Chapter Eleven

The abandoned warehouse smelled of the old tires it had once held. The crowd of Otherlings pressed tightly into the space, dwarfing the huge building.

The whispering of frightened people hummed the air electric. Ambra climbed high into the rafters to see, and many of the fairies perched around her. Something was going to happen, of that she was sure, and it didn’t feel at all good. She clung tightly to the beam she lay along, her raft in this sea of anxiety. The room waited for something; some resolution, or news or relief. They did not have to wait long. The fairy queen entered the room, her power a cloak stretching to touch the edges of the room.

Illianna hovered over the gathering like a cloud pregnant with an impending storm. She waited while the rustling quieted. Then she spoke softly, but clearly, so that each Otherling felt she spoke just to him.

“For the first time in eight hundred years our world is imperiled. While the cause is as yet unclear, we know that the veil which shields us from the sight and awareness of humans is failing.” The silence became an ocean, each Otherling treading water to stay above panic.

“There have been numerous sightings reported to me, and probably many others of which I am unaware. You all heard of the encounter yesterday between the Ogres and the human. As of yet, no Otherlings have been seriously hurt, including the Ogres who were involved. We’ve been lucky.

“But we cannot count on that luck holding. Rowan and I have done our best to mend the web to no avail. Even after we spent most of the day at it some trolls were chased into the bay by two men just this evening.”

“It’s true! Barney Lingle and Mavis Frowley it was! I saw the whole thing. They had to swim for it, and it’s a darned good thing they swim well, ‘cause those guys had a boat! It looked pretty funny, though, like they was all playing cops and robbers.” A troll near the back of the crowd offered this information in a jocular voice, pantomiming the swimmers. The crowd around him laughed and joked until they realized Illianna was silently awaiting their attention.

“Mavis suffered several deep cuts along her arm when, in her panic, she jumped too soon and hit the wharf.. She is resting quietly at home with her mother.” The laughing crowd subsided guiltily as Illianna went on.

“We need to make some decisions as a group. Until we’re able to fix the veil we’ve got to protect ourselves. I need your input as to how best we can do so.”

“Where’s Rowan? What does he say about all this?” A giant of a man that Ambra had never met before came forward from the shadows.

“Erin Thorntree, do you speak as one of our number?” Illianna spoke formally, her words iced.

“I speak as a representative of the tribe of mountain shapechangers. Our lives are also effected by your fates. Where stands your wizard?”

“Rowan is one with us, standing both within the veil and without.”

“Surely that makes his stake in the outcome lesser than ours.”

“”Rowan is loyal to our cause, of that I assure you.”

“Very well, lady, I accept your assurances. I offer asylum to any Otherlings who wish to winter in our mountains and see what news the spring may bring.” Erin Thorntree bowed and Queen Illianna tipped her head to him, then he returned to the shadows.
Conversations broke out all over the warehouse. Each group had their own stories of encounters with humans. It quickly became clear that none of the Otherlings were immune. Finally Illianna called for order once more. Verdun, elder of the trolls, approached her.

“My Queen,” he began, bowing deeply in the old courtly style, “I speak for the trolls. We are a simple folk. We cannot offer a solution. For now, and until such time as our safety in this city can once again be assured, trolls will move to the outer islands, to our old homes, the caves.” The room erupted in chaos. Many Otherlings accused the trolls of abandoning the community. Others agreed that theirs was a wise choice.

Illianna raised her arms, and all hushed to hear her pronouncement. “Verdun, you and your people have served this court well for many years. I will miss you. Go in peace, and the goddess bless you.” Once again Verdun bowed, and the Otherlings watched in stunned silence as the trolls left the gathering.

“Any of you that would feel safer away from the city are free to go. You have heard Erin Thorntree of the mountain shapechangers say they offer safe harbor to any who wish to bide there. Meantime, those of you who opt to remain in the city, exercise extreme caution. Rowan and I will continue seeking answers. If any of you have suggestions, please contact us. May the goddess bless us all.” Illianna left the warehouse. The quiet conversations were subdued as the Otherlings left. They clustered in groups, frightened to be alone.

Illianna hovered worriedly over her subjects as they headed home. “I do hope Rowan is still one of us...I hope he remembers his responsibilities and not just the mortal girl,” she fretted silently.