Ferry couldn't sleep, the dream had shattered any shade of falling asleep. He stood for hours in the arched window dug into the wall of his chamber, watching the star through the wandering clouds in the sky. All the joy that had overwhelmed him on the way back from Lord Stephan scattered like dandelion fluff in the wind.

There was complete silence in that wing of the castle, though Ferry knew that all his friends lived somewhere in the castle. But this place was so big that he would have gotten lost, for sure. He would ask for a map of the castle from Thyme with the first occasion. 

And then, there was the nursery rhyme Lord Stephan had asked to be memorized. He unfolded the paper he had kept in his pocket and read it a few times. The words remained in his mind like lichens clinging to the bark of a tree. But the more he repeated it, the less he understood. Ferry hoped that the time when he would have to use it would never come. Not in this world, at least. The thought that he could be stripped of his magic, a mere human, in a place where people had no rights, gave him shivers. He carefully placed the paper in one of the shelves dug into the stone, though he knew he no longer needed it. Those tangled lyrics would stay in his head forever.

Outside his window, there was only the wind. Crooked trees, their old roots clinging to the even older rock, tilted their trunks as if in a bow. A few tufts of grass sprang up here and there from the rock, stubbornly resisting the cold, crisp air.

Ferry knew that the fortress laid at the base of the castle and that was the busiest part of the place. There, he hoped to meet his friends. Or to see Matilda. Talk to her for a few moments. And maybe that place wouldn't have seemed so cold anymore...

A light knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Raghnall had listened to him this time and didn't come in uninvited, like a shadow, as he usually did.

"Nice to see you again, Prince Garret," he said with a bow. "Are you ready for the first training? I see you're not prepared yet ... "

Ferry looked at the clothes waiting for him in his chair. He read the excitement in Ragh's eyes. He knew how much he had missed training since he had been appointed as his companion.

"I'll be ready in a few moments," he assured him, trying to look just as excited.

He dressed in a hurry for training: a soft shirt, without a collar, which seemed to be tailor-made for him, and brown trousers with a wide belt. And, of course, knee-high boots. The blue cloak was the last one he put on. Then he left the room trying to brush off the nervousness.

***

After the meal he barely touched, Ferry followed Ragh out of the castle. It was the first time he had left the castle since he came.

"Where are we going? Ferry asked, hurrying to keep up with Ragh.

"The training takes place in a special place," replied the young Solacer. We call it the Cave. Of course, it's not really a cave. You'll see," he added, almost flying.

Ferry forced himself to keep up (or rather run) with him. At the exit of the castle, the fortress was bustling with life. The Cloud Fortress, although hidden and secluded, was a citadel detached as if from a medieval picture in the history book. Stables, workshops where weapons and armor were made, horseshoes, wells from which Amalghams drew water, and a river that flowed quickly to the base of the castle where amalgham-women washed clothes and then put them to dry on thick branches of old trees. All made the fortress a lively, colorful, and effervescent place and not the land detached from legends about which so little was known.

Raghnall continued to run. He passed the bustle of the fortress, towards the more barren rocks, where the light of the star grew. Ferry was tired of running when suddenly Raghnall disappeared right before his eyes in front of a clump of dwarf trees with fat, shiny leaves. Laughter and shouts were coming from somewhere nearby.

Ferry hurried to the trees whose leaves were still shaking, a sign that Raghnall had passed by. He barely had time to stop at the edge of a precipice beyond the clump of bushes. So that was the Cave. It was so deep, he couldn't see the bottom through the green bushes that covered its edge.

Ferry gathered courage and jumped into the void in front of him. He got caught in cold air that, tangled with light particles mixed with dust, made him close his eyes for a second. But his cape was suddenly no longer his ally, and during the long jump, it wrapped around his leg, making him almost lose his balance when he reached the bottom of the cave. Fortunately, he managed to get it back and not fall in front of everyone.

There was silence around him. Ferry straightened up and tried to look confident and self-possessed. Amalghams and Solacers stopped at what they were doing, watching him.

Raghnall stepped closer. "Prince Garrett, welcome to the Cave," he said proudly. "The place where everything happens ..."

