CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

As the evening descended upon Aegalia, casting a golden glow over the kingdom, Cleon and I set off towards the Fey's dwelling. The lingering warmth of the day's competition hung in the air, a testament to the excitement and energy that had filled the kingdom throughout the day.

As Cleon and I ventured deeper into the forest, a tranquil silence enveloped us, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves beneath our feet. Towering trees stretched towards the sky, their ancient branches reaching out like guardians of the forest.

Emerging onto a clear path, a sense of enchantment washed over me as I beheld the Fey's dwelling in all its splendor. Small, quaint buildings dotted the landscape, their charming facades bathed in the gentle glow of lanterns that hung in the air like twinkling stars.

The inhabitants of the Fey's dwelling moved about with an ethereal grace, their laughter and music filling the air with a sense of joy and merriment. Each Fey was a vision of beauty, their features delicate and otherworldly, their presence imbued with an aura of enchantment.

Wow, I exclaimed in awe, taking in the breathtaking sight before us.

Beautiful, isn't it? Cleon remarked, his eyes reflecting the same wonder that filled mine.

It's crazy how I've been in Aegalia all my life, yet there are things I haven't seen or known, I remarked, struck by the enchanting scene unfolding before me.

The feys are secretive people and love keeping to themselves, Cleon explained. I doubt if it were just you, you would be able to locate this place.

There is a tree there, I followed Cleon's gaze to the tree he pointed out ahead. However if you would like to meet the feys, i can introduce you.

I would love that, Cleon, I replied eagerly. But then a thought crossed my mind. Wait, why were they not present at the Feast of Enchantment? I'm sure I did not see them.

Like I told you, Evelinde, they know how others think of them and see them, so they maintain their distance to protect themselves.

As Cleon and I strolled through the Fey land, the air hummed with the energy of magic, and the delicate beings known as the feys bowed in greeting as soon as they spotted us. Their eyes shimmered with curiosity as they inquired about Cleon's well-being, their voices like tinkling bells in the breeze.

It was evident that Cleon was well-loved among the fey, for they gathered around him with eager curiosity, their voices chiming like the soft melody of wind chimes. Each fey seemed genuinely interested in Cleon's well-being, asking after him with genuine concern and affection.

Their gestures of kindness and hospitality spoke volumes about the bond they shared with Cleon, and it was heartwarming to witness the mutual respect and admiration between them. As Cleon graciously responded to their inquiries, his easy charm and genuine warmth seemed to only deepen the fondness the feys held for him.

My prince a fey greeted with a bow as he emerged from the people gathered around Cleon.

Elowen, Cleon said with a smile.

Evelinde, this is Elowen and Elowen Evelinde, Cleon said as a way of introduction.

Elowen bowed to me and i returned the gesture.

My prince please, Elowen said gesturing with his hand for Cleon to follow him. We arrived at a quaint house, its timeworn walls adorned with delicate ivy and blossoms that bloomed in vibrant hues. The air around us hummed with an enchanting melody.

Entering the cozy abode, we were greeted by the warm glow of faerie lights that illuminated the rustic interior with a soft, ethereal light. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, enveloping us in a comforting embrace as we took in the serene beauty of our surroundings.

With a graceful gesture, Elowen invited us to settle in and offered us refreshments, his demeanor radiating a sense of tranquility and hospitality that seemed to echo the timeless rhythms of the forest.

My prince, it has been a while, said Elowen.

It has Elowen, i take things have been going well with you all as well.

Yes my prince, Elowen said casting me a look.

You can speak freely Elowen, Evelinde here has my trust.

Turning to me, Cleon said; Elowen serves as a spokesperson for the feys, a position he inherited from his father. He acts as a mediator and advisor, offering assistance and guidance to his fellow feys in times of need.

Now Elowen, you may speak.

My prince they've been some sort of change in the air lately, however none of us can say for sure what it is, we can however feel the change in the energy. With the feast going on we don't want to risk being at odds with the king and council. We also heard what happened to your men as well as your imprisonment. When i heard your men has been cured, i knew you have to be behind it. I wanted to send a message to you but with all that has happened to you and the feast going on, i decided to wait till after the feast to seek your audience. Thankfully you came here today.

Indeed a lot has happened Elowen, and my men said they saw some strange men out in the woods, but when they gave chase they could not find or trace their whereabouts. I'm guessing the change in the energy you feel has to do with them.

Have the king been informed my prince.

Oh yes, but he as well as the council thinks it's nothing and that it's impossible for anyone or anything to pass the barrier into Aegalia without them knowing.

In as much as i understand the king and council's reasoning, and yes the barrier is impenetrable and definitely no one enters without the royal family, sorcerers and mages whose magic is responsible for the barrier, noticing. However, they are powers and forces that we cannot fathom and they don't necessarily need to cross the barrier to enter Aegalia.

I know Elowen, however neither my father nor the council wants to hear of whatever explanation i or anyone has to offer.

I don't feel good about this my prince.

Neither do i Elowen, all i can ask of you and the others right now, is to be vigilant and let me know when you see or notice anything.

Of cause my prince.

Now, Evelinde and myself have to be on our way. Tomorrow is Arcane arts, we need all the rest we can get for tomorrow will be a long day.

As you wish my prince, but we all know how fond you are of our luminaberrry, Elowen said with a smile.

It is delicious Elowen, you can't blame me.

I doubt anyone can my prince, we are currently making luminaberry wine, once it's ready i will have someone deliver some to you.

I will appreciate that Elowen, thank you very much.

It is my pleasure my prince.

That reminds me, Elowen where are your wife and kids?

They all went out to pick some wild mushrooms with the others, they will be back later. Don't worry my prince i will let them know you ask for them.

Elowen escorted Cleon and i out and we both bid farewell to him, as Cleon and i went to pick some luminaberry