Fates Divided: Halven Rising

Red stars sparkled in a black sky like pale rubies. Elena walked along the river’s edge, staring up, her feet and the rest of her body clad in the comfortable Fae clothes. The sound of leaves rustling and water trickling were the only signs of life.

She looked down and stars and moons reflected in the river beside her.

Moons? She peered up again, and tracked not one, but three white moons in different lunar phases.

A gentle breeze swept a lock of hair against her face and she wrapped her arms around her torso, but this time the breeze didn’t penetrate her clothes. She remained warm, the Fae material, like a thin, stretchy wetsuit, molding to her, as if the clothes were protecting her from the cooler Tirnan climate.

Just ahead, she made out the arch of the bridge from her last dream. As she neared, a familiar female shape appeared.

“Remember what I told you,” Deirdre said as Elena reached the bridge. “You must never cross the Fates. Danger resides on the other side. More danger than simply entering this realm.”

How did Deirdre know Elena planned to go to Tirnan?

“I remember. But why do you only visit me in my dreams now?”

Deirdre looked down at the water, flowing steadily south. “It is safer this way. No one observes you here.”

“But you do.”

Deirdre smiled. “Yes. That is my special gift. Not many have the ability to enter dreams. A dreamwalker may only enter the dreams of someone they know.”

Deirdre had entered her dreams twice now, bestowing knowledge about Tirnan. Maybe she’d have advice about traveling there. “After reading the Tertullian Codex, I think I need to travel here to build my powers.” Elena glanced around. “It seems Fae of noble blood can enrich their powers through the land.”

“It is possible.” A forlorn look crossed Deirdre’s face. “The only other Fae with your ability was a nobleman. Connecting with his descendants may help in your search as well. They are a part of New Kingdom.” She paused a moment and sighed. “I feared you would end up in Tirnan. You must speak to Leo and learn all you can before traveling here. Great danger awaits you.”

“Leo mentioned that, but if I’m the Fae’s only hope, why wouldn’t they help me?”

“Long-held beliefs are difficult to extinguish. Fae believe Halven are an abnormality. Like the mother of a deformed pup smothers it to spare suffering, our people will sense your energy level and end your life before they listen to reason.”

“Can’t Keen telepath a message and let people in Tirnan know that I’m coming to help?”

“Keen’s telepathy works in one direction. He may listen to others, but they cannot hear inside his mind. And his ability does not work across realms.

“Even if he could communicate with our brethren, they would not listen. It would take time we do not have to convince them to put aside prejudices about the Halven. Most know Halven are responsible for the deaths of their loved ones, and they are not in a charitable mood toward your kind.”

“If that’s the case, how will I survive long enough to create a cure?”

Deirdre gently squeezed Elena’s arm. “Protect yourself through your ability. Use it to defend as much as to create. For now, Derek is on your side. If traveling to Tirnan is the correct course, Derek’s power will help you enter unsuspected. There is always the risk that…” She trailed off, concern crossing her face.

“What?”

“Trust your instincts. They will guide you well.” Deirdre’s figure flickered.

“Wait! I don’t trust my instincts. That’s the problem.”

Deirdre was gone.