Ferry looked around. The depth of the pit was so great that he could barely see the sky above through the rich foliage. But the light of the star still managed to penetrate, as it did anywhere else, and fell in the middle of the cave, revealing a round podium surrounded by rocks in which strange symbols were dug.

The irregular walls had been made of winds and rains, and the evergreen vegetation had taken over them like a living tapestry. The roots of the old trees above dug deep into the hard stone, becoming part of the untamed decor.

Everyone's eyes were on him again, which made him uncomfortable once more.

"Ignore me," Ferry said at last, "keep up the good work," he added as if that were possible once he was there.

"How about spear fighting?" Ragh asked, his eyes twinkling.

"Aren't you too young to fight spears, Da'len?" asked an elf Ferry had never seen before. He was perched on one of the old roots coming out of the rock as if it were a feline before the attack. He wore silver armor that looked like it would hurt anyone just by touch, and a bow hung from his shoulder.

The enthusiasm in Ragh's eyes died down. Ferry knew what Da'len meant--child.

"Why not try your talents in the fight with someone that suits you, Stot?" Ferry heard a familiar voice.

Sage appeared behind some Amalghams that were training.

The elf made a huge leap from the thick root right in front of Sage. They were now facing each other.

"And you think you're the one, wolf?" he asked, looking at him.

But Sage was not intimidated. "I learned something while I was gone," he said. "Something that humans do and honors them ..."

The elf snorted but did not take his eyes off Sage. "What's that, if you don't mind?"

"They don't give up."

The elf laughed again. "That remains to be seen," he said, taking a thin wooden spear that was propped against the wall and tossing it to Sage, who caught it.

And with a battle cry, he lunged at Sage. But Sage was quick and avoided him, blocking his spear blow with his spear. But the elf didn't give up and attacked Sage again and again. With agile movements, which Ferry would not have believed he was capable of, Sage avoided every time and blocked every blow, almost knocking him down. But the elf was more agile, and his jumps more fluid and daring. He turned a few times in the air above Sage and with a lightning strike knocked him to the ground.

Sage could barely breathe, with the elf's wooden spear pointed at his neck.

"I'd say you have more to learn, wolf," the elf grinned. "But I must applaud your stubbornness. I would not have thought an Amalgham who was given to be skilled in food, could handle weapons so well. "

Sage did not answer. He rose from the ground without accepting Ragh's hand outstretched toward him and retreated to the edge, staring at the warrior elf who was now laughing with the other elves.

A hands clap caught everyone's attention. Leomh, the Second Commander of the Amalgham Army, made an impressive appearance. He was not as tall as the other Solacers, but he had wider shoulders and more muscular arms. He no longer wore armor, yet his warrior attire was impeccable: a white silk shirt over which he had a leather chest that matched his pants. On his belt, adorned with the star symbol found everywhere in Akna, he wore a silver dagger with a bent blade.

"Enough, lads," he said in his strong voice. "We have a guest of honor among us," he added, bowing to Ferry. "Perhaps Prince Garrett would like to show us some of his talents in weapons."

Ferry tried to look confident. He did not expect to have to fight in front of everyone from day one. But he nodded slightly. What other choice did he have?

Leomh nodded and motioned for Raghnall to come closer. For a moment, his eyes met Ferry's, who felt that Ragh, like him, wanted to be anywhere else.

"What is your weapon of choice, Your Highness?" Leomh asked.

Ferry hated weapons, even those that mimicked the real ones. But he chose a broad, unsharpened sword made of a heavy metal that an elf offered him to choose from. Ragh chose one as well. An Amalgham with lizard features gave them each a metal shield.

"Now, fight!"

But Ragh did not take a fighting stance. Leomh glared at him. "Fight him, Raghnall! It's an order. I don't think you want to get to the darkroom, do you? " he whispered in her ear. "Now fight him!" he said, pushing him toward Ferry.

Raghnall finally took his fighting position. Ferry tried to remember the sword fighting techniques Thyme had learned. But everything was a blur. He didn't even remember the last time he trained.

