Folk Lore

  Folk Lore

  by

  Joanne Ellis

  ISBN 1480205478

  EAN 978-1480205475

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

  'Folk Lore' is published by Taylor Street Publishing LLC, who can be contacted at:

  http://www.taylorstreetbooks.com

  http://ninwriters.ning.com

  'Folk Lore' is the copyright of the author, Joanne Ellis, 2012. All rights are reserved.

  All characters are fictional, and any resemblance to anyone living or dead is accidental.

  Mecaldorf

  “Cornelius, is your spell ready?” Mecaldorf asked of his protégé who, at two hundred and thirteen human years, was a young warlock.

  “Yes, Master, I am ready.”

  Mecaldorf and Cornelius edged closer towards The Mystic Garden where the Pixie Princess, Nermina, collected flowers by the river and her protector, Nermo, although not close to her, stood alert for any imminent danger.

  Little did he know he would not perform his assigned duties well today.

  “Cornelius, now!” the Wizard Mecaldorf said in a fierce whisper.

  The warlock began his incantation which was only the first of many the wizard had planned for the inhabitants of The Mystic Land.

  1

  Princess Seraphina

  Sera sang happily as she brushed out her hair, waiting for Sam to collect her. Sam was her best friend and she’d known him for as long as she could remember. The male version of her, as she liked to joke, he could very well have passed as her brother. With the same dark wavy locks and dark blue eyes, she often wondered if they‘d been separated at birth, even though they’d never actually gone a day without seeing each other and, of course, at twenty-one, he was a year older.

  Always having viewed Sam as an older brother and friend, there were no romantic feelings whatsoever, no matter how much her mother, Anna, pushed the issue. For his age Sam was strong and quite buff, and if she didn’t consider him a friend, she would think him incredibly attractive. He’d been very popular with the girls at school but he wasn’t remotely interested in them. Sera could never understand why. Never short of attention herself, she supposed she was like Sam in this way too as she’d yet to meet anyone she wanted to date.

  She added the last touches to her eyes before switching off the music playing at top volume. She decided to wait for Sam in the living room once she’d located her mother, Anna, to say goodbye. Anna was an older version of Sera and she looked more like an older sister than her mother. Sera always hoped she would age as well as her.

  As Anna read Tarot Cards for a living, there were clients waiting to see her in the office that branched off from the main living area when Sera walked past. She claimed to have always been psychic, as was her mother before for, and informed Sera continuously that one day she would be able to source her psyche too. Sera wasn’t holding her breath; she didn’t believe in clairvoyance. Although Sera didn’t actually know what she wanted to do with her life, she knew it wasn’t reading fortunes.

  Since leaving school the previous year, she had thrown around a few ideas with Anna who suggested perhaps she could take a year away from study before deciding what she wanted to do with her life. Sera thus far had still failed to decide.

  As her father - who died when she was a toddler - had been wealthy, money really wasn’t an issue. Anna had said they were from ‘old money' and Sera often wondered what this actually meant. When it came to her father, Anna was vague. Sam’s family were in a similar position. He never appeared to be in any hurry to pursue a career either.

  Anna plunged coffee in the kitchen as Sera flopped onto the couch to wait for Anna and Sam. Sera disliked waiting immensely and therefore had been deemed extremely impatient more times than she cared to remember, which also went hand-in-hand with her particularly inquisitive nature. Whenever meeting someone of interest, her endless curious questions would have put the Spanish Inquisition to shame. Sera knew this about herself, but to her wisdom was power.

  When the doorbell rang, assuming it was Sam, Sera sang out a goodbye to Anna and rushed to answer the door. What she discovered instead of her best friend were two of the most beautiful people she’d ever seen, both with pale white blonde hair and blue eyes almost as pale, similar to the colour ice can appear when it assumes a blue tone. They were breath-taking. They were almost surreal.

  The girl’s hair was very long, slightly wavy and cascading down to finish at the small of her back. She was tall - taller than Sera who was tall for a girl - and willowy, while her lips and cheeks were quite pink against her stark pale skin.

  The man stood behind her, albeit close as though he was guarding her against imminent danger. Sera decided he was the most incredible looking man she’d ever encountered. His hair finished slightly above his collar with a kink and was dishevelled, as though he’d run his hand through it only recently. It was messy in a styled sort of manner. His lips and skin were the same in hue as those of his companion.

  “Good morning, Seraphina,” the female said in a melodic voice. “Is Annaphina at home?”

  For several moments Sera merely stared. How did this beautiful woman know her and her mother? Who was the wonderfully striking man with her? She was awestruck by his ethereal beauty and presence.

  Sera looked him over as long as politely possible and couldn’t help but notice his hard, lean body beneath his strange olive green leather, she assumed, pants and square cut vest. His arms, as pale as his face, looked firm and strong. He too, was tall - slightly taller than her.

  “Seraphina?” she spoke again. “Are you unwell?”

  Sera shook her head to tear herself out of her reverie and her assimilation of the man before her.

