As the people around them scattered, Ferry saw Thyme greeting the warrior elf with a short, firm forearm shake. Ragh was the only one except for Thyme who had stayed with him.

"Prince Garrett, this is Leomh, the Second Commander of our army," Thyme said in a solemn manner.

Leomh's piercing eyes studied Ferry from head to toe. "Your Majesty," he said shortly with a brief nod.

"Lord Stephan?" Thyme asked.

"Unfortunately, he couldn't join us," Leomh said. "He has one of those periods," he added, in Elvian, this time. "I'm worried, Thyme. They are becoming more and more frequent. "

Thyme gave him a meaningful look. "We will talk about this later. Now let's go. "

"Prince Garrett, we have the chambers prepared for you," said the warrior-elf, again in human language. "Follow me," he added, leading the way towards the great castle in front of them that rose to the clouds.

Ferry hesitated. He took a look back. He didn't recognize any of the faces around him. But most of all, he couldn't see Matilda anymore. And that made his heart tighten again.

They all set off for the castle dug into the rock of the mountain, escorted by a suite of ten warrior elves. They all wore silver armor. Their wrists were also protected by armor which extended to their elbows, adorned with strange symbols carved in the noble metal. But most of all, Ferry was impressed by the weapons the elves carried. Daggers, swords, or bows made of the same precious metal that shone at their waist or on their shoulders. The suite of warriors walked cadent, their footsteps echoing on the cobbled alleys leading to the castle.

In front of the wooden gates, Leomh stopped and knocked several times at a certain pace. The heavy gates opened slowly, and Ferry felt his heart pumping in his chest, at the acknowledgment of the fact that there was no way back.

As he passed the threshold of the castle he was greeted by a cold air that mixed the scents of rain, grass and another unfamiliar smell, similar to fir resin and cranberry tea.

The great hall they had entered was dark, but in the light of the blue torches flickering from the recesses dug in the rock wall, a spiral of stairs rose to the heights of the castle where the light was too fragile to reach.

Surrounded by the warrior guard led by Leomh, he began to climb the stone stairs. On either side of the winding stairs, there were doors dug into the mountain that led to the rooms of those who lived in the castle. Ferry had to climb more than half the stairs to reach his chamber, situated somewhere in the heart of the castle.

Leomh stopped in front of the room and, with a short greeting, said, "This is your chamber. Raghnall will help you settle in, now. "

Then, with a short bow of his head, he withdrew, accompanied by Thyme and the warrior guard. Two of them remained in front of his door.

Ragh pushed the heavy door of the chamber. The door was made of several thick tree trunks bounded with wide straps and silver hinges.

Like all the rooms in the castle, his was carved into the rock of the mountain. The few pieces of furniture in the room were also carved from the same hard rock. The window was a hole in the wall in the shape of an arch where a white curtain fluttered, trembling in the wind, as light as the wings of a butterfly. The bed was a cold slab over which was placed a hard straw mattress and some rough blankets. In the fireplace (actually, a larger hole dug in the rock) burned a blue flame that sent waves of warmth without making any noise. On the stone table, there was a silver plate with some fruits with shimmering peel.

"You should rest, Prince Garrett," Ragh told him, seeing that he did not dare enter. "Take a seat," he said, pointing to the stone seat. "I'll take off your boots."

Ferry frowned. "No need, Ragh. I can take off my boots myself. "

The young elf stood still, slightly confused. "Then I'll come and help you get dressed when you wake up," he said, pointing to a pile of clothes on the bed. "It's a big day tomorrow. The day you will meet your subjects. There will be a banquet in your honor. That doesn't happen very often around here, " he added with a twinkle in his eye.

Ferry nodded slowly. "What am I going to sleep in?" he asked, looking confused at the festive clothes that had been prepared for him.

"You mean you want to sleep in special clothes?"

"How else?"

Ragh shrugged. "We don't need so much sleep. There are two ways to sleep: in your ordinary clothes or without any clothes at all. "

"You mean you don't have nightgowns?"

"No," Ragh said shortly. "The night here lasts a long time. We can't sleep it through. We just slip under the sheets and that's it. "

"What if it's cold?" Ferry asked.

"You're cold? I can call someone to make a bigger fire for you if you like ... "

Ferry shook his head no. He thanked Raghnall for everything and asked him to retire. Ragh barely had the time to leave Ferry's chamber, that a firm knock on the door could be heard, and Thyme made his solemn appearance.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

Ferry shrugged. "Fine, I think... What's with the guards at my door? Are they really necessary? "

Thyme motioned for him to sit on the stone bench beside the bed. Ferry felt the cold of the stone gripping his body as soon as he sat down.

Thyme thought for a moment before saying, "Listen, Garrett... Being here means a lot to the Fortress people. To all of us... These people have been waiting for you for so long... You have to understand that they expect you to behave in a certain way. "

Ferry frowned. "In what way?"

