend is rescuing your downed allies. How many more do you see?” He turned back to scan the skies.

  “Directly above you!” Shandra shouted.

  Tristan looked up and saw the thing coming. Nocking another arrow, and pushing essence from his crucible into the bow, he fired straight up. The impact carried the creature back into the sky a few feet before it, too, exploded in an icy hail that showered down upon the group. There was a little bit of collateral damage as the frozen, bloody chunks impacted the troupe. But they were only lightly bruised.

  “Keep an eye directly above,” Tristan ordered as he got up to the dell and kept overwatch for Felicity. She had finished rescuing the two humans with Onyx and Midnight and was riding to the dell. Tristan kept pushing essence into his ring, “What are these things?” Tristan asked.

  “Demon bats,” Trenton growled, the large Bearkin holding a club and a shield. “From the Demon Realm.”

  Tristan began scanning the horizon for any sign of something being ‘off’ – something to indicate an incursion…but he saw nothing. “I don’t see any more of them,” Tristan muttered as Felicity rode up with the injured companions.

  The other bardic troupe members gasped, and Shandra smiled. “We were saved! Thank you, Tristan. And who is your friend-”

  “I am Felicity Glimmerwing,” Felicity replied as she dismounted and helped their party members down and onto the ground. “And I am Tristan’s partner,” she said with pride and confidence as she stared daggers into Shandra’s eyes.

  The Fallthorn Elf smiled back, but there was a hidden intent there that Tristan wasn’t sure how to read. Instead, he focused on the skies, ensuring that no more of the creatures were on the approach. His ring began to glow, “Everyone, gather up with all your gear. We’re going to the Fey Realm.” He glanced at Felicity, “Sorry, but I can’t keep my word this tim-”

  She walked over and put a finger on his lips, “It is okay,” she softly said as she smiled a bittersweet smile. “I know you are just doing the right thing…even if I don’t agree with it. Traveling during the night with who-knows how many out there is going to be a problem, and those ones with the broken legs.” A flicker of pride mixed with apprehension crossed her face, “It’s the right thing to do.”

  The world vanished in a flash of white and Tristan along with the performers was transported in front of the Queen’s Wood. The Goldwood tree was adjacent to the main entrance, and Tristan called for a healer.

  The uninjured members of the troupe gasped in awe and wonder at the space they found themselves suddenly…but Shandra did not. She instead inhaled deeply and clutched her chest. Tristan could see the warbling in the air as essence rushed into her. “What…what is happening?” she asked.

  Tristan scowled a little bit but pushed it back so as not to intimidate her. “Here is the short version. You have an essence crucible now, congratulations. Elves came from the Fey Realm originally. Fairy dragons are my servants, and the Queen’s Wood is for me only…and those I designate. Got it?”

  Shandra nodded as she sucked in deep breaths, “Got…it…”

  Tristan turned to Felicity and pulled her aside as the few fairy dragons with rejuvenation flew over to tend the wounded. “I want you to convey my orders. None are to follow Shandra’s instructions despite their nature – I overrule her, and my decree is what will be followed.”

  “Good!” Felicity replied.

  “Second, none enter the Queen’s Wood except me, fairy dragons, and the jewel crafter I designated yesterday. Third, four fairy dragons will follow these troupe members at all times. Are we clear?”

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  “Yup!” She turned into her fairy dragon form and flew away.

  Tristan returned to the troupe who were recovering from their shock and injuries, respectively. Tristan cleared his throat and flourished his cape back with his arm. “There are houses you may stay in along the perimeter of this small clearing. You are not to enter the Queen’s Wood – the massive tree behind me – without my explicit consent. Likewise, you are not to leave the clearing without my consent.” He pointed at the bush full of sapphires, and the Goldwood. “Those plants are off limits, as well. Lastly, you will each be shadowed by four fairy dragons to keep you honest and safe. Are we clear about expectations and boundaries?”

  The various troupe members nodded, and Shandra crossed her arms, pouting. “I feel…so at home here. That tree calls to me.”

  Tristan looked up to the fairy dragons; some of whom were already flapping over designated individuals as Felicity had done a remarkable job of spreading Tristan’s instructions rapidly; flitting about like a buzzing bee to different groupings of her kin. “You lot? Keep an especially close eye on this one. Also, send our healer to tend their wounds.”

  He looked back to the troupe, “I will return us to the Mortal Realm tomorrow. And I changed my mind about traveling together. You can keep the gold pieces – my gift to you. As well as the safe night rest…and my saving your lives. In exchange, you don’t reveal anything you know about me. I will out-ride you tomorrow morning.”