  “Um, yes, I’ll get her for you. Would you like to come in?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  The female walked gracefully, as though floating, and her companion followed her without saying a word. Sera was in the process of closing the door when Sam bounded up the stairs towards her. He always managed to appear out of nowhere and she could never quite understand how he did this.

  “Hey, Sam,” she called. “Come in. My mum has ... guests … and I just have to let her know.”

  “No problem,” he replied. “The movie doesn’t start for an hour.”

  She closed the door behind him and turned to the two pale figures in her living room, both opting to remain standing.

  “Sam this is ...” She stopped, realising she didn’t actually know who they were.

  “Keela, Keelor, what are you doing here?” Sam exclaimed.

  “Something has occurred and we need to convene the chosen and their elders. Sampson, you will of course be required to accompany Seraphina.”

  “What is going on here?” Sera asked.

  “She doesn’t know?” the male finally spoke.

  “Annaphina has decided to wait until the time is right, Keelor.”

  “The time is now.”

  “What is going on here? How do you know these people, Sampson?” Sera asked, now totally confused.

  “Forgive our presence which is foreign to you, Princess. We didn’t realise you were unaware of your heritage.” Sera almost missed his brief study of her face as Keelor turned to Sam. “Sampson, next time you address Keela, please do so appropriately.”

  “I beg your pardon, Princess Keela.”

  “Forgiven, Sampson. Alas Keelor can be a little overzealous at times. I understand your need for discretion.”

  “What is going on? Sam, who are the Chosen?” Sera aske
d again.

  “I think I’d better answer your questions, Seraphina,” Anna told her daughter as she entered the room. “I’ve rescheduled my clients so we can talk. Please make yourselves comfortable. Would you like refreshments?”

  They all shook their heads.

  “Mum, what is going on here?”

  “I knew one day I would have to tell you who you are, but I’ve put it off for as long as possible. Since you came of age I knew it would only be a matter of time. I’ll tell you all about who they are and how it affects you in a moment, honey, but first I wish to find out what has happened for them to venture from ... home.”

  “Please forgive our intrusion, Elder Annaphina, however the Chosen must assemble at once. Nermina has been abducted and Nermo incapacitated. We believe it may be the work of Mecaldorf,” Keela said.

  “Do you think he intends to use her as ransom?”

  “Yes, Elder Kalar believes this to be his intention. She has foreseen Mecaldorf recruiting lost folk. We believe one of these folk is responsible for Nermo’s imprisonment.”

  Sera’s head swung from one to the other as they spoke, unable to grasp exactly what it was they were talking about, but when she glanced at Sam he didn’t appear confused or surprised by any of this information.

  Keelor stood vigil beside the seated Keela as though he was powerless to leave her side. She had been correct; his attire was indeed constructed from leather, however the trademark sound leather usually makes with movement was missing. Upon his back appeared to be some type of long stick, maybe a staff, and this only added to her puzzlement. Was he carrying a weapon of some kind? Did Sam?

  “Oh dear,” Anna murmured before turning to Sera, “I suppose I had best tell you who you are, Princess Seraphina.”

  2

  Keelor

  Keelor was not prepared for the human folk princess to be quite so beautiful. He’d heard stories from the elders about Annaphina, and of course all princesses within the circle were exquisite, however Seraphina instantly took his breath away. Her black hair was full and flowed in waves past her shoulders. Her dark blue eyes could only be described as indigo and resembled the depths of the river of music. His favourite activity was to wonder within the lands to sit beside the river and ponder while soothing his soul.

  To fall instantly in love with the mere sight of a princess was not uncommon, however it was forbidden to do so outside one’s own kind. An elfin and a human relationship was not only unheard of, it was against folk law. Deciding he was simply dazzled by her beauty, he pushed his whimsical feelings aside as there were more urgent matters at hand.

  Sampson had somehow managed to keep their combined heritage a secret and Keelor was surprised there wasn’t more to their binding. Human princesses for the most part married their protectors. Seraphina’s mother had as had her mother before her. As far back as was written, this had been the way of the human folk.

  Although he was Keela’s protector, his obligation to her was protection alone, unless Keela desired otherwise. Elfin princesses were free to marry the elfin of their choice. Previously, elfins had chosen their protectors to become their life mates; in fact, Keela’s father had been her mother’s protector. The law permitted freedom of choice, but human folk generally thought it simpler to marry their guards to avoid explaining their calling to mortal humans. The aging factor was also a contributor. Convenience was a high priority for human princesses. Seraphina, however, did not appear to have any romantic notions towards Sampson.

  Her confusion over the situation was almost comical and the small crease between her brows was endearing. Shaking away the romantic emotions surfacing inside him again, he concentrated on his Chosen One’s words as she recalled the details of Nermina’s abduction.

  When Annaphina turned to her daughter to explain their presence and her calling, he seized the opportunity to continue to study her.

  “You called me ‘Princess’ just now, and Keelor did before. Why?” Sera asked.

