“Hello, Mother,” Bracken said.
“You must stop frightening us so,” the Fairy Queen said, releasing him and stepping back. “It caused enough grief to have your father imprisoned for so long.”
“There is a war,” Bracken said.
“Indeed,” the Fairy Queen said. Her eyes turned to Kendra, who felt deeply understood by that fathomless gaze. Kendra perceived sorrow for her hardships and losses, admiration for her courage, and gratitude for her heroics.
“Here is your crown,” Kendra said, holding it out.
The Fairy Queen knelt before Kendra, head tilted upward. For a moment, Kendra felt too astonished to react. Then, using both hands, Kendra placed the tiara on the queen’s brow.
The Fairy Queen rose. “Thank you.”
“Why did you risk the crown?” Bracken asked.
“The time had come for decisive action,” the Fairy Queen said. “Withholding it would have posed greater dangers. I needed you home. I fear Ronodin has not been idle.”
“I purified his third horn,” Bracken said, holding it out to her.
The Fairy Queen accepted the pearly white offering. “No small feat.” Cradling the glossy horn in both hands, she stared down at it mournfully. “How did one so dear turn so foul? Truly the most devastating blows come from those who have been our allies.”
“Whom can we trust if not family?” Bracken said. “My cousin should have remained one of our greatest protectors. Instead, Ronodin started down a ruinous path and appears determined to walk it to completion.”
“He fled after your confrontation?” the Fairy Queen asked.
“I know not where,” Bracken replied.
“Kendra,” the Fairy Queen said, straightening, “you have once again performed a vital service for my people. How can I begin to repay you?”
Kendra glanced at Bracken. “I’m trying to save my brother, Seth. He escaped the Underking but still doesn’t have his memories. Can you help us get to Titan Valley?”
The Fairy Queen gazed at Kendra sadly. “You hope to go there with my son.”
“Yes,” Bracken said. “Seth is traveling by leviathan.”
“I wish I could fully accommodate you, Kendra,” the Fairy Queen said. “Unfortunately, I need Bracken here for a time.”
“What?” Bracken asked.
“We have yet to purge a few demons the way we did Jubaya,” the Fairy Queen said. “They were here before we arrived and have a claim to the spaces they occupy. The Fairy Realm will not be secure until it is pure. With the dragon war expanding, we must fully engage our defenses.”
“If your best efforts have not ejected these demons, what do you imagine I can accomplish?” Bracken asked.
“Succeed where others have failed,” the Fairy Queen said.
“You have other weapons at your disposal,” Bracken said. “No unicorn can drive them out? No combination of astrids and fairies? Have you drawn on the Source?”
“What we can borrow from the Source remains limited,” the Fairy Queen said. “We have exhausted all options. It is part of why I had to risk my crown to get you back.”
“I should have known you had a need to rescue me,” Bracken said.
“We must all assume our responsibilities in the upcoming conflict,” the Fairy Queen said. “There is potential for an Age of Darkness that could consume leaf and stream.”
“Let me find Seth first,” Bracken said.
“My apologies, but no,” the Fairy Queen said. “Purge the demons and then you may go aid Kendra.”
“How long will it take?” Kendra asked.
“Given the failures so far?” Bracken asked. “Impossible to predict.”
“It sounds important,” Kendra said.
“It is,” Bracken replied, resting a hand against the side of her neck. “So are you.”
“Kendra, I grant you passage to Titan Valley through my realm,” the Fairy Queen said. “Along with any comrades from outside my realm you wish to have accompany you.”
“Other outsiders?” Bracken said.
“Our realm is not yet pure,” the Fairy Queen said. “There would be no desecration. It is the least I can do.”
“Thank you,” Kendra said. “If we find him, could you help me restore Seth’s memories?”
“The absence of his memories is connected to the Wizenstone,” the Fairy Queen said. “That is a power I cannot overturn. But I will aid you as I am able, and after Bracken expels the demons from our realm, you will have his assistance as well.”
“Thank you, your majesty,” Kendra said with a small curtsy.
“It’s not enough,” Bracken objected. “After all Kendra has lost? All she risked?”
“This is merely the beginning of my gratitude,” the Fairy Queen said. “All things in order, my son. If I do not bring our realm to full strength, the aid I can provide will be grossly limited. The survival of our realm is vital to maintaining balance in the world.”
Bracken nodded. “I will do as you say.”
The Fairy Queen regarded Kendra. “Do you wish to return to your friends on Timbuli at Crescent Lagoon before proceeding to Titan Valley?”
“Yes,” Kendra said. “Especially if it means I can bring some of them with me.”
“Very well,” the Fairy Queen said. “Bracken can show you the way back. The way to my realm will remain open to you until you cross to Titan Valley with your comrades.”
“Thank you,” Kendra said.
“Return to me, my son, after you escort Kendra out,” the Fairy Queen said.
“As you wish, Mother,” Bracken replied.
The Fairy Queen turned and waded into the pond, descending ever deeper with no sign of floating. Her head disappeared without leaving a ripple. The sight reminded Kendra of the Dry Depths potion.
“You realize you could have kept the crown,” Bracken said softly.
“What do you mean?” Kendra asked.
“The crown isn’t just a symbol,” Bracken said. “When you were wearing it, technically, you held the office of Fairy Queen.”
“I wouldn’t know how to use it like your mother does,” Kendra said.
“Of course not,” Bracken said. “If you tried to rule the Fairy Realm as a mortal, it would go no better than if you tried to rule the demons. But Mother did more than trust you not to lose the crown. She trusted you to give it back.”
“When she knelt, that was a real coronation,” Kendra said.
“Yes,” Bracken replied, eyes on the woods. “We’re not alone.”
A figure emerged
