In case you missed the Wattpad Block Party post, featuring a Ferlands bonus chapter all about Blaike, now you can READ IT HERE!! I hope you like it! It's a little rewind to just before Eliana discovers the passage to the land. There's also a Zolen cameo, so...

The Ferlands Bonus chapter - The Fulfillment

Song of the chapter – The Last Of The Real Ones by Fall Out Boy

The Queen's compound loomed up ahead of Blaike as he approached on horseback. The Fae guards at the main gate gave him quite the sneer as he entered. Without the Queen's summons, giving legitimacy to his visit, he would have not only been denied entrance, but most likely would have needed to draw swords with the two burly guards. The long years of contempt between Fae and Watchers hadn't lessened any, it would seem. Blaike had no knowledge of the task the Queen required of him, but something deep within had urged him forward.

Without hesitating further, Blaike dismounted his steed, giving the reigns to the attending guard who had the decency to keep his distain to himself. When would the tension between the Fae and the Watchers end, Blaike wondered. Shaking his head, he told himself that only the return of the Starlight to its proper use would end their animosity. That event, unfortunately, was nowhere on the horizon.

He entered through the main doorway, left open in anticipation of his arrival. The Queen had no need for tight security within her compound walls, the entire grounds being hidden deep within the ancient Fae forest. Even with the heavy-handed threat of the self-appointed dark queen of the Ferlands, Claec, surrounding the land in its entirety, the Fae royal had not taken additional measures of protection. Blaike wondered how wise that choice had been.

Walking the long hallway, he crossed into the Queen's sitting room, where he had been summoned by Her Majesty just days ago. Leaving the Seer's compound to travel to the Fae lands was not without its dangers, nonetheless Blaike left without delay. He turned the corner to the main room, lined with bright glass windows that allowed the sunlight in as well as a clear view of the ancient trees surrounding the royal structure. The glowing room also gave Blaike a clear view of its occupants. Queen L'Oran sat casually on a cushioned chair, wearing a bright yellow gown with a crown of golden fae leaves woven into her red locks. Her billowing skirts flowed around her as she sat flanked by her general, Zolen. He wore a serious expression, matching his well-worn battle gear and leather armor. Blaike straightened his back, seeing the Fae male that he'd encountered often enough to know that this conversation would not be as casual as the Queen appeared.

"Ah, Blaike," the Queen spoke. "I am so glad you were able to travel so quickly. This matter is one of great importance, we can have no delay."

Blaike dipped his head slightly, showing the Queen the respect she truly deserved. While her general was not his favorite Fae, the Queen had proven to be a fair and caring leader. Blaike had always been drawn to her.

"I have to admit, your Majesty, I am quite intrigued that you have called on the Watchers for your task. Our job to guard Seer's from threats and attacks has been long standing, regardless of the current state of the land. We are not often required for anything else, other than keeping the Wildland creatures at bay. As well, you have your own forces. Your capable guards could handle any task you require."

The Queen listened to Blaike's concerns while gesturing to a chair opposite her position in the room. General Zolen remained standing, arms crossed. Blaike sat, still giving his attention to the Queen and attempting to ignore the tension pouring off of the Fae general at his left. It was clear that Zolen was unhappy with the Queen's call on the Watchers.

"I am expecting a visitor," Queen L'Oran said, "an otherworlder, by way of the north passage. You are to be her escort."

Zolen scoffed, "The general of the Fae should be escort to any visitor of the Queen, not a Watcher." The way Zolen spoke the word gave evidence for his contempt. The Queen shot Zolen a look, effectively silencing him. Then she returned her attention to Blaike.

"As Captain of the Watchers, I feel it is your duty to greet this particular visitor. She is coming to lands not traveled by Fae in many generations. Traveling to the passage will take you through the Forgotten lands. You have more experience there than do my guards."

Blaike nodded his understanding, while Zolen stood stock-still.

The Queen continued. "This visit is unexpected and she will have many questions, I am sure. However, I think her questions would best be answered here, while I can assist her understanding."

"This woman, has she never been here?" Blaike asked. "How are you aware she will be arriving?"

"Eliana has no knowledge of our lands. Your position as a Watcher has educated you about other lands, but she has no such information. This will be a shock for her."

Blaike felt a strange stirring in his heart, his soul, at the mention of the woman's name. Eliana, it was a beautiful name. There was just something about it...

"I humbly request that I be ordered to attend her arrival as a representative of the realm." Zolen's voice brought Blaike back to the matter at hand. He silently wished the Queen would refuse Zolen's request, not wanting to travel the days it would take to get to the passage with the disagreeable Fae general.

"While I appreciate your humility, Zolen, I am afraid that Captain Blaike must greet her alone. Trust that I do have reasons for my decisions." The Queen's words were final, although her tone was that of an understanding mother. Zolen simply nodded his head, his mouth drawn tight in a straight line of disappointment. He would not dare to defy his most beloved Queen.

Blaike rose from his seat, nodding his head once again at Queen L'Oran. "I shall prepare for the journey without hesitation. When shall I expect her arrival?"

"According to the information I received, sometime within this moon cycle. The exact time is not known, but I would request that you make your way to the passage and set up camp to wait."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Blaike gave his Watcher's salute before turning to exit the compound. With the little information he was given, Blaike felt strangely anxious about his task. The same sense that had urged him to the meeting now prodded him to make hast and travel as soon as possible. The woman's name, Eliana, swirled within his mind and he wondered at the strong sensation it brought to him. The feeling was foreign to him, after so long, but the only description he had for what coursed through his entire being was hope.

^^^^

Thanks for reading! I am currently giving The Ferlands a major facelift off-line in hopes to query the story to agents etc... and I think I love it even more! 

https://youtu.be/7YAAyUFL1GQ