Ragh's blow was so strong and unexpected that even if he managed to stop it with his shield, the force of the young elf's arm knocked him to the ground. Ferry heard uproar and murmurs around him, but he didn't have time to wonder because the second blow came. He had never seen Ragh like that. He always seemed somehow childish and ignorant, curious and innocent at the same time. Gentle and kind. But now he seemed a completely different person. He was so turned against him that Ferry could tell he was in front of the enemy. He could only try to stop his blows with his own sword because he was sure that Ragh's sword would have become a real weapon if he did not oppose it. For his safety, Ferry had to retreat. He took a step back, then another, trying to keep up with Ragh's successive blows.

But soon, he realized he couldn't give back. He felt the thick wall of the cave behind him. The sword slipped from his hand, and he fell to the ground. He dropped his sword. He shut his eyes and covered his head with his arms.

Someone jumped in front of him, stopping Raghnall's last hit that would have hurt him.

"Ragh, enough!" he heard Sage's voice.

Ferry opened his eyes and discovered the wolf-man in front of him and Ragh barely breathing,  his head bowed. The sword had slipped from his hand.

Sage gave him his hand and helped him to his feet. Ferry was trying to clean his cloak of dust and dead leaves.

Leomh was now face to face with Sage. "It's none of your business to intervene, wolf," he hissed.

"No, it's not," Sage said, glaring at him. "My job is to protect him from danger. And you, now, Second Commander, were endangering him ... "

"I thought it was Thyme's job to be his protector. That's the only thing left for him, anyway, " Leomh snorted.

"I took an oath and I'm going to keep it," Sage said, and Ferry saw his jaw tighten. "I will never watch while he is in danger. As it happened now. "

"Maybe if Thyme had worked harder, he would at least have been able to defend himself," Leomh grinned. "What did Thyme teach him anyway? Smell the flowers and watch the sky? " he added, grimacing in disgust.

The other elves laughed and Ferry felt a hot air embrace him.

"Where's Thyme, anyway? Shouldn't he be here? " Leomh asked.

"He had to leave," Sage replied. "Five Nihils attacked a village in the Moors. He took four Amalghams with him and went to help the poor people. "

Leomh's face darkened. "Why wasn't I informed about this?" he asked.

"It is not my duty to inform you. Nor is Thyme's. It was Lord Stephan's decision to send him, " Sage said calmly.

"Then I will have a word with Lord Stephan. Stot, you're responsible for today's training, " he told the elf Sage had been fighting. Then he hurried to take the flight over the Cave.

Ferry spent the day training with one of the Amalghams soldiers. He didn't see Ragh all day. He tried to listen to Amalgam's instructions, but his thoughts ran away. Why hadn't Thyme let him know he was leaving? Why had Ragh behaved like that? Where were his friends? Parsley, Rosemary, Oona? But most of all, where was Matilda?

At the end of the training day, Ferry saw Sage and other Amalghams laughing and climbing the thick stems to the exit of the cave.

He hurried to follow him. Outside, the clouds were scarce now, and the light crept in, casting its light on Sage's shirt which carried traces of dust and sweat. Sage continued to talk to his comrades. He didn't even notice Ferry. The Amalgham fighters hurried to the waterfall in the valley where, after each training, they washed away their tiredness and worries.

Ferry caught up with Sage before reaching the waterfall. He looked surprised to see him there.

"Garrett, you shouldn't be here. Go to your chamber. There's a treat waiting for you there. And wait for Ragh, " Sage said, turning his back on him.

"Sage, wait!" Ferry shouted after him.

Sage took a deep breath and turned to him. "What?"

Ferry stepped closer. "I want-- I want to know if Matt is okay ..."

Sage frowned. "Why wouldn't she be?"

"Well... I haven't seen her since I got here... How is she?"

Sage turned his back on him again. "She's fine, Garrett. Go and rest. "

"Sage!" Ferry shouted at him again.

