The Isle of Rhue was an inlet off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Cloaked by enchantments, only those who possessed magic could find it, and even then it was difficult. The elves weren't social creatures, and the elven leader was no exception. In fact he was ornerier than Abernathy. A rock had more personality. I'd spoken to him all of ten times in the last thousand years. Each conversation had been at the United Council meeting held once a century. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to this encounter.
We arrived quickly. Gabriel halted at the edge of Keening Forest. It was known for its giant pine trees, and the hostile phantoms that lurked within.
Gabriel released me. Dried grass crunched underfoot. "Come on," I said, ready to get this over with.
"I don't know," Ryden said, her high voice quivering. "Are you sure this is necessary? I mean, can't you command Devoran to come to you?"
"I could, but he wouldn't come. We have to do this." I stepped over a pinecone the size of Gabriel's head. "Stay on my shoulder," I told Ryden lightly. Once we entered the forest, if a pinecone fell on her, she'd be squished.
"Agreed. Everything is so big. I could live in one of those pinecones." As though to prove her point, a hairy spider, as big as my fist, crawled out of one. "Holy monster, I'm hiding in your hair," she said with a shudder. The spider, if it caught the pixilette, would make her an appetizer.
"I'll get rid of him," Gabriel said, shooing the spider in the opposite direction with the tip of his boot. There wasn't much growing under the canopy of trees, just a lot of dirt, pine needles, cones, and the occasional fern. It made sense though. The sun was all but blocked from view. Shadows danced within the stilted silence. In the distance I could hear the waves crashing and something else...
"The cries of the dead," Ryden whispered, pressing her little body against my neck.
"Let's go," Gabriel said, taking the lead, but immediately stopped.
A group of six elven guards approached, swords drawn, blocking us from going further.
"Put those away, my friends," I said, but heard the edge in my voice. "My name is Silindra, Queen of the vampires. I'm here to see Devoran. Take me to him at once."
One guard came forward. "Apologies, my lady. I didn't recognize you." He gave a slight bow.
I regarded him deliberately. He and the others tried not to gawk. It was understandable. I was a grand creature. But, I was also a vanishing breed. Most of the original vampires were gone, or had done like my sister, Sharra, and pilfered a new body. A human body. Though I felt my form aging, I would not lower myself as Sharra and the others had. Humans couldn't fly! I would die before giving up my wings.
"It's alright." I stepped forward.
The elves were slight creatures. Their frames tall and thin, like the branches on a willow tree. Skin and hair the color of silver dust. Eyes as deep blue as the Sea. They were dressed in tunics, two in black, two in green, and two in blue.
I never did understand the need for clothing. They were binding, uncomfortable. The humans wore them, as did many others. I couldn't be bothered. I had my fur.
A squeal resonated through my mind.
She's excited, I thought, and then caught myself. Who was this she? Maybe my mind was going. Shaking my head, I cleared my throat.
"I am Veb," one of the guards in black said. He came forward as he spoke, placing a fisted hand to his chest.
"Good to know you, Veb. Now, if you please, I'm in a hurry." I waved my hand toward the dark forest, motioning for him to lead us in. I didn't want to be impolite, but he seemed leery of us, especially Gabriel. I didn't have the time for his internal debate.
Veb shuffled his feet, a frown on his feminine face. "Silindra, I can take you and the pixilette to Crystal City, but I've been given strict instructions that I must never, under any circumstances, allow one of his kind in." He bowed low, but kept his steely gaze fixed on Gabriel. "Again, apologies."
My insides burned with anger. "Listen, Veb. I don't care what you were told. This Hunter is with me, and I am the Queen-"
Gabriel placed a hand on my shoulder, and spoke in my ear. "Can I have a minute?"
"Excuse us," I said, and stomped away, following Gabriel. When we were a ways off, I said, "Gabriel, if you think I'm going to cow to these elves, you can think again."
Gabriel smiled. "The thought never crossed my mind." He discreetly kissed my cheek. "Your sister has called me to her side. I'm sorry, but I must go. We can't let her know we are together."
A sickness formed in my stomach. I didn't want him to leave. Having him near brought me contentment. But I knew he was right. "Go," I said, and turned away.
"It's better this way. We don't want word to get back to Sharra that the two of you were on the Isle of Rhue together. That would raise too many questions."
Ryden was right, of course. I just didn't like that the elves questioned my authority.
When I turned back, the guards were all smiles.
"Follow us."