  The group nodded, but once more Shandra seemed to pout. “This would be a great story to te-”

  Tristan scowled and let it be seen this time, “You dare question me?” He barked. “You are a lesser Elf. You will follow my orders.”

  Shandra paled and nodded, “Fine,” she rapidly said, but there was a venom behind the words. A hatred of authority.

  Tristan turned and entered the Queen’s Wood. I don’t like that, he thought. Ordering people around like I’m their superior. But in this case, it is justified. I don’t want this theatre troupe sharing stories about the amazing Tristan, whisking them off to another Realm. He winced at his “Mortal Realm” comment before. It would be a flag for those assassins who are doubtless still tracking me and other prominent bloodlines. He felt a pang of regret at his own idiocy. I should have just said hello, gathered information, and left them to go on my way. But no, I had to try and be kind and charitable.

  Tristan’s grandfather had always taught him that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, and his mother reinforced that lesson. Being the victim of discrimination in Bhant only reinforced that further. But…this time was different. He did not feel wrong for using his authority to order a lesser. That is what nobles did. And as a lord of an entire Realm of existence, he was doubtless the highest ranking noble in the place.

  He went downstairs to his chambers and sank into the already-prepared, hot bath. Felicity flew in a few minutes into his soak, and she shifted to her elfanoid form. “I don’t trust them,” she said.

  Tristan sighed, “I couldn’t just leave them injured in the middle of nowhere. At least this way they get a good night’s rest and none of them are hurt. It makes me feel better.” He still chided himself for his unwise decision, but he was too deep to back out at this point.

  She smiled and walked over to the bed, laying down on it. “I liked how authoritative you were with them. I overheard some of it while distributing your orders. Just…Mmm, it sounded so good to hear you order people around and seeing that smug, uppity Fallthorn get put in her place was priceless.”

  Tristan sank under the water and thought, I didn’t enjoy it. But it was required. He breached the surface and kept thinking as he wrung out his hair. She’s going to try and sneak into the Queen’s Wood, I can feel it. “Felicity, get a few of your brethren to guard the Queen’s Wood entrance. None in or out.”

  “Except the people you already excluded from that?”

  “Right.”

  Felicity switched to her fairy dragon form and flew off to carry out his will. Tristan went to the bed and laid down, getting under the covers as he lay on his side. Felicity returned and swapped to her elfanoid form, “Already ready to sleep? Normally you’re up for a few hours.”

  Tristan sighed, “I’m tired. An-” he jolted upright as he remembered what Felicity had said, “Wait. You called me your partner earlier. You meant traveling companion, right?”

  Felicity giggled and clambered over the covers, moving over to the other side and snuggling under the covers. “What else would I be? Traveling companion, sleeping companion…I could be a companion in other ways – but we are a ways off from that, I think.”

  Tristan sighed internally, “Agreed. Goodnight, Felicity.”

  “Goodnight, Tristan.” She turned over, facing away from him, as she began hogging the covers.

  Tristan did not mind as he did not feel the cold. He shut his eyes and tried to sleep.

  “Lord Tristan!” a voice shouted, waking him up from his slumber.

  “Fwas-happening?” Tristan mumbled as he sat up slowly.

  A fairy dragon flew over – one who was about the size of a dog. “Lord Tristan, that theatre troupe you told us to keep eyes on – well, all of them are doing as told. But the Fallthorn Elf named Shandra tried ordering us about and attempted to get into the Queen’s Wood. We did not let her, but she began climbing the exterior!”

  “And you are letting her?” Tristan asked as he rubbed his eyes.

  “My Lord…your orders were to not let her inside. She said nothing as she climbed, so we did not obey an order from her - which you restricted us from before.”

  Tristan scowled and rolled out of bed, grabbing his sheathed sword as he followed the fairy dragon to the top boughs. He stood on the edge of a platform as the Shandra woman climbed up. “Alright, keep her from falling, and bring her up to me,” he ordered.

  The fairy dragon nodded and flew down, dragging up a kicking, screaming, and protesting Shandra who was gently deposited on her feet a few steps away from Tristan. She frowned and brushed the few twigs and leaves from her long hair, “About time you saw reason!” she said.

  “You dare,” Tristan growled as he slowly walked forward. “You dare go where you are told not to?”

  “Um, excuse you, Tristan. This is the Fey Realm. I read about this place. All Elves own it. Granted, I didn’t know that we came from here as a heritage, but I know that part. It’s why your servants listened to me.”