The werewolf turned to him. His voice no longer sounded so harsh. "You'll see her soon, Garrett. You have to have a little patience, okay? Now go. Ragh is waiting for you, "he said, pointing to the young elf who kept some distance, not daring to approach. "And don't be mad at him. He's a good lad. "

***

Ragnall kept his distance until Ferry reached his room. Once there, he understood what Sage was talking about when he mentioned the treat. Someone had prepared him a bath. In his room, in one of the darker corners, a round pit was dug. Now, Ferry saw its purpose. The water was warm, sprinkled with small blue flowers that spread a raw scent throughout the room.

The bath managed to wash away some of the shame and worries he felt that day. Now Ferry was watching the world at the foot of the castle from his window. From time to time, an Amalgham sheathed carrying a basket of freshly washed linen or pulling a cart of vegetables. Ferry's room was far from the tumult of the fortress. And that pleased him, somehow. He could stand alone with his thoughts. Even though his thoughts weren't the happiest lately.

He startled when he heard a light knock on the door. Ragh entered. He still kept his head down. But even so, his outfit made him look noble and elegant. Even without armor and hair falling over his shoulders, Raghnall still retained the serious allure of a fearless warrior. But his eyes said otherwise.

"Prince Garrett... I was wondering if you want to take a walk outside the castle."

He still didn't dare look at him. Ferry thought for a moment. Why not? After all, he was the only one to be ashamed of his fighting techniques or rather the lack of them.

"Sure ..." Ferry forced himself to smile.

He put on his blue cloak, which seemed to absorb the light of the star, and left the castle together. But it was not the cape that gave him the majestic air. Now that the clouds had dissipated, his forehead was bathed entirely in the soft light that brought out the light inside him and made it pour all around him.

Everyone they met bowed, then stayed stuck in place, looking behind him. An Amalgham woman offered him an apple from a full basket. Another gave him a sip of juice and Ferry felt the sweet-sour taste of the juice, which seemed to drive away all sad thoughts. As they advanced, Solacers and Amalghams alike bowed before him, each offering him unusual gifts: flowers, stones, fruit, branches with silver leaves, all so strange and different from anything he had ever encountered in the human world.

"You have to put them in the window. Here, we use what nature gives us as protection," Raghnall told him.

"Protection against what?" Ferry asked

"Against bad weather, pain of any kind, broken heart ..."

Ferry smiled bitterly. "I don't think there' a cure for a broken heart ..."

Ragh shrugged. "I don't know. No one ever broke my heart. And I don't think ever will. "

"Is there protection against bad fighting?" asked Ferry.

Ragh finally laughed. A loud and contagious laugh like the laugh of a child who likes to tickle. "I think training alone is the only cure for that," he said.

Now they had left behind the citadel and its inhabitants. In front of him laid the same stoned realm over which the cold white light poured. Ferry breathed the cold air laden with the smell of fir and moss. Suddenly he smelled wildflowers invading his nostrils and small, cold palms covering his eyes. But that unmistakable giggle made him realize who his pursuiter was.

"Guess who?"

Ferry gently pulled Oona's hands away and turned to her. Raghnall was just as surprised to see her there.

"Oona, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"I've been watching you since you left the castle," she laughed. "You should have seen your faces. You were so serious, I thought you were coming from a funeral. "

"You know it's forbidden to turn unseen and follow others here, right?" Ragh told her.

Oona rolled her eyes. "It's not like I did anything wrong, Sharp Ears," she told him dryly. "Besides, I missed you, fairy-boy," she purred like a cat and wrapped both hands around his arm, clutching it.

Ferry was glad to see her. Oona always made him feel better by her mere presence. She wore a green dress like her eyes and had young ivy twigs braided in her hair. The thin dress barely hung on her slim body, and the neckline went down deep to her waist. Ferry struggled to take his eyes off her young breasts and focus on her red-cheeked face as they spoke.

"How have you been doing?" Ferry asked, resuming his walk so he wouldn't have to stare at her again.

Oona sighed. "Not that well. You can't really have fun in this place. I've been looking for herbs with Rosemary. I planted flowers with Parsley. I taught the castle cooks how to make your favorite sandwiches. I stayed in my room most of the time. Good thing I am alone in my room. I made a very nice shirt for you, fairy-boy. I can't wait for you to visit me in my room to try it, "said the fairy, smiling meaningfully.