"You see, certain rules must be followed. There are things that are not done here ... "

"Like what?"

Thyme looked away. "Like the descendants of the throne of Akna do not enter the citadels with a human beside them as an equal ..."

Ferry felt his pulse growing. He rose from his seat, his fists clenched. "Where is she?" he asked, trying hard to stay calm.

Thyme turned to him. The blue flames shone in his black eyes. "After the stir you caused when you entered the citadel with her, we had to take her to a shelter. The fae folk does not see humans with good eyes. The status of the humans-- "

"A man's status is earned," Ferry said through gritted teeth. "It is not up to others to decide for the humans ... "

"I know that, Garrett. But you're not in Goodharts anymore. Things around here are different. And humans are not well seen in this place ... "

Ferry looked him dead in the eyes. "Oh, come on, Thyme, you know Matt. She's one of the most special people I know. She's brave and daring, and she has the kindest heart under all the tough looks she tries to show ... "

"But not all humans are like that, Garrett. You should know that already, " Thyme said firmly. Then his voice became softer, "You should get some rest. Tomorrow is an important day. There is a festive meal in your honor where the inhabitants of the Cloud Fortress will meet you, " he said and left the room with a sigh.

Behind him, Ferry took off his shoes and his cloak with quick, nervous moves. Then he threw himself over the cold, rough bedsheets just as he was dressed, his clothes dusted from the long trip. Through the folds of the curtain, he could see the star surrounded by its ring of light, half-lit, casting a cold light all over the room. Suddenly, this place that didn't even have pajamas, didn't seem so welcoming anymore.

***

He was awakened by knocks on the door. Ferry suddenly stood up in his bed. It took him a few seconds to realize where he was. The knocks on the door continued.

Ferry tried to arrange his ruffled hair with his fingers. By the time they reached Akna, it seemed his hair was growing faster, turning even more difficult to tame. He then smoothed his wrinkled and dusty clothes.

"Come in," he said, at last, waiting on the edge of his bed. An amalgham-woman slowly came in with a silver basin of water in which floated white petals that spread a fresh, citrus scent. The woman had bird features. Her small eyes, like beads, scanned him as she passed by when she placed the basin on a carved shelf dug into the wall, with a piece of rough cloth beside it.

"Your Highness, I brought you water to wash," she said, looking away.

Ferry cleared his throat. "Thank you," he said.

But the woman didn't leave. "Do you want me to help you wash?" she asked without looking up.

Ferry shook his head again and again, even though she couldn't see him. Being naked in front of her, and an unknown woman, on top of it, was one of his biggest nightmares.

"No!" he almost shouted, and the woman was so surprised that she looked up, watching him confused. "I mean, I can handle it. You can leave, "Ferry said in a less agitated tone.

The amalgham-woman came out and Ferry searched the heavy log door. It had no locks. And no chair to block it with. He returned to the basin of water, took off his shirt, and sprinkled his body with that cold, fragrant water. Sleep flew away in an instant.

He then examined the clothes he found on the bed before. The shirt had no buttons and looked like a T-shirt in the human world, only it was made of the finest and lightest material Ferry had ever seen. So light that he could barely feel it in her hands. The pants seemed to be made of a fine gray leather, velvety to the touch, yet resistant. But what amazed him the most was the wide belt and many other straps and buckles sewn along his pants. A tunic of the same material and color as the pants completes the noble outfit he had to wear. Ferry then unfolded the sky-colored cape, tailored as if from butterfly wings. It was huge, and the shiny folds trembled in the air, falling from his hands on the stone floor with a muffled sound. Ferry picked it up and dust it off quickly, and the folds rippled like the waves of a sea during the storm.

Ferry got dressed fast, staring at the door, fearing it might open at any moment. He managed to fasten the dozens of straps along his leg, which made his pants stay fixed as if he was wearing a second skin.

He put off his knee-high boots, now perfectly polished, and searched his old trousers pocket with his heart pounding. He breathed a sigh of relief when he found his mother's watch, which he caressed, then put it in his shirt pocket.

"Am I ready for this, Mum?" he whispered. As always, the thought of his mother brought him peace.

He startled when he heard a knock on the door, this time louder than the first. Raghnall came in resolutely, wrapped in his green cloak that waved behind him as if floating. What was the matter with the cloaks in this world? Why were they so impressive? The young elf also wore impressive silver armor.

"I see you're ready," he said.

"Yes... I think so..." Ferry said.

Raghnall examined him from head to toe, then nodded with content. "You still have this to put on," he said, handing him a wooden box. "It's your armor."

