The following is a section of my upcoming novel – A Perfect Witchcraft. The image is Midjourney’s rather gorgeous interpretation of what Southey does with his gift.
As he stood silently observing the Faerie morning, a voice spoke up beside him. It was the moth-like sprite who attended the King on the dais. With his wings tightly furled his green tunic reached almost to his knees and his spindly legs looked to be encased in feathery grey tights.
‘John Southey,’ he said. ‘I am the King’s messenger. You were once a King’s messenger yourself, or so Lord Fahriel tells me.’
‘I was. But now I am a children’s tutor.’ He could not help the slight note of chagrin that came with these words.
The sprite laughed. ‘Well, you are honoured, believe me. My name, by the way, is Blahnid. The King has sent you a gift.’
The sprite moved closer, held out his closed fist and then slowly opened it. Southey blinked and caught his breath. It was a beautiful opal the size of a hen’s egg. The colour was like a summer sky, with veins of lightning flashing at its heart. Southey took it and felt it throbbing on his palm.
‘For me? But why?’
Blahnid stretched his shoulders and his wings fluttered slightly. ’Don’t ask. Just be thankful for it. Fahriel’s gifts are not given lightly. Have it made into a brooch or a pendant, or whatever you will. It is your key to the world of Faerie. Wear it openly, and with pride.’
‘I … I will, of course. Thank you.’
Blahnid yawned. His leathery face broke into deep grooves around his mouth and his eyes turned to slits. ‘The day has begun. We must all sleep, at least until the bell for court. You will attend, of course. Valtaria will later speak with you about your tutoring program.’ He cocked one eyebrow suggestively, then bowed and left with a wave of his hand.
Liriana did not join him in his room. Perhaps she was still with the King. He sat staring at the magnificent opal until his eyes began to close. Whatever the significance of that gift he felt it marked a new beginning. From now on his life in Faerie would be very different.
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