"I'm afraid that in this place, visits are forbidden when it's time to rest," Ragh said. Ferry noticed that he, too, could barely take his eyes off Oona's cleavage and that he blushed every time Oona spoke to him.

"Oh, is there anything that makes you feel good and not banned around here?" Oona snorted. "It's like being in one of the monasteries in the human world," she sighed.

Ragh shrugged. "I don't know... I haven't seen too many places ..."

"That's why you're so boring, Sharp Ears. You have to see places, meet people. Of all sorts. Not just those who only know how to spin a sword over their heads. "

Raghnall stopped. "Would you stop calling me Sharp Ears?" he complained like a sullen child. "Ever since I met you, that's all you say to me. It's rude and it's mean. All I did was treat you nice," he snapped.

Oona stopped, without letting go of Ferry's arm. She looked at him intently, with a cheeky smile in the corner of her mouth, aware of the charm she had on him. Raghnall looked away and blushed.

"And how would you like me to call you?" she asked, and her voice turned sweet.

"Ragh. My friends call me Ragh. "

"Very well, Ragh," she said. "Now be a good boy, pretty please, and leave me with Ferry. I'd like to talk to him, " she smiled.

Raghnall nodded like a puppy receiving attention from his master. He stayed put as Oona and Ferry continued on their way. The star had entered the clouds again and it was getting chilly.

"Uh, I hate this cold. I miss the sun of Tenalach, so warm and bright. The light barely reaches my room. "

"Where exactly is your room?" Ferry asked.

"In the west wing, the fifth floor, the fifth room on the left," she said with a sigh.

Ferry hesitated whether to ask the next question. Eventually, he decided to do it. "I was wondering if... If you've seen Matilda since we came here."

He saw Oona's gaze grow harsher. "I didn't talk to her. From what I understand from Sage she's somewhere in the east wing, but much lower than my level. Have you seen this place, Ferry? It has hundreds of chambers, pantries, pits, and rooms. You need a map to get to her. And besides, have you ever thought that maybe she doesn't want to see you? "

"What do you mean?" he said, frowning.

"Well, you're the only one trying to reach her. The only one who wants to know how she's doing and if she's okay. If she cared about you, she would do anything to see you. Instead, she spend hours with Sage ... "

Ferry swallowed hard. "She spends time with Sage?"

"Yes," Oona nodded repeatedly. "I saw them training. Sage teaches her all sorts of fighting schemes. Looks like he became very good at it. Then, they eat and take long walks. They spend a lot of time together. "

Ferry felt his heart breaking into thousands of pieces.

But Oona continues unhindered, "I think she's that kind of woman ..."

"What kind?" he asked.

"The kind who wants all men wrapped around her finger, then she gets bored of them. I think it has to do with her mother... Her absence made her cold and unable to love, " added Oona as if reading from a psychology book.

Ferry shook his head. "That's not true. Matt can love. I saw it. I felt it... " he said and felt an emptiness in his stomach. "Under the cold facade she shows to everyone, it's a big heart, I know that ..."

Oona shrugged. "Then it means she doesn't want to repeat her mother's mistakes ..."

"What mistakes?"

Oona looked at him with her deep eyes. "Oh, Ferry... I don't know if you're blind or you just force yourself not to see things the way they are. Her mother and Doruh were lovers. Even if she wanted to go back to her husband and daughter, that doesn't mean she didn't love him. You see, the love between a fae and a human is different. It is much deeper, more consuming, and difficult to put into words. Fairies make great lovers. If a human makes love to a fairy, they will be marked by it forever. And then, for the rest of their remaining days, all they do is search for that feeling and never find it again with any other human. And that longing remains there forever like a muffled pain in the soul. People are never the same after they have loved a fairy... " said the red-haired fairy, lost in thought. Then she looked at him again and Ferry saw the green in her eyes darken. "So tell me, fairy-boy, are you sure you want to make a human fall for you?" 

Ferry is not himself among his own. At least, for now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story so far. As always, thank you for being part of my writing journey. Love lots!