Ferry opened it and saw inside two wrist armor, as worn by Leomh, the Second Commander. Ragh helped him put them on. Then, he helped him put on his armor, which was not as heavy as Ferry had expected. It was engraved on the chest with the symbol of the star surrounded by the ring of light, the symbol Akna.

"It's made in our blacksmith's forge," Ragh said proudly. "It took Calhoun, the blacksmith, three points of light to do it. He said he didn't close his eyes until he finished it. Do you like it?"

Ferry nodded, though there was no mirror in the room to see how it looked on him. He was afraid of looking like an idiot with so many layers on him. Besides, it seemed to him that, unlike the warrior elves, with their impressive stature, he looked like a skinny boy with a dumpster lid hanging around his neck as human children wore when they played war.

"Everyone is waiting for you," Ragh said, enthusiastic. "You should see how many tables have been laid out for you. I've never seen anything like it. Not even when Lord Stephan returns from his wanderings."

Ferry tried to smile. He wanted to share his enthusiasm. But now his mind was set on something else. "Listen, Ragh, have you seen Matilda?" he asked.

The smile faded from Ragh's face. "Not since we got here," he said softly.

"Where is she? Is she all right?"

"She's fine. I talked to Sage. She and her brother were taken to a separate chamber below my chamber. Besides, Sage takes great care of her. Somehow, she's important to him, " he said, frowning. "She is special to him. Is she special to you, too? " he asked Ferry looking him in the eyes.

Ferry nodded slowly.

"Special how? Like a sister? " Ragh asked.

Ferry shook his head. "No. Not like a sister... Special like someone you care about a lot and always think about. Have you ever had anyone to make you feel that way? " he asked.

Raghnall shrugged. "No. The people here don't feel that way. Or at least that's not their purpose... Unlike humans ... "

Ferry sighed. He felt sorry about Ragh. How sad it must have been not to be able to feel something so overwhelming, deep, and indefinite as--

There was a short knock on the door and Thyme entered. His face lit up when he caught sight of Ferry.

"Are you ready, Garrett?"

Ferry nodded, trying to look confident. Was he really ready?

***

As he walked out the door of his chamber, with Thyme in front of him and Rahnall behind, the two guards greeted him, crossing their silver spears, then framed him and they all headed for the twisted stairs at the end of the corridor. The echo of the footsteps resounded beyond the thick walls of the castle. Four other warrior elves waiting at the end of the stairs joined them. They descended the stairs with the same firm step and the same rhythmic pace Ferry focused to follow.

Framed by the royal suite, Ferry arrived in the great hall where the wind was blowing again. A drift of air ruffled his hair which seemed longer than when he went to bed. The cloak swirled behind him, and the guards took a few steps away as if to show it respect.

Tunnels were dug in the walls of the stairwell wherever he looked. The guards led him to the largest of them. Somewhere in the distance, he could hear fragments of voices and the sound of pipes and flutes. The closer they got, the louder their voices and music became.

At the end of the tunnel, a white light sent a trembling spark. Ferry's heart beat faster with each step he took toward the light.

When they entered the light, the voices and music stopped. Ferry noticed a huge, rather low room, in the middle of which sat a long table that could easily hold a hundred people. In the walls were dug oval windows through which the light of the star penetrated, making the room look even bigger. On the edge were other long tables beside which stood upright Solacers and Amalghams alike. They all fell silent at the sight of him.

The guards led him to the far end of the table, then retreated with a short bow. Thyme and Ragnall were waiting to his right and left. Just as all the souls in the huge room were waiting. The flames of the torches in the walls flickered and Ferry saw everyone's eyes on him. He recognized some faces. Sage, Parsley, Rosemary, and Oona were also at the main table, sitting in front of each other. Someone pulled out his heavy wooden chair and Ferry sat down. He felt the light of the star touch his forehead and saw the light intensify around him. Whispers of astonishment filled the room. He realized that the light was actually coming from his forehead, bathed entirely in the white light of the star. The place at the end of the table had been chosen specifically so that the light fell exactly on his forehead through the huge stained glass of the ceiling. Ferry looked away, suddenly overwhelmed by the attention being given to him.

Thyme sat down at the table, and the others followed suit. Ferry glanced past the crowd that turned speechless at his sight. No sign of Matilda. The table was loaded with the most varied dishes, some of them unknown, others reminding him of his mother's salads and tarts. Berries, seeds, and green vegetables placed on wooden plates, glistening appetizingly under the light of the flames. Someone must have told the cook what his favorite foods were. He put a handful of wild fruits and a piece of cheese and raisin pie in front of him on the silver plate in front of him. But even though he had missed their taste, the food now seemed bland and tasteless. Nothing seemed to have a taste without her ...