  Tristan turned to the fairy dragon, “Pass the word – none obey any orders from a higher-up except in ascending order Felicity, The Matriarch, and then me.”

  The fairy dragon saluted and flew off. Shandra looked back at the flying form before turning to face Tristan who was now a step away from her. “Look,” she said rapidly, trying to speak like one of the con artists that Tristan had met on the streets of Bhant’s Holdfast. “I have just as much right to this place as you do! It calls to me!”

  Tristan frowned, “Take solace in the fact that you now have an essence crucible.” He walked up so he was a few arm’s reach away from her, letting one hand rest on his sword – ready to draw it in a reverse grip if necessary. “Let that be it. You already try my patience.”

  “You assholes! You’re some noble, aren’t you? And you hijacked this Fey Realm using what, enchantment?!” she said as she bristled in outrage. “All the same, taking whatever you want and denying the rest of us? This place is my birthright!”

  Tristan shouted in response, feeling the tension in his chest explode as his fierce, dragon-tinged side came out and suppressed rational thought. “And you will respect the gods-damned hierarchy! Winterbloom stand above the rest. Followed by Summerbalm, Springthaw, and then finally you, a Fallthorn. Know your place, and you may remain. But if you insist on this foolishness that you are somehow the same as I, then you will be forcefully placed on house arrest until my departure tomorrow.”

  The woman was fuming and stomped her foot, “It is not fair!”

  The Matriarch walked up behind Tristan and stood at his left shoulder. She leaned down and whispered to him, “I heard about the commotion, and have been listening a bit. How can I help?”

  Tristan looked to her and whispered back, “Just back me up.” He looked back to Shandra and gestured to The Matriarch, “Ask her if it is fair. She has been here for millennia, and in the past Season a random half-elf shows up in her Realm, takes her daughter hostage, becomes a full-fledged Winterbloom, and suddenly is above her in the pecking order?”

  The Matriarch grimaced and nodded, “It is true, child of the Fallthorn. Lord Tristan arrived in a little under a Season past, and the Realm I have protected and ruled is suddenly under his control? It is not fair.” She walked up to Shandra and cupped the still-angry woman under the chin, forcing the female Elf’s gaze up to hers. “But life is not fair. The sooner you accept that, and accept your place, the sooner you will find your happiness.”

  Shandra pushed The Matriarch away, and the larger elfanoid-form fairy dragon let herself be moved. “Fine! I’ll accept your stupid house arrest.” She glowered at Tristan, “Now, how do you propose letting me get down?”

  “Ladies and gentlemen?” Tristan asked as he looked up at the four fairy dragons who were tasked with watching Shandra, perched in the branches above the top boughs. “Please escort her down and place her on house arrest.”

  They flew over, grabbed her by the ankles, and carried a screaming, cursing Shandra down to the ground below.

  The Matriarch giggled and walked over to Tristan, “A masterful defusing of the situation, using a perceived sleight I have against you in your convincing.”

  Tristan walked to the spire and gestured for The Matriarch to follow, “I…apologize,” he said as he cooled off while he descended. “For doing what I said I did. Coming here, holding Felicity hostage, and taking control away from y-”

  “Don’t,” The Matriarch interrupted. “Just…don’t do that. Lord Tristan, the return of a Winterbloom to the Fey Realm is what I have always wanted. And you have proven yourself not only benevolent and kind, but forward thinking – if a bit methodical, which I don’t personally like, but nonetheless has worked well for you and my children. Some structure was missing from their lives.” She pushed his hands together and clasped hers around his, “You even handled this most recent…insurrection by your lesser with mercy and grace. Zeltana would have run her through and pushed the corpse from the top boughs for questioning her.”

  Tristan grimaced, “I don’t think I could do that to someone I gave shelter to. Unless they really did something to deserve it.” He also mentally reprimanded himself. I let slip that I am a Winterbloom and the highest in the pecking order. Damnit. I may have just painted a target on myself.

  The Matriarch softly smiled as she let his hands go and resumed the descent, “That is one reason I am perfectly fine with you taking over, Lord Tristan. You show something Zeltana never did. Well, a few things. Benevolence, grace, and forgiveness. She was a wrathful woman, and rarely forgave.”

  “That’s just not me,” Tristan replied as they reached the ground floor. “Goodnight, Matriarch.” Tristan returned to his quarters, got under the covers, and sighed as he tried to fall asleep again. But sleep eluded him as he thought about the ramifications of his slip thanks to his outburst.

  Last of daily chapters! Next week we swap to M/W/F! Keep reading ahead on !