Falling into Mythica

Chapter Six

VIDA’S POV

I continued to look at the ground as we walked through the gate, and I felt a slight tingle as I did; it was like I had crossed an imaginary barrier or something. I must remember to ask the others about that when we were far enough away from the main gate.

A few silent minutes later, Elida said, “It should be fine for you to act normal now, Vida.” I raised my head and found myself once again staring into Kenneally’s piercing grey eyes. He grinned and winked.

Ignoring him, I turned to find Elida a few feet away from me, hovering at eye level. I quickly looked around to make sure that there was no one too close to us before I spoke. “What was that tingling sensation as we entered the main gate?”

In my peripheral vision, I saw Kenneally cöçk his head to the side like a dog will do when you speak to them. I said nothing to him, but I couldn’t help but smirk.

“Did you feel that? I’m surprised a human could feel a magic barrier like that, but then we know so little about your kind,” he stated as he thought about what I had said.

“So, what, it’s like some kind of magic forcefield or something? If so, how come we could cross it?” I asked, really having no idea what magic they were talking about.

“Well, I guess you could say that it is a barrier of sorts. It’s actually a protection spell. It is supposed to keep out people who have magically concealed weapons or even those who intend to cause harm. Not sure if it works, but that’s the theory behind why the Elder witch had it put in place.” Kenneally explained.

I just nodded; so many things were swimming around in my head. This place was so different to the human realm, and once again, I was reminded of the fact that should I actually get home, things would never be the same for me.

“Come on, let us make our way to the Council Office,” Elida said and started to fly away. I followed quietly behind her, and as usual, Kenneally was by my side.

This inner section was immaculately kept. The grass was short, and the flowers were all trimmed neatly. The houses were huge and very well looked after. I mean, they looked freshly painted, and there wasn’t a cobweb in sight. These people were definitely at the top of the hierarchy here in Mythica.

We continued to walk in silence and eventually arrived in front of what looked like an old council building I would see back home. It was made up of several levels, with the top being a clock tower. There were rows of columns out the front, and it was all stone, including the decorative mouldings and the stairs leading into the building.

I stood in awe, staring up at the enormous building before me. Elida flew close and gave me a rundown of what should happen once we had entered the building.

As we made our way inside, we were stopped once again and magically searched. Elida spoke on our behalf, and we were led to an office with a large wooden desk and several guest chairs.

“Please take a seat, and a council member will be with you shortly,” The woman who had escorted us to the room said before leaving back out the door and closing it behind herself.

“Vida, I will do all the talking if the elders allow me to, but I must warn you that some of the elders have the ability to hear thoughts or read minds,” Elida explained to me.

I stared at her wide-eyed. There were people, or rather creatures, that could hear your thoughts, what the actual frack. That was mind-blowing. This place just gets more and more surreal.

Kenneally dropped his large hand on my shoulder, and to my surprise, I actually felt a sense of calm wash over me. “It’s fine, Vida. You don’t have anything to hide anyway since the whole reason you are here at the council is because you are not from this realm and just want to get home.” He said.

I thought I heard a hint of sadness in his tone, but I just nodded and said nothing. Instead, I chose to look around the room we were sitting in.

Two walls were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with all kinds of books, and the remaining walls were covered in several large bright tapestries depicting many different coloured dragons. Some were flying, and others were on the ground. They were quite fascinating.

As I was admiring the tapestries, a door to the side of the desk opened, and a massive mountain of a man stepped into the room. Kenneally stood and tugged on my arm for me to follow suit.

I, too, stood to my feet and looked over at Kenneally for what to do next. He bowed his head, so I did the same.

“Your Eldership, I am Princess Elida of the Fairy people. I have Beta Kenneally of the Werewolf Kingdom and another whom I found wandering the Forrest with me.” Elida stated, and her voice sounded different; it sounded powerful.

“Be seated”, A deep voice rumbled as I heard the leather chair creaking behind the desk. “I am Elder Dragon, Kinryu.” The man said as the rest of us all took our seats. I kept my head down as I wasn’t sure if we were supposed to look at these Elder people.

“Princess Elida, you said you found this human wandering in the forest. Do you know how it got there?” The male grumbled, talking about me as though I was an object of disgust. How did he even know I was human?

“I don’t mean to be rude, Your Eldership, but Vida is not an ‘it’. She is a person, and aside from the fact that she cannot change form, she is very much like us. Please show her a little respect.” Elida said, and I turned to her in shock. She actually defended me against an Elder of her realm.

I could hear a deep rumbling sound from the other side of me; I looked over and found Kenneally standing protectively near me, his jaw clenched, and the rumbling appeared to be coming from him. Wait, was he growling?

“Interesting,” The Elder dragon said. I looked up at him and found he was staring at me. “Seems you have made an impression on the Fairy Princess and the Beta Werewolf. Actually, it would appear you are the Beta’s mate. Fascinating.” The large man said, leaning back in his chair and crossing his huge arms over his equally large chest.

“How did you know that?” I blurted out, not able to control myself and let slip that I was not, in fact, mute.

“Because I can see into your mind, and let me say it is a rather fascinating place. Humans appear to be more open and easier to read than all the species here. Also, glad to hear you are not mute after all.”

The Elder dragon’s deep voice didn’t hide his sarcasm. It made me angry that he was going through my mind without my permission. However, before I had a chance to say anything, he spoke again.

“Listen here, human, I do not need your permission to read the thoughts of a stranger to this land, especially when we have no idea what your intention is here.” He leaned forward in his chair and placed his arms on his desk.

I flinched slightly at the swift movement and the tone of his words. “I’m sorry, Elder Sir, I am only here to find out if there is a way for me to return to my home. I fell into your realm by accident. I’m not here to cause trouble,” I blurted, sniffling back my tears.

Kenneally once again placed a hand on my shoulder, and Elida fluttered in front of my face. “Are you OK, Vida?” she whispered. I just nodded and gave her a weak smile.

“Very well, I shall believe you are here only by mistake, and I will refrain from reading your mind without your permission moving forward.” The Elder said, once again leaning back in his chair.

“Thank you, Sir. Um, so do you know how I can get home?” I asked meekly.

“I’m sorry, I have no idea. However, wouldn’t you prefer to stay here with your mate?” Elder Kinryu asked.

I looked up at Kenneally standing beside me, and once again, I felt a slight pain in my chest. I ignored it and looked back to the Elder Dragon.

“Sir, I am a human and have only ever known my own realm. I am forty years old and am very much an introvert who prefers the safety of my own home.” I started, and I felt Kenneally remove his hand from my shoulder.

“I don’t feel what this man claims he feels, and although I do not wish to hurt him, I believe it would be for the best for me to return home to my realm,” I said softly.

What the elder dragon said next left me dumbfounded. “What will you do if it is impossible to return to your realm?”

“Are you telling me I can’t get home?”