Gillian Summers - The goblin's curse

The vertigo faded as soon as Keelie’s feet touched the ground, Dad beside her. They’d landed in a valley tucked between two large Rocky Mountains, which rose like granite teeth on either side. Red, yellow, and orange wildflowers carpeted the meadow where they stood.

The afternoon sun was low on the horizon, its light golden and soft. Fresh air brushed against Keelie’s face and she inhaled deeply. She turned to look at Dad. “I didn’t know you could transport to another location.”

Dad staggered, pale. “I didn’t know, either. Ever since we’ve returned from the Northwoods, my powers have surged, and I don’t know how or why. I don’t even know if it’s permanent or just the result of the wild magic we were exposed to.”

“I’m impressed. But where are we, and how do we get back?” Keelie asked.

“Trust.” Dad pointed to the right. “Why don’t you ask them where we are?”

Three Colorado Spruce trees greeted her, their green voices blended as one. Hello, Tree Shepherdess.

Keelie reached out with her tree sense. Hello.

Your father has become strong, and he is favored by the Great Sylvus.

Pride coursed through her.

What are your names? Keelie asked. She sensed that these trees were very nice. This could be a wonderful place for Cricket.

The first, round tree answered. I am Bruce. He had a jolly tone.

The second, skinny tree waved his branches. You can call me Deuce. His voice was nasally.

You have the privilege of addressing me as Zeus. The third, very tall spruce had a deep baritone echo to his tree speak.

Keelie bowed her head to hide her smile. She didn’t want to offend these trees. Very nice to meet you. I wish it was under better circumstances.

Dad walked up to the trees and bowed his head respectfully.

It is time, Bruce said.

You know why we’re here? Keelie asked. She wasn’t sure yet if they would bury Cricket here, but if they did, she had to know why these trees were allowing a goblin to be buried among their roots. She shuddered, remembering her recent experience in the Redwood Forest with a goblin-infected tree.

A shower of green left Deuce’s branches, laying a trail across the ground that led to a rocky outcrop. The Great Sylvus has asked us to help the little one to carry on his journey.

This wasn’t the first time Keelie had had indirect contact with the elven deity.

Several bhata climbed through the branches of the spruce trees. Feithid daoine buzzed near the top of each tree like a crown of insects. Pixies, the little light fairies, danced in the meadow, and hundreds of butterflies waltzed in midair with them.

It was a peaceful place, and Keelie felt better knowing that this was where Cricket would rest.

The pixies flew to Keelie, and Cricket’s body was surrounded by light. The little goblin floated out of her arms to the spruces, and each took a turn holding him in their branches.

The pixies lowered Cricket to the ground, their bodies creating a glowing pillow upon which he rested. Keelie gathered wildflowers and placed them around him.

The trees watched in reverent silence.

Keelie remembered the Tree Lorem last summer for the Aspen Queen, and felt the need to speak.

“May your spirit rest in peace, my little friend,” she said as she sniffed. A little sparkle shot out of the grave and joined the glittering pixies. They winked out once Cricket’s bright light had joined them.

The spruce trees sighed in unison.

Do not worry, Tree Shepherdess. All will be well. Bruce waved his branches.

Thank you. Keelie smiled through tears.

Dad reached out his hand and she accepted it. “All will be well,” he said.

With a green whoosh, they traveled back to the faire, landing outside the elven village on the path hidden by the trees. Keelie heard the sound of jingling harnesses and chain mail. Sean, Bromliel, and some of the other jousters rode by on horseback, and she and Dad had to jump out of their way.

Keelie and Dad’s sudden arrival startled the horses, and the elves had to rein in their frightened animals.

“Whoa!” Sean shouted. “Lord Zekeliel.”

“Pardon me, gentlemen, my timing is off.” Dad bowed gracefully.

“What are you doing here?” Sean asked. “You’re supposed to be helping my father.”

Above the elven village, helicopter rotors beat the air.

So soon?

Sean straightened in his saddle, haughty and handsome. He met his elven companions’ eyes, as if they all shared a secret.

“You can’t leave yet.” Keelie whirled around and grabbed the reins of Sean’s bay gelding. The horse stepped sideways, but, well-trained, didn’t startle.

“If you’re an elf, then you will return to the Dread Forest with the rest of us,” Sean said. “Where do you stand in this world, Keliel?”

“You’re really and truly abandoning the faire?” She’d hoped maybe Sean would stay.

“If the threat was a human one, or a natural one, we would stay. But goblins-they’re after us, Keelie. We have our own lands to protect. Our own forest.” He held out his hand. “Come with me, and you and I will defend our Dread Forest.”

A sharp pain lanced through her chest as she realized how far apart she and Sean had grown in only a few days.

His expression softened. “Keelie, I will speak to the Council on your behalf and tell them that the fae magic in your blood contaminates your decisions. They will forgive you.”

Saddened, Keelie saw that he truly thought he was being kind.

“It isn’t too late. For us.” Sean’s eyes pleaded with her to say yes.

Releasing the horse’s reins, Keelie shook her head. “I have to stay.”

Dad came to Keelie’s side. “Stand beside us, Sean, and persuade the other elves to join us against the goblins. Let’s put a stop to Peascod once and for all.”

Sean frowned. “Lord Zekeliel, you helped form our escape plan. You yourself said that humans are in no danger. Humans can’t even see goblins, remember? I cannot join your foolish venture. Our forest needs us.” Sean turned his horse, as did all the other elves.

Before he galloped away, Bromliel turned around and bowed his head. “Good luck to you, Daughter of the Forest. Lord of the Forest.” He clicked his heels against his horse’s side and cantered away after Sean and the others.

“They’re really leaving.” Keelie looked up at Dad. Another helicopter circled above. “Dad, what you said before, about goblins not hurting humans, might not be true.”

Dad watched the helicopter fly off, then shook his head. “Humans have never seen goblins, and some goblins live side by side with them, thriving on their refuse. Why would they hurt them?”

“Because it’s an army?” Keelie sighed. “I think things are very different now. Peascod is leading them, for one thing.”

“If we had a large number of magical warriors, then the goblins might be swayed not to attack,” Dad said thoughtfully. “We could turn them against Peascod.”

“Where are we going to find magical warriors?” Keelie asked.

“I don’t know.” Dad frowned. “I still believe that humans are in no danger here.”

“Except that if Peascod wins, the whole world will suffer.” Keelie looked closely at her father. “We need to get you a stronger talisman soon.” She bit her lip. “The only other option is… ”

“What are you thinking?” Dad cast a worried look in her direction.

“I’m thinking that in order to keep the humans safe here, they need to know what they’re up against. They need to know about the goblins because no one else is willing to protect them. They need to know about the magic, so that they can defend themselves.”

Dad’s mouth dropped open, and then he closed it quickly. “Why would they believe you? How would they defend against a foe they can’t see, who might not even want to harm them?” His shoulders slumped. “I need to rest now. In the morning, let’s talk to the dragons, after we stop at Sir Davey’s RV to find a talisman. I do not want to come under another of Niriel’s enchantments.”