The wolf bowed her head to Rogue and jumped forward. As though a great fire threatened the noble beast, the wolf flew south toward the Mutarian capital. The shade, finding new energy and strength after being freed from Geoffrey’s spell, ran for the sacred woods of Artemis. The legendary stronghold of the shape shifter First Born would keep her safe from Heset and his reincarnation.
* * * *
Chapter Six
The Realm remained, as it had in King York’s day, the last stronghold of beauty and purity in the four nations. It lay in northwestern Otanna, past the Koyak Fields, on the very borders of the blessed forest King York’s sword stayed, imbedded in rock. Within the forest, the lesser Immortals dwelled. The Angels who cared and watch over man in the absence of the High Kings and Queens and the Fairies who ensured the preservation of the trees and mountains. In recent centuries their roles had diminished in the world of man and the forest in the north of Otanna was simply a mystical and cursed place no mortal had any right to enter.
Artemis had once dwelt in the Realm, but her home in the forest of Hazqu on the banks of the White River is where she belonged. Her last visit to the Realm had been when York, Lothen, and Sonya left the mortal world to join Pim in the House of Father Sky. It was not in her fashion to leave Hazqu, the concerns of men were not her own. However, the situation with the animals, her beloved children, was different and it was cause for alarm.
The first Angel in the Realm, Faith, had called the Angels and Fairies who dwelt abroad back to the Realm. As the highest Immortal still among Man, Artemis had been called and was awarded a special honor at the Realm’s Council. Or she would be if the council ever took place.
Ten days had passed since her arrival in the sacred wood. In that time not one Immortal had seen Faith emerge from her chambers. The Angel seemingly had forgotten about the council. But how could she? King York had beset Faith with the charge of watching the mortal world most steadfastly in his absence.
Artemis took the days to reacquaint herself with the Realm. Though little had changed in her long absence. The trees still glistened like gold in the sunrise and as the moon rose they seemed to sparkle like silver. To the casual onlookers they seemed but a bright green, like any other tree, but brighter. And in the very heart of the forest was the great dwelling York and Lothen had built. The whitest of marble created York’s palace and vines grew up the walls, vines the Fairies had added. The great arched entry way was just as magnificent as it had been when York still lived within.
A scene of York and Lothen’s coronation was carved into the arch. Inside the palace was a world of color. Each Angel and Fairy added there own touch. Yet each unique vision blended together and harmony was achieved. One room stood out from the rest, the shadowed and ominous room reserved for the Angel Death.
Death had long been absent from the Realm. She kept her chief dwelling in the mountains of Northern Sera. A black flame burned eternally in Death’s room. Artemis walked in and felt a chill come over her. Her life was among the living, among her beasts, in Hazqu. Death’s dwelling in the shadows was enough to overcome anyone with fear. Artemis did not fear death, but as she stood in Death’s room she shuttered. A dark cloud had descended on the White River and somewhere in this room was the solution, only one end was likely possible.
“The council, Faith has emerged.” Artemis turned to see the Angel Courage standing in the doorway.
Her red hair was pulled into a tight bun and her rusted wings fluttered slightly as she spoke. “Faith has come out of her room and she is distraught with worry. The council must begin now.”
“Now?” Faith was not a hasty being. “Surely you have misheard.”
“She says she had grave news and we must hasten to a council. The longer we delay, the more deadly our situation will become, or so she says.”
* * * *