  His name coming from her full rosy lips was intoxicating and her voice was as sweet as the music arising from the water that matched her eyes. What was happening to him?

  “Seraphina, you are princess of the human folk and Sampson is your protector, as Keelor is Keela’s.”

  “If I’m a princess of the humans, who is Keelor a princess of?”

  Keelor cleared his throat to stifle a snort and Sera directed her gaze towards him as he ensured that neither his stance nor his facial expression changed so as to conceal his amusement.

  “Princess Keela and Keelor are elfin.”

  “You mean elfin as in elves?”

  “Not exactly as you would see them in fairy tales,” Anna answered her patiently.

  Sampson laughed and Sera turned her face from Keelor to glare at him. “What’s so funny?”

  “Elder Annaphina’s reference to fairy tales and how elfin are portrayed in them.”

  “Elder?” Sera asked as she lifted a perfectly arched eyebrow. “I suppose there is a fairy princess as well.”

  “Yes, there are eight Chosen Ones in all who make up the circle of The Mystic Garden. I’m referred to as Elder because I was once the Princess until you came of age at twenty, at which time you became the Chosen One. The mother of a Princess becomes an Elder, a term which I have never quite warmed to.” Anna smiled before continuing. “The circle now comprises of you, Keela, Nermina - whom we have been referring to and who is the Princess of the Pixie - Angelique of the Vampires, Tiana of the Fairies, Farina of the Witches, Mimi of the Nymph and Audrey of the Hazer. The entire circle, besides you, Angelique and Audrey, live within The Mystic Lands along with their protectors.”

  Keelor watched as Seraphina absorbed this information. He realized it would be confusing to her, which came as quite a shock to him. She was the only current princess unaware of her calling.

  Being brought up within The Mystic Lands was definitely an advantage for a princess, as poise and grace would be learned naturally as she grew up. However, despite her disadvantage, Sera filtered the overwhelming information with some composure. This was another admirable trait of hers as far as Keelor was concerned and would further hamper his determination to remain indifferent to this enchanting human. How would he manage to keep his emotions in check when his senses were in disarray? It was taking all his wisdom and control to remain distanced from her.

  “Why do we live here and not with the other princesses, whose existence, by the way, I’m finding hard to believe in?”

  “I chose to bring you up as a mortal human for many reasons which are complicated and perhaps would be better explained when time is not so critical.”

  “Sam, you knew all about this?”

  “Yes, Seraphina. I was born to protect you and have been doing so your whole life.”

  “So you’re only friends with me because you have to be?” she asked.

  Keelor detected hurt in her voice and wanted to alleviate it, but it was Sampson who did what Keelor was in no position to do, and reassured her. “Being your friend is an honour, and enjoying your company has been an added pleasure.”

  “Sampson is your full name, then?”

  “Yes. I only used Sam so you wouldn’t wonder why we both have unusual names. Our names are traditional for our folk.”

  Keelor watched her discreetly as she thought about the information she was being given, while no doubt formulating a continued line of questioning. So far Seraphina had only been given the basic facts about her calling. How would she absorb the rest?

  “Did I hear you mention vampires? Are the stories about them untrue as well? What happens now?” Sera finally asked.

  “Yes, we associate with vampires and some of the stories are inaccurate. There will be time enough to answer your questions later. We must escort you to the convention with haste,” Keela told her.

  Keela and Keelor waited outside while Seraphina, Annaphina and Sampson prepared to leave. Even now that she was out of sight, Keelor realised he cou
ld not escape savouring her immeasurable beauty. Why she was she affecting him so much? He was constantly surrounded by beauty within The Mystic Lands as all the princesses were exquisite in their own way, even the vampire princess whom he wasn’t particularly fond of. Why her? Each princess and protector had to be of pure blood as the law demanded. Nevertheless, this did little to quell his fanciful thoughts. He would have to keep his distance and remain detached. He’d made the mistake of allowing his feelings to control him before, with unfortunate consequences.

  Keelor decided he must put her out of his mind simply because of his respect for the law and because he had vowed never to break it again. Added to this, which was reason enough, was the fact he’d lived eighty-five human years longer than her.

  3

  The Golden Gate

  As she stuffed in as much as she could fit into her bag, Sera mulled over all that had occurred. Her bewilderment over her so called ‘vocation’ - that she was some kind of princess - caused her head to spin. Questions that screamed for answers began to form in her mind and her curiosity outweighed her sense of disbelief over the situation. She vowed to find out everything she could about where they were going and in particular the two ‘people’ in her living room. Most of all she wanted to know more about Keelor.

  “Seraphina, you won’t need to pack much, because once we have convened and discussed our course of action, we will be returning home,” Anna informed her.

  “Why? Can we stay wherever it is we’re going? I’m interested in learning more about my so-called vocation. Does this mean I have some type of magical powers?”

  Sera sat on the bed and watched her mother pack.

  “There is no time for jokes, Seraphina. I understand this is all very new to you but time is of the essence.”

  “I want to stay after the gathering.”