The other guests at the feast began to enjoy the dishes in front of them, and the voices and laughter rose again into the air. Ferry looked at his friends. Thyme was minding the salad on his plate, his gaze down. Raghnall tried to look just as serious, but there was a spark of joy in his eyes, and Ferry realized that the young elf was watching Oona, seated on the other side of the table. The red-haired fairy was keeping herself busy by throwing wild berries at Sage's head, who was sitting grumpy, arms crossed. The wolf-man looked disgusted at the salads in front of him and wept over the absence of a juicy steak he used to have in the human world. Parsley and Rosemary, both on either side of the table, were handing out various snacks to each other, their hands accidentally touching and their eyes twinkling every time it happened.

Suddenly, there was silence in the room. Ferry saw the diners standing up. Thyme urged him to get up and Ferry obeyed. Then he found the reason for the rumor: a suite of warrior elves led by Leomh had just arrived. Next to him, he recognized Lord Stephan. Leaning on his cane, the Pan greeted Ferry with a bow at the other end of the table. Then he took a seat, Leomh seated to his right. Sage motioned this to Thyme, who nodded slowly. The Pan clapped twice and everyone resumed their seats.

The sound of cutlery, glasses, laughter, and voices filled the room again. Thyme poured Ferry a sweet blackberry juice into the glass. Like Ragnall, he was too young to drink wine. Wine seemed to be the ultimate proof of the transition from a young elf to a real man. Instead, Sage drank glass after glass and stopped only when Thyme noticed that he had enough.

A click of the glass made the silence descend over the room again. Lord Stephan had risen to his feet, as had the warrior elves beside him. Everyone raised their glasses.

"I'd like to say a few words," Pan's firm voice echoed, hitting the cave's walls. "But I am afraid words are not enough to express the joy I feel. We've all been waiting for this moment for so long. The moment the lost son returned home, among his own, to meet his subjects and land. To see the respect and devotion of his people. And to accomplish his mission -- to defeat the enemy. To give our life back, " said Lord Stephan confidently. Then his penetrating eyes stared at Ferry, and, even from the other side of the room, pierced his soul with their intensity. "To Prince Garrett," he said, raising his glass higher. "To the hope he  brought back into our hearts!"

"To Prince Garrett!" hundreds of voices echoed.

Ferry was overwhelmed by the reception of the Fortress' inhabitants. He stood up and raised his glass, too. Hundreds of eyes were on him, and he felt unworthy of all the attention he was receiving.

"Now, let the feast begin!" said Lord Stephan, and Ferry breathed a sigh of relief that he should not give a speech in front of so many people. He was sure he would only say nonsense and stutter on the words.

Yet at the same time, the enthusiasm of the inhabitants of the Cloud Fortress gave him wings. But somehow, his joy was not complete. He just wanted Matilda to be there, to share his joy with her ...

Several Amalgham musicians entered the dining room and were greeted with shouts and cheers. They began to sing a cheerful song, accompanied by pipes and flutes. The diners joined them, singing and clapping.

https://youtu.be/5eyWRnJ3TRY

Oona got up from the table with that cheeky twinkle in her eyes. He took Rosemary by the hand and pulled her in front of the large table in the middle where she began to dance as if she had always known the inhabitants of the Fortress. She wore a fluid, transparent dress, as thin as air, whose folds bounced, then clung to her slender body with every movement she made, as light as a feather, barely touching the ground. All eyes were on her, and that seemed to please her. She closed her eyes and waved to the music. Her dance was contagious because more fairies joined her, bouncing and jumping to the merry music. And soon, the whole room resounded with good cheer and shouts of joy.

Then, Oona slowly rose from the ground, so that everyone could see her, and clapped her hands over her head. There was silence in the room again. With her palms cupped, Oona created some small blue fires that surrounded her like in a choir, flickering. Then she began to sing. Her warm, but haunting voice, left everyone speechless.

https://youtu.be/Riha0LPYTXo

Ferry knew the song. He had heard it a few times, and each time it sent shivers down his spine. Se ya no ye... Until my time shall come. It was sung by Saraid, the Fae Queen of Tenalach. Alwyn sang it, too. And now Oona was singing it. He remembered Lavender's words: that the haunting song had other meanings depending on the person who sang it. But what were Oona's intentions? And why had she wanted to accompany him in this place? What was the game she was playing?

Ferry looked at everyone-- they were listening as if they were enchanted, unable to take their eyes off her. Oona finishes her song and, for a second, everyone forgot to breathe. Then, they burst into cheers and squealed, surrounding her. Oona's eyes searched for Ferry's, and her intense gaze pierced him to the core. Then she smiled in the corner of her mouth, and Ferry shivered again.

But he wasn't the only one worried about Oona's small performance. Thyme and Sage exchanged a meaningful look. While Lord Stephan left the room without looking back.

Thank you for reading yet another chapter of this book! What do you think it's Oona's agenda? Can't wait to know your amazing theories. Love lots!