Through the Eyes of a Fae

Other than Ben gently cradling Kora against his chest, no one seemed able to move. They were as rooted to the spot as the newly grown plants around them. They could hear the voices of the caravan. The shocked cries and whoops of joy from the villagers. Of course, they were celebrating, there was now enough food to last them all year! Turning slowly, Malik took in the village and surrounding fields again.

“Stella, Ludis. I need you to check the plants and the water. Make sure it is safe before people consume it. Royce and Ben stand guard over Kora. I don’t want her going anywhere when she wakes up.” Ben stepped forward; Kora held tightly to his chest.

“She just saved this whole village Malik! Kerr owes her thanks. Why are you treating her like a criminal?” Ben shouted and Malik stepped closer to him. His voice dropped low, but all could hear.

“Do you have any idea what we are dealing with? You are holding a fucking myth! A creature of fable. She has been the source of the magic the Men of the Grey have used to ravage this land for 1500 years. She has the power to restore this land or raise it to the ground. Anyone seeking power is going to want her. She is lucky I do not kill her now, just to save myself the hassle of trying to conceal her. If you want to help her, guard her. Do not let her leave. Don’t let anyone close or see what she can do.” Malik’s voice was steel as he and Ben stared each other down. Without a word, Ben turned and began to walk away. Ludis and Stella started working their way across the fields to the wells as Royce followed Ben. Malik gritted his teeth at the disrespect and headed for the village. Ben was halfway to the caravan when Royce spoke.

“When I was a child, the Chief of our tribe spoke of the Fae. The legend goes that Oberon, and his two wives, Titania and Mab left the world of the gods, as they were victims of oppression and would never be able to live free under the thumb of the gods. They were the first of this earth, and their children became the first people of this land. The first of the Fae. They said that Oberon had two children, a son from Titania who was favored and adored. Although Mab was considered the first wife, the people worshiped Titania and their son. When Mab finally birthed a daughter, she hoped it would return the favor of the Kingdom to her. When it did not, Mab became enraged. Her jealousy consumed her. By proxy, her daughter was also shunned. Mab’s lover, a human named Atticus, became the first of the Men of the Grey. Mab shared her power with him, so he could help her kill her stepson and his parents. Mab could then place her daughter on the throne.” They had reached the caravan now, who had settled and began to make camp for the night. Laying Kora under a tree, the men set up a tent for her.

“Why are you telling me all of this, Royce?” Ben felt that the story was not over and wanted to know what Royce was trying to say. Leaning against the tree where Kora rested, Royce looked down at her, thoughtful.

"They say that Atticus became drunk with Mab’s power and after killing Oberon, Titania and their son, he betrayed Mab. Realizing too late that killing Mab cut off his source of power, he sought to enslave her daughter so that he would always have the power of the Fae at hand. He turned Mab’s daughter into stone mate.” Ben looked down at Kora. He was stunned.

“There’s no way it’s her. She is not old enough to have been at the beginning of the world. She told me so herself.”

“She may not be the daughter of Mab but think, how did someone get the idea to trap a Fae in stone?” Royce had a point, and Ben knew it.

“What happened to her? The daughter who was turned to stone?” Ben was afraid of the answer.

“With her last breath, she whispered a spell. One to give the power to undo what was done to her. It drifted on the wind, looking for a soul worthy enough to carry the burden. They say her statue had long since been drained. The daughter was a gentle soul, and the blood of the Fae was not strong in her. After years of being used, she crumbled to ashes.”